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Lisfranc injuries represent a wide variety of injury patterns, from stable midfoot sprains to grossly displaced fractures and fracture-dislocations. Obtaining and maintaining an anatomic reduction is critical in the treatment of these injuries. Considerable controversy remains as to the optimal method of treatment. Beyond the type and severity of the injury pattern, treatment decisions may ultimately be defined by activity-specific criteria and patient demographics.

Colonial organisms host a large diversity of symbionts (collectively, parasites, mutualists, and commensals) that use vertical transmission (from parent colony to offspring colony) and/or horizontal transmission to disperse between host colonies. The early life of some colonies, characterized by the dispersal and establishment of solitary individuals, may constrain vertical transmission and favor horizontal transmission between large established colonies. We explore this possibility with the miniature cockroach Attaphila fungicola, a symbiont of leaf‐cutter ants and the mutualist fungal gardens they cultivate. The early life of a leaf‐cutter colony is characterized by the dispersal of a female alate (winged “queen”) carrying a fungal pellet, and the subsequent establishment of a foundress (workerless “queen”) raising her incipient fungal garden and colony. Roaches hitchhike on female alates during leaf‐cutter nuptial flights, which strongly suggests that roaches are vertically transmitted to foundresses and their incipient colonies; however, weak compatibility between roaches and incipient gardens may constrain roach vertical transmission. Reciprocally, opportunities for horizontal transmission between large established colonies with abundant fungal gardens may weaken selection against roach‐induced harm (virulence) of incipient gardens. We use a laboratory experiment, behavioral observations, field surveys, and a transmission model to estimate the effect roaches have on the survivorship of incipient gardens and the frequency of roach vertical transmission. Contrary to traditional assumptions, our results indicate that roaches harm incipient gardens and predominantly use horizontal transmission between established leaf‐cutter colonies. Ultimately, “costs of generalism” associated with infecting disparate stages of a host's lifecycle (e.g., incipient vs. established colonies) may constrain the vertical transmission of roaches and a broad range of symbionts., It may be costly for symbionts to infect the "newborn" solitary stages of colonial hosts, constraining vertical transmission and favoring horizontal transmission between larger established host colonies. We explore this possibility using a miniature symbiotic cockroach of leaf‐cutter ants and their fungal gardens. Our study demonstrates that accounting for host colony lifecycle heterogeneity is important for understanding symbiont transmission dynamics and evolution.

Symbionts of ant colonies can hitchhike on winged ant reproductives (alates) during colony nuptial flights. Attaphila fungicola Wheeler, a miniature cockroach that lives in the nests of Tex...

This systematic review study collects and summarises current studies outcomes, methods, and theories in understanding the correlation between business firms and humanitarian organisations to addressing humanitarian relief or societal issues in African countries. These findings indicate that business entities engagement in humanitarian action collaborations areprompted by their internal and external inclination for value creation, while non-profitorganisation’s propensity to collaborate is due to donor and normative pressures. These resultsalso reveal that more emphasis is placed on qualitative studies rather than quantitative and mixed-method studies. Key collaboration dimensions, methodological, and theoretical issues are discussed with their contributions. The authors propose that this study serve as a foundation for further study in humanitarian-business collaboration research on Africa.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate multiple embedded performance validity indicators within the Digits Forward and Digits Backward subtests of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB), including Reliable Digit Span (RDS), as no published papers have examined embedded digit span validity indicators within these subtests of the NAB. Retrospective archival chart review was conducted at an outpatient neuropsychology clinic. Participants were 92 adults (ages 19-68) who completed NAB Digits Forward and Digits Backward, and the Word Choice Test (WCT). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves

Mirroring clinical guidelines, recent Performance Validity Test (PVT) research emphasizes using ≥ 2 criterion PVTs to optimally identify validity groups when validating/cross-validating PVTs; however, even with multiple measures, the effect of which specific PVTs are used as criterion measures remains incompletely explored. This study investigated the accuracy of varying two-PVT combinations for establishing validity status and how adding a third PVT or applying more liberal failure cut-scores affects overall false-positive (FP)/-negative (FN) rates. Clinically referred veterans (N = 114; 30% clinically identified as invalid) completing a six-PVT protocol as during their evaluation were included. Concordance rates were calculated across all possible two-and three-PVT combinations at conservative and liberal cutoffs. Two-PVT combinations classified 72–91% of valid (0–4% FPs) and 17–74% of invalid (0–40% FNs) cases, and three-PVT combinations classified 67–86% of valid (0–6% FPs) and 57–97% of invalid (0–24% FNs) at conservative cutoffs. Liberal cutoffs classified 53–86% of valid (0–15% FPs) and 39–82% of invalid (0–30% FNs) cases for two-PVT combinations and 46–75% of valid (3–27% FPs) and 60–97% of invalid (0–17% FNs) cases for three-PVT combinations. Irrespective of whether a two-or three-PVT combination or conservative/liberal cutoffs were used, many valid and invalid cases failed only one PVT (3–68%).Two-PVT combinations produced high FNs and were less accurate than three-PVTs for detecting invalid cases, though variable accuracy was found within both types of combinations based on the specific PVTs in the combination. Thus, both PVT quantity and quality are important for accurate validity classification in research studies to ensure reliability and replicability of findings. Applying more liberal cutoffs yielded increased sensitivity, but with generally higher FPs yielding problematic specificity, particularly for three-PVT combinations.

TDP-43 (TAR DNA-binding protein 43) aggregation and redistribution are recognised as a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. As TDP-43 inclusions have recently been described in the muscle of inclusion body myositis patients, this highlights the need to understand the role of TDP-43 beyond the central nervous system. Using RNA-seq, we directly compare TDP-43-mediated RNA processing in muscle (C2C12) and neuronal (NSC34) mouse cells. TDP-43 displays a cell-type-characteristic behaviour targeting unique transcripts in each cell-type, which is due to characteristic expression of RNA-binding proteins, that influence TDP-43’s performance and define cell-type specific splicing. Among splicing events commonly dysregulated in both cell lines, we identify some that are TDP-43-dependent also in human cells. Inclusion levels of these alternative exons are altered in tissues of patients suffering from FTLD and IBM. We therefore propose that TDP-43 dysfunction contributes to disease development either in a common or a tissue-specific manner. © 2022, The Author(s).

Neuropsychological literature has demonstrated a significant relationship between cognitive decline and functional capacity, but the directionality of this relationship is still not well understood. Further, the construct of practical judgment has been linked to both cognitive impairment and functional capacity, but these associations are still under-researched. Moreover, few studies to date have examined the relationships among all three constructs utilizing performance-based, ecologically valid and psychometrically sound measures. The present study aimed to address this gap in published literature and investigated whether a practical judgment and functional capacity can help differentiate individuals with cognitive dysfunction from those without. Participants were 270 community-dwelling individuals aged 56-95 years referred for neuropsychological evaluation in an outpatient setting. Bivariate correlations revealed moderate to strong relationships among the three studied variables. Additionally, logistic regression analysis indicated that ability to make sound practical judgments and ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) can be used as indicators of cognitive impairment. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Trypanosoma carassii is a flagellated bloodstream parasite of cyprinid fish with pathogenesis manifesting primarily as anemia in experimentally infected fish. This anemia is characterized by decreases in the number of circulating red blood cells (RBCs) during peak parasitemia. We examined changes in the key blood metrics and expression of genes known to be important in the regulation of erythropoiesis. Increasing parasitemia was strongly correlated with an overall decrease in the total number of circulating RBCs. Gene expression of key erythropoiesis regulators (EPO, EPOR, GATA1, Lmo2, and HIFα) and proinflammatory cytokines (IFNγ and TNFα) were measured and their expressions differed from those in fish made anemic by injections of phenylhydrazine (PHZ). Significant upregulation of pro-erythropoietic genes was observed in PHZ-induced anemia, but not during peak parasitic infection. Previously, we reported on functional characterization of goldfish erythropoietin (rgEPO) and its ability to induce survival and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells in vitro. Treatment of goldfish during the infection with rgEPO reduced the severity of anemia but failed to fully prevent the onset of the anemic state in infected fish. Proinflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the suppression of erythropoiesis during trypanosomiasis, specifically the cytokines TNFα, IFNγ, and IL-1β. Analysis of key proinflammatory cytokines revealed that mRNA levels of IFNγ and TNFα were upregulated in response to infection, but only TNFα increased in response to PHZ treatment. Synergistic activity of the proinflammatory cytokines may be required to sustain prolonged anemia. These findings provide insight into the relationship between T. carassii and host anemia and suggest that T. carassii may directly or indirectly suppress host erythropoiesis.

