bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden Phylogenomic Signal Helps Elucidate Arsenurine Silkmoth Phylogeny and the Evolution of Body Size and Wing Shape Trade-Offs
Authors: Hamilton Chris A , Winiger Nathalie , Rubin Juliette J , Breinholt Jesse , Rougerie Rodolphe , Kitching Ian J , Barber Jesse R , Kawahara Akito Y
Published: November 2021

One of the key objectives in biological research is understanding how evolutionary processes have produced Earth’s diversity. A critical step toward revealing these processes is an investigation of evolutionary tradeoffs—that is, the opposing pressures of multiple selective forces. For millennia, nocturnal moths have had to balance successful flight, as they search for mates or host plants, with evading bat predators. However, the potential for evolutionary trade-offs between wing shape and body size are poorly understood. In this study, we used phylogenomics and geometric morphometrics to examine the evolution of wing shape in the wild silkmoth subfamily Arsenurinae (Saturniidae) and evaluate potential evolutionary relationships between body size and wing shape. The phylogeny was inferred based on 782 loci from target capture data of 42 arsenurine species representing all 10 recognized genera. After detecting in our data one of the most vexing problems in phylogenetic inference—a region of a tree that possesses short branches and no “support” for relationships (i.e., a polytomy), we looked for hidden phylogenomic signal (i.e., inspecting differing phylogenetic inferences, alternative support values, quartets, and phylogenetic networks) to better illuminate the most probable generic relationships within the subfamily. We found there are putative evolutionary trade-offs between wing shape, body size, and the interaction of fore- and hindwing (HW) shape. Namely, body size tends to decrease with increasing HW length but increases as forewing (FW) shape becomes more complex. Additionally, the type of HW (i.e., tail or no tail) a lineage possesses has a significant effect on the complexity of FW shape. We outline possible selective forces driving the complex HW shapes that make Arsenurinae, and silkmoths as a whole, so charismatic. [Anchored hybrid enrichment; Arsenurinae; geometric morphometrics; Lepidoptera; phylogenomics; Saturniidae.]
Seasonal trends of Cyclospora cayetanensis infections in a community of Falcon State, Northwestern Venezuela
Authors: Chacin-Bonilla L , Sanchez Y
Published: November 2021

Background

Cyclosporiasis has a marked seasonality. Few community-based studies have addressed this issue and there are no reports from Venezuela. A study was conducted to determine the seasonal variation of infection in a community from Falcon State, Venezuela.

Methods

A sample of 732 individuals was collected for 1 y. Stools were examined with modified Ziehl-Neelsen carbolfuchsin staining of ethyl acetate-formalin concentrates and ultraviolet epiflorescence of wet mounts.

Results

Cyclospora prevalence was 9.9% (73/732) with monthly variation from 0% to 35.3%. A trend of increased infections coinciding with the rainy time was observed (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Cyclosporiasis is common in this area with high endemicity during the rainy periods.
Avascular necrosis under different treatment in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Qiu Meiling , Chen Meiyi , Sun Hao , Li Deng , Cai Zhiqing , Zhang Wenhui , Xu Jie , Ma Ruofan
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head in children less than 3 years of age with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) treated with closed reduction, open reduction alone and open reduction combined with osteotomy. We reviewed clinical trials from the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases (up to November 2020) that were related to closed reduction, open reduction alone and open reduction combined with osteotomy for the treatment of children under 3 years of age with DDH. The screening and quality evaluation of the literature were performed independently by two researchers. In case of disagreement, a third researcher resolved the discourse. Finally, the data were extracted, and the R software and GeMTC program package were used to conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA). The evaluation index was the incidence of AVN. Fourteen articles were included. The NMA showed that in terms of the incidence of AVN, cases treated with open reduction alone were higher than those with closed reduction, and the difference was statistically significant. Open reduction alone had the highest probability (94.4%) of having the highest incidence of AVN, followed by open reduction combined with osteotomy (5.5%) and closed reduction (0.1%). In the treatment of children with DDH who are younger than 3 years old, open reduction alone is most likely to be the treatment with the highest incidence of AVN, followed by open reduction combined with osteotomy. The closed reduction had the smallest probability of AVN.
The Use of the Video, “Dear 16-Year-Old Me,” as a Melanoma Education Tool in Ambulatory Dermatology
Authors: Olayiwola Oluwatobi , Lazovich DeAnn , Wipf Angela , Goldfarb Noah , Lindgren Bruce , Bellefeuille Gretchen , Farah Ronda S.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer continues to be the most common cancer in the United States. The rise of social media platforms and internet use offers an opportunity to present health information through video-based education. The video “Dear 16-Year-OldMe,” addresses the risks associated with tanning and sun exposure, the importance of practicing sun protection, and shares stories from melanoma survivors.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the video “Dear 16-Year-Old Me,” as a patient education tool in dermatology clinics and to investigate whether viewing a short educational video can change knowledge about skin cancer risks and intention to improve skin cancer prevention behavior.

