bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulating highly eccentric common envelope jet supernova impostors
Authors: Schreier Ron , Hillel Shlomi , Shiber Sagiv , Soker Noam
Published: September 2021

We conduct three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of eccentric common envelope jet supernova (CEJSN) impostors, i.e. a neutron star that crosses through the envelope of a red supergiant star on a highly eccentric orbit and launches jets as it accretes mass from the envelope. Because of numerical limitations, we apply a simple prescription where we inject the assumed jets’ power into two opposite conical regions inside the envelope. We find the outflow morphology to be very complicated, clumpy, and non-spherical, having a large-scale symmetry only about the equatorial plane. The outflow morphology can substantially differ between simulations that differ by their jets’ power. We estimate by simple means the light curve to be very bumpy, to have a rise time of one to a few months, and to slowly decay in about a year to several years. These eccentric CEJSN impostors will be classified as ‘gap’ objects, i.e. having a luminosity between those of classical novae and typical supernovae (termed also ILOTs for intermediate luminosity optical transients). We strengthen a previous conclusion that CEJSN impostors might account for some peculiar ILOTs, in particular those that might repeat over time-scales of months to years.
Modelling spin-up episodes in accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars
Authors: Glampedakis Kostas , Suvorov Arthur G
Published: September 2021

Accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars are known to provide a wealth of physical information during their successive states of outburst and quiescence. Based on the observed spin-up and spin-down rates of these objects, it is possible, among other things, to infer the stellar magnetic field strength and test models of accretion disc flow. In this paper, we consider the three accreting X-ray pulsars (XTE J1751–305, IGR J00291+5934 and SAX J1808.4–3658) with the best available timing data, and model their observed spin-up rates with the help of a collection of standard torque models that describe a magnetically threaded accretion disc truncated at the magnetospheric radius. Whilst none of these models is able to explain the observational data, we find that the inclusion of the physically motivated phenomenological parameter ξ, which controls the uncertainty in the location of the magnetospheric radius, leads to an enhanced disc-integrated accretion torque. These ‘new’ torque models are compatible with the observed spin-up rates as well as the inferred magnetic fields of these objects provided that ξ ≈ 0.1−0.5. Our results are supplemented with a discussion of the relevance of additional physics effects that include the presence of a multipolar magnetic field and general relativistic gravity.
Limits on long-time-scale radio transients at 150 MHz using the TGSS ADR1 and LoTSS DR2 catalogues
Authors: de Ruiter Iris , Leseigneur Guillaume , Rowlinson Antonia , Wijers Ralph A M J , Drabent Alexander , Intema Huib T , Shimwell Timothy W
Published: September 2021

We present a search for transient radio sources on time-scales of 2–9 yr at 150 MHz. This search is conducted by comparing the first Alternative Data Release of the TIFR GMRT Sky Survey (TGSS ADR1) and the second data release of the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS DR2). The overlapping survey area covers 5570 $\rm {deg}^2$ on the sky, or 14 per cent of the total sky. We introduce a method to compare the source catalogues that involves a pair match of sources, a flux density cutoff to meet the survey completeness limit and a newly developed compactness criterion. This method is used to identify both transient candidates in the TGSS source catalogue that have no counterpart in the LoTSS catalogue and transient candidates in LoTSS without a counterpart in TGSS. We find that imaging artefacts and uncertainties and variations in the flux density scales complicate the transient search. Our method to search for transients by comparing two different surveys, while taking into account imaging artefacts around bright sources and misaligned flux scales between surveys, is universally applicable to future radio transient searches. No transient sources were identified, but we are able to place an upper limit on the transient surface density of <5.4 × 10−4 deg−2 at 150 MHz for compact sources with an integrated flux density over 100 mJy. Here we define a transient as a compact source with flux density greater than 100 mJy that appears in the catalogue of one survey without a counterpart in the other survey.
The mean free path of ionizing photons at 5 < z < 6: evidence for rapid evolution near reionization
Authors: Becker George D , D’Aloisio Anson , Christenson Holly M , Zhu Yongda , Worseck Gábor , Bolton James S
Published: September 2021

The mean free path of ionizing photons, λmfp, is a key factor in the photoionization of the intergalactic medium (IGM). At z ≳ 5, however, λmfp may be short enough that measurements towards QSOs are biased by the QSO proximity effect. We present new direct measurements of λmfp that address this bias and extend up to z ∼ 6 for the first time. Our measurements at z ∼ 5 are based on data from the Giant Gemini GMOS survey and new Keck LRIS observations of low-luminosity QSOs. At z ∼ 6 we use QSO spectra from Keck ESI and VLT X-Shooter. We measure $\lambda _{\rm mfp} = 9.09^{+1.62}_{-1.28}$ proper Mpc and $0.75^{+0.65}_{-0.45}$ proper Mpc (68 per cent confidence) at z = 5.1 and 6.0, respectively. The results at z = 5.1 are consistent with existing measurements, suggesting that bias from the proximity effect is minor at this redshift. At z = 6.0, however, we find that neglecting the proximity effect biases the result high by a factor of two or more. Our measurement at z = 6.0 falls well below extrapolations from lower redshifts, indicating rapid evolution in λmfp over 5 < z < 6. This evolution disfavours models in which reionization ended early enough that the IGM had time to fully relax hydrodynamically by z = 6, but is qualitatively consistent with models wherein reionization completed at z = 6 or even significantly later. Our mean free path results are most consistent with late reionization models wherein the IGM is still 20 per cent neutral at z = 6, although our measurement at z = 6.0 is even lower than these models prefer.
ZOVER: the database of zoonotic and vector-borne viruses
Authors: Zhou Siyu , Liu Bo , Han Yelin , Wang Yuyang , Chen Lihong , Wu Zhiqiang , Yang Jian
Published: September 2021

