bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional health and white matter hyperintensities as effect modifiers of blood pressure-lowering on cognitive function and vascular events in older Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes trial participants
Authors: Blum Manuel R. , Scherzer Rebecca , Ikeme Jesse C. , Benavente Oscar R. , McClure Leslie A. , Peralta Carmen A. , Odden Michelle C.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To determine whether cerebral small vessel disease or disability modify the effect of SBP treatment on cognitive and vascular outcomes in older patients with recent lacunar stroke.

Methods:

Participants aged at least 65 years of the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes Trial were randomized to a higher (130–149 mmHg) or lower (<130 mmHg) SBP target. The primary outcome was change in cognitive function (Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument); secondary outcomes were incident mild cognitive impairment, stroke, major vascular events (all-stroke, myocardial infarction), and all-cause death. Results were stratified by severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMH; none/mild, moderate, severe) on baseline MRI, and by disability (no vs. at least one limitation in activities of daily living).

Results:

One thousand, two hundred and sixty-three participants (mean age 73.8 ± 5.9 years, 40% women) were included. Participants with severe WMH or disability had worse cognitive function at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 3.9 years. No significant interactions existed between treatment group and effect modifiers (WMH, disability) for change in cognitive function (P for interaction 0.42 and 0.66, respectively). A lower SBP target appeared more beneficial among those with worse WMH burden for vascular outcomes (P for interaction = 0.01 for stroke and 0.03 for major vascular events).

Conclusion:

There was no difference in the effect of lowering SBP to less than 130 mmHg on cognitive function by cerebral small vessel disease or disability among older adults with a history of lacunar stroke. Those with evidence of small vessel disease may derive greater benefit from lower SBP on prevention of subsequent vascular events.

Trial registration:

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00059306.
Absence of JAK2V617F Mutated Endothelial Colony‐Forming Cells in Patients With JAK2V617F Myeloproliferative Neoplasms and Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Guy Alexandre , Danaee Anicee , Paschalaki Koralia , Boureau Lisa , Rivière Etienne , Etienne Gabriel , Mansier Olivier , Laffan Michael , Sekhar Mallika , James Chloe
Published: May 2020

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text
Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta Process Improvement: Examining a Novel Case Evaluation Tool and Standardized Simulations
Authors: Burkard David J. , Thompson Jessica , Dull Matthew , Haverkamp Jennifer , Koestner Amy , Davis Alan , Chadwick Cathryn , Gibson Charles J. , Iskander Gaby , Chapman Alistair J.
Published: May 2020

A quality improvement project was undertaken. The objectives of this study were to describe an original case evaluation tool, discuss barriers encountered, present a standardized simulation course, and evaluate the efficacy of this course. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is an emerging adjunct in the trauma bay for patients with noncompressible subdiaphragmatic hemorrhage. Compared with the alternative (emergency department thoracotomy), it is less invasive and allows for continuation of chest compressions, and early studies suggest a positive effect on mortality. Infrequent utilization of REBOA limits provider and support staff exposure to its indications and technical skills required to deploy the device. Furthermore, there is no standardized evaluation tool for collecting and reporting REBOA-related data. The REBOA Review Tool was designed to easily evaluate all the steps involved in deploying the REBOA tool and was implemented at our institution without difficulty. This tool provided meaningful feedback for areas that required improvement including ease of information retrieval and documentation of sheath removal. Standardized simulation courses were performed to further improve provider and support staff confidence in using the REBOA tool. Analysis of pre- and postsimulation surveys showed significant improvement in participants' confidence in their understanding and utilization of the REBOA tool and its indications. REBOA placement is a low-volume but high-impact procedure. Therefore, simulations to prepare and a standardized tool to learn from prior experience are vital to improving patient care.
Predictors of Posttraumatic Growth: Insights From a Comparison Between Assault Victims and Nonassault Victims
Authors: Jeong Ansuk , Kim Nam Hee
Published: May 2020

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) has been investigated in many different areas of trauma, including cancer, occupation-related injuries, and crimes. In the current study, we aimed to examine the effects of traumatic events on the victims' PTG. The current study was a survey study with group comparison. We recruited 143 victims of trauma (74 nonassault victims and 69 assault victims) and compared victims' PTG and its related factors according to the trauma type. Nonassault victims showed better outcomes in terms of adverse childhood experience, depression, anxiety, and acceptance than assault victims. Only for assault victims, PTG was predicted significantly by the individuals' resilience. For nonassault victims, anxiety showed significance in predicting PTG. Assault victims seemed to be at significantly higher risk for psychological issues in adaptation afterward than nonassault victims. The implications of the results, including more tailored support for assault victims, as well as future study suggestions, are discussed.
Hypnosis in the clinical setting
Authors: Phillips Barbara C.
Published: May 2020

Therapeutic hypnosis has been in use for hundreds of years, yet it is still is still relatively unknown as a therapeutic modality and underutilized by health care professionals. Nurse practitioners are in a unique position to bring hypnosis into the forefront of our work with patients and clients in most clinical settings. The author aims to introduce nurse practitioners to the potential and possibilities of incorporating hypnosis into individual treatment plans.
Pediatric Rib Fractures Identified by Chest Radiograph
Authors: Ruest Stephanie , Kanaan Ghid , Moore Jessica L. , Goldberg Amy P.
Published: May 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of rib fractures (RFs) identified by chest x-ray (CXR) among children younger than 2 years who sustained accidental versus nonaccidental injuries. It is hypothesized that RFs are uncommon among all accidental pediatric trauma mechanisms (eg, falls, motor vehicle crashes) as compared with the prevalence of RFs in the setting of nonaccidental trauma (NAT).

