Predicting chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer at the county scale using machine learning.

Continued spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) through wild cervid herds negatively impacts populations, erodes wildlife conservation, drains resource dollars, and challenges wildlife management agencies. Risk factors for CWD have been investigated at state scales, but a regional model to predict locations of new infections can guide increasingly efficient surveillance efforts. We predicted CWD incidence by county using CWD surveillance data depicting white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 16 eastern and midwestern US states. We predicted the binary outcome of CWD-status using four machine learning models, utilized five-fold cross-validation and grid search to pinpoint the best model, then compared model predictions against the subsequent year of surveillance data. Cross validation revealed that the Light Boosting Gradient model was the most reliable predictor given the regional data. The predictive model could be helpful for surveillance planning. Predictions of false positives emphasize areas that warrant targeted CWD surveillance because of similar conditions with counties known to harbor CWD. However, disagreements in positives and negatives between the CWD Prediction Web App predictions and the on-the-ground surveillance data one year later underscore the need for state wildlife agency professionals to use a layered modeling approach to ensure robust surveillance planning. The CWD Prediction Web App is at https://cwd-predict.streamlit.app/ .

Energy-Efficient Neuromorphic Architectures for Nuclear Radiation Detection Applications.

A comprehensive analysis and simulation of two memristor-based neuromorphic architectures for nuclear radiation detection is presented. Both scalable architectures retrofit a locally competitive algorithm to solve overcomplete sparse approximation problems by harnessing memristor crossbar execution of vector-matrix multiplications. The proposed systems demonstrate excellent accuracy and throughput while consuming minimal energy for radionuclide detection. To ensure that the simulation results of our proposed hardware are realistic, the memristor parameters are chosen from our own fabricated memristor devices. Based on these results, we conclude that memristor-based computing is the preeminent technology for a radiation detection platform.

Stability Study and Handling Recommendations for Multiresidue Pesticide Mixes under Diverse Storage Conditions for LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS.

BACKGROUND: In response to the growing global need for pesticide residue testing, laboratories must develop versatile analytical methods and workflows to produce scientifically sound results. One of the many challenges faced by food chemists is acquiring suitable pesticide certified reference materials (CRMs) to calibrate analytical equipment, monitor method performance, and confirm the identity and concentration of hundreds of pesticide residues in food samples. CRM producers invest considerable resources to ensure the stability of their products. OBJECTIVE: To present proper CRM handling and storage practices as guidance to ensure stability based on the results of several multiresidue pesticide stability studies. METHODS: The open ampoule and combined multiresidue mix studies were conducted under controlled conditions. New ampoules containing multiresidue pesticide CRM mixtures were opened and compared to previously opened ampoules at multiple intervals while stored under freezing and refrigerated temperatures. Both LC- and GC-amenable pesticides (>200 residues) were combined and stored under typical laboratory conditions. Studies were performed with and without celery matrix. RESULTS: The open ampoule study showed high levels of stability for all mixtures. All GC residues remained stable over the duration of the experiment. A week after opening LC multiresidue pesticide mixtures showed minor degradation. After combination of the multiresidue pesticide mixtures, degradation occurred rapidly for both the GC and LC mixtures. CONCLUSION: Multiresidue pesticide mixtures are stable as ampullated until they are opened. Once the contents of a kit were opened and combined, decreasing stability was observed over time. This was true for both the LC and GC kits. Working mixtures of CRMs for instrument calibration should be made daily. HIGHLIGHTS: This article shows a novel approach for measuring stability of CRM mixes. In-depth analysis of multiresidue pesticide mixtures and the stability that can be expected before and after mixing under typical storage conditions is described.

