Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ambient Air Pollution and Long-Term Trajectories of Episodic Memory Decline among Older Women in the WHIMS-ECHO Cohort

Background: Episodic memory decline varies by age and underlying neuropathology. Whether ambient air pollution contributes to the heterogeneity of episodic memory decline in older populations remains unclear. Objectives: We estimated associations between air pollution exposures and episodic memory decline according to pollutant, exposure time window, age, and latent class subgroups defined by episodic memory trajectories. Methods: Participants were from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study–Epidemiology of Cognitive Health Outcomes. Older women (n=2,056; 74–92 years of age) completed annual (2008–2018) episodic memory assessments using the telephone-based California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). We estimated 3-y average fine particulate matter [PM with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2. 5μm (PM2.5)] and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposures at baseline and 10 y earlier (recent and remote exposures, respectively), using regionalized national universal kriging. Separate latent class mixed models were used to estimate associations between interquartile range increases in exposures and CVLT trajectories in women ≤80 and >80 years of age, adjusting for covariates. Results: Two latent classes were identified for women ≤80 years of age (n=828), “slow-decliners” {slope=−0.12/y [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.23, −0.01] and “fast-decliners” [slope=−1.79/y (95% CI: −2.08, −1.50)]}. In the slow-decliner class, but not the fast-decliner class, PM2.5 exposures were associated with a greater decline in CVLT scores over time, with a stronger association for recent vs. remote exposures [−0.16/y (95% CI: −2.08, −0.03) per 2.88 μg/m3 and −0.11/y (95% CI: −0.22, 0.01) per 3.27 μg/m3, respectively]. Among women ≥80 years of age (n=1,128), the largest latent class comprised “steady-decliners” [slope=−1.35/y (95% CI: −1.53, −1.17)], whereas the second class, “cognitively resilient”, had no decline in CVLT on average. PM2.5 was not associated with episodic memory decline in either class. A 6.25-ppb increase in recent NO2 was associated with nonsignificant acceleration of episodic memory decline in the ≤80-y-old fast-decliner class [−0.21/y (95% CI: −0.45, 0.04)], and in the >80-y-old cognitively resilient class [−0.10/y (95% CI: −0.24, 0.03)] and steady-decliner class [−0.11/y (95% CI: −0.27, 0.05)]. Associations with recent NO2 exposure in women >80 years of age were stronger and statistically significant when 267 women with incident probable dementia were excluded [e.g., −0.12/y (95% CI: −0.22, −0.02) for the cognitively resilient class]. In contrast with changes in CVLT over time, there were no associations between exposures and CVLT scores during follow-up in any subgroup. Discussion: In a community-dwelling U.S. population of older women, associations between late-life exposure to ambient air pollution and episodic memory decline varied by age-related cognitive trajectories, exposure time windows, and pollutants. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7668
Gambling and the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Quebec (Canada): protocol for a mixed-methods study

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has major collateral impacts on mental health. Gambling is among the major public health issues that seems to have been transformed by the pandemic. In the province of Quebec in Canada, gambling is an important leisure activity. About two out of three adults are in Quebec gamble. The objective of this study is to draw a portrait of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on gamblers and to learn more about their experiences during the pandemic in the province of Quebec. Method and analysis This study has a sequential explanatory mixed-method design in two phases. The first phase is a cross-sectional online survey with Quebec residents who are 18 years of age or older and have gambled at least once in the previous 12 months. The second phase will be a qualitative study. Semistructured interviews will be conducted with gamblers, family members, addiction counsellors and state representatives selected through purposing sampling. Ethics and dissemination This study is one of the first mixed-methods studies on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling. This study will generate new scientific knowledge on a worrisome public health issue, that is, gambling, and provide a better understanding of the experiences and gambling behaviours of gamblers during the pandemic. This study is funded by the Ministry of Health and Social Services of the Government of Quebec and was approved on 27 October 2020 by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS. This is a 2-year study that will be completed in June 2022.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an adult with postacute COVID-19 syndrome

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) causing multiorgan failure has been reported as an acute clinical presentation of COVID-19. However, the literature surrounding HLH in the context of a postacute COVID-19 syndrome is limited. This report presents a case of a life-threatening HLH occurring 6 weeks after a pauci-symptomatic COVID-19 infection in a previously healthy adult. A bone marrow aspirate confirmed the HLH and the patient was successfully treated with dexamethasone and etoposide. To our knowledge, this is the first case of HLH occurring as a postacute COVID-19 syndrome following a pauci-symptomatic initial infection.
FIGO good practice recommendations on the use of pessary for reducing the frequency and improving outcomes of preterm birth