Methods

A retrospective chart review of sequential CXRs of children younger than 2 years evaluated at a pediatric level 1 trauma center for accidental trauma and possible NAT was conducted from January 1, 2011, to October 31, 2016. Data collected included demographics, CXR indication and findings, history of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, trauma mechanism, associated injuries, final diagnoses, and outcomes.

Results

Two (<1%) of 226 CXRs obtained to evaluate accidental trauma demonstrated acute RFs. Ten (19.6%) of 51 CXRs obtained in the setting of concern for NAT revealed RFs (9/10 identified only healing RFs and 1/10 identified acute RFs). Among patients with a final diagnosis of NAT (ie, not neglect, accidental trauma, etc; n = 38), the overall prevalence increased to 26.3%.

Conclusions

The presence of RFs in pediatric accidental trauma is uncommon even in the setting of high-force mechanisms, and when identified, these RFs are acute. Comparatively, the overall prevalence of RFs identified on CXR among cases with a final diagnosis of NAT was much higher and almost exclusively healing RFs. These data provide support that identification of RFs is highly concerning for NAT even if an accidental mechanism is provided. When RFs are identified, a full NAT work-up should be considered.
The War on COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lew Henry L. , Oh-Park Mooyeon , Cifu David X.
Published: May 2020

The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 has created an unprecedented challenge to the society. Currently, the United States stands as the most affected country, and the entire healthcare system is affected, from emergency department, intensive care unit, postacute care, outpatient, to home care. Considering the debility, neurological, pulmonary, neuromuscular, and cognitive complications, rehabilitation professionals can play an important role in the recovery process for individuals with coronavirus disease 2019. Clinicians across the nation’s rehabilitation system have already begun working to initiate intensive care unit–based rehabilitation care and develop programs, settings, and specialized care to meet the short- and long-term needs of these individuals. We describe the anticipated rehabilitation demands and the strategies to meet the needs of this population. The complications from coronavirus disease 2019 can be reduced by (1) delivering interdisciplinary rehabilitation that is initiated early and continued throughout the acute hospital stay, (2) providing patient/family education for self-care after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation at either acute or subacute settings, and (3) continuing rehabilitation care in the outpatient setting and at home through ongoing therapy either in-person or via telehealth.
Tianeptine Abuse Leading to an Episode of Psychosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: KARIM ASIF , IOANNOU CONSTANTINE
Published: May 2020

Tianeptine is an atypical mu-opioid receptor agonist. It is available as an antidepressant outside the United States, but it is also classified as a controlled substance in many other countries. It is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression but it can be obtained online without a prescription. The case described in this article involved a patient who developed symptoms of psychosis on supratherapeutic doses of tianeptine, highlighting the importance of inquiring into all supplements taken by patients when conducting an initial psychiatric evaluation.
Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Part LXX
Authors: Harolds Jay A.
Published: May 2020

The chief medical officer ideally has a degree in business, hospital administration, or related subjects and has also pursued training in leadership. This is very important to be able to read and interpret financial documents, understand the language of hospital executives, and be able to advise the administrators and physicians on many projects. The chief medical officer must be trusted by both the C-suite executives and the medical staff and be able to communicate effectively and diplomatically with both. In order to optimize value, it is important to engage the medical staff and to align the goals of not only the executives and doctors, but also of the patients and their families.
Comparison of the Olfactory Functions in Conventional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery to the Balloon Sinuplasty in Frontal Sinus Surgery
Authors: Hanci Deniz , Gürpinar Berk , Üstün Onur , Kumral Tolgar Lütfi , Karaketir Semih , Uyar Yavuz
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Balloon sinuplasty is being used worldwide, however the olfactory functions after balloon sinuplasty are underestimated. The authors aimed to study the effects of conventional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) compared to the balloon sinuplasty on olfactory function.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-four subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups as ESS and balloon sinuplasty. The olfactory functions of each subject were recorded preoperatively and at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months postoperatively.

Results:

The initial assessments of olfaction were the same in both groups. After the surgery, the olfactory functions were significantly better in those of ESS group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The olfactory function is preserved better in the conventional surgery compared to the balloon catheter dilation of the frontal sinus.
Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection in Open and Laparoscopic Hartmann Closure: A Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Brathwaite Shayna , Latchana Nicholas , Esemuede Iyare , Harzman Alan , Husain Syed
Published: May 2020

Background:

Hartmann reversal is a high-morbidity procedure. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in the era of laparoscopy.