Objective The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an embedded measure of performance validity within the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB). Method This study involved a retrospective chart review at an outpatient neuropsychology clinic. Participants were 183 adults (ages 18–70) who completed the attention and memory modules of the NAB, as well as the Word Choice Test, Green’s Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT), and Green’s Non-Verbal MSVT, as part of a clinical neuropsychological assessment (n = 147) or as part of a forensic neuropsychological evaluation (n = 36). Replicating methodology utilized by Silverberg et al. (2007) for the development of the Effort Index within the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, an Embedded Validity Indictor (EVI) for the NAB was developed in the present study based on Digits Forward and List Learning Long Delayed Forced-Choice Recognition (list recognition) subtests. Results Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated the newly developed NAB EVI was able to significantly differentiate between valid and invalid status on stand-alone performance-validity tests, with area under the curve values ranging from 0.797 to 0.977. Optimal cutoffs for medical, forensic, and mixed samples were identified. Conclusions The newly developed NAB EVI shows promise as an embedded performance validity measure; however, due to moderate sensitivity, it should be used in combination with stand-alone performance validity tests to detect invalid performance.

The final results from this multi-dose, 90-day inhalation toxicology study in the rat with life-time post-exposure observation have shown a significant fundamental difference in pathological response and tumorgenicity between brake dust generated from brake pads manufactured with chrysotile or from chrysotile alone in comparison to the amphiboles, crocidolite and amosite asbestos. The groups exposed to brake dust showed no significant pathological or tumorigenic response in the respiratory track compared to the air control group at exposure concentrations and deposited doses well above those at which humans have been exposed. Slight alveolar/interstitial macrophage accumulation of particles was noted. Wagner grades were 1-2 (1 = control group), similar to the TiO

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assisted data collection is not a new concept and has been used in various mobile ad hoc networks. In this paper, we propose a caching assisted scheme alternative to routing in MANETs for the purpose of wildlife monitoring. Rather than deploying a routing protocol, data is collected and transported to and from a base station using a UAV. Although some literature exists on such an approach, we propose the use of intermediate caching between the mobile nodes and compare it to a baseline scenario where no caching is used. The paper puts forward our communication design where we have simulated the movement of multiple mobile sensor nodes in a field that move according to the Levy walk model imitating wildlife animal foraging and a UAV that makes regular trips across the field to collect data from them. The unmanned aerial vehicle can collect data not only from the current node it is communicating with but also data of other nodes that this node came into contact with. Simulations show that exchanging cached data is highly advantages as the drone can indirectly communicate with many more mobile nodes.

