bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Landscape Composition on Wheat Stem Sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) and Its Associated Braconid Parasitoids
Authors: Peirce Erika S , Rand Tatyana A , Cockrell Darren M , Ode Paul J , Peairs Frank B
Published: November 2020

Several agroecological and integrated pest management strategies focus on landscape management to increase complexity and foster biodiversity. However, landscape complexity does not always enhance biological control and in some cases may lead to increased pest populations. We examined the prevalence of two Bracon parasitoids, Bracon cephi Gahan and Bracon lissogaster Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and their host the wheat stem sawfly Cephus cinctus Norton, a major pest of wheat. We assessed the degree of noncrop and crop host plant use and responses to landscape composition. We found no instances of parasitism by either Bracon species in our three-year, statewide winter wheat survey but found small populations of Bracon in noncrop landscapes throughout eastern and western Colorado. We used model selection to examine how local (500 m scale) and landscape (5 km scale) cover of suitable noncrop and crop habitats potentially affects abundances of Bracon and wheat stem sawfly. Our best fit model for wheat stem sawfly suggests that a decrease in noncrop cover at the landscape scale leads to an increase in wheat stem sawfly infestation. Our best fit model for Bracon parasitism suggests an increase in wheat cover at the local level results in the greatest increase in the odds of parasitism by either species of Bracon. Herbaceous cover at local and landscape scales were also significant predictors of Bracon parasitism. The results of this study suggest that pest and natural enemies respond differently to landscape composition and these responses should be evaluated before management decisions are made.
Interdisciplinarity and Punishment in the Academy: Reflecting upon Researching and Teaching Human Rights in University Settings
Authors: Evans Matthew
Published: November 2020

This article reflects upon the experience of researching and teaching human rights, and related areas, in a number of university settings. It is argued, on the one hand, that interdisciplinarity is necessary, present and considered valuable in academic human rights scholarship. On the other hand, the article argues that disciplinary power is exercised in the academy with the effect of limiting the degree to which interdisciplinary research and teaching can take place in practice. As a consequence, interdisciplinary academics (and students) are punished. Both intellectual horizons and material opportunities are potentially constricted. Reflecting upon this potential, the article considers whether it is practically possible to reduce or avoid the disciplining and punishment of this kind of teaching and research in universities and concludes by making the case for a postdisciplinary reimagining of human rights in the academy.
Improving wearable-based fall detection with unsupervised learning
Authors: Fáñez Mirko , Villar José R , de la Cal Enrique , González Víctor M , Sedano Javier
Published: November 2020

Fall detection (FD) is a challenging task that has received the attention of the research community in the recent years. This study focuses on FD using data gathered from wearable devices with tri-axial accelerometers (3DACC), developing a solution centered in elderly people living autonomously. This research includes three different ways to improve a FD method: (i) an analysis of the event detection stage, comparing several alternatives, (ii) an evaluation of features to extract for each detected event and (iii) an appraisal of up to 6 different clustering scenarios to split the samples in subsets that might enhance the classification. For each clustering scenario, a specific classification stage is defined. The experimentation includes publicly available simulated fall data sets. Results show the guidelines for defining a more robust and efficient FD method for on-wrist 3DACC wearable devices.
Body Size Plasticity of Weevil Larvae (Curculio davidi) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Its Stoichiometric Relationship With Different Hosts
Authors: Du Baoming , Yuan Jun , Ji Huawei , Yin Shan , Kang Hongzhang , Liu Chunjiang
Published: November 2020

Parasites obtain energy and nutrients from the host, and their body size is also usually limited by host size. However, the regulatory mechanisms that control the plasticity of parasite body sizes and the stoichiometric relationships with their hosts remain unclear. Here we investigated the concentrations of 14 elements (C, H, O, N, P, S, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in the acorns of three oak species (Quercus spp.), in their endoparasitic weevil (Curculio davidi Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae and in the larval feces, and the weight of weevil larvae within different hosts in a warm-temperate zone of China. Our results showed that the three acorn species exhibited significant differences in C, H, O, P, K, Mg, and Mn concentrations. However, in the weevil larvae, only P, Mn, and C:P ratio revealed significant differences. Weevil larvae preferentially absorbed and retained N, Zn, Na, and P, whereas Mn, K, Ca, and O were passively absorbed and transported. The weevil larvae weight was associated with acorn stoichiometry, and positively correlated with acorn size. Weevil larvae P decreased, but Mn and C:P increased with their weight, implying highly variable in somatic stoichiometry are coupled with the plasticity of body size. Interestingly, weevil larvae weight was negatively correlated with acorn infection rate, indicating small-size parasitic insects might have higher fitness level in parasite–host systems than larger-size ones. Our results suggest that variation in P, Mn, and C:P in parasites may play critical roles in shaping their body size and in improving their fitness.
Expectations as techniques of legitimation? Imagined futures through global bioethics standards for health research
Authors: Flear Mark L
Published: November 2020