Materials and Methods:

A query of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was done. Patients undergoing open or laparoscopic Hartmann reversals were identified. Risk factors for and the incidence of SSI were assessed in both groups.

Results:

A total of 7970 patients were identified and 1431 (18%) were done laparoscopically. The SSI rate in the overall population was 13.6%, with 14.9% in those undergoing open surgery and 8% with laparoscopic procedures. Obese patients and smokers had the highest incidences of SSI (18% and 17.5%, respectively). Open surgery (odds ratio=1.8, P<0.001) and obesity (odds ratio=1.6, P<0.001) significantly correlated with higher SSI rates.

Conclusions:

Patients undergoing Hartmann closure are at risk for SSI. Our findings indicate that laparoscopy can significantly reduce SSI, particularly in obese patients.
Weight Loss Outcomes in Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (LVSG) Versus Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) Procedures: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Osland Emma , Yunus Rossita M. , Khan Shahjahan , Memon Breda , Memon Muhammed A.
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) have been proposed as cost-effective strategies to manage morbid obesity. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the postoperative weight loss outcomes reported in randomized control trials (RCTs) for LVSG versus LRYGB procedures.

Material and Methods:

RCTs comparing the weight loss outcomes following LVSG and LRYGB in adult population between January 2000 and November 2015 were selected from PubMed, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents, and the Cochrane database. The review was prepared in accordance with Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

Results:

Nine unique RCTs described over 10 publications involving a total of 865 patients (LVSG, n=437; LRYGB, n=428) were analyzed. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 months to 5 years. Twelve-month excess weight loss (EWL) for LVSG ranged from 69.7% to 83%, and for LRYGB, ranged from 60.5% to 86.4%. A number of studies reported slow weight gain between the second and third years of postoperative follow-up ranging from 1.4% to 4.2%EWL. This trend was seen to continue to 5 years postoperatively (8% to 10%EWL) for both procedures.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, LRYGB and LVSG are comparable with regards to the weight loss outcomes in the short term, with LRYGB achieving slightly greater weight loss. Slow weight recidivism is observed after the first postoperative year following both procedures. Long-term reporting of outcomes obtained from well-designed studies using intention-to-treat analyses are identified as a major gap in the literature at present.
Variable social organization is ubiquitous in Artiodactyla and probably evolved from pair-living ancestors
Authors: Jaeggi A. V. , Miles M. I. , Festa-Bianchet M. , Schradin C. , Hayes L. D.
Published: May 2020

Previous studies to understand the evolution ofinterspecific variation in mammalian social organization (SO; composition of social units) produced inconsistent results, possibly by ignoringintraspecific variation. Here we present systematic data on SO in artiodactyl populations, coding SO as solitary, pair-living, group-living, sex-specific or variable (different kinds of SOs in the same population). We found that 62% of 245 populations and 83% of species (83/100) exhibited variable SO. Using Bayesian phylogenetic mixed-effects models, we simultaneously tested whether research effort, habitat, sexual dimorphism, breeding seasonality or body size predicted the likelihood of different SOs and inferred the ancestral SO. Body size and sexual dimorphism were strongly associated with different SOs. Contingent on the small body size (737 g) and putative sexual monomorphism of the earliest fossil artiodactyl, the ancestral SO was most likely to be pair-living (probability = 0.76, 95% CI = 0–1), followed by variable (p= 0.19, 95% CI = 0–0.99). However, at body size values typical of extant species, variable SO becomes the dominant form (p= 0.74, 95% CI = 0.18–1.00). Distinguishing different kinds of ‘variable’ highlights transitions from SOs involving pair-living to SOs involving solitary and/or group-living with increasing body size and dimorphism. Our results support the assumption that ancestral artiodactyl was pair-living and highlight the ubiquity of intraspecific variation in SO.
Asymmetrical gene flow in five co-distributed syngnathids explained by ocean currents and rafting propensity
Authors: Bertola Laura D. , Boehm J. T. , Putman Nathan F. , Xue Alexander T. , Robinson John D. , Harris Stephen , Baldwin Carole C. , Overcast Isaac , Hickerson Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Ocean circulation driving macro-algal rafting is believed to serve as an important mode of dispersal for many marine organisms, leading to predictions on population-level genetic connectivity and the directionality of effective dispersal. Here, we use genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data to investigate whether gene flow directionality in two seahorses (
Hippocampus
) and three pipefishes (
Syngnathus
) follows the predominant ocean circulation patterns in the Gulf of Mexico and northwestern Atlantic. In addition, we explore whether gene flow magnitudes are predicted by traits related to active dispersal ability and habitat preference. We inferred demographic histories of these co-distributed syngnathid species, and coalescent model-based estimates indicate that gene flow directionality is in agreement with ocean circulation data that predicts eastward and northward macro-algal transport. However, the magnitude to which ocean currents influence this pattern appears strongly dependent on the species-specific traits related to rafting propensity and habitat preferences. Higher levels of gene flow and stronger directionality are observed in
Hippocampus erectus
,
Syngnathus floridae
and
Syngnathus louisianae
, which closely associated with the pelagic macro-algae
Sargassum
spp., compared to
Hippocampus zosterae
and the
Syngnathus scovelli
/
Syngnathus fuscus
sister-species pair, which prefer near shore habitats and are weakly associated with pelagic
Sargassum
. This study highlights how the combination of population genomic inference together with ocean circulation data can help explain patterns of population structure and diversity in marine ecosystems.
Lateralization of short- and long-term visual memories in an insect
Authors: David Fernandes A. Sofia , Niven Jeremy E.
Published: May 2020

