bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A molecular modelling approach for identifying antiviral selenium-containing heterocyclic compounds that inhibit the main protease of SARS-CoV-2: an in silico investigation
Authors: Rakib Ahmed , Nain Zulkar , Sami Saad Ahmed , Mahmud Shafi , Islam Ashiqul , Ahmed Shahriar , Siddiqui Adnan Bin Faisul , Babu S M Omar Faruque , Hossain Payar , Shahriar Asif , Nainu Firzan , Emran Talha Bin , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: January 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, and the situation worsens daily, associated with acute increases in case fatality rates. The main protease (Mpro) enzyme produced by SARS-CoV-2 was recently demonstrated to be responsible for not only viral reproduction but also impeding host immune responses. The element selenium (Se) plays a vital role in immune functions, both directly and indirectly. Thus, we hypothesised that Se-containing heterocyclic compounds might curb the activity of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. We performed a molecular docking analysis and found that several of the selected selenocompounds showed potential binding affinities for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, especially ethaselen (49), which exhibited a docking score of −6.7 kcal/mol compared with the −6.5 kcal/mol score for GC376 (positive control). Drug-likeness calculations suggested that these compounds are biologically active and possess the characteristics of ideal drug candidates. Based on the binding affinity and drug-likeness results, we selected the 16 most effective selenocompounds as potential anti-COVID-19 drug candidates. We also validated the structural integrity and stability of the drug candidate through molecular dynamics simulation. Using further in vitro and in vivo experiments, we believe that the targeted compound identified in this study (ethaselen) could pave the way for the development of prospective drugs to combat SARS-CoV-2 infections and trigger specific host immune responses.
Genoscapist: online exploration of quantitative profiles along genomes via interactively customized graphical representations
Authors: Dérozier Sandra , Nicolas Pierre , Mäder Ulrike , Guérin Cyprien
Published: January 2021

Genoscapist is a tool to design web interfaces generating high-quality images for interactive visualization of hundreds of quantitative profiles along a reference genome together with various annotations. Relevance is demonstrated by deployment of two websites dedicated to large condition-dependent transcriptome datasets available for Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.

Availability and implementation

Websites and source code freely accessible at https://genoscapist.migale.inrae.fr
Environmentally relevant mixtures of phthalates and phthalate metabolites differentially alter the cell cycle and apoptosis in mouse neonatal ovaries†
Authors: Warner Genoa R , Meling Daryl D , De La Torre Kathy M , Wang Karen , Flaws Jodi A
Published: January 2021

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used as additives in various consumer products, medical equipment, and personal care products. Phthalates and their metabolites are consistently detected in humans, indicating widespread and continuous exposure to multiple phthalates. Thus, environmentally relevant mixtures of phthalates and phthalate metabolites were investigated to determine the effects of phthalates on the function of the ovary during the neonatal period of development. Neonatal ovaries from CD-1 mice were cultured with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO; vehicle control), phthalate mixture (0.1–100 μg/mL), or phthalate metabolite mixture (0.1–100 μg/mL). The phthalate mixture was composed of 35% diethyl phthalate, 21% di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 15% dibutyl phthalate, 15% diisononyl phthalate, 8% diisobutyl phthalate, and 5% benzylbutyl phthalate. The phthalate metabolite mixture was composed of 37% monoethyl phthalate, 19% mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 15% monobutyl phthalate, 10% monoisononyl phthalate, 10% monoisobutyl phthalate, and 8% monobenzyl phthalate. After 96 h of culture, ovaries were harvested for histological analysis of folliculogenesis, gene expression analysis of cell cycle and apoptosis regulators, and immune staining for cell proliferation and apoptosis. The metabolite mixture significantly decreased the number and percentage of abnormal follicles (100 μg/mL) compared to controls. The metabolite mixture also significantly increased the expression of cell cycle inhibitors (100 μg/mL) and the antiapoptotic factor Bcl2l10 (10 μg/mL) compared to controls. The phthalate mixture did not significantly alter gene expression or follicle counts, but ovaries exposed to the phthalate mixture (0.1 μg/mL) exhibited marginally significantly increased apoptosis as revealed by DNA fragmentation staining. Overall, these data show that parent phthalates and phthalate metabolites differentially impact ovarian function.
Sequence meets function—microbiota and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Kim Myungsuk , Huda Md Nazmul , Bennett Brian J
Published: January 2021