PATIENTS AND METHODS/MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS

English-speaking clinic patients between the ages of 14 to 45 years old were recruited. Exclusion criteria include both a personal or family history of skin cancer, dysplastic nevi, or other medical comorbidities. Forty-five participants agreed to participate; 38 were eligible for analysis.

RESULTS

Comparison of prevideo and postvideo responses demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in participants reporting they were likely to tan outdoors (p-value = .001). A significant increase was observed in the reported likelihood to have a professional skin examination (p-value < .001) or self-examination (p-value < .001) in the future.

CONCLUSION

and Relevance: Viewing “Dear 16-Year-Old Me,” resulted in reported participant changes in intention to tan outdoors and participate in skin surveillance. Although these are encouraging results, future studies with a comparison group are needed to elucidate whether these results correspond to changes in behavior. In the age of viral videos and readily accessible health information via the internet, continued investigation of video media on patient health behaviors should be pursued.
Inferiorly Based Rotation Flaps for Infraorbital Cheek Defects
Authors: Donigan Jessica M. , Taylor Oliver , Greif Charlotte , Srivastava Divya , Nijhawan Rajiv I.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

The infraorbital cheek is a common location for cutaneous malignancy and thus surgical defects. Reconstruction in this region must maintain nearby free margins to ensure optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes. Large defects may require a flap using lateral or inferior tissue reservoirs.

OBJECTIVE

To examine outcomes of inferiorly based rotation flaps in the repair of infraorbital cheek defects and highlight pearls for optimal long-term results.

METHODS

Chart review of patients with a defect of the infraorbital cheek repaired with an inferiorly based rotation flap between February 2010 and December 2018 at a single academic institution. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for scar assessment.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients underwent extirpation of a cutaneous malignancy resulting in defects ranging from 1.0 × 1.0 to 4.5 × 5.5 cm (mean area = 4.8 cm2). Most of the patients did not experience complications. Ectropion occurred in 7 patients. The mean VAS score was 11.6.

CONCLUSION

An inferiorly based rotation flap yields acceptable outcomes for infraorbital cheek defects and can be considered for defects as large as 5.5 cm. Using pearls for surgical execution presented in this article may allow reconstructive surgeons to include this flap in their repertoire.
Age at menopause among rural and urban women in the state of Campeche, Mexico
Authors: Sievert Lynnette Leidy , Huicochea-Gómez Laura , Cahuich-Campos Diana , Whitcomb Brian W. , Brown Daniel E.
Published: November 2021

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine age at natural menopause among women of Maya and non-Maya ancestry living in urban and rural communities in the state of Campeche, Mexico.

Methods:

Women ages 40 to 60 (n = 543) participated in semi-structured interviews and anthropometric measures. The last names, languages spoken, and the birthplace of the woman, her parents, and her grandparents were used to determine Maya or non-Maya ethnicity. Recalled age at natural menopause was compared across four communities; analysis of variance was used to compare means and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to compare medians. Probit analysis was also used to estimate median ages at menopause. Cox regression analyses were applied to identify variables associated with age at menopause.

Results:

Mean recalled age at natural menopause across all sites was 46.7 years, ranging from 47.8 years in the city of Campeche to 43.9 years in the rural Maya communities in the municipality of Hopelchén. Median ages at menopause across all sites were 50.55 years by probit analysis and 50.5 years by Kaplan-Meier. Variables associated with a later age at menopause included higher socioeconomic status, higher parity, and a later age at menarche.

Conclusions:

The early mean recalled age at menopause in southern Hopelchén was consistent with previous studies in the Yucatán peninsula. As expected, probit and Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated later ages at menopause. Contrary to our expectations, Maya/non-Maya ethnicity was not associated with age at menopause. Demographic and reproductive factors were more important than ethnicity in explaining variation in age at menopause within the state of Campeche, Mexico.
GNA11 Mutation in an Intracranial Melanocytoma with Orbital Involvement and Nevus of Ota
Authors: Zhou Henry W. , Tran Ann Q. , North Victoria S. , Zagzag David , Sen Chandranath , Kazim Michael
Published: November 2021

The prognostic value of mutations in G-protein genes GNAQ and GNA11 in patients with intracranial and orbital melanocytomas is unknown. The authors present a case of GNA11 mutation (GNA11Q209L) in a 32-year-old male suffering from a meningeal melanocytoma with orbital involvement and ipsilateral Nevus of Ota. The patient underwent gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery without biopsy and later partial transcranial resection of the melanocytic tumor that was subject to immunohistochemical and molecular analysis. A 50-gene next-generation sequencing panel revealed a 626A>T mutation in the GNA11 gene. One year later, intracranial extension of the melanocytoma necessitated a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and immunotherapy. Future work is needed to determine how GNA11 mutations in melanocytomas influence prognosis and monitoring strategies.
Prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in cirrhosis patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: Zhang Wei , Aryan Mahmoud , Chen Zhiguo , Khan Walid , Thompson Blake , Kwenda Elizabeth , Geller Brian , Morelli Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

Background and aims

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (NLR) is used as an inflammatory index and has proven to be an accurate prognostic indicator for decompensated cirrhotics; however, its role in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has not been evaluated. We examined whether NLR is associated with mortality in decompensated cirrhosis patients undergoing TIPS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 268 decompensated cirrhotics who underwent TIPS from January 2011 to December 2015 at an academic medical center. NLR, patient demographics, manifestations of cirrhosis, TIPS indications and mortality were recorded. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses for prognostic factors associated with 30-day and 90-day post TIPS mortality were performed.