The formation of memories within the vertebrate brain is lateralized between hemispheres across multiple modalities. However, in invertebrates evidence for lateralization is restricted to olfactory memories, primarily from social bees. Here, we use a classical conditioning paradigm with a visual conditioned stimulus to show that visual memories are lateralized in the wood ant,
Formica rufa
. We show that a brief contact between a sugar reward and either the right or left antenna (reinforcement) is sufficient to produce a lateralized memory, even though the visual cue is visible to both eyes throughout training and testing. Reinforcement given to the right antenna induced short-term memories, whereas reinforcement given to the left antenna induced long-term memories. Thus, short- and long-term visual memories are lateralized in wood ants. This extends the modalities across which memories are lateralized in insects and suggests that such memory lateralization may have evolved multiple times, possibly linked to the evolution of eusociality in the Hymenoptera.
Nocardioides dongxiaopingii sp. nov., isolated from leaves of Lamiophlomis rotata on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang Sihui , Wang Xiaoxia , Yang Jing , Lu Shan , Lai Xin-He , Jin Dong , Huang Yuyuan , Zhu Wentao , Li Junqin , Pu Ji , Huang Ying , Tian Zhi , Dong Kui , Zhang Gui , Lei Wenjing , Wang Suping , Xu Jianguo
Published: May 2020

Two novel Gram-stain-positive, irregular rod-shaped actinomycetes, S-1144T and 4053, were isolated from leaves of Lamiophlomis rotata on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, PR China. Cells were aerobic, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Colonies on Reasoner’s 2A agar were light yellow, circular, shiny, smooth and convex after 2 days of incubation. The isolates grew optimally at 25 °C, pH 7.5 and with 0 % (w/v) NaCl. The results of polyphasic analyses indicated that strain S-1144T belonged to the genus

Nocardioides

and its close phylogenetic neighbours (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) were

Nocardioides litoris

DSM 103718T (98.4 %),

Nocardioides rubriscoriae

DSM 23986T (98.2%) and

Nocardioides plantarum

DSM 11054T (97.8 %). The genome of strain S-1144T showed less than 70 % digital DNA–DNA hybridization and < 95–96 % average nucleotide identity values to the above reference strains. The DNA G+C content of strain S-1144T was 73.5 mol%. MK-8(H4) was the predominant respiratory quinone (96.0 %) and llLL-2,6-diaminopimelic acid was the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The polar lipid profile of strain S-1144T consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified phospholipids, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified lipid. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, C17 : 1
 ω8c, C17 : 0 and C18 : 1
 ω9c. On the basis of obtained data, strain S-1144T represented a novel species of the genus

Nocardioides

, for which the name Nocardioides dongxiaopingii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S-1144T (=CGMCC 4.7568T=JCM 33469T).
Pseudoalteromonas rhizosphaerae sp. nov., a novel plant growth-promoting bacterium with potential use in phytoremediation
Authors: Navarro-Torre Salvadora , Carro Lorena , Rodríguez-Llorente Ignacio D. , Pajuelo Eloísa , Caviedes Miguel Ángel , Igual José Mariano , Klenk Hans-Peter , Montero-Calasanz Maria del Carmen
Published: May 2020

Strain RA15T was isolated from the rhizosphere of the halophyte plant Arthrocnemum macrostachyum growing in the Odiel marshes (Huelva, Spain). RA15T cells were Gram stain-negative, non-spore-forming, aerobic rods and formed cream-coloured, opaque, mucoid, viscous, convex, irregular colonies with an undulate margin. Optimal growth conditions were observed on tryptic soy agar (TSA) plates supplemented with 2.5 % NaCl (w/v) at pH 7.0 and 28 °C, although it was able to grow at 4–32 °C and at pH values of 5.0–9.0. The NaCl tolerance range was from 0 to 15 %. The major respiratory quinone was Q8 but Q9 was also present. The most abundant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω7c and/or C16 : 1
 ω6c), C17 : 1
 ω8c and C16 : 0. The polar lipids profile comprised phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine as the most abundant representatives. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the well-supported affiliation of strain RA15T within the genus

Pseudoalteromonas

, close to the type strains of

Pseudoalteromonas neustonica

,

Pseudoalteromonas prydzensis

and

Pseudoalteromonas mariniglutinosa

. Results of comparative phylogenetic and phenotypic studies between strain RA15T and its closest related species suggest that RA15T could be a new representative of the genus

Pseudoalteromonas

, for which the name Pseudoalteromonas rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RA15T (=CECT 9079T=LMG 29860T). The whole genome has 5.3 Mb and the G+C content is 40.4 mol%.
Klebsiella indica sp. nov., isolated from the surface of a tomato
Authors: Gujarati Sukriti , Chaudhari Diptaraj , Hagir Ashwini , Khairnar Mitesh , Shouche Yogesh , Rahi Praveen
Published: May 2020

