bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula Patency and Use
Authors: Heindel Patrick , Yu Peng , Feliz Jessica D. , Hentschel Dirk M. , Burke Steven K. , Al-Omran Mohammed , Bhatt Deepak L. , Belkin Michael , Ozaki C. Keith , Hussain Mohamad A.
Published: August 2022

Objective:

We sought to confirm and extend the understanding of clinical outcomes following creation of a common distal autogenous access, the radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF).

Background:

Interdisciplinary guidelines recommend distal autogenous arteriovenous fistulae as the preferred hemodialysis (HD) access, yet uncertainty about durability and function present barriers to adoption.

Methods:

Pooled data from the 2014-2019 multicenter randomized-controlled PATENCY-1 and PATENCY-2 trials were analyzed. New RC-AVFs were created in 914 patients, and outcomes were tracked prospectively for 3-years. Cox proportional hazards and Fine-Gray regression models were constructed to explore patient, anatomic, and procedural associations with access patency and use.

Results:

Mean (SD) age was 57 (13) years; 45% were on dialysis at baseline. Kaplan-Meier estimates of 3-year primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency were 27.6%, 56.4%, and 66.6%, respectively. Cause-specific 1-year cumulative incidence estimates of unassisted and overall RC-AVF use were 46.8% and 66.9%, respectively. Patients with larger baseline cephalic vein diameters had improved primary (per mm, hazard ratio [HR] 0.89, 95% confidence intervals 0.81–0.99), primary-assisted (HR 0.75, 0.64–0.87), and secondary (HR 0.67, 0.57–0.80) patency; and higher rates of unassisted (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.21, 95% confidence intervals 1.02–1.44) and overall RCAVF use (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.26, 1.11–1.45). Similarly, patients not requiring HD at the time of RCAVF creation had better primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency. Successful RCAVF use occurred at increased rates when accesses were created using regional anesthesia and at higher volume centers.

Conclusions:

These insights can inform patient counseling and guide shared decision-making regarding HD access options when developing an individualized end-stage kidney disease life-plan.
Vascular Safe Zone During Percutaneous Pinning of the Distal Femur
Authors: Greenhill Dustin A. , Allred Gabrielle , Feldman Jenna , Herman Martin J.
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

During percutaneous pinning of the pediatric distal femur, iatrogenic vascular damage in the medial thigh is a frequent concern. The proximity of a proximal-medial pin to these vessels has never been studied in children. This study describes a radiologic vascular safe zone that is easily visualized during surgery (wherein the superficial femoral vessels are safely posterior).

Methods:

Patients ≤16 years old with magnetic resonance imaging of one or both femora between 2005 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The “at-risk level” (ARL) was defined as the distal-most axial image with a femoral vessel anterior to the posterior condylar axis. A standardized retrograde lateral-to-medial pin was templated. A correlation matrix and least squares regression identified age and physeal width (PW) as ideal independent variables. A vascular safe zone above the medial femoral condyle (MFC) was modeled as a multiple of PW (i.e. x*PW) and needed to satisfy 3 age-dependent criteria: (1) at the ARL, the pin is medial to the vessels, (2) the pin exits the medial thigh before the ARL, and (3) the chosen “vascular safe zone” (x*PW) is always distal to the ARL.

Results:

Forty-three patients averaging 7.1±3.9 (0.3-16) years old were included. Intra-Class correlation coefficients were excellent (0.92-0.98). All measurements strongly correlated with age (r=0.76-0.92, P<0.001) and PW (r=0.82-0.93, P<0.001). All patients satisfied criteria 1. Criteria 2 was satisfied in all patients ≥6 years old, 86% of children 4-5, and only 18% of children ≤3. In children >3 years old, the largest safe zone that satisfied criteria 3 was 2×PW. On average, the ARL was 2.5×PW (99% CI 2.3-2.7) above the MFC. The average ARL in children ≥6 years old was significantly higher than 2×PW (162 mm vs. 120 mm, P<0.001).

Conclusion:

During passage of a distal femur pin into the medial thigh, children ≥6 years old have a vascular safe zone that extends 2×PW proximal to the MFC. Surgeons should be cautious with medial pin placement in children 4-5 years old and, if possible, avoid this technique in children ≤3.

Level of Evidence:

IV.
Emergency Preparedness for Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Amateur Athletic Union Basketball Teams: An Opportunity to Improve Outcomes in Higher Risk Athletes
Authors: Mason Zadan , Watson Andrew M. , Drezner Jonathan A.
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To examine sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) awareness and emergency preparedness for SCA in Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) youth basketball teams.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey of AAU coaches and administrators.

Setting:

Random sampling of AAU club teams across the United States.

Participants:

AAU club coaches and/or administrators.

Interventions:

Electronic survey (Qualtrics) accessed online and by cell phone. Each coach/administrator was invited to participate via email up to 3 times, spaced approximately 5 days apart.

Main Outcome Measures:

Established and practiced emergency action plan (EAP), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, and automated external defibrillator (AED) access.

Results:

A total of 53/449 (12%) respondents completed the survey. Only 6% of responding AAU clubs had a written EAP and practiced it on an annual basis. Only 35% of clubs required CPR training for their coaches. Automated external defibrillator were available at practices and games in only 45% and 35% of AAU clubs, respectively. Over 50% of clubs did not have an affiliated athletic trainer or medical director.

