bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in Western and Southern European countries
Authors: Brink Julia , Cullen Patricia , Beek Kristen , Peters Sanne A E
Published: August 2021

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant problem with several negative health outcomes. Disasters are linked to increased IPV, but little is known about reporting of and strategies to address IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review maps the IPV reporting during the pandemic and interventions to prevent and respond to IPV in 11 Western and Southern European countries.

Methods

Government websites, news articles and pre-prints were searched using the terms ‘domestic violence’ or ‘violence’ in combination with ‘Covid’ or ‘Corona’. Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched using the terms ‘domestic violence’ and ‘partner violence’ and ‘interventions’.

Results

Six countries showed an increase in domestic violence reports (Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Spain and UK), two countries a drop (Italy and Portugal), two countries showed no change (The Netherlands and Switzerland) and one country did not provide comparative data (Germany). Common measures to address IPV were starting a campaign (nine countries), creating online support (seven), more funding for alternative accommodation (seven) and support (eight) and use of a code word (four).

Conclusions

IPV reports or helpline calls in Western and Southern European countries in the first weeks of COVID-19 measures increased in six countries, remained the same in two countries and showed a decrease in two countries. While this review cannot ascertain the impact of the measures taken by the countries during the pandemic and beyond, this mapping provides a foundation for future research, and an opportunity to trace the efficacy of these strategies.
Sex differences in activity and health changes following COVID-19 in Europe—results from the SHARE COVID-19 survey
Authors: Scheel-Hincke Lasse L , Ahrenfeldt Linda J , Andersen-Ranberg Karen
Published: August 2021

While a female advantage in the overall survival from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been demonstrated, potential sex differences in health changes are not investigated. In a sample of 21 395 men and 29 139 women aged 50+ from the SHARE COVID-19 survey, we investigated sex differences in social activities, self-rated health and mental health following the COVID-19 outbreak. We found considerable sex differences in all European regions with women experiencing larger negative changes across all social activities and health measures than men lending support for the male–female health-survival paradox.
Primary care physicians’ attitudes and knowledge regarding medical cannabis and willingness to prescribe it: the Israeli experience
Authors: Adler Limor , Zacay Galia , Schonmann Yochai , Azuri Joseph , Yehoshua Ilan , Vinker Shlomo , Shani Michal , Heymann Anthony D , Hoffman Robert
Published: August 2021

Background

Use of medical cannabis (MC) in Israel has increased since its regulatory approval in 2016. Currently, more than 1% of Israeli adults are treated with MC; this requires primary care physicians (PCPs) to be familiar with this treatment option.

Objectives

We assessed the attitudes and knowledge of Israeli PCPs toward MC and evaluated their willingness to prescribe it for different medical conditions.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey which was distributed to PCPs in Israel. Physicians were asked about their opinions, knowledge, and willingness to prescribe MC.

Results

Two hundred and one PCPs answered the questionnaire. Their average age was 47 years (±11.2), 71% were specialists. 51% of the respondents thought that MC is an effective treatment. 63% replied that they had little knowledge and 75% indicated that they would like to deepen it. 61% of the respondents were willing to initiate an MC treatment for a dying patient, while less than 50% were willing to initiate MC treatment for various other conditions. Most respondents indicated that they were willing to renew a prescription for any approved medical condition. Willingness to prescribe MC increased for physicians who agreed that MC was effective (odds ratio [OR] 21.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.40–200.85), for physicians who strongly agreed with the statement that they had sufficient knowledge (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.58–15.83) and for residents compared with specialists (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.52–10.73).

Conclusions

Our survey revealed PCPs’ differing opinions and insufficient knowledge regarding treatment with MC. These findings suggest that continuing medical education regarding MC is needed.
Redesigning and teaching veterinary microbiology laboratory exercises with combined on-site and online participation during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Koort Joanna , Åvall-Jääskeläinen Silja
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has forced universities to find new ways to conduct learning and teaching, as traditional face-to-face teaching has been prevented or restricted to an absolute minimum in many instances. Therefore, we redesigned and taught second-year veterinary student microbiology laboratory exercises (labs) with a hybrid learning approach. For this, a novel ‘remote partner’ model was implemented in which students present on-site in the laboratory worked synchronously pairwise with their remote partner present online. A student feedback survey revealed that in this remote partner model, both on-site and online participation in the labs were experienced as being useful in improving their laboratory skills. The students' overall performance in hands-on microbiological laboratory skills and safe working practices was similar in the hybrid learning approach (the 2021 class) and in the traditional on-site participation approach (the 2018–20 classes). This study suggests that the remote partner model is an effective way to acquire microbiological laboratory skills. This learning approach can be used in the non-pandemic future and/or also be applied to other fields.
Are You Experienced? US Ambassadors and International Crises, 1946–2014
Authors: MacDonald Paul K
Published: August 2021