Results

A total of 129 (48%) patients received TIPS for refractory ascites with 79 (29%) for variceal bleeding, 14 (5%) for hepatic hydrothorax, and 46 (17%) for other indications. Cirrhosis etiology included hepatitis C (36%), alcohol (28%), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (20%), or other (15%). Median NLR was 4.42 (IQR 2.75–7.19). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed NLR as an independent predictive factor of 30-day and 90-day mortality. Furthermore, in patients with a Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) ≤ 15, NLR is superior to MELD/MELD-Na score in predicting 30-day and 90-day mortality. In patients with MELD > 15, MELD/MELD-Na score is superior to NLR.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that elevated NLR independently predicts 30-day and 90-day mortality. In patients with a MELD ≤ 15, NLR is a better prognostic factor than MELD or MELD-Na in predicting short-term mortality.
Novel approaches to hypoglycemia and burnt-out diabetes in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Rhee Connie M. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Tuttle Katherine R.
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review

Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that confers faster kidney disease progression, higher mortality, and various metabolic derangements including hypoglycemia.

Recent findings

Even in the absence of diabetes mellitus, growing research demonstrates that CKD patients are at heightened risk for hypoglycemia via multiple pathways. In CKD patients transitioning to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), spontaneous resolution of hyperglycemia and frequent hypoglycemia resulting in reduction and/or cessation of glucose-lowering medications are frequently observed in a phenomenon described as ‘burnt-out diabetes’. In non-CKD patients, it is well established that hypoglycemia is causally associated with mortality, with pathways including arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, stroke, and seizures. Increasing evidence shows that, in CKD and ESRD patients with and without diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia is associated with cardiovascular complications and mortality risk.

Given the high prevalence of hypoglycemia in CKD patients and the morbidity and mortality associated with this metabolic complication, a multimodal strategy is needed to prevent dysglycemia, including individualization of glycemic targets, selection of glucose-lowering medications less likely to induce hypoglycemia, medical nutrition therapy administered by trained dietitians, and accurate and precise hypoglycemia detection methods, such as self-monitored blood glucose or continuous glucose monitoring including during dialysis treatment.
Medical nutrition therapy using plant-focused low-protein meal plans for management of chronic kidney disease in diabetes
Authors: Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Rhee Connie M. , Joshi Shivam , Brown-Tortorici Amanda , Kramer Holly M.
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review

Nearly half of all Americans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) also have type-2-diabetes (T2D). Whereas traditional and emerging pharmacotherapies are increasingly frequently used for the management of CKD in diabetes (CKD/DM), the role of integrated or multimodal interventions including the potentially synergistic and additive effect of diet and lifestyle modifications in addition to pharmacotherapy has not been well examined, in sharp contrast to the well-known integrated approaches to heart disease.

Recent findings

Low-carbohydrate low-fat diets are often recommended in T2D, whereas low-protein diets (LPD) are recommended by guidelines for nondiabetic CKD with increasing emphasis on plant-based protein sources. High-protein diets with greater animal protein lead to glomerular hyperfiltration, especially in patients with T2D, and faster decline in renal function. Guidelines provide differing recommendations regarding the amount (low vs high) and source (plant vs animal) of dietary protein intake (DPI) in CKD/DM. Some such as KDIGO recommend 0.8 g/kg/day based on insufficient evidence for DPI restriction in CKD/DM, whereas KDOQI and ISRNM recommend a DPI of 0.6 to <0.8 g/kg/day. A patient-centered plant-focused LPD for the nutritional management of CKD/DM (PLAFOND), a type of PLADO diet comprising DPI of 0.6 to <0.8 g/kg/day with >50% plant-based sources, high dietary fiber, low glycemic index, and 25–35 Cal/kg/day energy, can be implemented by renal dietitians under Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Potential risks vs benefits of high vs low protein intake in CKD/DM is unknown, for which expert recommendations remain opinion based. Randomized controlled studies are needed to examine safety, acceptability and efficacy of PLAFOND.
Update on penile sparing surgery for penile cancer
Authors: Anastasiadis Eleni , Ayres Benjamin , Watkin Nick
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review

Penile sparing surgery (PSS) is considered the standard of care in penile cancer where appropriate, as preservation of the penis may enable the patient to maintain urinary and sexual function. This review will focus on the latest developments over the past two years.

Recent findings

In this review, we discuss the latest findings in oncological outcomes in PSS, specifically glansectomy. We also introduce technology that may be useful in improving the precision of surgical resection margins in PSS. Finally, we consider the value of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and consider how research in this area can be improved.

