bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern of Female Genital Mutilation among Adolescents Attending Secondary Schools’ in Enugu Metropolis
Authors: Chinawa Awoere T , Chinawa Josephat M , Ossai Edmund N , Aronu Ann E , Ozokoli Godwin E , Enebe Joseph
Published: October 2020

Background

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a public health menace and it study among adolescents is not exhaustive.

Objectives

The aim is to study the prevalence, pattern, cultural values, health implications and consequences of FGM among adolescent females attending secondary schools in Enugu metropolis.

Methods

A descriptive study involving female adolescents aged 13–21 years recruited by multistage sampling in three Girls Secondary Schools in Enugu Metropolis.

Results

Four hundred and fifty (450) questionnaires were distributed and four hundred and fourteen (414) were retrieved. The parents with moderate value for culture and tradition had the highest circumcised respondents (7.8%) (p = 0.056). Majority of the respondents, 93.7% were aware of female circumcision. The major complications of female circumcision according to the respondents were painful urination and menstrual problems. The prevalence of female circumcision among the respondents was 9.4%. A minor proportion of the respondents, 5.8% were of the opinion that all females should be circumcised. Respondents whose fathers attained tertiary education were three times less likely to be circumcised when compared with those whose fathers attained secondary education and less (adjusted odds ratio  = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.3–1.5).

Conclusion

Prevalence of FGM among adolescents aged 13–21 years in Enugu metropolis was 9.4%. Majority of the respondents had good knowledge of FGM, and major complications noted were painful urination and menstrual problems. Fathers education level is a very strong reason for this high awareness of FGM among female adolescents.
Supination Adduction Ankle Fractures Are Associated With Arthritis and Poor Outcomes
Authors: Benedick Alex , Kavanagh Michael , Audet Megan , Simske Natasha M. , Vallier Heather A.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To compare complications and functional outcomes between supination adduction type II (SAD) injuries and torsional ankle injuries (TAI).

Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Setting:

Level 1 trauma center.

Patients and Methods:

Patients (n = 1531) treated for ankle fractures (OTA/AO 43B or 44) over 16 years were identified. The most recent 200 consecutive adult patients treated for TAI (OTA/AO 44, not SAD) served as controls.

Main Outcome Measures:

Complications, unplanned secondary procedures, and patient-reported functional outcome scores, as measured by the Foot Function Index and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment.

Results:

Sixty-five patients with SAD injuries (4.2%) were included. They were younger (43.2 vs. 47.7 years, P = 0.08) and more commonly involved in a motorized collision, (58.5% vs. 29.0%) and more often multiply injured: other orthopaedic injuries (66.2% vs. 31.0%) and other nonorthopaedic injuries (40.0% vs. 7.5%, all P < 0.001 vs. TAI). Overall complication and unplanned secondary procedure rates were not different between groups. Those with a SAD injury had more posttraumatic arthrosis (80.0% vs. 40.9%, P = 0.004), but no differences were noted in infection, wound healing, malunion, or nonunion. The mean functional outcome scores were worse for SAD patients over 6 years after injury among all the Foot Function Index and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment categories; however, these differences were not significant.

Conclusions:

SAD injuries represented 4.2% of all ankle fractures, occurring in younger patients through higher-energy mechanisms and more often associated with polytrauma. Despite 80% of SAD patients developing posttraumatic arthrosis, secondary procedures were not more common, and functional outcomes after a SAD injury were not different from TAI.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Sleep Variables as Predictors of Treatment Effectiveness and Side Effects of Stimulant Medication in Newly Diagnosed Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Davidson Fiona , Rigney Gabrielle , Rusak Benjamin , Chambers Christine , Rajda Malgorzata , Corkum Penny
Published: October 2020

Objective:

There is a growing body of research on the impact of stimulant medication on sleep in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Negative sleep side effects are a common reason for nonadherence or for discontinuing a course of treatment. However, there is no published evidence as to whether pretreatment sleep can predict responses to treatment and the emergence of side effects.

Method:

In this study, baseline sleep variables were used to predict therapeutic effect (i.e., reduction of ADHD symptoms) and side effects (both sleep and global side effects) in a sample of newly diagnosed, medication-naive children (n = 50).

Results:

The results of hierarchical regression analysis showed that parent-reported shorter sleep duration before medication treatment significantly predicted better response to treatment, independent of pretreatment ADHD symptoms. Baseline sleep features did not significantly predict global (nonsleep) side effects but did predict increased sleep side effects during treatment.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that baseline sleep variables may be helpful in predicting therapeutic response to medication and sleep disturbance as a side effect of stimulant medication.
Innovations in targeted therapies for triple negative breast cancer
Authors: McCann Kelly E. , Hurvitz Sara A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose of review

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined by a lack of targets, namely hormone receptor (HR) expression and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 amplification. Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment. Though TNBC constitutes approximately 10–15% of breast cancer, it is disproportionally lethal, but it is hoped that outcomes will improve as targetable oncogenic drivers are identified.