A pessary is a device made of synthetic material that is placed in the vagina and has been used for prevention of preterm birth. It has been suggested that a potential mechanism of the pessary is alteration of the cervico‐uterine angle to a more posterior position, which reduces cervical compression in women with a singleton pregnancy and a short cervical length. Pessaries should not be used in routine clinical care to reduce the frequency of preterm birth or to improve outcomes (e.g. neonatal outcomes) related to preterm birth. In women with a twin pregnancy—regardless of cervical length—pessaries should not be used in routine clinical care to reduce the frequency of preterm birth or to improve outcomes (e.g. neonatal outcomes) related to preterm birth. Presently there is no sufficient evidence suggesting that pessaries should be used as a standard treatment to prevent preterm birth; their use should be reserved for study populations.
REVENGE OF THE TREES: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINANTS AND POPULATION EFFECTS OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS ON A BREEDING COLONY OF DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS (PHALACROCORAX AURITUS) OVER A PERIOD OF 21 YEARS

Abstract: During 16 of 21 consecutive annual breeding seasons, two diseases, Newcastle disease and avian cholera, killed approximately 50% of juvenile Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) in a large nesting colony in Canada. From 1994 to 2014, we recorded data annually on disease occurrence, causal pathogens, species and age classes affected, total number of breeding pairs of cormorants on the colony site, and other biological parameters. A mathematical model of pathogen transmission was constructed to assess the potential importance of transmission parameters and to test a hypothesis regarding the potential effect of the observed progressive loss of nest trees and the consequent shift from tree-nesting to ground-nesting behavior. The model indicated that juveniles from ground nests were 14 times more likely to die from epidemic disease (50.14% mortality) than were juveniles from nests in trees (3.57% mortality). Additive disease-related mortality of juvenile cormorants in the observed range of 40–60% would reduce a closed cormorant population over time. There was no directional change in the colony population during the study period, suggesting that immigration had compensated for disease-related mortality. Our results highlight the preeminent influence of environmental factors on pathogen transmission and the value of long-term data sets.
A model for DHX15 mediated disassembly of A-complex spliceosomes

A critical step of pre-mRNA splicing is the recruitment of U2 snRNP to the branch point sequence of an intron. U2 snRNP conformation changes extensively during branch helix formation and several RNA-dependent-ATPases are implicated in the process. However, the molecular mechanisms involved remain to be fully dissected. We took advantage of the differential nucleotide triphosphates requirements for DExD/H-box enzymes to probe their contributions to in vitro spliceosome assembly. Both ATP and GTP hydrolysis support the formation of A-complex, indicating the activity of a DEAH-enzyme because DEAD-enzymes are selective for ATP. We immunodepleted DHX15 to assess its involvement and although splicing efficiency decreases with reduced DHX15, A-complex accumulation incongruently increases. DHX15 depletion also results in the persistence of the atypical ATP-independent interaction between U2 snRNP and a minimal substrate that is otherwise destabilized in the presence of either ATP or GTP. These results lead us to hypothesize that DHX15 plays a quality control function in U2 snRNP’s engagement with an intron. In efforts to identify the RNA target of DHX15, we determined that an extended polypyrimidine tract is not necessary for disruption of the atypical interaction between U2 snRNP and the minimal substrate. We also examined U2 snRNA by RNase H digestion and identified nucleotides in the branch binding region that become accessible with both ATP and GTP hydrolysis, again implicating a DEAH-enzyme. Together, our results demonstrate that multiple ATP-dependent rearrangements are likely involved in U2 snRNP addition to the spliceosome and that DHX15 can have an expanded role in splicing.
Inter-Subunit Dynamics Controls Tunnel Formation During the Oxygenation Process in Hemocyanin Hexamers

Hemocyanin from horseshoe crab in its active form is a homo-hexameric protein. It exists in open and closed conformations when transitioning between deoxygenated and oxygenated states. Here, we present a detailed dynamic atomistic investigation of the oxygenated and deoxygenated states of the hexameric hemocyanin using explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations. We focus on the variation in solvent cavities and the formation of tunnels in the two conformational states. By employing principal component analysis and CVAE-based deep learning, we are able to differentiate between the dynamics of the deoxy- and oxygenated states of hemocyanin. Finally, our results identify the deoxygenated open conformation, which adopts a stable, closed conformation after the oxygenation process.
Reproductive biology of the Rusty-breasted Nunlet (Nonnula rubecula)