A recent study has found a correlation between local recurrences (LR) and worse overall and cancer-specific survival in glansectomy, which challenges the belief that LR do not confer worse oncological outcomes. Despite numerous studies evaluating PROMs in penile cancer/PSS, few of these studies provide quality evidence of the ‘supportive care needs’. A shift in research is required to identify those men at most risk of distress and to identify ways to support men diagnosed with penile cancer.
Epstein–Barr virus posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder: update on management and outcomes
Authors: Lindsay Julian , Othman Jad , Heldman Madeleine R. , Slavin Monica A.
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review

Management of Epstein–Barr virus posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV PTLD) is complex, involving risk stratification, prevention and/or preemptive measures involving monitoring EBV DNAemia and balancing treatment options, using a combination of reduction of immune suppression, anti-B cell therapy, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs).

Recent findings

The highest risk factor for the development of EBV PTLD in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) remains T cell depletion, with increasing use of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) or alemtuzumab in conditioning. In solid organ transplantation (SOT), the incidence of PTLD is highest among EBV seronegative recipients who are at risk for primary EBV infection following transplant in the first 12 months. Prevention is a critical component of the management of EBV PTLD. Although preemptive therapy remains standard of care, there continues to be heterogenicity and debate over the optimal choice of EBV DNA quantification and the threshold to use. Novel therapies such as donor-derived multipathogen and EBV specific CTLs for the prevention and third party CTLs for the treatment of EBV PTLD are promising, with rapidly expanding evidence, including large scale Phase III trials currently underway.

With an increasing number of risk groups for developing EBV PTLD in HCT and SOT, management strategies using prophylaxis or preemptive therapy remain standard of care, however the use of prophylactic or preemptive EBV specific or multipathogen CTLs show promising results and safety profiles.
Saccharobesus litoralis gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel alginate-degrading bacterium isolated from the surface of intertidal algal turf
Authors: Amrina Rosyada Amran , Furusawa Go , Lau Nyok-Sean
Published: November 2021

A novel rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and alginate-degrading marine bacterium, designated CCB-QB4T, was isolated from a surface of algal turf collected from a coastal area of Penang, Malaysia. The cells showed motility by a lateral flagellum. The rod-shaped cells formed long chains end-to-end. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain CCB-QB4T showed 94.07, 92.69, 91.52 and 90.90 % sequence similarity to

Algibacillus agarilyticus

RQJ05T,

Catenovulum maritimum

Q1T,

Catenovulum agarivorans

YM01T and

Catenovulum sediminis

D2T, respectively. Strain CCB-QB4T formed a cluster with

A. agarilyticus

RQJ05T. Strain CCB-QB4T was catalase-negative, oxidase-positive, and degraded agar, alginate, and starch. Cell growth was observed at 15–40 °C, at pH 7.0–10.0 and in the presence of 1–6 % (w/v) NaCl and glucose. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω7c. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified glycolipids, an unidentified phospholipid and unidentified lipid. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The genomic DNA G+C content was 46.7 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain CCB-BQ4T represents a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Saccharobesus litoralis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CCB-QB4T (=JCM 33513T=CCB-MBL 5008T).
Factors affecting stability of anthocyanin pigment extracted from
red kale (Brassica oleracea L. var.
acephala)
Authors: Kim Mi Ri , Kim Myung Hyun , Han Young Sil
Published: November 2021

This study examined the pigment stability of red kale anthocyanin according to
different conditions. The red kale extract was the most stable at pH 1.0 showing
high absorbance at 538 nm. When a 0.05 M organic acid solution was added to the
red kale extract, which was then stored for 10 days, the pigment retention rates
were observed in the order of malic > formic > acetic >
citric acids. When measuring the stability in the presence of metal ions, the
pigment retention rates were observed in the order of K+ >
Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Na+ >
Fe2+. The stability based on heat treatment was confirmed that
the lower the temperature, the more stable the color. When 0.1 M sugar solution
was added to the red kale extract, which was then stored for 6 days, the pigment
retention rates were observed in the order of glucose > maltose >
sucrose > galactose > fructose. The color was more stable in
darkness than upon exposure to sunlight. The color was relatively stable at
−40°C and −20°C, but at 37°C, color stability
decreased. In conclusion, the anthocyanin pigment of red kale showed different
color stability depending on the processing conditions, and these should be
considered when using it as a natural pigment.
Effects of supercritical carbon dioxide extracts of red pepper and
pine needle on the oxidative stability of perilla oil
Authors: Lee Kyo-Yeon , Kim Ah-Na , Lee Hye Young , Pyo Min Jeong , Choi Sung-Gil
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supercritical carbon
dioxide (SC-CO2) extracts from red pepper (RP) or pine needles (PN)
on the physicochemical properties of perilla oil (PO). Subsequently, the
physicochemical properties of the perilla oil containing SC-CO2
extract at 0.1% and PO without extract were compared. Oxidative stability was
measured based on viscosity, acid value (AV), peroxide value (POV), antioxidant
(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrahydrazyl) activity, p-anisidine value
(p-AV), and fatty acid composition. All the samples were
studied under medium temperature (65°C) accelerated oxidation conditions
for 24 h. The viscosities of PO with PN extract and PO without extract
significantly increased with increasing storage time, but that of PO added with
RP extract was not significantly different (p<0.05). The oxidative
stability properties, such as AV, POV, and p-AV, indicated that
PO with RP or PN extracts exhibited superior oxidative stabilities than PO
without extract. The antioxidant activities of all samples was significantly
decreased with increasing the oxidation time (p<0.05). No significant
differences in fatty acid composition between PO with and without extract were
observed (p<0.05). Thus, the SC-CO2 extracts affect the lipid
oxidative stability in perilla oil and may be used as natural antioxidant for
food preservation.
Antioxidant activity and qualitative and quantitative HPLC analyses
of five types of apple blossoms prepared by two different drying
methods
Authors: Yun Jeong Min , Kang Dong Wook
Published: November 2021