How important are ambassadors in international politics? While a growing body of research stresses the importance of diplomacy in international politics, it remains unclear if individual ambassadors make a significant difference or what attributes make for an effective ambassador. This paper explores these questions through a systematic analysis of 2,730 US ambassadors between 1946 and 2014. The United States is distinctive in that it sends a sizable number of noncareer political appointees to serve as ambassadors. This provides a unique opportunity to examine how an ambassador's experience shapes where they are placed and how they perform. Using various techniques to address selection effects, including matching, I find that the United States is less likely to experience a militarized dispute with a host nation when it is represented by a political ambassador. Moreover, political ambassadors with professional experience in politics or the military, those who are close to the president, and those who are appointed in permissive congressional environments are less likely to experience militarized disputes during their tenure. Individual ambassadors matter, but diplomatic experience alone is not the only attribute that makes for an effective ambassador.
Draft genomes for one Microcystis-resistant and one Microcystis-sensitive strain of the water flea, Daphnia pulicaria
Authors: Clark Amanda D , Howell Bailey K , Wilson Alan E , Schwartz Tonia S
Published: August 2021

Daphnia species are well-suited for studying local adaptation and evolutionary responses to stress(ors) including those caused by algal blooms. Algal blooms, characterized by an overgrowth (bloom) of cyanobacteria, are detrimental to the health of aquatic and terrestrial members of freshwater ecosystems. Some strains of Daphnia pulicaria have demonstrated resistance to toxic algae and the ability to mitigate toxic algal blooms. Understanding the genetic mechanism associated with this toxin resistance requires adequate genomic resources. Using whole-genome sequence data mapped to the Daphnia pulex reference genome (PA42), we present reference-guided draft assemblies from one tolerant and one sensitive strain of D. pulicaria, Wintergreen-6 (WI-6), and Bassett-411 (BA-411), respectively. Assessment of the draft assemblies reveal low contamination levels, and high levels (95%) of genic content. Reference scaffolds had coverage breadths of 98.9–99.4%, and average depths of 33X and 29X for BA-411 and WI-6, respectively. Within, we discuss caveats and suggestions for improving these draft assemblies. These genomic resources are presented with a goal of contributing to the resources necessary to understand the genetic mechanisms and associations of toxic prey resistance observed in this species.
Epigenome-wide association study of mitochondrial genome copy number
Authors: Wang Penglong , Castellani Christina A , Yao Jie , Huan Tianxiao , Bielak Lawrence F , Zhao Wei , Haessler Jeffrey , Joehanes Roby , Sun Xianbang , Guo Xiuqing , Longchamps Ryan J , Manson JoAnn E , Grove Megan L , Bressler Jan , Taylor Kent D , Lappalainen Tuuli , Kasela Silva , Van Den Berg David J , Hou Lifang , Reiner Alexander , Liu Yongmei , Boerwinkle Eric , Smith Jennifer A , Peyser Patricia A , Fornage Myriam , Rich Stephen S , Rotter Jerome I , Kooperberg Charles , Arking Dan E , Levy Daniel , Liu Chunyu ,   NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Consortium
Published: August 2021

We conducted cohort- and race-specific epigenome-wide association analyses of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) copy number (mtDNA CN) measured in whole blood from participants of African and European origins in five cohorts (n = 6182, mean age = 57–67 years, 65% women). In the meta-analysis of all the participants, we discovered 21 mtDNA CN-associated DNA methylation sites (CpG) (P < 1 × 10−7), with a 0.7–3.0 standard deviation increase (3 CpGs) or decrease (18 CpGs) in mtDNA CN corresponding to a 1% increase in DNA methylation. Several significant CpGs have been reported to be associated with at least two risk factors (e.g. chronological age or smoking) for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Five genes [PR/SET domain 16, nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group H member 3 (NR1H3), DNA repair protein, DNA polymerase kappa and decaprenyl-diphosphate synthase subunit 2], which harbor nine significant CpGs, are known to be involved in mitochondrial biosynthesis and functions. For example, NR1H3 encodes a transcription factor that is differentially expressed during an adipose tissue transition. The methylation level of cg09548275 in NR1H3 was negatively associated with mtDNA CN (effect size = −1.71, P = 4 × 10−8) and was positively associated with the NR1H3 expression level (effect size = 0.43, P = 0.0003), which indicates that the methylation level in NR1H3 may underlie the relationship between mtDNA CN, the NR1H3 transcription factor and energy expenditure. In summary, the study results suggest that mtDNA CN variation in whole blood is associated with DNA methylation levels in genes that are involved in a wide range of mitochondrial activities. These findings will help reveal molecular mechanisms between mtDNA CN and CVD.
Success of Cyclosporin and Tofacitinib Combination Therapy in a Patient With Severe Steroid-refractory Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Yang Qinglu , Chen Liang , Feng Lijin , Liu Changqin , Fang Leilei , Liu Zhanju , Sun Xiaomin
Published: August 2021

Lay Summary

At present, the conventional therapies for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) mainly include corticosteroids, cyclosporin, and biological agents. However, the treatment of patients with severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis remains a serious challenge to clinicians. This study reports a case of steroid-refractory ASUC treated with cyclosporin combined with tofacitinib after treatment failure with infliximab.
On the shape of air–liquid interfaces with surface tension that bound rigidly rotating liquids in partially filled containers
Authors: Ramé Enrique , Weinstein Steven J , Barlow Nathaniel S
Published: August 2021

