bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a target product profile for a One Health antimicrobial resistance surveillance service
Authors: Tobin Mauro , Ferreyra Cecilia , Piton Jeremie , Kelly-Cirino Cassandra , Katz Zachary , Kadam Rigveda
Published: November 2022

We developed a target product profile (TPP) for an interoperable, nationally hosted surveillance service that can automatically aggregate One Health antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data from numerous sources. The service described would provide a customized view of national level data in low- and middle-income countries. A draft TPP was reviewed through online survey by experts with broad knowledge across AMR policy, microbiology, surveillance and data management. The TPP included 51 characteristics with minimal and optimal requirements relating to overall information technology (IT) vision of effective AMR surveillance, data characteristics, data storage and use, interoperability, data security, system management and governance and non-functional requirements. The agreement for all characteristics in Round 1 was high (≥85%). Ten characteristics for which comments highlighted a need for clarification were amended and circulated for further review among 28 non-commercial and 15 commercial reviewers who responded to Round 1. The agreement with these characteristics during Round 2 was ≥88%. The final TPP will serve as an informative tool for a variety of stakeholders including diagnostic and software developers, governments and policymakers. The TPP aims to promote development of effective AMR surveillance information technology approaches to support policy decisions and implementation across human health, animal health and other sectors.
Improving beef calf health: frequency of disease syndromes, uptake of management practices following calving, and potential for antimicrobial use reduction in western Canadian herds
Authors: Waldner Cheryl , Wilhelm Barbara , Windeyer M Claire , Parker Sarah , Campbell John
Published: November 2022

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), calf diarrhea (CD), and navel infections are the most commonly reported diseases of western Canadian beef calves. The objectives of this study were to estimate the frequency of treatment for these diseases for specific age cohorts and identify potential opportunities for reducing antimicrobial use. Producers representing 89 western Canadian cow-calf herds completed a survey describing calfhood diseases and management. The most common reason for calf treatment before weaning was BRD (4.9%), and BRD treatment was described in 51% of reporting herds before 2 months of age. Calf diarrhea (2.9%) and navel infection (2.0%) were the second and third most common reasons for treatment. Most calves were treated for CD between 6 days and 1 month of age. Almost one in five herds reported routinely administering antimicrobials at birth. Calving heifers and cows together were all associated with an increased treatment risk for BRD in calves from birth to 2 months (OR 3.55, 95%CI 2.13–5.94, P < 0.0001), CD from 1 month to weaning (OR 3.94, 95%CI 1.29–12.0, P = 0.02), and navel infection (OR 4.55, 95%CI 1.78–11.6, P = 0.002). Failure to sort cow-calf pairs out of the calving area was also associated with an increased treatment risk for BRD from 4 months to weaning (OR 4.89, 95%CI 1.96–12.2, P = 0.0006) and CD from 24 h to 5 days (OR 2.82, 95%CI 1.03–7.75, P = 0.04), and not using the Sandhills system was associated with an increased treatment risk for navel infection (OR 4.55, 95%CI 1.78–11.6, P = 0.002). Other potentially modifiable factors associated with an increased risk of BRD in calves from birth to 2 months were winter feeding and calving in one area (P < 0.0001), heifers calving in a higher density area (P = 0.01), and an increasing number of times cow-calf pairs were gathered before turn out to summer pasture (P = 0.0005). The purchase of any cows during the calving or prebreeding period was associated with an increased risk of BRD from birth to 2 months (P < 0.0001) and from 2 to 4 months (P < 0.0001). A history of respiratory bacterin vaccines administered to the dams was associated with a decreased risk of BRD in calves from 4 months to weaning (P = 0.01). Cows calving in a higher density area was associated with an increased risk of CD from 1 month to weaning (P = 0.02). These practices present opportunities for investigation of approaches to disease management that could support the judicious use of antimicrobials.
A comparison of multisensory features of two auditory cortical areas: primary (A1) and higher-order dorsal zone (DZ)
Authors: Merrikhi Yaser , Kok Melanie A , Lomber Stephen G , Meredith M Alex
Published: November 2022

From myriads of ongoing stimuli, the brain creates a fused percept of the environment. This process, which culminates in perceptual binding, is presumed to occur through the operations of multisensory neurons that occur throughout the brain. However, because different brain areas receive different inputs and have different cytoarchitechtonics, it would be expected that local multisensory features would also vary across regions. The present study investigated that hypothesis using multiple single-unit recordings from anesthetized cats in response to controlled, electronically-generated separate and combined auditory, visual, and somatosensory stimulation. These results were used to compare the multisensory features of neurons in cat primary auditory cortex (A1) with those identified in the nearby higher-order auditory region, the Dorsal Zone (DZ). Both regions exhibited the same forms of multisensory neurons, albeit in different proportions. Multisensory neurons exhibiting excitatory or inhibitory properties occurred in similar proportions in both areas. Also, multisensory neurons in both areas expressed similar levels of multisensory integration. Because responses to auditory cues alone were so similar to those that included non-auditory stimuli, it is proposed that this effect represents a mechanism by which multisensory neurons subserve the process of perceptual binding.
Lateral thoracotomy versus sternotomy for left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Zubair M. Haseeb , Brovman Ethan Y.
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Traditionally, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are implanted via the standard median sternotomy approach. However, a left thoracotomy approach has been purported to offer physiologic benefits. As a result, utilization of the left thoracotomy for LVAD placement is increasing globally, but the benefits of this approach versus sternotomy are still evolving and debatable. This review compares the median sternotomy and thoracotomy approaches for LVAD placement.