Delivery challenges for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked neuromuscular disorder that affects about one in every 5000 live male births. DMD is caused by mutations in the gene that codes for dystrophin, which is required for muscle membrane stabilization. The loss of functional dystrophin causes muscle degradation that leads to weakness, loss of ambulation, cardiac and respiratory complications, and eventually, premature death. Therapies to treat DMD have advanced in the past decade, with treatments in clinical trials and four exon-skipping drugs receiving conditional Food and Drug Administration approval. However, to date, no treatment has provided long-term correction. Gene editing has emerged as a promising approach to treating DMD. There is a wide range of tools, including meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and, most notably, RNA-guided enzymes from the bacterial adaptive immune system clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Although challenges in using CRISPR for gene therapy in humans still abound, including safety and efficiency of delivery, the future for CRISPR gene editing for DMD is promising. This review will summarize the progress in CRISPR gene editing for DMD including key summaries of current approaches, delivery methodologies, and the challenges that gene editing still faces as well as prospective solutions.

Biomolecular histology as a novel proxy for ancient DNA and protein sequence preservation.

Researchers' ability to accurately screen fossil and subfossil specimens for preservation of DNA and protein sequences remains limited. Thermal exposure and geologic age are usable proxies for sequence preservation on a broad scale but are of nominal use for specimens of similar depositional environments. Cell and tissue biomolecular histology is thus proposed as a novel proxy for determining sequence preservation potential of ancient specimens with improved accuracy. Biomolecular histology as a proxy is hypothesized to elucidate why fossils/subfossils of some depositional environments preserve sequences while others do not and to facilitate selection of ancient specimens for use in molecular studies.

Hypoglycemia Is Associated With Worse Outcomes in Patients With Cholangitis Despite Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

Background Hypoglycemia has been associated with poorer outcomes in hospitalized patients undergoing surgical interventions. In cholangitis, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is often a critical adjunct to surgery, capable of diagnosing and treating various biliary and pancreatic pathologies. While technically less invasive than surgery, the effect of hypoglycemia on clinical outcomes of patients with cholangitis undergoing ERCP has not been elucidated. Methodology Data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2019. Using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes, patients diagnosed with cholangitis and underwent ERCP were identified. Baseline demographic data, comorbidities, in-hospital mortality, hospital charges, and hospital length of stay (LOS) were extracted and compared based on the presence or absence of hypoglycemia. Statistical analysis was done using t-test and chi-square analyses. A multivariate analysis for the mortality odds ratio (OR) was calculated to adjust for possible confounders. Results A total of 256,540 patients with cholangitis who underwent ERCP were identified, and 2,810 of them had hypoglycemia during their hospitalization. The mean age of the hypoglycemia group was 64.41 years. Most patients were females (54%) and whites (57%). More patients in the hypoglycemia group had a history of alcoholism and congestive heart failure (CHF). Hypoglycemia was associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality (OR = 6.71, confidence interval (CI) = 5.49-8.2; p < 0.0001). In addition to hypoglycemia, age >65 years, non-white race, and CHF were independently associated with higher mortality. Moreover, patients with hypoglycemia had higher total hospital charges ($87,147 vs. $133,400; p < 0.0001) and a significant increase in the LOS (9.7 vs. 6.7 days; p < 0.0001). Conclusions Previous studies in the surgical literature have linked hypoglycemia to increased incidence of atrial fibrillation, usage of mechanical ventilation, and application of circulatory support. Hypoglycemia may also affect the metabolism of the heart, leading to myocardial ischemia and malignant arrhythmias. However, it is unclear if hypoglycemia represents a proxy for the severity of patient illness as septic shock and renal insufficiency are common etiologies that may strongly impact mortality. Therefore, careful glycemic control during hospitalization should be practiced as hypoglycemia serves as a poor prognostic indicator that should not be overlooked.

