What do recently housed young people imagine for the future of third places? Using game-based inquiry to (re)imagine affirming, youth-centered third places.

Third places-public and community settings like parks and libraries-are theorized to serve as sources of social connection, community, and play. Yet, young people who hold marginalized identities, such as those experiencing homelessness and housing instability, often endure discrimination in third place settings. This study used game-based inquiry to partner with recently housed young people who have experienced chronic housing instability (N = 21) to understand how they would (re)imagine future third places. We then analyzed transcripts from these game sessions through qualitative thematic analysis. Participants suggested that certain tenets must be present in third places: they must offer opportunities for agency and individualization; they must meet everyday needs; and they must be explicitly inclusive. To actualize these tenets, participants imagined places that meet many needs and do many things; portable and adaptable physical spaces; freedom to choose how to play; attending to and subverting oppressive social hierarchies; providing choice for privacy or connection; knowing people will be around; and free amenities. These findings have implications for theoretical development, practices in present and future third places, and methodological development of games in research.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of West Nile Virus Isolate 2004Hou3.

West Nile virus (WNV) is an arbovirus with important public health implications globally. This study characterizes a viral isolate, 2004Hou3, in comparison with the NY99 strain from the original WNV outbreak in New York, USA. NextGen sequencing was used to compare the viral isolates genetically, while wild-type C57/BL6 mice were used to compare pathogenicity and viral persistence. Significant differences in survival and clinical presentations were noted, with minor genetic variations between the two strains potentially offering an explanation. One notable difference is that 5 of 35 mice infected with the 2004Hou3 strain developed hind limb flaccid paralysis, suggesting its possible use as a small animal pathogenesis model for this clinical characteristic often observed in human WN neuroinvasive disease patients but not reported in other animal models of infection. Overall, this study suggests that 2004Hou3 is a less pathogenic strain with potential for use in long-term outcome studies using small animal models.

Optimizing PCR Detection of West Nile Virus from Body Fluid Specimens to Delineate Natural History in an Infected Human Cohort.

West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne arbovirus, remains a major global health concern. In this study, we optimized PCR methods then assessed serially-collected whole blood (WB), urine (UR), saliva, and semen specimens from a large cohort of WNV-positive participants to evaluate the natural history of infection and persistent shedding of WNV RNA. Viral RNA extraction protocols for frozen WB and UR specimens were optimized and validated through spiking experiments to maximize recovery of viral RNA from archived specimens and to assess the degradation of WNV RNA in stored UR specimens. The resultant procedures were used in conjunction with PCR detection to identify WNV-positive specimens and to quantify their viral loads. A total of 59 of 352 WB, 10 of 38 UR, and 2 of 34 saliva specimens tested positive for WNV RNA. Although a single semen specimen was positive 22 days post onset, we could not definitively confirm the presence of WNV RNA in the remaining specimens. WNV RNA-positive UR specimens exhibited profound loss of viral RNA during storage, highlighting the need for optimal preservation pre-storage. This study provides optimized methods for WNV RNA detection among different fluid types and offers alternative options for diagnostic testing during the acute stages of WNV.

Timing of gestational exposure to Zika virus is associated with postnatal growth restriction in a murine model.