Recent findings

Recent meta-analyses of LVAD implantation via thoracotomy approach suggest that the thoracotomy approach was associated with a reduced incidence of RVF, bleeding, hospital length of stay (LOS), and mortality [1▪▪,2▪▪]. No difference in stroke rates was noted. These results offer support as to the feasibility of a thoracotomy approach for LVAD implantation but also highlight its potential superiority over sternotomy.

The most recent literature supports the use of lateral thoracotomy for placement of left ventricle assist devices compared to median sternotomy. Long-term outcomes from lateral thoracotomy are still unknown, however, short-term results favor lateral thoracotomy approaches for LVAD implantation. While the conventional median sternotomy approach was the original operative technique of choice for LVAD implantation, lateral thoracotomy is quickly emerging as a potentially superior technique.
Next-generation Sequencing as a Potential Diagnostic Adjunct in Distinguishing Between Desmoplastic Melanocytic Neoplasms
Authors: Roth Andrew , Boutko Anastasiya , Lampley Nathaniel , Dhillon Soneet , Hagstrom Michael , Olivares Shantel , Dittman David , Jennings Lawrence , Santana dos Santos Lucas , Busam Klaus , Gerami Pedram
Published: November 2022

Desmoplastic melanomas (DMs) are often challenging to diagnose and ancillary tests, such as immunohistochemistry, have limitations. One challenge is distinguishing DM from benign desmoplastic melanocytic neoplasms. In this study, we explored the utility of next-generation sequencing data in the diagnosis of DMs versus desmoplastic Spitz nevi (DSN) and desmoplastic nevi (DN). We sequenced 47 cases and retrieved 12 additional previously sequenced clinical cases from our dermatopathology database. The 59 total cases were comprised of 21 DMs, 25 DSN, and 13 DN. The DMs had the highest tumor mutation burden at 22 mutations/megabase (m/Mb) versus the DSN (6 m/Mb) and DN (8 m/Mb). Truncating mutations in NF1 resulting in a loss-of-function were exclusive to the DM cohort, identified in 8/21 (38%) cases. Importantly, missense mutations in NF1 were nonspecific and seen with similar frequency in the different cohorts. Other mutations exclusive to the DMs included truncating mutations in TP53, CDKN2A, and ARID2. Among the DSN, 17/25 (68%) had an HRAS mutation or receptor tyrosine kinase fusion consistent with other Spitz tumors. Two cases in the DN cohort had missense mutations in BRAF without additional progression mutations and 2 other cases had mutations in GNAQ, supporting a diagnosis of a sclerosing blue nevus. The remainder of the DN had nonspecific mutations in various signaling pathways with few progression mutations. Overall, our study provides preliminary data that next-generation sequencing data may have the potential to serve as an ancillary diagnostic tool to help differentiate malignant and benign desmoplastic melanocytic neoplasms.
Trends in preexposure prophylaxis use among sex partners as reported by persons with HIV – United States, May 2015–June 2020
Authors: Beer Linda , Tie Yunfeng , Dasgupta Sharoda , McManus Timothy , Smith Dawn K. , Shouse R. Luke
Published: November 2022

Objective:

To estimate trends in the proportion of sexually active U.S. adults with HIV (PWH) reporting an HIV-discordant sexual partner taking preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and proportion of partners taking PrEP.

Design:

The Medical Monitoring Project is a complex sample survey of U.S. adults with diagnosed HIV.

Methods:

We used annual cross-sectional data collected during June 2015–May 2020 to estimate the annual percentage change (EAPC), overall and by selected characteristics, in reported partner PrEP use among PWH with HIV-discordant partners (N = 8707) and reported PrEP use among these partners (N = 15 844).

Results:

The proportion of PWH reporting PrEP use by one or more HIV-discordant sex partner rose 19.5% annually (11.3 to 24.4%). The prevalence rose from 6.0 to 17.4% (EAPC, 25.8%) among Black PWH, 10.1 to 26.0% (EAPC, 19.5%) among Hispanic/Latino PWH, and 20.8 to 34.6% (EAPC, 16.3%) among White PWH. Among MSM with HIV, the prevalence increased from 9.6 to 32.6% (EAPC, 28.2%) among Black MSM, 16.6 to 36.0% (EAPC, 15.6%) among Hispanic/Latino MSM, and 24.9 to 44.1% (EAPC, 17.9%) among White MSM. Among HIV-discordant sex partners, the proportion reported to be taking PrEP increased 21.1% annually (7.8 to 18.8%). Reported PrEP use rose from 4.9 to 14.2% (EAPC, 29.9%) among Black partners, 6.5 to 16.8% (EAPC, 20.3%) among Hispanic/Latino partners, and 12.7 to 26.1% (EAPC, 17.0%) among White partners.