A novel bacterial strain, designated TOUT106T, was isolated from the surface of a tomato. The cells were rod-shaped, Gram-negative, encapsulated and non-motile. Strain TOUT106T grows best at 28 °C and pH 7.0 and can tolerate up to 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, strain TOUT106T was placed close to the

Salmonella

clade, with close similarity to

Salmonella enterica

subsp.

arizonae

strain NCTC 8297T (98.42 %). Results of genome-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain TOUT106T is placed well in the Klebsiella–Raoultella clade, by forming a distinct branch with

Klebsiella michiganensis

DSM25444T,

Klebsiella oxytoca

NCTC132727T,

Klebsiella grimontii

06D021T and

Klebsiella pasteurii

SB6412T. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain TOUT106T is 53.53 mol%. The average nucleotide identity values of TOUT106T were less than 86.5 % with closely related members of the family

Enterobacteriaceae

. The major fatty acids of strain TOUT106T were C16 : 0, C17:0 cyclo, C14:0 3OH/C16:1 iso, C14 : 0, C19:0 cyclo ω8c, C18:1 ω6c/C18:1 ω7c, C12 : 0 and C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c. Strain TOUT106T showed differences in physiological, phenotypic and protein profiles by MALDI-TOF MS compared to its closest relatives. Based on the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, strain TOUT106T could be distinguished from the recognized species of the genus

Klebsiella

. It is suggested to represent a novel species of this genus, for which the name Klebsiella indica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TOUT106T (=MCC 2901T=KACC 21384T=JCM 33718T).
Aequorivita sinensis sp. nov., isolated from sediment of the East China Sea, and reclassification of Vitellibacter todarodis as Aequorivita todarodis comb. nov. and Vitellibacter aquimaris as Aequorivita aquimaris comb. nov.
Authors: Wang Qian , Cai Sheng-Dong , Liu Jie , Zhang De-Chao
Published: May 2020

The Gram-strain-negative, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile bacterial strain, designated S1-10T, was isolated from marine sediment. Strain S1-10T grew at 4–42 °C (optimally at 30–35 °C), at pH 7.0–10 (optimally at pH 9) and in the presence of 0.5–8 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain S1-10T was related to the genus

Aequorivita

and had highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Aequorivita viscosa

8-1bT (97.7%). The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The main respiratory quinone was menaquinone 6 (MK-6). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain S1-10T was 34.6 mol%. The polar lipid profile of strain S1-10T contained phosphatidylethanolamine, two aminolipids, two glycolipids, one phosphoglycolipid and three unidentified polar lipids. In addition, the maximum values of in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (isDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) between strain S1-10T and

A. viscosa

CGMCC 1.11023T were 15.4 and 75.7 %, respectively. Combined data from phenotypic, phylogenetic, isDDH and ANI analyses demonstrated that strain S1-10T is the representative of a novel species of the genus

Aequorivita

, for which we propose the name Aequorivita sinensis sp. nov. (type strain S1-10T=CGMCC 1.12579T=JCM 19789T). We also propose that

Vitellibacter todarodis

and

Vitellibacter aquimaris

should be transferred into genus

Aequorivita

and be named Aequorivita todarodis comb. nov. and

Aequorivita aquimaris

comb. nov., respectively. The type strain of Aequorivita todarodis comb. nov. is MYP2-2T (= KCTC 62141T= NBRC 113025T) and the type strain of

Aequorivita aquimaris

comb. nov. is D-24T (=KCTC 42708T=DSM 101732T).
Zhaonella formicivorans gen. nov., sp. nov., an anaerobic formate-utilizing bacterium isolated from Shengli oilfield, and proposal of four novel families and Moorellales ord. nov. in the phylum Firmicutes
Authors: Lv Xiao-meng , Yang Min , Dai Li-rong , Tu Bo , Chang Chen , Huang Yan , Deng Yu , Lawson Paul A. , Zhang Hui , Cheng Lei , Tang Yue-qin
Published: May 2020

A novel obligately anaerobic, thermophilic and formate-utilizing bacterium K32T was isolated from Shengli oilfield of China. Cells were straight rods (0.4–0.8 µm × 2.5–8.0 µm), Gram-stain-positive, non-spore-forming and slightly motile. Optimum growth occurred with pH of 7 and 0.5 g l–1 NaCl under temperature of 55–60 °C. Nitrate could be reduced into nitrite, syntrophic formate oxidation to methane and carbon dioxide occurred when co-culturing strain K32T and

Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus

ΔH. The main cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (24.0 %), anteiso-C15 : 0 (21.7 %), C16 : 0 (12.7 %) and C14 : 0 (10.8 %), and the main polar lipid was phosphatidylglycerol. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 46.3 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of K32T shared ≤90.4 % of sequence similarity to closest type strains of

