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Timely responses to mitigate economic and environmental impacts from invading species are facilitated by knowledge of the speed and drivers of invasions.Quantify changes in invasion patterns through time and factors that governed time-to-invasion by laurel wilt, one of the most damaging, non-native disturbance agents invading forests of the United States.We analyzed county-level occurrence data (2004-2021) for laurel wilt across the southeastern United States. A Cox proportional hazards modeling framework was used to elucidate drivers of invasion.As of 2021, laurel wilt had been detected in 275 counties and made 72 discrete jumps (averaging 164 km ± 16 SE) into counties that did not share a border with a previously invaded county. Spread decelerated from 40 km/yr to 24 km/yr after 5 years, with a marked decline in the number of counties invaded in 2021 (16) compared with 2020 (33). The Cox proportional hazards model indicated that proxies for anthropogenic movement and habitat invasibility increased invasion risk.The recent decline in number of counties invaded could be due to disruptions to travel and/or surveys from the coronavirus pandemic, but exhaustion of the most suitable habitat, such as counties in the southeastern US with warm annual temperatures and high densities of host trees, could have also contributed to this trend. This work suggests that without a shift in spread driven by additional insect vectors, that rates of range expansion by laurel wilt might have peaked in 2020 and could continue decelerating.The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10980-022-01560-3.

Complex genome rearrangements can be generated by the catastrophic pulverization of missegregated chromosomes trapped within micronuclei through a process known as chromothripsis1–5. As each chromosome contains a single centromere, it remains unclear how acentric fragments derived from shattered chromosomes are inherited between daughter cells during mitosis6. Here we tracked micronucleated chromosomes with live-cell imaging and show that acentric fragments cluster in close spatial proximity throughout mitosis for asymmetric inheritance by a single daughter cell. Mechanistically, the CIP2A–TOPBP1 complex prematurely associates with DNA lesions within ruptured micronuclei during interphase, which poises pulverized chromosomes for clustering upon mitotic entry. Inactivation of CIP2A–TOPBP1 caused acentric fragments to disperse throughout the mitotic cytoplasm, stochastically partition into the nucleus of both daughter cells and aberrantly misaccumulate as cytoplasmic DNA. Mitotic clustering facilitates the reassembly of acentric fragments into rearranged chromosomes lacking the extensive DNA copy-number losses that are characteristic of canonical chromothripsis. Comprehensive analysis of pan-cancer genomes revealed clusters of DNA copy-number-neutral rearrangements—termed balanced chromothripsis—across diverse tumour types resulting in the acquisition of known cancer driver events. Thus, distinct patterns of chromothripsis can be explained by the spatial clustering of pulverized chromosomes from micronuclei.

Increased left ventricular (LV) mass (LVM) and LV hypertrophy (LVH) are risk markers for adverse cardiovascular events, and may indicate an underlying cardiomyopathy. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for LVM estimation, but is challenging to obtain at scale, which has limited the power of prior genetic analyses. In the current study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of CMR-derived LVM indexed to body surface area (LVMI) estimated using a deep learning algorithm within nearly 50,000 participants from the UK Biobank. We identified 12 independent associations (1 known atTTNand 11 novel) meeting genome-wide significance, implicating several candidate genes previously associated with cardiac contractility and cardiomyopathy. Greater CMR-derived LVMI was associated with higher risk of incident dilated (hazard ratio [HR] 2.58 per 1-SD increase, 95% CI 2.10-3.17) and hypertrophic (HR 2.62, 95% CI 2.09-3.30) cardiomyopathies. A polygenic risk score (PRS) for LVMI was also associated with incident hypertrophic cardiomyopathy within a separate set of UK Biobank participants (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.12) and among individuals in an external Mass General Brigham dataset (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.37). In summary, using CMR-derived LVM available at scale, we have identified 12 common variants associated with LVMI (11 novel) and demonstrated that both CMR-derived and genetically determined LVMI are associated with risk of incident cardiomyopathy.Journal Subject Termsmachine learning, left ventricular hypertrophy, genetics

International audience; Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) has matured into one of the most widely used super-resolution imaging methods and has been used to address a broad spectrum of biological research questions1. This success has inspired the community to develop numerous computational techniques to extract localizations from raw images or turn them into biologically meaningful quantities [...]