Conclusion:

The vast majority of AAU clubs in this study lack proper emergency preparedness for SCA. Given male basketball players are at highest risk of SCA compared with other young athlete populations, urgent interventions are needed to improve awareness, standardize training, establish EAPs, and ensure access to AEDs in AAU clubs.
Advanced Certification in Nursing Professional Development
Authors: Harper Mary G. , Brunt Barbara , Holtschneider Mary Edel
Published: August 2022

In 2019, the Association for Nursing Professional Development convened volunteers to create an advanced certification in nursing professional development. This article details the processes used and lessons learned by participants in the process. The Nursing Professional Development Advanced–Board Certified credential was launched by the Competency and Credentialing Institute in 2021.
Overreaction to COVID-19: medical and political aspects
Authors: Jargin Sergei
Published: August 2022

  

COVID-19 as a cause of death has been overestimated by some writers. Excessive anti-epidemic measures and lockdowns are harmful for the economy as well as for the public health. The irrational use of health resources interferes with the regular patient care. The socioeconomic damage in Western Europe and other welfare states is considerable. The question ‘cui bono?’ must be posed to clarify motives behind some COVID-related restrictive policies. In Russia, restrictions and suppression of individual tourism help to conceal voluntarism and corruption. Apparently, supervision and control measures are used to encroach upon civil liberties and to distract people from internal problems such as shortcomings of the healthcare. Apropos the military activities are even more efficient distractors from internal problems. Presumably, the increase in mortality from different causes will be ascribed to COVID-19, and subsequent mortality decrease - to “successful” anti-epidemic measures including vaccinations. The harm-benefit ratio of mass vaccinations is unclear. Both children and adults can mount immune response to SARS-CoV2 undergoing acceptably low risk. In future, the countries implementing strictest measures may find themselves with a weaker protection by natural immunity. Officially tested preparations are not necessarily always the same quality as those administered to the broad public. A winner of the “vaccine race” may end up in a mass vaccination of citizens with suboptimal vaccines. 
Arteriovenous Malformations of the Hand: Optimizing Outcomes with Palmar Arch Reconstruction
Authors: Trost Jeffrey , Abu-Ghname Amjed , Davis Matthew J. , Maricevich Renata S. , Pederson William C. , Maricevich Marco
Published: August 2022

Background:

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal high-flow vascular anomalies that can greatly alter the structure of surrounding tissues. Treatment of symptomatic hand AVMs must address the functional and aesthetic considerations of the hand. Non-surgical treatment such as embolization, continues to be plagued by complications such as digital ischemia and secondary need for amputation. In this study, we describe our experience treating hand AVMs with wide resection and microsurgical reconstruction of the palmar arch. This technique aims to optimize postoperative function while minimizing postoperative complications and recurrence.

Methods:

Retrospective review identified 5 patients who underwent surgical excision of hand AVMs by senior authors WCP and MM between 2002 and 2020. Four patients underwent reconstruction of the palmar arch, while one patient underwent ray amputation of the involved index finger only. One patient required concurrent free flap for soft tissue coverage following resection.

Results:

Mean age at the time of surgery was 34.6 years. After an average follow up of 2.7 years, there were no postoperative complications, functional deficits, or recurrences. The patient who underwent ray amputation only was postoperatively noted to have pulsatile dorsal veins concerning for a persistent high-flow state, though no recurrent mass was seen at limited 1 year follow up.

Conclusions:

Meticulous surgical excision with microvascular reconstruction is an acceptable technique for management of symptomatic hand AVMs. Potential soft tissue loss does not preclude aggressive resection. Wide excision with palmar arch reconstruction minimizes complications, optimizes functionality, and may prevent ischemia that could otherwise trigger recurrence.
Imaging Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy in Assessment of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Ghani Mansur A. , Liau Joy , Eskander Ramez , Mell Loren , Yusufaly Tahir , Obrzut Sebastian
Published: August 2022

The role of imaging has been increasing in pretherapy planning and response assessment in cervical cancer, particularly in high-resource settings that provide access to computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). In 2018, imaging was incorporated into the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system for cervical cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging is advantageous over CT for evaluation of the primary cervical cancer size and extent, because of superior contrast resolution. Furthermore, quantitative methods, including diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, show promise in improving treatment response and prognosis evaluation. Molecular imaging with fluorodeoxyglucose–PET/CT and PET/MRI can be particularly helpful in the detection of nodal disease and distant metastases. Semiautomated delineation of 3-dimensional tumor regions of interest has facilitated the development of novel PET-derived biomarkers that include metabolic volume and radiomics textural analysis features for prediction of outcomes. However, posttreatment inflammatory changes can be a confounder and lymph node evaluation is challenging, even with the use of PET/CT. Liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising tool that may be able to overcome some of the drawbacks inherent with imaging, such as limited ability to detect microscopic metastases or to distinguish between postchemoradiotherapy changes and residual tumor. Preliminary evidence suggests that liquid biopsy may be able to identify cervical cancer treatment response and resistance earlier than traditional methods. Future work should prioritize how to best synergize imaging and liquid biopsy as an integrated approach for optimal cervical cancer management.
The Effects of Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells Labeled With Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxides on the Growth of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Fang , He Hua , Xiong Yao , Hu Jie-ting , Guo Yu-lin
Published: August 2022

Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with effective intervention and treatment being essential for CRC management. This study investigated the effects of human placental mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) labeled with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides (USPIOs) on the growth of CRC cells and the feasibility of 3.0-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as an in vivo tracer.

