Automated, phylogeny-based genotype delimitation of the Hepatitis Viruses HBV and HCV

Background The classification of hepatitis viruses still predominantly relies on ad hoc criteria, i.e., phenotypic traits and arbitrary genetic distance thresholds. Given the subjectivity of such practices coupled with the constant sequencing of samples and discovery of new strains, this manual approach to virus classification becomes cumbersome and impossible to generalize. Methods Using two well-studied hepatitis virus datasets, HBV and HCV, we assess if computational methods for molecular species delimitation that are typically applied to barcoding biodiversity studies can also be successfully deployed for hepatitis virus classification. For comparison, we also used ABGD, a tool that in contrast to other distance methods attempts to automatically identify the barcoding gap using pairwise genetic distances for a set of aligned input sequences. Results—Discussion We found that the mPTP species delimitation tool identified even without adapting its default parameters taxonomic clusters that either correspond to the currently acknowledged genotypes or to known subdivision of genotypes (subtypes or subgenotypes). In the cases where the delimited cluster corresponded to subtype or subgenotype, there were previous concerns that their status may be underestimated. The clusters obtained from the ABGD analysis differed depending on the parameters used. However, under certain values the results were very similar to the taxonomy and mPTP which indicates the usefulness of distance based methods in virus taxonomy under appropriate parameter settings. The overlap of predicted clusters with taxonomically acknowledged genotypes implies that virus classification can be successfully automated

Structure of the July 1982 event in relation to the magnetosphere's response

A large Forbush-type decrease with an amplitude of 16-22% was observed by the world-wide network of cosmic-ray detectors during the period 13-14 July, 1982. Combined neutron-monitor measurements with interplanetary plasma and magnetic field data, auroral data, and Earth's magnetospheric data are used for the study of this event. It is suggested that this interesting event is probably a consequence of the dynamic interactions of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere as it is obvious from the large magnetic storm which was recorded in the auroral electrojet indices. © 1991 Kluwer Academic Publishers

Delayed phenylketonuria diagnosis: A challenging case in child psychiatry

Phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of phenylalanine metabolism. ηven in cases with negative newborn screening for inborn errors of metabolism, the possibility of a metabolic disorder including PKU should be considered in any child presenting symptoms of developmental disorders. Late diagnosed PKU patients require a more specialized and individualized management than if they were early treatment cases. We discuss a case of a child with typical autistic symptomatology, in whom years later a diagnosis of phenylketonuria was set, even neonatal screening was negative. Τhe patient was placed on a phenylalanine-restricted diet. After a period of clinical improvement, severe behavioral problems with aggressiveness and anxiety were presented. Less restrictive diet ameliorated the symptomatology. This case highlights the major medical importance of adequate newborn screening policy, in order to avoid missed diagnosed cases. PKU may be presented as autism spectrum disorder. Dietary management needs individualized attentive monitoring. © 2020 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Transportation fuel substitutes derived from biomass

This paper describes some of the recent work carried out in our laboratory regarding the effects of novel nitrogen compounds in gasoline and diesel fuel on ignition quality and on pollutant emissions. Emphasis is given in studying chemical structures that can be derived from biomass (renewable raw materials). Our approach was to investigate chemical structures that can be derived from biomass, by studying the performance of possible gasoline and diesel extenders as gaged by ignition quality, and also by testing their effectiveness in reducing exhaust emissions under various operating conditions.</jats:p