The present study comprised a comparison of the effectiveness of hot air drying
versus freeze drying to determine the antioxidant activities of five types of
apple blossoms-i.e., from apple varieties ‘Hongno’,
‘Aori’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Jonathan’, and
‘Myanmar’. Comparisons were made between the total polyphenol
content, the total flavonoid content, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)
radical-scavenging ability, and the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching
(FRAP) activity of each type of apple blossom. Qualitative and quantitative
analyses were carried out on 11 phenolic substances (caffeic, cinnamic,
m-coumaric, p-coumaric, ferulic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, salicylic,
sinapic, syringic, vanillic, and gallic acids) and six flavonoid substances
(apigenin, isoquercitrin, luteolin, quercetin, quercitrin, and rutin) by
high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Freeze-drying resulted in total
polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, DPPH radical-scavenging ability,
FRAP activity, phenolic acid substances content, and flavonoids content values
that were 3.6, 2.7, 3.8, 3.4, 2.4, and 5.7 times higher, respectively, than
those resulting from hot air drying. However, hot air drying resulted in higher
content values among the following phenolic acids: gallic, sinapic, and ferulic
acid. The freeze-dried ‘Aori’ apple blossoms exhibited the highest
antioxidant activity, phenolic acid content, and flavonoid content. They had
total polyphenol content of 500.6 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid content of 123.8 mg
QE/g, DPPH radical-scavenging ability of 83.3%, FRAP activity of 117.4 mg TE/g,
total content of the 11 phenolic acid substances of 737.9 mg/kg, and total
content of the 6 flavonoid substances of 105.8 mg/kg. Therefore, among five
types of blossoms investigated in the present study, freeze-dried
‘Aori’ apple blossom was the most suitable for use as natural
antioxidant materials, such as functional health foods and cosmetics.
Comparison of flavors of farm-made ‘Kujippong’
(Cudrania tricuspidata) fermented vinegar using
electronic nose and electronic tongue
Authors: Lee Su Jeong , Kim Sun Hee , Gwon Hee-Min , Kim So-Young , Yeo Soo-Hwan
Published: November 2021

The present study intended to compare the flavors of small-scale, farm-made
‘Kujippong’ (Cudrania tricuspidata) fermented
vinegars (V_A37 and V_B7) produced using two types of acetic acid bacteria (AP
A37, AP B7) with those of two commercially available ‘Kujippong’
vinegars (CV_A, CV_B) using an electronic nose and an electronic tongue. The
farm-made vinegars and the commercial vinegars did have different flavors. The
first principal component (PC1) of the principal component analysis using the
electronic nose confirmed that the pattern of volatility can be used to
distinguish between the raw materials used to produce ‘Kujippong’
vinegar-i.e., stems and fruit. A total of 11 main types of volatile components
were identified: ethyl acetate and acetic acid, which indicate fruity and
pungent acidic were the main volatile components. Analysis of the four kinds of
‘Kujippong’ vinegar by the electronic tongue revealed that the
farm-made ‘Kujippong’ fermented vinegar had a richer taste than
the commercially available vinegar in terms of sourness and umami. In
conclusion, it is possible to differentiate between the flavors of
‘Kujippong’ fermented vinegars using electronic noses and tongues.
These results will contribute to the development of the vinegar industry, thus
increasing the income of workers employed in a small-scale farming.
Effect of the Neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Sotrovimab in Preventing Progression of COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Gupta Anil , Gonzalez-Rojas Yaneicy , Juarez Erick , Casal Manuel Crespo , Moya Jaynier , Falci Diego Rodrigues , Sarkis Elias , Solis Joel , Zheng Hanzhe , Scott Nicola , Cathcart Andrea L. , Parra Sergio , Sager Jennifer E. , Austin Daren , Peppercorn Amanda , Alexander Elizabeth , Yeh Wendy W. , Brinson Cynthia , Aldinger Melissa , Shapiro Adrienne E.
Published: November 2021

Importance

Older patients and those with underlying comorbidities infected with SARS-CoV-2 may be at increased risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Sotrovimab is a neutralizing antibody designed for treatment of high-risk patients to prevent COVID-19 progression.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sotrovimab in preventing progression of mild to moderate COVID-19 to severe disease.

Design

Randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study.