Methods

Twenty subcutaneous CRC HT-29 xenograft model in immunodeficient mice was established. Mice injected with labeled PMSCs were considered as the experimental group. Thereafter, the growth and MR signal changes of xenograft tumors of every nude mouse were measured. Then, growth curve was plotted, and the MR image quality in different sequences was analyzed. Pathological staining was performed after MR scan.

Results

Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides–labeled PMSCs had no significant influence on biological characteristics (P > 0.05). The growth of tumors in mice in the experimental group before the injection of PMSCs was similar to that of the control group. Contrarily, the tumor growth rate in the experimental group on day 5 post-PMSCs injection was slightly lower than that of the control group. Moreover, the tumor volume on day 14 was noticeably smaller than in the control group. The tracing ability of T2* mapping sequences for USPIOs-labeled cells was significantly more effective than T2-weighted image and T2 mapping sequences.

Conclusions

Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides–labeled PMSCs injected into CRC transplanted tumors can be studied for a long period of time. Furthermore, 3.0-T MRI in vivo molecular imaging was demonstrated to be effective for CRC intervention.
Interstitial Lung Abnormalities in Patients With Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Implications
Authors: Tseng Shu-Chi , Hino Takuya , Hatabu Hiroto , Park Hyesun , Sanford Nina N. , Lin Gigin , Nishino Mizuki , Mamon Harvey
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) represent nondependent abnormalities on chest computed tomography (CT) indicating lung parenchymal damages due to inflammation and fibrosis. Interstitial lung abnormalities have been studied as a predictor of clinical outcome in lung cancer, but not in other thoracic malignancies. The present study investigated the prevalence of ILA in patients with esophageal cancer and identified risk factors and clinical implications of ILA in these patients.

Methods

The study included 208 patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (median age, 65.6 years; 166 males, 42 females). Interstitial lung abnormality was scored on baseline CT scans before treatment using a 3-point scale (0 = no evidence of ILA, 1 = equivocal for ILA, 2 = ILA). Clinical characteristics and overall survival were compared in patients with ILA (score 2) and others.

Results

An ILA was present in 14 of 208 patients (7%) with esophageal cancer on pretreatment chest CT. Patients with ILA were significantly older (median age, 69 vs 65, respectively; P = 0.011), had a higher number of pack-years of smoking (P = 0.02), and more commonly had T4 stage disease (P = 0.026) than patients with ILA score of 1 or 0. Interstitial lung abnormality on baseline scan was associated with a lack of surgical resection after chemoradiotherapy (7/14, 50% vs 39/194, 20% respectively; P = 0.016). Interstitial lung abnormality was not associated with overall survival (log-rank P = 0.75, Cox P = 0.613).

Conclusions

An ILA was present in 7% of esophageal cancer patients, which is similar to the prevalence in general population and in smokers. Interstitial lung abnormality was strongly associated with a lack of surgical resection after chemoradiotherapy, indicating an implication of ILA in treatment selection in these patients, which can be further studied in larger cohorts.
Metabacillus kandeliae sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a decayed mangrove plant Kandelia candel
Authors: Cai Hanqin , Huang Ying , Liu Ying , Yang Lifang , Zhou Yan , Yang Shaojuan , Chen Xuemei , Jiang Chenglin , Jiang Mingguo , Jiang Yi , Singh Pratiksha
Published: August 2022

In this study, we isolated a novel Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, named GX 13764T, from the rhizosphere soil of a decayed mangrove plantKandelia candelcollected from Beihai, Guangxi, PR China, and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain exhibited yellow-orange, round, convex, shiny, smooth, opaque and 2–3 mm diameter colonies on marine agar 2216 media after 3 days of incubation at 30 °C and was capable of growth at 4–45 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and 0–4 % NaCl (w/v; optimum, 2 %). The strain was positive for catalase and negative for the oxidase. The main cellular fatty acid was anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0and iso-C14:0. The cell-wall peptidoglycan comprisedmeso-diaminopimelic acid and the main menaquinone was MK-7. The polar lipids included one diphosphatidylglycerol, one phosphatidylglycerol, two glycolipids, two unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified lipids. Based on 16S rRNA gene analysis, GX 13764Tpresented the highest sequence similarity toMetabacillus mangroviKCTC 33872T(97.04 %). The DNA G+C content of the type strain was 44.2 mol%. The average nucleotide identity values between GX 13764TandM. mangroviKCTC 33872T,Metabacillus idriensisDSM 19097TandMetabacillus indicusLMG 22858Twere 69.39, 68.87 and 68.95 %, respectively, with digital DNA–DNA hybridization values of 19.9, 19.5 and 19.5 %, respectively. Based on the polyphasic data, strain GX 13764Tshould be nominated as a novel species of the genusMetabacillus, for which the nameMetabacillus kandeliaesp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GX 13764T(=MCCC 1K06654T=KCTC 43366T).
Diagnostic MALDI-TOF MS can differentiate between high and low toxic Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia isolates as a predictor of patient outcome
Authors: Brignoli Tarcisio , Recker Mario , Lee Winnie W. Y. , Dong Tim , Bhamber Ranjeet , Albur Mahableshwar , Williams Philip , Dowsey Andrew W. , Massey Ruth C.
Published: August 2022