I argue that expectations or strong beliefs about what can occur, and the imaginaries they construct, can be shaped by organizations and used by them as techniques for public legitimation of their governance and regulatory activities. I advance this argument by reference to the International Council on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). The expectations and imaginary flowing from the ICH’s mission and framing, ‘harmonisation for better health’, support a focus on technological development for the production of safe, quality, and effective pharmaceuticals and individual ethical conduct to achieve it. The expectations also marginalize wider systemic issues relating to social justice, particularly those affecting the global South. The central role of scientific-technical knowledge and expertise to harmonization abets the latter by minimizing the value to governance of public knowledges on systemic issues. Instead of ensuring the contribution of these knowledges to governance through public participation, there is an attempt to bolster legitimation through communication of expectations and transparency to show practices are in accordance with them (ie expectations are met).
‘We know more than that’: The Underemployment Experiences of College-educated Iraqi Refugees Living in the US
Authors: Disney Lindsey R. , McPherson Jane , Jamal Ziad S.
Published: November 2020

Underemployment (i.e. a skilled worker in a low-skill job) has a negative impact on life satisfaction, and college-educated refugees often experience underemployment in the countries where they are resettled. Using interviews, this small-scale study explores college-educated Iraqi refugees’ experiences of employment in the US, and how employment experiences impact their resettlement and life satisfaction. Our participants share a complex picture of gratitude and loss, and a common framework for making short-term and long-term employment and education decisions post-resettlement. Our findings support the hypothesis that employment is one of the most influential areas of a refugee’s resettlement experience.
Proximal migration of a ‘double J’ ureteric stent in a patient with a staghorn calculus
Authors: Burns Emily J , Smith Peter M , Liew Matthew
Published: November 2020

Ureteric stents are widely used for the management of obstructive uropathy and intraoperative identification of the ureters. Despite undergoing numerous modifications since their introduction in 1967, they are frequently associated with complications ranging from irritative symptoms to migration of the stent. Proximal migration of ureteric stents is a relatively uncommon occurrence, with a reported incidence of 1–4.2%; it is usually associated with inappropriate stent length, poor positioning or incorrect deployment of the stent. Here we discuss an interesting case of a patient who unfortunately suffered proximal ureteric stent migration associated with pelvico-ureteric junction obstruction, despite appropriate stent choice, adequate deployment and confirmation of correct positioning. This complication likely occurred secondary to mechanical disruption of the stent caused by the presence of a large staghorn calculus within the renal pelvis.
Cost recovery in production sharing contracts: a comparative review of Southeast Asian jurisdictions
Authors: Lingard Nicholas , Morgan Philip , Apostolova Kate , Tan Jeremy
Published: November 2020

While the current macro factors (such as the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on oil and gas demand and lower crude prices) suggest a challenging period lies ahead, the oil and gas industry remains important to a number of Southeast Asian countries, representing a focus area for foreign investment, a driver of domestic auxiliary industries and a source of government revenue. This article focuses on key oil and gas jurisdictions in the region—namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam—and provides a comparative overview of the cost recovery mechanisms in each country. Despite the practical importance of understanding how the cost recovery regimes are intended to operate in each of the relevant jurisdictions, there remains a little detailed commentary on the relevant legislative and contractual frameworks. By tracking how each of the five jurisdictions has modified and adopted cost recovery provisions as it considers appropriate for its particular investment needs, and comparing the jurisdictions surveyed across a range of measures, as reflected in Table 8, this article aims to provide current and future market participants with insights on cost recovery, both to support investment decisions and provide context for disputes that may arise.
Cosmic microwave background constraints on a physical model of reionization
Authors: Choudhury Tirthankar Roy , Mukherjee Suvodip , Paul Sourabh
Published: November 2020

We study constraints on allowed reionization histories by comparing predictions of a physical seminumerical model with secondary temperature and polarization anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). Our model has four free parameters characterizing the evolution of ionizing efficiency ζ and the minimum mass Mmin of haloes that can produce ionizing radiation. Comparing the model predictions with the presently available data of the optical depth τ and kinematic Sunyaev–Zeldovich signal, we find that we can already rule out a significant region of the parameter space. We limit the duration of reionization $\Delta z= 1.30^{+0.19}_{-0.60}$ (Δz < 2.9 at $99{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ C.L.), one of the tightest constraints on the parameter. The constraints mildly favour Mmin ≳ 109 M⊙ (at $68{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ C.L.) at z ∼ 8, thus indicating the presence of reionization feedback. Our analysis provides an upper bound on the secondary B-mode amplitude $D_{l=200}^{BB} \lt 18$ nK2 at $99{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ C.L. We also study how the constraints can be further tightened with upcoming space- and ground-based CMB missions. Our study, which relies solely on CMB data, has implications not only for upcoming CMB surveys for detecting primordial gravitational waves but also redshifted 21 cm studies.
The statistical reliability of 267-GHz JCMT observations of Venus: no significant evidence for phosphine absorption
Authors: Thompson M A
Published: November 2020

