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Trap-jaw ants, Odontomachus spp., are large, predaceous species with potent stings. The Neotropical trap-jaw ant, Odontomachus ruginodis, common throughout much of the West Indies, was first found in Florida in 1931. Whether O. ruginodis is native or exotic to Florida has remained uncertain. Here, I compiled published and unpublished records from 300 sites in Florida, including my own records from 112 sites, to examine the spread of O. ruginodis in Florida. Whereas the earliest Florida records of O. ruginodis were restricted to the southernmost part of the state, the known range has expanded progressively northward. This species is now known from 43 counties in Florida, as far north as Fernandina Beach (30.7°N), a few km from the Georgia border. This recent spread and its prevalence in human disturbed habitats, combined with an apparent lack of co-evolutionary history with a native predator of Odontomachus, support the supposition that O. ruginodis is not native to Florida. There appear to be no geographic or climatic barriers to prevent the spread of O. ruginodis into the panhandle area of Florida and further west along the Gulf Coast. As a result, more people may get an opportunity to experience the stings of O. ruginodis when they encounter them, for example, in urban and suburban gardens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smaller dogs are known to have an increased risk of chemotherapy‐induced myelosuppression for doxorubicin, mitoxantrone and melphalan. This retrospective study aimed to determine if dogs <15 kg and <10 kg experienced greater degrees of myelosuppression following treatment with carboplatin chemotherapy compared with dogs ≥15 kg. One hundred and one dogs treated with carboplatin for a variety of malignancies were retrospectively analysed. Eight dogs (61%) weighing <10 kg, three (38%) weighing 10 kg to <15 kg and 14 (17%) weighing ≥15 kg experienced a grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Five dogs (38%) weighing <10 kg, two (25%) weighing 10 kg to <15 kg and 13 (16%) weighing ≥15 kg experienced a grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia. Dogs <10 kg were significantly more likely to develop a grade 3 or 4 neutropenia following carboplatin than dogs ≥10 kg (3.5 RR; 95% CI, 1.9‐6.3; P <.001). Dogs <15 kg were also significantly more likely to develop a grade 3 or 4 neutropenia than dogs ≥15 kg (3 RR; 95% CI, 1.6‐5.6; P =.004). Dogs <10 kg were significantly more likely to develop a grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia than those dogs ≥10 kg (2.5 RR; 95% CI, 1.1‐5.6; P =.006). Hospitalization was significantly more likely for dogs <10 kg vs ≥10 kg (P =.014) as well as for dogs <15 kg vs ≥15 kg (P =.039). This study demonstrates an increased risk of carboplatin‐induced myelosuppression in dogs <15 kg, and particularly those <10 kg. This information should be considered by clinicians when making decisions regarding the initial carboplatin dose for smaller canine patients, especially those <15 kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemodynamic and hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase rates of formation, growth, and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IA), and the increased incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SA) in pregnant patients represents a risk to both mother and fetus. Despite this, management and treatment guidelines have not been defined for this patient population. In most instances, treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis with varying degrees of input from subspecialists. Important considerations, such as aneurysm location, morphology, size, growth pattern, and patient characteristics have not been presented in a management algorithm in the context of the pregnant patient. Given limited and controversial literature describing management of IAs in pregnant patients, we performed a systematic literature review. We then describe our multidisciplinary team approach and provide analysis of existing literature to provide guidelines for the management of the pregnant patient with an IA. A systematic review was undertaken to identify studies describing the management of IAs in the pregnant patient using the PubMed database. Overall maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality rates were determined. Data was analyzed for 1537 patients, including 1115 (73%) pregnant with ruptured intracranial aneurysms. In most cases, these aneurysms were managed conservatively (77%; 781/1013); however, when treatment was provided, surgical clipping was the most common modality (15%; 149/1013). Overall maternal outcomes were reported for 934 cases with morbidity and mortality rates of 5% (42/934) and 21% (194/934), respectively. Overall fetal outcomes were reported for 114 cases with morbidity and mortality rates of 10% (12/119) and 8% (9/119), respectively. Pregnancy-associated physiological changes likely elevate the risk of intracranial aneurysm formation, growth, and rupture. Treatment for aneurysms and SAs is safe and effective during pregnancy when risks are properly mitigated. Due to the complexity of care, such patients should be treated using a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach by a multidisciplinary team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spitting is a socially and hygienically unappealing behavior displayed by some persons who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the present study, we conducted a test‐only functional analysis, intervention evaluation, and maintenance assessment with a 12‐year‐old child who had autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and displayed spitting among staff and peers in a special education classroom. Based on hypothesized automatic reinforcement of spitting, intervention combining differential reinforcement and nonexclusionary time‐out was evaluated in an A‐B‐A‐B reversal design. Intervention reduced and eliminated spitting with effects maintained several months after the study. Results support use of nonmatched (social) stimuli in treating automatically reinforced problem behavior and compared to previous research on spitting, the study featured intervention that was informed through functional analysis, implemented beyond brief simulated sessions, and associated with extended response maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the traditional approach to Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis (ADSA), the determination of surface tension or interfacial tension is constrained by computational speed and image quality. By implementing a machine learning-based approach, particularly using a convolutional neural network (CNN), it is posited that analysis of pendant drop images can be both faster and more accurate. A CNN model was trained and used to predict the surface tension of drop images. The performance of our CNN model was compared to the traditional ADSA, i.e. direct numerical integration, in terms of precision, computational speed, and robustness in dealing with images of varying quality. Additionally, the ability of the CNN model to predict other drop properties such as Volume and Surface Area was evaluated. Our CNN demonstrated a significant enhancement in experimental fit precision, predicting surface tension with an accuracy of (+/-) 1.22 × 10 − 1 mN/m and at a speed of 1.50 ms − 1 , outpacing the traditional method by more than 5 × 10 3 times. The model maintained an average surface tension error of 2.42 × 10 − 1 mN/m even for experimental images with challenges such as misalignment and poor focus. The CNN model also demonstrated showcased a high degree of accuracy in determining other drop properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G6PC2 encodes a glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) catalytic subunit, primarily expressed in pancreatic islet β cells, which modulates the sensitivity of insulin secretion to glucose and thereby regulates fasting blood glucose (FBG). Mutational analyses were conducted to validate an AlphaFold2 (AF2)-predicted structure of human G6PC2 in conjunction with a novel method to solubilize and purify human G6PC2 froma heterologous expression system. These analyses show that residues forming a predicted intramolecular disulfide bond are essential for G6PC2 expression and that residues forming part of a type 2 phosphatidic acid phosphatase (PAP2)motif are critical for enzyme activity. Additional mutagenesis shows that residues forming a predicted substrate cavity modulate enzyme activity and substrate speci- ficity and residues forming a putative cholesterol recognition amino acid consensus (CRAC) motif influence protein expression or enzyme activity. This CRAC motif begins at residue 219, the site of a common G6PC2 non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs492594 (Val219Leu), though the functional impact of this SNP is disputed. In microsomal membrane preparations, the L219 variant has greater activity than the V219 variant, but this difference disappears when G6PC2 is purified in detergent micelles. We hypothesize that this was due to a differential association of the two variants with cholesterol. This concept was supported by the observation that the addition of cholesteryl hemi-succinate to the purified enzymes decreased the Vmax of the V219 and L219 variants ~8-fold and ~3 fold, respectively.We anticipate that these observations should support the rational development of G6PC2 inhibitors designed to lower FBG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brucellosis is a serious zoonotic infection with a global socioeconomic impact on both the livestock industry and human health. In Kenya, brucellosis is endemic but there is limited information on the true burden of the disease due to weak or peace-meal surveillance. The true burden and spread of animal brucellosis in Kajiado County is not known. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the current seroprevalence and spatial distribution of livestock brucellosis in Kajiado County and also to compare the three serological tests, namely; Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA), and competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) in the detection of seropositive animals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 5 sub-counties and 13 wards, where a total of 782 serum samples from unvaccinated bovine (n = 278; 34 herds), ovine (n = 256; 25 flocks), and caprine (n = 248; 28 flocks), were screened for anti-Brucella antibodies using RBPT, i-ELISA, and c-ELISA tests, in parallel. Results: Overall animal seroprevalence was 6.91% (54/782); while that for bovine, ovine, and caprine was 18.35% (51/278), 0.78% (2/256), and 0.4% (1/248), respectively. Bovine seroprevalence was 2.2% (6/278), 14.4% (40/278), and 4.7% (13/278) in RBPT, i-ELISA, and c-ELISA tests, respectively; while ovine 0.78% (2/256) and caprine 0.4% (1/248) were positive only in c-ELISA. Bovine herd seropositivity was 67.65% (23/34), whereas ovine and caprine flock seropositivities were 8% (2/25) and 3.6% (1/28), respectively. Conclusion: The findings indicate a moderate seroprevalence of brucellosis in bovine, while that of ovine and caprine was low in Kajiado County. Indirect ELISA was found superior to both c-ELISA and RBPT in detecting bovine seropositive animals, while c-ELISA was superior to both RBPT and i-ELISA in detecting seropositive ovines and caprines. These results will contribute to baseline data for further study of Brucella infection and a starting point for the formulation of a strategy for the control of brucellosis in Kajiado County. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Fever and leukocytosis are 2 parameters commonly cited in clinical practice as indications to perform an infectious workup in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), but their utility is unknown. Methods All patients who received ECMO between December 2014 and December 2020 with influenza or COVID-19 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Cultures were included if they were drawn from patients without signs of decompensation. Maximum temperature and white blood cell count were recorded on the day of culture collection. Workups with infections were compared with those that were negative. Results Of the 137 infectious workups in this 45-patient cohort, 86 (63%) were performed in patients with no signs of decompensation, totaling 165 cultures. These workups yielded 10 (12%) true infections. There were no differences in median (IQR) temperature (100.4 °F [100.2–100.8] vs 100.4 °F [99.3–100.9], P =.90) or white blood cell count (18.6 cells/mL [16.8–20.1] vs 16.7 cells/mL [12.8–22.3], P =.90) between those with and without infections. Conclusions In patients with influenza or COVID-19 who require ECMO, fever and leukocytosis were common indications for infectious workups, yet results were frequently negative. Despite their use in clinical practice, fever and leukocytosis are not reliable indicators of infection in patients who are hemodynamically stable and receiving ECMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Landau–Zener problem, where a minimum energy separation is passed with constant rate in a two-state quantum-mechanical system, is an excellent model quantum system for a computational project. It requires a low-level computational effort, but has a number of complex numerical and algorithmic issues that can be resolved through dedicated work. It can be used to teach computational concepts, such as accuracy, discretization, and extrapolation, and it reinforces quantum concepts of time-evolution via a time-ordered product and of extrapolation to infinite time via time-dependent perturbation theory. In addition, we discuss the concept of compression algorithms, which are employed in many advanced quantum computing strategies, and easy to illustrate with the Landau–Zener problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen, glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 1 and 2 (G6PC1; G6PC2) hydrolyze glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) to glucose and inorganic phosphate whereas hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PD) hydrolyzes G6P to 6-phosphogluconate (6PG) in a reaction that generates NADPH. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1) utilizes this NADPH to convert inactive cortisone to cortisol. HSD11B1 inhibitors improve insulin sensitivity whereas G6PC inhibitors are predicted to lower fasting blood glucose (FBG). This study investigated whether G6PC1 and G6PC2 influence G6P flux through H6PD and vice versa. Using a novel transcriptional assay that utilizes separate fusion genes to quantitate glucocorticoid and glucose signaling, we show that overexpression of H6PD and HSD11B1 in the islet-derived 832/13 cell line activated glucocorticoid-stimulated fusion gene expression. Overexpression of HSD11B1 blunted glucose-stimulated fusion gene expression independently of altered G6P flux. While overexpression of G6PC1 and G6PC2 blunted glucose-stimulated fusion gene expression, it had minimal effect on glucocorticoid-stimulated fusion gene expression. In the liver-derived HepG2 cell line, overexpression of H6PD and HSD11B1 activated glucocorticoid-stimulated fusion gene expression but overexpression of G6PC1 and G6PC2 had no effect. In rodents, HSD11B1 converts 11-dehydrocorticosterone (11-DHC) to corticosterone. Studies in wildtype and G6pc2 knockout mice treated with 11-DHC for 5 weeks reveal metabolic changes unaffected by the absence of G6PC2. These data suggest that HSD11B1 activity is not significantly affected by the presence or absence of G6PC1 or G6PC2. As such, G6PC1 and G6PC2 inhibitors are predicted to have beneficial effects by reducing FBG without causing a deleterious increase in glucocorticoid signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the existing literature of citizenship studies, Hong Kong citizens are described as enterprising, depoliticized individuals. Such formulation, however, falls short in explaining the emergence and resilience of civil society activism from the mid-2000s, particularly the anti-extradition protests in 2019. This article re-examines Hong Kong's citizenship in the post-handover era from the perspective of developmental politics. We argue that Hong Kong's citizenship is the product of dynamic struggles between state and society over the city's development. After 2003, the state was driving Hong Kong towards national integration with Mainland China, and the civil society was responding to such integration with resistance and antagonism. As a result, Hong Kong's citizenship was politicized into highly contested forms of developmental citizenship. It remains uncertain as to whether and how Hong Kong's citizenship can be transformed to reconcile the state-society tensions over the city's future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe and report the results of a multicomponent behavioral intervention for re-establishing solid food consumption in a 26-year-old woman with prolonged food avoidance and restriction which developed following a traumatic brain injury. The intervention was evaluated by direct measurement of daily meal consumption over a period of several months, including an extended follow-up, and resulted in successful resumption of oral feeding. A complicating paroxysmal movement disorder resolved during treatment as well and resolution of the presenting problem led to significant quality of life improvements. We discuss the relationship of the presenting symptoms to avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and to food rejection behavior seen when substantial damage has occurred to the parietal lobe. The case illustrates the value of assessment-based, individualized intervention design and an integrated neurobehavioral case conceptualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been recognized in recent scholarship that the Greek translation of Sirach is subtle in its use of word-play and inner-Greek allusion. One such case, the story of the wandering man in Sir (31)34:9-13, can be shown to be a narration of two types of person, the one who wanders for positive learning and the one who errs and is in danger of death. It is thus not the personal experience of the author who has the freedom to travel in the new Hellenistic empires, but a moral tale modelled upon the two types of Odysseus that developed in the Greek tradition. This demonstrates the crafting of the source by the translator on the discourse level and hints at his educational background. It also has consequences for the larger structure of the unit in Sirach and further undermines the idea of a personal biography of Ben Sira. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in Western countries and leads to a spectrum of complications that can complicate patient management. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has garnered significant interest in many industries, and the field of cardiovascular imaging is no exception. Machine learning (ML) especially is showing significant promise in various diagnostic imaging modalities. As conventional statistics are reaching their apex in computational capabilities, ML can explore new possibilities and unravel hidden relationships. This will have a positive impact on diagnosis and prognosis for cardiovascular imaging. In this in-depth review, we highlight the role of AI and ML for various cardiovascular imaging modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of iridium (Ir) organometallic‐based electrocatalysts fused onto high surface‐area activated carbon using pyrolysis were prepared for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in seawater electrolysis. These catalysts had a low loading of Ir (<6 wt%), while also inducing atom coordination to the Ir center. The morphology and chemical composition of these electrocatalysts were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which all showed a uniform dispersion of Ir and heteroatom‐doped moieties. To assess electrocatalytic activity, we used an artificial electrolyte comprising 0.1 M HClO4+3.5 wt% NaCl, and found that these catalysts delivered a low overpotential of 243 mV, a low Tafel slope (92 mV dec−1), and a high exchange current density (1.4 mA cm−2). By using a headspace chlorine gas (Cl2) detector in situ, we discovered that a Cl2 content of 27 ppm was present. When tested in synthetic seawater, the overpotential exhibited a two‐fold increase, yet Cl2 was undetected, thus indicating favorable OER kinetics. This significant finding exemplifies the need for in situ Cl2 detection for seawater splitting research, since further insight can be derived to help guide the design of novel electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-nutritive sweeteners are thought to be useful replacements for caloric sweeteners in sweet food and beverages, since the reduction in energy and carbohydrate intake may lead to health benefits stemming from weight management and glycemic control. However, the potential effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on glucose metabolism and gut hormones have not been determined definitively. Here, the available evidence of the effects of aspartame and sucralose consumption on glucose metabolism and gut hormones is reviewed. A majority of studies have found that consumption of aspartame or sucralose has no effect on concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, or gut hormones; however, 2 trials have shown that aspartame consumption affects glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations, while only a few trials have shown that sucralose consumption affects glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations. One study found higher glucose concentrations after sucralose consumption, while 3 studies found lower concentrations and 33 studies found no change in glucose concentrations. Moreover, only 4 studies reported increased concentrations of glucagon-like peptide 1. Three studies reported decreased insulin sensitivity following sucralose consumption, while 1 trial reported an increase in insulin sensitivity. In summary, the evidence from the clinical trials conducted to date is contradictory because of the different protocols used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camponotus planatus Roger (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is a broadly distributed New World carpenter ant. Here, I document the geographic distribution of C. planatus and consider evidence concerning where this species may be native, particularly whether it is native to Florida. To evaluate the distribution of C. planatus, I compiled and mapped specimen records from >1500 sites. Although, C. planatus was originally described from Cuba, it remains uncertain whether it is native or exotic there. In addition to scattered records across tropical South America, C. planatus shows a largely continuous continental distribution from Panama through Central America and Mexico to southeastern Texas. Across this continental range, C. planatus shows notable color variation, suggesting that it is native to this region. In Texas, C. planatus records dating to before 1980 are spread across most of its known range. However, eight of the nine northernmost records date to 2014 or later, including all six records from the Houston area in East Texas. This pattern suggests that C. planatus is native to Texas, but populations there appear to have recently expanded, perhaps due to climate change. Camponotus planatus populations in Florida, the Bahamas, and Mississippi are probably non-native. In Florida, C. planatus was first found in Key West in 1887, but populations appear to have greatly expanded, particularly since 1980, and now extend as far north as Jacksonville. Due to continued climate change, C. planatus may soon be able to extend its range all along the Gulf coast from Texas to Florida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe intervention with 2 adolescent male students who had autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and resisted haircutting performed by care providers at a residential school. The students were exposed to a graduated hierarchy of steps including the presence of hair clippers, and increased duration of hair clippers against their scalp and hair. Edible reinforcement was presented contingent on completion of a step without interfering behavior. Both students learned to tolerate all of the steps in the graduated hierarchy and a full haircut with maintenance at 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐month follow‐up. The study supports previous tolerance‐training research with children and youth who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and resist personal care and hygiene routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique photophysical properties of lanthanides, such as europium, terbium, and ytterbium, make them versatile molecular probes of biological systems. In particular, their long-lived photoluminescence, narrow bandwidth emissions, and large Stokes shifts enable experiments that are infeasible with organic fluorophores and fluorescent proteins. The ability of these metal ions to undergo luminescence resonance energy transfer, and photon upconversion further expands the capabilities of lanthanide probes. In this review, we describe recent advances in the design of lanthanide luminophores and their application in biological research. We also summarize the latest detection systems that have been developed to fully exploit the optical properties of lanthanide luminophores. We conclude with a discussion of remaining challenges and new frontiers in lanthanide technologies. The unprecedented levels of sensitivity and multiplexing afforded by rare-earth elements illustrate how chemistry can enable new approaches in biology. Lanthanide luminophores have unique photophysical properties that make them versatile reagents for optical imaging. In this review, Cho and Chen highlight advances that have unlocked the potential of these rare-earth metals as imaging tools and applications of lanthanide probes in cellular and organismal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Benzodiazepines are useful and commonly prescribed. Unfortunately, they are associated with subtle but functionally significant neurocognitive side effects that increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents and falls.Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether clinically feasible measures of simple reaction time and reaction accuracy are sensitive to a single dose of lorazepam.Methods: Using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 26 healthy adults (13 women; age = 26.9 ± 8.2 yr) were given 1.0 mg lorazepam or placebo 90 minutes prior to two data collection sessions. Participants completed simple and reaction accuracy tasks using a standardized "ruler drop" testing paradigm during each session. Outcomes were mean and variability of simple reaction time and reaction accuracy, which evaluates a participant's ability to catch the device solely on the random 50% of trials that lights affixed to it illuminate on release. Reaction accuracy requires a go/no-go decision within 420 ms before the falling device strikes the floor.Results: As compared with placebo, lorazepam increased simple reaction time variability (range = 43 ± 18 vs. 60 ± 23 ms, respectively; p = 0.004 and standard deviation = 14.6 ± 5.7 vs. 19.7 ± 7.3 ms, respectively; = 0.006) and decreased reaction accuracy (90 ± 7% vs. 84 ± 11%, respectively; p = 0.010).Conclusion: Given prior work demonstrating associations between simple reaction time and reaction accuracy and functional outcomes such as self-protection, response to perturbations, and fall risk, these clinically available measures may have a role in identifying subtle, functionally significant cognitive changes related to short-term benzodiazepine use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse events, especially strokes, during the implantation of continuous flow durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) remain the major barriers to greater application among patients with ambulatory advanced heart failure. Between June 2014 and June 2017, a total of 9,489 patients in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support database received 10,285 continuous flow LVADs, with follow-up through June 2018. During the follow-up period, 1,515 (16%) patients suffered 1 or more strokes, with a nearly equal frequency of ischemic and hemorrhagic etiology. The risk of stroke was about 4% in the first month, 9% during the first 6 months, and 14% in the first year. By multivariable hazard function analysis, the major risk factors identified in the early phase were LVAD centrifugal flow device and concomitant cardiac surgery, whereas in the constant phase (longer term), a history of repeated non-compliance was most associated with a stroke event. Using a modulated renewal model, the occurrence of an ischemic and especially a hemorrhagic stroke dominated as risk factors for subsequent mortality. Six-month survival after an ischemic stroke was 70%, and after a hemorrhagic stroke, it was <50%. Disabling stroke as judged by Modified Rankin Score was associated with significantly worse survival at 1 and 2 years compared with strokes with mild or no early disability. This study confirms the 20% incidence of stroke over the first 2 years with axial flow and hybrid (magnetic and hydrodynamic) levitated centrifugal flow pumps. This study suggests a major increase in 1- and 2-year mortality among those with an initial disabling vs non-disabling stroke. To better understand the impact of strokes after implantation and the effect of prevention and intervention strategies, we need more complete Modified Rankin Scores and quality of life data during the stroke recovery period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The wide distribution of Aedes aegypti, the main vector of dengue and yellow fever viruses, currently puts three billion people in the world at risk of infection with these viruses. Continuous transmission of these and other viruses despite aggressive efforts to prevent this emphasizes the need to develop new control strategies. Proposals to control disease transmission based on vector engineering, including both population suppression and population replacement, rely on the development of transgenes under the control of regulatory elements able to drive molecules in a specific tissue, time and strength. Methods: Here we report the characterization of a promoter active in both the female germline and early zygote, derived from the transcription factor bZip1 in the mosquito Ae. aegypti, using transposon-based methods and RT-qPCR. Results: We generated seven transgenic lines carrying AabZip1-reporter constructs and observed expression in both the ovary and early embryo. RT-qPCR analysis was performed to evaluate transcript expression patterns for each line, confirming that transgenic expression from the AabZip1 promoter largely recapitulated the endogenous expression pattern, albeit the strength of maternal expression appeared to be strongly influenced by chromosomal position. Conclusions: This study provides a new regulatory sequence that can be useful for generating transgenic lines that can become a tool in vector control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a database of 171 studies across 62,965 organizational units with job attitude data and business performance outcomes ranging from 1994 to 2015, we tested the hypothesis that positive employee job attitudes relate more strongly to business unit success during bad economic times than during favorable economic times. Results showed that although the relationship between favorable job attitudes and unit-level performance is positive and generalizable across all time periods, the relationships between job attitudes and all business success outcomes studied (profitability, productivity, turnover, and customer perceptions) were substantially stronger during the recession years of 2001, 2002, 2008, and 2009 in comparison to other years. Favorable employee job attitudes may provide extra assistance that helps business units continue to achieve under challenging economic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the accumulation of specific phosphorylated protein aggregates in the brain, such as hyperphosphorylated tau (hp-tau) in tauopathies and phosphorylated α-synuclein (p-αSyn) in α-synucleinopathies. The simultaneous accumulation of different proteins is a common event in many neurodegenerative diseases. We herein describe the detection of the phosphorylation and dimerization of αSyn and activation of GSK-3β, a major kinase known to phosphorylate tau and αSyn, in the brains of rTg4510 mice that overexpress human P301L mutant tau. Immunohistochemistry showed p-αSyn aggregates in rTg4510 mice, which were suppressed by doxycycline-mediated decreases in mutant tau expression levels. A semi-quantitative analysis revealed a regional correlation between hp-tau and p-αSyn accumulation in rTg4510 mice. Furthermore, proteinase K-resistant αSyn aggregates were found in the region with excessive hp-tau accumulation in rTg4510 mice, and these aggregates were morphologically different from proteinase K-susceptible p-αSyn aggregates. Western blotting revealed decreases in p-αSyn monomers in TBS- and sarkosyl-soluble fractions and increases in ubiquitinated p-αSyn dimers in sarkosyl-soluble and insoluble fractions in rTg4510 mice. Furthermore, an activated form of GSK-3β was immunohistochemically detected within cells containing both hp-tau and p-αSyn aggregates. A semi-quantitative analysis revealed that increased GSK-3β activity strongly correlated with hp-tau and p-αSyn accumulation in rTg4510 mice. Collectively, the present results suggest that the overexpression of human P301L mutant tau promoted the phosphorylation and dimerization of endogenous αSyn by activating GSK-3β in rTg4510 mice. This synergic effect between tau, αSyn, and GSK-3β may be involved in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases that show the accumulation of both tau and αSyn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanomaterials are an emerging class of biomaterials that are photoresponsive at near-infrared wavelengths (NIR). Here, we demonstrate the ability of 2D MoS2 to modulate cellular functions of human stem cells through photothermal mechanisms. The interaction of MoS2 and NIR stimulation of MoS2 with human stem cells is investigated using whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). Global gene expression profile of stem cells reveals significant influence of MoS2 and NIR stimulation of MoS2 on integrins, cellular migration, and wound healing. The combination of MoS2 and NIR light may provide new approaches to regulate and direct these cellular functions for the purposes of regenerative medicine as well as cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Area under expiratory flow–volume curve (AEX) is a useful spirometric tool in stratifying respiratory impairment. The AEX approximations based on isovolumic flows can be used with reasonable accuracy when AEX is unavailable. We assessed here pre- to post-bronchodilator (BD) variability of AEX4 as a functional assessment tool for lung disorders. Methods: The BD response was assessed in 4330 subjects by changes in FEV1, FVC, and AEX4, which were derived from FVC, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, and 75% FVC. Newly proposed BD response categories (negative, minimal, mild, moderate and marked) have been investigated in addition to standard criteria. Results: Using standard BD criteria, 24% of subjects had a positive response. Using the new BD response categories, only 23% of subjects had a negative response; 45% minimal, 18% mild, 9% moderate, and 5% had a marked BD response. Mean percent change of the square root AEX4 was 0.3% and 14.3% in the standard BD-negative and BD-positive response groups, respectively. In the new BD response categories of negative, minimal, mild, moderate, and marked, mean percent change of square root AEX4 was − 8.2%, 2.9%, 9.2%, 15.0%, and 24.