Characterisation and comparative genomics of three new Varanus-associated Borrelia spp. from Indonesia and Australia.

BACKGROUND: Borrelia are important disease-causing tick- and louse-borne spirochaetes than can infect a wide variety of vertebrates, including humans and reptiles. Reptile-associated (REP) Borrelia, once considered a peculiarity, are now recognised as a distinct and important evolutionary lineage, and are increasingly being discovered worldwide in association with novel hosts. Numerous novel Borrelia spp. associated with monitor lizards (Varanus spp.) have been recently identified throughout the Indo-Pacific region; however, there is a lack of genomic data on these Borrelia. METHODS: We used metagenomic techniques to sequence almost complete genomes of novel Borrelia spp. from Varanus varius and Varanus giganteus from Australia, and used long- and short-read technologies to sequence the complete genomes of two strains of a novel Borrelia sp. previously isolated from ticks infesting Varanus salvator from Indonesia. We investigated intra- and interspecies genomic diversity, including plasmid diversity and relatedness, among Varanus-associated Borrelia and other available REP Borrelia and, based on 712 whole genome orthologues, produced the most complete phylogenetic analysis, to the best of our knowledge, of REP Borrelia to date. RESULTS: The genomic architecture of Varanus-associated Borrelia spp. is similar to that of Borrelia spp. that cause relapsing fever (RF), and includes a highly conserved megaplasmid and numerous smaller linear and circular plasmids that lack structural consistency between species. Analysis of PF32 and PF57/62 plasmid partitioning genes indicated that REP Borrelia plasmids fall into at least six distinct plasmid families, some of which are related to previously defined Borrelia plasmid families, whereas the others appear to be unique. REP Borrelia contain immunogenic variable major proteins that are homologous to those found in Borrelia spp. that cause RF, although they are limited in copy number and variability and have low sequence identities to RF variable major proteins. Phylogenetic analyses based on single marker genes and 712 single copy orthologs also definitively demonstrated the monophyly of REP Borrelia as a unique lineage. CONCLUSIONS: In this work we present four new genomes from three novel Borrelia, and thus double the number of REP Borrelia genomes publicly available. The genomic characterisation of these Borrelia clearly demonstrates their distinctiveness as species, and we propose the names Borrelia salvatorii, 'Candidatus Borrelia undatumii', and 'Candidatus Borrelia rubricentralis' for them.

Engaging Same-Day Peer Ambassadors to Increase Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Among People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness in Los Angeles County: A Hybrid Feasibility-Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of engaging unhoused peer ambassadors (PAs) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination efforts to reach people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Los Angeles County. METHODS: From August to December 2021, vaccinated PAs aged ≥18 years who could provide informed consent were recruited during vaccination events for same-day participation. Events were held at encampments, service providers (eg, housing agencies, food lines, and mobile showers), and roving locations around Los Angeles. PAs were asked to join outreach alongside community health workers and shared their experience getting vaccinated, receiving a $25 gift card for each hour they participated. Postevent surveys evaluated how many PAs enrolled and how long they participated. In October 2021, we added a preliminary effectiveness evaluation of how many additional vaccinations were attributable to PAs. Staff who enrolled the PAs estimated the number of additional people vaccinated because of talking with the PA. RESULTS: A total of 117 PAs were enrolled at 103 events, participating for an average of 2 hours. At events with the effectiveness evaluation, 197 additional people were vaccinated over 167 PA hours ($21.19 gift card cost per additional person vaccinated), accounting for >25% of all vaccines given at these events. DISCUSSION: Recruiting same-day unhoused PAs is a feasible, acceptable, and preliminarily effective technique to increase COVID-19 vaccination in unsheltered settings. The findings can inform delivery of other health services for people experiencing homelessness.

Community Health Worker Perspectives on Engaging Unhoused Peer Ambassadors for COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach in Homeless Encampments and Shelters.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccination is a priority for people experiencing homelessness. However, there are barriers to vaccine access driven in part by mistrust towards clinicians and healthcare. Community health workers (CHWs) and Peer Ambassadors (PAs) may be able to overcome mistrust in COVID-19 vaccine outreach. An unhoused PA program for COVID-19 vaccine outreach by CHWs was implemented in Los Angeles using a participatory academic-community partnership. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate CHW perspectives on an unhoused PA COVID-19 vaccine outreach program in Los Angeles. DESIGN: This study used a participatory community conference and qualitative focus groups to understand CHW perspectives on the PA program. The one-day conference was held in November 2021. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 42 conference participants, 19 CHWs participated in focus groups for two-way knowledge exchange between CHWs and researchers. APPROACH: Four focus groups were held during the conference, with 4-6 CHWs per group. Each group had a facilitator and two notetakers. Focus group notes were then analyzed using content analysis to derive categories of findings. CHWs reviewed the qualitative analysis to ensure that findings represented their experiences with the PA program. KEY RESULTS: The five categories of findings from focus groups were as follows: (1) PAs were effective liaisons to their peers to promote COVID-19 vaccines; (2) CHWs recognized the importance of establishing genuine trust and equitable working relationships within CHW/PA teams; (3) there were tradeoffs of integrating unhoused PAs into the existing CHW workflow; (4) CHWs had initial misgivings about the research process; and (5) there were lingering questions about the ethics of "exploiting" the invaluable trust unhoused PAs have with unhoused communities. CONCLUSIONS: CHWs were in a unique position to empower unhoused PAs to take a leadership role in reaching their peers with COVID-19 vaccines and advocate for long-term employment and housing needs.

