Subspecies designation is widely used to describe taxa below species but above geographical populations. What patterns of genomic variation is expected if taxa are designated as subspecies? In this study, we carry out such a survey on the mangrove tree Avicennia marina of the Indo-West Pacific coasts. This species has three subspecies, distinguished by morphological traits and geographical distribution. We collected samples from 16 populations (577 individuals) covering all three subspecies and sequenced 94 nuclear genes. We reveal comprehensive genetic divergence among subspecies, generally higher than among geographical populations within subspecies. The level of genetic diversity differs among the three subspecies, possibly hinting at a degree of separation among their gene pools. We observed that divergence varies from locus to locus across the genome. A small portion of the genome is most informative about subspecies delineation while the rest is undifferentiated or slightly differentiated, hinting at uneven gene flow and incomplete isolation. The three subspecies likely split simultaneously with gene flow among lineages. This reticulate evolution results in some discordance between morphology and genetics in areas of population contact. In short, A. marina subspecies show species-like patterns in some respects and population-like patterns in others. This “ambiguity” is expected at a stage between structured populations and full species, thus the observed patterns strengthen the subspecies designation. We propose that subspecies designation is informative in predicting genomic landscape of divergences and useful in making conservation decisions.

1. Species are not genetically homogeneous, as the genetic structure among populations is related to the degree of isolation amongst them, such as isolation-by-distance, isolation-by-barrier and isolation-by-environment. 2. To decipher the isolation processes that drive population structuring in Jenynsia lineata we analyzed 221 sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COI), which came from 19 localities. Jenynsia lineata is a small viviparous fish that inhabits a wide range of habitats in South America. Then, we examined the influence of the three most common types of isolation to explain the genetic variation found in this species. 3. Our results revealed a marked structuration, with three groups: i) La Plata/Desaguadero Rivers (sampling sites across Argentina, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil), ii) Central Argentina, and iii) Northern Argentina. A distance-based redundancy analysis including the explanatory variables geographical distances, altitude, latitude, basin, was able to explain up to 65% of the genetic structure. A variance partitioning analysis showed that the two most important variables underlying the structuration in J. lineata were altitude (isolation-by-environment) and type of basin (isolation-by-barrier). 4. Our results show that in this species, the processes of population diversification are complex and are not limited to a single mechanism. Population-structuring may lead to population reproductive isolation and ultimately to speciation. 5. This study demonstrated that the process of diversification of populations is complex and is not limited to a single mechanism. The processes that play a prominent role in this study could explain the high rate of diversity that characterizes freshwater fish species. And these processes in turn are the basis for possible speciation events.

The paper deals with the problem of ultra-light and light aircraft structural health monitoring. The phenomenological basis and engineering decisions for methods to monitor accumulated fatigue damage and to register overstress of aircraft principal structural elements have been shown. The proposed fatigue indicator is lightweight and autonomous; the output information of the indicator reflects the inhering feature of the fatigue damage – appearance and growth of surface extrusions and intrusions. The overstress indicator simplicity and correctness of the information is provided by “fuse” principle of the design.

Background: Long-term or frequent use of currently approved anti-influenza agents has resulted in the emergence of drug-resistant viruses, necessitating the discovery of new drugs. In this study, we found aprotinin, a serine protease inhibitor, as an anti-influenza candidate through screening of compound libraries. Aprotinin has been previously reported to show inhibitory effects on a few subtypes (e.g., seasonal H1N1 and H3N2) of influenza A virus (IAV). However, there were no reports of its inhibitory effects on the other types of influenza virus. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of aprotinin against a wide range of influenza viruses in vitro and in vivo. Methods: We tested the antiviral activity of aprotinin in Madine-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells against seasonal human IAVs, avian influenza viruses with zoonotic potential, oseltamivir-resistant IAVs, and influenza B virus. We also tested the antiviral activity of aprotinin against A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) virus in a mouse model. Results: Our cell-based assay showed that aprotinin had inhibitory effects on seasonal human IAVs (H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes), avian IAVs (H5N2, H6N5, and H9N2 subtypes), an oseltamivir-resistant IAV, and a currently circulating influenza B virus. We have also confirmed its activity in mice infected with a lethal dose of influenza virus, showing a significant increase in survival rate. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that aprotinin has the capacity to inhibit a wide range of influenza virus subtypes and should be considered for development as a therapeutic agent against influenza.

