A late-surviving stem-ctenophore from the Late Devonian of Miguasha (Canada)

Like other soft-bodied organisms, ctenophores (comb jellies) produce fossils only under exceptional taphonomic conditions. Here, we present the first record of a Late Devonian ctenophore from the Escuminac Formation from Miguasha in eastern Canada. Based on the 18-fold symmetry of this disc-shaped fossil, we assign it to the total-group Ctenophora. Our phylogenetic analyses suggest that the new taxon Daihuoides jakobvintheri gen. et sp. nov. falls near Cambrian stem ctenophores such as ‘dinomischids’ and 'scleroctenophorans'. Accordingly, Daihuoides is a Lazarus-taxon, which post-dates its older relatives by over 140 million years, and overlaps temporally with modern ctenophores, whose oldest representatives are known from the Early Devonian. Our analyses also indicate that the fossil record of ctenophores does not provide strong evidence for or against the phylogenomic hypothesis that ctenophores are sister to all other metazoans.

High-risk human papillomavirus detection in self-collected vaginal samples compared with healthcare worker collected cervical samples among women attending gynecology clinics at a tertiary hospital in Pretoria, South Africa

Background In 2017, the South African National Department of Health (NDoH) Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Policy was revised. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing on self-collected samples may offer improved screening uptake. The objectives of the study were to compare the positivity of high-risk (hr)-HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and hrHPV viral messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) between healthcare worker-collected cervical and self-collected vaginal samples and investigate the accuracy of the applicator-tampon-based self-collected samples in detecting hrHPV DNA and hrHPV mRNA. Methods A total of 527 women aged 18 years and older and seeking gynecology services at a tertiary hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, were enrolled. Vaginal samples were self-collected using SelfCerv applicator tampon, followed by cervical samples collected by a healthcare worker using a Cervex Brush® Combi. Both samples were tested with the Abbott m2000 analyzer for 14-hrHPV types and 285 paired samples were tested for hrHPV E6/E7 mRNA using the Aptima HR-HPV mRNA assay. The prevalence of hrHPV DNA and hrHPV E6/E7 mRNA was estimated and the positivity between the two collection methods was compared for the total group as well as per age group. Results HrHPV prevalence was 48.0% (95% CI 43.7–52.4) among healthcare worker collected samples and 47.6% (95% CI 43.3–52.0) among self-collected samples. There was no difference in positivity between healthcare worker collection (48.0%) and applicator-tampon-based self-collection, 47.6% (p-value = 0.90). The proportions of hrHPV were equal between the age groups as shown by the McNemar test (p = 0.9036) results for correlated proportions. The prevalence of hrHPV mRNA was 78.6% (95% CI 73.4–83.2) and 58.6% (95% CI 52.6–64.4) for healthcare worker- and self-collection, respectively. The McNemar test for correlated proportions was highly significant (p < 0.0001), indicating that the hrHPV mRNA proportions are not comparable, although this differed between age groups. Conclusions Applicator-tampon-based self-collection has a comparable hrHPV DNA positivity rate as healthcare worker collection but different positivity rates for hrHPV mRNA. Self-sampling showed high concordance with healthcare worker-collected sampling for hrHPV DNA detection, especially regarding HPV 16/18 detection. HrHPV DNA was equally detected between the total group as well as per age group. Implementation of self-sampling using an applicator tampon as a primary screening tool may be considered.

Analysis of Running Performance in the Offensive and Defensive Phases of the Game: Is It Associated with the Team Achievement in the UEFA Champions League?