The discovery that gut-microbiota plays a profound role in human health has opened a new avenue of basic and clinical research. Application of ecological approaches where the bacterial 16S rRNA gene is queried has provided a number of candidate bacteria associated with coronary artery disease and hypertension. We examine the associations between gut microbiota and a variety of cardiovascular disease (CVD) including atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and blood pressure. These approaches are associative in nature and there is now increasing interest in identifying the mechanisms underlying these associations. We discuss three potential mechanisms including: gut permeability and endotoxemia, increased immune system activation, and microbial derived metabolites. In addition to discussing these potential mechanisms we highlight current studies manipulating the gut microbiota or microbial metabolites to move beyond sequence-based association studies. The goal of these mechanistic studies is to determine the mode of action by which the gut microbiota may affect disease susceptibility and severity. Importantly, the gut microbiota appears to have a significant effect on host metabolism and CVD by producing metabolites entering the host circulatory system such as short-chain fatty acids and trimethylamine N-Oxide. Therefore, the intersection of metabolomics and microbiota research may yield novel targets to reduce disease susceptibility. Finally, we discuss approaches to demonstrate causality such as specific diet changes, inhibition of microbial pathways, and fecal microbiota transplant.
Distribution of Pest Wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) Species in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba (Canada)
Authors: van Herk Willem G , Vernon Robert S , Labun Ted J , Sevcik Mika H , Schwinghamer Timothy D
Published: January 2021

We present findings of a general survey of pest wireworms in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba conducted from 2004 to 2019; the first such survey of the Canadian Prairie provinces since that published by Glen et al. (1943). Samples were collected from 571 farmland locations where crop damage from wireworms was observed or suspected, and a total of 5,704 specimens (3,548 larvae, 2,156 beetles) were identified. Most specimens (96.9%) were identified as Hypnoidus bicolor (3,278), Selatosomus aeripennis destructor (1,280), Limonius californicus (842), and Aeolus mellillus (125). This suggests that H. bicolor has replaced S. a. destructor as the predominant species and that the relative importance of L. californicus as a pest species has increased since earlier reports. Despite the relatively small number of specimens collected per location (approx. 10), H. bicolor and S. a. destructor, and S. a. destructor and L. californicus were frequently collected at or near the same location (within 1 km). We provide species records and incidence of co-occurrence at different spatial scales, discuss potential reasons for and implications of shifts in species composition, implications of species co-occurrence for managing wireworm pests in crop production, and outline pertinent research needs. A path analysis approach used to correlate incidence of the main species with various soil characteristics indicated that organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and water retention capacity all had a significant species-specific influence on wireworm presence.
Field Ecology and Food Suitability of Tarsonemus spp. (Acari: Tarsonemidae)
Authors: Gautam S G , Ouyang Y , Gu P , Grafton-Cardwell E E
Published: January 2021

Tarsonemus bakeri Ewing (Acari: Tarsonemidae) is a species of mite commonly associated with citrus in many countries including the United States. A short report in 1942 suggested this species is phytophagous, but it has not been reported as a pest in citrus or any other crop since then. A single survey of 78 orchards in three growing regions in California demonstrated that Tarsonemus spp. mites were only associated with leaf samples that had visible sooty mold. A seasonal population study in one citrus orchard showed that all life stages of Tarsonemus spp. were present year-round on leaves and fruit, with the population on fruit reaching a peak in December (59.7 ± 15.2 mites per fruit). Results from a food suitability study showed that the population declined sharply on both plastic and leaf substrate when the mites were not provided a supplementary food source. When supplementary food was provided in the form of Alternaria, honeydew, molasses, or combinations of these, mites survived and multiplied throughout the 29-d study, irrespective of the substrate. Tarsonemus bakeri were found on excised, decaying leaves collected from an orchard. These studies verify that Tarsonemus spp. are associated only with sooty mold in citrus orchards. T. bakeri populations cannot sustain themselves on leaf tissue alone, indicating that they are nondamaging to citrus and therefore need not be considered a phytosanitary concern by importing countries.
Risk analysis for patients with a functionally univentricular heart after systemic-to-pulmonary shunt placement
Authors: Ide Yujiro , Tachimori Hisateru , Hirata Yasutaka , Hirahara Norimichi , Ota Noritaka , Sakamoto Kisaburo , Ikeda Tadashi , Minatoya Kenji
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVES

To investigate risk factors for mortality after systemic-to-pulmonary (SP) shunt procedures in patients with a functionally univentricular heart using the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database registry.

METHODS

Clinical data from 75 domestic institutions were collected. Overall, 812 patients with a functionally univentricular heart who underwent initial SP shunt palliation were eligible for analysis. Patients with pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum and patients with a SP shunt as part of the Norwood procedure were excluded. Risk factors for 30- and 90-day mortalities were analysed using a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Median age and body weight at SP shunt placement were 41 days and 3.6 kg, respectively. Modified Blalock–Taussig shunt, central shunt and other types of SP shunts were applied in 689 (84.9%), 94 (11.8%) and 30 (3.7%) patients, respectively. Cardiopulmonary bypass was utilized in 410 patients (51%) for 128 min (median, 19–561). There were 411 isolated SP shunt procedures. Median hospital stay was 27 days, and 742 (91.4%) patients were discharged. The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 3.4% and 6.0%, respectively. Placement of a central shunt was identified as a risk factor for 30-day mortality, while lower body weight, preoperative ventilator support, right atrial isomerism and coexistence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries and an unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect were identified as risk factors for 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