Setting

57 centers in 5 countries.

Participants

Nonhospitalized patients with symptomatic, mild to moderate COVID-19 and at least 1 risk factor for disease progression.

Intervention

Patients were randomized (1:1) to an intravenous infusion of sotrovimab 500 mg or placebo.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of patients with COVID-19 progression, defined as all-cause hospitalization longer than 24 hours for acute illness management or death through day 29. Key secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with COVID-19 progression, defined as emergency room visit, hospitalization of any duration, or death, and proportion of patients developing severe/critical respiratory COVID-19 requiring supplemental oxygen.

Results

Among 1057 patients randomized (sotrovimab, 528; placebo, 529), all-cause hospitalization longer than 24 hours or death was significantly reduced with sotrovimab (6/528 [1%]) vs placebo (30/529 [6%]) by 79% (95% CI, 50% to 91%; P<.001). Secondary outcome results further demonstrated the effect of sotrovimab in reducing emergency room visits, hospitalization of any duration, or death, which was reduced by 66% (95% CI, 37% to 81%; P<.001), and severe/critical respiratory COVID-19, which was reduced by 74% (95% CI, 41% to 88%; P=.002). No patients receiving sotrovimab required high-flow oxygen, oxygen via nonrebreather mask, or mechanical ventilation compared with 14 patients receiving placebo. The proportion of patients reporting adverse events was similar between treatment groups; sotrovimab was well tolerated, and no safety concerns were identified.

Conclusions and Relevance

Among nonhospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, a single 500-mg intravenous dose of sotrovimab prevented progression of COVID-19, with a reduction in hospitalization and need for supplemental oxygen. Sotrovimab is a well-tolerated, effective treatment option for patients at high risk for severe morbidity and mortality from COVID-19.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04545060
Validation of a rapid, saliva-based, and ultra-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 screening system for a pandemic-scale infection surveillance
Authors: Dewhurst Robert E , Heinrich Tatjana , Watt Paul , Ostergaard Paul , Marimon Jose Maria , Moreira Mariana , Houldsworth Philip E , Rudrum Jack D , Wood David , Kõks Sulev
Published: November 2021

Without any realistic prospect of comprehensive global vaccine coverage and lasting immunity, control of pandemics such as COVID-19 will require implementation of large-scale, rapid identification and isolation of infectious individuals to limit further transmission. Here, we describe an automated, high-throughput integrated screening platform, incorporating saliva-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology, that is designed for population-scale sensitive detection of infectious carriers of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Central to this surveillance system is the “Sentinel” testing instrument, which is capable of reporting results within 25 minutes of saliva sample collection with a throughput of up to 3,840 results per hour. It incorporates continuous flow loading of samples at random intervals to cost-effectively adjust for fluctuations in testing demand. Independent validation of our saliva-based RT-LAMP technology on an automated LAMP instrument coined the “Sentinel”, found 98.7% sensitivity, 97.6% specificity, and 98% efficiency against a RT-PCR comparator assay, confirming its suitability for surveillance screening. This Sentinel surveillance system offers a feasible and scalable approach to complement vaccination, to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants, and control future pandemics to save lives.

One-Sentence Summary

Development of a high-throughput LAMP-based automated continuous flow, random access SARS-CoV-2 screening platform with sufficient sensitivity and specificity to enable pandemic-scale population testing of infectious individuals using saliva sampling.
Genetic Continuity of Indo-Iranian Speakers Since the Iron Age in Southern Central Asia
Authors: Guarino-Vignon Perle , Marchi Nina , Bendezu-Sarmiento Julio , Heyer Evelyne , Bon Céline
Published: November 2021

Since prehistoric times, South Central Asia has been at the crossroads of the movement of people, culture, and goods. Today, the Central Asia’s populations are divided into two cultural and linguistic groups: the Indo-Iranian and the Turko-Mongolian groups. Previous genetic studies unveiled that migrations from East Asia contributed to the spread of Turko-Mongolian populations in Central Asia and the partial replacement of the Indo-Iranian population. However, little is known about the origin of the latter. To shed light on this, we compare the genetic data on two current-day populations– Yaghnobis and Tajiks – with genome-wide data from published ancient individuals. The present Indo-Iranian populations from Central Asia display a strong genetic continuity with Iron Age samples from Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. We model Yaghnobis as a mixture of 93% Iron Age individual from Turkmenistan and 7% from Baikal. For the Tajiks, we observe a higher Baikal ancestry and an additional admixture event with a South Asian population. Our results, therefore, suggest that in addition to a complex history, Central Asia shows a remarkable genetic continuity since the Iron Age, with only limited gene flow.
Genetics of Myocardial Interstitial Fibrosis in the Human Heart and Association with Disease
Authors: Nauffal Victor , Di Achille Paolo , Klarqvist Marcus. D. R. , Cunningham Jonathan W. , Pirruccello James P. , Weng Lu-Chen , Morrill Valerie N. , Choi Seung Hoan , Khurshid Shaan , Friedman Samuel F. , Nekoui Mahan , Roselli Carolina , Ng Kenney , Philippakis Anthony A. , Batra Puneet , Ellinor Patrick T. , Lubitz Steven A.
Published: November 2021