The interface shape of a fluid in rigid body rotation about its axis and partially filling the container is often the subject of a homework problem in the first graduate fluids class. In that problem, surface tension is neglected, the interface shape is parabolic and the contact angle boundary condition is not satisfied in general. When surface tension is accounted for, the shapes exhibit much richer dependencies as a function of rotation velocity. We analyze steady interface shapes in rotating right-circular cylindrical containers under rigid body rotation in zero gravity. We pay special attention to shapes near criticality, in which the interface, or part thereof, becomes straight and parallel to the axis of rotation at certain specific rotational speeds. We examine geometries where the container is axially infinite and derive properties of their solutions. We then examine in detail two special cases of menisci in a cylindrical container: a meniscus spanning the cross-section and a meniscus forming a bubble. In each case, we develop exact solutions for the respective axial lengths as infinite series in powers of appropriate rotation parameters, and we find the respective asymptotic behaviors as the shapes approach their critical configuration. Finally, we apply the method of asymptotic approximants to yield analytical expressions for the axial lengths of the menisci over the whole range of rotation speeds. In this application, the analytical solution is employed to examine errors introduced by the assumption that the interface is a right circular cylinder; this assumption is key to the spinning bubble method used to measure surface tension.
The Smallest Singular Value of Dense Random Regular Digraphs
Authors: Jain Vishesh , Sah Ashwin , Sawhney Mehtaab
Published: August 2021

Let $A$ be the adjacency matrix of a uniformly random $d$-regular digraph on $n$ vertices, and suppose that $\min (d,n-d)\ge \lambda n$. We show that for any $\kappa \geq 0$, $$\begin{align*} &\mathbb{P}[s_n(A)\le\kappa]\le C_\lambda\kappa\sqrt{n}+2e^{-c_\lambda n}.\end{align*}$$Up to the constants $C_\lambda , c_\lambda> 0$, our bound matches optimal bounds for $n\times n$ random matrices, each of whose entries is an i.i.d $\operatorname{Ber}(d/n)$ random variable. The special case $\kappa = 0$ of our result confirms a conjecture of Cook regarding the probability of singularity of dense random regular digraphs.
Chiral de Rham Complex on the Upper Half Plane and Modular Forms
Authors: Dai Xuanzhong
Published: August 2021

For any congruence subgroup $\Gamma $, we study the vertex operator algebra $\Omega ^{ch}(\mathbb H,\Gamma )$ constructed from the $\Gamma $-invariant global sections of the chiral de Rham complex on the upper half plane, which are holomorphic at all the cusps. We construct a basis of $\Omega ^{ch}(\mathbb H,\Gamma )$ in terms of modular forms of $\Gamma $ and compute its character. We show that the vertex operations on $\Omega ^{ch}(\mathbb H,\Gamma )$ are determined by a modification of the Rankin–Cohen brackets of modular forms.
Beyond NFTs: A Possible Future for Digital Art
Authors: Lambert Nick
Published: August 2021

The Computer Arts Society, founded in 1969 as a BCS Special Interest Group and still going strong in its 51st year, has seen the ebb and flow of interest in various digital artforms, writes Dr Nick Lambert, Chair of the BCS Computer Arts Society SG.
How Collaboration Can Address Digital Poverty
Authors: Donaghy Dave , Crick Tom
Published: August 2021

Being digitally excluded has a huge impact on everyday aspects of life, from lack of access to significant social improvements, to health and social care, write Dave Donaghy CITP CEng FRSA MBCS and Tom Crick MBE CEng FLSW FBCS.
BCS Impact Report: Autumn 2021
Authors: Penketh Claire
Published: August 2021

Following the abhorrent online racist abuse of England footballers after the Euro 2020 final, BCS was invited to comment by a range of international media, thanks to our recent members’ survey1 on the topic, which provided an evidence base. Claire Penketh reports.
Lovelace Colloquium 2021
Authors: Barikzai Safia
Published: August 2021

The 14th BCS Women Lovelace Colloquium for undergraduate and MSc women in computing was hosted by the University of Lancaster and was held online. Dr Safia Barikzai, Associate Professor at London South Bank University, describes the day.
BCS Partner: Outsource.Dev - How to Optimise Teams When Outsourcing
Authors: Billington Greg
Published: August 2021

Ideas for team building and organisational structures for software development projects involving internal staff and outsourced developers, from Greg Billington MBCS, CEO and Founder of outsource.dev.
Insight: Futurology
Authors: Lucas Matt
Published: August 2021

There’s a great joke in Douglas Adams’ The Restaurant at the End of the Universe… writes Matt Lucas FBCS, IBM customer success manager.
Factors Compromising Glucuronidase Performance in Urine Drug Testing Potentially Resulting in False Negatives
Authors: Lee L Andrew , McGee Amanda C , Sitasuwan Pongkwan , Tomashek John J , Riley Chris , Muñoz-Muñoz Ana Celia , Andrade Lawrence
Published: August 2021