In the light of the recent announcement of the discovery of the potential biosignature phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus, I present an independent reanalysis of the original James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) data to assess the statistical reliability of the detection. Two line detection methods are explored: low-order polynomial fits and higher order multiple polynomial fits. A non-parametric bootstrap analysis reveals that neither line detection method is able to recover a statistically significant detection. Similar to the results of other reanalyses of ALMA(Atacama Large Millimetre Array) Venus spectra, the polynomial fitting process results in false positive detections in the JCMT spectrum. There is thus no significant evidence for phosphine absorption in the JCMT Venus spectra.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Perioptic Meningiomas: An International, Multicenter Study
Authors: Bunevicius Adomas , Anand Rithika Kormath , Suleiman Mohanad , Nabeel Ahmed M , Reda Wael A , Tawadros Sameh R , Abdelkarim Khaled , El-Shehaby Amr M N , Emad Reem M , Chytka Tomas , Liscak Roman , Sheehan Kimball , Sheehan Darrah , Caceres Marco Perez , Mathieu David , Lee Cheng-chia , Yang Huai-che , Picozzi Piero , Franzini Andrea , Attuati Luca , Speckter Herwin , Olivo Jeremy , Patel Samir , Cifarelli Christopher P , Cifarelli Daniel T , Hack Joshua D , Strickland Ben A , Zada Gabriel , Chang Eric L , Fakhoury Kareem R , Rusthoven Chad G , Warnick Ronald E , Sheehan Jason
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is increasingly used for management of perioptic meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE

To study the safety and effectiveness of SRS for perioptic meningiomas.

METHODS

From 12 institutions participating in the International Radiosurgery Research Foundation (IRRF), we retrospectively assessed treatment parameters and outcomes following SRS for meningiomas located within 3 mm of the optic apparatus.

RESULTS

A total of 438 patients (median age 51 yr) underwent SRS for histologically confirmed (29%) or radiologically suspected (71%) perioptic meningiomas. Median treatment volume was 8.01 cm3. Median prescription dose was 12 Gy, and median dose to the optic apparatus was 8.50 Gy. A total of 405 patients (93%) underwent single-fraction SRS and 33 patients (7%) underwent hypofractionated SRS. During median imaging follow-up of 55.6 mo (range: 3.15-239 mo), 33 (8%) patients experienced tumor progression. Actuarial 5-yr and 10-yr progression-free survival was 96% and 89%, respectively. Prescription dose of ≥12 Gy (HR: 0.310; 95% CI [0.141-0.679], P = .003) and single-fraction SRS (HR: 0.078; 95% CI [0.016-0.395], P = .002) were associated with improved tumor control. A total of 31 (10%) patients experienced visual decline, with actuarial 5-yr and 10-yr post-SRS visual decline rates of 9% and 21%, respectively. Maximum dose to the optic apparatus ≥10 Gy (HR = 2.370; 95% CI [1.086-5.172], P = .03) and tumor progression (HR = 4.340; 95% CI [2.070-9.097], P < .001) were independent predictors of post-SRS visual decline.

CONCLUSION

SRS provides durable tumor control and quite acceptable rates of vision preservation in perioptic meningiomas. Margin dose of ≥12 Gy is associated with improved tumor control, while a dose to the optic apparatus of ≥10 Gy and tumor progression are associated with post-SRS visual decline.
Reception of health messages: effects of stigmatization and forcefulness
Authors: Schnepper R , Blechert J , Stok F M
Published: November 2020

Background

Diet-related health messages often use scare tactics and negative imagery. However, they show limited effectiveness. Improving these messages is important to prevent further increases of obesity rates and consequential sicknesses. When designing a health message, image choice and wording are central. Controversy revolves around the use of stigmatizing images. Body weight influences the effect of stigma on the participants, and detrimental effects are observable in individuals with overweight. Wording has to be concrete but not too forceful.

Methods

In this study, female subjects (N = 162) saw a stigmatizing versus non-stigmatizing health message with forceful versus non-forceful wording (2 × 2-design). Effects on a virtual food choice task (healthy versus unhealthy), diet intentions and concerns to be stigmatized were assessed.

Results

In the non-stigmatizing and non-forceful condition, participants made the highest number of healthy food choices. In the two stigma conditions, higher body mass index correlated with higher concern to be stigmatized, highlighting the adverse effect a health message can have.

Conclusions

In a female student sample, a non-stigmatizing and non-forceful text had the most positive effect on healthy food choices without evoking concerns to be stigmatized. This should be considered when promoting a healthy lifestyle.
HrCYP90B1 modulating brassinosteroid biosynthesis in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) against fruit fly (Rhagoletis batava obseuriosa Kol.) infection
Authors: Liu Jianfeng , Wang Zhaoyu , Zhao Jie , Zhao Lin , Wang Lei , Su Zhi , Wei Jianrong
Published: November 2020

