Search

Monkeypox virus, the causative agent of the 2022 monkeypox outbreak, is a double-stranded DNA virus in the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. Genes in terminal regions of Orthopoxvirus genomes mostly code for host-pathogen interaction proteins and are prone to selective pressure and modification events. Using viral whole genome sequencing, we identified twenty-five total clinical samples with ORF-disrupting mutations, including twenty samples encoding nonsense mutations in MPXVgp001/191 (OPG001), MPXVgp004/188 (OPG015), MPXVgp010 (OPG023), MPXVgp030 (OPG042), MPXVgp159 (OPG0178), or MPXVgp161 (OPG181). Additional mutations include a frameshift leading to an alternative C-terminus in MPXVgp010 (OPG023) and an insertion in an adenine homopolymer at the beginning of the annotated ORF for MPXVgp153 (OPG151), encoding a subunit of the RNA polymerase, suggesting the virus may instead use the start codon that encodes Met9 as annotated. Finally, we detected three samples with large (>900 bp) deletions. These included a 913 bp deletion that truncates the C-terminus of MPXVgp010 (OPG023); a 4205 bp deletion that eliminates MPXVgp012 (OPG025), MPXVgp013 (OPG027), and MPXVgp014 (OPG029) and truncates MPXVgp011 (OPG024; D8L) and MPXVgp015 (OPG030); and a 6881 bp deletion that truncates MPXVgp182 (OPG210) and eliminates putative ORFs MPXVgp184, MPXVgp185 (OPG005), and MPXVgp186, as well as MPXVgp187 (OPG016), and MPXVgp188 (OPG015) from the 3' ITR only. MPXVgp182 encodes the monkeypox-specific, highly immunogenic surface glycoprotein B21R which has been proposed as a serological target. Overall, we find greater than one-tenth of our sequenced MPXV isolates have at least one gene inactivating mutation and these genes together comprised greater than one-tenth of annotated MPXV genes. Our findings highlight non-essential genes in monkeypox virus that may be evolving as a result of selective pressure in humans, as well as the limitations of targeting them for therapeutics and diagnostic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filoviruses are some of the most lethal viruses in the modern world, and increasing numbers of filovirus species and genera have been discovered in recent years. Despite the potential severity of filovirus outbreaks in the human population, comparably few sensitive pan-filovirus RT-PCR assays have been described that might facilitate early detection and prevention. Here, we present a new pan-filovirus RT-PCR assay targeting the L polymerase gene for detection of all known mammalian filoviruses. We demonstrate the detection of 10 synthetic filovirus RNA templates with analytical sensitivity ranging from 178 to 3,354 copies/mL, without cross-reactivity on 10 non-filoviral human viral species. We verified assay performance on 10 inactivated filovirus isolates, yielding initial sensitivities of 0.012-44.17 TCID 50 /mL. We coupled this broadly reactive RT-PCR with a deep sequencing workflow that is amenable to high-throughput pooling to maximize detection and discovery potential. In summary, this pan-filovirus RT-PCR assay targets the most conserved filovirus gene, offers the widest breadth of coverage to date, and may help in the detection and discovery of novel filoviruses.IMPORTANCEFiloviruses remain some of the most mysterious viruses known to the world, with extremely high lethality rates and significant pandemic potential. Yet comparably few filovirus species and genera have been discovered to date and questions surround the definitive host species for zoonotic infections. Here, we describe a novel broadly reactive RT-PCR assay targeting the conserved L polymerase gene for high-throughput screening for filoviruses in a variety of clinical and environmental specimens. We demonstrate the assay can detect all known mammalian filoviruses and determine the sensitivity and specificity of the assay on synthetic RNA sequences, inactivated filovirus isolates, and non-filoviral species., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) could significantly reduce syphilis incidence. However, the increase in intermittent doxycycline usage might select resistant Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) strains. To assess whether resistance to doxycycline could be induced in this pathogen, we exposed the SS14 strain in vitro both intermittently and continuously to a sub-bactericidal doxycycline concentration that still exerts antibiotic pressure. During and after each exposure experiment, we assessed the doxycycline minimal inhibitory concentration in test and control treponemes and performed whole genome sequencing, concluding that no resistance developed. This work suggests that doxycycline-resistant T. pallidum is not an immediate threat for doxy-PEP implementation., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) is understood to be a pain generator in the deep gluteal space. Femoral position is known to influence the ischiofemoral space (IFS), but there has been no study examining the effect of sagittal pelvic tilt on the IFS. The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in pelvic tilt in the sagittal plane lead to changes in the dimensions of the IFS., Materials and Methods: Five fresh frozen cadavers (10 hips) were used for this anatomic study. The specimens were skeletonized and placed in the prone position with the pelvis fixed to a custom-built hinged table. A digital inclinometer was used to tilt the pelvis -10°, 0°, and 10° simulating posterior, neutral, and anterior pelvic tilt, respectively. Digital calipers were used to measure the dimensions of the IFS in all three positions of sagittal pelvic tilt., Results: Changes in pelvic tilt resulted in significant changes in the dimensions of the IFS. Mean IFS dimensions measured 29.3±9.7 mm, 37.2±9.0 mm, and 24.3±9.2 mm in the neutral, anterior, and posterior pelvic tilt positions, respectively ( P <.0001)., Conclusion: Changes in sagittal pelvic tilt influence the dimensions of the IFS, with posterior pelvic tilt noted to significantly decrease the IFS when compared with neutral and anterior pelvic tilt. These findings suggest that further evaluation of sagittal spinopelvic balance in the etiology of symptomatic IFI may be warranted. [ Orthopedics . 2024;47(3):167-171.].