Next generation β-glucuronidases can effectively cleave glucuronides in urine at room temperature. However, during the discovery studies, additional challenges were identified for urine drug testing across biologically relevant pH extremes and patient urine specimens. Different enzymes were evaluated across clinical urine specimens and commercially available urine control matrices. Each enzyme shows distinct substrate preferences, pH optima, and variability across clinical specimens. These results demonstrate how reliance on a single glucuronidated substrate as the internal hydrolysis control cannot ensure performance across a broader panel of analytes. Moreover, sample specific urine properties compromise β-glucuronidases to varying levels, more pronounced for some enzymes, and thereby lower the recovery of some drug analytes in an enzyme-specific manner. A minimum of 3-fold dilution of urine with buffer yields measurable improvements in achieving target pH and reducing the impact of endogenous compounds on enzyme performance. After subjecting the enzymes to pH extremes and compromising chemicals, one particular β-glucuronidase was identified that addressed many of these challenges and greatly lower the risk of failed hydrolyses. In summary, we present strategies to evaluate glucuronidases that aid in higher accuracy urine drug tests with lower potential for false negatives.
Metabolic engineering of microorganisms for L-alanine production
Authors: Liu Pingping , Xu Hongtao , Zhang Xueli
Published: August 2021

L-alanine is extensively used in chemical, food, and medicine industries. Industrial production of L-alanine has been mainly based on the enzymatic process using petroleum-based L-aspartic acid as the substrate. L-alanine production from renewable biomass using microbial fermentation process is an alternative route. Many microorganisms can naturally produce L-alanine using aminotransferase or L-alanine dehydrogenase. However, production of L-alanine using the native strains has been limited due to their low yields and productivities. In this review, metabolic engineering of microorganisms for L-alanine production was summarized. Among them, the Escherichia coli strains developed by Dr. Lonnie Ingram's group which can produce L-alanine with anaerobic fermentation process had several advantages, especially having high L-alanine yield, and it was the first one that realized commercialization. L-alanine is also the first amino acid that could be industrially produced by anaerobic fermentation.
Gamma-ray emission from young radio galaxies and quasars
Authors: Principe G , Di Venere L , Orienti M , Migliori G , D’Ammando F , Mazziotta M N , Giroletti M
Published: August 2021

According to radiative models, radio galaxies and quasars are predicted to produce gamma rays from the earliest stages of their evolution. Exploring their high-energy emission is crucial for providing information on the most energetic processes, the origin and the structure of the newly born radio jets. Taking advantage of more than 11 yr of Fermi-LAT data, we investigate the gamma-ray emission of 162 young radio sources (103 galaxies and 59 quasars), the largest sample of young radio sources used so far for such a gamma-ray study. We separately analyse each source and perform the first stacking analysis of this class of sources to investigate the gamma-ray emission of the undetected sources. We detect significant gamma-ray emission from 11 young radio sources, 4 galaxies, and 7 quasars, including the discovery of significant gamma-ray emission from the compact radio galaxy PKS 1007+142 (z = 0.213). The cumulative signal of below-threshold young radio sources is not significantly detected. However, it is about one order of magnitude lower than those derived from the individual sources, providing stringent upper limits on the gamma-ray emission from young radio galaxies (Fγ < 4.6 × 10−11 ph cm−2 s−1) and quasars (Fγ < 10.1 × 10−11 ph cm−2 s−1), and enabling a comparison with the models proposed. With this analysis of more than a decade of Fermi-LAT observations, we can conclude that while individual young radio sources can be bright gamma-ray emitters, the collective gamma-ray emission of this class of sources is not bright enough to be detected by Fermi-LAT.
The impact of intrinsic magnetic field on the absorption signatures of elements probing the upper atmosphere of HD209458b
Authors: Khodachenko M L , Shaikhislamov I F , Lammer H , Miroshnichenko I B , Rumenskikh M S , Berezutsky A G , Fossati L
Published: August 2021

The signs of an expanding atmosphere of HD209458b have been observed with far-ultraviolet transmission spectroscopy and in the measurements of transit absorption by metastable He i. These observations are interpreted using the hydrodynamic and Monte Carlo numerical simulations of various degree of complexity and consistency. At the same time, no attempt has been made to model atmospheric escape of a magnetized HD209458b, to see how the planetary magnetic field might affect the measured transit absorption lines. This paper presents the global 3D MHD self-consistent simulations of the expanding upper atmosphere of HD209458b interacting with the stellar wind, and models the observed H i (Ly α), O i (1306 Å), C ii (1337 Å), and He i (10 830 Å) transit absorption features. We find that the planetary dipole magnetic field with the equatorial surface value of Bp = 1 G profoundly changes the character of atmospheric material outflow and the related absorption. We also investigate the formation of planetary magnetosphere in the stellar wind and show that its size is more determined by the escaping atmosphere flow rather than by the strength of magnetic field. Fitting of the simulation results to observations enables constraining the stellar XUV flux and He abundance at FXUV ∼ 10 erg cm2 s–1 (at 1 au) and He/H ≈ 0.02, respectively, as well as setting an upper limit for the dipole magnetic field of Bp < 0.1 G on the planetary surface at the equator. This implies that the magnetic dipole moment µP of HD209458b should be less than 6 per cent of the Jovian value.
A sparse regression approach to modelling the relation between galaxy stellar masses and their host haloes
Authors: Icaza-Lizaola M , Bower Richard G , Norberg Peder , Cole Shaun , Schaller Matthieu , Egan Stefan
Published: August 2021