Climate stress resistance in male Queensland fruit fly varies among populations of diverse geographic origins and changes during domestication.

BACKGROUND: The highly polyphagous Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt) expanded its range substantially during the twentieth century and is now the most economically important insect pest of Australian horticulture, prompting intensive efforts to develop a Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) control program. Using a "common garden" approach, we have screened for natural genetic variation in key environmental fitness traits among populations from across the geographic range of this species and monitored changes in those traits induced during domestication. RESULTS: Significant variation was detected between the populations for heat, desiccation and starvation resistance and wing length (as a measure of body size). Desiccation resistance was correlated with both starvation resistance and wing length. Bioassay data for three resampled populations indicate that much of the variation in desiccation resistance reflects persistent, inherited differences among the populations. No latitudinal cline was detected for any of the traits and only weak correlations were found with climatic variables for heat resistance and wing length. All three stress resistance phenotypes and wing length changed significantly in certain populations with ongoing domestication but there was also a strong population by domestication interaction effect for each trait. CONCLUSIONS: Ecotypic variation in heat, starvation and desiccation resistance was detected in Australian Qfly populations, and these stress resistances diminished rapidly during domestication. Our results indicate a need to select source populations for SIT strains which have relatively high climatic stress resistance and to minimise loss of that resistance during domestication.

Genome-wide patterns of differentiation over space and time in the Queensland fruit fly.

The Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, is a major pest of Australian horticulture which has expanded its range in association with the spread of horticulture over the last ~ 150 years. Its distribution in northern Australia overlaps that of another fruit fly pest to which some authors accord full species status, Bactrocera aquilonis. We have used reduced representation genome-wide sequencing to genotype 359 individuals taken from 35 populations from across the current range of the two taxa, plus a further 73 individuals from six of those populations collected 15-22 years earlier. We find significant population differentiation along an east-west transect across northern Australia which likely reflects limited but bidirectional gene flow between the two taxa. The southward expansion of B. tryoni has led to relatively little genetic differentiation, and most of it is associated with a move into previously marginal inland habitats. Two disjunct populations elsewhere in Australia and three on Melanesian islands are each clearly differentiated from all others, with data strongly supporting establishment from relatively few founders and significant isolation subsequently. Resequencing of historical samples from one of the disjunct Australian populations shows that its genetic profile has changed little over a 15-year period, while the Melanesian data suggest a succession of 'island hopping' events with progressive reductions in genetic diversity. We discuss our results in relation to the control of B. tryoni and as a model for understanding the genetics of invasion and hybridisation processes.

Correlation of bioimpedance changes after compressive loading of murine tissues in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: Rises in the incidence of pressure ulcers are increasingly prevalent in an aging population. Pressure ulcers are painful, are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, increase the risk for secondary infections and inpatient stay, and adds $26.8 billion annually to the healthcare costs of the USA. Evidence suggests that a change in the bioimpedance of living tissue in response to continuous local contact pressure can be a useful indicator for the onset of pressure injuries. APPROACH: Thirty-five Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to various skin pressures for differing periods of time via a surgically inserted steel disk and an externally applied magnet. Contact pressure and bioimpedance were measured and correlated with tissue loading intensity and compared to clinical ulcer grading. MAIN RESULTS: Moderate relationships between bioimpedance changes and tissue loading intensity were found. Stronger correlations were found by utilizing a combination of bioimpedance and phase angle. Thresholds were applied to the bioimpedance parameters and the usefulness of bioimpedance in classifying different ulcer stages is demonstrated. SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate that bioimpedance may be useful as an early indicator of pressure ulcer formation and has practical significance in the development of early pressure injury detection devices.

Wireless Pressure Ulcer Sensor: Validation in an Animal Model.