Congestive Heart Failure Is Associated With Worse Outcomes in Patients With Ischemic Colitis: A Nationwide Study.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemic colitis (IC) results from compromised blood flow to the colon. Risk factors include atrial fibrillation (A.Fib), peripheral artery disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and congestive heart failure (CHF). However, few studies compared the mortality rate and colectomy between patients with IC with CHF and IC alone. OBJECTIVE: We aim to investigate the possibility of worse outcomes in patients with IC and CHF compared to IC alone. METHODOLOGY: Using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2019, we obtained baseline demographic data, total hospital charge, rate of colectomy, length of hospital stay (LOS), and in-hospital mortality. Data were compared using a t-test and chi-squared. Odds ratios for comorbidities including A.Fib, CAD, PAD, end-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and cirrhosis were calculated. RESULTS: 106,705 patients with IC were identified, among which 15,220 patients also had CHF. IC patients with CHF had a longer LOS (6.6 days vs 4.4 days; P<0.0001), higher total hospital charge ($71,359 vs $45,176; P<0.0001), higher mortality rate (8.5% vs 2.9%; P<0.0001), and higher colectomy rate (9.2% vs 5.9%; P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: CHF is associated with poor outcomes in patients with IC. Our study showed an increased risk of mortality and colectomy compared to patients with IC alone. The findings suggest it may be warranted to have a heightened clinical suspicion of IC in patients with CHF who present with bleeding per rectum.

Current Practice and Pitfalls of Select Biomarkers in the Emergency Care of Children.

Specific biomarker levels can help differentiate children who require emergent medical interventions, such as procedures, surgeries, or antibiotics, from those who may not. Appropriate application of biomarkers after a thorough history and physical examination can potentially improve cost-effective management by minimizing unnecessary procedures and tests without sacrificing patient safety. This issue reviews the literature regarding 4 biomarkers: lactate, C-reactive protein, ferritin, and procalcitonin. Evidence-based recommendations are made for the clinical evaluation of bacterial meningitis, common infections, and appendicitis.

"Good Fences Make Good Neighbors": How does the Human Gut Microchip Unravel Mechanism of Intestinal Inflammation?

A microengineered human gut-on-a-chip has demonstrated intestinal physiology, three-dimensional (3D) epithelial morphogenesis, and longitudinal host-microbiome interactions in vitro. The modular accessibility and modularity of the microphysiological gut-on-a-chip can lead to the identification of the seminal trigger in intestinal inflammation. By coupling microbial and immune cells in a spatiotemporal manner, we discovered that the maintenance of healthy epithelial barrier function is necessary and sufficient to demonstrate the homeostatic tolerance of the gut. Here, we highlight the breakthrough of our new disease model and discuss the future impact of investigating the etiology and therapeutic targets in the multifactorial inflammatory bowel disease.

Production of picture names improves picture recognition.

Words read aloud are later recalled and recognized better than words read silently: the production effect. Previous research (Fawcett, Quinlan, & Taylor, 2012) has demonstrated a production effect in old/new recognition of line drawings. The current study examined whether production at encoding can improve memory for the visual details of a picture, or whether it is primarily memory for the picture's verbal label that benefits from production. Participants studied a list of photographs of nameable objects by naming half of the objects aloud and half silently. In Experiment 1, a control group completed a free recall test for the object names while the experimental group completed a 4-alternative forced-choice recognition test for the studied pictures and provided confidence judgments in their recognition decisions. Both groups showed a significant production effect. Experiment 2 obtained image typicality ratings and naming data for use in Experiment 3. In Experiment 3, studied items were tested after a 1-week delay in one of three different types of 2-alternative forced-choice recognition test: versus a different picture exemplar of the same item; versus a different picture; or as a verbal label versus a different verbal label. Results showed a significant production effect in all testing conditions, with the magnitude of the effect similar across conditions. Production improves memory for both the visual details and verbal label of pictures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Ventricular Tachycardia: A Rare Commotio Cordis Presentation.

Commotio cordis is a rare event caused by an unfortunately timed blunt anterior chest wall impact that most commonly presents in young male adolescents and is the second leading cause of death in young athletes. The most common initial presenting dysrhythmias are ventricular fibrillation and asystole, although other rare dysrhythmias have been reported-predominantly in animal models. To our knowledge, this is the first telemetry-confirmed case of commotio cordis with a presenting cardiac rhythm of ventricular tachycardia. While prompt recognition of commotio cordis and early cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation (if applicable) are still the treatment in these cases, our case offers potential insight into the underlying commotio cordis process.