Sparse regression algorithms have been proposed as the appropriate framework to model the governing equations of a system from data, without needing prior knowledge of the underlying physics. In this work, we use sparse regression to build an accurate and explainable model of the stellar mass of central galaxies given properties of their host dark matter (DM) halo. Our data set comprises 9521 central galaxies from the EAGLE hydrodynamic simulation. By matching the host haloes to a DM-only simulation, we collect the halo mass and specific angular momentum at present time and for their main progenitors in 10 redshift bins from z = 0 to z = 4. The principal component of our governing equation is a third-order polynomial of the host halo mass, which models the stellar-mass–halo-mass relation. The scatter about this relation is driven by the halo mass evolution and is captured by second- and third-order correlations of the halo mass evolution with the present halo mass. An advantage of sparse regression approaches is that unnecessary terms are removed. Although we include information on halo specific angular momentum, these parameters are discarded by our methodology. This suggests that halo angular momentum has little connection to galaxy formation efficiency. Our model has a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.167log10(M*/M⊙), and accurately reproduces both the stellar mass function and central galaxy correlation function of EAGLE. The methodology appears to be an encouraging approach for populating the haloes of DM-only simulations with galaxies, and we discuss the next steps that are required.
Rapid identification of methylase specificity (RIMS-seq) jointly identifies methylated motifs and generates shotgun sequencing of bacterial genomes
Authors: Baum Chloé , Lin Yu-Cheng , Fomenkov Alexey , Anton Brian P , Chen Lixin , Yan Bo , Evans Thomas C , Roberts Richard J , Tolonen Andrew C , Ettwiller Laurence
Published: August 2021

DNA methylation is widespread amongst eukaryotes and prokaryotes to modulate gene expression and confer viral resistance. 5-Methylcytosine (m5C) methylation has been described in genomes of a large fraction of bacterial species as part of restriction-modification systems, each composed of a methyltransferase and cognate restriction enzyme. Methylases are site-specific and target sequences vary across organisms. High-throughput methods, such as bisulfite-sequencing can identify m5C at base resolution but require specialized library preparations and single molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing usually misses m5C. Here, we present a new method called RIMS-seq (rapid identification of methylase specificity) to simultaneously sequence bacterial genomes and determine m5C methylase specificities using a simple experimental protocol that closely resembles the DNA-seq protocol for Illumina. Importantly, the resulting sequencing quality is identical to DNA-seq, enabling RIMS-seq to substitute standard sequencing of bacterial genomes. Applied to bacteria and synthetic mixed communities, RIMS-seq reveals new methylase specificities, supporting routine study of m5C methylation while sequencing new genomes.
Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Hospital-Acquired Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusBacteremia Caused by a Community-Associated PVL-Negative Strain
Authors: Lee Yun Woo , Bae Seongman , Yang Eunmi , Chung Hyemin , Kim Eunsil , Jung Jiwon , Kim Min Jae , Chong Yong Pil , Kim Sung-Han , Choi Sang-Ho , Lee Sang-Oh , Kim Yang Soo
Published: August 2021

Background

ST72-SCCmecIV, a community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strain in Korea, originated in the community and has been spreading in health care settings. Herein, we describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with hospital-acquired MRSA bacteremia (MRSAB) caused by community-associated strains.

Methods

We analyzed hospital-acquired MRSAB cases caused by ST72-SCCmecIV using a prospective cohort of patients with SAB in a tertiary hospital in Korea from July 2008 to December 2018. We compared the clinical and microbiological characteristics of ST72-SCCmecIV with ST5-SCCmecII, a representative hospital-associated genotype strain.

Results

Of the 1782 S. aureus bacteremia (SAB) cases, 628 (35.2%) were hospital-acquired MRSAB. Of the 628 isolates, 431 (68.6%) were ST5-SCCmecII and 152 (24.2%) were ST72-SCCmecIV. Patients with ST72-SCCmecIV were younger than those with ST5-SCCmecII and less likely to have a history of recent surgery, antibiotic treatment, nasal MRSA colonization, and central venous catheter placement. Compared with ST5-SCCmecII, ST72-SCCmecIV isolates were more likely to have vancomycin MICs ≤1.0 mg/L (P < .001). Osteoarticular infection as the site of infection (7.2% [11/152] vs 1.4% [6/431]) was more common in patients with ST72-SCCmecIV. There were no significant differences in the rate of recurrence (≤90 days), persistent bacteremia (≥7 days), or 30- and 90-day mortality rates between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Osteoarticular infections were more prevalent in ST72-SCCmecIV MRSAB. Mortality rates between the ST72-SCCmecIV and ST5-SCCmecII groups were not significantly different.
Learning faces as concepts improves face recognition by engaging the social brain network
Authors: Shoham Adva , Kliger Libi , Yovel Galit
Published: August 2021