Myocardial interstitial fibrosis is a common thread in multiple cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, conduction disease and sudden cardiac death. To investigate the biologic pathways that underlie interstitial fibrosis in the human heart, we developed a machine learning model to measure myocardial T1 time, a marker of myocardial interstitial fibrosis, in 42,654 UK Biobank participants. Greater T1 time was associated with impaired glucose metabolism, systemic inflammation, renal disease, aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and conduction disease. In genome-wide association analysis, we identified 12 independent loci associated with native myocardial T1 time with evidence of high genetic correlation between the interventricular septum and left ventricle free wall (r2g = 0.82). The identified loci implicated genes involved in glucose homeostasis (SLC2A12), iron homeostasis (HFE, TMPRSS6), tissue repair (ADAMTSL1, VEGFC), oxidative stress (SOD2), cardiac hypertrophy (MYH7B) and calcium signaling (CAMK2D). Transcriptome-wide association studies highlighted the role of expression of ADAMTSL1 and SLC2A12 in human cardiac tissue in modulating myocardial tissue characteristics and interstitial fibrosis. Harnessing machine learning to perform large-scale phenotyping of interstitial fibrosis in the human heart, our results yield novel insights into biologically relevant pathways for myocardial fibrosis and prioritize investigation of pathways for the development of anti-fibrotic therapies.
SARS-CoV-2 testing and COVID-19 related primary care use among people with citizenship, permanent residency, and temporary immigration status in British Columbia: Cross-sectional analysis of population-based administrative data
Authors: Wiedmeyer M , Goldenberg S , Peterson S , Wanigaratne S , Machado S , Tayyar E , Braschel M , Carrillo R , Sierra-Heredia C , Tuyisenge G , Lavergne MR
Published: November 2021

Background

Having temporary immigration status affords limited rights, workplace protections, and access to services. There is not yet research data on impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for people with temporary immigration status in Canada.

Methods

We use linked administrative data to describe SARS-CoV-2 testing, positive tests, and COVID-19 primary care service use in British Columbia from January 1, 2020, to July 31, 2021, stratified by immigration status (Citizen, Permanent Resident, Temporary Resident). We plot the rate of people tested and the rate of people confirmed positive for COVID-19 by week from April 19, 2020, to July 31, 2021, across immigration groups.

Results

4.9% of people with temporary immigration status had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 over this period, compared to 4.0% among people with permanent residency and 2.1% among people who hold Canadian citizenship. This pattern is persistent by sex/gender, age group, neighborhood income quintile, health authority, and in both metropolitan and small urban settings. At the same time we observe lower access to testing and COVID-19 related primary care among people with temporary status.

Interpretation

People with temporary immigration status in BC experience higher SARS-CoV-2 test positivity; alarmingly, this was coupled with lower access to testing and primary care. Interwoven immigration, health and occupational policies place people with temporary status in circumstances of precarity and higher health risk. Extending permanent residency status to all immigrants residing in Canada and decoupling access to health care from immigration status could reduce precarity due to temporary immigration status.
SARS-COV-2 Delta variant displays moderate resistance to neutralizing antibodies and spike protein properties of higher soluble ACE2 sensitivity, enhanced cleavage and fusogenic activity
Authors: Neerukonda Sabari Nath , Vassell Russell , Lusvarghi Sabrina , Wang Richard , Echegaray Fernando , Bentley Lisa , Eakin Ann E. , Erlandson Karl J. , Katzelnick Leah C. , Weiss Carol D. , Wang Wei
Published: November 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 lineage variants, Kappa (B.1.617.1) and Delta (B.1.617.2, AY) emerged during the second wave of infections in India, but the Delta variants have become dominant worldwide and continue to evolve. The spike proteins of B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2, and AY.1 variants have several substitutions in the receptor binding domain (RBD), including L452R+E484Q, L452R+T478K, and K417N+L452R+T478K, respectively, that could potentially reduce effectiveness of therapeutic antibodies and current vaccines. Here we compared B.1.617 variants, and their single and double RBD substitutions for resistance to neutralization by convalescent sera, mRNA vaccine-elicited sera, and therapeutic neutralizing antibodies using a pseudovirus neutralization assay. Pseudoviruses with the B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2, and AY.1 spike showed a modest 1.5 to 4.4-fold reduction in neutralization titer by convalescent sera and vaccine-elicited sera. In comparison, similar modest reductions were also observed for pseudoviruses with C.37, P.1, R.1, and B.1.526 spikes, but seven- and sixteen-fold reduction for vaccine-elicited and convalescent sera, respectively, was seen for pseudoviruses with the B.1.351 spike. Four of twenty-three therapeutic neutralizing antibodies showed either complete or partial loss of neutralization against B.1.617.2 pseudoviruses due to the L452R substitution, whereas six of twenty-three therapeutic neutralizing antibodies showed either complete or partial loss of neutralization against B.1.617.1 pseudoviruses due to either the E484Q or L452R substitution. Against AY.1 pseudoviruses, the L452R and K417N substitutions accounted for the loss of neutralization by four antibodies and one antibody, respectively, whereas one antibody lost potency that could not be fully accounted for by a single RBD substitution. The modest resistance of B.1.617 variants to vaccine-elicited sera suggest that current mRNA-based vaccines will likely remain effective in protecting against B.1.617 variants, but the therapeutic antibodies need to be carefully selected based on their resistance profiles. Finally, the spike proteins of B.1.617 variants are more efficiently cleaved due to the P681R substitution, and the spike of Delta variants exhibited greater sensitivity to soluble ACE2 neutralization, as well as fusogenic activity, which may contribute to enhanced spread of Delta variants.
Safety Assessment of BNT162b2 Vaccine in Adolescents Aged 12-15 Years
Authors: Patel Jayendrakumar , Bhavsar Bhavesh , Parikh Shalin , Ladani Nikunj
Published: November 2021