Sea buckthorn is an important ecological and economic tree species, and its berries have been severely damaged by sea buckthorn fruit fly, Rhagoletis batava obseuriosa Kol. (Diptera: Tephritidae) (RBO). Brassinosteroid (BR) is widely involved in stress tolerance of plant. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying insect resistance. Here, we found that BR content was much higher in sea buckthorn fruits with RBO infection than non-infection, and the damage rates of fruit with BR treatment were significantly lower than that of non-treatment. It indicated that BR could enhance RBO resistance in sea buckthorn. Several BR biosynthesis-related HrCYPs genes (CYP85A1/85A2/90A1/90B1/90C1/90D1/92A6/724B/734A1) were obtained and identified based on transcriptome analysis, of which the most up-regulated gene in fruits was HrCYP90B1 under RBO and mechanical damage. Overexpression of HrCYP90B1 in Arabidopsis thaliana showed BR and salicylic acid (SA) content was significantly increased, and the substrate campesterol (CR) of HrCYP90B1 content decreased. Further studies revealed that silencing HrCYP90B1 by virus-induced gene silencing resulted in decrease of BR, SA and defense-related enzymes contents, and increase of CR content. Silencing HrCYP90B1 also caused suppression of SA and activation of jasmonic acid pathways, enabling enhanced RBO susceptibility and more damage of fruits. Taken together, we obtained evidence that HrCYP90B1 was a positive regulator in RBO resistance improvement in sea buckthorn, which will provide comprehensive insights into the tree defense system of sea buckthorn to pest infection.
Does a Growth Mindset Enable Successful Aging?
Authors: Heslin Peter A , Burnette Jeni L , Ryu Nam Gyu
Published: November 2020

Successful aging broadly refers to the development and maintenance of favorable life outcomes with increasing age. We propose that the likelihood of people aging successfully is enhanced by routinely engaging in habitually repeated, enjoyable actions (henceforth, “rituals”) that cultivate their personal resources in the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual domains. We suggest that fixed mindsets will impede the discovery and adoption of such rituals, whereas growth mindsets will facilitate people exploring, trialing, and perpetually enacting rituals that help them age successfully. After defining successful aging, we explain the nature of mindsets and discuss their role in systematically cultivating relevant physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual resources. Practical examples of personal resource-building rituals are provided throughout. We outline several avenues for future research to test hypotheses derived from the propositions we have advanced and illustrate how mindsets might be deliberately fostered to support successful aging. We also suggest potential boundary conditions on the utility of growth mindsets.
Flaming Phlox and the Ubiquitous Powdery Mildew Disease
Authors: Farinas Coralie , Jourdan Pablo S. , Peduto Hand Francesca
Published: November 2020

Phlox is a diverse genus of ornamental plants that is native to the North American continent. These popular plants, which are known for flowers with “the color of glowing flame”, are particularly appreciated in naturalistic arrangements and increasingly emphasized in native gardens for their ability to attract pollinators. Despite the plant’s popularity, the main limitation to its cultivation is the fungal disease powdery mildew (PM). Hence, cultivars deployed through the years have been selected not just for desirable horticultural traits but also for resistance to PM. Although some studies on the Phlox-PM pathosystem have begun to unravel the mechanisms underpinning host-pathogen interactions, numerous questions remain unanswered, including what are the genes involved in the retarded senescence of the infected host tissue, what are the molecular mechanisms associated with the host ontogenic resistance, and what is the role of phytohormones in the resistance of Phlox to PM? PM pathogens, already predominant on Phlox, are now likely to be ubiquitous due to the exchange of plants throughout the world. Research into the genetic diversity of Phlox-PM populations will help identify the routes of disease spread and evolutionary potential of the pathogens. Here, we review what is known about Phlox and the PM disease, and we identify knowledge gaps that have yet to be addressed.
Results of an Initiative Supporting Community-Based Organizations and Health Care Clinics to Assist Individuals With Enrolling in SNAP
Authors: Kelly Cheryl , Maytag Allison , Allen Marisa , Ross Colleen
Published: November 2020

Context:

Only 58% of eligible Coloradans are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In recent years, more community-based organizations (CBOs) and health care clinics are incorporating screening for social needs into their workflows.

Program:

Seven Colorado-based CBOs and 3 clinics received funding (2016-2018) to screen for food insecurity (FI) and provide SNAP application assistance to their clients and patients.

Implementation:

Funded agencies were required to implement strategies focused on particular populations or settings based on Food Research and Action Center recommendations.

Evaluation:

A 5-part care cascade from screening to SNAP enrollment was conceptualized to guide the evaluation. Funded CBOs and clinics were asked to submit de-identified individual-level data to the evaluation team (number and characteristics of individuals screened, screening results, interest in receiving assistance, submitted application, enrolled in SNAP). The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the proportion of individuals CBOs and clinics screen for FI and assist with completing a SNAP application and describe the characteristics of individuals who are not interested in receiving assistance to complete a SNAP application and the characteristics of individuals who enroll in SNAP.

Results:

Thirty-five percent of individuals who reported FI participated in the care cascade and enrolled in SNAP. CBOs assisted a greater proportion of food-insecure individuals (55%) than clinics (22%) (P < .001). Males, adults 40 years or older, rural residents, and African Americans were more likely to be interested in receiving assistance, and adults 40 years or older, rural residents, and American Indians/Alaska Natives were more likely to enroll in SNAP.