Emerging infectious diseases significantly threaten global public health and socioeconomic security. The majority of emerging infectious disease outbreaks are caused by zoonotic/vector-borne viruses. Bats and rodents are the two most important reservoir hosts of many zoonotic viruses that can cross species barriers to infect humans, whereas mosquitos and ticks are well-established major vectors of many arboviral diseases. Moreover, some emerging zoonotic diseases require a vector to spread or are intrinsically vector-borne and zoonotically transmitted. In this study, we present a newly upgraded database of zoonotic and vector-borne viruses designated ZOVER (http://www.mgc.ac.cn/ZOVER). It incorporates two previously released databases, DBatVir and DRodVir, for bat- and rodent-associated viruses, respectively, and further collects up-to-date knowledge on mosquito- and tick-associated viruses to establish a comprehensive online resource for zoonotic and vector-borne viruses. Additionally, it integrates a set of online visualization tools for convenient comparative analyses to facilitate the discovery of potential patterns of virome diversity and ecological characteristics between/within different viral hosts/vectors. The ZOVER database will be a valuable resource for virologists, zoologists and epidemiologists to better understand the diversity and dynamics of zoonotic and vector-borne viruses and conduct effective surveillance to monitor potential interspecies spillover for efficient prevention and control of future emerging zoonotic diseases.
Accurate annotation of protein coding sequences with IDTAXA
Authors: Cooley Nicholas P , Wright Erik S
Published: September 2021

The observed diversity of protein coding sequences continues to increase far more rapidly than knowledge of their functions, making classification algorithms essential for assigning a function to proteins using only their sequence. Most pipelines for annotating proteins rely on searches for homologous sequences in databases of previously annotated proteins using BLAST or HMMER. Here, we develop a new approach for classifying proteins into a taxonomy of functions and demonstrate its utility for genome annotation. Our algorithm, IDTAXA, was more accurate than BLAST or HMMER at assigning sequences to KEGG ortholog groups. Moreover, IDTAXA correctly avoided classifying sequences with novel functions to existing groups, which is a common error mode for classification approaches that rely on E-values as a proxy for confidence. We demonstrate IDTAXA’s utility for annotating eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes by assigning functions to proteins within a multi-level ontology and applied IDTAXA to detect genome contamination in eukaryotic genomes. Finally, we re-annotated 8604 microbial genomes with known antibiotic resistance phenotypes to discover two novel associations between proteins and antibiotic resistance. IDTAXA is available as a web tool (http://DECIPHER.codes/Classification.html) or as part of the open source DECIPHER R package from Bioconductor.
Between Constituent Power and Constituent Authority
Authors: Duke George , Arcioni Elisa
Published: September 2021

This review article offers a critical appraisal of Joel Colón-Ríos’s Constituent Power and the Law. It argues that while Colón-Ríos’s book is undoubtedly a major advance in scholarship on constituent power, it leaves the reader wanting more illumination in its treatment of the relationship between the descriptive and the normative dimensions of the concept.
Endoscopic Transorbital Approach to Mesial Temporal Lobe for Intra-Axial Lesions: Cadaveric Study and Case Series (SevEN-008)
Authors: Park Hun Ho , Roh Tae Hoon , Choi Seonah , Yoo Jihwan , Kim Woo Hyun , Jung In-Ho , Yun In-Sik , Hong Chang-Ki
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) has been proposed as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of skull base lesions located around mesial temporal lobe (MTL), mostly extra-axial pathology.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the feasibility of ETOA in accessing intraparenchymal MTL with cadaveric specimens and describe our initial clinical experience of ETOA for intra-axial lesions in MTL.

METHODS

Anatomic dissections were performed in 4 adult cadaveric heads using a 0° endoscope. First, a stepwise anatomical investigation of ETOA to intraparenchymal MTL was explored. Then, ETOA was applied clinically for 7 patients with intra-axial lesions in MTL, predominantly high-grade gliomas (HGGs) and low-grade gliomas (LGGs).