Aims: Catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) has a considerable risk of procedural complications. Major vascular complications (MVCs) appear to be the most frequent. This study investigated gender differences in MVCs in patients undergoing CA for AF. Methods: A total of 4734 CAs for AF (65% paroxysmal, 26% repeated procedures) were performed at our center between January 2006 and August 2018. Patients (71% males) aged 60 ± 10 years and had body mass index of 29 ± 4 kg/m2. Radiofrequency point-by-point ablation was employed in 96.3% procedures with the use of 3D navigation systems and facilitated by intracardiac echocardiography. Pulmonary vein isolation was mandatory; cavotricuspid isthmus and left atrial substrate ablation were performed in 22% and 38% procedures, respectively. MVCs were defined as those that resulted in permanent injury, required intervention, or prolonged hospitalization. Their rates and risk factors were compared between genders. Results: A total of 112 (2.4%) MVCs were detected: 54/1512 (3.5%) in females and 58/3222 (1.8%) in males (P < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, lower body height was the only risk factor for MVCs in females (P = 0.0005). On the contrary, advanced age was associated with MVCs in males (P = 0.006). Conclusion: Females have a higher risk of MVCs following CA for AF compared to males. This difference is driven by lower body size in females. Low body height in females and advanced age in males are independent predictors of MVCs. US-guided venipuncture lowered the MVC rate in males.

In radiofrequency catheter ablation of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias, catheters are routinely sent into the heart through femoral arteries or femoral veins. But once femoral vessels are not suitable for puncture and approach, transradial artery access becomes the choice. Here, we report the case of a 73-year-old man with frequent premature ventricular contractions and severe vascular disease who successfully received radiofrequency catheter ablation through radial artery access.