IntroductionPembrolizumab is an established first-line option for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) expressing programmed death-ligand 1 ≥50%. Durable responses are seen in a subset of patients; however, many derive little clinical benefit. Biomarkers of the systemic inflammatory response predict survival in NSCLC. We evaluated their prognostic significance in patients receiving first-line pembrolizumab for advanced NSCLC.MethodsPatients treated with first-line pembrolizumab for advanced NSCLC with programmed death-ligand 1 expression ≥50% at two regional Scottish cancer centres were identified. Pretreatment inflammatory biomarkers (white cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, albumin, prognostic nutritional index) were recorded. The relationship between these and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were examined.ResultsData were available for 219 patients. On multivariate analysis, albumin and neutrophil count were independently associated with PFS (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively) and OS (both P < 0.001). A simple score combining these biomarkers was explored. The Scottish Inflammatory Prognostic Score (SIPS) assigned 1 point each for albumin 7.5 × 109/l to give a three-tier categorical score. SIPS predicted PFS [hazard ratio 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.68-2.52 (P < 0.001)] and OS [hazard ratio 2.33, 95% CI 1.86-2.92 (P < 0.001)]. It stratified PFS from 2.5 (SIPS2), to 8.7 (SIPS1) to 17.9 months (SIPS0) (P < 0.001) and OS from 5.1 (SIPS2), to 12.4 (SIPS1) to 28.7 months (SIPS0) (P < 0.001). The relative risk of death before 6 months was 2.96 (95% CI 1.98-4.42) in patients with SIPS2 compared with those with SIPS0-1 (P < 0.001).ConclusionsSIPS, a simple score combining albumin and neutrophil count, predicts survival in patients with NSCLC receiving first-line pembrolizumab. Unlike many proposed prognostic scores, SIPS uses only routinely collected pretreatment test results and provides a categorical score. It stratifies survival across clinically meaningful time periods that may assist clinicians and patients with treatment decisions. We advocate validation of the prognostic utility of SIPS in this and other immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment settings.

Context.The Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) is part of the remote sensing instrument package of the ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter mission that will explore the inner heliosphere and observe the Sun from vantage points close to the Sun and out of the ecliptic. Solar Orbiter will advance the “connection science” between solar activity and the heliosphere.Aims.With EUI we aim to improve our understanding of the structure and dynamics of the solar atmosphere, globally as well as at high resolution, and from high solar latitude perspectives.Methods.The EUI consists of three telescopes, the Full Sun Imager and two High Resolution Imagers, which are optimised to image in Lyman-αand EUV (17.4 nm, 30.4 nm) to provide a coverage from chromosphere up to corona. The EUI is designed to cope with the strong constraints imposed by the Solar Orbiter mission characteristics. Limited telemetry availability is compensated by state-of-the-art image compression, onboard image processing, and event selection. The imposed power limitations and potentially harsh radiation environment necessitate the use of novel CMOS sensors. As the unobstructed field of view of the telescopes needs to protrude through the spacecraft’s heat shield, the apertures have been kept as small as possible, without compromising optical performance. This led to a systematic effort to optimise the throughput of every optical element and the reduction of noise levels in the sensor.Results.In this paper we review the design of the two elements of the EUI instrument: the Optical Bench System and the Common Electronic Box. Particular attention is also given to the onboard software, the intended operations, the ground software, and the foreseen data products.Conclusions.The EUI will bring unique science opportunities thanks to its specific design, its viewpoint, and to the planned synergies with the other Solar Orbiter instruments. In particular, we highlight science opportunities brought by the out-of-ecliptic vantage point of the solar poles, the high-resolution imaging of the high chromosphere and corona, and the connection to the outer corona as observed by coronagraphs.