Deviations from mirror symmetry in the development of bilateral organisms are common but the mechanisms of initial symmetry breaking are insufficiently understood. The actin cytoskeleton of individual cells self-organises in a chiral manner, but the molecular players involved remain essentially unidentified and the relationship between chirality of an individual cell and cell collectives is unclear. Here, we analysed self-organisation of the chiral actin cytoskeleton in individual cells on circular or elliptical patterns, and collective cell alignment in confined microcultures. Screening based on deep-learning analysis of actin patterns identified actin polymerisation regulators, depletion of which suppresses chirality (mDia1) or reverses chirality direction (profilin1 and CapZβ). The reversed chirality is mDia1-independent but requires the function of actin-crosslinker α−actinin1. A robust correlation between the effects of a variety of actin assembly regulators on chirality of individual cells and cell collectives is revealed. Thus, actin-driven cell chirality may underlie tissue and organ asymmetry.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emergence in commensal and pathogenic bacteria is a global health issue. House flies (Musca domestica) are considered as biological and mechanical vectors for pathogens causing nosocomial infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the role of temperature on the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA in house flies in a hospital environment have not been studied. A total of 400 house flies were collected in winter and summer from four hospital-associated areas in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Detection of S. aureus and MRSA in flies was done by culturing, staining, and PCR methods targeting nuc and mec genes (mecA and mecC), respectively. Disc diffusion test was used to detect resistance phenotype against six antimicrobials. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess the effect of temperature on the frequency of antimicrobial resistance, and on the presence of the nuc and mecA genes, and location of samples in and around a hospital environment. By PCR, S. aureus was detected in 208 (52%) samples. High frequencies of resistance (≥ 80% of isolates) to amoxicillin, azithromycin, and oxacillin were observed by disk diffusion test. Increase in temperature had a positive effect on the occurrence of S. aureus and MRSA isolates as well as on their resistance to individual and multiple antimicrobials. Among the study areas, hospital premises had increased odds of having S. aureus. Increased temperature of summer significantly increased the occurrence of MRSA in house flies in and around the hospital environment, which might pose a human and animal health risk.

Background Crescent cannula adhesion in the setting of COVID-19 respiratory failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is a novel complication. The objective of this case presentation is to highlight this rare complication and to explore potential predisposing factors and our management strategies. Case presentation We present the case of a 25 y.o. patient with COVID-19 respiratory failure requiring ECMO support for 16-days in which a 32 Fr crescent cannula became adherent to the SVC and proximal jugular vein. Attempts to remove the cannula at the bedside failed due to immobility of the cannula. Ultrasound of the right neck was unremarkable, so he was taken to the hybrid OR where both TEE and fluoroscopy were unrevealing. An upper sternotomy was performed, and the superior vena cava and proximal jugular vein were dissected revealing a 2 cm segment of the distal SVC and proximal jugular vein that was densely sclerosed and adherent to the cannula. The vessel was opened across the adherent area at the level of the innominate vein and the cannula was then able to be withdrawn. The patient suffered no ill effects and had an unremarkable recovery to discharge. Conclusions To date, there have been no reports of crescent cannula adhesion related complications. In patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure requiring ECMO, clinicians should be aware of widespread hypercoagulability and the potential of unprovoked, localized venous sclerosis and cannula adhesion. We report our technique of decannulation in the setting of cannula adhesion and hope that presentation will shed further light on this complication allowing clinicians to optimize patient care.

Introduction In the 2-year CARE-MS trials (NCT00530348; NCT00548405) in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, alemtuzumab showed superior efficacy versus subcutaneous interferon beta-1a. Efficacy was maintained in two consecutive extensions (NCT00930553; NCT02255656). This post hoc analysis compared disability outcomes over 9 years among alemtuzumab-treated patients according to whether they experienced confirmed disability improvement (CDI) or worsening (CDW) or neither CDI nor CDW. Methods CARE-MS patients were randomized to receive two alemtuzumab courses (12 mg/day; 5 days at baseline; 3 days at 12 months), with additional as-needed 3-day courses in the extensions. CDI or CDW were defined as ≥ 1.0-point decrease or increase, respectively, in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score from core study baseline confirmed over 6 months, assessed in patients with baseline EDSS score ≥ 2.0. Improved or stable EDSS scores were defined as ≥ 1-point decrease or ≤ 0.5-point change (either direction), respectively, from core study baseline. Functional systems (FS) scores were also assessed. Results Of 511 eligible patients, 43% experienced CDI and 34% experienced CDW at any time through year 9 (patients experiencing both CDI and CDW were counted in each individual group); 29% experienced neither CDI nor CDW. At year 9, patients with CDI had a −0.58-point mean EDSS score change from baseline; 88% had stable or improved EDSS scores. Improvements occurred across all FS, primarily in sensory, pyramidal, and cerebellar domains. Patients with CDW had a +1.71-point mean EDSS score change; 16% had stable or improved EDSS scores. Patients with neither CDI nor CDW had a −0.10-point mean EDSS score change; 98% had stable or improved EDSS scores. Conclusion CDI achievement at any point during the CARE-MS studies was associated with improved disability at year 9, highlighting the potential of alemtuzumab to change the multiple sclerosis course. Conversely, CDW at any point was associated with worsened disability at year 9. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40120-021-00262-3.