Aneurysms of a single aortic sinus are not uncommon and it may also involve dilation of the ascending aorta as well. The dilated aortic sinus usually alters the geometry of the aortic root and patients will present more often with an aortic insufficiency. Both ruptured and non-ruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm (SOVA) can be complicated by aortic regurgitation, occurring in up to 30% to 50% of patients [1]. Unruptured SOVA are asymptomatic, but can present as dyspnea, palpitations, angina or arrhythmia. The treatment options for unruptured SOVA include aortic root reconstruction or replacement, aortic valve repair or replacement, Bentall procedure or patch repair of the SOVA.Aortic valve resuspension is a widely practised in repair for acute Type A aortic dissection. This procedure was first described by Walter G Wolfe from the Duke University, Durham. In his original series, 24 of the 30 patients with acute aortic dissection had resuspension of the aortic valve. Further “a woven Dacron® graft was then sutured beginning at the junction of the left and right coronary cusps. The graft was fashioned and sutured above the left coronary orifice around and down to the commissure of the left and non-coronary cusps. The graft suture line was then extended along the non-coronary cusp and then around the right coronary artery completing the suture line ”[2]. Three years later, in his updated case series he added, “the proplapsing portion of the aortic valve (usually the non-coronary cusp) was resuspended with pledgeted sutures in order to restore competency of the valve ”. It worth noting that he described a surgical procedure wherein, the aortic valve was resuspensed and supracoronray aorta was replaced.In the recently published article [4], the authors have successfully performed a “Wolfe Procedure” in a 78 year old female and followed up the patient for 2 years. Though authors have conscientiously extricated the option of root repair or replacement, it still raises a few concerns about the procedure which they have performed. The authors mention of a “predominant expansion of the non-coronary sinus and thinning of the wall at the level of FC 22 mm and SV 76, 7x62 mm, ST-zone 38 mm”. Though not sure of the abbreviations, Figure 1 shows an enlarged non-coronary aortic sinus. Dilated aortic sinus / annulus will distort the aortic root leading to aortic insufficiency. It is surprising that the authors have not mentioned about the status of the aortic valve and is highly inconceivable that the patient will not be having any aortic valve insufficieny for such a large aneurysm. The status of Aortic root aneurysm was detected in preoperative echocardiogram, while the status of the aortic valve was noted intraoperatively - “aortic valve leaflets did not close due to the expansion of the non-coronary sinus” . Though they have not mentioned about the aortic valve while presenting the case report, but when opening the discussion, they mention that the, “case report describes the treatment of an aortic root aneurysm by the replacement of the aortic valve together with the placement of an interposition graft with proximal scallop to recreate the non-coronary sinus (i.e., Wolfe procedure)” . It is not clear whether the authors have replaced the aortic valve in their patient or they describe in general. In either of the situations, the procedure describe by Wolfe does not mandate replacement of aortic valve; it is rather a resuspension of the valve.They have argued that the Euroscore II of 19.39% is high in regards to “patient’s age, female sex, the center’s estimated surgical volume, and the present comorbidities ”. It has to be noted that ‘Center’s surgical volume’ is not a variable in Euroscore II. It should be further emphasised, that the authors have not any mentioned any comorbidities of the patients including the left ventricular function while presenting the case. Earlier studies have reported the overestimation of surgical risk in septuagenarians and octogenarians by Euroscore II [5,6,7]. It is a well-known fact that the coronary artery of elderly patients has to be evaluated before any open heart surgery; more so when have symptoms of angina. Though the authors mention that the elderly lady had coronary heart disease with class III angina pectoris, there is no description of the native coronary arteries in the manuscript. Atrial fibrillation or arrythimas are well known presentation symptom for patients with SOVA. This may be due to compression of the coronary arteries or any chamber(s) of the heart. A preoperative CT aortagram could have added value in this regard which the authors have not provided. It is mentioned that there is “dilation of the ascending, arch, and descending aorta” preoperatively. After the procedure the size of the aortic arch is 28 mm. It is so intriguing to know the mechanism of decrease in aortic arch size postoperatively after the so called “Wolfe Procedure”. As an aortic surgeon it is curious to note the ‘plunger-top’ of a syringe buried inside the vascular graft in Figure 3. Not sure why and how it was buried, but it would be of great value, if the authors could describe the technique of using the same in detail in a separate manuscript.

To retard the onset of undesired bifurcation, the bifurcation control has developed into a theme of centralized research activities in delayed fractional-order system. In this paper, the problem of bifurcation control for a delayed fractional-order predator-prey model is investigated by employing an enhancing feedback control technique. The bifurcation point is firstly established for controlled model by using delay as a bifurcation parameter. Then, a series of numerical comparative studies on the effects of bifurcation control are implemented covering the partial or total removal of the branch for feedback gains. It reveals that the stability performance of the proposed model can be overwhelmingly elevated via the devised approaches in comparison with the dislocated feedback ones. A numerical example with simulations is ultimately designed to confirm the merits of the proposed theoretical results.

Newborn creatine kinase screening can identify patients at risk for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, it is unclear whether the next-generation sequencing-based screening can identify patients early and guide care. Herein, this study investigates clinical utility of next-generation sequencing-based DMD screening. A total of 19 (0.18%, 19/10481) newborns were identified with pathogenic variants of DMD gene, including 4 (21.1%, 4/19) duplications,13 (68.4%,13/19) deletions, and 2 (10.5%, 2/19) nonsense mutations. Six of them were symptomatic after regular follow up. Therapeutic strategies for these patients were modified. Two neonates died, and the remaining 11 newborns were asymptomatic at August 1, 2020. These 13 families were informed the updated genetic report and suggested for further genetic consulting. Genomic screening for DMD would identify patients who might not come to clinical attention prior to disease manifestation. Early targeted intervention of DMD have the positively impact the clinical decision and the potential to improve outcomes.