Staphylococcus aureus

bacteraemia (SAB) is a major cause of blood-stream infection (BSI) in both healthcare and community settings. While the underlying comorbidities of a patient significantly contributes to their susceptibility to and outcome following SAB, recent studies show the importance of the level of cytolytic toxin production by the infecting bacterium. In this study we demonstrate that this cytotoxicity can be determined directly from the diagnostic MALDI-TOF mass spectrum generated in a routine diagnostic laboratory. With further development this information could be used to guide the management and improve the outcomes for SAB patients.
QuNex – An Integrative Platform for Reproducible Neuroimaging Analytics
Authors: Ji Jie Lisa , Demšar Jure , Fonteneau Clara , Tamayo Zailyn , Pan Lining , Kraljič Aleksij , Matkovič Andraž , Purg Nina , Helmer Markus , Warrington Shaun , Winkler Anderson , Zerbi Valerio , Coalson Timothy S. , Glasser Matthew F. , Harms Michael P. , Sotiropoulos Stamatios N. , Murray John D. , Anticevic Alan , Repovš Grega
Published: August 2022

Neuroimaging technology has experienced explosive growth and transformed the study of neural mechanisms across health and disease. However, given the diversity of sophisticated tools for handling neuroimaging data, the field faces challenges in method integration (1–3), particularly across multiple modalities and species. Specifically, researchers often have to rely on siloed approaches which limit reproducibility, with idiosyncratic data organization and limited software interoperability. To address these challenges, we have developed Quantitative Neuroimaging Environment & Toolbox (QuNex), a platform for consistent end-to-end processing and analytics. QuNex provides several novel functionalities for neuroimaging analyses, including a “turnkey” command for the reproducible deployment of custom workflows, from onboarding raw data to generating analytic features. The platform enables inter-operable integration of multi-modal, community-developed neuroimaging software through an extension framework with a software development kit (SDK) for seamless integration of community tools. Critically, it supports high-throughput, parallel processing in high-performance compute environments, either locally or in the cloud. Notably, QuNex has successfully processed over 10,000 scans across neuroimaging consortia (4), including multiple clinical datasets. Moreover, QuNex enables integration of human and non-human workflows via a cohesive translational platform. Collectively, this effort stands to significantly impact neuroimaging method integration across acquisition approaches, pipelines, datasets, computational environments, and species. Building on this platform will enable more rapid, scalable, and reproducible impact of neuroimaging technology across health and disease.
The Toll pathway mediates Drosophila resilience to Aspergillus mycotoxins through specific Bomanins
Authors: Xu Rui , Lou Yanyan , Tidu Antonin , Bulet Philippe , Heinekamp Thorsten , Martin Franck , Brakhage Axel , Li Zi , Liégeois Samuel , Ferrandon Dominique
Published: August 2022

Host defense against infections encompasses resistance, which targets microorganisms for neutralization or elimination, and resilience/disease tolerance, which allows the host to withstand/tolerate pathogens and repair damages. In Drosophila, the Toll signaling pathway is thought to mediate resistance against fungal infections by regulating the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, potentially including Bomanins. We found that Aspergillus fumigatus kills Drosophila Toll pathway mutants without invasion because its dissemination is blocked by melanization, suggesting a role for Toll in host defense distinct from resistance. We report that mutants affecting the Toll pathway or the 55C Bomanin locus were susceptible to the injection of two Aspergillus mycotoxins, restrictocin or verruculogen. The vulnerability of 55C deletion mutants to these mycotoxins was rescued by the overexpression of Bomanins specific to each challenge. Mechanistically, flies in which BomS6 was expressed in the nervous system exhibited an enhanced recovery from the tremors induced by injected verruculogen and displayed improved survival. Thus, innate immunity also protects the host against the action of microbial toxins through secreted peptides and thereby increase its resilience to infection.
Cell-surface protein YwfG ofLactococcus lactisbinds to α-1,2-linked mannose
Authors: Tsuchiya Wataru , Fujimoto Zui , Inagaki Noritoshi , Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Tanaka Miwa , Kimoto-Nira Hiromi , Yamazaki Toshimasa , Suzuki Chise
Published: August 2022

