Mapping European Spruce Bark Beetle Infestation at Its Early Phase Using Gyrocopter-Mounted Hyperspectral Data and Field Measurements

The prolonged drought of recent years combined with the steadily increasing bark beetle infestation (Ips typographus) is causing enormous damage in Germany’s spruce forests. This preliminary study investigates whether early spruce infestation by the bark beetle (green attack) can be detected using indices based on airborne spatial high-resolution (0.3 m) hyperspectral data and field spectrometer measurements. In particular, a new hyperspectral index based on airborne data has been defined and compared with other common indices for bark beetle detection. It shows a very high overall accuracy (OAA = 98.84%) when validated with field data. Field measurements and a long-term validation in a second study area serve the validation of the robustness and transferability of the index to other areas. In comparison with commonly used indices, the defined index has the ability to detect a larger proportion of infested spruces in the green attack phase (60% against 20% for commonly used indices). This index confirms the high potential of the red-edge domain to distinguish infested spruces at an early stage. Overall, our index has great potential for forest preservation strategies aimed at the detection of infested spruces in order to mitigate the outbreaks.

The prevalence and characteristics of visceral autonomic symptoms among migraineurs: A population-based study

Background There is limited evidence about visceral autonomic symptoms in the different phases of migraine attack. We evaluated the prevalence of these symptoms in migraineurs before, during, and after headache attacks. In addition, the association between migraine characteristics and visceral autonomic symptoms was investigated. Methods A total of 605 participants who met the entry criteria were enrolled prospectively in this cross-sectional study. Participants were 18–60 years old and met the ICHD-3 criteria for migraine with or without aura. Information on the migraine symptoms was gathered from all participants in face-to-face interviews. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate the related symptoms before, during, and after attacks. Migraine features of frequency, duration, and severity were also assessed. Results Considering all phases, the most commonly present visceral symptom was nausea (52.9%). About half of participants reported at least one visceral symptom before the onset of attacks. While, during and after attacks, 71% and 36% of participants reported such characteristics, respectively. Notably, the migraine headache in participants with visceral symptoms was longer during attacks compared to participants without them (24.4 ± 29.6 vs. 16.8 ± 19.8; P = 0.008). Additionally, subjects with positive visceral symptoms experienced more severe migraine attacks than participants without symptoms for both the premonitory (8 ± 1.7 vs. 7.6 ± 1.8; P = 0.02) and during-attack (8.01 ± 1.7 vs. 7.09 ± 1.9; P = 0.001) phases. Conclusion This study demonstrated that visceral symptoms were common in migraine sufferers not only during attacks but also in the premonitory and postdrome phases. Positive visceral symptoms were also associated with more burdensome headache attacks. Therefore, recognizing the phenotypic presentation of associated symptoms of migraine, especially during the pre-attack phase, could aid in early implementation of optimal management.

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus phosphoglucose isomerase structures reveal novel rigidity in the active site of a selected subset of enzymes upon substrate binding

Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis are central pathways of metabolism across all domains of life. A prominent enzyme in these pathways is phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), which mediates the interconversion of glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate. The predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus leads a complex life cycle, switching between intraperiplasmic replicative and extracellular ‘hunter’ attack-phase stages. Passage through this complex life cycle involves different metabolic states. Here we present the unliganded and substrate-bound structures of the B. bacteriovorus PGI, solved to 1.74 Å and 1.67 Å, respectively. These structures reveal that an induced-fit conformational change within the active site is not a prerequisite for the binding of substrates in some PGIs. Crucially, we suggest a phenylalanine residue, conserved across most PGI enzymes but substituted for glycine in B. bacteriovorus and other select organisms, is central to the induced-fit mode of substrate recognition for PGIs. This enzyme also represents the smallest conventional PGI characterized to date and probably represents the minimal requirements for a functional PGI.