Wide complex tachycardia with changing QRS-axis on loop recorderShort title: QRS-axis changes on loop recorder

This study investigated the mutagenic tolerance of eight Bambara groundnut genotypes to Sodium azide (NaN3) using SDS-PAGE. The seeds of six genotypes; TVSu-86, TVSu-91, TVSu-186, TVSu-235, TVSu-242, TVSu-350 were collected from IITA and two landraces from Abia and Enugu local markets. The seeds were treated with five concentrations: 0.00%(control), 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.05% and 0.07% of NaN3 after pre-soaking for 6hrs in distilled water and sown in pots arranged in a Complete Randomized Design with three replicates. There was reduction in germination percentage and growth characters as concentrations of NaN3 increases. Early flowering was recorded at 37 days mutated with 0.07% of NaN3 compared to control which flowered late at 42 days. NaN3(0.07%) caused lethal effect on Abia and Enugu landraces. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in yield traits among mutants and control. Mutant seeds significantly (P<0.05) increased protein content (19.12%) at 0.05% of NaN3 compared to control(18.5%). The number of seeds(0.99), seed yield(0.89) and pod yield(0.96) strongly correlated with seeds per pod (0.85). The SDS-PAGE revealed the presence of polypeptide bands in mutants compared to control. TVSu-235 and TVSu-350 genotypes had higher tolerance and yield traits to 0.01% concentration of NaN3, thus could be further improved in subsequent breeding.

Editorial: Long-term respiratory complications of OA-TOF: The need for better data and a more specialised multidisciplinary approach

In this article, we deal with the Dirac equation and angular momentum, which have an important place in physics, in terms of elliptic biquaternions. Thanks to the elliptic biquaternionic representation of angular momentum, we have expressed some useful mathematical and physical results. We have obtain the solutions of the Dirac equation with elliptic Dirac matrices. Then, we have express the elliptic biquaternionic rotational Dirac equation. This equation could be interpreted as the combination of rotational energy and angular momentum of the particle and anti particle. Therefore, we also discuss the rotational energy momentum in the Euclidean space, the elliptic biquaternionic form of the relativistic mass. Further, we expressed the spinor wave function with elliptic biquaternions. Accordingly, we also have show elliptic biquaternionic rotational Dirac energy-momentum solutions through this function.

This work is devoted to the study of existence of positive solutions and hydrodynamic limit of the steady Boltzmann equation with in-flow boundary condition. The proof is based on a L6– L∞ framework developed by [10] and a refined positivity-preserving scheme in deriving positivity of solutions with in-flow boundary condition and external force. The incompressible Navier–Stokes–Fourier limit with Dirichlet boundary condition is justified for in-flow boundary data as small perturbation of a global Maxwellian.

To understand the runoff-sediment discharge relationship , this study examined the annual runoff and sediment discharge data obtained from the Tangnaihai hydrometric station. The data were decomposed into multiple time scales through Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN). Furthermore, double cumulative curves were plotted and the cointegration theory was employed to analyze the microscopic and macroscopic multi-temporal correlations between the runoff and the sediment discharge and their detailed evolution.

The inverse problems of determining the energy-temperature relation α(t) and the heat conduction relation k(t) functions in the one-dimensional integro– differential heat equation are investigated. The direct problem is the initial-boundary problem for this equation. The integral terms have the time convolution form of unknown kernels and direct problem solution. As additional information for solving inverse problems, the solution of the direct problem for x = x₀ is given. At the beginning an auxiliary problem, which is equivalent to the original problem is introduced. Then the auxiliary problem is reduced to an equivalent closed system of Volterra-type integral equations with respect to unknown functions. Applying the method of contraction mappings to this system in the continuous class of functions with weighted norms, we prove the main result of the article, which is a global existence and uniqueness theorem of inverse problem solutions.