BACKGROUND: Vertical transmission of Zika virus leads to infection of neuroprogenitor cells and destruction of brain parenchyma. Recent evidence suggests that the timing of infection as well as host factors may affect vertical transmission. As a result, congenital Zika virus infection may only become clinically apparent in the postnatal period. OBJECTIVE: We sought to develop an outbred mouse model of Zika virus vertical transmission to determine if the timing of gestational Zika virus exposure yields phenotypic differences at birth and through adolescence. We hypothesized that later gestational inoculations would only become apparent in adolescence. STUDY DESIGN: To better recapitulate human exposures, timed pregnant Swiss-Webster dams (n = 15) were subcutaneously inoculated with 1 × 104 plaque-forming units of first passage contemporary Zika virus HN16 strain or a mock injection on embryonic day 4, 8, or 12 with bioactive antiinterferon alpha receptor antibody administered in days preceding and proceeding inoculation. The antibody was given to prevent the robust type I interferon signaling cascade that make mice inherently resistant to Zika virus infection. At birth and adolescence (6 weeks of age) offspring were assessed for growth, brain weight, and biparietal head diameters, and Zika virus viral levels by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or in situ hybridization. RESULTS: Pups of Zika virus-infected dams infected at embryonic days 4 and 8 but not 12 were growth restricted (P < .003). Brain weights were significantly smaller at birth (P = .01) for embryonic day 8 Zika virus-exposed offspring. At 6 weeks of age, biparietal diameters were smaller for all Zika virus-exposed males and females (P < .05), with embryonic day 8-exposed males smallest by biparietal diameter and growth-restriction measurements (weight >2 SD, P = .0007). All pups and adolescent mice were assessed for Zika virus infection by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Analysis of all underweight pups reveled 1 to be positive for neuronal Zika virus infection by in situ hybridization, while a second moribund animal was diffusely positive at 8 days of age by Zika virus infectivity throughout the brain, kidneys, and intestine. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that postnatal effects of infection occurring at single time points continue to be detrimental to offspring in the postnatal period in a subset of littermates and subject to a window of gestational susceptibility coinciding with placentation. This model recapitulates frequently encountered clinical scenarios in nonendemic regions, including the majority of the United States, where travel-related exposure occurs in short and well-defined windows of gestation. Our low rate of infection and relatively rare evidence of congenital Zika syndrome parallels human population-based data.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: A Case Study.

This case study describes the course and content of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for clinical fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in a breast cancer survivor. The CBT for clinical FCR consisted of seven face-to-face therapy sessions and one telephone session. The primary treatment goal was to reduce FCR severity by modifying cognitive processes and dysfunctional behavior. Assessments of FCR and quality of life were completed by the breast cancer survivor pre-therapy, post-therapy, and at 6 and 12 months of post-therapy. In each treatment session, perceived control over FCR was assessed. A clinical nurse specialist participated in evaluation interviews. The patient's perceived control over FCR increased during the therapy, and FCR severity declined to a non-clinical level. This improvement was still evident at the 6- and 12-month follow-up assessments and was supported by results for secondary and exploratory outcomes measures. FCR offers a great challenge for health care professionals due to the lack of effective treatment options. This case study shows how clinical FCR can be addressed with CBT and can contribute to the improvement of care for cancer survivors.

Prolonged Detection of Zika Virus in Vaginal Secretions and Whole Blood.

Infection with Zika virus is an emerging public health crisis. We observed prolonged detection of virus RNA in vaginal mucosal swab specimens and whole blood for a US traveler with acute Zika virus infection who had visited Honduras. These findings advance understanding of Zika virus infection and provide data for additional testing strategies.

Cue-centered treatment for youth exposed to interpersonal violence: a randomized controlled trial.

This study provides preliminary evidence of the feasibility and efficacy of the Stanford cue-centered treatment for reducing posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety in children chronically exposed to violence. Sixty-five youth aged 8­17 years were recruited from 13 schools. Participants were randomly assigned to cue-centered treatment or a waitlist control group. Assessments were conducted at 4 discrete time points. Self-report measures assessed youth symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.Self-report ratings of caregiver anxiety and depression as well as caregiver report of child PTSD were also obtained. Therapists evaluated participants' overall symptom improvement across treatment sessions. Hierarchal linear modeling analyses showed that compared to the waitlist group, the cue-centered treatment group had greater reductions in PTSD symptoms both by caregiver and child report, as well as caregiver anxiety. Cue-centered treatment, a hybrid trauma intervention merging diverse theoretical approaches, demonstrated feasibility,adherence, and efficacy in treating youth with a history of interpersonal violence.

Low Trypanosoma cruzi transmission risk to humans in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas.

In the Trans-Pecos region of Texas, reports of domestic triatomine bites were common (67%), with 36% of residentially collected triatomines positive for Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite the transmission potential, no human infections were detected. Collected Triatoma rubida species were themselves frequently parasitized with mites.

Assessing soil compaction and micro-topography impacts of alternative heather cutting as compared to burning as part of grouse moor management on blanket bog.