Recent findings

Translational work in TNBC has focused on subsets defined by defects in homologous recombination repair, immune cell infiltration, or programmed death ligand receptor 1 expression, an over-active phosphoinositide-3 kinase pathway, or expression of androgen receptors. Though not specific to TNBC, the novel cell surface antigen trophoblast antigen 2 has also been identified and successfully targeted. This work has led to Food and Drug Administration approvals for small molecule poly-ADP-ribosyl polymerase inhibitors in patients with deleterious germline mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, the combination of nab-paclitaxel with immune checkpoint inhibitor antibodies in the first-line metastatic setting for programmed death ligand receptor 1+ TNBC, and use of the antibody–drug conjugate sacituzumab govitecan in the later-line metastatic setting.

Identification of targetable oncogenic drivers in TNBC is an area of intense cancer biology research, hopefully translating to new therapies and improved outcomes.
The severity of vasomotor symptoms and number of menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women and select clinical health outcomes in the Women's Health Initiative Calcium and Vitamin D randomized clinical trial
Authors: Nudy Matthew , Jiang Xuezhi , Aragaki Aaron K. , Manson JoAnn E. , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Foy Andrew J. , Buerger Jonathan , Kelsey Anita M. , LeBlanc Erin S. , Wild Robert A. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Stefanick Marcia L. , Robbins John A. , Schnatz Peter F.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

This study evaluated whether vasomotor symptom (VMS) severity and number of moderate/severe menopausal symptoms (nMS) were associated with health outcomes, and whether calcium and vitamin D (CaD) modified the risks.

Methods:

The Women's Health Initiative CaD study was a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which tested 400 IU of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D and 1,000 mg of calcium per day in women aged 50 to 79 years. This study included 20,050 women (median follow-up of 7 y). The outcomes included hip fracture, colorectal cancer, invasive breast cancer, all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular death, and total cardiovascular disease (CVD). MS included: hot flashes, night sweats, dizziness, heart racing, tremors, feeling restless, feeling tired, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, mood swings, vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, migraine, and waking up several times at night. Associations between VMS severity and nMS with outcomes were tested.

Results:

No association between VMS severity and any outcome were found. In contrast, nMS was associated with higher stroke (hazard ratio [HR] 1.40 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.89 for ≥ 2 MS vs none; HR 1.20 95% CI 0.89-1.63 for 1 MS vs none, P trend = 0.03) and total CVD (HR 1.35, 95% CI, 1.18-1.54 for ≥ 2 MS vs none; HR 0.99, 95% CI, 0.87-1.14 for 1 MS vs none P trend < 0.001). CaD did not modify any association.

Conclusion:

Severity of VMS was not associated with any outcome. Having ≥2 moderate or severe MS was associated with an increased risk for CVD. The number of moderate/severe MS may be a marker for higher CVD risk.

Video Summary:

http://links.lww.com/MENO/A669.
COMPARING VITRECTOMY, SILICONE OIL ENDOTAMPONADE WITH/WITHOUT CYCLOPEXY TO TREAT CYCLODIALYSIS CLEFTS WITH SEVERE OCULAR TRAUMA
Authors: Wang Anan , Zhao Zhenquan
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Comparing the anatomical and functional outcomes of vitrectomy, silicone oil endotamponade without cyclopexy (VEWOC) and with cyclopexy (VEWC) in patients with traumatic cyclodialysis clefts and severe ocular comorbidities.

Methods:

A total of 55 patients (55 eyes) with traumatic cyclodialysis clefts were divided into VEWOC and VEWC groups according to the surgery undergone. Besides the cyclodialysis clefts, all study eyes had one or more additional conditions caused by severe ocular trauma: cataract, lens dislocation, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, choroidal detachment, maculopathy, suprachoroidal hemorrhage, subretinal hemorrhage, or proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The minimum postoperative follow-up period for all patients was six months. The main measures of outcome were rate of successful anatomical repair, intraocular pressure, and best-corrected visual acuity.

Results:

Both the VEWOC group (33 eyes) and the VEWC group (22 eyes) showed significant improvement in postoperative best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure at the final follow-up. The groups had no significant differences in terms of anatomical success rates (VEWOC 29/33 vs. VEWC 20/22, P = 1.000), final best-corrected visual acuity (VEWOC 1.60 ± 0.76 [median Snellen acuity: counting fingers, range: light perception to 20/20] vs. VEWC 1.46 ± 0.66 [median Snellen acuity: 20/800, range: light perception to 20/32], P = 0.485), and final intraocular pressure (VEWOC 13.40 [8.20–17.80] vs. VEWC 11.40 [6.65–14.00] mmHg, P = 0.311). However, the intraocular pressure on postoperative Day 1 was significantly different between the groups (VEWOC 10.40 [6.40–14.60] vs. VEWC 6.40 [4.70–7.98] mmHg, P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