Background: Patient-reported outcomes are commonly used to assess patient symptoms. The effect of specific hip pathology on relationships between perceived and objectively measured symptoms remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences of function and pain in patients with FAIS and DDH, to assess the correlation between perceived and objective function, and to determine the influence of pain on measures of function., Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 35 pre-operative patients (60% female) with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and 37 pre-operative patients (92% female) with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Objectively measured function (6-min walk [6MWT], single leg hop [SLHT], Biodex sway [BST], hip abduction strength [HABST], and STAR excursion balance reach [STAR] tests), patient-reported function (UCLA Activity, Hip Outcome Score [HOS], Short Form 12 [SF-12], and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [HOOS]), and patient-reported pain (HOOS Pain, visual analogue scale (VAS), and a pain location scale) were collected during a pre-surgical clinic visit. Between-group comparisons of patient scores were performed using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests. Within-group correlations were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Statistical correlation strength was defined as low (r =  ± 0.1-0.3), moderate (r =  ± 0.3-0.5) and strong (r >  ± 0.5)., Results: Patients with DDH reported greater pain and lower function compared to patients with FAIS. 6MWT distance was moderately-to-strongly correlated with a number of patient-reported measures of function (FAIS: r = 0.37 to 0.62, DDH: r = 0.36 to 0.55). Additionally, in patients with DDH, SLHT distance was well correlated with patient reported function (r = 0.37 to 0.60). Correlations between patient-reported pain and objectively measured function were sparse in both patient groups. In patients with FAIS, only 6MWT distance and HOOS Pain (r = -0.53) were significantly correlated. In patients with DDH, 6MWT distance was significantly correlated with VAS Average (r = -0.52) and Best (r = -0.53) pain., Conclusion: Pain is greater and function is lower in patients with DDH compared to patients with FAIS. Moreover, the relationship between pain and function differs between patient groups. Understanding these differences is valuable for informing treatment decisions. We recommend these insights be incorporated within the clinical continuum of care, particularly during evaluation and selection of surgical and therapeutic interventions., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Background and Aim: Overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OOGIB) is defined as continued bleeding with unknown source despite esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy evaluation. Small bowel evaluation through video capsule endoscopy (VCE) or double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is often warranted. We studied the timing of DBE in hospitalized OOGIB patients regarding diagnostic yield, therapeutic yield, and GI rebleeding., Methods: We performed a retrospective review of DBEs performed at a tertiary medical center between November 2012 and December 2020. The inclusion criterion was first admission for OOGIB undergoing DBE. Those without previous EGD or colonoscopy were excluded. Patients were stratified into two groups: DBE performed within 72 h of OOGIB (emergent) and beyond 72 h of OOGIB (nonemergent). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for the difference in patients in the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with diagnostic and therapeutic yield. Kaplan-Meir survival curve showed GI bleed-free survival following initial bleed and was compared using the log rank test., Results: A total of 154 patients met the inclusion criterion, of which 62 had emergent DBE and 92 had nonemergent DBE. The propensity-score-matched sample consisted of 112 patients, with 56 patients each in the emergent and nonemergent groups. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between VCE and emergent DBE and diagnostic and therapeutic yield ( P  < 0.05). Emergent DBE patients had increased GI bleed-free survival compared to those in the nonemergent group ( P  = 0.009)., Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that emergent DBE during inpatient OOGIB can impact the overall diagnostic yield, therapeutic yield, and GI rebleeding post DBE., (© 2023 The Authors. JGH Open published by Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

