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American Journal of Primatology May 2021Most primate species are highly social. Yet, within species, pronounced individual differences in social functioning are evident. In humans, the Social Responsiveness...
Most primate species are highly social. Yet, within species, pronounced individual differences in social functioning are evident. In humans, the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) measures variation in social functioning. The SRS provides a quantitative measure of social functioning in natural social settings and can be used as a screening tool for autistic traits. The SRS was previously adapted for use in chimpanzees and recently refined for rhesus macaques, resulting in the macaque Social Responsiveness Scale-Revised (mSRS-R). Here, we performed an exploratory factor analysis on the mSRS-R in a large sample of male rhesus macaques (N = 233). We investigated the relationships of the resulting mSRS-R factors to quantitative social behavior (alone, proximity, contact, groom, and play) and to previously-established personality dimensions (Sociability, Confidence, Irritability, and Equability). Factor analysis yielded three mSRS-R factors: Poor Social Motivation, Poor Social Attractiveness, and Inappropriate Behavior. mSRS-R factors mapped closely to social behavior and personality dimensions in rhesus macaques, providing support for this instrument's convergent and discriminant validity. Animals with higher Poor Social Motivation were more likely to be observed alone and less likely to be observed in contact and grooming with conspecifics. Animals with higher Poor Social Attractiveness were less likely to be observed playing but more likely to be observed grooming with conspecifics. Inappropriate Behavior did not predict any behavioral measure. Finally, animals with higher Poor Social Motivation and higher Poor Social Attractiveness had less sociable personalities, whereas animals with more Inappropriate Behavior were more confident and more irritable. These findings suggest that the mSRS-R is a promising, psychometrically robust tool that can be deployed to better understand the psychological factors contributing to individual differences in macaque social functioning and, with relevant species-specific modification, the SRS may hold promise for investigating variation in social functioning across diverse primate taxa.
Topics: Animals; Macaca mulatta; Male; Pan troglodytes; Personality; Social Behavior; Species Specificity
PubMed: 33529400
DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23234 -
Biochemistry Jul 2017The causative agent of tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a bacterium with a complex cell wall and a complicated life cycle. The genome of M. tuberculosis...
The causative agent of tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a bacterium with a complex cell wall and a complicated life cycle. The genome of M. tuberculosis contains well over 4000 genes thought to encode proteins. One of these codes for a putative enzyme referred to as Rv3404c, which has attracted research attention as a potential virulence factor for over 12 years. Here we demonstrate that Rv3404c functions as a sugar N-formyltransferase that converts dTDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxyglucose into dTDP-4-formamido-4,6-dideoxyglucose using N-formyltetrahydrofolate as the carbon source. Kinetic analyses demonstrate that Rv3404c displays a significant catalytic efficiency of 1.1 × 10 M s. In addition, we report the X-ray structure of a ternary complex of Rv3404c solved in the presence of N-formyltetrahydrofolate and dTDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxyglucose. The final model of Rv3404c was refined to an overall R-factor of 16.8% at 1.6 Å resolution. The results described herein are especially intriguing given that there have been no published reports of N-formylated sugars associated with M. tuberculosis. The data thus provide a new avenue of research into this fascinating, yet deadly, organism that apparently has been associated with human infection since ancient times.
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Catalysis; Crystallography, X-Ray; Deoxy Sugars; Formyltetrahydrofolates; Hydroxymethyl and Formyl Transferases; Kinetics; Models, Molecular; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Thymine Nucleotides; Virulence Factors
PubMed: 28665588
DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00506 -
Microorganisms Dec 2022Clusters of outbreaks or cases of legionellosis have been linked to fountains. The function of fountains, along with their inadequate design and poor sanitation, in...