This study showed that both surgical approaches were equally effective in treating cyclodialysis clefts secondary to severe ocular trauma. Therefore, it may be unnecessary to perform cyclopexy in addition to the vitrectomy procedure in such cases.
Calcium imaging in population of dorsal root ganglion neurons unravels novel mechanisms of visceral pain sensitization and referred somatic hypersensitivity
Authors: Gao Xinyan , Han Shu , Huang Qian , He Shao‐Qiu , Ford Neil C. , Zheng Qin , Chen Zhiyong , Yu Shaoyong , Dong Xinzhong , Guan Yun
Published: October 2020

Mechanisms of visceral pain sensitization and referred somatic hypersensitivity remain unclear. We conducted calcium imaging in Pirt-GCaMP6s mice to gauge responses of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to visceral and somatic stimulation in vivo. Intracolonic instillation of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colonic inflammation and increased the percentage of L6 DRG neurons that responded to colorectal distension above that of controls at day 7. Colorectal distension did not activate L4 DRG neurons. TNBS-treated mice exhibited more Evans blue extravasation than did control mice and developed mechanical hypersensitivity in low-back skin and hind paws, which are innervated by L6 and L4 DRG neurons, respectively, suggesting that colonic inflammation induced mechanical hypersensitivity in both homosegmental and heterosegmental somatic regions. Importantly, the percentage of L4 DRG neurons activated by hind paw pinch and brush stimulation and calcium responses of L6 DRG neurons to low-back brush stimulation were higher at day 7 after TNBS than those in control mice. Visceral irritation from intracolonic capsaicin instillation also increased Evans blue extravasation in hind paws and low-back skin and acutely increased the percentage of L4 DRG neurons responding to hind paw pinch and the response of L6 DRG neurons to low-back brush stimulation. These findings suggest that TNBS-induced colitis and capsaicin-induced visceral irritation may sensitize L6 DRG neurons to colorectal and somatic inputs and also increase the excitability of L4 DRG neurons that do not receive colorectal inputs. These changes may represent a potential peripheral neuronal mechanism for visceral pain sensitization and referred somatic hypersensitivity.
The Parkinson disease pain classification system: results from an international mechanism-based classification approach
Authors: Mylius Veit , Perez Lloret Santiago , Cury Rubens G. , Teixeira Manoel J. , Barbosa Victor R. , Barbosa Egberto R. , Moreira Larissa I. , Listik Clarice , Fernandes Ana M. , de Lacerda Veiga Diogo , Barbour Julio , Hollenstein Nathalie , Oechsner Matthias , Walch Julia , Brugger Florian , Hägele-Link Stefan , Beer Serafin , Rizos Alexandra , Chaudhuri Kallol Ray , Bouhassira Didier , Lefaucheur Jean-Pascal , Timmermann Lars , Gonzenbach Roman , Kägi Georg , Möller Jens Carsten , Ciampi de Andrade Daniel
Published: October 2020

Pain is a common nonmotor symptom in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) but the correct diagnosis of the respective cause remains difficult because suitable tools are lacking, so far. We developed a framework to differentiate PD- from non-PD-related pain and classify PD-related pain into 3 groups based on validated mechanistic pain descriptors (nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic), which encompass all the previously described PD pain types. Severity of PD-related pain syndromes was scored by ratings of intensity, frequency, and interference with daily living activities. The PD-Pain Classification System (PD-PCS) was compared with classic pain measures (ie, brief pain inventory and McGill pain questionnaire [MPQ], PDQ-8 quality of life score, MDS-UPDRS scores, and nonmotor symptoms). 159 nondemented PD patients (disease duration 10.2 ± 7.6 years) and 37 healthy controls were recruited in 4 centers. PD-related pain was present in 122 patients (77%), with 24 (15%) suffering one or more syndromes at the same time. PD-related nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic pain was diagnosed in 87 (55%), 25 (16%), or 35 (22%), respectively. Pain unrelated to PD was present in 35 (22%) patients. Overall, PD-PCS severity score significantly correlated with pain's Brief Pain Inventory and MPQ ratings, presence of dyskinesia and motor fluctuations, PDQ-8 scores, depression, and anxiety measures. Moderate intrarater and interrater reliability was observed. The PD-PCS is a valid and reliable tool for differentiating PD-related pain from PD-unrelated pain. It detects and scores mechanistic pain subtypes in a pragmatic and treatment-oriented approach, unifying previous classifications of PD-pain.
Photophobia in complex regional pain syndrome: visual discomfort is greater on the affected than unaffected side
Authors: Drummond Peter D. , Finch Philip M.
Published: October 2020

In complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), hyperalgesia encompasses uninjured sites on the ipsilateral side of the body and may also include the special senses because auditory discomfort often is greater on the CRPS-affected side. To determine whether this hemilateral hyperalgesia involves the visual system, the discomfort threshold to a light-source that increased in intensity at 100 lux/second from 500 to 3600 lux was investigated for each eye, and the nasal and temporal half of each visual field, in 33 patients with CRPS and 21 pain-free controls. Recent headache history was reviewed and, in patients with CRPS, sensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimuli was assessed in all 4 limbs and on each side of the forehead. In addition, the pupils were photographed in dim and bright light. The visual discomfort threshold was lower in patients than controls and was lower on the CRPS-affected than unaffected side (P < 0.001), indicating photophobia. Visual discomfort was unrelated to pupil diameter. Headache frequency was greater in CRPS patients than controls, and unilateral headaches were more likely to be on the CRPS-affected than contralateral side. Similarly, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia was greater in the CRPS-affected than contralateral limb and was greater ipsilateral than contralateral to CRPS in the forehead and nonsymptomatic limbs. Ipsilateral photophobia was associated with mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral forehead but not the CRPS-affected limb. Together, these findings suggest that aberrant processing of nociceptive input in the ipsilateral trigeminal-medullary region of the brainstem contributes to visual discomfort in CRPS.
Promoting a Culture of Civility in Nursing Learning Environments
Authors: Ackerman-Barger Kupiri , Dickinson Jane K. , Martin Louisa D.
Published: October 2020

Background

Incivility in nursing education imperils the well-being of both faculty and students, is damaging to professional relationships, and hinders the exchange of knowledge in nursing learning environments. Because supportive, respectful learning environments foster students' ability to flourish and reach their highest potential, it is essential that open dialogue and relationship building in nursing education are as valued as content taught.

Purpose

This study explored strategies for promoting a culture of civility in nursing learning environments.

Method

A 9-item survey was used to gather insights from nurses (n = 441) about how incivility could be managed or prevented in order to promote a culture of civility.

Results

The data revealed 2 major themes: personal action, and organization action.

Conclusion

Nursing faculty, students, and schools/programs can promote civility in nursing learning environments through establishing a power balance, effective communication, self-reflection, setting clear expectations early, and instituting consequences for violating a culture of civility.
Using Debriefing for Meaningful Learning With Screen-Based Simulation
Authors: Dreifuerst Kristina T. , Bradley Cynthia S. , Johnson Brandon K.
Published: October 2020

Background

COVID-19 has led to increased use of screen-based simulation. However, the importance of including a robust debriefing as a component of these simulations is often neglected.

Problem

Failing to include debriefing with screen-based simulation could negatively impact student learning outcomes.

Approach

Debriefing, including recollection, discussion to reveal understanding, feedback and reflection, is a process of helping learners make sense of learned content and knowledge as it is applied to the patient care experience. Debriefing for Meaningful Learning (DML) is an evidence-based method derived from theory, which can be easily incorporated into screen-based simulation to augment the clinical learning experience.

Conclusion

By guiding learners to consistently engage in DML, clinical decisions and actions taken during virtual simulations can be uncovered, discussed, challenged, corrected, and explored. Including a synchronous, structured debriefing like DML ensures that screen-based simulation results in meaningful learning in addition to performance feedback to foster safe and quality patient care.
Institutional differences in management of compartment syndrome at academic and community-based trauma centers: A survey of Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) members
Authors: Klima Matthew
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to compare management of compartment syndrome at academic and community trauma centers and to identify any institutional variables that influence the number of adverse events reported to the hospital's peer review process.

Design:

Web-based survey.

Setting:

N/A.

Participants:

Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) members.

Methods:

A link to a 9-item web-based questionnaire was sent to members of the OTA.

Results:

Two hundred twenty-four (21%) of 1031 OTA members completed the survey. Respondents indicated that residents were primarily responsible for checking compartments at academic trauma centers (91%), while community trauma centers reported higher utilization rates of ortho attendings (81%), trauma attendings (26%), and nurses (27%). Seventy-five percent of respondents at academic trauma centers relied on intra-compartmental pressure monitoring to make the diagnosis in intubated/obtunded patients as opposed to just 56% of respondents at community centers. Seventy percent of all respondents utilizing prophylactic fasciotomies practiced at community trauma centers. Forty-four percent indicated that they had submitted cases involving management of compartment syndrome to their hospital peer review process. While most submitted only 1 or 2 cases (75% of positive replies), 5% had submitted 5 or more cases for peer review. Use of a pressure monitor and orthopaedic surgeons performing all fasciotomies were associated with a lower number of cases submitted to peer review (P < .02 and P < .04, respectively).

Conclusion:

Academic and community trauma centers differ in their utilization of in-house staff for early assessment, in the diagnostic modalities employed in obtunded patients, and in their threshold for fasciotomy. Adverse events are regularly reported for peer review at both academic and community trauma centers. As there is great variability between institutions in terms of clinical practice as demonstrated by the responses to this survey, it is recommended that institutions devise their own written protocol based on the resources they have available to reduce adverse events.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level V.
The Delaware Pain Database: a set of painful expressions and corresponding norming data
Authors: Mende-Siedlecki Peter , Qu-Lee Jennie , Lin Jingrun , Drain Alexis , Goharzad Azaadeh
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Facial expressions of pain serve an essential social function by communicating suffering and soliciting aid. Accurate visual perception of painful expressions is critical because the misperception of pain signals can have serious clinical and social consequences. Therefore, it is essential that researchers have access to high-quality, diverse databases of painful expressions to better understand accuracy and bias in pain perception.

Objectives:

This article describes the development of a large-scale face stimulus database focusing on expressions of pain.