Lactococcus lactisstrains are used as starter cultures in the production of fermented dairy and vegetable foods, but the species also occurs in other niches such as plant material.Lactococcus lactissubsp.lactisG50 (G50) is a plant-derived strain and potential candidate probiotics. Western blotting of cell-wall proteins using antibodies generated against whole G50 cells detected a 120-kDa protein. MALDI-TOF MS analysis identified it as YwfG, a Leu-Pro-any-Thr-Gly cell-wall-anchor-domain–containing protein. Based on a predicted domain structure, a recombinant YwfG variant covering the N-terminal half (aa 28–511) of YwfG (YwfG28−511) was crystallized and the crystal structure was determined. The structure consisted of an L-type lectin domain, a mucin-binding protein domain, and a mucus-binding protein repeat. Recombinant YwfG variants containing combinations of these domains (YwfG28–270, YwfG28–311, YwfG28−511, MubR4) were prepared and their interactions with monosaccharides were examined by isothermal titration calorimetry; the only interaction observed was between YwfG28–270, which contained the L-type lectin domain, and D-mannose. Among four mannobioses, α-1,2-mannobiose had the highest affinity for YwfG28–270(dissociation constant = 34 μM). YwfG28–270also interacted with yeast mannoproteins and yeast mannan. Soaking of the crystals of YwfG28–511with mannose or α-1,2-mannobiose revealed that both sugars bound to the L-type lectin domain in a similar manner, although the presence of the mucin-binding protein domain and the mucus-binding protein repeat within the recombinant protein inhibited the interaction between the L-type lectin domain and mannose residues. Three of the YwfG variants (except MubR4) induced aggregation of yeast cells. Strain G50 also induced aggregation of yeast cells, which was abolished by deletion ofywfGfrom G50, suggesting that surface YwfG contributes to the interaction with yeast cells. These findings provide new structural and functional insights into the interaction betweenL. lactisand its ecological niche via binding of the cell-surface protein YwfG with mannose.
Imbalanced immune response and dysregulation of neural functions underline fatal opportunistic encephalitis caused by astrovirus
Authors: Maximova Olga A. , Weller Melodie L. , Krogmann Tammy , Sturdevant Daniel E. , Ricklefs Stacy , Virtaneva Kimmo , Martens Craig , Wollenberg Kurt , Minai Mahnaz , Moore Ian N. , Sauter Craig S. , Barker Juliet N. , Lipkin W. Ian , Seilhean Danielle , Nath Avindra , Cohen Jeffrey I.
Published: August 2022

The incidence of infections of the central nervous system (CNS) in humans is increasing due to emergence and reemergence of pathogens and an increase in the number of immunocompromised patients. Many viruses are opportunists and can invade the CNS if the immune response of the host is impaired. Here we investigate neuropathogenesis of a rare CNS infection in immunocompromised patients caused by astrovirus and show that it shares many features with another opportunistic infection of the CNS caused by human immunodeficiency virus. We show that astrovirus infects CNS neurons with a major impact on the brainstem. In the setting of impaired peripheral adaptive immunity, host responses in the astrovirus infected brain are skewed to the innate immune response with exuberant activation of microglia and macrophages. Astrovirus infection of neurons and responses by phagocytic cells lead to disrupted synaptic integrity, loss of afferent innervation related to infected neurons, and global impairment of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. The response employed in the CNS against opportunistic viruses, such as astrovirus and HIV, may be a common compensatory defense mechanism which inadvertently leads to loss of neural functions due to the host’s exuberant innate immune response to pathogens when adaptive immunity is impaired.
Aedes aegypti Malpighian tubules are immunologically activated following systemic Toll activation
Authors: Sneed Sarah D. , Dwivedi Sutopa B. , DiGate Cameron , Denecke Shane , Povelones Michael
Published: August 2022

Background

Canine heartworm is a widespread and potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease caused by infections with the parasitic nematode, Dirofilaria immitis. We have previously shown that systemic activation of the Toll immune pathway via silencing of the negative regulator Cactus in Aedes aegypti blocks parasite development in the Malpighian tubules, the mosquito renal organ. However, it was not established whether the Malpighian tubules were directly responding to Toll activation or were alternatively responding to upregulated proteins or other changes to the hemolymph driven by other tissues. Distinguishing these possibilities is crucial for developing more precise strategies to block D. immitis while potentially avoiding the fitness cost to the mosquito associated with Cactus silencing.

Methods

This study defines the transcriptional response Malpighian tubules and changes to the hemolymph proteome of Ae. aegypti after systemic Toll activation via intra-thoracic injection of dsCactus.

Results

We found Malpighian tubules significantly increase expression of Toll pathway target genes that significantly overlapped expression changes occurring in whole mosquitoes. Additionally, we identified a significant overlap between the transcriptional response of the Malpighian tubules and proteins upregulated in the hemolymph.

Conclusions

Our data show that Malpighian tubules are capable of RNAi-mediated gene silencing and directly respond to dsCactus treatment by upregulating canonical Toll pathway targets. Though not definitive, the strong correspondence between the Malpighian tubule transcriptional and the hemolymph proteomic responses provides evidence that the tubules may contribute to mosquito humoral immunity.
COVID-19 Modeling: A Review
Authors: Cao Longbing , Liu Qing
Published: August 2022