Conclusions:

One in five HIV-discordant sexual partners of PWH was reported to be taking PrEP. PrEP use rose among all examined populations, although the increases did not eliminate disparities in PrEP use.
Cis- and trans-regulation by histone H4 basic patch R17/R19 in metazoan development
Authors: Zhang Xuedi , Wu Xiangyu , Peng Ju , Sun Angyang , Guo Yan , Fu Pengchong , Gao Guanjun
Published: November 2022

The histone H4 basic patch is critical for chromatin structure and regulation of the chromatin machinery. However, the biological roles of these positively charged residues and the mechanisms by which they regulate gene expression remain unclear. In this study, we used histone mutagenesis to investigate the physiological function and downstream regulatory genes of H4 residues R17 and R19 inDrosophila. We found all histone mutations including R17A/E/H and R19A/E/H (R17 and R19 of H4 are substituted by A, E and H respectively) result in a range of growth defects and abnormalities in chromosomal high-order structures, whereas R17E mutation is embryonic lethal. RNA-seq demonstrates that downregulated genes in both R17A and R19A show significant overlap and are enriched in development-related pathways. In addition, Western and cytological analyses showed that the R17A mutation resulted in a significant reduction in H4K16 acetylation and male offspring, implying that the R17 may be involved in male dosage compensation mechanisms. R19 mutation on the other hand strongly affect Gpp (Dot1 homologue in flies)-mediated H3K79 methylation, possibly through histone crosstalk. Together these results provide insights into the differential impacts of positive charges of H4 basic patch R17/R19 on regulation of gene transcription during developmental processes.
A digital-twin framework for genomic-based optimization of an agrophotovoltaic greenhouse system
Authors: Isied R. S. , Mengi E. , Zohdi T. I.
Published: November 2022

Agrophotovoltaic systems combine solar energy generation with agricultural production. In this work, a computational framework is developed to trace light rays through agrophotovoltaic greenhouses, in order to calculate the power generated by greenhouse solar cells, as well as power absorbed by crops within the greenhouse. A geometric ray-tracing algorithm is developed to track the propagation, reflection and refraction of light interacting with a translucent greenhouse. Genomic-based optimization techniques are used to meet a target greenhouse power generation level, as well as a targeted photosynthetic power absorption by optimizing the geometry, translucency and material characteristics of the greenhouse. Representative numerical examples are provided. The framework can be used to generate tailored, temporal and location-specific greenhouse designs.
Field-realistic concentrations of a neonicotinoid insecticide influence socially regulated brood development in a bumblebee
Authors: Chole Hanna , de Guinea Miguel , Woodard S. Hollis , Bloch Guy
Published: November 2022

The systemic neonicotinoid insecticides are considered as one of the key culprits contributing to ongoing declines in pollinator health and abundance. Bumblebees are among the most important pollinators of temperate zone plants, making their susceptibility to neonicotinoid exposure of great concern. We report that bumblebee (
Bombus terrestris
) colonies exposed to field-realistic concentrations of the commonly used neonicotinoid Imidacloprid grew slower, consumed less food, and produced fewer workers, males and gynes, but unexpectedly produced larger workers compared to control colonies. Behavioural observations show that queens in pesticide-treated colonies spend more time inactive and less time caring for the brood. We suggest that the observed effects on brood body size are driven by a decreased queen ability to manipulate the larva developmental programme. These findings reveal an intricate and previously unknown effect of insecticides on the social interactions controlling brood development in social insect colonies. Insecticide influences on the social mechanisms regulating larval development are potentially detrimental for bumblebees, in which body size strongly influences both caste differentiation and the division of labour among workers, two organization principles of insect societies.
The phoenix hypothesis of speciation
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryo , Wiley Bryn , Otto Sarah P.
Published: November 2022

Genetic divergence among allopatric populations builds reproductive isolation over time. This process is accelerated when populations face a changing environment that allows large-effect mutational differences to accumulate, but abrupt change also places populations at risk of extinction. Here we use simulations of Fisher's geometric model with explicit population dynamics to explore the genetic changes that occur in the face of environmental changes. Because evolutionary rescue leads to the fixation of mutations whose phenotypic effects are larger on average compared with populations not at risk of extinction, these mutations are thus more likely to lead to reproductive isolation. We refer to the formation of new species from the ashes of populations in decline as the phoenix hypothesis of speciation. The phoenix hypothesis predicts more substantial hybrid fitness breakdown among populations surviving a higher extinction risk. The hypothesis was supported when many loci underlie adaptation. With only a small number of potential rescue mutations, however, mutations that fixed in different populations were more likely to be identical, with such parallel changes reducing isolation. Consequently, reproductive isolation builds fastest in populations subject to an intermediate extinction risk, given a limited number of mutations available for adaptation.
Mitochondrial effects on fertility and longevity in
Tigriopus californicus
contradict predictions of the mother's curse hypothesis
Authors: Watson Eric T. , Flanagan Ben A. , Pascar Jane A. , Edmands Suzanne
Published: November 2022