Methods:

We collected and normed a database of images of models posing painful facial expressions. We also characterized these stimuli in terms of the presence of a series of pain-relevant facial action units. In addition to our primary database of posed expressions, we provide a separate database of computer-rendered expressions of pain that may be applied to any neutral face photograph.

Results:

The resulting database comprises 229 unique (and now publicly available) painful expressions. To the best of our knowledge, there are no existing databases of this size, quality, or diversity in terms of race, gender, and expression intensity. We provide evidence for the reliability of expressions and evaluations of pain within these stimuli, as well as a full characterization of this set along dimensions relevant to pain such as perceived status, strength, and dominance. Moreover, our second database complements the primary set in terms of experimental control and precision.

Conclusion:

These stimuli will facilitate reproducible research in both experimental and clinical domains into the mechanisms supporting accuracy and bias in pain perception and care.
Sexual dysfunction following traumatic pelvic fracture
Authors: Johnsen Niels V. , Cohn Eliza , Johnson Tascha , Vavilala Monica S. , Rivara Frederick P. , Moore Megan
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

While sexual dysfunction (SD) in men following traumatic pelvic fracture is common, little is known of how men experience changes in their sexual health after injury. The aims of the present study were to explore the personal and interpersonal impacts of SD in men after pelvic injury and to understood how interactions with the health care system can be optimized to improve patient-centered trauma survivorship care.

METHODS

Fifteen semistructured interviews were conducted with men who had a history of traumatic pelvic fracture and self-reported SD. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and uploaded to a web-based qualitative analysis platform. A codebook was developed, and intercoder reliability was verified. Inductive thematic analysis was performed to identify notable themes related to patient postinjury sexual health experiences.

RESULTS

Median age of interviewees was 46 years (interquartile range, 44–54 years), with a median time since injury of 41 months (interquartile range, 22–55 months). Five primary themes were identified from the analysis: (1) effects on self-image and romantic relationships, (2) unknown care pathways and lack of communication, (3) inconsistencies with health care provider priorities, (4) provision of sexual health information and resources, and (5) the importance of setting expectations. Interviewees suggested that improved communication, provision of information related to possible adverse effects of their injuries, and expectation setting would improve posttrauma experiences.

CONCLUSION

Men’s experiences with SD after pelvic trauma can be heavily influenced by their interactions with health care providers and the value that is placed on sexual health as a component of survivorship. Incorporating these findings into a patient-centered trauma survivorship program may improve patient experiences.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, level V.
Deforestation reduces the genetic structure of an epiphytic weed across space and time: an IBM approach
Authors: Chaves Cleber Juliano Neves , Leal Bárbara Simões Santos , Rossatto Davi Rodrigo , Berger Uta , Palma-Silva Clarisse
Published: October 2020

Deforestation has allowed the massive dispersal and reproduction of some plants that are commonly referred to as weeds. The rapid spread of many weeds into newly disturbed landscapes is often boosted by clonal growth and self-fertilization strategies, which conversely increases the spatial genetic structure (SGS) of populations and reduces the genetic diversity. Here, we use empirical and modeling approaches to evaluate the spatio-temporal SGS dynamics ofTillandsia recurvata(L.) L., a common epiphytic weed with selfing reproduction and clonal growth widespread in dry forests and anthropically deforested landscapes in North and South America. We constructed an individual-based model (IBM) and adjusted the parameters according to empirical genetic data, to simulate the spreading ofT. recurvataover time and across random landscapes with distinct tree densities. From empirical data, we observed a strong SGS amongT. recurvatasubpopulations hosted on neighbor trees and a contemporary spread from several population sources. Our model shows that the highest SGS appear in landscapes with more than 200 trees/ha and up to the 5thyear of colonization of open landscapes (ca. 100 trees/ha) when SGS starts to reduce drastically. These results suggest that the deforestation commonly observed in anthropically transformed landscapes may reduce the dispersal limitation and genetic structure ofT. recurvatasubpopulations, creating suitable conditions for the rapid spread ofT. recurvatafrom multiple surrounding sources. The combination of clonal growth and self-fertilization with the optimal conditions created by anthropogenic transformations may explain the spreading success ofT. recurvataand other weeds into new landscapes. Our results indicate that the drastic reductions in tree densities induced by human-modifications in natural landscapes may lead to a partial loss of resistance for dispersal by wind and increased the conditions forT. recurvatato develop massive populations in anthropogenic landscapes.
Screening and potent applicability analysis of commonly used pesticides against desert locust: an integrative entomo-informatics approach
Authors: Banik Anik , Mondal Md. Fuad , Khan Md. Mostafigur Rahman , Ahmed Sheikh Rashel , Hasan Md. Mehedi
Published: October 2020

The locust problem is a global threat for food security. Locusts can fly and migrate overseas within a zip and creating a large-scale devastation to the diversified agro-ecosystem. GIS based analysis showed the recent movement of locusts, among themSchistocerca gregariaandLocusta migratoriaare predominant in Indian subcontinent and are found more notorious and devastating one. This devastation needs to be stopped to save human race from food deprivation. In our study, we screened some commonly used agricultural pesticides and strongly recommended three of themviz. biphenthrin, diafenthiuron and silafluofen which might be potential to control the desert locusts based on their binding affinity towards the locust’s survival proteins. Our phylogenetic analysis reveals that these three recommended pesticides might also show potency to the other locust species as well as they are also way safer than the other commercially available pesticides. These proposed pesticide’s bioactive analogs from fungus and bacteria may also show efficacy as next generation controlling measures of locust as well as different kind of pests. These recommended pesticides are expected to be highly effective against locusts and needs to bring forward by the entomologists’ by performing experimental field trials.