SP shunt carries a high mortality rate in patients with a functionally univentricular heart when it is performed in smaller patients with complex cardiac anomalies.
Enhanced immune responses, PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT signaling pathways following hepatitis C virus eradication by direct-acting antiviral therapy among Egyptian patients: a case control study
Authors: Ramadan Haidi Karam-Allah , Badr Gamal , Ramadan Nancy K , Sayed Aml
Published: January 2021

The use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) results in a high-sustained virological response (SVR) and subsequently alters liver immunologic environment. However, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may occur after DAAs treatment. We aimed to clarify changes of immune responses, PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT signaling pathways in HCV-induced liver diseases and HCC following DAAs treatment. Four cohorts were classified as chronic HCV patients, HCV-related cirrhosis without HCC, HCV-related cirrhosis and HCC, and healthy control group. The patient groups were further divided into treated or untreated with DAAs with SVR12. Increased percentages of CD3, CD8 and CD4, decreased CD4/FoxP3/CD25, CD8/PD-1 and CD19/PDL-1 were found in DAAs-treated patients in the three HCV groups. Following DAAs therapy, the levels of ROS, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the three HCV groups. Treated HCV patients showed up regulation of p-AKT and p-STAT5 and down regulation of p-STAT3, HIF-1α and COX-2. In conclusion, DAAs enhance the immune response in chronic HCV and liver cirrhosis, hence our study is the first to show change in PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT signaling pathways in different HCV-induced liver diseases after DAAs. In chronic HCV, DAAs have better impact on the immune response while in liver cirrhosis not all immune changes were prominent.
Elite Change and the Inception, Duration, and Demise of the Turkish–Israeli Alliance
Authors: Aydinli Ersel , Erpul Onur
Published: January 2021

This article investigates the emergence and puzzling termination of the Turkish–Israeli alliance (1996–2011). While a litany of studies has offered changing material circumstances, the conservative agenda of Turkey's AKP government, and other exogenous factors as possible explanations, these fail to capture the complexity of the situation. Instead, this article applies a modified neoclassical realist framework of analysis that longitudinally recontextualizes the alliance. Specifically, in both its inception and collapse, Turkey's elite decision-makers faced no apparent external threats and were free to pursue their favored foreign policy. Domestically, however, Turkey's elite structure was decisive. In the 1990s, the old elite used their institutional power to restrain emerging elites and used their alliance with Israel as a pretext to do so. A decade later, a new elite seized institutional power. No longer restrained domestically, and absent external enemies, the new elites targeted Israel as a menace to win further domestic support, but this eventuated in a series of events that led to the termination of the alliance. Overall, the article concludes that alliance policy can become erratic at the intersection of permissive international environments and elite-induced domestic conflicts.
Adventures of a Mathematician in Evolutionary Biology
Authors: Li Wen-Hsiung
Published: January 2021

Foreword

In an occasional series of articles, we will be publishing autobiographical sketches from some of those working in the field of genome evolution. The series will feature both the very eminent, but also researchers closer to their start of their career, and those from underrepresented groups. The series will show the unusual paths that academics sometimes take and the obstacles they have overcome. We start this series with one of the most influential researchers in the field of molecular evolution, Wen-Hsiung Li. Wen-Hsiung has contributed enormously to the field and published on a wide diversity of topics, as described in this autobiographical sketch; he also wrote two textbooks, one of them with Dan Graur, which for many years were the bibles of the field. He was awarded the Motoo Kimura prize by the Society of Molecular Biology and Evolution in 2019 in recognition of his contributions to our subject.
Not Frozen in the Ice: Large and Dynamic Rearrangements in the Mitochondrial Genomes of the Antarctic Fish
Authors: Papetti Chiara , Babbucci Massimiliano , Dettai Agnes , Basso Andrea , Lucassen Magnus , Harms Lars , Bonillo Celine , Heindler Franz Maximilian , Patarnello Tomaso , Negrisolo Enrico
Published: January 2021