Present evidence of the safety of BNT162b2 Vaccine in adolescents of 12 to 15 years relies only on 2260 subjects involved in phase 3 study. Therefore, clinical and post-clinical safety assessment of BNT162b2 Vaccine in Age Group of 12 to 15 Years is urgently needed to make an accurate judgment for mass vaccination. A rapid systemic review was conducted to determine safety profile of BNT162b2 Vaccine in Age Group of 12 to 15 Years following the PRISMA guidelines. Published literature before August 15, 2021 were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane library and MedRxiv, using the defined search words. 135 records found from 6 databases, of which 4 studies (2 studies from NEJM and 2 MMWR), total subject who received at least one dose of vaccine: 64969, were included in this systemic review per the inclusion criteria. The major events reported in clinical phase and post-authorisation observational studies are pain at injection site (local), fatigue (systemic), headache (systemic), chill (systemic), diarrhoea (systemic) and joint pain (systemic). Post-authorisation observational study (n = 62,709) reported about 50% lower major systemic events, specifically, fatigue, headache, chill, diarrhoea and join pain and about 25% lower major local event, specifically, pain at injection site, than phase 3 clinical study (n = 1,131). Our study suggest that higher adherence rate (>97 percent received second dose) in clinical phase 3 and significantly lower incident of major local and systemic events in post-authorisation observational study indicating that BNT162b2 vaccine has highly favourable safety profile.
Adaptive trends of sequence compositional complexity over pandemic time in the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus
Authors: Oliver José L. , Bernaola-Galván Pedro , Perfectti Francisco , Gómez-Martín Cristina , Castiglione Silvia , Raia Pasquale , Verdú Miguel , Moya Andrés
Published: November 2021

During the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus underwent mutation and recombination events that altered its genome compositional structure, thus providing an unprecedented opportunity to search for adaptive evolutionary trends in real-time. The mutation rate in coronavirus is known to be lower than expected for neutral evolution, thus suggesting a role for natural selection. We summarize the compositional heterogeneity of each viral genome by computing its Sequence Compositional Complexity (SCC). To study the full range of SCC diversity, random samples of high-quality coronavirus genomes covering pandemic time span were analyzed. We then search for evolutionary trends that could inform on the adaptive process of the virus to its human host by computing the phylogenetic ridge regression of SCC against time (i.e., the collection date of each viral isolate). In early samples, we find no statistical support for any trend in SCC, although the viral genome appears to evolve faster than Brownian Motion (BM) expectation. However, in samples taken after the emergence of high fitness variants, and despite the brief time span elapsed, a driven decreasing trend for SCC, and an increasing one for its absolute evolutionary rate, are detected, pointing to a role for selection in the evolution of SCC in coronavirus genomes. We conclude that the higher fitness of variant genomes leads to adaptive trends of SCC over pandemic time in the coronavirus.
Internet-based health survey on loneliness and sleep-related problems among the working-age population in Japan during COVID-19
Authors: Tesen Hirofumi , Konno Yusuke , Tateishi Seiichiro , Hino Ayako , Tsuji Mayumi , Ogami Akira , Nagata Masako , Muramatsu Keiji , Yoshimura Reiji , Fujino Yoshihisa ,   for the CORoNaWork Project
Published: November 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been linked to a rise in loneliness. Loneliness is associated with sleep-related problems, which in turn can be a risk factor for various psychiatric disorders. However, it is unclear whether loneliness is linked to sleep-related problems during the pandemic. Here, we studied the association between loneliness and sleep-related problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.

Methods

A total of 33,302 individuals who indicated they were employed were surveyed online. The survey responses of 27,036 participants were analyzed. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

Of those analyzed, 2,750 (10.2%) experienced feelings of loneliness. Further, sleep-related problems were significantly more common among those who felt lonely both in the short term (more than 3 days) and the long term (more than 3 months). The OR was much weaker after adjusting for factors related to interpersonal connections, such as family and friendships, than after adjusting for factors related to socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

Loneliness may be a risk factor for sleep-related problems in the COVID-19 pandemic. Having connections with family and friends may have a moderating effect on the occurrence of sleep-related problems.