Two S. pombe septation phases differ in ingression rate, septum structure, and response to F-actin loss

In fission yeast, cytokinesis requires a contractile actomyosin ring (CR) coupled to membrane and septum ingression. Septation proceeds in two phases. In anaphase B, the septum ingresses slowly. During telophase, the ingression rate increases, and the CR becomes dispensable. Here, we explore the relationship between the CR and septation by analyzing septum ultrastructure, ingression, and septation proteins in cells lacking F-actin. We show that the two phases of septation correlate with septum maturation and the response of cells to F-actin removal. During the first phase, the septum is immature and, following F-actin removal, rapidly loses the Bgs1 glucan synthase from the membrane edge and fails to ingress. During the second phase, the rapidly ingressing mature septum can maintain a Bgs1 ring and septum ingression without F-actin, but ingression becomes Cdc42 and exocyst dependent. Our results provide new insights into fungal cytokinesis and reveal the dual function of CR as an essential landmark for the concentration of Bgs1 and a contractile structure that maintains septum shape and synthesis

A Universal Model of Global Civil Unrest

Civil unrest is a powerful form of collective human dynamics, which has led to major transitions of societies in modern history. The study of collective human dynamics, including collective aggression, has been the focus of much discussion in the context of modeling and identification of universal patterns of behavior. In contrast, the possibility that civil unrest activities, across countries and over long time periods, are governed by universal mechanisms has not been explored. Here, we analyze records of civil unrest of 170 countries during the period 1919-2008. We demonstrate that the distributions of the number of unrest events per year are robustly reproduced by a nonlinear, spatially extended dynamical model, which reflects the spread of civil disorder between geographic regions connected through social and communication networks. The results also expose the similarity between global social instability and the dynamics of natural hazards and epidemics.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figure

Evaluating the Quality of Research into a Single Prognostic Biomarker: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 83 Studies of C-Reactive Protein in Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Background Systematic evaluations of the quality of research on a single prognostic biomarker are rare. We sought to evaluate the quality of prognostic research evidence for the association of C-reactive protein (CRP) with fatal and nonfatal events among patients with stable coronary disease. Methods and Findings We searched MEDLINE (1966 to 2009) and EMBASE (1980 to 2009) and selected prospective studies of patients with stable coronary disease, reporting a relative risk for the association of CRP with death and nonfatal cardiovascular events. We included 83 studies, reporting 61,684 patients and 6,485 outcome events. No study reported a prespecified statistical analysis protocol; only two studies reported the time elapsed (in months or years) between initial presentation of symptomatic coronary disease and inclusion in the study. Studies reported a median of seven items (of 17) from the REMARK reporting guidelines, with no evidence of change over time. The pooled relative risk for the top versus bottom third of CRP distribution was 1.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78–2.17), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 79.5). Only 13 studies adjusted for conventional risk factors (age, sex, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol) and these had a relative risk of 1.65 (95% CI 1.39–1.96), I2 = 33.7. Studies reported ten different ways of comparing CRP values, with weaker relative risks for those based on continuous measures. Adjusting for publication bias (for which there was strong evidence, Egger's p<0.001) using a validated method reduced the relative risk to 1.19 (95% CI 1.13–1.25). Only two studies reported a measure of discrimination (c-statistic). In 20 studies the detection rate for subsequent events could be calculated and was 31% for a 10% false positive rate, and the calculated pooled c-statistic was 0.61 (0.57–0.66). Conclusion Multiple types of reporting bias, and publication bias, make the magnitude of any independent association between CRP and prognosis among patients with stable coronary disease sufficiently uncertain that no clinical practice recommendations can be made. Publication of prespecified statistical analytic protocols and prospective registration of studies, among other measures, might help improve the quality of prognostic biomarker research