Although associations between running performance (RP) with ball possession and team achievement in soccer are often hypothesized, actual knowledge of this association in elite soccer remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate players’ RPs according to ball possession to determine its possible influence on team achievement in the UEFA Champions League (UCL). The players’ RPs (n = 244) were collected during UCL group stage matches (n = 20) in the 2020/21 season using the semiautomatic video system InStat Fitness. Then, players’ RPs were classified according to the specific playing position: central defenders (CD; n = 79), fullbacks (FB; n = 65), central midfielders (CM; n = 55), wide midfielders (WM; n = 28) and forwards (FW; n = 17). RPs were observed in the attacking phase (AP, i.e., when the team was in possession of the ball) and defensive phase (DP, i.e., when the team did not have possession of the ball) of the game, and included the total distance covered (m) and distance covered in different categories: walking (<7.1 km/h), jogging (7.1–14.3 km/h), running (14.4–19.7 km/h), high-intensity running (>19.8 km/h), high-speed running (19.8–25.1 km/h) and sprinting (>25.2 km/h). Team achievement was defined by the total group points earned (TGP) at the end of the group phase of the UCL and by match outcome (win, draw, loss) of single matches. The results indicated that the total, walking and jogging distances covered were negatively and positively associated with TGP (Pearson’s correlations from 0.30 to 0.73; all p < 0.05) in the AP and DP of the game, respectively. Won matches were characterized by significantly lower and higher values of total, walking and jogging distances covered in AP and DP of the game, respectively (F tests: from 7.15 to 22.5, all p < 0.01; all small to medium effect sizes). In addition, RPs in the AP and DP of the game explained only 37.2% of the variance in the TGP. These findings demonstrate that the influence of RP on team achievement in UCL is limited in both the AP and DP of the game.

Folate cycle genetics, level of homocysteine, thyroid and pituitary hormones in the blood among the children from the districts bordering the Chornobyl exclusion zone

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify interrelations between the state of folate cycle genetic apparatus and blood levels of homocysteine, thyroid and adenohypophysis hormones in the blood among the children from Ivankivskyi and Poliskyi districts, Kyiv region, bordering the Chornobyl exclusion zone (СhEZ). Methods: Immunochemical, genetic, statistical ones. Results: We measured blood levels of homocysteine (Hcy), pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (T4) in 158 children from Poliskyi district and 178 children from Ivankivskyi district and assessed the state of a genetic system of the folate cycle (FC). The average age of the examined was (15.2 ± 0.9) years old (95% CI 15.0-15.4 years old). Taking into account the FC genotypes, genetic subgroups were formed, they were based on 100% representation of one specific genotype. The laboratory examination was carried out twice: in April and December 2015 (before and after the fires in the ChEZ). It was found out that in the total group of the children, as well as in most of analyzed genetic subgroups, the level of Hcy and thyroid hormones (TG) in the children from Ivankivskyi district was statistically significantly higher than in those from Poliskyi district. At the same time, a direct association between Hcy and TSH was observed in the total group, as well as in most of the genetic subgroups of children from Ivankivskyi district, and this ssociation was absent in the children from Poliskyi district. The blood level of Hcy both in the children from Poliskyi district and in the children from Ivankivskyi district was statistically significantly higher in the subgroup containing only homozygous variants of the T allele of the MTHFR:677 genetic polymorphism in comparison with the subgroups containing neutral C alleles of the same polymorphism. At the same time, there were no differences for TSH, T3 and T4. Сonclusions: The analysis enabled to establish a synchronous reaction of metabolic cycles ensuring the metabolism of Hcy and thyroid hormones in the adolescents, regardless of the FC genotypes. Correlation analysis, as well as the results of statistical analysis, indicate that an increase in the level of Hcy in the blood of children induced the synthesis of TSH and T3. The results show a close relationship between thyroid hormone genesis and the metabolism of methionine sulfur-containing amino acids and Hcy. A forest fire, containing long-lived radioactive elements, is the most likely reason for the increase of Hcy level and, as a result, the hormones of the pituitary-thyroid axis in the blood of the children living in the districts, bordering the ChEZ.

Speech in a consecutive series of children born with cleft lip and palate with and without syndromes and/or additional malformations

Background When evaluating speech in children with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP/L), children with known syndromes and/or additional malformations (CP/L+) are usually excluded. The aim of this study was to present speech outcome of a consecutive series of 5-year-olds born with CP/L, and to compare speech results of children with CP/L + and children with CP/L without known syndromes and/or additional malformations (CP/L-). Methods One hundred 5-year-olds (20 with CP/L+; 80 with CP/L-) participated. All children were treated with primary palatal surgery in one stage with the same procedure for muscle reconstruction. Three independent judges performed phonetic transcriptions and rated perceived velopharyngeal competence from audio recordings. Based on phonetic transcriptions, percent consonants correct (PCC) and percent non-oral errors were investigated. Group comparisons were performed. Results In the total group, mean PCC was 88.2 and mean percent non-oral errors 1.5. The group with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) had poorer results on both measures compared to groups with other cleft types. The average results of PCC and percent non-oral errors in the CP/L + group indicated somewhat poorer speech, but no significant differences were observed. In the CP/L + group, 25 % were judged as having incompetent velopharyngeal competence, compared to 15 % in the CP/L- group. Conclusions The results indicated relatively good speech compared to speech of children with CP/L in previous studies. Speech was poorer in many children with more extensive clefts. No significant differences in speech outcomes were observed between CP/L + and CP/L- groups.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATE OF THE POPULATION OF KAZAKHSTAN