Background Ex-situ heart perfusion (ESHP) has been developed to decrease cold ischemia time and allow metabolic assessment of donor’s hearts prior to transplantation. Current clinical ESHP systems preserve the heart in an unloaded condition and only evaluate the cardiac metabolic profile. In this pilot study we performed echocardiographic functional assessment using two alternative systems for left ventricular (LV) loading: Pump Supported Afterload Working Mode (SAM) and Passive Afterload Working Modes (PAM). Methods Six hearts were procured from male Yorkshire pigs. During cold ischemia, hearts were mounted on our custom made ESHP circuit and a 3D printed enclosure for the performance of echocardiography with a standard TEE probe. Following perfusion with Langherdorf mode of the unloaded heart, the system was switched into different working modes to allow LV loading and functional assessment: pump supported (SAM) and passive (PAM). Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function in the donor hearts was performed in vivo and at 1h of ESHP with SAM, after 4.5h with PAM and after 5.5h with SAM. Results We obtained good quality epicardial echocardiographic images at all time points allowing for comprehensive LV systolic assessment. All indices showed a decrease in LV systolic function throughout the trial with the biggest drop after heart harvesting. Conclusion We demonstrated the feasibility of echocardiographic functional assessment during ESHP and two different working modes. The expected LV systolic dysfunction consisted of a reduction in EF, FAC, FS, and Strain throughout the experiment with the most significant decrease after harvesting.

Abstract Background: Evidence showed that the sensation of nasal breathing is related to variations in nasal mucosa temperature produced by airflow. An appropriate nasal airflow is necessary for changing mucosal temperature. Therefore, the correlation between objective measurements of nasal airflow and patient-reported evaluation of nasal breathing should be dependent on the level of nasal airflow. Objectives: To find if the correlation between patient-reported assessment of nasal breathing and objective measurement of nasal airflow is dependent on the severity of symptoms of nasal obstruction or on the level of nasal airflow. Methods: The airway of 79 patients was evaluated using NOSE score and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). Three subgroups were created based on NOSE and three subgroups were created based on PNIF level to find if correlation was dependent on nasal symptoms or airflow. Results: The mean value of PNIF for the 79 patients was 92.6 l/min (SD 28.1 l/min). The mean NOSE score was 48.4 (SD 24.4). The correlation between PNIF and NOSE was statistically significant (p=0.03), but with a weak association between the two variables (r=-0.248). Evaluation of correlation based on symptoms demonstrated a weak or very weak association in each subgroup (r=-0.250, r=-0.007, r=-0.104). Evaluation of correlation based on nasal airflow demonstrated a very weak association for the subgroups with middle-level and high PNIF values (r=-0.190, r=-0.014), but a moderate association for the subgroup with low PNIF values (r=-0.404). Conclusions: This study demonstrated a weak correlation between NOSE scores and PNIF values in patients non-selected according to symptoms of nasal obstruction or to airflow. It demonstrated that patients with symptoms of nasal obstruction have different levels of nasal airflow and that low nasal airflow prevents the sensation of good nasal breathing. Therefore, patients with symptoms of nasal obstruction may require improving nasal airflow to improve nasal breathing sensation.

COVID-19 pandemic has created a global health crisis. Though respiratory symptoms have been the usual manifestations, the presentation in some cases may be atypical with various neurological and cutaneous manifestations. We present a case of a 63-year-old female diagnosed with COVID-19 and associated rare manifestations during her visit to Europe.

Drug–drug interactions may be a serious issue for COVID-19-infected patients needed kinds of conminant medications. voriconazole and lopinavir/ritonavir were involved in interaction with cytochrome P450 enzymes, Therefore, coadministration of voriconazole and lopinavir/ritonavir is estimated to interfere the effect of voriconazole. However, the gene polymorphisms make these interactions more complicating.

Soil erosion is a difficult forceful practice by which useful surface soil is removed, conveyed, and stored at a detached place causing in the exposure of subsurface soil and siltation in reservoirs and natural streams. The core objective of this study is to evaluate soil erosion rate and to identify soil erosion hotspot areas using RUSLE and Multi-criteria Analysis. Based on the RUSLE model the potential annual soil loss of the watershed ranges from 0.0 to 706.7 ton/ha/yr and the mean annual soil loss rate is 27.7 ton/ha/yr. From the total area of the watershed (859.2 km2), 63 km2 are potential areas for gully expansion. The overall analysis indicated that 4.8% of the total watershed is highly sensitive; 54.24% is moderately sensitive; 17.69% is marginally sensitive while, 23.28% is currently not sensitive and the remaining 0.06% was a constraint to erosion. Hence, the Area which is categorized under a highly and moderately sensitive class needs direct mediation for better conservation planning by allowing for known priority classes and hotspot areas.