Clusters of outbreaks or cases of legionellosis have been linked to fountains. The function of fountains, along with their inadequate design and poor sanitation, in combination with the warm Mediterranean climate, can favor the proliferation of in water systems. Public fountains in Mediterranean cities may pose a significant risk for public health due to the aerosolization of water. Nevertheless, few studies have been conducted on and the risk of infection in humans through fountains. In our study, the presence and quantity of spp. in fifteen external public fountains were investigated. Two samplings were performed in two different periods (dry and wet). Sixty samples were collected, quantified and analyzed with a culture ISO method. The operation of all fountains was evaluated twice using a standardized checklist. In accordance with their operation, a ranking factor (R factor) was suggested. Finally, based on these results, a quantitative microbial risk assessment was performed. Thirty water samples taken from the fountains (100%) during the dry sampling period were positive for Legionella (mean log concentration: 3.64 ± 0.45 cfu/L), whereas 24 water samples taken from the fountains during the wet period were -positive (mean log concentration: 2.36 ± 1.23 cfu/L). All fountains were classified as unsatisfactory according to the checklist for the evaluation of their function. A statistically significant correlation was found between concentration and the assessment score. The risk of infection was estimated in both periods, with higher risk in the dry period. The surveillance and risk assessment of spp. in the fountains of Patras confirmed a high prevalence and a high risk to public health.
PubMed: 36557711
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122458 -
The Science of the Total Environment Feb 2022Erosion is a main form of soil degradation, with severe consequences on slope stability and productivity, and erosion studies are required to predict possible variations...
Erosion is a main form of soil degradation, with severe consequences on slope stability and productivity, and erosion studies are required to predict possible variations of such phenomena, also under climate change scenarios. Here we estimated distributed soil erosion within Valchiavenna valley in the Rhaetian Alps, drained by Mera river, and covering Italy, and Switzerland. We used a Dynamic-RUSLE (D-RUSLE) model, which provides spatially distributed estimates of soil erosion explicitly considering snow dynamic (accumulation/melting) and snow cover, and vegetation seasonality. The model was tuned here during 2010-2019, and validation was pursued using river turbidity data, used to assess riverine sediment transport. The model parameter R-factor for rainfall erosivity was estimated using a hydrological model Poli-Hydro, properly set up in the study area. C-factor for land cover was assessed against land cover maps, with seasonally variable Normalized Difference Vegetation Index from satellite images, to account for variable vegetation stage, and large leaf cover in summer. The K-factor related to erosion susceptibility was evaluated through soil texture and organic content. LS-factor depending on slope was assessed using a DTM. Poli-Hydro and D-RUSLE models were then used to project forward potential soil erosion under climate change scenarios until 2100. Climate series (temperature, precipitation) were generated using 4 shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) of the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC, with 3 global circulation models, properly downscaled locally. We analysed expected soil erosion during 2051-2060, and 2091-2100. We found increase of potential soil erosion, with exception of the EC-Earth model for the SSP2.6. Erosion would especially increase in winter, in response to smaller snow accumulation, and larger liquid rainfall share thereby, and decrease in summer, as due to decreased precipitation. Our results suggest the need for adaptation strategies to counteract increasing soil loss in the future, and may highlight most critical areas of intervention.
Topics: Climate Change; Environmental Monitoring; Rivers; Soil; Soil Erosion
PubMed: 34597559
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150651 -
Journal of Biomolecular Structure &... Jun 2023Phycoerythrin (PE) is green light-absorbing pigment-protein that assists in efficient light harvesting in cyanobacteria and red-algae. PE in cyanobacteria stays less...
Phycoerythrin (PE) is green light-absorbing pigment-protein that assists in efficient light harvesting in cyanobacteria and red-algae. PE in cyanobacteria stays less studied so far as compared to that in red algae. In this study, PE from marine cyanobacteria sp. R31DM is purified and subjected for its structural characterisation by X-ray crystallography in order to understand its light-harvesting characteristics. The crystal structure is solved to a resolution-limit of 2.21 Å with reasonable R-factors values, 0.16/0.21 (R/ R). PE forms hexamer of hetero-dimers made up of two peptide chains, α- and β-subunits containing 2 and 3 phycoerythrobilin (PEB) chromophores covalently attached to them, respectively. Geometry of five chromophores is analysed along with their relative position within the PE hexamer. Also, their interactions with the surrounding microenvironment are analysed. The plausible energy transfer pathways in hexamer structure have been predicted based on relative position and geometry of chromophores. This structure enriches the structural information of cyanobacterial PE in order to understand its light-harvesting capacity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Topics: Phycoerythrin; Cyanobacteria; Crystallography, X-Ray; Peptides
PubMed: 35354393
DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2055647 -
Transplantation Direct Jan 2019In kidney transplantation, nonimmunologic donor-recipient (D-R) pairing is generally not given the same consideration as immunologic matching. The aim of this study was...