Strict maternal inheritance of mitochondria favours the evolutionary accumulation of sex-biased fitness effects, as mitochondrial evolution occurs exclusively in female lineages. The ‘mother's curse’ hypothesis proposes that male-harming mutations should accumulate in mitochondrial genomes when they have neutral or beneficial effects on female fitness. Rigorous empirical tests have largely focused on
Drosophila
, where support for the predictions of mother's curse has been mixed. We investigated the impact of mother's curse mutations in
Tigriopus californicus,
a minute crustacean. Using non-recombinant backcrosses, we introgressed four divergent mitochondrial haplotypes into two nuclear backgrounds and recorded measures of fertility and longevity. We found that the phenotypic effects of mitochondrial mutations were context dependent, being influenced by the nuclear background in which they were expressed, as well as the sex of the individual and rearing temperature. Mitochondrial haplotype effects were greater for fertility than longevity, and temperature effects were greater for longevity. However, in opposition to mother's curse expectations, females had higher mitochondrial genetic variance than males for fertility and longevity, little evidence of sexual antagonism favouring females was found, and the impacts of mitonuclear mismatch harmed females but not males. Together, this indicates that selection on mitochondrial variation has not resulted in the accumulation of male mutation load in
Tigriopus californicus
.
Ageing leads to reduced specificity of antimicrobial peptide responses in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Shit Biswajit , Prakash Arun , Sarkar Saubhik , Vale Pedro F. , Khan Imroze
Published: November 2022

Evolutionary theory predicts a late-life decline in the force of natural selection, possibly leading to late-life deregulations of the immune system. A potential outcome of such deregulations is the inability to produce specific immunity against target pathogens. We tested this possibility by infecting multiple
Drosophila melanogaster
lines (with bacterial pathogens) across age groups, where either individual or different combinations of Imd- and Toll-inducible antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were deleted using CRISPR gene editing. We show a high degree of non-redundancy and pathogen-specificity of AMPs in young flies: in some cases, even a single AMP could confer complete resistance. However, ageing led to drastic reductions in such specificity to target pathogens, warranting the action of multiple AMPs across Imd and Toll pathways. Moreover, use of diverse AMPs either lacked survival benefits or even accompanied survival costs post-infection. These features were also sexually dimorphic: females required a larger repertoire of AMPs than males but extracted equivalent survival benefits. Finally, age-specific expansion of the AMP-repertoire was accompanied with ageing-induced downregulation of negative-regulators of the Imd pathway and damage to renal function post-infection, as features of poorly regulated immunity. Overall, we could highlight the potentially non-adaptive role of ageing in producing less-specific AMP responses, across sexes and pathogens.
Protection from fishing improves body growth of an exploited species
Authors: Sørdalen Tonje Knutsen , Halvorsen Kim Tallaksen , Olsen Esben Moland
Published: November 2022

Hunting and fishing are often size-selective, which favours slow body growth. In addition, fast growth rate has been shown to be positively correlated with behavioural traits that increase encounter rates and catchability in passive fishing gears such as baited traps. This harvest-induced selection should be effectively eliminated in no-take marine-protected areas (MPAs) unless strong density dependence results in reduced growth rates. We compared body growth of European lobster (Homarus gammarus) between three MPAs and three fished areas. After 14 years of protection from intensive, size-selective lobster fisheries, the densities in MPAs have increased considerably, and we demonstrate that females moult more frequently and grow more during each moult in the MPAs. A similar, but weaker pattern was evident for males. This study suggests that MPAs can shield a wild population from slow-growth selection, which can explain the rapid recovery of size structure following implementation. If slow-growth selection is a widespread phenomenon in fisheries, the effectiveness of MPAs as a management tool can be higher than currently anticipated.
The mutational spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 genomic and antigenomic RNA
Authors: Zhao Lele , Hall Matthew , de Cesare Mariateresa , MacIntyre-Cockett George , Lythgoe Katrina , Fraser Christophe , Bonsall David , Golubchik Tanya ,   COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, Ferretti Luca
Published: November 2022

The raw material for viral evolution is provided by intra-host mutations occurring during replication, transcription or post-transcription. Replication and transcription of
Coronaviridae
proceed through the synthesis of negative-sense ‘antigenomes’ acting as templates for positive-sense genomic and subgenomic RNA. Hence, mutations in the genomes of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses can occur during (and after) the synthesis of either negative-sense or positive-sense RNA, with potentially distinct patterns and consequences. We explored for the first time the mutational spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 (sub)genomic and anti(sub)genomic RNA. We use a high-quality deep sequencing dataset produced using a quantitative strand-aware sequencing method, controlled for artefacts and sequencing errors, and scrutinized for accurate detection of within-host diversity. The nucleotide differences between negative- and positive-sense strand consensus vary between patients and do not show dependence on age or sex. Similarities and differences in mutational patterns between within-host minor variants on the two RNA strands suggested strand-specific mutations or editing by host deaminases and oxidative damage. We observe generally neutral and slight negative selection on the negative strand, contrasting with purifying selection in ORF1a, ORF1b and S genes of the positive strand of the genome.
Collective movement as a solution to noisy navigation and its vulnerability to population loss
Authors: Granger Jesse , Johnsen Sönke
Published: November 2022