Abstract Background: As WHO expresses, COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. COVID-19 is now a pandemic affecting many countries globally. Antiviral agents play fundamental role in Covid-19 treatment. Favipiravir is one of the favored agents and it still draws attention of generic drug industry which is constitutional for drug accessibility. Objective: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the bioequivalence of a new Favipiravir tablet formulation as compared to the reference tablet formulation in healthy male subjects under fasting conditions.To prove the bioequivalence, a randomised, single oral dose, cross-over, two-period study was carried out in 30 healthy subjects under fasting conditions. Plasma Favipiravir levels were quantified by using an in-house-developed high performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Results: The 90% CIs for the test/reference geometric mean ratios of the Cmax and AUC0-tlast were 92.92 – 119.89% and 94.00 – 99.77%, respectively. Conclusions: This single-dose study has shown that the test and reference Favipiravir products met the required bioequivalence criteria. Besides, both products were well tolerated and safe. *The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Some data may not be made available because of privacy or ethical restrictions.

Invasive pathogens can be a threat when they affect human health, food production or ecosystem services, by displacing resident species, and we need to understand the cause of their establishment. We studied the patterns and causes of the establishment of the pathogen Dickeya solani that recently invaded potato agrosystems in Europe by assessing its invasion dynamics and its competitive ability against the closely-related resident D. dianthicola species. Epidemiological records over one decade in France revealed the establishment of D. solani and the maintenance of the resident D. dianthicola in potato fields exhibiting blackleg symptoms. Using experimentations, we showed that D. dianthicola caused a higher symptom incidence on aerial parts of potato plants than D. solani, while D. solani was more aggressive on tubers (i.e. with more severe symptoms). In co-infection assays, D. dianthicola outcompeted D. solani in aerial parts, while the two species co-existed in tubers. A comparison of 76 D. solani genomes (56 of which having been sequenced here) revealed balanced frequencies of two previously uncharacterized alleles, VfmBPro and VfmBSer, at the vfmB virulence gene. Experimental inoculations showed that the VfmBSer population was more aggressive on tubers while the VfmBPro population outcompeted the VfmBSer population in stem lesions, suggesting an important role of the vfmB virulence gene in the ecology of the pathogens. This study thus brings novel insights allowing a better understanding of the pattern and causes of the D.solani invasion into potato production agrosystems, and the reasons why the endemic D.dianthicola nevertheless persisted.

Objective. Biologics have been linked to both anti-autoimmune and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. We examine the long-term effects of biologics on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in a real-world analytic cohort study using a nationwide database. Design. We designed a cohort study using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan between 1997 and 2010. Methods. Based on biologics and other anti-rheumatic agent prescriptions, we divided all patients into either the biologics group or the non-biologics group. The outcomes were the incidence rate of each comorbidity and the hazard ratio of each comorbidity between those using biologics and those not. We followed patients from the index date to the date on which the database ended. Results. In total, 19,681 patients were eligible for analysis in this study. During an average follow-up of 15 years, the event rates of each comorbidity differed significantly between the users and non-users of biologics with regard to cardiovascular comorbidity, metabolic comorbidity, rheumatologic comorbidity, and the miscellaneous comorbidity (all p<0.05). The usage of biologic agents in RA patients reduced the HR of cardiovascular comorbidities by 18%, metabolic comorbidities by 17%, rheumatology comorbidities by 36%, and miscellaneous comorbidities by 15% compared to those patients who did not use biologics. Oncology comorbidities and infection comorbidities were not affected by treatment with biologics (p>0.05). Conclusions. Biologics may have benefits beyond arthritis control with regard to reducing real-world comorbidities.