Safety and efficacy of ubrogepant in participants with major cardiovascular risk factors in two single-attack phase 3 randomized trials: ACHIEVE I and II

Objective To examine the safety and efficacy of ubrogepant for acute treatment of migraine across cardiovascular (CV) disease risk categories. Methods ACHIEVE I and II were multicenter, double-blind, single-attack, phase 3 trials in adults with migraine, with or without aura. Participants were randomized 1:1:1 to placebo or ubrogepant (50 or 100 mg in ACHIEVE I; 25 or 50 mg in ACHIEVE II), to treat one migraine attack of moderate or severe headache pain intensity. This post-hoc analysis pooled data from ubrogepant 50 mg and placebo groups from the ACHIEVE trials to examine the safety and efficacy of ubrogepant by baseline cardiovascular disease risk factors. Using a cardiovascular risk assessment algorithm, participants were categorized as having no cardiovascular risk, low cardiovascular risk or moderate-high cardiovascular risk at baseline. Treatment-emergent adverse events were documented 48 h and 30 days after taking the trial medication. Co-primary efficacy outcomes were 2-h pain freedom and 2-h absence of most bothersome migraine-associated symptom. Results Overall, 3358 participants were randomized in the ACHIEVE trials (n = 2901 safety population; n = 2682 modified intent-to-treat population). In the safety population, 11% of participants were categorized as moderate-high (n = 311), 32% low (n = 920), and 58% no cardiovascular risk factors (n = 1670). The proportion of ubrogepant participants reporting a treatment-emergent adverse event was comparable across risk categories and similar to placebo. The treatment effects of ubrogepant versus placebo were consistent across cardiovascular risk categories for all efficacy outcomes. Conclusion The safety and efficacy of ubrogepant for the acute treatment of a single migraine attack did not differ by the presence of major cardiovascular risk factors. No evidence of increased treatment-emergent adverse events or cardiac system organ class adverse events with ≥2 major cardiovascular risk factors and no safety concerns were identified. Trial Registration: ACHIEVE I ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02828020; ACHIEVE II ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02867709

Different Circadian Rest-Active Rhythms in Kleine-Levin Syndrome: A prospective and case-control study

Study objectives Kleine-Levin-syndrome (KLS) is a rare recurrent hypersomnia. Our study aimed at monitoring the movements of patients with KLS using actigraphy and evaluating their circadian rhythm. Methods Twenty young patients with KLS and 14 age-matched controls were recruited. Each individual wore an actigraphy for more than 6 months to monitor at least two attacks. Controls kept wearing the device for at least 7 days. The activity counts were averaged in hourly basis and the day-to-night amplitude was quantified by the differences of the averaged activity counts during daytime and nighttime. The hourly activities of different days were aligned and averaged to construct the circadian profile. Parametric and nonparametric estimation of circadian rhythm was calculated. We applied detrended fluctuation analysis to evaluate the temporal correlations beneath the activity fluctuations at multiple time scales. Results Circadian rhythm in asymptomatic period showed no significant difference compared to the controls. During hypersomnia attack, the amplitude of the circadian rest-active rhythms drastically decreased and decreased inter-daily stability (IS) was found, as well as significant decreased M10 and short-time fractal correlation (α1). Drastically decreased mean and standard deviation of activity were noted, compared to the pre-attack phase and recovery phase.α1 and M10 increased during the late attack phase, and overcompensated IS was noted in the recovery phase. Conclusions This study confirmed that circadian rest-active rhythms was affected when KLS hypersomnia attack. Several parameters including M10, IS and α1 may be physiological markers of KLS, which can help to predict the end of hypersomnia episodes.

Microbe Profile: Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus: a specialized bacterial predator of bacteria

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is an environmentally-ubiquitous bacterium that uses unique adaptations to kill other bacteria. The best-characterized strain, HD100, has a multistage lifestyle, with both a free-living attack phase and an intraperiplasmic growth and division phase inside the prey cell. Advances in understanding the basic biology and regulation of predation processes are paving the way for future potential therapeutic and bioremediation applications of this unusual bacterium.