Pressure ulcers are increasingly prevalent in an aging population. The most commonly used method of pressure ulcer prevention is pressure off-loading achieved by physically turning bedbound patients or by using expensive, single application devices such as wheelchair cushions. Our aim is to approach the problem of pressure ulcer prevention in a new way: a wireless sensor worn by the patient at locations susceptible to pressure injury. The sensor will monitor local pressure over time and transmits the data wirelessly to a base station (in a hospital setting) or smartphone (for home care). When a condition that would be harmful to tissue is reached, an alert would enable immediate direct intervention to prevent development of a pressure ulcer. The goal of this study was to validate the sensor's use in a live animal model and to lay the foundation for building time-pressure curves to predict the probability of pressure injury. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent surgical implantation of bilateral steel discs deep to the latissimus dorsi muscles. After the animals recovered from the surgical procedure, pressure was applied to the overlying tissue using magnets of varying strengths (30-150 mm Hg) for between 1 and 8 hours. Our sensor was placed on the skin prior to magnet application to wirelessly collect data regarding pressure and time. Three days after pressure application, animals were killed, injuries were graded clinically, and biopsies were collected for histological analysis. Results reveal that all animals with magnet application for more than 2 hours had clinical evidence of ulceration. Similarly, histological findings of hemorrhage were associated with increased time of pressure application. However, at high pressures (120-150 mm Hg), there were ischemic changes within the muscular layer without corresponding skin ulceration. We have developed a wireless sensor that can be placed on any at-risk area of the body and has the potential to alert caregivers when patients are at risk of developing a pressure injury. Our sensor successfully transmitted pressure readings wirelessly in a live, mobile animal. Future studies will focus on safety and efficacy with human use and development of algorithms to predict the probability of pressure ulcer formation.

Enfermedad de Pott. Caso clínico radiológico / Pott's disease Radiological clinical case

RESUMEN Introducción: la tuberculosis es una infección causada por el micobacterium tuberculae, la cual afecta principalmente a la vía respiratoria, aunque se le puede ver afectando el sistema musculo esquelético, de este es la columna vertebral la mas afecta, donde provoca una colección fría y caseosa conocida como enfermedad de Pott, que en dependencia de la localización puede debilitar la vértebra y provocar fracturas patológicas con la consiguiente repercusión y limitación en la vida y salud del paciente. Presentación de caso: paciente masculino de 33 años de edad, que acude a nosotros por una fractura de la vértebra D12 producto de una caída sentado de sus propios pies, visualizada en Rx simple de columna total en proyección lateral. Discusión: se evidencia desplazamiento posterior de fragmento óseo y esclerosis subcondral, en el estudio de TAC se corrobora fractura aplastamiento del cuerpo vertebral D12, con desplazamiento posterior de un segmento vertebral que estrecha el canal medular, y en las imágenes de resonancia se confirma fractura aplastamiento de la vértebra D12 con desplazamiento de fragmento óseo y estenosis del canal medular, provocando severa mielitis compresiva con fibrosis a nivel del segmento medular D12. Conclusiones: se mostró la utilidad de los medios diagnósticos convencionales y de alta tecnología en el diagnostico de esta entidad, identificar las lesiones asociadas y complicaciones que puede sufrir el paciente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: tuberculosis is an infection caused by mycobacterium tuberculae, which mainly affects the respiratory tract, although it can be seen affecting the musculoskeletal system, this is the spine the most affected, where it causes a cold and caseous collection known as Pott's disease, which depending on the location can weaken the vertebra and cause pathological fractures with the consequent impact and limitation on the life and health of the patient. Case presentation: a 33-year-old male patient who came to us for a fracture of the vertebra D12 due to a fall sitting on his own feet, visualized in simple Rx of total spine in lateral projection. Discussion: posterior displacement of bone fragment and subchondral sclerosis is evidenced, in the CT study it is corroborated fracture crushing of vertebral body D12, with posterior displacement of a vertebral segment that narrows the medullary canal, and in the resonance images it is confirmed crush fracture of vertebra D12 with displacement of bone fragment and stenosis of the medullary canal, causing severe compressive myelitis with fibrosis at the level of the medullar segment D12. Conclusions: the usefulness of conventional and high-tech diagnostic means in the diagnosis of this entity was shown, identifying the associated injuries and complications that the patient may suffer.

Enfermedad de Pott. Caso clínico radiológico / Pott's disease Radiological clinical case

Introducción: la tuberculosis es una infección causada por el micobacterium tuberculae, la cual afecta principalmente a la vía respiratoria, aunque se le puede ver afectando el sistema musculoesquelético, de este es la columna vertebral la mas afecta, donde provoca una colección fría y caseosa conocida como enfermedadde Pott, que en dependencia de la localización puede debilitar la vértebra y provocar fracturas patológicas con la consiguiente repercusión y limitación en la vida y salud del paciente. Presentación de caso: paciente masculino de 33 años de edad, que acude a nosotros por una fractura de la vértebra D12 producto de una caída sentado de sus propios pies, visualizada en Rx simple de columna total en proyección lateral. Discusión: se evidencia desplazamiento posterior de fragmento óseo y esclerosis subcondral, en el estudio de TAC se corrobora fractura aplastamiento del cuerpo vertebral D12, con desplazamiento posterior de un segmento vertebral que estrecha el canal medular, y en las imágenes de resonancia se confirma fractura aplastamiento de la vértebra D12 con desplazamiento de fragmento óseo y estenosis del canal medular, provocando severa mielitis compresiva con fibrosis a nivel del segmento medular D12. Conclusiones: se mostró la utilidad de los medios diagnósticos convencionales y de alta tecnología en el diagnostico de esta entidad, identificar las lesiones asociadas y complicaciones que puede sufrir el paciente(AU)