Many animals use the geomagnetic field to migrate long distances with high accuracy; however, research has shown that individual responses to magnetic cues can be highly variable. Thus, it has been hypothesized that magnetoreception alone is insufficient for accurate migrations and animals must either switch to a more accurate sensory cue or integrate their magnetic sense over time. Here we suggest that magnetoreceptive migrators could also use collective navigation strategies. Using agent-based models, we compare agents utilizing collective navigation to both the use of a secondary sensory system and time-integration. Our models demonstrate that collective navigation allows for 70% success rates for noisy navigators. To reach the same success rates, a secondary sensory system must provide perfect navigation for over 73% of the migratory route, and time integration must integrate over 50 time-steps, indicating that magnetoreceptive animals could benefit from using collective navigation. Finally, we explore the impact of population loss on animals relying on collective navigation. We show that as population density decreases, a greater proportion of individuals fail to reach their destination and that a 50% population reduction can result in up to a 37% decrease in the proportion of individuals completing their migration.
Increased phage resistance through lysogenic conversion accompanying emergence of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium ST34 pandemic strain
Authors: Charity Oliver J. , Acton Luke , Bawn Matt , Tassinari Eleonora , Thilliez Gaёtan , Chattaway Marie A. , Dallman Timothy J. , Petrovska Liljana , Kingsley Robert A.
Published: November 2022

Salmonella enterica

serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) comprises a group of closely related human and animal pathogens that account for a large proportion of all

Salmonella

infections globally. The epidemiological record of S. Typhimurium in Europe is characterized by successive waves of dominant clones, each prevailing for approximately 10–15 years before replacement. Succession of epidemic clones may represent a moving target for interventions aimed at controlling the spread and impact of this pathogen on human and animal health. Here, we investigate the relationship of phage sensitivity and population structure of S. Typhimurium using data from the Anderson phage typing scheme. We observed greater resistance to phage predation of epidemic clones circulating in livestock over the past decades compared to variants with a restricted host range implicating increased resistance to phage in the emergence of epidemic clones of particular importance to human health. Emergence of monophasic S. Typhimurium ST34, the most recent dominant multidrug-resistant clone, was accompanied by increased resistance to phage predation during clonal expansion, in part by the acquisition of the mTmII prophage that may have contributed to the fitness of the strains that replaced ancestors lacking this prophage.
Monitoring Body Composition Change for Intervention Studies with Advancing 3D Optical Imaging Technology in Comparison to Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Authors: Wong Michael C. , Bennett Jonathan P. , Leong Lambert T. , Tian Isaac Y. , Liu Yong E. , Kelly Nisa N. , McCarthy Cassidy , Wong Julia MW , Ebbeling Cara B. , Ludwig David S. , Irving Brian A. , Scott Matthew C. , Stampley James , Davis Brett , Johannsen Neil , Matthews Rachel , Vincellette Cullen , Garber Andrea K. , Maskarinec Gertraud , Weiss Ethan , Rood Jennifer , Varanoske Alyssa N. , Pasiakos Stefan M. , Heymsfield Steven B. , Shepherd John A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Recent three-dimensional optical (3DO) imaging advancements have provided more accessible, affordable, and self-operating opportunities for assessing body composition. 3DO is accurate and precise with respect to clinical measures made by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). However, the sensitivity for monitoring body composition change over time with 3DO body shape is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate 3DO’s ability to monitor body composition changes across multiple intervention studies.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed using intervention studies on healthy adults that were complimentary to the cross-sectional study, Shape Up! Adults. Each participant received a DXA (Hologic Discovery/A system) and 3DO (Fit3D ProScanner) scan at baseline and follow-up. 3DO meshes were digitally registered and reposed using Meshcapade to standardize the vertices and pose. Using an established statistical shape model, each 3DO mesh was transformed into principal components (PCs), which were used to predict whole-body and regional body composition values using published equations. Body composition changes (follow-up minus baseline) were compared to DXA with linear regression.

Results

The analysis included 133 participants (45 females) in six studies. The mean (SD) length of follow-up was 13 (5) weeks, range 3-23 weeks. Agreement between 3DO and DXA (R2) for changes in total fat mass (FM), total fat-free mass (FFM), and appendicular lean mass, respectively, were 0.86, 0.73, and 0.70 with RMSEs of 1.98 kg, 1.58 kg, and 0.37 kg in females, and 0.75, 0.75, and 0.52 with RMSEs of 2.31 kg, 1.77 kg, and 0.52 kg in males. Further adjustment with demographic descriptors improved the 3DO change agreement to changes observed with DXA.