Regular breakfast consumption and type 2 diabetes risk markers in 9- to 10-year-old children in the child heart and health study in England (CHASE): a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Regular breakfast consumption may protect against type 2 diabetes risk in adults but little is known about its influence on type 2 diabetes risk markers in children. We investigated the associations between breakfast consumption (frequency and content) and risk markers for type 2 diabetes (particularly insulin resistance and glycaemia) and cardiovascular disease in children. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 4,116 UK primary school children aged 9-10 years. Participants provided information on breakfast frequency, had measurements of body composition, and gave fasting blood samples for measurements of blood lipids, insulin, glucose, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). A subgroup of 2,004 children also completed a 24-hour dietary recall. Among 4,116 children studied, 3,056 (74%) ate breakfast daily, 450 (11%) most days, 372 (9%) some days, and 238 (6%) not usually. Graded associations between breakfast frequency and risk markers were observed; children who reported not usually having breakfast had higher fasting insulin (percent difference 26.4%, 95% CI 16.6%-37.0%), insulin resistance (percent difference 26.7%, 95% CI 17.0%-37.2%), HbA1c (percent difference 1.2%, 95% CI 0.4%-2.0%), glucose (percent difference 1.0%, 95% CI 0.0%-2.0%), and urate (percent difference 6%, 95% CI 3%-10%) than those who reported having breakfast daily; these differences were little affected by adjustment for adiposity, socioeconomic status, and physical activity levels. When the higher levels of triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, and C-reactive protein for those who usually did not eat breakfast relative to those who ate breakfast daily were adjusted for adiposity, the differences were no longer significant. Children eating a high fibre cereal breakfast had lower insulin resistance than those eating other breakfast types (p for heterogeneity <0.01). Differences in nutrient intakes between breakfast frequency groups did not account for the differences in type 2 diabetes markers. CONCLUSIONS: Children who ate breakfast daily, particularly a high fibre cereal breakfast, had a more favourable type 2 diabetes risk profile. Trials are needed to quantify the protective effect of breakfast on emerging type 2 diabetes risk. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary

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Parvovirus B19/B19V primary infection in pregnant women can be transmitted to the embryo/fetus and cause anomalies associated with TORCH syndrome. Local knowledge of the infection can help visualize the clinical picture to achieve early diagnosis. The objectives were to identify B19V in suspected cases of parvoviral infection during pregnancy and to describe the clinical manifestations present in positive cases. Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria: pregnant patients with suspected B19V infection (compatible maternal or fetal-neonatal clinical manifestations or with epidemiological link), newborns (NB) of mothers with suspected or confirmed infection and NB with signs/symptoms associated with congenital infection (still present or not at birth), selected according to medical records of the clinical history. Viral DNA (PCR), specific IgM and IgG (ELISA) were determined in serum samples stored at the institution’s biobank. Ethical Committee of participating centers approved the protocol: Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola, Hospital Universitario de Maternidad y Neonatología, Clínica Privada Vélez Sársfield (2018-2022). A total of 242 patients were included (epidemiological weeks/EW 1-52, 171 pregnant women and 71 NB, 60 of them were mother-NB pair). Infection was confirmed in 27/242 (11.1%) cases, the majority (24/27, 88.9%) in pregnant women and 3/27 (11.1%) in NB. In the mother-NB pair group, 9 pregnant women and 2 NB were positive (vertical transmission rate: 22.2%). Epidemiological characteristics of B19V+ cases: mean age of pregnant women 30.1±6.3 years (p=0.45 versus study sample; median 30.5), 96% in EW 15-52 (autumn-spring). Clinical manifestations in pregnant women: maternal anemia 14/24 (58.3%), hydrops fetalis 5/24 (20.8%), abortion 5/24 (20.8%), fetal anemia 2/24 (8.3%), polyhydramnios 1/24 (4.2%), rash and arthralgia 1/24 (4.2%). One NB presented hydrops, another anemia, and one was asymptomatic, born to mother with rash, arthralgia, and anemia). Laboratory markers of infection: 16/27 (59.3%) cases were confirmed by detection of viral DNA (DNA+/IgM-/IgG+). During the study period, B19V was detected in 11% of the sample, being frequent in symptomatic pregnant women (24/171, 14%), with a rate of transmission to the fetus of 22%. Upon clinical suspicion, the complementary determination of virus and antibodies can improve diagnostic performance.La primoinfección por parvovirus B19/B19V en la embarazada puede transmitirse al embrión/feto y causar manifestaciones clínicas asociadas al síndrome de TORCH. Conocer la infección en nuestro medio puede contribuir a visibilizar su presentación clínica y promover el diagnóstico temprano. Los objetivos fueron identificar B19V en casos sospechosos de infección parvoviral durante la gestación y describir las manifestaciones clínicas presentes en los casos positivos. Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes embarazadas con sospecha de infección por B19V (manifestaciones clínicas maternas o feto-neonatales compatibles o nexo epidemiológico), RN de madres con infección sospechada o confirmada y RN con signos/síntomas asociables a infección congénita (aún presentes o no al nacer), seleccionados a partir de los datos de la historia clínica. Se determinó ADN viral (PCR), IgM e IgG específicas (ELISA) en muestras de suero recuperadas del biobanco. Protocolo aprobado por los Comités de Ética de los centros participantes: Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola, Hospital Universitario de Maternidad y Neonatología, Clínica Privada Vélez Sársfield (2018-2022). Se estudiaron 242 pacientes (semanas epidemiológicas/SE 1-52, 171 embarazadas y 71 RN, de ellos 60 constituían binomio madre-RN), confirmándose la infección en 27/242 (11,1%), la mayoría (24/27, 88,9%) en embarazadas y 3/27 (11,1%) en RN. En el grupo de binomios, fueron positivos 9 embarazadas y 2 RN (tasa de transmisión vertical: 22,2%). Características epidemiológicas de los casos B19V+: edad promedio de las embarazadas 30,1±6,3 años (p=0,45 versus muestra estudiada; mediana 30,5), 96% en las SE 15-52 (otoño-primavera). Manifestaciones marcadoras en embarazadas: anemia materna 14/24 (58,3%), hydrops fetal 5/24 (20,8%), aborto 5/24 (20,8%), anemia fetal 2/24 (8,3%), polihidramnios 1/24 (4,2%), exantema y artralgia 1/24 (4,2%). Un RN presentó hydrops, otro anemia y otro fue asintomático (con antecedente de madre positiva con exantema, artralgia y anemia en la madre). Marcadores laboratoriales de infección: 16/27 (59,3%) casos fueron confirmados por detección de ADN viral (ADN+/IgM-/IgG+). En el período estudiado se detectó B19V en 11% de la muestra, siendo frecuente en embarazadas sintomáticas (24/171, 14%), con una tasa de transmisión al feto de 22%. Ante la sospecha clínica, la determinación complementaria de virus y anticuerpos puede mejorar el rendimiento diagnóstico.