The vertebrate mitochondrial genomes generally present a typical gene order. Exceptions are uncommon and important to study the genetic mechanisms of gene order rearrangements and their consequences on phylogenetic output and mitochondrial function. Antarctic notothenioid fish carry some peculiar rearrangements of the mitochondrial gene order. In this first systematic study of 28 species, we analyzed known and undescribed mitochondrial genome rearrangements for a total of eight different gene orders within the notothenioid fish. Our reconstructions suggest that transpositions, duplications, and inversion of multiple genes are the most likely mechanisms of rearrangement in notothenioid mitochondrial genomes. In Trematominae, we documented an extremely rare inversion of a large genomic segment of 5,300 bp that partially affected the gene compositional bias but not the phylogenetic output. The genomic region delimited by nad5 and trnF, close to the area of the Control Region, was identified as the hot spot of variation in Antarctic fish mitochondrial genomes. Analyzing the sequence of several intergenic spacers and mapping the arrangements on a newly generated phylogeny showed that the entire history of the Antarctic notothenioids is characterized by multiple, relatively rapid, events of disruption of the gene order. We hypothesized that a pre-existing genomic flexibility of the ancestor of the Antarctic notothenioids may have generated a precondition for gene order rearrangement, and the pressure of purifying selection could have worked for a rapid restoration of the mitochondrial functionality and compactness after each event of rearrangement.
Metabolic Alteration in Plasma and Biopsies From Patients With IBD
Authors: Santoru Maria Laura , Piras Cristina , Murgia Federica , Leoni Vera Piera , Spada Martina , Murgia Antonio , Liggi Sonia , Lai Maria Antonia , Usai Paolo , Caboni Pierluigi , Manzin Aldo , Atzori Luigi
Published: January 2021

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, with periods of latency alternating with phases of exacerbation, and include 2 forms: Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Although the etiology of IBD is still unclear, the identification and understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying IBD could reveal newly targeted intestinal alterations and determine therapeutic approaches.

Methods

In this study, by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we characterized plasma and biopsies from the metabolomics profiles of patients with IBD compared with those of a control group.

Results

The results showed a different metabolomics profile between patients with CD (n = 50) and patients with UC (n = 82) compared with the control group (n = 51). Multivariate statistical analysis of the identified metabolites in CD and UC showed changes in energetic metabolism, and lactic acid and ornithine in particular were altered in both plasma and colon biopsies. Moreover, metabolic changes were evidenced between the normal ileum and colon tissues. These differences disappeared when we compared the inflamed ileum and colon tissues, suggesting a common metabolism.

Conclusions

This study showed how the metabolomics profile could be a potential tool to identify intestinal alterations associated with IBD and may have application in precision medicine and for better defining the pathogenesis of the disease.
High-Containment Agriculture Animal Research: An AAALAC International Perspective
Authors: Harper Susan B , Bayne Kathryn , Anderson Kenneth E
Published: January 2021

Institutions that conduct high-containment agricultural research involving domestic livestock represent a specialized category of programs that are accredited by AAALAC International. The accreditation process includes a comprehensive assessment of the overall program of animal care and use. However, the complex design of these facilities and the unique care required for animals in this type of environment often mean that additional attention will be directed at areas regarded as higher risk when the programs are evaluated. Specific issues that may stimulate additional discussion and interest include animal housing practices, environmental conditions inside the facility, maintenance of procedure and support areas, methods for obtaining and safely transporting healthy research animals, strategies to minimize animal pain and distress, unusual protocol review challenges, and institutional policies relevant to personnel training and safety. These issues are further discussed to inform institutions of potential concerns that should be reviewed and assessed during internal preparations for accreditation visits by AAALAC site visit teams.
Efficacy of a novel lantibiotic, CMB001, against MRSA
Authors: Karczewski Jerzy , Brown Christine M , Maezato Yukari , Krasucki Stephen P , Streatfield Stephen J
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of a novel lantibiotic, CMB001, against MRSA biofilms in vitro and in an in vivo experimental model of bacterial infection.

Methods

Antibacterial activity of CMB001 was measured in vitro after its exposure to whole blood or to platelet-poor plasma. In vitro efficacy of CMB001 against a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The maximum tolerable dose in mice was determined and a preliminary pharmacokinetic analysis for CMB001 was performed in mice. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in a neutropenic mouse thigh model of infection.

Results

CMB001 maintained its antibacterial activity in the presence of blood or plasma for up to 24 h at 37°C. CMB001 efficiently killed S. aureus within the biofilm by causing significant damage to the bacterial cell wall. The maximum tolerable dose in mice was established to be 10 mg/kg and could be increased to 30 mg/kg in mice pretreated with antihistamines. In neutropenic mice infected with MRSA, treatment with CMB001 reduced the bacterial burden with an efficacy equivalent to that of vancomycin.