Hepatitis C virus upregulates B-cell receptor signaling: a novel mechanism for HCV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling is essential for the development of B cells and has a critical role in B-cell neoplasia. Increasing evidence indicates an association between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and B-cell lymphoma, however, the mechanisms by which HCV causes B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder are still unclear. Herein, we demonstrate the expression of HCV viral proteins in B cells of HCV-infected patients and show that HCV upregulates BCR signaling in human primary B cells. HCV nonstructural protein NS3/4A interacts with CHK2 and downregulates its activity, modulating HuR posttranscriptional regulation of a network of target mRNAs associated with B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Interestingly, the BCR signaling pathway was found to have the largest number of transcripts with increased association with HuR and was upregulated by NS3/4A. Our study reveals a previously unidentified role of NS3/4A in regulation of host BCR signaling during HCV infection, contributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying HCV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

Adherence to head computed tomography guidelines for mild traumatic brain injury.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant health concern. While 70-90% of TBI cases are considered mild, decision-making regarding imaging can be difficult. This survey aimed to assess whether clinicians' decision-making was consistent with the most recent American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) clinical recommendations regarding indications for a non-contrast head computed tomography (CT) in patients with mild TBI. METHODS: We surveyed 2 academic emergency medicine departments. Six realistic clinical vignettes were created. The survey software randomly varied 2 factors: age (30, 59, or 61 years old) and presence or absence of visible trauma above the clavicles. A single important question was asked: "Would you perform a non-contrast head CT on this patient?" RESULTS: Physician decision-making was consistent with the guidelines in only 62.8% of total vignettes. By age group (30, 59, and 61), decision-making was consistent with the guidelines in 66.7%, 47.4%, and 72.7% of cases, respectively. This was a statistically-significant difference when comparing the 59- and 61-year-old age groups. In the setting of presence/absence of trauma above the clavicles, respondents were consistent with the guidelines in 57.1% of cases. Decision-making consistent with the guidelines was significantly better in the absence of trauma above the clavicles. CONCLUSION: Respondents poorly differentiated the "older" patients from one another, suggesting that respondents either inappropriately apply the guidelines or are unaware of the recommendations in this setting. No particular cause for inconsistency could be determined, and respondents similarly under-scanned and over-scanned in incorrect vignettes. Improved dissemination of the ACEP clinical policy and recommendations is a potential solution to this problem.

Improved efficiency of reversed-phase carbon/nanodiamond/polymer core-shell particles for HPLC using carbonized poly(divinylbenzene) microspheres as the core materials.

Here, we report efficiencies up to 112,000 plates per meter (a reduced plate height, h, of 2.22) for RP, carbon/nanodiamond/aminopolymer particles using conventional injection conditions in HPLC. This efficiency greatly exceeds our best previously reported value of 71,000 N/m (h = 3.52). The carbon cores used in this study were derived from carbonized poly(divinylbenzene) spheres that were either made in-house by a two-step polymerization procedure or obtained commercially. The resulting particles showed good uniformity and were oxidized in nitric acid to increase their dispersability. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms particle oxidation and subsequent aminopolymer deposition. Layer-by-layer (LbL) growth of poly(allyamine) and nanodiamond was demonstrated to produce core-shell particles. After LbL growth, the particles were functionalized, sieved, and packed into columns. The column functionalization and packing were reproducible. Van Deemter curves indicated that the commercially obtained poly(divinylbenzene) spheres outperformed those synthesized in our laboratory. The columns appear to be stable at 120°C in a pH 11.3 mobile phase. Longer columns (2.1 × 50 mm) than previously reported were packed. Four essential oils were separated by gradient elution.

Response to comments on "Large volcanic aerosol load in the stratosphere linked to Asian monsoon transport".

Fromm et al. and Vernier et al. suggest that their analyses of satellite measurements indicate that the main part of the Nabro volcanic plume from the eruption on 13 June 2011 was directly injected into the stratosphere. We address these analyses and, in addition, show that both wind trajectories and height-resolved profiles of sulfur dioxide indicate that although the eruption column may have extended higher than the Smithsonian report we highlighted, it was overwhelmingly tropospheric. Additionally, the height-resolved sulfur dioxide profiles provide further convincing evidence for convective transport of volcanic gas to the stratosphere from deep convection associated with the Asian monsoon.