The purpose of this preliminary analysis was to determine if there are relationships between anthropometric characteristics (arm length, torso length, thigh length, and shank length) and conventional deadlift (CDL) kinematics and kinetics during a 5 sets of 5 repetitions (5 × 5) CDL routine in resistance-trained males. Eleven males who had experience with the deadlift exercise were included in this analysis (age: 21.5 ± 1.4 y; height: 180.7 ± 5.7 cm; body mass: 89.9 ± 16.0 kg). Anthropometrics were measured by a 3-dimensional optical scanner. The participants underwent a 5 × 5 CDL workout using a self-selected load corresponding to a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 8 out of 10. Performance outcomes were measured synchronously using a 3-dimensional 12-camera motion capture system and two force platforms. Outcomes were averaged across all sets and analyzed using multiple linear regression. The selected anthropometric variables were not significantly related to the CDL performance outcomes, except for concentric ankle work. However, in the overall model, anthropometric predictors did not significantly predict ankle concentric work ( p = 0.11; R 2 = 0.67; R&#95;2adj = 0.45). Independently, thigh length significantly correlated with ankle concentric work ( p = 0.03). In this model, thigh length accounted for 55% of the normalized variance in ankle concentric work. The results from this preliminary study suggest that arm length, torso length, and shank length may not play a clear role in the examined CDL outcomes, but thigh length may be positively correlated with ankle concentric work during a 5 × 5 CDL routine in resistance-trained males.

Managing wildlife populations in the face of global change requires regular data on the abundance and distribution of wild animals, but acquiring these over appropriate spatial scales in a sustainable way has proven challenging. Here we present the data from Snapshot USA 2020, a second annual national mammal survey of the USA. This project involved 152 scientists setting camera traps in a standardized protocol at 1485 locations across 103 arrays in 43 states for a total of 52,710 trap-nights of survey effort. Most (58) of these arrays were also sampled during the same months (September and October) in 2019, providing a direct comparison of animal populations in 2 years that includes data from both during and before the COVID-19 pandemic. All data were managed by the eMammal system, with all species identifications checked by at least two reviewers. In total, we recorded 117,415 detections of 78 species of wild mammals, 9236 detections of at least 43 species of birds, 15,851 detections of six domestic animals and 23,825 detections of humans or their vehicles. Spatial differences across arrays explained more variation in the relative abundance than temporal variation across years for all 38 species modeled, although there are examples of significant site-level differences among years for many species. Temporal results show how species allocate their time and can be used to study species interactions, including between humans and wildlife. These data provide a snapshot of the mammal community of the USA for 2020 and will be useful for exploring the drivers of spatial and temporal changes in relative abundance and distribution, and the impacts of species interactions on daily activity patterns. There are no copyright restrictions, and please cite this paper when using these data, or a subset of these data, for publication., (© 2022 The Authors. Ecology © 2022 The Ecological Society of America.)