The unprecedented and overwhelming SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 disease significantly challenged our way of life, society and the economy. Many questions emerge, a critical one being how to quantify the challenges, realities, intervention effect and influence of the pandemic. With the massive effort that has been in relation to modeling COVID-19, what COVID-19 issues have been modeled? What and how well have epidemiology, AI, data science, machine learning, deep learning, mathematics and social science characterized the COVID-19 epidemic? what are the gaps and opportunities of quantifying the pandemic? Such questions involve a wide body of knowledge and literature, which are unclear but important for present and future health crisis quantification. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the challenges, tasks, methods, progress, gaps and opportunities in relation to modeling COVID-19 processes, data, mitigation and impact. With a research landscape of COVID-19 modeling, we further categorize, summarize, compare and discuss the related methods and the progress which has been made in modeling COVID-19 epidemic transmission processes and dynamics, case identification and tracing, infection diagnosis and medical treatments, non-pharmaceutical interventions and their effects, drug and vaccine development, psychological, economic and social influence and impact, and misinformation, etc. The review shows how modeling methods such as mathematical and statistical models, domain-driven modeling by epidemiological compartmental models, medical and biomedical analysis, AI and data science, in particular shallow and deep machine learning, simulation modeling, social science methods and hybrid modeling have addressed the COVID-19 challenges, what gaps exist and what research directions can be followed for a better future.
Total Added Sugar Consumption is not Significantly Associated with Risk for Prediabetes Among U.S. adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2018
Authors: Sneed Nadia Markie , Azuero Andres , Moss Jacqueline , Goss Amy M. , Morrison Shannon A
Published: August 2022

Background

Prediabetes affects 34.1% U.S. adults and is primarily linked to added sugars consumed from sugar-sweetened beverages. It is unclear if total dietary intake of added sugar also increases the risk for prediabetes.

Objective

This study examined if total (g/day) and percent intakes of <10%, 10-15%, or >15% added sugar increase the odds for prediabetes in U.S. adults.

Design

A cross-sectional, secondary analysis using 2013-2018 NHANES data was conducted.

Participants/setting

This study included data from U.S. adults ≥ 20 years with normoglycemia (N= 2,154) and prediabetes (N= 3,152) with 1-2 days of dietary recall information.

Main outcome measures

Prediabetes, defined as a Hemoglobin A1c of 5.7%-6.4% or a fasting plasma glucose of 100-125 mg/dL.

Statistical analysis

Survey-weighted logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios of prediabetes based on usual intakes of added sugar (total and percent intakes) using the National Cancer Institute Method. Differences in prediabetes risk and total and percent intakes of added sugar were compared by race/ethnicity.

Results

The sample’s total energy intake from added sugar was 13.9%. Total (unadjusted: OR: 1.01, 95% CI: .99 - 1.00, p = .26; adjusted: OR: 1.00, 95% CI: .99 - 1.00, p = .91) and percent intakes of added sugar (unadjusted [<10%: (ref); 10-15%: OR: .93, 95% CI: .77 - 1.12, p = .44; >15%: OR: 1.03, 95% CI: .82 - 1.28, p = .82] and adjusted [<10%: (ref); 10 - 15%: OR: .82, 95% CI: .65 - 1.04, p = .09; >15%: OR: .96, 95% CI: .74 - 1.24, p = .73]) were not significantly associated with an increased odds of prediabetes. Prediabetes risk did not differ by race/ethnicity for total (unadjusted model [p = .65]; adjusted model [p = .51]) or percent (unadjusted model [p = .21]; adjusted model [p = .11]) added sugar intakes.

Conclusions

In adults ≥20 years with normoglycemia and prediabetes, total added sugar consumption did not significantly increase one’s risk for prediabetes and risk estimates did not differ by race/ethnicity. Experimental studies should expand upon this work to confirm these findings.
Yellow fever vaccination coverage among nomadic populations in Savannah region, Ghana; a cross-sectional study following an outbreak
Authors: Inusah Abdul-Wahab , Collins Gbeti , Head Michael G , Dzomeku Peter , Ziblim Shamsu-Deen
Published: August 2022

Yellow fever (YF) is a viral infection transmitted via mosquito bites. The disease is endemic in many African countries and Ghana has experienced frequent outbreaks. Vaccine coverage is often low in nomadic communities.

Objective

To evaluate YF vaccination coverage among nomadic population after the YF vaccination campaign in targeted communities in the Savanah region, Ghana.

Study Design

A community-based cross-sectional study, with a modified WHO vaccination coverage cluster survey was used to collect data from 2914 nomads in 414 nomadic households across 22 YF affected communities. Data were analyzed using Stata version 15. T-test analysis of variance was conducted to determine the statistical difference among different population groups.

Results

Out of the 2914 household members surveyed, 2342 (80%) were vaccinated against YF. There was a statistical difference between household size and household vaccination coverage with a mean difference of 1.38(p-value, <0.001). We found a statistical difference between YF vaccination coverage among the study population and that of the national coverage (88%) with a mean difference of 0.05(p-value =<0.001). About 94% of those vaccinated were able to show proof of vaccination with certified vaccination cards. The main reason for non-vaccination was household member/s travelling out of the district during the vaccination campaign.