Conclusions

As compared to DXA, 3DO was highly sensitive in detecting body shape changes over time. The 3DO method was sensitive enough to detect even small changes in body composition during intervention studies. The safety and accessibility of 3DO allows users to self-monitor on a frequent basis throughout interventions.
Assessment of level of depression and associated factors among covid-19 recovered patients: a cross sectional study
Authors: Khatun Mst.Khadeza , Farhana Nasreen
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has psychological consequences such as increased risk of depression, anxiety, and stress problems, exacerbating human health disparities. This study aimed to analyze depression and its causes in COVID-19-recovered patients in Bangladesh.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19 recovered patients, who attended for follow-up after 14 days to 3 months at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and Dhaka North City Corporation Hospital (DNCCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh from 1st January to 31st December, 2021. Respondents were face-to-face interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire after written agreement. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess respondents’ depression, and data were analyzed using SPSS version-23, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Results

A total of 325 COVID-19 recovered patients aged from 15 to 65 years (mean 44.34 ±13.87 years) of age were included in this study, highest 23.1% of them belonged to 46-55 years, and majority (61.5%) of them were male. There were 69.5% of respondents had no signs of depression while 31% of them had with 26.7 % being mildly depressed, 2.5 % being extremely depressed, and 1.2 % being severely depressed. Diabetes mellitus, hospitalization duration, social distancing, the social media post on COVID-19, loss of employment, family damage, and fear of re-infection were significantly associated with depression level of respondents.

Conclusion

This study gives us a glimpse into the psychological health of COVID-19 recovered patients, and its findings highlight the imperative of alleviating their psychological anguish in Bangladesh.
Accumulation of immunity in heavy-tailed sexual contact networks shapes monkeypox outbreak sizes
Authors: Murayama Hiroaki , Pearson Carl A. B. , Abbott Sam , Miura Fuminari , Jung Sung-mok , Fearon Elizabeth , Funk Sebastian , Endo Akira
Published: November 2022

Many countries affected by the global outbreak of monkeypox in 2022 have observed a decline in cases. Our mathematical model incorporating empirical estimates of the heavy-tailed sexual partnership distribution among men who have sex with men (MSM) suggests that monkeypox epidemics can hit the infection-derived herd immunity threshold and begin to decline with less than 1% of sexually active MSM population infected regardless of interventions or behavioural changes. Consistently, we found that many countries and US states experienced an epidemic peak with cumulative cases of around 0.1–0.7% of MSM population. The observed decline in cases may not necessarily be attributable to interventions or behavioural changes primarily, although continuing these approaches in the most effective manner is still warranted to minimise total epidemic size.
Detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in frozen aerosol samples collected from hospital rooms of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Fortin Audray , Veillette Marc , Larrotta Adriana , Longtin Yves , Duchaine Caroline , Grandvaux Nathalie
Published: November 2022

We isolated infectious SARS-CoV-2 from aerosol samples collected from hospital rooms of COVID19 patients. Isolated virus successfully replicated in cell cultures 14 months after collection, opening up prospects for retrospective analyses of samples stored during the previous waves of COVID-19.
VR-based real-time imaging reveals abnormal cortical dynamics during behavioral transitions in a mouse model of autism
Authors: Nakai Nobuhiro , Sato Masaaki , Yamashita Okito , Sekine Yukiko , Fu Xiaochen , Nakai Junichi , Zalesky Andrew , Takumi Toru
Published: November 2022

Functional connectivity (FC) can provide insight into cortical circuit dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders. However, dynamic changes in FC related to locomotion with sensory feedback remain unexplored. To investigate FC dynamics in locomoting mice, we developed mesoscopic Ca2+imaging with a virtual reality (VR) environment. We find rapid reorganization of cortical FC in response to changing behavioral states. Using machine learning classification, behavioral states are accurately decoded. We then use our VR-based imaging system to study cortical FC in a mouse model of autism and find that locomotion states are associated with altered FC dynamics. Furthermore, we identify FC patterns involving the motor area as the most distinguishing features of the autism mice from wild-type mice during behavioral transitions, which might correlate with motor clumsiness in patients with autism. Our VR-based real-time imaging system provides invaluable information to understand FC dynamics linked to a behavioral abnormality of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Antibiotic resistance response to sulfamethoxazole from the intracellular and extracellular DNA fractions of activated sludge
Authors: Martínez-Quintela M. , Calderón-Franco D. , van Loosdrecht M. C. M. , Suárez S. , Omil F. , Weissbrodt D. G.
Published: November 2022