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Abstract:&nbsp; Human Bocavirus-1/HBoV1 causes acute respiratory infections/ARI (bronchiolitis/pneumonia) mostly in young children. It was identified in 2005 and has not yet been incorporated into the routine virus screening in ARI. Symptoms of viral pneumonia in children less than 2 years old are often interpreted as of bacterial etiology, leading to unnecessary administration of antibiotics. Objective: to report the case of a previously healthy infant who developed HBoV1 pneumonia without complications, in order to consider HBoV1 as one of the possible agents involved. Clinical case. 19-month-old female, full-term/2780 grams. No relevant personal or familiar pathological history; complete vaccination. Reason for consultation: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Antecedents: 3 days before, she started with rhinitis and dry cough. She had a fever peak of 38.7°C, so her pediatrician prescribed oral amoxicillin. On Apr/26/2021 she went to the emergency service due to persistent fever and worsening cough. Mild/moderate respiratory distress was observed; inhaled adrenergic drugs were administered, with good clinical response and outpatient follow-up (prior swabbing for COVID-19). The next day, she returned with food rejection and was hospitalized. Laboratory: hemoglobin 10.9g/dl, hematocrit 34%; leukocytes: 15,380 (69/15/15); platelets 299,000/ml; gases: 7.48/27.2/84.2/19.9/-2.1); ionogram Na 134/K 4/Cl 100; CRP: 17.8. Chest X-ray compatible with viral pneumonia. O2 saturation: 93%. Amoxicillin was suspended; hydration, oxygen by nasal cannula (3 liters/min) and inhaled salbutamol were administered. The complete panel of respiratory viruses was negative (RSV, Parainfluenza 1-3, Metapneumovirus, Influenza A/B and Adenovirus by IF; PCR for COVID-19: negative). HBoV1 detected in nasal secretions and serum (PCR with high viral load/&gt;1x106 c.gen/mL) was the only positive finding. Evolution: 48 hours after admission she was afebrile; O2 saturation 95%; supplementary oxygen therapy was suspended. Patient was discharged without complications. In the follow-up (10 days) she did not show relapses or respiratory symptoms, so aerosol therapy was suspended. Conclusions. A case of HBoV1 infection in an infant with no comorbidity is reported. Recognition of the viral etiology in hospitalized cases of pneumonia contributes to optimize the clinical management of patients with rational use of antibiotics. HBoV1 should be included in the standard screening for respiratory infections in hospitalized infants.Resumen:&nbsp; Bocavirus humano-1/HBoV1 es un parvovirus que causa infecciones respiratorias/IRA (bronquiolitis o neumonía) sobre todo en niños pequeños. Fue identificado en 2005 y aún no está incorporado a la pesquisa de virus habituales en IRA. Los cuadros de neumonía viral en menores de 2 años suelen interpretarse como de etiología bacteriana, administrándoles antibióticos innecesariamente. Objetivo: Reportar el caso de una lactante, sin comorbilidades previas, que desarrolla neumonía por HBoV1 sin complicaciones, a fin de considerar a este virus como uno más de los posibles agentes involucrados. Caso clínico. Paciente femenina de 19 meses de edad, nacida a término/2780gramos. Sin antecedentes patológicos, ni familiares relevantes; vacunación completa. MC: fiebre, tos y dificultad respiratoria. Antecedentes: 3 días previos inicia con rinitis y tos seca. Presenta un pico febril de 38,7°C por lo que su pediatra prescribió amoxicilina vía oral. El día 26/04/2021 concurre al servicio de emergencia por persistencia de la fiebre y empeoramiento de la tos. Se objetiva dificultad respiratoria leve/moderada; se administra adrenérgicos inhalados, con buena repuesta clínica y seguimiento ambulatorio (previo hisopado para COVID-19). Al día siguiente, ante el rechazo alimentario se decide internación. Laboratorio: Hemoglobina 10.9g/dl-Hto 34%; GB:15.380(69/15/15); plaquetas 299.000/ml; Gases:7.48/27.2/84.2/19.9/-2.1); Ionograma (Na134/K4/Cl100); PCR:17.8. Rx tórax compatible con neumonía viral. SatO2:93%. Se suspende amoxicilina, se administra hidratación, oxígeno por naricera-3litros/min y salbutamol inhalado. El panel completo de virus respiratorios resultó negativo (IFI para VRS, Parainfluenza 1,2,3, Metapneumovirus, Infuenza A y B y Adenovirus; PCR para COVID-19: negativo). Detección de HBoV1 en secreciones nasales y suero (PCR positiva con alta carga viral/&gt;1x10^6c.gen/mL) fue el único hallazgo positivo. Evolución: a las 48 hs. del ingreso estaba afebril; Sat 95%; se suspende oxigenoterapia. Alta sin complicaciones. El seguimiento (hasta 10 días) no mostró recaídas o sintomatología respiratoria por lo que se suspende aerosolterapia. Conclusiones. Se reporta un caso de infección por BoVH1 en lactante sin comorbilidad previa. El reconocimiento de la etiología viral en los cuadros hospitalizados por neumonía contribuye a optimizar el manejo clínico de estos pacientes con uso más racional de antibióticos. La detección de BoVH1 debería ser parte de la pesquisa estándar para infecciones respiratorias en lactantes hospitalizados