Проведен анализ данных онлайн анкетирования во время ЧС положения в Казахстане. Выявлено, что проведенное нами анкетирование среди населения Казахстана находящихся во время ЧП дома (общая группа 152 человека) позволило сделать заключение о том, что режим ЧП в Казахстане повлиял на психоэмоциональное состояния населения. Больше подвержены к стрессу были женщины, чем мужчины. Это говорит, нам статистика опрошенных. Это связано тем, что дома оставались в большинстве случаях женщины. Молодежь остро реагируют на стресс, это можно объяснить тем, что у них мало жизненного опыта. Изменения привычного образа жизни, повлиял на все слои населения The analysis of the data of online questioning during the state of emergency in Kazakhstan was carried out. It was revealed that our questioning among the population of Kazakhstan who were at home during the state of emergency (total group of 152 people) allowed us to conclude that the state of emergency in Kazakhstan has affected the psycho-emotional state of the population. Women were more susceptible to stress than men. This is what the statistics of those interviewed tell us. This is due to the fact that in most cases women stayed at home. Young people react acutely to stress, it can be explained by the fact that they have little life experience. Changes in the habitual way of life, affected all segments of the population.

APOA5 Variant rs662799, Role in Cardiovascular Traits and Serum Adipokine Levels in Caucasian Obese Subjects

<b><i>Background and Aims:</i></b> This ApoA5-1131C allele of rs662799 variant is related with a higher serum triglyceride levels, and it contributes to increase risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate single nucleotide polymorphism rs662799 in <i>APOA5</i> gene and its associations with cardiovascular risk factors, MS, and serum adipokine levels. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The study involved a population of 1,002 Caucasian obese subjects. Measurements of body weight, waist circumference, fat mass, arterial blood pressure, blood glucose, C-reactive protein, insulin levels, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, and adipokines levels were recorded. Genotype of <i>ApoA5</i> gene polymorphism (rs662799) and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) were evaluated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The distribution of the rs662799 polymorphism in this adult population (<i>n</i> = 1,002) was 88.3% (<i>n</i> = 885) (TT), 11.4% (<i>n</i> = 114) (TC), and 0.3% (<i>n</i> = 3) (CC). No significant differences were found between the 2 genotypes in the anthropometric data, MS, or blood pressure. Triglyceride levels were higher in C-allele carriers (delta total group: 19.7 ± 2.1 mg/dL: <i>p</i> = 0.02) than non C-allele carriers. HDL-cholesterol levels were lower in C-allele carriers (delta total group: −6.7 ± 1.1 mg/dL: <i>p</i> = 0.02) than non C-allele carriers. Adiponectin levels were lower in C-allele carriers (delta total group: −11.6 ± 1.0 mg/dL: <i>p</i> = 0.02) too. In C-allele carriers, logistic regression analysis showed an increased risk of hypertriglyceridemia (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–3.4, <i>p</i> = 0.001) and percentage of low-HDL-C (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.3–3.7, <i>p</i> = 0.002) after adjusting by body mass index and age. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> C-allele carriers of rs662799 of <i>APOA5</i> gene showed high rates of low levels of HDL and hypertriglyceridemia, with differences in triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and adiponectin levels in Caucasian obese subjects.