Highlights

GIS map unmasked the 2020 migratory pattern of locusts which now predominant towards Indian subcontinent.

Biphenthrin, diafenthiuron and silafluofen showed maximum binding affinity.

Biphenthrin and diafenthiuron were relatively safer than silafluofen.

Bioactive analogs from fungus and bacteria could be an alternative to control locusts.

Pesticides inhibition hotspots for desert locusts were unrevealed.
TRAPID 2.0: a web application for taxonomic and functional analysis ofde novotranscriptomes
Authors: Bucchini François , Del Cortona Andrea , Kreft Łukasz , Botzki Alexander , Van Bel Michiel , Vandepoele Klaas
Published: October 2020

Advances in high-throughput sequencing have resulted in a massive increase of RNA-Seq transcriptome data. However, the promise of rapid gene expression profiling in a specific tissue, condition, unicellular organism, or microbial community comes with new computational challenges. Owing to the limited availability of well-resolved reference genomes,de novoassembled (meta)transcriptomes have emerged as popular tools for investigating the gene repertoire of previously uncharacterized organisms. Yet, despite their potential, these datasets often contain fragmented or contaminant sequences, and their analysis remains difficult. To alleviate some of these challenges, we developed TRAPID 2.0, a web application for the fast and efficient processing of assembled transcriptome data. The initial processing phase performs a global characterization of the input data, providing each transcript with several layers of annotation, comprising structural, functional, and taxonomic information. The exploratory phase enables downstream analyses from the web application. Available analyses include the assessment of gene space completeness, the functional analysis and comparison of transcript subsets, and the study of transcripts in an evolutionary context. A comparison with similar tools highlights TRAPID’s unique features. Finally, analyses performed within TRAPID 2.0 are complemented by interactive data visualizations, facilitating the extraction of new biological insights, as demonstrated with diatom community metatranscriptomes.
Does increased gait variability improve stability when faced with an expected balance perturbation during treadmill walking?
Authors: Nestico Jacqueline , Novak Alison , Perry Stephen D. , Mansfield Avril
Published: October 2020

Background

Currently, there is uncertainty as to whether movement variability is errorful or exploratory.

Research question

This study aimed to determine if gait variability represents exploration to improve stability. We hypothesized that 1) spatiotemporal gait features will be more variable prior to an expected perturbation than during unperturbed walking, and 2) increased spatiotemporal gait variability pre-perturbation will correlate with improved stability post-perturbation.

Methods

Sixteen healthy young adults completed 15 treadmill walking trials within a motion simulator under two conditions: unperturbed and expecting a perturbation. Participants were instructed not to expect a perturbation for unperturbed trials, and to expect a single transient medio-lateral balance perturbation for perturbed trials. Kinematic data were collected during the trials. Twenty steps were recorded post-perturbation. Unperturbed and pre-perturbation gait variabilities were defined by the short- and long-term variabilities of step length, width, and time, using 100 steps from pre-perturbation and unperturbed trials. Paired t-tests identified between-condition differences in variabilities. Stability was defined as the number of steps to centre of mass restabilization post-perturbation. Multiple regression analyses determined the effect of pre-perturbation variability on stability.

Results

Long-term step width variability was significantly higher pre-perturbation compared to unperturbed walking (mean difference=0.28cm, p=0.0073), with no significant differences between conditions for step length or time variabilities. There was no significant relationship between pre-perturbation variability and post-perturbation restabilization.

Significance

Increased pre-perturbation step width variability was neither beneficial nor detrimental to stability. However, the increased variability in medio-lateral foot placement suggests that participants adopted an exploratory strategy in anticipation of a perturbation.
Daily running enhances molecular and physiological circadian rhythms in skeletal muscle
Authors: Casanova-Vallve Nuria , Duglan Drew , Vaughan Megan E. , Handzlik Michal K. , Fan Weiwei , Yu Ruth T. , Liddle Christopher , Downes Michael , Delezie Julien , Mello Rebecca , Chan Alanna B. , Pariollaud Marie , Westermark Pål O. , Metallo Christian M. , Evans Ronald M. , Lamia Katja A.
Published: October 2020

Structured Abstract

Objective

Exercise is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle and a key strategy for the prevention and management of metabolic disease. Identifying molecular mechanisms underlying adaptation in response to chronic physical activity is of critical interest in metabolic physiology. Circadian rhythms broadly modulate metabolism, including muscle substrate utilization and exercise capacity. Here, we define the molecular and physiological changes induced across the daily cycle by voluntary low intensity daily exercise.