Conclusion

YF vaccination coverage was below the national vaccination coverage, but within the WHO recommended threshold in obtaining herd immunity. The catch-up vaccination targeting hard-to-reach nomadic communities was necessary, in order to reduce likelihood of future outbreaks in these groups. Where resources allow, proactive monitoring of vaccine coverage and catch-up campaigns can help countries to meet 2026 international targets for YF elimination.
Assessing Vulnerability to COVID-19 in High-Risk Populations: The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Spike-Targeted Serology
Authors: Kaufman Harvey W , Meyer William A , Clarke Nigel J , Radcliff Jeff , Rank Christopher M , Freeman James , Eisenberg Marcia , Gillim Laura , Morice William G , Briscoe David M , Perlin David S , Wohlgemuth Jay G
Published: August 2022

Importance

Individuals at increased risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, due to compromised immunity or other risk factors, would benefit from objective measures of vulnerability to infection based on prior infection and/or vaccination. We reviewed published data to identify a specific role and interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 spike-targeted serology testing for such individuals. We also provide real-world evidence of spike-targeted antibody test results, identifying the seronegativity rate across the United States from March 2021 through June 2022. Analysis of antibody test results were compared between post-transplant (ie, immunocompromised) and all other patients tested in the first half of 2022. Finally, specific recommendations are provided for an evidence-based and clinically useful interpretation of spike-targeted serology to identify vulnerability to infection and potential subsequent adverse outcomes.

Observations

Decreased vaccine effectiveness among immunocompromised individuals is linked to correspondingly high rates of breakthrough infections. Evidence indicates that negative results on SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests are associated with increased risk for subsequent infection. Results from widely available, laboratory-based tests do not provide a direct measure of protection but appear to correlate well with the presence of surrogate pseudovirus-neutralizing antibodies. The results of SARS-CoV-2 semiquantitative tests have also been associated with vaccine effectiveness and the likelihood of breakthrough infection. The data suggest that “low-positive” results on semiquantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike-targeted antibody tests may help identify persons at increased relative risk for breakthrough infection leading to adverse outcomes. In an analysis of data from large national laboratories during the COVID-19 Omicron-related surge in 2022, results from SARS-CoV-2 spike-targeted antibody tests were negative in 16.6% (742/4459) of solid organ transplant recipients tested compared to only 11.0% (47,552/432,481) of the remaining tested population.

Conclusions and Relevance

Standardized semiquantitative and quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike-targeted antibody tests may provide objective information on risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated adverse outcomes. This holds especially for high-risk populations, including transplant recipients, who demonstrate a relatively higher rate of seronegativity. The widespread availability of such tests presents an opportunity to refine risk assessment for individuals with suboptimal SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and to promote effective interventions. Interim federal guidance would support physicians and patients while additional investigations are pursued.
Humoral and cellular response induced by a second booster of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in adults
Authors: Melo-González Felipe , Méndez Constanza , Peñaloza Hernán F , Schultz Bárbara M , Piña-Iturbe Alejandro , Ríos Mariana , Moreno-Tapia Daniela , Pereira-Sánchez Patricia , Leighton Diane , Orellana Claudia , Covarrubias Consuelo , Gálvez Nicolás MS , Soto Jorge A , Duarte Luisa F , Rivera-Pérez Daniela , Vázquez Yaneisi , Cabrera Alex , Bustos Sergio , Iturriaga Carolina , Urzua Marcela , Navarrete María S , Rojas Álvaro , Fasce Rodrigo , Fernández Jorge , Mora Judith , Ramírez Eugenio , Gaete-Argel Aracelly , Acevedo Mónica , Valiente-Echeverría Fernando , Soto-Rifo Ricardo , Weiskopf Daniela , Grifoni Alba , Sette Alessandro , Zeng Gang , Meng Weining ,   CoronaVac03CL Study Group, González-Aramundiz José V , González Pablo A , Abarca Katia , Bueno Susan M , Kalergis Alexis M
Published: August 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has challenged the control of the COVID-19 pandemic even in highly vaccinated countries. While a second booster of mRNA vaccines improved the immunity against SARS-CoV-2, the humoral and cellular responses induced by a second booster of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine have not been studied. In the context of a phase 3 clinical study, we report that a second booster of CoronaVac® increased the neutralizing response against the ancestral virus yet showed poor neutralization against the Omicron variant. Additionally, isolated PBMCs displayed equivalent activation of specific CD4+ T cells and IFN-γ production when stimulated with a mega-pool of peptides derived from the spike protein of the ancestral virus or the Omicron variant. In conclusion, a second booster dose of CoronaVac® does not improve the neutralizing response against the Omicron variant compared with the first booster dose, yet it helps maintaining a robust spike-specific CD4+ T cell response.
Macrolinguistic function in temporal lobe epilepsy: a reinterpretation of circumstantiality
Authors: D’Aprano Fiore , Malpas Charles B. , Roberts Stefanie E. , Saling Michael M.
Published: August 2022

Individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) often have an impairment of conversational language manifesting as verbosity and attributable to disruption of cognitive-linguistic networks. The micro- and macrolinguistic underpinnings of this disturbance, and the role of epilepsy and cognitive variables, are yet to be explored. We examined the elicited language output of 16 individuals with TLE and 14 healthy controls under separate monologic discourse tasks: a structured and constrained context, elicited by description of the ‘Cookie Theft’ picture, and an unstructured, unconstrained context, elicited by description of a ‘Typical Day’. We hypothesised that language output in the unstructured context would be characterised by verbosity to a greater extent than language elicited in a structured context. Following transcription and coding, detailed multi-level discourse analysis suggested that a constrained context gives rise to microlinguistic disturbances in individuals with TLE, reducing fluency, with more pauses and fillers. Under an unconstrained context, as anticipated, classical aspects of verbosity emerge in those with TLE, manifesting as longer speaking time, a longer duration of pauses, and a higher proportion of repetitive or redundant statements. Macrolinguistic elements such as coherence and informativeness are widely impacted, particularly disturbing language formulation. Correlations suggest that microlinguistic disturbances are closely linked with the immediate impact of seizures on cognitive-linguistic function, while macrolinguistic disturbances are more broadly impacted by disorder severity and word retrieval deficits. These findings suggest that different psycholinguistic impairments emerge as a function of differing linguistic challenges imposed by constrained and unconstrained conversational contexts. We conclude that these patterns reflect a dynamic linguistic system taking shape under specific contextual conditions.

Highlights

A multi-centre multi-level discourse analysis was carried out to examine language in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Distinct linguistic impairments reflect task demands which differentially affect micro- and macrolinguistic features.

In constrained conditions, individuals with TLE exhibit microlinguistic disturbances mainly affecting their fluency and output clarity.

In unconstrained conditions, they are verbose and have disturbed coherence where they produce more content that is repetitive or redundant.
Allometric equation for the commonest palm in the Central Congo Peatlands,Raphia laurentiiDe Wild
Authors: Bocko Yannick Enock , Loubota Panzou Grace Jopaul , Dargie Greta Christina , Wenina Mampouya Yeto Emmanuel , Mbemba Mackline , Joël Loumeto Jean , Lewis Simon L.
Published: August 2022

The world’s largest tropical peatland lies in the central Congo Basin.Raphia laurentiiDe Wild. is a palm which forms dominant to mono-dominant stands across ca. 45 % of the peatland area. However, a lack of allometric equation for this canopy-forming trunkless palm with fronds up to 20 m long, means that this it is currently excluded from aboveground biomass (AGB) estimates for these peatland ecosystems. Here we develop an allometric equation forR. laurentii, by destructively sampling 90R. laurentiistipes (across six mean petiole diameter size classes of: 2-4 cm, 4-5 cm, 5-6 cm, 6-7 cm, >8 cm) in a peat swamp forest, in the Likouala Department, Republic of the Congo. Prior to destructive sampling, the five parameters were measured for each stipe: diameter at stem base, mean diameter of the palm fronds, total diameter of the palm fronds (TDpf), total height and number of palm fronds. After destructive sampling and before weighing each individual was separated into the stem and the following palm frond categories: sheath, petiole, rachis and leaflets. We fitted a linear model relatingAGBto each independent predictor variable separately to assess the best variable, finding that palm fronds represented at least 77 % of the totalAGBin each diameter classes. We found thatTDpfwas the best single predictor variable forR. laurentii AGB. We provide a series of equations, based on samplingR. laurentiiwith fronds ≥2 cm diameter or ≥5 cm diameters. The best allometric equation was:AGB=Exp(−2.691 + 1.425 × ln (TDpf) + 0.695 ×ln(H) + 0.395 × ln (WD).. A monodominant 1 ha plot near the harvesting site had a palm AGB of 60.8 Mg ha-1, similar to theAGBof the trees in the same plot, at 86.2 Mg ha-1. Accounting for theAGBof palms is important, and can now be estimated using the allometric equations developed here.
Long-term temporal stability of peripheral blood DNA methylation alterations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Joustra Vincent , Li Yim Andrew Y.F. , Hageman Ishtu , Levin Evgeni , Adams Alex , Satsangi Jack , de Jonge Wouter J. , Henneman Peter , D’Haens Geert
Published: August 2022

Introduction

There is great current interest in the potential application of DNA methylation alterations in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) as biomarkers of susceptibility, progression and treatment response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the intra-individual stability of PBL methylation in IBD has not been characterised. Here, we studied the long-term stability of all probes located on the Illumina HumanMethylation EPIC BeadChip array.

Methods

We followed a cohort of 46 adult IBD patients (36 Crohn’s disease (CD), 10 ulcerative colitis (UC), median age 44 (IQR: 27-56), 50% female) that received standard care without any intervention at the Amsterdam UMC. Paired PBL samples were collected at two time points with a median 7 (range: 2-9) years in between. Differential methylation and intra-class correlation (ICC) analyses were used to identify time-associated differences and temporally stable CpGs, respectively.

Results

Around 60% of all EPIC array loci presented poor intra-individual stability (ICC <0.50); 78.114 (≈9%) showed good (ICC 0.75 – 0.89); and 41.274 (≈5%) excellent (ICC ≥0.90) stability. Focusing on previously identified consistently differentially methylated positions indicated that 22 CD-, 11 UC-, and 24 IBD-associated loci demonstrated high stability (ICC ≥0.75) over time; of these, we observed a marked stability of CpG loci associated to the HLA genes.

Conclusion

Our data provide insight into the long-term stability of the PBL DNA methylome within an IBD context, facilitating the selection of biologically relevant and robust IBD-associated epigenetic biomarkers with increased potential for independent validation. These data also have potential implications in understanding disease pathogenesis.