Conclusions

CMB001 offers potential as an alternative treatment option to combat MRSA. It will be of interest to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of CMB001 against infections caused by other pathogens, including Clostridioides difficile and Acinetobacter baumannii, and to expand its pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters and safety profile.
Effects of dietary iron level on growth performance, hematological status, and intestinal function in growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Deng Qingqing , Wang Yancan , Wang Xin , Wang Qiye , Yi Zhenfeng , Xia Jun , Hu Yuyao , Zhang Yiming , Wang Jingjing , Wang Lei , Jiang Shuzhong , Li Rong , Wan Dan , Yang Huansheng , Yin Yulong
Published: January 2021

This study investigated the different addition levels of iron (Fe) in growing-finishing pigs and the effect of different Fe levels on growth performance, hematological status, intestinal barrier function, and intestinal digestion. A total of 1,200 barrows and gilts ([Large White × Landrace] × Duroc) with average initial body weight (BW; 27.74 ± 0.28 kg) were housed in 40 pens of 30 pigs per pen (gilts and barrows in half), blocked by BW and gender, and fed five experimental diets (eight replicate pens per diet). The five experimental diets were control diet (basal diet with no FeSO4 supplementation), and the basal diet being supplemented with 150, 300, 450, or 600 mg/kg Fe as FeSO4 diets. The trial lasted for 100 d and was divided into the growing phase (27 to 60 kg of BW) for the first 50 d and the finishing phase (61 to 100 kg of BW) for the last 50 d. The basal diet was formulated with an Fe-free trace mineral premix and contained 203.36 mg/kg total dietary Fe in the growing phase and 216.71 mg/kg in the finishing phase based on ingredient contributions. And at the end of the experiment, eight pigs (four barrows and four gilts) were randomly selected from each treatment (selected one pig per pen) for digesta, blood, and intestinal samples collection. The results showed that the average daily feed intake (P = 0.025), average daily gain (P = 0.020), and BW (P = 0.019) increased linearly in the finishing phase of pigs fed with the diets containing Fe. On the other hand, supplementation with different Fe levels in the diet significantly increased serum iron and transferrin saturation concentrations (P < 0.05), goblet cell numbers of duodenal villous (P < 0.001), and MUC4 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA) for pigs in the 450 and 600 mg/kg Fe groups was greater (P < 0.05) than for pigs in the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 450 to 600 mg/kg Fe improved the growth performance of pigs by changing hematological status and by enhancing intestinal goblet cell differentiation and AID of AA.
Laboratory Oviposition Choice ofAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae) From Kenya and Gabon: Effects of Conspecific Larvae, Salinity, Shading, and Microbiome
Authors: Xia Siyang
Published: January 2021

The mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary vector of several arboviruses. Mosquito control and surveillance are essential to restrict disease transmission, the effectiveness of which depends on our understanding of the mosquito’s behaviors, including oviposition. Previous studies have identified a variety of oviposition cues. However, most of these studies involved only Ae. aegypti outside of the species’ native range, Africa. Populations outside Africa differ in their genetics and some behaviors from their African counterparts, suggesting possibly different oviposition preferences. Within Africa, Ae. aegypti can be found in both ancestral forest habitats and domestic habitats. The African domestic populations may represent an intermediate state between the forest and the truly domesticated non-African populations. Comparing mosquitoes from these three habitats (African forest, African domestic, and non-African domestic) might provide insight into the evolution of oviposition behavior. In this study, I examined the oviposition choices of multiple Ae. aegypti colonies from all three habitats in laboratory settings. I applied a two-choice assay to test four oviposition cues: the preexistence of conspecific larvae, salinity, shading, and microbiome. A subset of African colonies showed similar oviposition choices as their non-African counterparts, whereas the rest show little response to the factors tested. Within the African colonies, oviposition choices of the domestic colonies were significantly different from the forest colonies in most experiments. Yet, their preferences were not always intermediate between that of mosquitoes from the other two habitats. Collectively, this study adds to our understanding of Ae. aegypti oviposition, especially in previously understudied African populations.
Surveillance of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Suburban Natural Habitats of Central Maryland
Authors: Milholland Matthew T , Eisen Lars , Nadolny Robyn M , Hojgaard Andrias , Machtinger Erika T , Mullinax Jennifer M , Li Andrew Y
Published: January 2021

Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are increasing in the eastern United States and there is a lack of research on integrated strategies to control tick vectors. Here we present results of a study on tick-borne pathogens detected from tick vectors and rodent reservoirs from an ongoing 5-yr tick suppression study in the Lyme disease-endemic state of Maryland, where human-biting tick species, including Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae) (the primary vector of Lyme disease spirochetes), are abundant. During the 2017 tick season, we collected 207 questing ticks and 602 ticks recovered from 327 mice (Peromyscus spp. (Rodentia: Cricetidae)), together with blood and ear tissue from the mice, at seven suburban parks in Howard County. Ticks were selectively tested for the presence of the causative agents of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato [s.l.]), anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum), babesiosis (Babesia microti), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and ‘Panola Mountain’ Ehrlichia) and spotted fever group rickettsiosis (Rickettsia spp.). Peromyscus ear tissue and blood samples were tested for Bo. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s), A. phagocytophilum, Ba. microti, and Borrelia miyamotoi. We found 13.6% (15/110) of questing I. scapularis nymphs to be Bo. burgdorferi s.l. positive and 1.8% (2/110) were A. phagocytophilum positive among all sites. Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. was found in 71.1% (54/76) of I. scapularis nymphs removed from mice and 58.8% (194/330) of captured mice. Results from study on tick abundance and pathogen infection status in questing ticks, rodent reservoirs, and ticks feeding on Peromyscus spp. will aid efficacy evaluation of the integrated tick management measures being implemented.
University of California Davis Forensic Psychiatry and California Department of State Hospitals Collaboration
Authors: Scott Charles , McDermott Barbara , Warburton Katherine
Published: January 2021