RESULTS

The extradural stage of ETOA entailed a superior eyelid incision followed by orbital retraction, drilling of orbital roof, greater and lesser wing of sphenoid bone, and cutting of the meningo-orbital band. For the intradural stage, the brain tissue medial to the occipito-temporal gyrus was aspirated until the temporal horn was opened. The structures of MTL could be aspirated selectively in a subpial manner without injury to the neurovascular structures of the ambient and sylvian cisterns, and the lateral neocortex. After cadaveric validation, ETOA was successfully performed for 4 patients with HGGs and 3 patients with LGGs. Gross total resection was achieved in 6 patients (85.7%) without significant surgical morbidities including visual field deficits.

CONCLUSION

ETOA provides a logical line of access for intra-axial lesions in MTL. The safe and natural surgical trajectory of ETOA can spare brain retraction, neurovascular injury, and disruption of the lateral neocortex.
Supralesional Ablation Volumes Are Feasible in the Posterior Fossa and May Provide Enhanced Symptomatic Relief
Authors: Luther Evan , Lu Victor M , Morell Alexis A , Elarjani Turki , Mansour Samuel , Echeverry Nikolas , Gaztanaga Wendy , King Hunter , McCarthy David , Eichberg Daniel G , Shah Ashish , Burks Joshua , Kaur Gurvinder , Ivan Michael E , Komotar Ricardo J
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for posterior fossa lesions remains rare as the small size of the infratentorial compartment, proximity to the brainstem, and thickness/angulation of the occipital bone creates barriers to procedural success. Furthermore, evaluation of the effect of ablation volume on outcomes is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze our institutional experience with LITT in the posterior fossa stratifying perioperative and long-term outcomes by ablation volumes.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with posterior fossa lesions treated with LITT from 2013 to 2020 were identified. Local progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, steroid dependence, and edema reduction were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis grouped by ablation volume. Preoperative, postoperative, and last known Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) were compared using a matched paired t test.

RESULTS

No differences in pathology, preoperative KPS, or preoperative lesion volume were found between patients with total (100%-200% increase in pre-LITT lesion volume) versus radical (>200% increase in pre-LITT lesion volume) ablations. Patients who underwent radical ablation had a higher postoperative KPS (93 vs 82, P = .02) and higher KPS (94 vs 87, P = .04) and greater reduction in perilesional edema at last follow-up (P = .01). Median follow-up was 80.8 wk.

CONCLUSION

Despite obvious anatomical challenges, our results demonstrate that radical ablations are both feasible and safe in the posterior fossa. Furthermore, radical ablations may lead to greater decreases in perilesional edema and improved functional status both immediately after surgery and at last follow-up. Thus, LITT should be considered for patients with otherwise unresectable or radioresistant posterior fossa lesions.
Trapping and P2-P3 Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Reanastomosis for Treatment of a Ruptured Fusiform Aneurysm: Application of Fourth-Generation Technique: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Lazaro Tyler T , Srinivasan Visish M , Cotton Patrick C , Cherian Jacob , Johnson Jeremiah N
Published: September 2021

Aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) represent the second most common posterior circulation aneurysm and commonly have complex morphology. Various bypass options exist for PICA aneurysms,
1-6
depending on their location relative to brainstem perforators and the vertebral artery, and the presence of nearby donor arteries. We present a case of a man in his late 40s who presented with 3 d of severe headache. He was found to have a fusiform right P2-segment PICA aneurysm. Preoperative angiogram demonstrated the aneurysm and a redundant P3 caudal loop that came in close proximity to the healthy P2 segment proximal to the aneurysm. The risks and benefits of the procedure were discussed with the patient, and they consented for a right far lateral approach craniotomy with partial condylectomy for trapping of the aneurysm with bypass. The aneurysm was trapped proximally and distally. The P3 was transected just distal to the aneurysm and brought toward the proximal P2 segment, facilitated by a lack of perforators on this redundant distal artery. An end-to-side anastomosis was performed. Postoperative angiogram demonstrated exclusion of the aneurysm and patent bypass. The patient recovered well and remained without any neurological deficit at 6-mo follow-up.

 This case demonstrates the use of a “fourth-generation”
5,7,8
bypass technique. These techniques represent the next innovation beyond third-generation intracranial-intracranial bypass. In this type 4B reanastomosis bypass, an unconventional orientation of the arteries was used. Whereas reanastomosis is typically performed end-to-end, the natural course of these arteries and the relatively less-mobile proximal P2 segment made end-to-side the preferred option in this case. Fourth-generation bypass techniques open up more configurations for reanastomosis, using the local anatomy to the surgeon's advantage.

 The patient consented to the described procedure and consented to the publication of their image.
Fear of Reinjury Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Manifested in Muscle Activation Patterns of Single-Leg Side-Hop Landings
Authors: Markström Jonas L , Grinberg Adam , Häger Charlotte K
Published: September 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether fear of re-injury is manifested in joint kinematics and muscle activation patterns during landings of a standardized rebound side-hop (SRSH), or in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

In this cross-sectional observational study, 38 individuals within 2 years post-ACLR were grouped into HIGH-FEAR (n = 21, median 11.2 months post-surgery) or LOW-FEAR (n = 17, median 10.1 months post-surgery) based on a discriminating question (Q9; Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-17). These individuals and 39 asymptomatic controls performed the SRSH. Three-dimensional motion recordings were used to calculate trunk, hip, and knee joint angles at initial contact and range of respective joint motion during landing. Surface electromyography registered mean amplitudes and co-contraction indexes for thigh muscles during pre-activation (50 ms) and landing phases. PROMs of knee function, knee health, and physical activity were also analyzed.