Methods

Wildtype c57BL6/J male and female mice were housed with or without access to a running wheel for six weeks. Maximum running speed was measured at four different zeitgeber times (ZTs, hours after lights on) using either electrical or manual stimulation to motivate continued running on a motorized treadmill. RNA isolated from plantaris muscles at six ZTs was sequenced to establish the impact of daily activity on genome-wide transcription. Patterns of gene expression were analyzed using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Detection of Differential Rhythmicity (DODR). Blood glucose, lactate, and ketones, and muscle and liver glycogen were measured before and after exercise.

Results

We demonstrate that the use of mild electrical shocks to motivate running negatively impacts maximum running speed and describe a manual method to motivate running in rodent exercise studies. Using this method, we show that time of day influences the increase in exercise capacity afforded by six weeks of voluntary wheel running: when maximum running speed is measured at the beginning of the nighttime active period in mice, there is no measurable benefit from a history of daily voluntary running, while maximum increase in performance occurs at the end of the night. We show that daily voluntary exercise dramatically remodels the muscle circadian transcriptome. Finally, we describe daily rhythms in carbohydrate metabolism associated with the timedependent response to moderate daily exercise.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data indicate that chronic nighttime physical activity dramatically remodels daily rhythms of muscle gene expression, which in turn support daily fluctuations in exercise performance.
Novel Asgard archaea phylum Hermodarchaeota degrade alkanes and aromatics via alkyl/benzyl-succinate synthase and benzoyl-CoA pathway
Authors: Zhang Jia-Wei , Dong Hong-Po , Hou Li-Jun , Liu Yang , Ou Ya-Fei , Zheng Yan-Ling , Han Ping , Liang Xia , Yin Guo-Yu , Wu Dian-Ming , Liu Min , Li Meng
Published: October 2020

Asgard superphylum is composed of a group of uncultivated archaea that are deemed the closest relatives of eukaryotes. These archaea are widely distributed in anaerobic environments and suggested to be important players in carbon cycling of sediments. Alkanes and aromatics are refractory organic compounds and abundant in sediments. However, little is known about degradation of these compounds by Asgard archaea to date. Here, we describe a previously unrecognized archaeal phylum, Hermodarchaeota, affiliated with the Asgard superphylum. The genomes of these archaea were recovered in metagenomes from mangrove sediments, and were found to encode alkyl/benzyl-succinate synthases and their activating enzymes that are similar to those found in alkanes-degrading sulfate-reducing bacteria. Hermodarchaeota also encode enzymes for alkyl-coenzyme A and benzoyl-coenzyme A oxidation, and the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, as well as nitrate reductases. Furthermore, transcripts for these enzymes have been frequently detected in metatranscriptomes from mangrove sediments. This indicates that members of this phylum are able to anaerobically oxidize alkanes and aromatic compounds, coupling the reduction of nitrate. Genes encoding 16S rRNA and alkyl/benzyl-succinate synthases analogous to those in Hermodarchaeota were identified in a range of marine and freshwater sediments. These findings suggest that Asgard archaea capable of degrading alkanes and aromatics via formation of alkyl/benzyl-substituted succinates are ubiquitous in sediments.
Diet unmasks genetic variants that regulate lifespan in outbred Drosophila
Authors: Pallares Luisa F. , Lea Amanda J. , Han Clair , Filippova Elena V. , Andolfatto Peter , Ayroles Julien F.
Published: October 2020

Evolutionary theory suggests that lifespan-associated alleles should be purged from the gene pool, and yet decades of GWAS and model organism studies have shown they persist. Here, we address one potential explanation, the idea that the alleles that regulate lifespan do so only in certain contexts. We exposed thousands of outbred Drosophila to a standard and a high sugar diet. We then sequenced over 10,000 individuals and track genome-wide allele frequency changes over time, as these populations aged. We mapped thousands of lifespan-altering alleles, some associated with early vs late life tradeoffs, late-onset effects, and genotype-by-environment interactions. We find that lifespan-reducing alleles are most likely to be recently derived, have stronger effects on a high-sugar diet, consistent with the hypothesis that historically neutral or beneficial alleles can become detrimental in novel conditions. We also show that the gene midway, a regulator of lipid storage and ortholog of the lifespan-associated gene DGAT1 in mice, also regulates lifespan in Drosophila. Our results provide insight into the highly polygenic and context-dependent genetic architecture of lifespan, as well as the evolutionary processes that shape this key trait.
TIGIT-Fc Promotes Antitumour Immunity
Authors: Fu Wenyan , Lei Changhai , Zhao Jian , Hu Shi
Published: October 2020