Discussion:

CBOs were more successful in assisting individuals along the care cascade than clinics. Certain subpopulations are more likely to be interested in receiving assistance and enrolling in SNAP. These findings can be used by public health practitioners to plan interventions to increase enrollment in SNAP.
Public Education Interventions and Uptake of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rani Uzma , Darabaner Ellen , Seserman Michael , Bednarczyk Robert A. , Shaw Jana
Published: November 2020

Context:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains suboptimal in the United States. Public education is considered an important aspect of increasing vaccination rates.

Objectives:

We systematically reviewed the literature on the impact of public education on HPV vaccine uptake.

Design:

PubMed was searched to identify studies published between January 1, 2007, and April 30, 2018, meeting the following inclusion criteria: the study was conducted in the US, education was directed toward the public, and the research included HPV vaccine uptake and/or completion as outcomes.

Results:

A total of 3764 studies were screened, and 30 published studies were included in the review. Among those, 13 focused on parent/guardian education, 8 on young adults, 6 on parent/daughter dyads, 1 focused only on adolescents, and 2 studies recruited a mixed-age population. Studies that included parents and young adults and were delivered by experts led to increased uptake of HPV vaccination (n = 14). A majority of the studies included female and Non-Hispanic White population (n = 20). Less than a third of studies included minority groups: Hispanic (n = 4), African American (n = 1), Cambodian American (n = 1), Indian American (n = 1), Korean American (n = 1), and combined Haitian and African American (n = 1) population. Minority group interventions that provided individually tailored messages, addressed misconceptions, removed barriers to vaccination, and engaged parents and community members improved HPV vaccine acceptance (n = 5).

Conclusion:

Interventions that delivered HPV-related education by authoritative sources and included parents improved HPV vaccination rates among adolescents and young adults. Community engagement played an important role in vaccine uptake among minority populations. Future studies should focus on male participants and minority populations to reduce disparities in HPV-related cancer incidence and HPV vaccine coverage.
Venous Air Embolism Identified by 18F-Fluorocholine Dual-Phase PET/CT
Authors: Cañete-Sánchez Francisco M. , Romero Robles Leonardo G. , Boulvard Chollet Xavier L. E. , Mangas Losada María , Colletti Patrick M. , Rubello Domenico , Ramírez Lasanta Rafael , Delgado Bolton Roberto C.
Published: November 2020

A 60-year-old woman with primary hyperparathyroidism with previous nonconclusive imaging studies was referred for 18F-fluorocholine (18F-FCH) PET/CT as part of the preoperative diagnostic imaging workup to localize the adenoma before minimally invasive surgery. 18F-FCH PET/CT with dual time point was performed, acquiring immediately and 60 minutes after 18F-FCH administration. The early images demonstrated possible hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in the mediastinum, located in the right upper paratracheal space (region 2R), with an incidental iatrogenic subclavian venous air bubble embolism presenting as high uptake in the early images that disappeared in the late images. No symptomatology was reported during the examination.
99mTc-Sestamibi Scintigraphy Reveals Parathyroid Adenoma Masquerading as Esophageal Diverticulum
Authors: Kay Matthew D. , Morris-Wiseman Lilah F. , Caskey Justin , Winegar Blair A. , Kuo Phillip H.
Published: November 2020

A 74-year-old woman with primary hyperparathyroidism diagnosed from routine laboratory tests described symptoms of fatigue and difficulty with concentration. During surgical consultation, the cervical and thoracic spine MRI scans from the preceding 10-year period, performed for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, were reviewed. In this clinical context, the slowly enlarging left upper paraesophageal lesion, reported as a lateral proximal esophageal (Killian-Jamieson) diverticulum, was reevaluated for a potential parathyroid adenoma. 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT demonstrated focal uptake in the paraesophageal lesion with surgical resection, confirming it to be a large parathyroid adenoma.
Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Uptake in a Peripheral Nerve and Respective Ganglia on 68Ga–Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen–HBED-CC PET/CT
Authors: Mettler Jasmin , Drzezga Alexander , Dietlein Markus , Hucho Tim , Kobe Carsten
Published: November 2020

A 74-year-old man with a history of prostate cancer with proven osseous metastatic disease underwent 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT under antiandrogen therapy. The scan revealed a long segment of increased PSMA tracer uptake within the right sciatic nerve, which appeared edematous and swollen, and the respective ganglia. Clinically, the patient suffered from pain and paresis in the right leg. As infiltration of a long segment of a single nerve seems unlikely, primarily neuronal disease such as neuritis (induced by metastases or radiotherapy) was considered. The observed uptake of PSMA-targeting PET tracers may then represent a peripheral nerve disorder.
Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumor With 18F-Fluciclovine Uptake in a Patient With Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Abiodun-Ojo Olayinka A. , Akintayo Akinyemi A. , Harik Lara R. , Bilen Mehmet , Halkar Raghuveer K.
Published: November 2020