The execution strategy of technical dance movements is constrained by aesthetic and qualitative artistic requirements. As such, there are limited leap-landing strategies that may be used by dancers when executing a grand jeté or saut de chat. The purpose of this study was to determine potential differences in lower extremity angular positioning and joint loading when performing a dance-style leap landing. Fifteen female dancers (age: 20 ± 1 years; height: 1.61 ± 0.13 m; weight: 58.00 ± 11.89 kg) completed six leap-landing trials during which three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics data were collected. Paired-samples t-tests (α = 0.05) and Cohen's d effect sizes (ES; large ≥ 0.8) were used to compare the following variables: jump height; peak vertical ground reaction force; loading time; loading rate; joint angular positioning of the ankle, knee, hip, and trunk in the frontal and sagittal planes; and joint angular impulse of the ankle, knee, and hip in the frontal and sagittal planes between the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Frontal plane hip angular impulse was significantly greater in the dominant limb (p = 0.023, ES = 1.53). While no other statistically significant differences were observed between dominant and non-dominant limbs, moderate effect sizes were observed for the hip and trunk angles in the frontal plane along with hip impulse in the sagittal plane. This study indicates that dancers might slightly alter their landing strategy at the hip joint when leap-landing onto the dominant limb. Frontal plane hip mechanics should be considered to minimize overuse injury potential in the dominant limb.

The emerging literature suggests that implantable functional electrical stimulation may improve gait performance in stroke survivors. However, there is no review providing the possible therapeutic effects of implanted functional electrical stimulation on gait performance in stroke survivors. We performed a web-based, systematic paper search using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. We limited the search results to human subjects and papers published in peer-reviewed journals in English. We did not restrict demographic or clinical characteristics. We included 10 papers in the current systematic review. Across all included studies, we found preliminary evidence of the potential therapeutic effects of functional electrical stimulation on walking endurance, walking speed, ankle mobility, and push-off force in stroke survivors. However, due to the heterogeneity between the included studies, small sample size, and lack of randomized controlled trials, more studies are critically needed to confirm whether implanted functional electrical stimulation can improve gait performance in stroke survivors.