Desulfitibacter alkalitolerans

,

Calderihabitans maritimus

and members of the genus

Moorella

. Based on the phenotypic, biochemical and genotypic characterization, Zhaonella formicivorans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed with K32T (=CCAM 584T =DSM 107278T=CGMCC1.5297T) as the type strain, which is the first representative of Zhaonellaceae fam. nov. In addition, the order Thermoanaerobacterales and family

Peptococcaceae

were reclassified, and three novel families in the novel order of Moorellales ord. nov. were also proposed.
Ramichloridium endophyticum sp. nov., a novel species of endophytic fungus from Potamogeton pectinatus
Authors: Zheng Hua , Yu Zefen , Xu Jianping , Castañeda-Ruiz Rafael F. , Qiao Min
Published: May 2020

During a survey of endophytic fungi in aquatic plants collected from Tibet, PR China, a novel species, Ramichloridium endophyticum, was isolated from Potamogeton pectinatus. This novel species differs from other species of the genus Ramichloridium by its finely verrucose, obovoid, ellipsoidal–obovoid and occasionally subglobose conidia. Phylogenetic analysis of the combined sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef1-α) confirmed that the isolated strain represents a member of the genus Ramichloridium. A full description, illustrations and a phylogenetic tree showing the position of R. endophyticum are provided.
Vishniacozyma alagoana sp. nov. a tremellomycetes yeast associated with plants from dry and rainfall tropical forests
Authors: Félix Ciro Ramon , Andrade Dayse Alessandra , Almeida James Henrique , Navarro Hector Mauricio Casanova , Fell Jack W. , Landell Melissa Fontes
Published: May 2020

Plants are important reservoirs of described and undescribed species of yeast. During a study of yeasts associated with bromeliads from the Northeast region of Brazil (collected in 2013–2017), analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region identified eleven strains of yeasts as representing an unknown species of the genusVishniacozyma. The species may have a diverse habitat in Brazil as a strain was collected from a flowering plant (Acanthaceae) in 1994. As a consequence, we proposeVishniacozyma alagoanasp. nov. as a member of the tremellomycetes yeasts (Agaricomycotina, Basidiomycota).Vishniacozyma alagoanasp. nov. was found in Atlantic Forest (a tropical rainforest) and the Caatinga (a seasonally dry tropical forest) associated with bromeliads in northeast and southeastern Brazil. The proposed novel species is related toVishniacozyma taibaiensisand distinguished by eight nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domain and seventeen in the ITS region. In addition,Vishniacozyma alagoanasp. nov. differs fromV. taibaiensisby the ability to assimilate ribitol. The holotype is CBS 15966T.
Chitinimonas arctica sp. nov., isolated from Arctic tundra soil
Authors: Xu Qiang , Jiang Fan , Da Xuyang , Zhang Yumin , Geng Yingchao , Qin Kun , Liu Jia , Peng Fang
Published: May 2020

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, green-pigmented, aerobic and motile bacterium, strain R3-44T, was isolated from Arctic tundra soil. Stain R3-44T clustered closely with members of the genus

Chitinimonas

, which belongs to the family

Burkholderiaceae

, and showed the highest 16S rRNA sequence similarity to

Chitinimonas naiadis

AR2T (96.10%). Strain R3-44T grew optimally at pH 7.0, 28 °C and in the presence of 0–0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. The predominant respiratory isoprenoid quinone of strain R3-44T was identified as ubiquinone Q-8. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified aminolipid and unidentified phospholipid. The main fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1
 ω7c and/or C16 : 1
 ω6c, 40.6 %) and C16 : 0 (29.3 %). The DNA G+C content of strain R3-44T was 60.8 mol%. On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain R3-44T represents a novel species of the genus

Chitinimonas

, for which the name Chitinimonas arctica sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain R3-44T (=CCTCC AB 2010422T=KCTC 72602T).
Maribacter luteus sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from intertidal sand of the Yellow Sea
Authors: Liu Ang , Zhang Yan-Jiao , Liu De-Kun , Li Xiu-Zhen
Published: May 2020

A novel rod-shaped and Gram-stain-negative bacterium, designated strain RZ05T, was isolated from a sand sample collected from the intertidal zone of the Yellow Sea, PR China. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain RZ05T clusters within the genus

Maribacter

, a member of the family

Flavobacteriaceae

, and has the highest sequence similarity to

Maribacter polysiphoniae

KCTC 22021T (97.8 %), followed by

Maribacter arenosus

KCTC 52191T (97.2 %). Cells of this strain were observed to be aerobic, oxidase- and catalase-positive, motile by gliding and formed yellow colonies. Growth occurred at 7–40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6.5–9.5 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0.5–6 % (optimum, 2 %) NaCl. Its polar lipid profile included phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified glycolipids, one unidentified aminolipid and four unidentified lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C16 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, summed feature 9 (10-methyl C16 : 0/iso-C17 : 1
 ω9c) and summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH/C16 : 1
 ω7c/C16 : 1
 ω6c). The only respiratory quinone was menaquinone 6 (MK-6). The genome of strain RZ05T was 4.65 Mbp with a G+C content of 38.9 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain RZ05T and its most closely related type strain