BACKGROUND
In kidney transplantation, nonimmunologic donor-recipient (D-R) pairing is generally not given the same consideration as immunologic matching. The aim of this study was to determine how nonimmunologic D-R pairing relates to independent donor and recipient factors, and to immunologic HLA match for predicting graft loss.
METHODS
Seven D-R pairings (race, sex, age, weight, height, cytomegalovirus serostatus, and HLA match) were assessed for their association with the composite outcome of death or kidney graft loss using a Cox regression-based forward stepwise selection model. The best model for predicting graft loss (including nonimmunologic D-R pairings, independent D-R factors, and/or HLA match status) was determined using the Akaike Information Criterion.
RESULTS
Twenty three thousand two hundred sixty two (29.9%) people in the derivation data set and 9892 (29.7%) in the validation data set developed the composite outcome of death or graft loss. A model that included both independent and D-R pairing variables best predicted graft loss. The c-indices for the derivation and validation models were 0.626 and 0.629, respectively. Size mismatch (MM) between donor and recipient (>30 kg [D < R} and >15 cm [D < R]) was associated with poor patient and graft survival even with 0 HLA MM, and conversely, an optimal D-R size pairing mitigated the risk of graft loss seen with 6 HLA MM.
CONCLUSIONS
D-R pairing is valuable in predicting patient and graft outcomes after kidney transplant. D-R size matching could offset the benefit and harm seen with 0 and 6 HLA MM, respectively. This is a novel finding.
PubMed: 30656212
DOI: 10.1097/TXD.0000000000000856 -
PloS One 2020To test a new method to calculate the Intraocular Lens (IOL) power, that combines R Factor and ALxK methods, that we called Advance Lens Measurement Approach (ALMA).
PURPOSE
To test a new method to calculate the Intraocular Lens (IOL) power, that combines R Factor and ALxK methods, that we called Advance Lens Measurement Approach (ALMA).
DESIGN
Retrospective, Comparative, Observational study.
SETTING
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Italy.
METHODS
Ninety one eyes of 91 patients previously treated with Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) that underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in the capsular bag were analyzed. For 68 eyes it was possible to zero out the Mean Errors (ME) for each formula and for selected IOL models, in order to eliminate the bias of the lens factor (A-Costant). Main outcome, measured in this study, was the median absolute error (MedAE) of the refraction prediction.
RESULTS
In the sample with ME zeroed (68 eyes) both R Factor and ALxK methods resulted in MedAE of 0.67 D. For R Factor 33 eyes (48.53%) reported a refractive error <0.5D, and 53 eyes (77.94%) reported a refractive error <1D, For ALxK method, 32 eyes (47.06%) reported a refractive error <0.5 D, and 53 eyes (77.94%) reported a refractive error <1 D. ALMA method, reported a MedAE of 0.55 D, and an higher number of patients with a refractive error <0.5 D (35 eyes, 51.47%), and with a refractive error <1 D (54 eyes, 79.41%).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results obtained from this study, ALMA method can improve R Factor and ALxK methods. This improvement is confirmed both by zeroing the mean error and without zeroing it.
Topics: Female; Humans; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; Lenses, Intraocular; Male; Photorefractive Keratectomy; Preoperative Period; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32841281
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237990 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2023Abnormal liver tests have been associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients infected with COVID-19. This retrospective observational study from Singapore aims to...
OBJECTIVE
Abnormal liver tests have been associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients infected with COVID-19. This retrospective observational study from Singapore aims to elucidate simple clinical predictors of abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in COVID-19 infections.
DESIGN
717 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), Singapore, from 23 January-15 April 2020 were screened, of which 163 patients with baseline normal alanine transferase (ALT) and at least two subsequent ALTs performed were included in the final analysis. Information on baseline demographics, clinical characteristics and biochemical laboratory tests were collected.
RESULTS
30.7% of patients developed abnormal ALT. They were more likely to be older (60 vs. 55, = 0.022) and have comorbidities of hyperlipidaemia and hypertension. The multivariate logistic regression showed that R-factor ≥1 on admission (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.13, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.41-6.95) and hypoxia (aOR 3.54, 95% CI 1.29-9.69) were independent risk factors for developing abnormal ALT. The patients who developed abnormal ALT also ran a more severe course of illness with a greater proportion needing supplementary oxygen (58% vs. 18.6%, < 0.0005), admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)/High Dependency Unit (HDU) (32% vs. 11.5%, = 0.003) and intubation (20% vs. 2.7%, < 0.0005). There was no difference in death rate between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Liver injury is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. R-factor ≥1 on admission and hypoxia are independent simple clinical predictors for developing abnormal ALT in COVID-19.