This study examined biomechanical differences between external and internal foci of attention during vertical jump landings in males and females. Twenty-four healthy adults performed eight vertical jump landings using both internal and external foci while three-dimensional kinematic and ground reaction force (GRF) data were obtained. Two (focus) by two (sex) analyses of variance (α = 0.05) and Cohen's d effect sizes (ES) were used to compare differences in vertical GRF, joint angular positions and displacements, and lower limb joint angular work between foci and between sexes. Significantly greater knee contributions to total angular work occurred during external versus internal focus landings regardless of sex (p = .013; ES = 0.30). Significantly smaller plantarflexion angles (p = .019; ES = 0.53) and significantly greater knee flexion angles were observed at ground contact (p < .001; ES = 1.11) in males during external focus landings. Females exhibited significantly smaller knee flexion angles at both ground contact during external versus internal focus landings (p = .031; ES = 0.20) and compared to males during external focus landings (p < .001; ES = 1.76). Both peak vertical GRF (p = .003; ES = 1.54) and the ankle contributions to total angular work during loading (p = .026; ES = 1.07) were greater in females versus males regardless of foci, whereas the knee contributions to total angular work during loading were smaller in women (p = .026; ES = 1.07). Males and females might consider adopting an external focus during vertical jump landings to increase knee joint contributions to lower limb energy absorption. Females, in particular, might consider external focus use to decrease peak vertical GRF and increase the knee joint's contribution to total energy absorption to magnitudes similar to those exhibited by males., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic, late onset, rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder, which is characterized by autonomic failure, together with Parkinsonian, cerebellar, and pyramidal motor symptoms. The pathologic hallmark is the glial cytoplasmic inclusion with α-synuclein aggregates. MSA is thus an α-synucleinopathy. Recently, Sasaki et al. reported that heterozygosity for copy number loss of Src homology 2 domain containing-transforming protein 2 (SHC2) genes (heterozygous SHC2 gene deletions) occurred in DNAs from many Japanese individuals with MSA. Because background copy number variation can be distinct in different human populations, we assessed SHC2 allele copy number in DNAs from a US cohort of individuals with MSA, to determine the contribution of SHC2 gene copy number variation in an American cohort followed at a US referral center for MSA. Our cohort included 105 carefully phenotyped individuals with MSA., Methods: We studied 105 well-characterized patients with MSA and 5 control subjects with reduced SHC2 gene copy number. We used two TaqMan Gene Copy Number Assays, to determine the copy number of two segments of the SHC2 gene that are separated by 27 kb., Results: Assay results of DNAs from all of our 105 subjects with MSA showed 2 copies of both segments of their SHC2 genes., Conclusion: Our results indicate that SHC2 gene deletions underlie few, if any, cases of well-characterized MSA in the US population. This is in contrast to the Japanese experience reported by Sasaki et al., likely reflecting heterogeneity of the disease in different genetic backgrounds.

Despite physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse from their partner, many women remain in an abusive relationship, often proclaiming to love the one who is hurting them. Nineteen females who had experienced intimate partner violence were interviewed and asked to share their experiences and describe their meaning of love. An analysis of the transcripts was done using qualitative content analysis. With this approach, the contents of the verbal data were summarized and arranged in three major categories: (1) What love is not; (2) Attributes of a loving relationship; and (3) Attachment to the relationship. The findings demonstrate a woman's clear recognition of being in an abusive relationship, yearning to be truly loved, but often finding herself unable to detach from the relationship.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of the quality of caregiver relationships with the psychological well-being of elderly care-recipients. Sociodemographic variables and characteristics of the care-recipient situation (e.g., self-rated physical health, amount of instrumental support needed) were explored as potential predictors of the psychological well-being of elderly individuals. A secondary analysis of data collected during in-home interviews with 37 community-dwelling older adults revealed no significant correlations between the quality of the primary intimate relationship and any dimension of psychological well-being. However, better self-rated health was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, higher morale, greater life satisfaction, and better quality of life. The more instrumental support needed by an individual, the greater their depressive symptoms and the lower their morale. The findings also revealed that the older the individual was, the greater the depressive symptoms were and the lower life satisfaction became. Self-rated physical health predicted each dimension of psychological well-being. The findings suggest that age, the amount of instrumental support needed, and perceptions of physical health are important indicators of the psychological well-being of elderly care-recipients.

This study was undertaken to compare the attitudes of nurses and nursing students toward computer use in nursing practice and to clarify factors that influence these attitudes. Three factors within the student sample were examined: changes over time, prior experience with computers, and attitudes toward technology in general. Second, the attitudes of the nursing students were compared with those of a sample of practicing nurses. Finally, the multidimensional structure of Stronge's attitude scale was analyzed. A total of 353 sophomore nursing students and 358 staff nurses participated in the study. The analysis produced a refined 17-item attitude scale composed of three identifiable subscales: computers and patient care, computers and personal security, and general attitude. It was found that students had less experience with computers than the investigators had anticipated, and there was little change over three successive cohorts of students. However, in general, students' attitudes toward computer use in nursing were positive, and the more computer experience students had, the more positive their attitudes. The attitudes of the practicing nurses also were generally positive, but differences between students and nurses were observed.