Face recognition benefits from associating social information to faces during learning. This has been demonstrated by better recognition for faces that underwent social than perceptual evaluations. Two hypotheses were proposed to account for this effect. According to the feature-elaboration hypothesis, social evaluations encourage elaborated processing of perceptual information from faces. According to a social representation hypothesis, social evaluations convert faces from a perceptual representation to a socially meaningful representation of a person. To decide between these two hypotheses, we ran a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study in which we functionally localized the posterior face-selective brain areas and social processing brain areas. Participants watched video-clips of young adults and were asked to study them for a recognition test, while making either perceptual evaluations or social evaluations about them. During the fMRI scan, participants performed an old/new recognition test. Behavioural findings replicated better recognition for faces that underwent social then perceptual evaluations. fMRI results showed higher response during the recognition phase for the faces that were learned socially than perceptually, in the social-brain network but not in posterior face-selective network. These results support the social-representation hypothesis and highlight the important role that social processing mechanisms, rather than purely perceptual processes, play in face recognition.
Plasma Levels of the Cytokines B Cell-Activating Factor (BAFF) and A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL) in Schizophrenia, Bipolar, and Major Depressive Disorder: A Cross Sectional, Multisite Study
Authors: Engh John Abel , Ueland Thor , Agartz Ingrid , Andreou Dimitrios , Aukrust Pål , Boye Birgitte , Bøen Erlend , Drange Ole Kristian , Elvsåshagen Torbjørn , Hope Sigrun , Høegh Margrethe Collier , Joa Inge , Johnsen Erik , Kroken Rune Andreas , Lagerberg Trine Vik , Lekva Tove , Malt Ulrik Fredrik , Melle Ingrid , Morken Gunnar , Nærland Terje , Steen Vidar Martin , Wedervang-Resell Kirsten , Weibell Melissa Auten , Westlye Lars Tjelta , Djurovic Srdjan , Steen Nils Eiel , Andreassen Ole Andreas
Published: August 2021

Background

Immune dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and other nonaffective psychosis (SCZ), bipolar spectrum disorder (BIP) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The cytokines B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) belong to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) super family and are essential in orchestrating immune responses. Abnormal levels of BAFF and APRIL have been found in autoimmune diseases with CNS affection.

Methods

We investigated if plasma levels of BAFF and APRIL differed between patients with SCZ, BIP, and MDD with psychotic symptoms (n = 2009) and healthy control subjects (HC, n = 1212), and tested for associations with psychotic symptom load, controlling for sociodemographic status, antipsychotic and other psychotropic medication, smoking, body-mass-index, and high sensitivity CRP.

Results

Plasma APRIL level was significantly lower across all patient groups compared to HC (P < .001; Cohen’s d = 0.33), and in SCZ compared to HC (P < .001; d = 0.28) and in BIP compared to HC (P < .001; d = 0.37). Lower plasma APRIL was associated with higher psychotic symptom load with nominal significance (P = .017), but not with any other clinical characteristics. Plasma BAFF was not significantly different across patient groups vs HC, but significantly higher in BIP compared to HC (P = .040; d = 0.12) and SCZ (P = .027; d = 0.10).

Conclusions

These results show aberrant levels of BAFF and APRIL and association with psychotic symptoms in patients with SCZ and BIP. This suggest that dysregulation of the TNF system, mediated by BAFF and APRIL, is involved in the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders.
Prediction of Early Symptom Remission in Two Independent Samples of First-Episode Psychosis Patients Using Machine Learning
Authors: Soldatos Rigas F , Cearns Micah , Nielsen Mette Ø , Kollias Costas , Xenaki Lida-Alkisti , Stefanatou Pentagiotissa , Ralli Irene , Dimitrakopoulos Stefanos , Hatzimanolis Alex , Kosteletos Ioannis , Vlachos Ilias I , Selakovic Mirjana , Foteli Stefania , Nianiakas Nikolaos , Mantonakis Leonidas , Triantafyllou Theoni F , Ntigridaki Aggeliki , Ermiliou Vanessa , Voulgaraki Marina , Psarra Evaggelia , Sørensen Mikkel E , Bojesen Kirsten B , Tangmose Karen , Sigvard Anne M , Ambrosen Karen S , Meritt Toni , Syeda Warda , Glenthøj Birte Y , Koutsouleris Nikolaos , Pantelis Christos , Ebdrup Bjørn H , Stefanis Nikos
Published: August 2021

Background

Validated clinical prediction models of short-term remission in psychosis are lacking. Our aim was to develop a clinical prediction model aimed at predicting 4−6-week remission following a first episode of psychosis.

Method

Baseline clinical data from the Athens First Episode Research Study was used to develop a Support Vector Machine prediction model of 4-week symptom remission in first-episode psychosis patients using repeated nested cross-validation. This model was further tested to predict 6-week remission in a sample of two independent, consecutive Danish first-episode cohorts.

Results

Of the 179 participants in Athens, 120 were male with an average age of 25.8 years and average duration of untreated psychosis of 32.8 weeks. 62.9% were antipsychotic-naïve. Fifty-seven percent attained remission after 4 weeks. In the Danish cohort, 31% attained remission. Eleven clinical scale items were selected in the Athens 4-week remission cohort. These included the Duration of Untreated Psychosis, Personal and Social Performance Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning and eight items from the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. This model significantly predicted 4-week remission status (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) = 71.45, P < .0001). It also predicted 6-week remission status in the Danish cohort (ROC-AUC = 67.74, P < .0001), demonstrating reliability.