The Solar Orbiter mission seeks to make connections between the physical processes occurring at the Sun or in the solar corona and the nature of the solar wind created by those processes which is subsequently observed at the spacecraft. The mission also targets physical processes occurring in the solar wind itself during its journey from its source to the spacecraft. To meet the specific mission science goals, Solar Orbiter will be equipped with both remote-sensing and in-situ instruments which will make unprecedented measurements of the solar atmosphere and the inner heliosphere. A crucial set of measurements will be provided by the Solar Wind Analyser (SWA) suite of instruments. This suite consists of an Electron Analyser System (SWA-EAS), a Proton and Alpha particle Sensor (SWA-PAS), and a Heavy Ion Sensor (SWA-HIS) which are jointly served by a central control and data processing unit (SWA-DPU). Together these sensors will measure and categorise the vast majority of thermal and suprathermal ions and electrons in the solar wind and determine the abundances and charge states of the heavy ion populations. The three sensors in the SWA suite are each based on the top hat electrostatic analyser concept, which has been deployed on numerous space plasma missions. The SWA-EAS uses two such heads, each of which have 360° azimuth acceptance angles and ±45° aperture deflection plates. Together these two sensors, which are mounted on the end of the boom, will cover a full sky field-of-view (FoV) (except for blockages by the spacecraft and its appendages) and measure the full 3D velocity distribution function (VDF) of solar wind electrons in the energy range of a few eV to ∼5 keV. The SWA-PAS instrument also uses an electrostatic analyser with a more confined FoV (−24° to +42° × ±22.5° around the expected solar wind arrival direction), which nevertheless is capable of measuring the full 3D VDF of the protons and alpha particles arriving at the instrument in the energy range from 200 eV/q to 20 keV/e. Finally, SWA-HIS measures the composition and 3D VDFs of heavy ions in the bulk solar wind as well as those of the major constituents in the suprathermal energy range and those of pick-up ions. The sensor resolves the full 3D VDFs of the prominent heavy ions at a resolution of 5 min in normal mode and 30 s in burst mode. Additionally, SWA-HIS measures 3D VDFs of alpha particles at a 4 s resolution in burst mode. Measurements are over a FoV of −33° to +66° × ±20° around the expected solar wind arrival direction and at energies up to 80 keV/e. The mass resolution (m/Δm) is > 5. This paper describes how the three SWA scientific sensors, as delivered to the spacecraft, meet or exceed the performance requirements originally set out to achieve the mission’s science goals. We describe the motivation and specific requirements for each of the three sensors within the SWA suite, their expected science results, their main characteristics, and their operation through the central SWA-DPU. We describe the combined data products that we expect to return from the suite and provide to the Solar Orbiter Archive for use in scientific analyses by members of the wider solar and heliospheric communities. These unique data products will help reveal the nature of the solar wind as a function of both heliocentric distance and solar latitude. Indeed, SWA-HIS measurements of solar wind composition will be the first such measurements made in the inner heliosphere. The SWA data are crucial to efforts to link the in situ measurements of the solar wind made at the spacecraft with remote observations of candidate source regions. This is a novel aspect of the mission which will lead to significant advances in our understanding of the mechanisms accelerating and heating the solar wind, driving eruptions and other transient phenomena on the Sun, and controlling the injection, acceleration, and transport of the energetic particles in the heliosphere.

The focus of the present study was to examine the acute immunotoxic properties of oil sands process-affected waters (OSPW) using the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Specifically, we used a quantitative PCR assay to monitor changes in the expression of stress, cytokine, and antimicrobial enzyme genes in activated macrophages following acute (i.e. 24 h) exposure of the cells to whole OSPW and its fractions. Overall, our data shows that OSPW inorganic fraction (IF) significantly induces the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress and DNA damage and that the OSPW-IF also significantly augmented cytokine gene expression. These effects are similar to what was observed following whole OSPW exposures, which contrasts the minimal effects observed when cells were treated with equivalent doses of the OSPW organic fraction (OF). Surprisingly, OSPW-IF had reciprocal effects on gene and protein expression levels of two key macrophage enzymes (e.g. inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) synthase and arginase), which indicates that components within OSPW-IF have the unique ability to alter the overall functional states of macrophage by polarizing them towards an alternatively activated status; concomitant with the reciprocal depression of iNOS levels and enhanced expression and activity of arginase. Collectively, these findings show that at sub-lethal exposure doses, the inorganic constituents of OSPW have significant immunotoxicological properties that could potentially affect innate cellular defense responses of exposed animals.