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Mean pre- to post-BD variability of AEX4 was < 6% and stratified well between newly proposed categories of BD response (negative, minimal, mild, moderate and marked). We suggest that AEX4 (AEX) could become a useful measurement for stratifying dysfunction in obstructive lung disease and invite further investigation into indications for using bronchodilator agents or disease-modifying, anti-inflammatory therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effect of pure forms of sucralose and aspartame, in doses reflective of commonconsumption, on glucose metabolism. Healthy participants consumed pure forms of a non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) that weremixed with water and standardized to doses of 14% (0.425 g) of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame and 20% (0.136 g)of the ADI for sucralose every day for 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for glucose, insulin, active glucagonlikepeptide-1 (GLP-1), and leptin. Seventeen participants (10 females and 7 males; age, 24 �} 6.8 years; body mass index, 22.9 �}2.5 kg/m2) participated in the study. The total area under the curve values of glucose, insulin, active GLP-1 and leptin were similarfor the aspartame and sucralose treatment groups compared with the baseline values in healthy participants. There was nochange in insulin sensitivity after NNS treatment compared with the baseline values. These findings suggest that daily repeatedconsumption of pure sucralose or aspartame for 2 weeks had no effect on glucose metabolism among normoglycaemic adults.However, these results need to be tested in studies with longer durations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of an 18-year-old girl who had autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and demonstrated persistent delayed sleep onset after going to bed in her group home at a residential school. Intervention consisted of a faded bedtime in which her customary time to bed was extended later into the night, then gradually made earlier as she started falling asleep more rapidly over the course of many weeks. By conclusion of the study and at a 1-month follow-up, the girl was falling asleep in less than 30 min after going to bed and sleeping an average of 8.4 hr each night. Compared with previous research with children in inpatient and home environments, the study found positive effects from a faded bedtime intervention without additional procedures, targeted an adolescent with ASD, and was conducted by care providers in a novel residence setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The importance of concurrent exercise order for improving endurance and resistance adaptations remains unclear, particularly when sessions are performed a few hours apart. We investigated the effects of concurrent training (in alternate orders, separated by ~3 hours) on endurance and resistance training adaptations, compared to resistance-only training. Materials and methods: Twenty-nine healthy, moderately-active men (mean ± SD; age 24.5 ± 4.7 y; body mass 74.9 ± 10.8 kg; height 179.7 ± 6.5 cm) performed either resistance-only training (RT, n = 9), or same-day concurrent training whereby high-intensity interval training was performed either 3 hours before (HIIT+RT, n = 10) or after resistance training (RT+HIIT, n = 10), for 3 d.wk-1 over 9 weeks. Training-induced changes in leg press 1-repetition maximal (1-RM) strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, body composition, peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak), aerobic power (W˙peak), and lactate threshold (W˙LT) were assessed before, and after both 5 and 9 weeks of training. Results: After 9 weeks, all training groups increased leg press 1-RM (~24–28%) and total lean mass (~3-4%), with no clear differences between groups. Both concurrent groups elicited similar small-to-moderate improvements in all markers of aerobic fitness (V˙O2peak ~8–9%; W˙LT ~16-20%; W˙peak ~14-15%). RT improved CMJ displacement (mean ± SD, 5.3 ± 6.3%), velocity (2.2 ± 2.7%), force (absolute: 10.1 ± 10.1%), and power (absolute: 9.8 ± 7.6%; relative: 6.0 ± 6.6%). HIIT+RT elicited comparable improvements in CMJ velocity only (2.2 ± 2.7%). Compared to RT, RT+HIIT attenuated CMJ displacement (mean difference ± 90%CI, -5.1 ± 4.3%), force (absolute: -8.2 ± 7.1%) and power (absolute: -6.0 ± 4.7%). Only RT+HIIT reduced absolute fat mass (mean ± SD, -11.0 ± 11.7%). Conclusions: In moderately-active males, concurrent training, regardless of the exercise order, presents a viable strategy to improve lower-body maximal strength and total lean mass comparably to resistance-only training, whilst also improving indices of aerobic fitness. However, improvements in CMJ displacement, force, and power were attenuated when RT was performed before HIIT, and as such, exercise order may be an important consideration when designing training programs in which the goal is to improve lower-body power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The need for transvenous lead extractions due to cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)‐related infections continues to rise. Current guidelines recommend complete device removal in the setting of an active infection, which can be challenging in pacemaker‐dependent patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all leadless pacemaker implants between January 2018 and November 2019 and identified a subset of patients who had undergone a concomitant CIED extraction in the setting of an active infection. Baseline characteristics, procedural details, and clinical follow‐ups were recorded. Results: Seventeen patients received a leadless pacemaker during the same procedure as the CIED extraction. There were no procedural complications. All patients were being treated for an active CIED infection at the time of the procedure. Fourteen patients (82.4%) were completely pacemaker‐dependent and four patients (23.5%) had positive blood cultures at the time of the leadless pacemaker implantation. During a median follow‐up of 143 days (interquartile range: 57, 181 days), there were no recurrent infections. Conclusion: Simultaneous leadless pacemaker implantation and CIED extraction are safe and feasible in the setting of an active infection. This strategy may be particularly useful in patients that are pacemaker‐dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes progress in understanding electron transfer from photoexcited nanocrystals to redox enzymes. The combination of the lightharvesting properties of nanocrystals and the catalytic properties of redox enzymes has emerged as a versatile platform to drive a variety of enzymecatalyzed reactions with light. Transfer of a photoexcited charge from a nanocrystal to an enzyme is a critical first step for these reactions. This process has been studied in depth in systems that combine Cd-chalcogenide nanocrystals with hydrogenases. The two components can be assembled in close proximity to enable direct interfacial electron transfer or integrated with redox mediators to transport charges. Time-resolved spectroscopy and kinetic modeling have been used to measure the rates and efficiencies of the electron transfer. Electron transfer has been described within the framework of Marcus theory, providing insights into the factors that can be used to control the photochemical activity of these biohybrid systems. The range of potential applications and reactions that can be achieved using nanocrystalenzyme systems is expanding, and numerous fundamental and practical questions remain to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonclinical skills (eg, self-regulation, team leadership, conflict resolution) are essential for success as a chief resident (CR). The literature on programs teaching these skills reports few if any effectiveness outcomes. We reported the outcomes of a leadership course for CRs using participants' self-reported outcomes and assessments from their program directors (PDs). A 2-day curriculum focused on emotional intelligence competencies, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. We used a logic model to align 2017–2018 curriculum with targeted outcomes. Questionnaires before and after the course assessed short-term and intermediate outcomes for the participants and PD interviews evaluated observed changes in CRs' performance attributable to the course. A total of 74 residents participated in the course, and 65% and 59% responded to the post-course and follow-up questionnaires, respectively. Over 95% of respondents indicated developing leadership knowledge and skills and connecting with new CRs in the post-course questionnaire. During follow-up, CRs reported applying concepts learned during chief residency, using tools to address conflict, engaging in quality and patient safety projects, and continuing to interact with other participants. The relationships between reported outcomes and participants' gender/prior leadership training were not significant (P >.05), with small to medium effect sizes (0.01–0.32). All 14 PDs offered positive appraisal of the CRs, but we could not specifically attribute this growth to the course. Participation in this CR leadership development course was associated with enhancement and application of leadership competencies in immediate and intermediate time frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resilience and stress are important factors in the caregiving experience, but research has yet to examine their association among American Indian (AI) caregivers. This study examines resilience and stress in a group of Hopi female caregivers. Data came from the Hopi Adult Caregiver Survey (2017), which conducted interviews with 44 Hopi women who were providing care without remuneration to an adult family member. Measures included the abbreviated Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CDRISC- 10), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and questions about caregiver characteristics, care recipient characteristics, social support/ community support, and cultural factors. Stress and resilience were looked at above the median (higher stress or higher resilience) and below the median (lower stress or lower resilience). Caregivers who reported relatively lower resilience were more likely to report that they lived separately from their care recipients and that all Hopis are expected to be caregivers. Caregivers who reported relatively higher stress reported a higher total number of caregiver difficulties, a poorer self-perception of their own health, use of a traditional healer in the past 5 years, and that females are expected to be caregivers. A regression analysis adjusting for age, education, and employment status indicated that higher resilience among the caregivers was significantly associated with lower stress. In light of these findings, programs working with AI caregivers may wish to explore whether supporting the resilience of these caregivers is a means towards limiting their stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider requirement-driven selection of Costas arrays for the detection of closely spaced targets. We review existing order selection strategies in terms of the time–bandwidth product and treat selection of specific Costas arrays separably. Our computational analyses prioritize a clear central region in single-pulse discrete ambiguity functions (DAFs) and also address maximum frequency hops. Using finite field arithmetic, we significantly generalize results about 1s in the central square DAF regions for Welch and Lempel–Golomb arrays, and prove two general results about the nonexistence of such clear regions. We find that order 14 is very beneficial for target detection in which Costas arrays having an almost entirely clear $5 \times 5$ square central region in the single-pulse DAF exist and feature the corresponding time–bandwidth product of 196 within an example. We feature a first-principles system simulation with such an order-14 Costas array to obtain a 3-dB target detection improvement. Since radars commonly use burst waveforms, we also consider three different kinds of bursts and discuss their merits using ambiguity function analyses. We provide supporting computational database surveys on central rectangular $3 \times m$ regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neotropical carpenter ant Camponotus sexguttatus (Fabricius) has widespread records from the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Across its broad native range, C. sexguttatus shows great variation, most notably in color, ranging from almost black to pale yellow. Non-native populations of C. sexguttatus were recorded for the first time in Florida in 1993, and in the Bahamas in 1995. Here, I examine the known native and non-native geographic distribution of C. sexguttatus. I compiled and mapped C. sexguttatus specimen records from >850 sites, including my own records from 583 sites. Camponotus sexguttatus has West Indian range from Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands in the Greater Antilles through all major islands of the Lesser Antilles. On at least ten islands of the Lesser Antilles, two distinctly different C. sexguttatus color morphs coexist, the typical dark brown/black form plus a lighter form, suggesting that there are at least two separate lines of C. sexguttatus on these islands. Light forms have been previously described on four of these islands as three different subspecies. Camponotus sexguttatus has a continental range from Mexico, through Central America, to subtropical parts of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. Records from the northern parts of this range, however, are very sparse, e.g., just a single record each from Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, and no records from El Salvador. In addition to the typical C. sexguttatus sexguttatus, seven currently valid subspecies have been described from South America. Genetic analyses should examine whether the different subspecific forms in the West Indies and South America should be considered distinct species. In its non-native range in peninsular Florida, C. sexguttatus is now known from 16 counties (Brevard, Broward, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, and St Lucie), where it is often one of the most common and conspicuous arboreal ants. Variation among C. sexguttatus populations in Florida suggest that they descend from introductions from at least two different source populations. In Bahamas, there are just five records of C. sexguttatus, all from New Providence. It is likely that C. sexguttatus will continue to spread in Florida and the Bahamas, possibly impacting both native and non-native arboreal ants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The success of invasive plants can be attributed to many traits including the ability to adapt to variable environmental conditions. Whether by adaptation, acclimation or phenotypic plasticity, these plants often increase their resource-use efficiency and, consequently, their fitness. The goal of this study was to examine the hydraulic and eco-physiological attributes of sun and shade populations of Pteridium aquilinum , a weedy fern, to determine whether the presence of vessels and other hydraulic attributes affects its success under a variety of light conditions. Methods Hydraulic traits such as cavitation resistance, hydraulic conductivity, photosynthesis and water potential at turgor loss point were measured on fronds from sun and shade populations. Anatomical and structural traits such as conduit diameter and length, stomatal density and vein density were also recorded. Diurnal measures of leaf water potential and stomatal conductance complement these data. Key Results Gas exchange was nearly double in the sun plants, as was water-use efficiency, leaf-specific conductivity, and stomatal and vein density. This was largely achieved by a decrease in leaf area, coupled with higher xylem content. There was no significant difference in petiole cavitation resistance between the sun and shade leaves, nor in xylem-specific conductivity. Hydraulic conduit diameters were nearly equivalent in the two leaf types. Conclusions Shifts in leaf area and xylem content allow P. aquilinum to occupy habitats with full sun, and to adjust its physiology accordingly. High rates of photosynthesis explain in part the success of this fern in disturbed habitats, although no change was observed in intrinsic xylem qualities such as cavitation resistance or conduit length. This suggests that P. aquilinum is constrained by its fundamental body plan, in contrast to seed plants, which show greater capacity for hydraulic adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sporades jaechi sp. nov. from Poum, New Caledonia is newly described and shown to be a member of the monophyletic Sporades subgenus Perileptosporades Deuve, 2010. Sporades millei Giachino and S. schuhi Donabauer are newly recognized as members of the subgenus Perileptosporades, and a key to its species is provided. Although Perileptosporades can be defined monophyletically relative to the rest of the genus, genitalic variation among species assigned to the nominate subgenus Sporades Fauvel, 1882 leave monophyly of that taxon ambiguously supported. Several morphological characters of long- standing use have been proposed to define the mutual monophyly of Sporades s. l. and its putative adelphotaxon, Trechodes Blackburn, 1901. Increasing knowledge concerning the diversity of male genitalic characters among Sporades spp. lends support to a recently proposed molecular phylogenetic hypothesis positing that Sporades evolved from within Trechodes. The consequences of the alternate phylogenetic hypotheses on their attendant nomenclature are discussed. An additional locality record for S. sexpunctatus Fauvel expands the known distribution of this species to include most of Grande Terre, New Caledonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we synthesize existing literatures across numerous domains to introduce a novel model—the Relationship Problem Solving (RePS) model—for understanding the process through which romantic partners influence one another to resolve relationship problems. The first section briefly describes the key constructs and stages of the model. The second section details the inter personal behaviors that influence various intra personal factors (e.g., affect, self-efficacy) that ultimately influence partners' motivation and ability to progress through the stages of the model. The third section uses the model to generate novel predictions that suggest that the effectiveness of these interpersonal behaviors often depends on contextual factors. Finally, the fourth section discusses the implications of this model for understanding relationship problem solving, highlights the need to consider the role of context in the problem-solving process, and offers numerous specific predictions to be addressed by future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breastfeeding is important for growth, development and survival of HIV exposed infants. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of morbidity, mortality and increases HIV free survival of infants. Evidence on risk factors for inappropriate breastfeeding in Northern Uganda is limited. This study determined the risk factors for non-exclusivity of breastfeeding in the first 14 weeks of life. This prospective cohort study was conducted among 466 mother-infant pairs between August 2018 and February 2020 in Lira district, Northern Uganda. HIV infected pregnant women were enrolled and followed up at delivery, 6- and 14- weeks postpartum. We used a structured questionnaire to obtain data on socio-demographic, reproductive-related, HIV-related characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding. Data were analysed using Stata version 14.0 (StataCorp, College Station, Texas, USA.). We estimated adjusted risk ratios using modified Poisson regression models. The proportion of HIV exposed infants that were exclusively breastfed reduced with increasing age. Risk factors for non-exclusive breastfeeding included infants being born to HIV infected women who: were in the highest socioeconomic strata (adjusted risk ratio = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.01– 2.1), whose delivery was supervised by a non-health worker (adjusted risk ratio = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.01– 2.7) and who had not adhered to their ART during pregnancy (adjusted risk ratio = 1.3, 95%CI: 1.01– 1.7). HIV infected women: with highest socioeconomic status, whose delivery was not supervised by a health worker and who did not adhere to ART were less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding. We recommend ART adherence and infant feeding counselling to be emphasised among HIV infected women who are at risk of having a home delivery, those with poor ART adherence and those of higher socioeconomic status. We also recommend integration of these services into other settings like homes, community and work places instead of limiting them to hospital settings. HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; ART: Antiretroviral therapy; HEI: HIV exposed infant; PMTCT: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; MTCT: Mother-to-child transmission of HIV; AFASS: Acceptable, Feasible, Affordable, Sustainable and Safe; LRRH: Lira regional referral hospital; CI: confidence interval; ARR: Adjusted risk ratio; SD: Standard deviation; PCA: Principal component analysis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complications due to prematurity are a threat to child survival and full developmental potential particularly in low-income settings. The aim of the study was to determine the neurodevelopmental outcomes among preterm infants and identify any modifiable factors associated with neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) We recruited 454 babies (242 preterms with birth weight <2.5 kg, and 212 term babies) in a cohort study at birth from Iganga hospital between May and July 2018. We followed up the babies at an average age of 7 months (adjusted for prematurity) and assessed 211 preterm and 187 term infants for neurodevelopmental outcomes using the Malawi Developmental Assessment tool. Mothers were interviewed on care practices for the infants. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14. The study revealed a high incidence of NDD of 20.4% (43/211) among preterm infants compared to 7.5% (14/187) among the term babies, p < 0.001, of the same age. The most affected domain was fine motor (11.8%), followed by language (9.0%). At multivariate analysis, malnutrition and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) at home after discharge were the key factors that were significantly associated with NDD among preterm babies. The prevalence of malnutrition among preterm infants was 20% and this significantly increased the odds of developing NDD, OR = 2.92 (95% CI: 1.27–6.71). KMC practice at home reduced the odds of developing NDD, OR = 0.46, (95% CI: 0.21–1.00). Re-admission of preterm infants after discharge (a sign of severe illness) increased the odds of developing NDD but this was not statistically significant, OR = 2.33 (95% CI: 0.91–5.94). Our study has shown that preterm infants are at a high risk of developing NDD, especially those with malnutrition. Health system readiness should be improved to provide follow-up care with emphasis on improving nutrition and continuity of KMC at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breastfeeding is important for growth, development and survival of HIV exposed infants. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of morbidity, mortality and increases HIV free survival of infants. Evidence on risk factors for inappropriate breastfeeding in Northern Uganda is limited. This study determined the risk factors for non-exclusivity of breastfeeding in the first 14 weeks of life. This prospective cohort study was conducted among 466 mother-infant pairs between August 2018 and February 2020 in Lira district, Northern Uganda. HIV infected pregnant women were enrolled and followed up at delivery, 6- and 14- weeks postpartum. We used a structured questionnaire to obtain data on socio-demographic, reproductive-related, HIV-related characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding. Data were analysed using Stata version 14.0 (StataCorp, College Station, Texas, USA.). We estimated adjusted risk ratios using modified Poisson regression models. The proportion of HIV exposed infants that were exclusively breastfed reduced with increasing age. Risk factors for non-exclusive breastfeeding included infants being born to HIV infected women who: were in the highest socioeconomic strata (adjusted risk ratio = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.01– 2.1), whose delivery was supervised by a non-health worker (adjusted risk ratio = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.01– 2.7) and who had not adhered to their ART during pregnancy (adjusted risk ratio = 1.3, 95%CI: 1.01– 1.7). HIV infected women: with highest socioeconomic status, whose delivery was not supervised by a health worker and who did not adhere to ART were less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding. We recommend ART adherence and infant feeding counselling to be emphasised among HIV infected women who are at risk of having a home delivery, those with poor ART adherence and those of higher socioeconomic status. We also recommend integration of these services into other settings like homes, community and work places instead of limiting them to hospital settings. HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; ART: Antiretroviral therapy; HEI: HIV exposed infant; PMTCT: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; MTCT: Mother-to-child transmission of HIV; AFASS: Acceptable, Feasible, Affordable, Sustainable and Safe; LRRH: Lira regional referral hospital; CI: confidence interval; ARR: Adjusted risk ratio; SD: Standard deviation; PCA: Principal component analysis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complications due to prematurity are a threat to child survival and full developmental potential particularly in low-income settings. The aim of the study was to determine the neurodevelopmental outcomes among preterm infants and identify any modifiable factors associated with neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) We recruited 454 babies (242 preterms with birth weight <2.5 kg, and 212 term babies) in a cohort study at birth from Iganga hospital between May and July 2018. We followed up the babies at an average age of 7 months (adjusted for prematurity) and assessed 211 preterm and 187 term infants for neurodevelopmental outcomes using the Malawi Developmental Assessment tool. Mothers were interviewed on care practices for the infants. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14. The study revealed a high incidence of NDD of 20.4% (43/211) among preterm infants compared to 7.5% (14/187) among the term babies, p < 0.001, of the same age. The most affected domain was fine motor (11.8%), followed by language (9.0%). At multivariate analysis, malnutrition and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) at home after discharge were the key factors that were significantly associated with NDD among preterm babies. The prevalence of malnutrition among preterm infants was 20% and this significantly increased the odds of developing NDD, OR = 2.92 (95% CI: 1.27–6.71). KMC practice at home reduced the odds of developing NDD, OR = 0.46, (95% CI: 0.21–1.00). Re-admission of preterm infants after discharge (a sign of severe illness) increased the odds of developing NDD but this was not statistically significant, OR = 2.33 (95% CI: 0.91–5.94). Our study has shown that preterm infants are at a high risk of developing NDD, especially those with malnutrition. Health system readiness should be improved to provide follow-up care with emphasis on improving nutrition and continuity of KMC at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soft X-ray excess – the excess of X-rays below 2 keV with respect to the extrapolation of the hard X-ray spectral continuum model – is a very common feature among type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs); yet the nature of the soft X-ray excess is still poorly understood and hotly debated. To shed some light on this issue, we have measured in a model-independent way the soft excess strength in a flux-limited sample of broad- and narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (BLS1s and NLS1s) that are matched in X-ray luminosity but different in terms of the black hole mass and the accretion rate values, with NLS1s being characterized by smaller M BH and larger |$\dot{m}$| values. Our analysis, in agreement with previous studies carried out with different AGN samples, indicates that: (1) a soft excess is ubiquitously detected in both BLS1s and NLS1s; (2) the strength of the soft excess is significantly larger in the NLS1 sample, compared to the BLS1 sample; and (3) combining the two samples, the strength of the soft excess appears to positively correlate with the photon index as well as with the accretion rate, whereas there is no correlation with the black hole mass. Importantly, our work also reveals the lack of an anticorrelation between the soft excess strength and the luminosity of the primary X-ray component, predicted by the absorption and reflection scenarios. Our findings suggest that the soft excess is consistent with being produced by a warm Comptonization component. Larger, more complete samples of NLS1s and BLS1s are needed to confirm these conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes progress in understanding electron transfer from photoexcited nanocrystals to redox enzymes. The combination of the light-harvesting properties of nanocrystals and the catalytic properties of redox enzymes has emerged as a versatile platform to drive a variety of enzyme-catalyzed reactions with light. Transfer of a photoexcited charge from a nanocrystal to an enzyme is a critical first step for these reactions. This process has been studied in depth in systems that combine Cd-chalcogenide nanocrystals with hydrogenases. The two components can be assembled in close proximity to enable direct interfacial electron transfer or integrated with redox mediators to transport charges. Time-resolved spectroscopy and kinetic modeling have been used to measure the rates and efficiencies of the electron transfer. Electron transfer has been described within the framework of Marcus theory, providing insights into the factors that can be used to control the photochemical activity of these biohybrid systems. The range of potential applications and reactions that can be achieved using nanocrystal–enzyme systems is expanding, and numerous fundamental and practical questions remain to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carabid beetle tribe Moriomorphini attains a disjunct austral geographical distribution, with member taxa occupying Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, the Sundas, southern South America and Polynesia. The group arose in Australia, the area exhibiting the greatest generic diversity for the tribe. In this contribution, two new genera are added to the Australian fauna. Pharetis thayerae , gen. nov., sp. nov., is described from Grenvillia, New South Wales, and Spherita newtoni , gen. nov., sp. nov., is described from Avon Valley National Park, Western Australia. Their phylogenetic placement within the tribe is accomplished by parsimony analysis based on 208 morphological characters across 124 taxa, 114 in-group species and 10 outgroup taxa representing Trechini, Psydrini and Patrobini. Nearly all polytypic moriomorphine genera are represented in the analysis by at least two exemplars, allowing initial tests of generic monophyly. A revised classification is proposed for Moriomorphini, with subtribal clades related as (Amblytelina + (Moriomorphina + Tropopterina)). The Western Australian genus Spherita is placed as adelphotaxon to Sitaphe Moore, a genus restricted to tropical montane Queensland. From the phylogenetic analysis, other non-contemporaneous east–west Australian disjunctions can be inferred, as well as multiple trans-Tasman area relationships between eastern Australia and New Zealand, all proposed to be of Miocene age. Pharetis exhibits a disjunct, trans-Antarctic relationship with Tropopterus Solier, its sister-group, distributed in southern South America. Alternative vicariance-based and dispersal-based hypotheses are discussed for the origin of Tropopterus. A review of the taxonomic development of the tribe illustrates the signal importance of monotypic genera in elucidating biological diversity. Systematic biologists must choose how best to represent discoveries of novel new species within the taxonomic framework of the tree of life. In this contribution, two highly distinctive Australian carabid beetle species are described and placed in new genera based on their phylogenetic relationships within a circum-Antarctically distributed lineage. The synthesis of morphological analysis, molecular phylogenetics, biogeography and earth history produces concise hypotheses concerning the evolutionary history of this austral-disjunct group. This process demonstrates the power of phylogenetic analysis to illuminate the significance of newly discovered biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hairpin polyamides are synthetic small molecules that bind DNA minor groove sequence-selectively and, in many sequences, induce widening of the minor groove and compression of the major groove. The structural distortion of DNA caused by polyamides has enhanced our understanding of the regulation of DNA-binding proteins via polyamides. Polyamides have DNA binding affinities that are comparable to those proteins, therefore, can potentially be used as therapeutic agents to treat diseases caused by aberrant gene expression. In fact, many diseases are characterized by over- or under-expressed genes. PU.1 is a transcription factor that regulates many immune system genes. Aberrant expression of PU.1 has been associated with the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We have, therefore, designed and synthesized ten hairpin polyamides to investigate their capacity in controlling the PU.1-DNA interaction. Our results showed that nine of the polyamides disrupt PU.1-DNA binding and the inhibition capacity strongly correlates with binding affinity. One molecule, FH1024, was observed forming a FH1024-PU.1-DNA ternary complex instead of inhibiting PU.1-DNA binding. This is the first report of a small molecule that is potentially a weak agonist that recruits PU.1 to DNA. This finding sheds light on the design of polyamides that exhibit novel regulatory mechanisms on protein-DNA binding. Image 1 • New hairpin polyamides were synthesized. • The polyamides recognized the PU.1 promoter DNA sequence. • The polyamides were able to inhibit PU.1 binding to the promoter. • Inhibition correlated with the polyamide binding affinity. • One polyamide did not inhibit PU.1 binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strumigenys epinotalis (former Pyramica epinotalis) is a tiny arboreal ant (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) first found in Costa Rica in 1924. The earliest known US specimens were collected in Florida and Louisiana in 2009. I compiled 33 site records of S. epinotalis from nine countries: Brazil (4 sites), Colombia (1), Costa rica (3), Ecuador (1), Mexico (9), Nicaragua (1), Panama (1), Paraguay (1), and the US (12). the US sites come from four states: Alabama (1), Florida (6), Louisiana (4), and Mississippi (1). Strumigenys epinotalis has been recorded from widely scattered Neotropical sites in ranging from Paraguay (24.1°S) to central Mexico (20.1°N). records of S. epinotalis in Louisiana and Florida are from considerably higher latitudes (27.2–30.6°N). the US populations may be non-native, or they could be at the northern end of the ant's native range. Most S. epinotalis records apparently come from relatively intact forests, often in swampy areas, and all known nests have been found up in trees, either inside epiphytes or in cavities within trees. I have sampled ants at hundreds of sites in South and Central Florida through vegetation beating and I have only found this species twice. Given the extreme scarcity of S. epinotalis records across its enormous known range, it seems possible that native populations of S. epinotalis occur all along the Gulf coast of Mexico and the US, but have been overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]