An Ecological Alternative to Snodgrass & Vanderwart: 360 High Quality Colour Images with Norms for Seven Psycholinguistic Variables

This work presents a new set of 360 high quality colour images belonging to 23 semantic subcategories. Two hundred and thirty-six Spanish speakers named the items and also provided data from seven relevant psycholinguistic variables: age of acquisition, familiarity, manipulability, name agreement, typicality and visual complexity. Furthermore, we also present lexical frequency data derived from Internet search hits. Apart from the high number of variables evaluated, knowing that it affects the processing of stimuli, this new set presents important advantages over other similar image corpi: (a) this corpus presents a broad number of subcategories and images; for example, this will permit researchers to select stimuli of appropriate difficulty as required, (e.g., to deal with problems derived from ceiling effects); (b) the fact of using coloured stimuli provides a more realistic, ecologically-valid, representation of real life objects. In sum, this set of stimuli provides a useful tool for research on visual object-and word- processing, both in neurological patients and in healthy controls

Revealing the last 13,500 years of environmental history from the multiproxy record of a mountain lake (Lago Enol, northern Iberian Peninsula)

This is the author's accepted manuscript. The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10933-009-9387-7.We present the Holocene sequence from Lago Enol (43°16′N, 4°59′W, 1,070 m a.s.l.), Cantabrian Mountains, northern Spain. A multiproxy analysis provided comprehensive information about regional humidity and temperature changes. The analysis included sedimentological descriptions, physical properties, organic carbon and carbonate content, mineralogy and geochemical composition together with biological proxies including diatom and ostracod assemblages. A detailed pollen study enabled reconstruction of variations in vegetation cover, which were interpreted in the context of climate changes and human impact. Four distinct stages were recognized for the last 13,500 years: (1) a cold and dry episode that includes the Younger Dryas event (13,500–11,600 cal. year BP); (2) a humid and warmer period characterizing the onset of the Holocene (11,600–8,700 cal. year BP); (3) a tendency toward a drier climate during the middle Holocene (8,700–4,650 cal. year BP); and (4) a return to humid conditions following landscape modification by human activity (pastoral activities, deforestation) in the late Holocene (4,650–2,200 cal. year BP). Superimposed on relatively stable landscape conditions (e.g. maintenance of well established forests), the typical environmental variability of the southern European region is observed at this site.The Spanish Inter-Ministry Commission of Science and Technology (CICYT), the Spanish National Parks agency, the European Commission, the Spanish Ministry of Science, and the European Social Fund