Results

The HIGH-FEAR and LOW-FEAR classification was corroborated by distinct Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-17 total and subscale scores and revealed distinguishable muscle activation patterns. HIGH-FEAR demonstrated higher biceps femoris electromyography amplitude and higher anterior-posterior co-contraction index during landing than both LOW-FEAR and controls. However, there were no fear-related differences for kinematics or PROMs. Instead, both ACLR subgroups showed different kinematics at initial contact to controls; HIGH-FEAR with more trunk, hip, and knee flexion, and LOW-FEAR with more hip and knee flexion.

Conclusion

Individuals with ACLR who had high fear of re-injury seem to have adopted a protective strategy with higher muscular activation patterns, presumably to stabilize the knee joint, compared with individuals with low fear of re-injury and controls. SRSH landing kinematics or knee-related PROMs may not be as sensitive to fear of re-injury.

Impact

Fear of reinjury following anterior cruciate ligament injury should be evaluated as an independent psychological outcome throughout rehabilitation after ACLR for improved return to sport transition.

Lay Summary

If you have an anterior cruciate ligament injury treated with reconstructive surgery, you might have a high fear of reinjury, and that can change how you activate the muscles around your knee. Your physical therapist can do a simple screening test in addition to functional tests to help reduce your fear and improve your treatment outcomes.
The Gift of Moving: Intergenerational Consequences of a Mobility Shock
Authors: Nakamura Emi , Sigurdsson Jósef , Steinsson Jón
Published: September 2021

We exploit a volcanic “experiment” to study the costs and benefits of geographic mobility. In our experiment, a third of the houses in a town were covered by lava. People living in these houses were much more likely to move away permanently. For the dependents in a household (children), our estimates suggest that being induced to move by the “lava shock” dramatically raised lifetime earnings and education. While large, these estimates come with a substantial amount of statistical uncertainty. The benefits of moving were very unequally distributed across generations: the household heads (parents) were made slightly worse off by the shock. These results suggest large barriers to moving for the children, which imply that labour does not flow to locations where it earns the highest returns. The large gains from moving for the young are surprising in light of the fact that the town affected by our volcanic experiment was (and is) a relatively high income town. We interpret our findings as evidence of the importance of comparative advantage: the gains to moving may be very large for those badly matched to the location they happened to be born in, even if differences in average income are small.
Confidence and the Propagation of Demand Shocks
Authors: Angeletos George-Marios , Lian Chen
Published: September 2021

We revisit the question of why shifts in aggregate demand drive business cycles. Our theory combines intertemporal substitution in production with rational confusion, or bounded rationality, in consumption and investment. The first element allows aggregate supply to respond to shifts in aggregate demand without nominal rigidity. The second introduces a “confidence multiplier,” that is, a positive feedback loop between real economic activity, consumer expectations of permanent income, and investor expectations of returns. This mechanism amplifies the business-cycle fluctuations triggered by demand shocks (but not necessarily those triggered by supply shocks); it helps investment to comove with consumption; and it allows front-loaded fiscal stimuli to crowd in private spending.
Associations between joint pathologies and central sensitization in persons with hand osteoarthritis: results from the Nor-Hand study
Authors: Steen Pettersen Pernille , Neogi Tuhina , Magnusson Karin , Mathiessen Alexander , Hammer Hilde Berner , Uhlig Till , Kvien Tore K , Haugen Ida K
Published: September 2021

Objective

Pain sensitization is associated with pain severity in persons with hand OA. What contributes to pain sensitization is unclear. This study explores whether hand OA pathologies and symptom duration are related to central sensitization.

Method

Participants with hand OA in the Nor-Hand study underwent bilateral hand radiography and US examination. Central sensitization was assessed with pressure pain thresholds (PPT) at remote sites (wrist, trapezius and tibialis anterior muscles) and temporal summation. We examined whether hand OA pathologies, independent of each other, including structural severity (Kellgren–Lawrence sum score, presence of erosive hand OA), inflammatory severity (greyscale synovitis and power Doppler activity sum scores) and symptom duration, were related to central sensitization, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, comorbidities and OA-severity of knee/hip.

Results

In 291 participants (88% women, median age 61 years, interquartile range 57–66 years) Kellgren–Lawrence, greyscale synovitis and power Doppler activity sum scores were not associated with lower PPTs at remote sites. Persons with erosive hand OA had lower PPTs at the wrist (adjusted beta −0.75, 95% CI −1.32, −0.19) and tibialis anterior (adjusted beta −0.82, 95% CI −1.54, −0.09) and had greater temporal summation (adjusted beta 0.56, 95% CI 0.12, 1.01) compared with persons with non-erosive disease. No associations were found for symptom duration.