The collaboration described in this chapter involves the Department of Psychiatry in the medical school at the University of California, Davis, and the California Department of State Hospitals. For more than 20 years, this partnership has involved placing forensic psychiatry fellows in state hospitals operated by the state of California. In addition to the high-quality forensic psychiatric services delivered by these fellows, the partnership has also included consultation and on-site forensic evaluations conducted by supervising faculty, continuing education and training provided to hospital staff, and applied research conducted on questions directly relevant to practice. It serves as a national model for a well-operated, long-standing partnership between academic psychiatry and a publicly operated hospital system.
Successful Development of Threat Assessment and Management Programming Within a Midwestern University
Authors: Scalora Mario J. , Racionero Rosa Viñas
Published: January 2021

In the partnership described in this chapter, the university faculty who were interested in threat assessment and management developed a service within the university to operate such a program. In this respect, rather than a partnership between a university and an external agency, this chapter describes a partnership between different divisions (including security) within a university. The programmatic service addressed the ongoing need in any large university for the evaluation of (and sometimes interventions with) members of the university community who may present a threat of harm to others. In addition to providing threat assessment services, the partnership had a strong research component: a 10-year evaluation of services and outcomes provides some of the best empirical information available about this kind of work.
Using an Academic–Practice Partnership to Develop and Implement an Empirically Informed Approach to Juvenile Probation Case Management in Philadelphia
Authors: Goldstein Naomi E. , McPhee Jeanne , Gale-Bentz Elizabeth , Kreimer Rena
Published: January 2021

This is a more recent collaboration between applied researchers at Drexel University and multiple public-sector partners (the Juvenile Probation Department, Department of Human Services, offices of the district attorney and public defender, Police Department) involved with juvenile probation services in the City of Philadelphia. The collaboration focuses on the implementation of graduated response as a case management approach with those on juvenile probation, and it provides coordination, training, and research and evaluation services toward this implementation. This is a particularly important example of a partnership with multiple stakeholders, focusing on an innovation in the delivery of community-based services to youth on probation. This kind of work will assume increasing importance as our society moves toward a greater focus on services in the community for justice-involved youth.
A New Conceptualization of Peer-Mediated Interventions
Authors: Collins Tai A. , Hawkins Renee O.
Published: January 2021

This introductory chapter presents an updated and comprehensive conceptualization of peer-mediated interventions based on contemporary research utilizing peers as change agents in schools. The current conceptualization of peer-mediated interventions (PMIs) includes peer-mediated academic interventions, peer-mediated behavioral interventions, and peer-mediated group supports. The chapter covers some of the advantages of peer-mediated interventions and provides a framework for the chapters in this volume.
Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies
Authors: Kearns Devin M. , Powell Sarah R. , Fuchs Douglas , Fuchs Lynn S.
Published: January 2021

Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) is a peer tutoring program available in the areas of reading and mathematics that incorporates peers as change agents in academic intervention. Developed at Vanderbilt University by Douglas Fuchs, Lynn S. Fuchs, and their colleagues, PALS is currently available in reading from kindergarten through high school and in mathematics from kindergarten through sixth grade. PALS is designed for implementation in general education settings with all students, including students with disabilities, and research supports the use of both Reading PALS and Math PALS. We provide recommendations for the implementation of PALS, as well as considerations of diversity and equity.
Peer-Mediated Writing Interventions
Authors: Malecki Christine K. , Coyle Samantha
Published: January 2021

A variety of writing interventions task peers with assisting students with planning and revising written text, including providing feedback on other students’ writing. This chapter discusses the use of peers as change agents within writing interventions. In particular, we identify the many areas of writing that students can be enlisted to support their peers’ writing skill development. Considerations regarding the use of peers in improving other students’ writing are discussed, and sample materials are included. We also discuss considerations related to diversity and equity within the realm of peer-mediated writing interventions.
Peer-Mediated Group Supports
Authors: Skinner Christopher H. , Moore Tara , Eshbaugh Jessica F.
Published: January 2021

Peer-mediated group supports are distinguished from peer-mediated behavioral interventions due to their potential to affect the behavior of a large number of students in an efficient manner. As such, this chapter introduces School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, classroom management strategies, and group contingencies, discussing the research supporting these strategies. This chapter also discusses the strengths and challenges of these approaches, as well as considerations for implementing peer-mediated group supports in schools.
Classroom Management
Authors: Haydon Todd F. , Dillon Cara L. , Kennedy Alana M. , Scott Meagan N.
Published: January 2021