ABSTRACT The genus Nonnula (Galbuliformes: Bucconidae) includes 6 species of nunlets, understory insectivores of humid Neotropical forest. Like the rest of their lineage (Galbuliformes, Piciformes, Coraciiformes, Bucerotiformes, Trogoniformes, and Leptosomiformes), Nonnula were speculated to nest in cavities or burrows, either underground, in mounds of leaf litter, in trees, or in arboreal termitaria. From 2014 to 2020 we studied 17 nests of Rusty-breasted Nunlet (Nonnula rubecula) at Cruce Caballero Provincial Park in the Atlantic Forest of Misiones, Argentina. From the outside, nests looked like the burrows excavated by relatives in Malacoptila, but nunlets excavated only the floor, carpeted it with leaves, built a roof frame of twigs and rachises, and finally covered the whole structure with leaf litter from the surrounding area. A clutch of 4 (occasionally 3) white eggs with mean dimensions 20.1 (SD 0.8) × 16.8 (SD 0.3) mm (2.8 [SD 0.3] g; n = 5) was laid on alternate days, and incubated 17–18 d. The pink, naked hatchlings, with eyes sealed shut, scrambled around the nest chamber and came to the tunnel entrance by day 3, similar to other Bucconidae. Two secretive adults incubated, brooded, and fed nestlings. Fledglings hopped out of the nest at 17–19 d, sometimes returned before leaving definitively, and apparently could not fly. The probability of a nest surviving the 42 d from laying to fledging was 0.40, comparable to some tree-cavity-nesting birds in our study area (but 95% confidence intervals were large: 0.11–0.69). There is no evidence that any Nonnula use tree cavities or excavate burrows. We propose that Nonnula are unique in their lineage in building a dome-shaped nest at ground level. This habit may have evolved from relatives that excavate underground burrows, surround the entrance with a collar of twigs, and cover the excavation site with leaf litter.
Innovation in primary health care responses to COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Background: In May 2020, the African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine invited submissions on lessons learnt from responses to the COVID-19 pandemic from primary care providers in Africa. This included descriptions of innovations and good practices, the management of COVID-19 in district health services and responses of communities to the outbreak. Aim: To synthesise the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic in the Africa region. Methods: A thematic document analysis was conducted on twenty-seven short report publications from Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Findings: Eight major themes were derived from the data: community-based activities; screening and testing; reorganisation of health services; emergency care for COVID-19; maintenance of essential non-COVID-19 health services; caring for the vulnerable; use of information technology; and reframing training opportunities. Community health workers were a vital community resource, delivering medications and other supplies to homes, as well as following up on patients with chronic conditions. More investment in community partnerships and social mobilisation was proposed. Difficulties with procurement of test kits and turn-around times were constraints for most countries. Authors described how services were reorganised for focused COVID-19 activities, sometimes to the detriment of essential services and training of junior doctors. Innovations in use of internet technology for communication and remote consultations were explored. The contribution of family medicine principles in upholding the humanity of patients and their families, clear leadership and planning, multidisciplinary teamwork and continuity of care was emphasised even in the context of providing critical care. Conclusions: The community-orientated primary care approach was emphasised as well as long-term benefits of technological innovations. The pandemic exposed the need to deliver on governmental commitments to strengthening primary health care and universal health coverage.
Effects of free maternal policies on quality and cost of care and outcomes: an integrative review

Abstract Aim: We conducted an integrative review of the global-free maternity (FM) policies and evaluated the quality of care (QoC) and cost and cost implications to provide lessons for universal health coverage (UHC). Methodology: Using integrative review methods proposed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005), we searched through EBSCO Host, ArticleFirst, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Emerald Insight, JSTOR, PubMed, Springer Link, Electronic collections online, and Google Scholar databases guided by the preferred reporting item for systematic review and meta-analysis protocol (PRISMA) guideline. Only empirical studies that described FM policies with components of quality and cost were included. There were 43 papers included, and the data were analysed thematically. Results: Forty-three studies that met the criteria were all from developing countries and had implemented different approaches of FM policy. Review findings demonstrated that some of the quality issues hindering the policies were poor management of complications, worsened referral systems, overburdening of staff because of increased utilisation, lack of transport, and low supply of stock. There were some quality improvements on monitoring vital signs by nurses and some procedures met the recommended standards. Equally, mothers still bear the burden of some costs such as the purchase of drugs, transport, informal payments despite policies being ‘free’. Conclusions: FM policies can reduce the financial burden on the households if well implemented and sustainably funded. Besides, they may also contribute to a decline in inequity between the rich and poor though not independently. In order to achieve the SDG goal of UHC by 2030, there is a need to promote awareness of the policy to the poor and disadvantaged women in rural areas to help narrow the inequality gap on utilisation and provide a sustainable form of transport through collaboration with partners to help reduce impoverishment of households. Also, there is a need to address elements such as cultural barriers and the role of traditional birth attendants which hinder women from seeking skilled care even when they are freely available.
Internal Locus of Control and Sense of Coherence Decrease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Students and Professionals in Social Work