BACKGROUND: Over 25% of the UK land area is covered by uplands, the bulk of which are comprised of blanket bog. This not only contains most of the UK's terrestrial carbon stocks, but also represents 15% of this globally rare habitat. About 30% of UK blanket bog is managed for red grouse by encouraging ling heather (Calluna vulgaris) with rotational burning, which has been linked to habitat degradation, with reduced carbon storage and negative impacts on water storage and quality. Alternative cutting is currently being pursued as a potential restoration management. However, the often used heavy cutting machinery could cause considerable compaction and damage to the peat surface. Two particular issues are (i) a potential increase in bulk density reducing water storage capacity (i.e., less pore volume and peat depth), and (ii) a possible reduction of the micro-topography due to cutting off the tops of hummocks (i.e., protruding clumps or tussocks of sedges). METHODS: We set up a fully replicated field experiment assessing cutting versus burn management impacts on peat physical and surface properties. Both managements reflected commonly used grouse moor management practice with cutting using heavy tractors fitted with load distributing double wheel and tracks (lowering ground pressure), whilst burning was done manually (setting heather areas alight with flame torches). We assessed management impacts on peat depth, bulk density and peat surface micro-topography which either included pre-management measurements or plot-level data for uncut plots. Total peat depth and bulk density in four 5 cm sections within the top 50 cm was assessed. Micro-topography was determined as the standard deviation of the height offsets measured over several plot transects in relation to the plot peat surface level at the start and end points of each transect. RESULTS: Despite an anticipated compaction from the heavy machinery used for cutting, the peat showed resilience and there was no lasting plot-level impact on either peat depth or bulk density. Notably, bulk density showed differences prior to, and thus unrelated to, management, and an overall increasing bulk density, even in uncut plots. However, cutting did reduce the plot micro-topography by about 2 cm, mostly due to removing the tops of hummocks, whereas burnt plots did not differ from uncut plots. DISCUSSION: Cutting is suggested as a suitable alternative to burning on grouse moors, although compaction issues might be site specific, depending on the nature of the peat, the machinery used and impacts at resting and turning points (which were not assessed). However, any observed bulk density differences could reflect natural changes in relation to changes in peat moisture, requiring adequate experimental comparisons. Moreover, where micro-topography is a priority, cutting equipment might need to consider the specific ground conditions, which could involve adjusting cutting height and the type of cutting machinery used.

Optimizing PCR Detection of Zika Virus from Various Body Fluids.

Current diagnostic protocols of acute Zika virus (ZIKV) infection focus on detection of viral RNA in serum or urine using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); however, detecting infection can be a challenge, given that 80% of people with acute ZIKV infection are asymptomatic, and the window to detect viremia in serum is short. The ability to extend that window is needed to detect ZIKV at later time points after infection, particularly in high-risk individuals such as pregnant women. We evaluated RNA extraction methods to optimize detection of ZIKV in various body fluids using RT-qPCR as a means of improving the analytical sensitivity of detection. We optimized methods for ZIKV RNA recovery from a number of body fluids by spiking with three varying concentrations of virus, then comparing recovery with that of spiked buffer control. RNA extraction protocols were adjusted as necessary for maximum RNA recovery. Adjustment of the elution step was essential for improved ZIKV RNA recovery from whole blood, saliva, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Optimal recovery from urine samples required the addition of Urine Conditioning Buffer, and the use of RLT Plus buffer and RNeasy Mini Spin Columns was necessary for RNA extractions from semen samples. Optimized QIAamp MinElute Virus Spin Kit (QIAGEN, Valencia, CA) protocol followed by the singleplex ZIKV RT-qPCR assay provided a reliable method for detection of ZIKV RNA in a variety of biological samples. Improved diagnostics are crucial for timely detection and diagnosis, particularly during pregnancy when the consequences of ZIKV infection can greatly impact the developing fetus.

Arboviral Surveillance among Pediatric Patients with Acute Febrile Illness in Houston, Texas.