18F-Fluciclovine is an amino acid–based radiopharmaceutical used primarily for PET imaging of patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. We report a case of a 66-year-old man with recently diagnosed metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer and a left supraclavicular lymph node with incidental radiotracer uptake on 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT. Left neck core needle biopsy confirmed high-grade, poorly differentiated carcinoma with neuroendocrine features positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin, and negative for prostate markers.
Alternating handedness motifs in proteins classify structure and cofactor binding
Authors: Rizwan Shaheer , Pike Douglas , Poudel Saroj , Nanda Vikas
Published: November 2020

Cofactor binding sites in proteins often are composed of favorable interactions of specific cofactors with the sidechains and/or backbone protein fold motifs. In many cases these motifs contain left-handed conformations which enable tight turns of the backbone that present backbone amide protons in direct interactions with cofactors termed ‘cationic nests’. Here, we defined alternating handedness of secondary structure as a search constraint within the PDB to systematically identify these cofactor binding nests. We identify unique alternating handedness structural motifs which are specific to the cofactors they bind. These motifs can guide the design of engineered folds that utilize specific cofactors and also enable us to gain a deeper insight into the evolution of the structure of cofactor binding sites.
Assessing bite force estimates in extinct mammals and archosaurs using phylogenetic predictions
Authors: Sakamoto Manabu
Published: November 2020

Bite force is an ecologically important biomechanical performance measure is informative in inferring the ecology of extinct taxa. However, biomechanical modelling to estimate bite force is associated with some level of uncertainty. Here, I assess the accuracy of bite force estimates in extinct taxa using a Bayesian phylogenetic prediction model. I first fitted a phylogenetic regression model on a training set comprising extant data. The model predicts bite force from body mass and skull width while accounting for differences owning to biting position. The posterior predictive model has a 93% prediction accuracy as evaluated through leave-one-out cross-validation. I then predicted bite force in 37 species of extinct mammals and archosaurs from the posterior distribution of predictive models.

Biomechanically estimated bite forces fall within the posterior predictive distributions for all except four species of extinct taxa, and are thus as accurate as that predicted from body size and skull width, given the variation inherent in extant taxa and the amount of time available for variance to accrue. Biomechanical modelling remains a valuable means to estimate bite force in extinct taxa and should be reliably informative of functional performances and serve to provide insights into past ecologies.
Tetramerization of Phosphoprotein is essential for Respiratory Syncytial virus budding while its N terminal region mediates direct interactions with the Matrix protein
Authors: Bajorek Monika , Galloux Marie , Richard Charles-Adrien , Szekely Or , Rosenzweig Rina , Sizun Christina , Eleouet Jean-Francois
Published: November 2020

It was shown previously that the Matrix (M), Phosphoprotein (P), and the Fusion (F) proteins of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are sufficient to produce virus-like particles (VLPs) that resemble the RSV infection-induced virions. However, the exact mechanism and interactions among the three proteins are not known. This work examines the interaction between P and M during RSV assembly and budding. We show that M interacts with P in the absence of other viral proteins in cells using a Split Nano Luciferase assay. By using recombinant proteins, we demonstrate a direct interaction between M and P. By using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) we identify three novel M interaction sites on P, namely site I in the αN2region, site II in the 115-125 region, and the oligomerization domain (OD). We show that the OD, and likely the tetrameric structural organization of P, is required for virus-like filament formation and VLP release. Although sites I and II are not required for VLP formation, they appear to modulate P levels in RSV VLPs.

Importance

Human RSV is the commonest cause of infantile bronchiolitis in the developed world and of childhood deaths in resource-poor settings. It is a major unmet target for vaccines and anti-viral drugs. The lack of knowledge of RSV budding mechanism presents a continuing challenge for VLP production for vaccine purpose. We show that direct interaction between P and M modulates RSV VLP budding. This further emphasizes P as a central regulator of RSV life cycle, as an essential actor for transcription and replication early during infection and as a mediator for assembly and budding in the later stages for virus production.
ABC-finder: A containerized web server for the identification and topology prediction of ABC proteins
Authors: Vishwakarma Poonam , Meena Naveen Kumar , Prasad Rajendra , Lynn Andrew M. , Banerjee Atanu
Published: November 2020

In view of the multiple clinical and physiological implications of ABC transporter proteins, there is a considerable interest among researchers to characterize them functionally. However, such characterizations are based on the premise that ABC proteins are accurately identified in the proteome of an organism, and their topology is correctly predicted. With this objective, we have developed ABC-finder, i.e., a Docker-based package for the identification of ABC proteins in all organisms, and visualization of the topology of ABC proteins using a web browser. ABC-finder is built and deployed in a Linux container, making it scalable for many concurrent users on our servers and enabling users to download and run it locally. Overall, ABC-finder is a convenient, portable, and platform-independent tool for the identification and topology prediction of ABC proteins.