Model Indicators and Evaluation Criteria of Strength Readiness of Highly Qualified Arm-Wrestlers

In the arm-wrestling technique, the main element is the attack phase, which aims to achieve a quick superiority over the enemy. Researchers Zhivora and Usanov classified four main attack methods: top attack, hook attack, push attack, and side attack. During a side attack, a great deal of stress is placed on the flexors of the hand. In connection with this, four strength exercises were selected as test indicators: flexion of the fingers, stretch with a hammer, hook and bending of the hand. These exercises were chosen to determine the level of strength readiness of highly qualified arm-wrestlers. The work aimed to determine the model indicators of strength readiness of highly qualified arm-wrestlers of different weight categories. The study involved 24 arm-wrestlers, 8 in the weight category up to 80 kg, 8 – from 80 to 100 kg and 8 – over 100 kg. Three test athletes are world champions in arm-wrestling, 7 are winners of European and world championships, 9 are participants in European and world championships, 5 are winners of national championships of Ukraine. The following research methods were used in work: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific, methodological and notable information, pedagogical observation, pedagogical experiment, methods of mathematical statistics. The analysis of the strength capabilities of highly qualified arm-wrestlers and their strength readiness models made it possible to develop assessment criteria for the level of strength readiness of highly qualified arm-wrestlers of three weight categories. Three levels of strength readiness have been identified: low (х ̅ - σ), high (х ̅ + σ) and medium – more (х ̅ - σ), but less (х ̅ + σ). The conducted research allowed to establish the peculiarities of the levels of strength readiness development among highly qualified arm-wrestlers by weight categories. Model indicators of strength readiness of highly qualified arm-wrestlers were also determined. The analysis made it possible to state that athletes of lightweight categories (up to 80 kg and 80-100 kg) are more harmoniously developed according to the test results. Heavy arm-wrestlers (over 100 kg) showed worse results than expected.

Structures of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus phosphoglucose isomerase reveal novel rigidity in the active site of a selected subset of enzymes upon substrate binding.

Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis are central pathways of metabolism across all domains of life. A prominent enzyme in these pathways is phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) which mediates the interconversion of glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate (F6P). The predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus leads a complex lifecycle, switching between intraperiplasmic replicative and extracellular hunter attack-phase stages. Passage through this complex lifecycle involves different metabolic states. Here we present the unliganded and substrate bound structures of the Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus PGI, solved to 1.74 Å and 1.67 Å, respectively. These structures reveal that an induced-fit conformational change within the active site is not a pre-requisite for the binding of substrates in some PGIs. Crucially, we suggest a phenylalanine residue, conserved across most PGI enzymes but substituted for a glycine in Bdellovibrio and other select organisms, is central to the induced-fit mode of substrate recognition for PGIs. This enzyme also represents the smallest conventional PGI characterised to date and likely represents the minimal requirements for a functional PGI.

Topspin’s Influence on the Spine in Female Juniors III in Table Tennis

The consolidation of topsin, the most prolific technical & tactical element in the attack’s area, requires, besides the daily training and efficient biomechanics, an optimal health of the osteo-articular and muscular system, due to the fact that the performance of this element requires forceful speed developed throughout the muscle chain. The purpose of the present scientific research is to identify the problems occurred at spine level resulted following to topspin attack and the importance of this technical element in the female junior’s performance. The social enquiry-based survey was conducted on a number of 27 coaches and athletes, using a number of 15 questions. Objectives: optimization of topspin attack in 11-12 years old female juniors. Premises: the knowledge on statistics of spine specific areas generating pain at the time of the attack will allow us to create a postural correction program meant to optimize performance. Research methods: The registration method was based on an opinion poll, on a statistical and mathematical method, on computer graphics method. Conclusion: around 78% of the interviewed specialists consider that the lumbar area is the most affected and predisposed to pain in case of topspin, existing a strong correlation between it and the technical element considered to be the most important in the attack phase (topspin – 66.67%) in female juniors, p = 0.003 < α = 0.05, V = 0.620 and C = 0.659.

OBJECTIFIED PARAMETERS OF WOMEN'S HANDBALL TEAM CSM BUCHAREST GAMES IN THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP A EDITION 2017-2018

The article aims to present some objectified indicators of the CSM Bucharest team game in the A group of the European Champions League 2017-2018 edition. Parameters subjected to the recording action constitute essential elements of the "statistical model of the game", being oriented both for the attack phase (10 parameters) and for the defence (8 parameters). On their basis, different values of the effectiveness of certain handball game sequences - in its phases - and of the global game were calculated. The data highlighted can be used to compile the optimal gaming model when preparing the teams in the National League and / or as a basis for conducting the training process at the level of the female national team, until J.O in 2020