Mental health is severely challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic due to a variety of restrictions in public and private life. Students in particular may face additional and unique stressors: face-to-face classes have been largely replaced by digital formats, leading to further reduced social contacts, thus facilitating the development of psychological symptoms. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of the current peri-pandemic situation on students’ 1) locus of control and 2) sense of coherence, both of which have been linked to mental health in previous work. A total of 403 social work students from Germany participated, providing both retrospective (pre-pandemic) and current (February/March 2021) ratings. Furthermore, 324 social work professionals were included to analyze differences between both groups. Locus of control shifted significantly from internal to external during the pandemic for students and professionals. Furthermore, high mental burden correlated with increased external and decreased internal locus of control. Sense of coherence decreased during the pandemic for the entire sample and correlated with high mental burden. Overall, students showed a stronger drop compared to professionals, primarily due to a more pronounced decrease in perceived meaningfulness (all p < 0.001). In summary, students and professionals responded with increased feelings of powerlessness in the absence of sufficient coping strategies—this could lead to further deterioration of mental health as the pandemic continues. In this context, students appear to be particularly vulnerable to a reduction in sense of coherence. We conclude that interventions to improve coping strategies are urgently needed.
Deterministic and random approximation by the combination of algebraic polynomials and trigonometric polynomials

Abstract Fourier approximation plays a key role in qualitative theory of deterministic and random differential equations. In this paper, we will develop a new approximation tool. For an m m -order differentiable function f f on [ 0 , 1 0,1 ], we will construct an m m -degree algebraic polynomial P m {P}_{m} depending on values of f f and its derivatives at ends of [ 0 , 1 0,1 ] such that the Fourier coefficients of R m = f − P m {R}_{m}=f-{P}_{m} decay fast. Since the partial sum of Fourier series R m {R}_{m} is a trigonometric polynomial, we can reconstruct the function f f well by the combination of a polynomial and a trigonometric polynomial. Moreover, we will extend these results to the case of random processes.
A Clustering-Based Framework for Individual Travel Behaviour Change Detection

The emergence of passively and continuously recorded movement data offers new opportunities to study the long-term change of individual travel behaviour from data-driven perspectives. This study proposes a clustering-based framework to identify travel behaviour patterns and detect potential change periods on the individual level. First, we extract important trips that depict individual characteristic movement. Then, considering trip mode, trip distance, and trip duration as travel behaviour dimensions, we measure the similarities of trips and group them into clusters using hierarchical clustering. The trip clusters represent dimensions of travel behaviours, and the change of their relative proportions over time reflect the development of travel preferences. We use two different methods to detect changes in travel behaviour patterns: the Herfindahl-Hirschman index-based method and the sliding window-based method. The framework is tested using data from a large-scale longitudinal GPS tracking data study in which participants had access to a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) offer. The methods successfully identify significant travel behaviour changes for users. Moreover, we analyse the impact of the MaaS offer on individual travel behaviours with the obtained change information. The proposed framework for behaviour change detection provides valuable insights for travel demand management and evaluating people’s reactions to sustainable mobility options.
Molecular beam epitaxy of quasi-freestanding transition metal disulphide monolayers on van der Waals substrates: a growth study

Based on an ultra-high vacuum compatible two-step molecular beam epitaxy synthesis with elemental sulphur, we grow clean, well-oriented, and almost defect-free monolayer islands and layers of the transition metal disulphides MoS2, TaS2 and WS2. Using scanning tunneling microscopy and low energy electron diffraction we investigate systematically how to optimise the growth process, and provide insight into the growth and annealing mechanisms. A large band gap of 2.55 eV and the ability to move flakes with the scanning tunneling microscope tip both document the weak interaction of MoS2 with its substrate consisting of graphene grown on Ir(1 1 1). As the method works for the synthesis of a variety of transition metal disulphides on different substrates, we speculate that it could be of great use for providing hitherto unattainable high quality monolayers of transition metal disulphides for fundamental spectroscopic investigations.