We instituted active surveillance among febrile patients presenting to the largest Houston-area pediatric emergency department to identify acute infections of dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV). In 2014, 1,063 children were enrolled, and 1,015 (95%) had blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid specimens available for DENV, WNV, and CHIKV testing. Almost half (49%) reported recent mosquito bites, and 6% (N = 60) reported either recent international travel or contact with an international traveler. None were positive for acute WNV; three had false-positive CHIKV results; and two had evidence of DENV. One DENV-positive case was an acute infection associated with international travel, whereas the other was identified as a potential secondary acute infection, also likely travel-associated. Neither of the DENV-positive cases were clinically recognized, highlighting the need for education and awareness. Health-care professionals should consider the possibility of arboviral disease among children who have traveled to or from endemic areas.

Lineage-specific gene duplication and loss in human and great ape evolution.

Given that gene duplication is a major driving force of evolutionary change and the key mechanism underlying the emergence of new genes and biological processes, this study sought to use a novel genome-wide approach to identify genes that have undergone lineage-specific duplications or contractions among several hominoid lineages. Interspecies cDNA array-based comparative genomic hybridization was used to individually compare copy number variation for 39,711 cDNAs, representing 29,619 human genes, across five hominoid species, including human. We identified 1,005 genes, either as isolated genes or in clusters positionally biased toward rearrangement-prone genomic regions, that produced relative hybridization signals unique to one or more of the hominoid lineages. Measured as a function of the evolutionary age of each lineage, genes showing copy number expansions were most pronounced in human (134) and include a number of genes thought to be involved in the structure and function of the brain. This work represents, to our knowledge, the first genome-wide gene-based survey of gene duplication across hominoid species. The genes identified here likely represent a significant majority of the major gene copy number changes that have occurred over the past 15 million years of human and great ape evolution and are likely to underlie some of the key phenotypic characteristics that distinguish these species.

Biphasic Zika Illness With Rash and Joint Pain.

During the current Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak, acute symptomatic ZIKV infection in adults appears to be a mild-to-moderate, self-limited illness. We present a case of ZIKV rash illness that improved and then relapsed without repeat exposure to ZIKV. Clinicians should be alert for relapses in patients with ZIKV infection.

Novel single-base deletional mutation in major intrinsic protein (MIP) in autosomal dominant cataract.

PURPOSE: To further elucidate the cataract phenotype, and identify the gene and mutation for autosomal dominant cataract (ADC) in an American family of European descent (ADC2) by sequencing the major intrinsic protein gene (MIP), a candidate based on linkage to chromosome 12q13. DESIGN: Observational case series and laboratory experimental study. METHODS: We examined two at-risk individuals in ADC2. We PCR-amplified and sequenced all four exons and all intron-exon boundaries of the MIP gene from genomic and cloned DNA in affected members to confirm one variant as the putative mutation. RESULTS: We found a novel single deletion of nucleotide (nt) 3223 (within codon 235) in exon four, causing a frameshift that alters 41 of 45 subsequent amino acids and creates a premature stop codon. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a novel single base pair deletion in the MIP gene and conclude that it is a pathogenic sequence alteration.

Prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidy and deletion 22q11.2 in fetuses with ultrasound detection of cardiac defects.

OBJECTIVE: We report a prospective database evaluation of the occurrence of aneuploidy and deletion 22q11.2 after prenatal detection of cardiac abnormalities. To ensure the maximum inclusion, all cardiac defects were considered, with the exception of echogenic intracardiac foci. STUDY DESIGN: Prenatal specimens with ultrasound findings of cardiac defects were identified. Physicians were provided supplementary information that described the risk of deletion 22q11.2 syndrome if the karyotype was normal. On approval, fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to identify the 22q11.2 microdeletion. RESULTS: Prenatal detection of cardiac abnormalities identified aneuploidy or unbalanced chromosome rearrangements in 41% of the cases that were studied. In those fetuses with normal karyotypes, 3% had the deletion 22q11.2. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that prenatal ultrasound findings of congenital heart defects identify fetuses who are at increased risk for chromosome abnormalities. Fetuses with normal karyotypes should consider having fluorescence in situ hybridization studies for the microdeletion 22q11.2 syndrome. Chromosome and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies of family members should be recommended when a fetus is identified as having the deletion 22q11.2.