Conclusions

Using items from common and validated clinical scales, our model significantly predicted early remission in patients with first-episode psychosis. Although replicated in an independent cohort, forward testing between machine learning models and clinicians’ assessment should be undertaken to evaluate the possible utility as a routine clinical tool.
Rivers and landscape ecology of a plant virus, Rice yellow mottle virus along the Niger Valley
Authors: Issaka Souley , Traoré Oumar , Longué Régis Dimitri Skopé , Pinel-Galzi Agnès , Gill Mandev S , Dellicour Simon , Bastide Paul , Guindon Stéphane , Hébrard Eugénie , Dugué Marie-Jo , Séré Yacouba , Semballa Silla , Aké Séverin , Lemey Philippe , Fargette Denis
Published: August 2021

To investigate the spread of Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) along the Niger River, regular sampling of virus isolates was conducted along 500 km of the Niger Valley in the Republic of Niger and was complemented by additional sampling in neighbouring countries in West Africa and Central Africa. The spread of RYMV into and within the Republic of Niger was inferred as a continuous process using a Bayesian statistical framework applied previously to reconstruct its dispersal history in West Africa, East Africa, and Madagascar. The spatial resolution along this section of the Niger River was the highest implemented for RYMV and possibly for any plant virus. We benefited from the results of early field surveys of the disease for the validation of the phylogeographic reconstruction and from the well-documented history of rice cultivation changes along the Niger River for their interpretation. As a prerequisite, the temporal signal of the RYMV data sets was revisited in the light of recent methodological advances. The role of the hydrographic network of the Niger Basin in RYMV spread was examined, and the link between virus population dynamics and the extent of irrigated rice was assessed. RYMV was introduced along the Niger River in the Republic of Niger in the early 1980s from areas to the southwest of the country where rice was increasingly grown. Viral spread was triggered by a major irrigation scheme made of a set of rice perimeters along the river valley. The subsequent spatial and temporal host continuity and the inoculum build-up allowed for a rapid spread of RYMV along the Niger River, upstream and downstream, over hundreds of kilometres, and led to the development of severe epidemics. There was no evidence of long-distance dissemination of the virus through natural water. Floating rice in the main meanders of the Middle Niger did not contribute to virus dispersal from West Africa to Central Africa. RYMV along the Niger River is an insightful example of how agricultural intensification favours pathogen emergence and spread.
Trichotillomania and excoriation disorder
Authors: Scrandis Debra A. , Duarte Ana C.
Published: August 2021

Trichotillomania and excoriation disorder are two psychiatric conditions that have similar origins to obsessive compulsive disorder. Both can cause patients significant distress and lead to medical consequences. It is important that primary care NPs identify and refer these individuals for psychiatric treatment.
Initiating pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Ng Yeow Chye , Mayeux Jack J.
Published: August 2021

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an HIV preventive service and treatment that is continuing to evolve. With the availability of in-house lab screenings and simplified testing protocols, primary care providers are in a unique position to initiate and provide the added layer of HIV protection for their patients.
Current best practices in emergency evaluation and management of syncope
Authors: Geer Brandon
Published: August 2021

Syncope is a common medical presentation that can cost the US healthcare system up to $2.4 billion dollars annually. Much of this cost can be mitigated with proper evaluation and management in the urgent care setting, as well as appropriate use of a risk stratification system.
Professional values and role socialization of new NPs
Authors: Hampton Debra , Parrish Evelyn , Buckler Lacey
Published: August 2021

This cross-sectional study focuses on assessing factors related to role socialization of new NPs. Participants identified caring as the most important professional value, followed by activism and professionalism. Role socialization factors including a sense of belonging and forming professional identities were higher for experienced NPs.
Use of Gestational Surrogates for Women With Eisenmenger Syndrome: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Clennon Emily K. , Pare Emmanuelle , Amato Paula , Caughey Aaron B.
Published: August 2021

(Abstracted from J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021;34:526–531)

One clear contraindication to pregnancy is Eisenmenger syndrome (ES), a rare complication affecting pulmonary function. Up to 50% of ES cases result in maternal deaths.
DNAH2 facilitates the homologous recombination repair of Fanconi anemia pathway through modulating FANCD2 ubiquitination
Authors: Chang Lixian , Gao Xingjie , Wang Yuxia , Huang Chunmin , Gao Min , Wang Xiaomin , Liu Chao , Wu Wenqi , An Wenbin , Wan Yang , Zhang Aoli , Zhang Yingchi , Yuan Weiping , Zhu Xiaofan
Published: August 2021

Fanconi anemia (FA), an X-linked genetic or autosomal recessive disease, exhibits complicated pathogenesis. Previously, we detected the mutated Dynein Axonemal Heavy Chain 2 (DNAH2) gene in 2 FA cases. Herein, we further investigated the potential association between DNAH2 and the homologous recombination repair pathway of FA. The assays of homologous recombination repair, mitomycin C (MMC) sensitivity, immunofluorescence, and ubiquitination modification were performed in U2OS and DR-U2OS cell lines. In MMC-treated U2OS cells, the downregulation of the DNAH2 gene increased the sensitivity of cells to DNA inter-strand crosslinks. We also observed the reduced enrichment of FANCD2 protein to DNA damage sites. Furthermore, the ubiquitination modification level of FANCD2 was influenced by the deficiency of DNAH2. Thus, our results suggest that DNAH2 may modulate the cell homologous recombination repair partially by increasing the ubiquitination and the enrichment to DNA damage sites of FANCD2. DNAH2 may act as a novel co-pathogenic gene of FA patients.
The development of multi-kinase inhibitors as pancreatic cancer therapeutics
Authors: Dent Paul , Poklepovic Andrew , Booth Laurence , Hancock John F.
Published: August 2021