M. polysiphoniae

KCTC 22021T were 80.3 and 26.3  %, respectively. The results of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses indicated that strain RZ05T represents a novel species of the genus

Maribacter

, for which the name Maribacter luteus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RZ05T (=KCTC 62834T=MCCC 1K03617T).
The population structure of Rose rosette virus in the USA
Authors: Katsiani Asimina , Stainton Daisy , Lamour Kurt , Tzanetakis Ioannis E.
Published: May 2020

Rose rosette virus(RRV) (genusEmaravirus) is the causal agent of the homonymous disease, the most destructive malady of roses in the USA. Although the importance of the disease is recognized, little sequence information and no full genomes are available for RRV, a multi-segmented RNA virus. To better understand the population structure of the virus we implemented a Hi-Plex PCR amplicon high-throughput sequencing approach to sequence all 7 segments and to quantify polymorphisms in 91 RRV isolates collected from 16 states in the USA. Analysis revealed insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms primarily in the 5′ and 3′ non-coding, but also within coding regions, including some resulting in changes of protein length. Phylogenetic analysis showed little geographical structuring, suggesting that topography does not have a strong influence on virus evolution. Overall, the virus populations were homogeneous, possibly because of regular movement of plants, the recent emergence of RRV and/or because the virus is under strong purification selection to preserve its integrity and biological functions.
Identification of integrative and conjugative elements in pathogenic and commensal Neisseriaceae species via genomic distributions of DNA uptake sequence dialects
Authors: Hughes-Games Alex , Roberts Adam P. , Davis Sean A. , Hill Darryl J.
Published: May 2020

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are key factors responsible for dissemination of virulence determinants and antimicrobial-resistance genes amongst pathogenic bacteria. Conjugative MGEs are notable for their high gene loads donated per transfer event, broad host ranges and phylogenetic ubiquity amongst prokaryotes, with the subclass of chromosomally inserted integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) being particularly abundant. The focus on a small number of model systems has biased the study of ICEs towards those conferring readily selectable phenotypes to host cells, whereas the identification and characterization of integrated cryptic elements remains challenging. Even though antimicrobial resistance and horizontally acquired virulence genes are major factors aggravating neisserial infection, conjugative MGEs of

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

and

Neisseria meningitidis

remain poorly characterized. Using a phenotype-independent approach based on atypical distributions of DNA uptake sequences (DUSs) in MGEs relative to the chromosomal background, we have identified two groups of chromosomally integrated conjugative elements in

Neisseria

: one found almost exclusively in pathogenic species possibly deriving from the genus

Kingella

, the other belonging to a group of

Neisseria mucosa

-like commensals. The former element appears to enable transfer of traditionally gonococcal-specific loci such as the virulence-associated toxin–antitoxin system fitAB to

N. meningitidis

chromosomes, whilst the circular form of the latter possesses a unique attachment site (attP) sequence seemingly adapted to exploit DUS motifs as chromosomal integration sites. In addition to validating the use of DUS distributions in

Neisseriaceae

MGE identification, the >170 identified ICE sequences provide a valuable resource for future studies of ICE evolution and host adaptation.
Transposable elements contribute to the genome plasticity of Ralstonia solanacearum species complex
Authors: Gonçalves Osiel Silva , Campos Kiara França , de Assis Jéssica Catarine Silva , Fernandes Alexia Suellen , Souza Thamires Santos , do Carmo Rodrigues Luiz Guilherme , Queiroz Marisa Vieira de , Santana Mateus Ferreira
Published: May 2020

The extensive genetic diversity of

Ralstonia solanacearum

, a serious soil-borne phytopathogen, has led to the concept that

R. solanacearum

encompasses a species complex [

R. solanacearum

species complex (RSSC)]. Insertion sequences (ISs) are suggested to play an important role in the genome evolution of this pathogen. Here, we identified and analysed transposable elements (TEs), ISs and transposons, in 106 RSSC genomes and 15

Ralstonia

spp. We mapped 10 259 IS elements in the complete genome of 62 representative RSSC strains and closely related

Ralstonia

spp. A unique set of 20 IS families was widespread across the strains, IS5 and IS3 being the most abundant. Our results showed six novel transposon sequences belonging to the Tn3 family carrying passenger genes encoding antibiotic resistance and avirulence proteins. In addition, internal rearrangement events associated with ISs were demonstrated in

Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum

strains. We also mapped IS elements interrupting avirulence genes, which provided evidence that ISs plays an important role in virulence evolution of RSSC. Additionally, the activity of ISs was demonstrated by transcriptome analysis and DNA hybridization in

R. solanacearum

isolates. Altogether, we have provided collective data of TEs in RSSC genomes, opening a new path for understanding their evolutionary impact on the genome evolution and diversity of this important plant pathogen.
Control of acetyl phosphate-dependent phosphorylation of the response regulator CiaR by acetate kinase in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Kaiser Sabrina , Hoppstädter Lisa Marie , Bilici Kevser , Heieck Kevin , Brückner Reinhold
Published: May 2020