White matter hyperintensities associate with cognitive slowing in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and neuropsychiatric symptoms

ObjectiveTo compare cognitive function between patients with different phenotypes of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) and assess its association with brain and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes.MethodsPatients attending the Leiden University Medical Centre NPSLE clinic between 2007 and 2015 without large brain infarcts were included (n=151; 42±13 years, 91% women). In a multidisciplinary consensus meeting, neuropsychiatric symptoms were attributed to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (NPSLE, inflammatory (n=24) or ischaemic (n=12)) or to minor/non-NPSLE (n=115). Multiple regression analyses were performed to compare cognitive function between NPSLE phenotypes and to assess associations between brain and WMH volumes and cognitive function cross-sectionally.ResultsGlobal cognitive function was impaired in 5%, learning and memory (LM) in 46%, executive function and complex attention (EFCA) in 39% and psychomotor speed (PS) in 46% of all patients. Patients with inflammatory NPSLE showed the most cognitive impairment in all domains (p≤0.05).Higher WMH volume associated with lower PS in the total group (B: −0.14 (95% CI −0.32 to −0.02)); especially in inflammatory NPSLE (B: −0.36 (95% CI −0.60 to −0.12). In the total group, lower total brain volume and grey matter volume associated with lower cognitive functioning in all domains (all: 0.00/0.01 (0.00;0.01)) and lower white matter volume associated with lower LM, EFCA and PS (all: 0.00/0.01 (0.00;0.01)).ConclusionWe demonstrated that an association between brain and WMH volumes and cognitive function is present in patients with SLE, but differs between (NP)SLE phenotypes. WMHs associated with PS especially in inflammatory NPSLE, which suggests a different, potentially more severe underlying pathophysiological mechanism of cognitive impairment in this phenotype.

VERIFICATION OF THE PARETO PRINCIPLE FOR INCOME FROM SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS OF UKRAINE

The purpose of the article is to verify the Pareto principle in terms of revenues to the special fund of higher education institutions of Ukraine based on the results of scientific and scientific-technical work on international cooperation projects, scientific and scientific-technical work under economic agreements and scientific services. With the help of ABC-analysis of indicators of income from scientific activity, domestic higher education institutions are divided into three groups: A – higher education institutions with a large amount of income from scientific activities; B – higher education institutions with an average level of commercialization of scientific activity; C – higher education institutions with little or no income from research. It was obtained that group A included 29 (19,595 %) higher education institutions of Ukraine, which in 2016–2018 provided paid scientific services in the amount of UAH 739,747 million (79,39 % of the total). Group B was formed by 34 (22,973 %) domestic higher education institutions, whose scientific activity in the analyzed period brought income in the amount of UAH 147,954 million (15,88 % of the total). Group C included 85 (57,432 %) Ukrainian higher education institutions, which earned UAH 44,082 million (4,73 % of the total) as a result of their scientific work. It was found that the Pareto principle 20/80 was reflected in the activities of higher education institutions in Ukraine. Strategies for commercialization of research results for domestic higher education institutions from each group are proposed: group A – leader’s strategy; group B – the applicant’s strategy; group C – strategy of the beginner.

Incidence and Prognosis of Clonal Hematopoiesis in patients with Chronic Idiopathic Neutropenia

The incidence and prognosis of clonal hematopoiesis in patients with isolated neutropenia among patients with idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance (ICUS), known as ICUS-N or chronic idiopathic neutropenia (CIN) patients, is poorly defined. In the present study we sought to investigate the frequency and clinical significance of mutations of genes implicated in myeloid malignancies using next generation sequencing, in CIN patients (n=185) with a long follow-up. We found that 21/185 patients (11.35%) carried totally 25 somatic mutations in 6 genes with median variant allele frequency (VAF) 12.75%. The most frequently mutated genes were DNMT3A and TET2 involving more than 80% of patients followed by IDH1/2, SRSF2 and ZRSR2. The frequency of transformation to a myeloid malignancy was low in the total group of patients (5/185 patients; 2.70%). However, from the transformed patients four belonged to the clonal (4/21; 19.05%) and one to the non-clonal (1/164; 0.61%) group, indicating that the presence of mutation(s) confers a relative risk for transformation 31.24 (P = 0.0017). The VAF of the mutant clones in the transformed patients was higher than 10% in all cases and the genes most frequently associated with malignant transformation were the SRSF2 and IDH1. No significant differences were identified between clonal and non-clonal groups in the severity of neutropenia. Patients with clonal disease were older compared to non-clonal patients. These data contribute to the better understanding of the heterogeneous entities underlying ICUS and highlight the importance of the mutation analysis for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with unexplained neutropenias.