ABC-finder is accessible athttp://abc-finder.osdd.jnu.ac.in
Asymptomatic Bordetella pertussis infections in young African infants and their mothers identified within a longitudinal cohort
Authors: Gill CJ , Gunning CE , MacLeod W , Mwananyanda L , Thea D , Pieciak R , Kwenda G , Mupila Z , Rohani P
Published: November 2020

Despite long-standing vaccination programs, pertussis incidence has increased in numerous countries; transmission by asymptomatic individuals is a suspected driver of this resurgence. However, unequivocal evidence documenting asymptomatic infections in adults and children is lacking due, in part, to the cross-sectional nature of most pertussis surveillance studies. In addition, modern pertussis surveillance relies on quantitative PCR (qPCR) using fixed diagnostic thresholds to identify cases.

To address this gap, we present a longitudinal analysis of 17,442 nasopharyngeal samples collected from a cohort of 1,320 Zambian mother/infant pairs. Using full-range cycle threshold (CT) values from IS481 qPCR assays, we document widespread asymptomatic infections among mothers and also, surprisingly, among young infants. From an initial group of eight symptomatic infants who tested positive by qPCR, we identify frequent contemporaneous subclinical infections in mothers. Within the full cohort, we observe strong temporal correlation between low- and high-intensity qPCR signals. We compute a single time-averaged score for each individual summarizing the evidence for pertussis infection (EFI), and show that EFI strongly clusters within mother/infant pairs, and is strongly associated with clinical symptomatology and antibiotic use.

Overall, the burden of pertussis here is substantially underestimated when restricting diagnostic criteria to IS481 CT≤35. Rather, we find that full-range CT values provide valuable insights into pertussis epidemiology in this population, and illuminate the infection arc within individuals. These findings have significant implications for quantifying asymptomatic pertussis prevalence and its contribution to overall transmission. Our results also expose limitations of threshold-based interpretations of qPCR assays in infectious disease surveillance.

IMPORTANCE STATEMENT

Current pertussis epidemiology rests largely on cross-sectional surveys that use diagnostic thresholds to interpret qPCR results as positive or negative, and thus fail to capture arcs of infection within individuals or populations. By longitudinally monitoring a cohort of African mother/infant pairs and using full-range qPCR results, we quantify the otherwise-hidden evidence for pertussis infection (EFI) in individuals. We demonstrate strong clustering of EFI within mother/infant pairs and quantify the association between EFI and both pertussis symptoms and antibiotic use. Critically, we find strong evidence that asymptomatic pertussis is common in both infants and mothers, indicating that the burden of pertussis has been significantly underestimated in this population. Our results also inform qPCR-based monitoring of other pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2.
Fatty acid profiles, cholesterol composition, and nutritional quality indices of 37 commonly consumed local foods in Kuwait in relation to cardiovascular health
Authors: Al-Amiri Hanan A. , Ahmed Nisar , Al-Sharrah Tahani
Published: November 2020

Dietary fatty acids and cholesterol content are proved, by many research studies, to be associated with various health conditions, including cardiovascular health. Knowledge of the composition of these nutrients in food is essential for proper planning of health programs. The present study aimed at assessing the fatty acid profile, fatty acid nutritional quality, and cholesterol composition of 37 foods commonly consumed in the State of Kuwait and the potential impact of these foods on cardiovascular risk. Fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector into four types: saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fatty acids. Nutritional quality was calculated using the atherogenic index, thrombogenic index, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic fatty acid ratio, polyunsaturated fatty acid/ saturated fatty acid ratio, and n-3/n-6 fatty acids ratio. Determination of cholesterol was performed by gas chromatography. Saturated fatty acid levels ranged from 0.01–21.83, monounsaturated fatty acids 0.01–25.51, and 0.013–22.87 g/100 g edible portion of food. The predominant fatty acids identified in all studied foods were C18:2c (n-3), C16:0, and C18:1c, with values 0.45–56.52, 10.12–44.90, and 16.99–42.56% of total fatty acids, respectively. The trans fatty acid content was low in all foods. Cholesterol levels varied between traces (<0.05) and 454.79 mg/100 g edible portions of food. Results show that seafood, rice-based, seed-based, and vegetable-based foods had better nutritional quality in terms of the fatty acids content, as indicated by the polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid and n-3/n-6 ratios, low thrombogenicity indices, and high hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic fatty acid ratios. Cholesterol and fatty acid data obtained in the present study will be of special interest for many studies, including nutrition-related health research, and will help policymakers in proper strategies for health programs.
Clinical evaluation of the Roche/SD Biosensor rapid antigen test with symptomatic, non-hospitalized patients in a municipal health service drive-through testing site
Authors: Iglὁi Zsὁfia , Velzing Jans , van Beek Janko , van de Vijver David , Aron Georgina , Ensing Roel , Benschop Kimberley , Han Wanda , Boelsums Timo , Koopmans Marion , Geurtsvankessel Corine , Molenkamp Richard
Published: November 2020

Background

Rapid detection of infectious individuals is essential in stopping the further spread of SARS-CoV-2. Although rapid antigen test is not as sensitive as the gold standard RT-PCR, the time to result is decreased by day(s), strengthening the effectiveness of contact tracing.