Conclusions

A person’s overall amount of structural or inflammatory hand OA pathologies was not associated with central sensitization. Although persons with erosive hand OA showed greater signs of central sensitization, the small differences suggest that central sensitization is mainly explained by factors other than joint pathologies.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Parental Spending after Universal Cash Transfers: The Case of the Alaska Dividend
Authors: Amorim Mariana
Published: September 2021

Parental child-related spending represents an important pathway to promote children’s human capital development and material well-being. It is also, however, a pathway that perpetuates social inequalities given the well-known socioeconomic divide in parental spending on children. Although several studies have documented the extent to which current family income is associated with spending on children, we still know little about the causal effects of additional income on child-related spending across the socioeconomic strata. In this paper, I examine the effects of income gains due to universal and unconditional cash transfers from the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend on child-related spending. Using longitudinal household expenditure data from the 1996–2015 Consumer Expenditure Surveys, I exploit exogenous variation in the generosity of the Alaska Dividend to estimate short- and long-term disparities in parental expenditures resulting from payouts. Results provide a unique opportunity to compare the behavior of high- and low-income parents after an income boost. I find that low- and middle-income parents use cash transfers to catch up with their more affluent counterparts in the short and long term. Low-income parents are, however, unable to keep up with the long-term increases in child-related spending made by their middle-income counterparts. Implications of results for the reproduction of socioeconomic inequalities and for current and proposed cash-transfer policies are discussed.
Frequent intergenotypic recombination between the non-structural and structural genes is a major driver of epidemiological fitness in caliciviruses
Authors: Mahar Jackie E , Jenckel Maria , Huang Nina , Smertina Elena , Holmes Edward C , Strive Tanja , Hall Robyn N
Published: September 2021

The diversity of lagoviruses (Caliciviridae) in Australia has increased considerably in recent years. By the end of 2017, five variants from three viral genotypes were present in populations of Australian rabbits, while prior to 2014 only two variants were known. To understand the evolutionary interactions among these lagovirus variants, we monitored their geographical distribution and relative incidence over time in a continental-scale competition study. Within 3 years of the incursion of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2, denoted genotype GI.1bP-GI.2 [polymerase genotype]P-[capsid genotype]) into Australia, two novel recombinant lagovirus variants emerged: RHDV2-4e (genotype GI.4eP-GI.2) in New South Wales and RHDV2-4c (genotype GI.4cP-GI.2) in Victoria. Although both novel recombinants contain non-structural genes related to those from benign, rabbit-specific, enterotropic viruses, these variants were recovered from the livers of both rabbits and hares that had died acutely. This suggests that the determinants of host and tissue tropism for lagoviruses are associated with the structural genes, and that tropism is intricately connected with pathogenicity. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the RHDV2-4c recombinant emerged independently on multiple occasions, with five distinct lineages observed. Both the new RHDV2-4e and -4c recombinant variants replaced the previous dominant parental RHDV2 (genotype GI.1bP-GI.2) in their respective geographical areas, despite sharing an identical or near-identical (i.e. single amino acid change) VP60 major capsid protein with the parental virus. This suggests that the observed replacement by these recombinants was not driven by antigenic variation in VP60, implicating the non-structural genes as key drivers of epidemiological fitness. Molecular clock estimates place the RHDV2-4e recombination event in early to mid-2015, while the five RHDV2-4c recombination events occurred from late 2015 through to early 2017. The emergence of at least six viable recombinant variants within a 2-year period highlights the high frequency of these events, detectable only through intensive surveillance, and demonstrates the importance of recombination in lagovirus evolution.
Hearing Outcomes with Percutaneous and Transcutaneous BAHA® Technology in Conductive and Mixed Hearing Loss
Authors: Tobia Amjad , Yehudai Noam , Khnifes Riad , Shpak Talma , Roth Osnat , Khayr Ranin , Luntz Michal
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

To evaluate outcomes of BAHA Connect® and BAHA Attract® implantations, and to examine the prognostic utility of a preimplantation Softband®-attached processor trial.

Study Design:

Retrospective case review

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Patients who underwent Connect® (19 ears) and Attract® (25 ears) implantation between 2007 and 2017.

Intervention:

BAHA® implantation.

Main Outcome Measures:

Unaided air conduction (AC), bone conduction (BC), and speech reception thresholds (SRTs), as well as free field (FF) aided with Softband®-attached processor and with implant-attached processor thresholds.