PubMed: 36986395
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030473 -
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine... Dec 2023CeONPs and ZnONPs can curb the increase of cholesterol and triglycerides observed in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It was suggested that CeO NPs could...
Nano cerium oxide and cerium/zinc nanocomposites characterization and therapeutic role in combating obesity via controlling oxidative stress and insulin resistance in rat model.
BACKGROUND
CeONPs and ZnONPs can curb the increase of cholesterol and triglycerides observed in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It was suggested that CeO NPs could potentially have an insulin-sensitizing effect, specifically on adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. It was reported that ZnONPs combat the increase of insulin resistance observed in obese rats and could be beneficial value in NAFLD. In our previous work, ZnO-NPs manifested valuable anti-obesity effects via lowering body weight gain, oxidative stress, BMI, lipids, and insulin resistance.
METHODS
In the present study, cerium oxide nanoparticles (A-1) and cerium/zinc nanocomposites (A-2 and A-3) were synthesized by solgel to investigate their role on oxidative stress, adipocyte hormones, and insulin resistance in an obese rat model. X-ray diffraction, HRTEM, SEM, and XPS were carried out to confirm the crystal structure, the particle size, the morphology of the nanoparticles and the oxidation states.
RESULTS
The Rietveld refinement has also been executed on A-1 (chi = 1.00; average Bragg = 2.92%; R-factor = 2.45%) and on A-2 (R = 9.87%, R= 9.68%, χ = 1.04, G = 1.02). The XPS spectra indicated the presence of Ce in + 4 and + 3 oxidation states and Zn as ZnO and ZnO.OH. Cerium oxide and ZnO crystal sizes lie in the range 40.53-45.01 and 40.53-45.01 nm, respectively. The results indicated that treating obese rats with any of the tested nano compounds (5 mg or 10 mg/Kg) lowered plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, insulin resistance, glucose, and BMI significantly relative to obese group values. On the other hand, HDL increased significantly in obese rats after treatment with either A-2 or A-3 compared to obese rats. The current investigation showed antioxidant activities for A-1, A-2, and A3 as evidenced by the significant increase in GSH level and a significant decrease in MDA.
CONCLUSION
It was found that A-1, A-2, and A-3 have an efficient therapeutic role in treating of obesity-related hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. The results of A-2 and A-3 were more pronounced than those of A-1. The use of Zn/Ce nanocomposite (that have positive characteristics) in combating obesity and its complications could be become a new trend in therapeutic application for a management of obesity.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Insulin Resistance; Zinc; Zinc Oxide; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Cerium; Nanoparticles; Cholesterol; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Triglycerides; Nanocomposites
PubMed: 37804595
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127312 -
International Journal of Offender... Jul 2019Sexual sadism and psychopathy are often considered synonymous with sexual homicide, but there is limited research on their associates in sexual homicide offenders....
Sexual sadism and psychopathy are often considered synonymous with sexual homicide, but there is limited research on their associates in sexual homicide offenders. Associates of dimensional measures of sexual sadism (Sexual Sadism Scale; SeSaS) and psychopathy (Psychopathy Check List-Revised [PCL-R] total, Factor 1, and Factor 2) were examined in 51 male Scottish cases. Over a third were () sexual sadists, just under a third screened in with the SeSaS, and a quarter were "Hare psychopaths." Sexual sadism and PCL-R measures were moderately associated. Sexual sadism predicted control, sexual deviance, and unusual behaviour at crime scenes; attempted homicide and having a co-accused; and multiple sexual homicides and previous sexual offending. PCL-R Factor 1 predicted violent, exploitative, and evading detection behaviours at crime scenes; completed homicide; and previous violent offending. PCL-R Factor 2 predicted impulsive behaviours at crime scenes, substance misuse, and previous general offending. Psychopathy and sexual sadism play key roles in sexual homicide, interact with each other, and determine different aspects of offences and offenders.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Correlation of Data; Criminals; Homicide; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Sadism; Scotland; Sex Offenses; Young Adult
PubMed: 30897982
DOI: 10.1177/0306624X19836872