Methods

The Roche/SD Biosensor lateral flow antigen rapid test was evaluated in a mild symptomatic population at a large drive through testing site. A second nasopharyngeal swab was directly tested with the rapid test on site and results were compared to RT-PCR and virus culture. Date of onset and symptoms were analysed using data from a clinical questionnaire.

Results

We included 970 persons with complete data. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 84.9% (CI95% 79.1-89.4) and 99.5% (CI95% 98.7-99.8) which translated into a positive predictive value of 97.5% (CI95% 94.0-99.5) under the current regional PCR positivity of 19.2%. Sensitivity for people with high loads of viral RNA (ct <30, 2.17E+05 E gene copy/ml) and who presented within 7 days since symptom onset increased to 95.8% (CI95% 90.5-98.2). Band intensity and time to result correlated strongly with viral load thus strong positive bands could be read before the recommended time. Around 98% of all viable specimen with ct <30 were detected successfully indicating that the large majority of infectious people can be captured with this test.

Conclusion

Antigen rapid tests can detect mildly symptomatic cases in the early phase of disease thereby identifying the most infectious individuals. Using this assay can have a significant value in the speed and effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak management.

People with early onset and high viral load were detected with 98.2% sensitivity.

97% of individuals in which virus could be cultured were detected by the rapid test.

This test is suitable to detect mild symptomatic cases.
Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are associated with protection against reinfection
Authors: Lumley Sheila F , O’Donnell Denise , Stoesser Nicole E , Matthews Philippa C , Howarth Alison , Hatch Stephanie B , Marsden Brian D , Cox Stuart , James Tim , Warren Fiona , Peck Liam J , Ritter Thomas G , de Toledo Zoe , Warren Laura , Axten David , Cornall Richard J , Jones E Yvonne , Stuart David I , Screaton Gavin , Ebner Daniel , Hoosdally Sarah , Chand Meera ,   Oxford University Hospitals Staff Testing Group, Crook Derrick W , O’Donnell Anne-Marie , Conlon Christopher P , Pouwels Koen B , Walker A Sarah , Peto Tim EA , Hopkins Susan , Walker Timothy M , Jeffery Katie , Eyre David W
Published: November 2020

Background

It is critical to understand whether infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) protects from subsequent reinfection.

Methods

We investigated the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive results in seropositive and seronegative healthcare workers (HCWs) attending asymptomatic and symptomatic staff testing at Oxford University Hospitals, UK. Baseline antibody status was determined using anti-spike and/or anti-nucleocapsid IgG assays and staff followed for up to 30 weeks. We used Poisson regression to estimate the relative incidence of PCR-positive results and new symptomatic infection by antibody status, accounting for age, gender and changes in incidence over time.

Results

A total of 12219 HCWs participated and had anti-spike IgG measured, 11052 were followed up after negative and 1246 after positive antibody results including 79 who seroconverted during follow up. 89 PCR-confirmed symptomatic infections occurred in seronegative individuals (0.46 cases per 10,000 days at risk) and no symptomatic infections in those with anti-spike antibodies. Additionally, 76 (0.40/10,000 days at risk) anti-spike IgG seronegative individuals had PCR-positive tests in asymptomatic screening, compared to 3 (0.21/10,000 days at risk) seropositive individuals. Overall, positive baseline anti-spike antibodies were associated with lower rates of PCR-positivity (with or without symptoms) (adjusted rate ratio 0.24 [95%CI 0.08-0.76, p=0.015]). Rate ratios were similar using anti-nucleocapsid IgG alone or combined with anti-spike IgG to determine baseline status.

Conclusions

Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection that generated antibody responses offered protection from reinfection for most people in the six months following infection. Further work is required to determine the long-term duration and correlates of post-infection immunity.
Extracellular vesicles from human adipose stem cells are neuroprotective after stroke in rats
Authors: Rohden Francieli , Teixeira Luciele Varaschini , Bernardi Luis Pedro , Ferreira Marques Nicolly Paz , Colombo Mariana , Teixeira Geciele Rodrigues , dos Santos de Oliveira Fernanda , Cirne Lima Elizabeth Obino , Rodrigues Guma Fátima Costa , Souza Diogo Onofre
Published: November 2020

Ischemic stroke is a prominent cause of death and disability, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies. Accordingly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from mesenchymal stem cells are promising tools for stroke treatment. In this study, we evaluated the potential neuroprotective properties of EVs released from human adipose tissue stem cells (hAT-MSC), which were obtained from a healthy individual submitted to liposuction. A single intranasal EVs administration was performed 24 h after the ischemic stroke in rats. The EVs brain penetration and the tropism to brain zone of ischemia was observed 18 h after administration. Thus, we measured EVs neuroprotection against the ischemic stroke-induced impairment on long-term motor and behavioral performance. Indeed, one single intranasal EVs administration reversed the stroke damages on: i) front paws symmetry; ii) working memory, short- and long-term memory; iii) anxiety-like behavior. These findings highlight hAT-MSC-derived EVs as a promising therapeutic strategy in stroke.