Classroom management refers to a variety of strategies aimed at increasing appropriate behaviors and reducing inappropriate behaviors in classrooms. Common peer-mediated strategies in classroom management include establishing rules and classroom procedures, setting routines, and maintaining a positive classroom climate. Interventions such as the Color Wheel System can be helpful in establishing classroom expectations. This chapter discusses the use of classroom management strategies in schools, with a focus on strategies that can leverage peer influence to promote positive outcomes. This chapter also includes considerations of diversity and equity in classroom management interventions.
In the Aftermath of the Pandemic
Authors: Markowitz John C.
Published: January 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic is an ongoing disaster on a scale no one living can recall. Since the end of 2019, it is causing not only countless deaths and physical debility, but also extraordinary social disruption, changing every aspect of people’s working and social lives. As a consequence, in the wake of the virus has come a second wave of psychiatric consequences, mostly prominently anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. This flood of illness and distress will likely continue at least until an effective vaccine is found and distributed and, even then, will leave psychic scars. How best to treat the slew of psychiatric suffering from such tragedy or, indeed, from any ongoing disaster? Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an evidence-based, time-limited, affect- and life event–focused psychotherapy, repeatedly tested in more than forty years of treatment research and shown to help patients with mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders. With adaptation to the particular current conditions, IPT appears an excellent fit for the strong feelings and symptoms arising from these horrific life events. his manual by Dr. John Markowitz, a leading IPT expert, equips therapists to treat the most common psychiatric consequences of the pandemic.
Introduction
Authors: Markowitz John C.
Published: January 2021

The introduction sets the stage for the book to follow: it describes the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic; the losses, risks, and life changes it is entailing; and their psychological consequences. A crisis evokes strong, distressing feelings and symptoms. The introduction presents interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), a proven, time-limited treatment for mood, anxiety, and posttraumatic disorders, as likely to be a helpful response to this crisis. IPT is a life event–based therapy for symptoms due to an overwhelming global series of life events. The brief introduction alerts the reader to the main psychiatric consequences of major life disruption and trauma: anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress, which succeeding chapters will cover. It describes the forced switch to tele-psychotherapy and provides a rationale for why interpersonal therapy is likely to benefit many people sustaining these losses.
In the Aftermath of Upheaval
Authors: Markowitz John C.
Published: January 2021

This chapter provides recent historical background for the book: a brief recounting of the onset of the pandemic and its medical and social consequences. It describes in detail some of the losses due to Covid-19, including the loss of sense of safety and health; loss of income and employment; and, too often, the loss of loved ones. The lockdown disrupted social rhythms, a disorienting and anxiety-generating experience for many. With social distancing comes the potential loss of social supports, a risk factor for psychopathology. Excessive social media use is another related psychological risk. Part of the problem for people lies in gauging: how much upset is normal and appropriate in an upsetting time, and how much is excessive and symptomatic? In this destructive context, we anticipate, and are already seeing, a wave of psychiatric disorders following the surge(s) of the virus.
How the Pandemic Has Transformed Psychotherapy
Authors: Markowitz John C.
Published: January 2021

Based on a recent article by the author and his colleagues published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, this chapter describes the overnight conversion of outpatient psychiatry from in-person treatment to remote tele-therapy. The chapter details the relatively small research base supporting tele-therapy and the limitations of that research. It describes both the advantages of tele-therapy, namely access to ongoing care, and its numerous limitations and distractions. These include issues of the treatment setting, transmission difficulties, electronic intrusions, physical discomfort, and emotional distancing. Nonetheless, at a time when many people need psychiatric treatment, tele-therapy can be invaluable.
Effect of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy vs Standard Wound Dressing on the Development of Surgical Site Infection after Spinal Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Mueller Kyle B , D’Antuono Matthew , Patel Nirali , Pivazyan Gnel , Aulisi Edward F , Evans Karen K , Nair M Nathan
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Use of a closed-incisional negative pressure therapy (ci-NPT) dressing is an emerging strategy to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) in spine surgery that lacks robust data.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of a ci-NPT, as compared with a standard dressing, on the development of SSIs after spine surgery.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study over a 2-yr period. Indications for surgery included degenerative disease, deformity, malignancy, and trauma. Exclusion criteria included anterior and lateral approaches to the spine, intraoperative durotomy, or use of minimally invasive techniques. SSIs up to 60 d following surgery were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 274 patients were included. SSI rate was significantly lower with ci-NPT dressing (n = 118) as compared with the standard dressing (n = 156) (3.4 vs 10.9%, P = .02). There was no statistical difference in infection rate for decompression alone procedures (4.2 vs 9.1%, P = .63), but there was a statistically significant reduction with the use of a negative-pressure dressing in cases that required instrumentation (3.2 vs 11.4%, P = .03). Patients at higher risk (instrumentation, deformity, and malignancy) had less SSIs with the use of ci-NPT, although this did not reach statistical significance. There were no complications in either group.