Respiratory failure is the leading cause of death in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection1,2, but the host response at the lung tissue level is poorly understood. Here we performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing of about 116,000 nuclei from the lungs of nineteen individuals who died of COVID-19 and underwent rapid autopsy and seven control individuals. Integrated analyses identified substantial alterations in cellular composition, transcriptional cell states, and cell-to-cell interactions, thereby providing insight into the biology of lethal COVID-19. The lungs from individuals with COVID-19 were highly inflamed, with dense infiltration of aberrantly activated monocyte-derived macrophages and alveolar macrophages, but had impaired T cell responses. Monocyte/macrophage-derived interleukin-1β and epithelial cell-derived interleukin-6 were unique features of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to other viral and bacterial causes of pneumonia. Alveolar type 2 cells adopted an inflammation-associated transient progenitor cell state and failed to undergo full transition into alveolar type 1 cells, resulting in impaired lung regeneration. Furthermore, we identified expansion of recently described CTHRC1+ pathological fibroblasts3 contributing to rapidly ensuing pulmonary fibrosis in COVID-19. Inference of protein activity and ligand–receptor interactions identified putative drug targets to disrupt deleterious circuits. This atlas enables the dissection of lethal COVID-19, may inform our understanding of long-term complications of COVID-19 survivors, and provides an important resource for therapeutic development. Lung samples collected soon after death from COVID-19 are used to provide a single-cell atlas of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the ensuing molecular changes.

BackgroundIn March 2020, the Surgeon General recommended limiting elective procedures to prepare for the COVID-19 surge. We hypothesize a consequence of COVID-19 is reduced operative volume across the country. We aim to examine changes in volume of common gastrointestinal operations during COVID-19, including elective, urgent/emergent, and cancer operations. We also evaluate if hospitals with more COVID-19 admissions were most impacted.MethodsThe Vizient database was used to determine monthly operative volume from November 2019 to June 2020 for elective operations (hiatal hernia repairs, bariatric surgery), urgent operations (cholecystectomies, appendectomies, inguinal hernia repairs), and cancer operations (colectomies, gastrectomies, esophagectomies). COVID-19 admissions per hospital were also determined. November 2019-January 2020 was defined as "pre-COVID." The monthly reduction in volume from pre-COVID was calculated for each operation. The top quartile (25%) of hospitals with the most COVID admissions were also evaluated separately from hospitals with fewer COVID cases. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance.ResultsData from 559 hospitals were analyzed. The volumes of all operations evaluated were significantly reduced during the pandemic except gastrectomies and esophagectomies for cancer. The greatest reduction in all operations was in April. In April, the volume of bariatric surgery reduced by 98% (P

Population growth and natural resources are intricately linked and play role in climate disruption and farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change especially in developing countries with rapid demographic changes and economies mostly dependent on natural resources. Although literature exists on population issues, emphasis was given to positive roles of population growth providing only incomplete picture for stakeholders and policy makers. This constrained climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, improving food security and attaining sustainable development goals. We reviewed publications on low-income countries with emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. This review will bring forth often sidelined issue of population growth for decision-makers and future research in the context of achieving sustainable development goals of the United Nations for 2015–2030. Therefore, this review was initiated to reveal the impacts of population growth on natural resources and to uncover farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change in low-income countries. Rapid population growth continues to be a major underlying force of environmental degradation and a threat to sustainable use of natural resources. It reduces the quality and quantity of natural resources through overexploitation, intensive farming and land fragmentation. Regions with high population pressure face scarcity of arable land, which leads to shortened/removed fallow period, declining soil fertility and farm income due to farm subdivision. Furthermore, landless individuals or those who operate small farms resettle or cultivate marginal lands, encroach on natural forests in search of more vacant land, which alters carbon source sink dynamics of the environment. Low farm income from small farms not only exacerbates food insecurity of farmers but also constrains their ability to adopt certain climate change adaptation technologies. All stakeholders should take swift actions to address challenges of rapid population growth and alter the dynamics between population, natural resources and climate change and its adaptation.