In activated sludge, the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) can be present either in the intracellular (iDNA) or extracellular DNA fraction (exDNA). Recent advances in the exDNA extraction methodology allow a better profiling of the pool of ARGs. However, little is known about how stress conditions modify the distribution of ARGs between both DNA fractions. Here, we performed two batch tests for analyzing the effects of two different stress conditions, namely nutrient starvation and high concentrations of sulfamethoxazole (1, 10 and 150 mg L-1) in activated sludge. We tracked by qPCR the resulting relative abundances of four target genes, namely the universal 16S rRNA gene, the class 1 integron-integrase geneintI1, and the sulfonamide resistance genessul1andsul2in both the iDNA and exDNA fractions. In the exDNA pool, unlike starvation, which provoked a decrease of 1-2 log10[copies] ng DNA-1in the concentration ofsul1andintI1, the presence of sulfamethoxazole did not influence the abundances ofsul1andsul2. However, high concentrations of sulfamethoxazole (150 mg L- 1) selected for microorganisms harboringsul1and, more remarkably,sul2genes in their iDNA during their exponential growth phase. The abundances ofintI1andsul1were positively correlated in the exDNA fraction (r>0.7), whereas no significant correlation (p<0.05) between the abundance of these two genes was found in the iDNA fraction of the sludge. High SMX concentrations influenced the abundance of ARGs in the iDNA; their abundance in the exDNA was influenced by nutrient limitations. Further studies should consider the profiling of exDNA fractions because of the relationship between ARGs and mobile genetic elements. Besides, the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is encouraged in wastewater treatment plants facing high antibiotic concentrations.

Highlights

Starvation caused a decrease in the exDNA concentration of the activated sludge.

A positive correlation in the abundances ofintI1andsul1was found in the exDNA fraction.

High concentrations of SMX selected for antibiotic resistant microorganisms.
Cortical neuronal assemblies coordinate with EEG microstate dynamics during resting wakefulness
Authors: Boyce Richard , Dard Robin F , Cossart Rosa
Published: November 2022

The disruption of cortical assembly activity has been associated with anesthesia-induced loss of consciousness. However, information about the relationship between cortical assembly activity and the variations in consciousness associated with natural vigilance states is currently lacking. To address this, we performed vigilance state-specific clustering analysis on 2-photon calcium imaging data from sensorimotor cortex in combination with global EEG microstate analysis derived from multi-EEG signals obtained from widespread cortical locations. Our analysis revealed no difference in the structure of assembly activity during quiet wakefulness (QW), NREMs, or REMs, despite the latter two vigilance states being associated with significantly reduced levels of consciousness relative to QW. However, we found a significant coordination between global EEG microstate dynamics and local cortical assembly activity during periods of QW, but not sleep. These results suggest that the coordination of cortical assembly activity with global brain dynamics could be a key factor of sustained conscious experience.
Live-cell super-resolution imaging of actin using LifeAct-14 with a PAINT-based approach
Authors: Bhaskar Haresh , Kleinjan Dirk-Jan , Oi Curran , Gidden Zoe , Rosser Susan J. , Horrocks Mathew H. , Regan Lynne
Published: November 2022

We present direct-LIVE-PAINT, an easy-to-implement approach for the nanoscopic imaging of protein structures in live cells using labeled binding peptides. We demonstrate the feasibility of direct-LIVE-PAINT with an actin-binding peptide fused to EGFP, the location of which can be accurately determined as it transiently binds to actin filaments. We show that direct-LIVE-PAINT can be used to image actin structures below the diffraction-limit of light and have used it to observe the dynamic nature of actin in live cells. We envisage a similar approach could be applied to imaging other proteins within live mammalian cells.
Variation in mate competition favors phenotypic plasticity in male coloration of an African cichlid
Authors: Fialkowski Robert J. , Funnell Tyler R. , Piefke Taylor J. , Border Shana E. , Aufdemberge Phil M. , Hartman Hailey A. , Dijkstra Peter D.
Published: November 2022

Sexual selection is thought to be a potent evolutionary force giving rise to diversity in sexual traits that enhance mating success, such as ornament, sexual display, and weapons. The expression of sexual traits is often influenced by environmental conditions, suggesting that phenotypic plasticity may precede and facilitate evolutionary divergence in sexual traits by sexual selection. However, the mechanisms that promote plasticity in sexual traits remain poorly understood. Using the cichlid fishAstatotilapia burtoni, we show that sexual selection may promote plasticity in sexual traits. In this species, males change between yellow and blue color and exhibit intense male contest competition over breeding territories to attract females. We found that experimentally increased competition over territories led to a higher proportion of males expressing the yellow phenotype. Furthermore, we found that expression of yellow coloration is beneficial to males in territorial disputes. Specifically, yellow males won more staged dyadic contests than blue males, and yellow males had a lower level of oxidative stress than blue males, especially when engaging in more territorial display. However, females spawned more with blue males than with yellow males, suggesting that expression of blue coloration is sexually more attractive. The ability to adjust color phenotype according to the local competitive environment could therefore promote the persistence of plastic changes in coloration. Our findings challenge the view that phenotypic plasticity sets the stage for the evolution of genetically fixed changes via sexual selection, and instead suggest that sexual selection may favor plasticity in sexual traits.
Age-dependent dysregulation of locus coeruleus firing in a transgenic rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kelberman Michael A. , Rorabaugh Jacki M. , Anderson Claire R. , Marriott Alexia , DePuy Seth D. , Rasmussen Kurt , McCann Katharine E. , Weiss Jay M. , Weinshenker David
Published: November 2022

Accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau in the locus coeruleus (LC) is a ubiquitous feature of prodromal Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and LC neurons degenerate as AD progresses. Tau-mediated LC dysfunction may contribute to early neuropsychiatric symptoms, while loss of LC integrity is associated with conversion to cognitive impairment. Hyperphosphorylated tau alters firing rates in other brain regions, but its effects on LC neurons have not been described. The purpose of this study was to characterize changes in firing properties of LC neurons when they are the only cells containing hyperphosphorylated tau, as well as later in disease when β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau pathology is abundant in the forebrain. Single unit LC activity was recorded from anesthetized wild-type (WT) and TgF344-AD rats, which carry the APP/PS1 transgene. Similar to human AD, these rats develop hyperphosphorylated tau in the LC (at 6 months) prior to Aβ or tau pathology in forebrain regions (at 12-15 months). At baseline, LC neurons from TgF344-AD rats were hypoactive at both ages compared to WT littermates, but showed elevated spontaneous bursting properties, particularly in younger animals. Differences in footshock-evoked LC firing depended on age, with 6-month TgF344-AD rats demonstrating aspects of hyperactivity, and aged transgenic rats showing hypoactivity relative to WT. Tau-induced alterations in LC firing rates may contribute to the pathophysiology of AD, with early hyperactivity associated with prodromal symptoms, followed by hypoactivity contributing to cognitive impairment. These results support further investigation into disease stage-dependent noradrenergic interventions for AD.

Highlights

Recorded locus coeruleus (LC) neurons in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

TgF344-AD rats develop early endogenous LC tau pathology akin to human AD

6- and 15-month TgF344-AD rats had reduced tonic LC firing

LC neurons from 6-month TgF344-AD rats were hyperactive in response to footshock

LC neuron dysfunction may contribute to AD symptoms
CSD Communications of the Cambridge Structural Database
Authors: Ferrence Gregory M. , Tovee Clare A. , Holgate Stephen J.W. , Johnson Natalie T. , Lightfoot Matthew P. , Nowakowska-Orzechowska Kamila L. , Ward Suzanna C.
Published: November 2022

The Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) is a collection of over one million experimental three-dimensional structures obtained through crystallographic analyses. These structures are determined by crystallographers worldwide and undergo curation and enhancement by scientists at the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) prior to their addition to the database. Though the CSD is substantial and contains widespread chemical diversity across organic and metal–organic compounds, it is estimated that a significant proportion of crystal structures determined are not published or shared through the peer-reviewed journal mechanism. To help overcome this, scientists can publish structures directly through the database as CSD Communications and these structural datasets are made publicly available alongside structures associated with scientific articles. CSD Communications contribute to the collective crystallographic knowledge as nearly two thirds are novel structures that are not otherwise available in the scientific literature. The primary benefits of sharing data through CSD Communications include the long-term preservation of scientific data, the strengthening of a widely data-mined world repository (the CSD), and the opportunity for scientists to receive recognition for their work through a formal and citable data publication. All CSD Communications are assigned unique digital object identifiers (DOIs). Contributions as CSD Communications currently comprise about 3.89% of the total CSD entries. Each individual CSD Communication is free to view and retrieve from the CCDC website.
Electronic resources for Chinese studies and East Asian libraries
Authors: Wai Fan Ka
Published: November 2022

This paper examines electronic resources, including journals and databases for Chinese studies, collected in North American East Asian academic libraries. A small survey of 26 East Asian academic libraries in North America was conducted in May 2003 in order to learn more about collection development practices and accessibility issues for Chinese electronic resources. Based on the eight‐question survey, 57 per cent of the responding libraries have collection development policies for their electronic resources, 36 per cent do not, while 7 per cent were unsure. Budget constraints, time constraints, lack of technical support, lack of training, and Chinese/English computer operating system incompatibilities were given as the top five constraints in the collection of Chinese electronic resources and providing access to them. After analyzing the collection, classification, and accessibility issues, the author provides some suggestions on the future development of Chinese electronic resources in East Asian academic libraries.
It is unnatural!–the role of food neophobia and food technology neophobia in shaping consumers' attitudes: a multimethod approach
Authors: Zamparo Gioele , Cunico Paolo , Vianelli Donata , Moretti Andrea
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to extend the current knowledge about how food neophobia and food technology neophobia can influence whether consumers choose fish farmed with insect-based flours (FFIF).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an online survey questionnaire and a sample of 567 young Italian adults. The answers were analysed using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis and structural equation modelling.

Findings

Both methodologies highlighted the relevance of food technology neophobia in influencing consumers' attitudes and intentions, even when foodstuffs were not produced through technology-intensive processes.

Research limitations/implications

Despite being focussed on a sample containing people of similar ages and food cultures, this study offers evidence that it is not necessarily the technological level of a food production process that sparks feelings of technology-related neophobia. Thus, this study highlights the importance of consumers' perceptions of foodstuff choices.

Practical implications

The findings provide valuable insights into how informative campaigns should address the problem of increasing the acceptance of novel foods, such as FFIF.

Originality/value

The present study provides empirical evidence that food technology neophobia can influence whether consumers choose FFIF. Furthermore, using a mixed-method approach is novel in the field of new foods.