CONCLUSION

SSI rates were significantly reduced with a ci-NPT dressing vs a standard dressing in patients who underwent spinal surgery. The higher cost of a ci-NPT dressing might be justified with instrumented cases, as well as with certain high-risk patient populations undergoing spine surgery, given the serious consequences of an infection.
Fruit and Vegetable Dietary Patterns and Mental Health in Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Guzek Dominika , Gła¸bska Dominika , Groele Barbara , Gutkowska Krystyna
Published: January 2021

Context

Mental health may be influenced by some dietary patterns. Among common elements of beneficial patterns is high fruit and vegetable intake. However, no systematic review has been conducted to date, to our knowledge, that has assessed the influence of fruit and vegetable dietary patterns on a broad spectrum of mental health.

Objective

We conducted a systematic review, using the PRISMA guidelines, of the observational studies analyzing the association between the dietary pattern of fruit and vegetables and the broad aspects of mental health in adult women.

Data sources

The databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched, and additional manual search for observational peer-reviewed studies was conducted for studies published until June 2019.

Data extraction

A total of 5911 studies were extracted and verified based on title and abstract for the inclusion criteria. All procedures were conducted independently by 2 researchers. The final number of included studies was 30. The review was structured around the type of observed outcome.

Data analysis

The included studies had defined habitual intake associated with dietary patterns with the intake of specific fruit and/or vegetables, and/or fruit or vegetable products (eg, juices), as well as any aspect of the broad spectrum of general mental health. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess bias. The observed association was not stated in all the included studies; some of them revealed a reverse relationship, but only for the vegetarian/vegan diet. A vegetarian diet may be characterized by high consumption of fruits and vegetables, but it sometimes may not be properly balanced, due to excluded products. This may be the reason of observed situation.

Conclusions

A general positive influence was observed for the dietary patterns characterized by high consumption of fruit and vegetables and of fruit or vegetable products by women.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42019138148.
Comparative Analysis of Capillary vs Venous Blood for Serologic Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies by RPOC Lateral Flow Tests
Authors: Morshed Muhammad , Sekirov Inna , McLennan Meghan , Levett Paul N , Chahil Navdeep , Mak Annie , Carruthers Erin , Pidduck Tamara , Kustra Jesse , Laley Jonathan , Lee Min-Kuang , Chu Kenneth , Burgess Fred , Vijh Rohit , Willis Lori , Wada Ray , Blancaflor Rosemarie , Boraston Suni , Hayden Althea , Krajden Mel
Published: January 2021

A comparison of rapid point-of-care serology tests using finger prick and venous blood was done on 278 participants. In a laboratory setting, immunoglobulin G (IgG) sensitivity neared 100%; however, IgG sensitivity dramatically dropped (82%) in field testing. Possible factors include finger prick volume variability, hemolysis, cassette readability, and operator training.
Gorham Stout disease: a case report from Syria
Authors: Esper Asil , Alhoulaiby Sami , Emran Areege , Youssef Safwan , Alshehabi Zuheir
Published: January 2021

Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is a rare entity that destroys the bone matrix resulting mainly in osteolysis, pain and pathologic fractures among a broader clinical picture. We report a case of a 60-year-old female with a sudden discovery of pathologic fractures in the pelvis and the absence of the left femoral head. On biopsy, no cellular atypia was found, instead disturbed bone formation with prominent vascularity with scattered foci of necrosis & osteolysis, which lead to the diagnosis of GSD. Possible differential diagnoses were discussed and excluded. The patient was put on Bisphosphonate that led to a relative improvement in the symptoms. This disease needs a more thorough investigation to identify the key cause, what is beyond the scope of this report.
A rolling stone: vomiting of a gallstone without the presence of a biliary-enteric fistula
Authors: Samara Athina A , Perivoliotis Konstantinos , Sgantzou Ioanna-Konstantina , Diamantis Alexandros , Floros Theodoros , Symeonidis Dimitrios , Tepetes Konstantinos
Published: January 2021

Gallstones may pass into the gastrointestinal tract spontaneously through the ampulla of Vater or through a biliary-enteric fistula. This report describes an extremely rare case of a patient vomiting a gallstone without the presence of a fistula between the gallbladder and the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, no imaging findings of gallstones disease appeared. The patient has been treated conservatively and all symptoms subsided. The patient remains asymptomatic 3 months after treatment and an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy was arranged. Including this reported case, only three cases have been described in the literature worldwide. However, our case is the only one characterized by retrograde flow of the gallstones into the stomach without symptoms of bowel obstruction or other underlying pathologies.