Results:

Serviceable implant-attached processor PTA0.5,1,2 kHz (≤35 dB HL) was achieved in 89 and 88% of the Connect® and the Attract® ears, respectively, while at 4 kHz this was achieved in 68 and 32% of the Connect® and the Attract® ears, respectively (p 
= 
0.032). Significantly more Connect® ears showed alignment between FF aided with implant-attached processors thresholds and BC thresholds. The alignment between the Softband®-attached processors thresholds and implant-attached processors thresholds was similar in the two groups. Both groups exhibited similar positive improvement in the quality of life questionnaires

Conclusions:

Accessibility to sound with the implant-attached processor is well predicted by the pre-implantation Softband® trial, both in the BAHA Connect® and in the BAHA Attract® ears. Hearing rehabilitation targets at 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz are met by most Connect® and Attract® ears, while at 4 kHz the outcome with Attract® is poorer. This information should be presented to the patient during consultation prior to a decision as to the type of BAHA® device to be implanted.
The Impact of the Frequency-Specific Preoperative Sensorineural Hearing Loss to Postoperative Overclosure of Bone Conduction in Stapedotomy
Authors: Fang Yanqing , Zhang Kun , Ersbo Jack H. , Chen Bing
Published: September 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the frequency-specific relationships between the preoperative sensorineural hearing loss and postoperative overclosure of bone conduction (BC) threshold after stapedotomy.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 207 otosclerosis patients who underwent stapedotomy in our hospital. Pre- and postoperative audiometry were collected between patients with or without preoperative sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) component (i.e., SNHL group and non-SNHL group, respectively). Overclosure rate (OR), deterioration rate (DR), and their significant values (i.e., SOR or SDR) were compared between the sub-groups at each frequency to access the frequency-specific outcomes.

Results:

There were 69 patients in non-SNHL group and 138 patients in SNHL group. Postoperative success rate was similar in non-SNHL group and SNHL group. For frequency-specific outcomes, both the OR and SOR were significantly obvious in all SNHL subgroups than those in non-SNHL subgroups (p < 0.001), except at 4 kHz for SOR. Extent of overclosure and significant overclosure were more obvious in SNHL subgroups than those in non-SNHL subgroups (p < 0.01). The DR and SDR of BC were significantly obvious at 1k to 4 kHz in non-SNHL subgroups than those in SNHL subgroups (p < 0.01), however, not so for the extent of deterioration (p > 0.05). Frequency-specific success rate was similar at each frequency.

Conclusion:

Stapedotomy was efficient and safe in patients with or without SNHL component preoperatively. Frequency-specific overclosure effect was more obvious in all tone frequencies in SNHL subgroups than those in non-SNHL subgroups. For frequency-specific outcomes, about 50% BC with preoperative SNHL component at tone frequency meet postoperative significant overclosure effect, which was most obvious at low frequencies.
Doctor shopping among chronic noncancer pain patients treated with opioids in the province of Quebec (Canada): incidence, risk factors, and association with the occurrence of opioid overdoses
Authors: Kaboré Jean-Luc , Pagé M. Gabrielle , Dassieu Lise , Tremblay Éric , Benigeri Mike , Roy Denis A. , Lacasse Anaïs , Choinière Manon
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Prescription opioids continue to be involved in the opioid crisis, and a better understanding of factors associated with problematic opioid use is needed.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of opioid doctor shopping, a proxy for problematic opioid use, to identify associated risk factors, and to assess its association with the occurrence of opioid overdoses.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of people living with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) and treated with opioids for at least 6 months between 2006 and 2017 in the province of Quebec (Canada). Data were drawn from the Quebec health administrative databases. Doctor shopping was defined as overlapping prescriptions written by ≥ 2 prescribers and filled in ≥3 pharmacies.

Results:

A total of 8,398 persons with CNCP were included. The median age was 68.0 (Q1: 54; Q3: 82) years, and 37.1% were male. The 1-year incidence of opioid doctor shopping was 7.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.2–8.5. Doctor shopping was associated with younger age (hazard ratio [HR] 18–44 vs ≥65 years: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.77–2.79; HR 45–64 vs ≥65 years: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11–1.63), male sex (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.01–1.43), history of substance use disorder (HR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.01–1.72), and anxiety (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.13–1.77). People who exhibited doctor shopping were 5 times more likely to experience opioid overdoses (HR = 5.25, 95% CI: 1.44–19.13).

Conclusion:

Opioid doctor shopping is a marginal phenomenon among people with CNCP, but which is associated with the occurrence of opioid overdoses. Better monitoring of persons at high risk to develop doctor shopping could help prevent opioid overdoses.
Scale-free dynamics of Covid-19 in a Brazilian city
Authors: Policarpo J. M. P. , Ramos A. A. G. F. , Dye C. , Faria N. R. , Leal F. E. , Moraes O. J. S. , Parag K. V. , Peixoto P. S. , Sabino E. C. , Nascimento V. H. , Deppman A.
Published: September 2021