T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) is a checkpoint receptor that mediates both T cell and natural killer (NK) cell exhaustion in tumours. An Fc-TIGIT fusion protein was shown to induce an immune-tolerance effect in a previous report, but the relevance of the TIGIT-Fc protein to tumour immunity is unknown. Here, we unexpectedly found that TIGIT-Fc promotes rather than suppresses tumour immunity. TIGIT-Fc treatment promoted the effector function of CD8+T and NK cells in several tumour-bearing mouse models. Additionally, TIGIT-Fc treatment resulted in potent T cell and NK-cell-mediated tumour reactivity, sustained memory-induced immunity in tumour re-challenge models, enhanced therapeutic effects via an antibody against PD-L1, and induction of Th1 development in CD4+T cells. TIGIT-Fc showed a potent antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) effect but no intrinsic effect on tumour cell development. Our findings elucidate the unexpected role of TIGIT-Fc in tumour immune reprogramming, suggesting that TIGIT-Fc treatment alone or in combination with other checkpoint receptor blockers is a promising anticancer therapeutic strategy.
The incubation period of COVID-19: A scoping review and meta-analysis to aid modelling and planning
Authors: Banka Prakashini , Comiskey Catherine
Published: October 2020

Background

An accurate estimate of the distribution of the incubation period for COVID-19 is the foundational building block for modelling the spread of the SARS COV2 and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies on affected communities. Initial estimates were based on early infections, the aim of this study was to provide an updated estimate and meta-analysis of the incubation period distribution for COVID-19.

Methods

The review was conducted according to the PRISMA Scoping Review guidelines. Five databases were searched; CINAHL, MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, ASSIA, and Global Index Medicus for studies published between 1 January 2020 - 27 July 2020.

Results

A total of 1,084 articles were identified through the database searches and 1 article was identified through the reference screening of retrieved articles. After screening 64 articles were included. The studies combined had a sample of 45,151 people. The mean of the incubation periods was 6.71 days with 95% CIs ranging from 1 to 12.4 days. The median was 6 days and IQR ranging from 1.8 to 16.3. The resulting parameters for a Gamma Distribution modelling the incubation period were Γ(α, λ) = Γ(2.810,0.419) with mean, μ = α/λ.

Conclusion

Governments are planning their strategies on a maximum incubation period of 14 days. While our results are limited to primarily Chinese research studies, the findings highlight the variability in the mean period and the potential for further incubation beyond 14 days. There is an ongoing need for detailed surveillance on the timing of self-isolation periods and related measures protecting communities as incubation periods may be longer.
Experience replay supports non-local learning
Authors: Liu Yunzhe , Mattar Marcelo G. , Behrens Timothy E J , Daw Nathaniel D. , Dolan Raymond J
Published: October 2020

To make effective decisions we need to consider the relationship between actions and outcomes. They are, however, often separated by time and space. The biological mechanism capable of spanning those gaps remains unknown. One promising, albeit hypothetical, mechanism involves neural replay of non-local experience. Using a novel task, that segregates direct from indirect learning, combined with magnetoencephalography (MEG), we tested the role of neural replay in non-local learning in humans. Following reward receipt, we found significant backward replay of non-local experience, with a 160 msec state-to-state time lag, and this replay facilitated learning of action values. This backward replay, combined with behavioural evidence of non-local learning, was more pronounced in experiences that were of greater benefit for future behavior, as predicted by theories of prioritization. These findings establish rationally targeted non-local replay as a neural mechanism for solving complex credit assignment problems during learning.

One Sentence Summary

Reverse sequential replay is found, for the first time, to support non-local reinforcement learning in humans and is prioritized according to utility.
Mitochondrial collapse links PFKFB3-promoted glycolysis with CLN7/MFSD8 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis pathogenesis
Authors: Lopez-Fabuel Irene , Garcia-Macia Marina , Buondelmonte Costantina , Burmistrova Olga , Bonora Nicolo , Morant-Ferrando Brenda , Alonso-Batan Paula , Vicente-Gutierrez Carlos , Jimenez-Blasco Daniel , Quintana-Cabrera Ruben , Fernandez Emilio , Sharaireh Aseel , Guevara-Ferrer Marta , Fitzpatrick Lorna , Thompton Christopher D. , McKay Tristan R. , Storch Stephan , Medina Diego L. , Mole Sara E. , Fedichev Peter O. , Almeida Angeles , Bolaños Juan P.
Published: October 2020

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a family of monogenic life-limiting pediatric neurodegenerative disorders collectively known as Batten disease1. Although genetically heterogeneous2, NCLs share several clinical symptoms and pathological hallmarks such as lysosomal accumulation of lipofuscin and astrogliosis2,3. CLN7 disease belongs to a group of NCLs that present in late infancy4–6and, whereasCLN7/MFSD8gene is known to encode a lysosomal membrane glycoprotein4,7–9, the biochemical processes affected by CLN7-loss of function are unexplored thus preventing development of potential treatments1,10. Here, we found in theCln7Δex2mouse model11of CLN7 disease that failure in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway causes accumulation of structurally and bioenergetically impaired, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing neuronal mitochondria that contribute to CLN7 pathogenesis.Cln7Δex2neurons exhibit a metabolic shift mediated by pro-glycolytic enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase-3 (PFKFB3). PFKFB3 inhibition inCln7Δex2micein vivoand in CLN7 patients-derived cells rectified key disease hallmarks. Thus, specifically targeting glycolysis may alleviate CLN7 pathogenesis.