Pancreatic cancer is an almost incurable malignancy whose incidence has increased over the past 30 years. Instead of pursuing the development of modalities utilizing ‘traditional’ cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, we have explored the possibilities of developing novel multi-kinase inhibitor drug combinations to kill this tumor type. Several approaches using the multi-kinase inhibitors sorafenib, regorafenib, and neratinib have been safely translated from the bench to the bedside, with objective anti-tumor responses. This review will discuss our prior preclinical and clinical studies and discuss future clinical opportunities in this disease.
A Seat at the Table: Delivering Effective Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship Education to Advanced Practice Providers at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Lee Matthew Shou Lun , Stead Wendy
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Antimicrobial Stewardship programs promote appropriate antimicrobial use through different avenues, including education. Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) provide inpatient care in a wide-range of settings. Little is known about the educational needs of APPs at academic medical centers or the effect of educational interventions directed at inpatient APPs on clinical care. Our study looked at the effect of an educational intervention on antimicrobial prescribing by APPs for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and candiduria (ASC). We also conducted a needs assessment on the opportunities and barriers to continuing medical education.

Methods:

The educational intervention consisted of in-person interactive learning accompanied by an online video. Pre-intervention and postintervention surveys included an educational needs assessment and knowledge acquisition assessment. A retrospective chart review of adult inpatients admitted to the APP services with bacteriuria or candiduria during the 3 months pre-intervention and postintervention was performed.

Results:

Our needs assessment revealed several barriers to APP-focused education including no protected time for learning, and curricula predominantly directed at the Graduate Medical Education level. Engaged APPs had improved knowledge scores, but the proportion of treated ASB or ASC episodes did not differ between the pre-intervention and postintervention.

Discussion:

Although our educational intervention did not change prescribing patterns, the intervention increased knowledge around ASB and ASC. The potential hierarchical structure of interprofessional care teams may be a barrier to changing antimicrobial prescribing. Our study identified the possibility of a hidden curriculum at academic medical centers that does not prioritize APP educational needs.
Asking “Meaning Questions” in Evidence-Based Reviews and the Utility of Qualitative Findings in Practice
Authors: Cypress Brigitte S.
Published: August 2021

Evidence-based practice (EBP) systematic reviews are mostly conducted using etiology, diagnosis, therapy, prevention, and prognosis question format. “Meaning” or qualitative questions are very rarely used. The purpose of this article is to discuss qualitative findings' contribution to EBP through asking “meaning questions” in conducting systematic reviews and the utilization of the results to practice. Two EBP systematic review exemplars using meaning questions including the relevance and utilization of qualitative findings in health care decision-making, practice, and policy are presented. There is a need to instill an evidence-based mindset into systematic reviews that balance scientific knowledge gained through empirical research and evidence from qualitative studies. This is turn will increase awareness among clinicians and decision makers on the different ways in which qualitative evidence can be used and applied in practice.
Outdoor air pollution and anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in the Sister Study
Authors: Gregoire Allyson M. , Upson Kristen , Niehoff Nicole M. , Chin Helen B. , Kaufman Joel D. , Weinberg Clarice R. , Sandler Dale P. , Nichols Hazel B. , White Alexandra J.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations are a marker of ovarian reserve and are indicative of a woman’s reproductive lifespan. Exposure to tobacco smoke has been associated with lower AMH concentrations; however, less is known about the association between ambient air pollution and ovarian reserve.

Methods:

For 883 premenopausal Sister Study participants recruited between 2003 and 2009 in the United States, adult residential annual average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 were estimated using validated universal kriging models incorporating land-use regression. We estimated the distance in meters to the nearest major road for both adult enrollment and childhood residences. Serum AMH was measured using an ultrasensitive ELISA assay. Samples with AMH concentrations below the detection limit were analyzed using a picoAMH ELISA assay. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression was used to estimate the percent change in AMH in relation to ambient residential air pollution, categorized in quartiles and per interquartile range increase, and distance to a major roadway.

Results:

Overall, we observed little to no evidence of associations between AMH and air pollution concentrations or proximity to roadways. Women in the highest quartile of NO2 exposure, a traffic-related pollutant, had higher estimated AMH concentrations (Q4 vs. Q1, 42.9%; 95% CI = –3.4, 111.4) compared with the lowest quartile. However, lower mean AMH concentrations were observed for women living closer to a major roadway (<50 m to nearest roadway vs. ≥200 m = –32.9%; 95% CI = –56.1, 2.6).

Conclusions:

We saw little consistent evidence to support an association between outdoor air pollution and diminished ovarian reserve in US women ages 35–54.
Intervention to Reduce Stigma and Improve Knowledge of HPV and Cervical Cancer in Nigeria
Authors: Nkwonta Chigozie Anastacia , Hilfinger Messias DeAnne K. , Felder Tisha , Luchok Kathryn
Published: August 2021

We compared the effectiveness of an educational intervention at reducing stigma and improving knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer among Nigerian men and women. We used a pre-/posttest design to deliver 2 educational interventions to 266 adults. Low knowledge was observed at baseline, which improved significantly post-intervention with no difference between groups. No significant changes were observed between groups in 5 out the 6 stigma domains. Health education was effective in improving knowledge. However, the lack of positive change in stigma shows urgent need for HPV and cervical cancer stigma reduction interventions.