Mathematical models can provide insights into the control of pandemic COVID-19, which remains a global priority. The dynamics of directly-transmitted infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, are usually described by compartmental models where individuals are classified as susceptible, infected and removed. These SIR models typically assume homogenous transmission of infection, even in large populations, a simplification that is convenient but inconsistent with observations. Here we use original data on the dynamics of COVID-19 spread in a Brazilian city to investigate the structure of the transmission network. We find that transmission can be described by a network in which each infectious individual has a small number of susceptible contacts, of the order of 2-5, which is independent of total population size. Compared with standard models of homogenous mixing, this scale-free, fractal infection process gives a better description of COVID-19 dynamics through time. In addition, the contact process explains the geographically localized clusters of disease seen in this Brazilian city. Our scale-free model can help refine criteria for physical and social distancing in order to more effectively mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We propose that scale-free COVID-19 dynamics could be a widespread phenomenon, a topic for further investigation.
Validation of a Trans-Ancestry Polygenic Risk Score for Type 2 Diabetes in Diverse Populations
Authors: Ge Tian , Patki Amit , Srinivasasainagendra Vinodh , Lin Yen-Feng , Irvin Marguerite Ryan , Tiwari Hemant K. , Armstrong Nicole , Davis Brittney H. , Perez Emma , Gainer Vivian , Benoit Barbara , O’Connor Mark J. , Narayan Renuka , Etheridge Bethany , Stamou Maria , Leong Aaron , Udler Miriam S. , Choi Karmel W. , Miles Ayme D. , Kiryluk Krzysztof , Khan Atlas , Chen Chia-Yen , Feng Yen-Chen Anne , Huang Hailiang , Cimino James J. , Murphy Shawn , Weiss Scott T. , Lange Christoph , Ng Maggie C. Y. , Smoller Jordan W. , Lebo Matthew S. , Meigs James B. , Limdi Nita A. , Karlson Elizabeth W.
Published: September 2021

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a worldwide scourge caused by both genetic and environmental risk factors that disproportionately afflicts communities of color. Leveraging existing large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS), polygenic risk scores (PRS) have shown promise to complement established clinical risk factors and intervention paradigms, and improve early diagnosis and prevention of T2D. However, to date, T2D PRS have been most widely developed and validated in individuals of European descent. Comprehensive assessment of T2D PRS in non-European populations is critical for an equitable deployment of PRS to clinical practice that benefits global populations. Here we integrate T2D GWAS in European, African American and East Asian populations to construct a trans-ancestry T2D PRS using a newly developed Bayesian polygenic modeling method, and evaluate the PRS in the multi-ethnic eMERGE study, four African American cohorts, and the Taiwan Biobank. The trans-ancestry PRS was significantly associated with T2D status across the ancestral groups examined, and the top 2% of the PRS distribution can identify individuals with an approximately 2.5-4.5 fold of increase in T2D risk, suggesting the potential of using the trans-ancestry PRS as a meaningful index of risk among diverse patients in clinical settings. Our efforts represent the first step towards the implementation of the T2D PRS into routine healthcare.
Olfactory Bulb and Amygdala Gene Expression Changes in Subjects Dying with COVID-19
Authors: Piras Ignazio S. , Huentelman Matthew J. , Walker Jessica E. , Arce Richard , Glass Michael J. , Vargas Daisy , Sue Lucia I. , Intorcia Anthony J. , Nelson Courtney M. , Suszczewicz Katsuko E. , Borja Claryssa L. , Desforges Marc , Deture Michael , Dickson Dennis W. , Beach Thomas G. , Serrano Geidy E.
Published: September 2021

In this study we conducted RNA sequencing on two brain regions (olfactory bulb and amygdala) from subjects who died from COVID-19 or who died of other causes. We found several-fold more transcriptional changes in the olfactory bulb than in the amygdala, consistent with our own work and that of others indicating that the olfactory bulb may be the initial and most common brain region infected. To some extent our results converge with pseudotime analysis towards common processes shared between the brain regions, possibly induced by the systemic immune reaction following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Changes in amygdala emphasized upregulation of interferon-related neuroinflammation genes, as well as downregulation of synaptic and other neuronal genes, and may represent the substrate of reported acute and subacute COVID-19 neurological effects. Additionally, and only in olfactory bulb, we observed an increase in angiogenesis and platelet activation genes, possibly associated with microvascular damages induced by neuroinflammation. Through coexpression analysis we identified two key genes (CAMK2Bfor the synaptic neuronal network andCOL1A2for the angiogenesis/platelet network) that might be interesting potential targets to reverse the effects induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, in olfactory bulb we detected an upregulation of olfactory and taste genes, possibly as a compensatory response to functional deafferentation caused by viral entry into primary olfactory sensory neurons. In conclusion, we were able to identify transcriptional profiles and key genes involved in neuroinflammation, neuronal reaction and olfaction induced by direct CNS infection and/or the systemic immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Spread of Gamma (P.1) sub-lineages carrying Spike mutations close to the furin cleavage site and deletions in the N-terminal domain drives ongoing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Naveca Felipe Gomes , Nascimento Valdinete , Souza Victor , de Lima Corado André , Nascimento Fernanda , Silva George , Mejía Matilde , Brandão Maria Júlia , Costa Ágatha , Duarte Débora , Pessoa Karina , Jesus Michele , Gonçalves Luciana , Fernandes Cristiano , Mattos Tirza , Abdalla Ligia , Santos João Hugo , Martins Alex , Chui Fabiola Mendonça , Val Fernando Fonseca , Melo Gisely Cardoso de , Simão Mariana Xavier , Sampaio Vanderson de Souza , Mourão Maria Paula , Lacerda Marcus Vinícius , Batista Érika Lopes Rocha , Magalhães Alessandro Leonardo Álvares , Dábilla Nathânia , Pereira Lucas Carlos Gomes , Vinhal Fernando , Miyajima Fabio , Dias Fernando Braga Stehling , dos Santos Eduardo Ruback , Coêlho Danilo , Ferraz Matheus , Lins Roberto , Wallau Gabriel Luz , Delatorre Edson , Gräf Tiago , Siqueira Marilda Mendonça , Resende Paola Cristina , Bello Gonzalo
Published: September 2021