Introduction: tuberculosis is an infection caused by mycobacterium tuberculae, which mainly affects the respiratory tract, although it can be seen affecting the musculoskeletal system, this is the spine the most affected, where it causes a cold and caseous collection known as Pott's disease, which depending on the location can weaken the vertebra and cause pathological fractures with the consequent impact and limitation on the life and health of the patient. Case presentation: a 33-year-old male patient who came to us for a fracture of the vertebra D12 due to a fall sitting on his own feet, visualized in simple Rx of total spine in lateral projection. Discussion: posterior displacement of bone fragment and subchondral sclerosis is evidenced, in the CT study it is corroborated fracture crushing of vertebral body D12, with posterior displacement of a vertebral segment that narrows the medullary canal, and in the resonance images it is confirmed crush fracture of vertebra D12 with displacement of bone fragment and stenosis of the medullary canal, causing severe compressive myelitis with fibrosis at the level of the medullar segment D12. Conclusions: the usefulness of conventional and high-tech diagnostic means in the diagnosis of this entity was shown, identifying the associated injuries and complications that the patient may suffer(EU)

Generation of Functional Human Adipose Tissue in Mice from Primed Progenitor Cells.

IMPACT STATEMENT: This research describes the use of human mesenchymal progenitor cells for generating functional adipose tissue in vivo in a nude mouse model. Further preclinical development of the methods and insights described in this article can lead to therapeutic use of these cells in regenerative and reconstructive medicine.

Espondilolistesis y espondilólisis, caso clínico radiológico / Spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis, a clinical radiological case

Introducción: con frecuencia son atendidos cientos de pacientes en las clínicas de dolor afectados con lumbago, originado por disimiles causas.Caso clínico: paciente joven de 37 años con dolor lumbar causado por defecto degenerativo en la faceta articular conocido por espondilolistesis, diagnosticado por los protocolos de estudios radiológicos con uso de estudio convencional de rayos X de columna lumbar en proyección lateral. Muestra ligeros cambios de osteoartritis, desplazamiento anterior incipiente de L4 y solución de continuidad a nivel de la faceta articular inferior L4, un estudio de resonancia practicado nos muestra adicionalmente que la faceta esta engrosada, compromete el diámetro del foramen correspondiente con compresión del ganglio raquídeo L5 del lado izquierdo, y para evaluar y confirmar la afección se realizó exploración con tomografía computarizada de columna lumbar con reconstrucción sagital en un tomógrafo multidetector. Se evidencia claramente solución de continuidad a nivel de la cortical ósea de la faceta inferior izquierda L4. Conclusión: la espondilolistesis y espondilólisis son bastante frecuentes y causan dolor lumbar bajo. El estudio convencional de rayos X de columna lumbar resulta útil en el diagnóstico, pronóstico y evaluación de espondilolistesis y espondilólisis. La resonancia magnética nuclear y la TAC brindan información adicional sobre las estructuras afectadas, y es más útil en pacientes con ciática y grado bajo de espondilólisis(AU)

Introduction: Hundreds of patients are often treated in pain clinics affected with lumbago, originated by dissimilar causes. Clinical case: a 37-year-old patient with lumbar pain caused by a degenerative defect in the articular facet known as spondylolisthesis, diagnosed by radiological studies protocols with the use of a conventional X-ray study of the lumbar spine in the lateral view. Shows slight changes of osteoarthritis, incipient anterior displacement of L4 and solution of continuity at the level of the inferior articular facet L4, a practiced resonance study shows us additionally that the facet is thickened, compromises the diameter of the corresponding foramen with compression of the spinal ganglion L5 on the left side, and to evaluate and confirm the condition, a lumbar spine computed tomography scan with sagittal reconstruction was performed in a multidetector tomography. Clearly, continuity solution at the level of the bone cortex of the lower left side L4 is clearly evident. Conclusion: spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis are quite frequent and cause low back pain. The conventional X-ray study of the lumbar spine is useful in the diagnosis, prognosis and evaluation of spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis. Nuclear magnetic resonance and CT provide additional information about the affected structures, and is most useful in patients with sciatica and low degree of spondylolysis(EU)