The two-component regulatory system CiaRH ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeaffects a large variety of physiological processes including ß-lactam resistance, competence development, maintenance of cell integrity, bacteriocin production, but also host colonization and virulence. The response regulator CiaR is active under a wide variety of conditions and the cognate CiaH kinase is not always needed to maintain CiaR activity. Using tetracycline-controlled expression ofciaRand variants, acetyl phosphate was identifiedin vivoas the alternative source of CiaR phosphorylation in the absence of CiaH. Concomitant inactivation ofciaHand the acetate kinase geneackAled to very high levels of CiaR-mediated promoter activation. Strong transcriptional activation was accompanied by a high phosphorylation status of CiaR as determined by Phos-tag gel electrophoresis ofS. pneumoniaecell extracts. Furthermore, AckA acted negatively upon acetyl phosphate-dependent phosphorylation of CiaR. Experiments using theEscherichia colitwo-hybrid system based on adenylate cyclase reconstitution indicated binding of AckA to CiaR and therefore direct regulation. Subsequentin vitroCiaR phosphorylation experiments confirmedin vivoobservations. Purified AckA was able to inhibit acetyl phosphate-dependent phosphorylation. Inhibition required the presence of ADP. AckA-mediated regulation of CiaR phosphorylation is the first example for a regulatory connection of acetate kinase to a response regulator besides controlling acetyl phosphate levels. It will be interesting to see if this novel regulation applies to other response regulators inS. pneumoniaeor even in other organisms.
Impact of campaign-style delivery of routine vaccines during Intensified Mission Indradhanush in India: a controlled interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Clarke-Deelder Emma , Suharlim Christian , Chatterjee Susmita , Brenzel Logan , Ray Arindam , Cohen Jessica , McConnell Margaret , Resch Stephen C , Menzies Nicolas A
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The world is not on track to achieve the goals for immunization coverage and equity described by the World Health Organization’s Global Vaccine Action Plan. In India, only 62% of children had received a full course of basic vaccines in 2016. We evaluated the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI), a campaign-style intervention to increase routine immunization coverage and equity in India, implemented in 2017-2018.

Methods

We conducted a comparative interrupted time-series analysis using monthly district-level data on vaccine doses delivered, comparing districts participating and not participating in IMI. We estimated the impact of IMI on coverage and under-coverage (defined as the proportion of children who were unvaccinated) during the four-month implementation period and in subsequent months.

Findings

During implementation, IMI increased delivery of thirteen infant vaccines by between 1.6% (95% CI: −6.4, 10.2%) and 13.8% (3.0%, 25.7%). We did not find evidence of a sustained effect during the 8 months after implementation ended. Over the 12 months from the beginning of implementation, IMI reduced under-coverage of childhood vaccination by between 3.9% (−6.9%, 13.7%) and 35.7% (−7.5%, 77.4%). The largest estimated effects were for the first doses of vaccines against diptheria-tetanus-pertussis and polio.

Interpretation

IMI had a substantial impact on infant immunization delivery during implementation, but this effect waned after implementation ended. Our findings suggest that campaign-style interventions can increase routine infant immunization coverage and reach formerly unreached children in the shorter term, but other approaches may be needed for sustained coverage improvements.

Funding

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The landscape of host genetic factors involved in immune response to common viral infections
Authors: Kachuri Linda , Francis Stephen S. , Morrison Maike , Wendt George A. , Bossé Yohan , Cavazos Taylor B. , Rashkin Sara R. , Ziv Elad , Witte John S.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Humans and viruses have co-evolved for millennia resulting in a complex host genetic architecture. Understanding the genetic mechanisms of immune response to viral infection provides insight into disease etiology and therapeutic opportunities.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive study including genome-wide and transcriptome-wide association analyses to identify genetic loci associated with immunoglobulin G antibody response to 28 antigens for 16 viruses using serological data from 7924 European ancestry participants in the UK Biobank cohort.

Results

Signals in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II region dominated the landscape of viral antibody response, with 40 independent loci and 14 independent classical alleles, 7 of which exhibited pleiotropic effects across viral families. We identified specific amino acid (AA) residues that are associated with seroreactivity, the strongest associations presented in a range of AA positions within DRβi at positions 11, 13, 71, and 74 for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), Human Herpes virus 7, (HHV7) and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV). Genome-wide association analyses discovered 7 novel genetic loci outside the HLA associated with viral antibody response (P<5.0×10-8), including FUT2 (19q13.33) for human polyomavirus BK (BKV), STING1 (5q31.2) for MCV, as well as CXCR5 (11q23.3) and TBKBP1 (17q21.32) for HHV7. Transcriptome-wide association analyses identified 114 genes associated with response to viral infection, 12 outside of the HLA region, including ECSCR: P=5.0*10-15 (MCV), NTN5: P=1.1×10-9 (BKV), and P2RY13: P=1.1×10-8 EBV nuclear antigen. We also demonstrated pleiotropy between viral response genes and complex diseases; from autoimmune disorders to cancer to neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the importance of the HLA region in host response to viral infection and elucidates novel genetic determinants beyond the HLA that contribute to host-virus interaction.