The Amazonas was one of the most heavily affected Brazilian states by the COVID-19 epidemic. Despite a large number of infected people, particularly during the second wave associated with the spread of the Variant of Concern (VOC) Gamma (lineage P.1), SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate in the Amazonas. To understand how SARS-CoV-2 persisted in a human population with a high immunity barrier, we generated 1,188 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences from individuals diagnosed in the Amazonas state from 1st January to 6th July 2021, of which 38 were vaccine breakthrough infections. Our study reveals a sharp increase in the relative prevalence of Gamma plus (P.1+) variants, designated as Pango Lineages P.1.3 to P.1.6, harboring two types of additional Spike changes: deletions in the N-terminal (NTD) domain (particularly Δ144 or Δ141-144) associated with resistance to anti-NTD neutralizing antibodies or mutations at the S1/S2 junction (N679K or P681H) that probably enhance the binding affinity to the furin cleavage site, as suggested by our molecular dynamics simulations. As lineages P.1.4 (S:N679K) and P.1.6 (S:P681H) expanded (Re > 1) from March to July 2021, the lineage P.1 declined (Re < 1) and the median Ct value of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases in Amazonas significantly decreases. Still, we found no overrepresentation of P.1+ variants among breakthrough cases of fully vaccinated patients (71%) in comparison to unvaccinated individuals (93%). This evidence supports that the ongoing endemic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Amazonas is driven by the spread of new local Gamma/P.1 sub-lineages that are more transmissible, although not more efficient to evade vaccine-elicited immunity than the parental VOC. Finally, as SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread in human populations with a declining density of susceptible hosts, the risk of selecting new variants with higher infectivity are expected to increase.
Characterizing cerebral metabolite profiles in anorexia and bulimia nervosa and their associations with habitual behavior
Authors: Westwater Margaret L. , Murley Alexander G. , Diederen Kelly M.J. , Carpenter T. Adrian , Ziauddeen Hisham , Fletcher Paul C.
Published: September 2021

Background

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are associated with altered brain structure and function, as well as increased habitual behavior. This neurobehavioral profile may implicate neurochemical changes in the pathogenesis of these illnesses. Altered glutamate, myo-inositol and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) concentrations are reported in restrictive AN, yet whether these extend to binge-eating disorders, or relate to habitual traits in affected individuals, remains unknown.

Methods

Using single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we measured glutamate, myo-inositol and NAA in 85 women [n=22 AN (binge-eating/purging subtype; AN-BP), n=33 BN, n=30 controls]. Spectra were acquired from the right inferior lateral prefrontal cortex and the right occipital cortex. To index habitual behavior, participants performed an instrumental learning task and completed the Creature of Habit Scale. Exploratory analyses examined associations between metabolites and habitual behavior.

Results

Women with AN-BP, but not BN, had reduced myo-inositol and NAA concentrations relative to controls in both voxels. Patient groups had intact performance on the instrumental learning task; however, both groups reported increased routine behaviors compared to controls. Women with BN also reported greater automatic behaviors, and automaticity was related to reduced prefrontal glutamate and NAA in the AN-BP group.

Discussion

Findings extend previous reports of reduced myo-inositol and NAA levels in AN to AN-BP, which may reflect disrupted axonal-glial signaling. Although we found inconsistent support for increased habitual behavior in AN-BP and BN, we identified preliminary associations between prefrontal metabolites and automaticity in AN-BP. These results provide further evidence of unique neurobiological profiles across binge-eating disorders.
mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination and Development of CMR-confirmed Myopericarditis
Authors: Kafil Tahir , Lamacie Mariana M , Chenier Sophie , Taggart Heather , Ghosh Nina , Dick Alexander , Small Gary , Liu Peter , Beanlands Rob S , Mielniczuk Lisa , Birnie David , Crean Andrew M
Published: September 2021

During the process of open peer review on MedRxiv we quickly received a number of messages from reviewers concerned that there was a problem with our reported incidence of myocarditis post mRNA vaccination. Our reported incidence appeared vastly inflated by an incorrectly small denominator (ie number of doses administered over the time period of the study). We reviewed the data available at Open Ottawa and found that there had indeed been a major underestimation, with the actual number of administered doses being more than 800,000 (much higher than quoted in the paper).

In order to avoid misleading either colleagues or the general public and press, we the authors unanimously wish to withdraw this paper on the grounds of incorrect incidence data. We thank the many peer reviewers who went out of their way to contact us and point out our error. We apologize to anyone who may have been upset or disturbed by our report.

In summary, the authors have withdrawn this manuscript because of a major error pertaining to the quoted incidence data. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.