Large volcanic aerosol load in the stratosphere linked to Asian monsoon transport.

The Nabro stratovolcano in Eritrea, northeastern Africa, erupted on 13 June 2011, injecting approximately 1.3 teragrams of sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) to altitudes of 9 to 14 kilometers in the upper troposphere, which resulted in a large aerosol enhancement in the stratosphere. The SO(2) was lofted into the lower stratosphere by deep convection and the circulation associated with the Asian summer monsoon while gradually converting to sulfate aerosol. This demonstrates that to affect climate, volcanic eruptions need not be strong enough to inject sulfur directly to the stratosphere.

Pellicular particles with spherical carbon cores and porous nanodiamond/polymer shells for reversed-phase HPLC.

A new stationary phase for reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP HPLC) was created by coating spherical 3 µm carbon core particles in a layer-by-layer (LbL) fashion with poly(allylamine) (PAAm) and nanodiamond. Unfunctionalized core carbon particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), and Raman spectroscopy. After LbL of PAAm and nanodiamond, which yields ca. 4 µm core-shell particles, the particles were simultaneously functionalized and cross-linked using a mixture of 1,2-epoxyoctadecane and 1,2,7,8-diepoxyoctane to obtain a mechanically stable C(18)/C(8) bonded outer layer. Core-shell particles were characterized by SEM, and their surface area, pore diameter, and volume were determined using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. Short stainless steel columns (30 × 4.6 mm i.d.) were packed and the corresponding van Deemter plots obtained. The Supporting Information contains a MATLAB program used to fit the van Deemter data. The retentions of a suite of analytes were investigated on a conventional HPLC at various organic solvent compositions, pH values of mobile phases, including extreme pH values, and column temperatures. At 60 °C, a chromatogram of 2,6-diisopropylphenol showed 71,500 plates/m (N/m). Chromatograms obtained under acidic conditions (pH 2.7) of a mixture of acetaminophen, diazepam, and 2,6-diisopropylphenol and a mixture of phenol, 4-methylphenol, 2-chlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol, 4-bromophenol, and 1-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol are presented. Retention of amitriptyline, cholesterol, and diazinon at temperatures ranging from 35 to 80 °C and at pH 11.3 is reported. A series of five basic drugs was also separated at this pH. The stationary phase exhibits considerable hydrolytic stability at high pH (11.3) and even pH 13 over extended periods of time. An analysis run on a UHPLC with a "sandwich" injection appeared to reduce extra column band broadening and gave best efficiencies of 110,000-120,000 N/m.

Core-shell diamond as a support for solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography.

We report the formation of core-shell diamond particles for solid-phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) made by layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition. Their synthesis begins with the amine functionalization of microdiamond by its immersion in an aqueous solution of a primary amine-containing polymer (polyallylamine (PAAm)). The amine-terminated microdiamond is then immersed in an aqueous suspension of nanodiamond, which leads to adsorption of the nanodiamond. Alternating (self-limiting) immersions in the solutions of the amine-containing polymer and the suspension of nanodiamond are continued until the desired number of nanodiamond layers is formed around the microdiamond. Finally, the core-shell particles are cross-linked with 1,2,5,6-diepoxycyclooctane or reacted with 1,2-epoxyoctadecane. Layer-by-layer deposition of PAAm and nanodiamond is also studied on planar Si/SiO(2) surfaces, which were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), and nuclear reaction analysis (NRA). Core-shell particles are characterized by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and pore size measurements. Larger (ca. 50 microm) core-shell diamond particles have much higher surface areas and analyte loading capacities in SPE than nonporous solid diamond particles. Smaller (ca. 3 microm), normal and reversed-phase, core-shell diamond particles have been used for HPLC, with 36,300 plates/m for mesitylene in a separation of benzene and alkyl benzenes and 54,800 plates/m for diazinon in a similar separation of two pesticides on a C(18) adsorbent.