bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of fetal cardiac monitoring, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Valderrama Camilo E , Ketabi Nasim , Marzbanrad Faezeh , Rohloff Peter , Clifford Gari D
Published: October 2020

There is limited evidence regarding the utility of fetal monitoring during pregnancy, particularly during labor and delivery. Developed countries rely on consensus ‘best practices’ of obstetrics and gynecology professional societies to guide their protocols and policies. Protocols are often driven by the desire to be as safe as possible and avoid litigation, regardless of the cost of downstream treatment. In high-resource settings, there may be a justification for this approach. In low-resource settings, in particular, interventions can be costly and lead to adverse outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. Therefore, it is essential to consider the evidence and cost of different fetal monitoring approaches, particularly in the context of treatment and care in low-to-middle income countries.

This article reviews the standard methods used for fetal monitoring, with particular emphasis on fetal cardiac assessment, which is a reliable indicator of fetal well-being. An overview of fetal monitoring practices in low-to-middle income counties, including perinatal care access challenges, is also presented. Finally, an overview of how mobile technology may help reduce barriers to perinatal care access in low-resource settings is provided.
Spin-relaxation times exceeding seconds for color centers with strong spin–orbit coupling in SiC
Authors: Gilardoni Carmem M , Bosma Tom , van Hien Danny , Hendriks Freddie , Magnusson Björn , Ellison Alexandre , Ivanov Ivan G , Son N T , van der Wal Caspar H
Published: October 2020

Spin-active color centers in solids show good performance for quantum technologies. Several transition-metal defects in SiC offer compatibility with telecom and semiconductor industries. However, whether their strong spin–orbit coupling degrades their spin lifetimes is not clear. We show that a combination of a crystal-field with axial symmetry and spin–orbit coupling leads to a suppression of spin–lattice and spin–spin interactions, resulting in remarkably slow spin relaxation. Our optical measurements on an ensemble of Mo impurities in SiC show a spin lifetime T
1 of 2.4 s at 2 K.
Phonon-assisted Andreev reflection driven by a Majorana zero mode
Authors: Wang Xian-Di , Wang Xiao-Qi , Sun Hong-Yu , Dai Xue-Feng , Wang Qi , Gong Wei-Jiang
Published: October 2020

We investigate the Andreev reflection in the heterostructure formed by the indirect coupling between the metallic lead and Majorana zero mode (MZM) via one quantum dot which suffers from the electron-phonon interaction. Our calculation results show that at the zero-temperature limit, the MZM-governed zero-bias conductance value is independent of the electron-phonon interaction. However at finite temperature, the electron-phonon interaction exacerbates the suppression of the magnitude of zero-bias conductance. We believe that the results in this work can help to further differentiate the signature of the MZM in the Andreev reflection process.
‘BAAE’ instabilities observed without fast ion drive
Authors: Heidbrink W.W. , Van Zeeland M.A. , Austin M.E. , Bierwage A. , Chen Liu , Choi G.J. , Lauber P. , Lin Z. , McKee G.R. , Spong D.A.
Published: October 2020

The instability that was previously identified (Gorelenkov 2009 Phys. Plasmas
16 056107) as a fast-ion driven beta-induced Alfvén-acoustic eigenmode (BAAE) in DIII-D was misidentified. In a dedicated experiment, low frequency modes (LFMs) with characteristic ‘Christmas light’ patterns of brief instability linked to the safety factor evolution occur in plasmas with electron temperature T
e ≳ 2.1 keV but modest beta. To isolate the importance of different driving gradients on these modes, the electron cyclotron heating (ECH) power and 80 keV, sub-Alfvénic neutral beams are altered for 50–100 ms durations in reproducible discharges. Although beta-induced Alfvén eigenmodes and reversed-shear Alfvén eigenmodes stabilize when beam injection ceases (as expected for a fast-ion driven instability), the LFMs that were called BAAEs persist. Data mining reveals that characteristic LFM instabilities can occur in discharges with no beam heating but strong ECH. A large database of over 1000 discharges shows that LFMs are only unstable in plasmas with hot electrons but modest overall beta. The experimental LFMs have low frequencies (comparable to diamagnetic drift frequencies) in the plasma frame, occur near the minimum of the safety factor q
min, and appear when q
min is close to rational values. Theoretical analysis suggests that the LFMs are a low frequency reactive instability of predominately Alfvénic polarization.
Preparation, characterization and foaming performance of thermally expandable microspheres
Authors: Li Furong , Zhang Qingqing , Jiao Shouzheng , Sun Zhicheng , Wen Jinyue , Du Xiaoyang , Liu Ruping , Li Luhai
Published: October 2020

Thermal expansion microcapsules (TEMs) are widely used in various fields due to their unique structures. In recent years, TEMs have attracted much attention and have broad market application prospects. In this study, thermally expandable microcapsules with a core–shell structure were prepared by suspension polymerization using acrylonitrile (AN), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and methyl acrylate (MA) as monomers and low-boiling alkane as the core material. Through particle size analysis, morphology test, thermal analysis and other methods, the effects of core material types, single core material and mixed core material, dispersion system on the microcapsule structure, particle size distribution, and expansion properties were compared. Moreover, the core material with a content of 35% can make the expansion ratio of the microcapsules up to 4 times. The expansion performance of the microcapsules with a mixture of isopentane and isooctane (ratio 1:1) as the core material was increased by 27% compared with that of a single core material. In addition, comparing with colloidal SO2/PVP dispersant, the expansion ratio of the microcapsules with magnesium hydroxide as the dispersant was increased by 20%. Finally, the optimized method for preparing thermally expandable microcapsules was obtained.
Dendritic pathology, spine loss and synaptic reorganization in human cortex from epilepsy patients
Authors: Rossini Laura , De Santis Dalia , Mauceri Roberta Rosa , Tesoriero Chiara , Bentivoglio Marina , Maderna Emanuela , Maiorana Antonio , Deleo Francesco , de Curtis Marco , Tringali Giovanni , Cossu Massimo , Tumminelli Gemma , Bramerio Manuela , Spreafico Roberto , Tassi Laura , Garbelli Rita
Published: October 2020

Neuronal dendritic arborizations and dendritic spines are crucial for a normal synaptic transmission and may be critically involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Alterations in dendritic morphology and spine loss mainly in hippocampal neurons have been reported both in epilepsy animal models and in human brain tissues from patients with epilepsy. However, it is still unclear whether these dendritic abnormalities relate to the cause of epilepsy or are generated by seizure recurrence. We investigated fine neuronal structures at the level of dendritic and spine organization using Golgi impregnation, and analysed synaptic networks with immunohistochemical markers of glutamatergic (vGLUT1) and GABAergic (vGAT) axon terminals in human cerebral cortices derived from epilepsy surgery. Specimens were obtained from 28 patients with different neuropathologically defined aetiologies: type Ia and type II focal cortical dysplasia, cryptogenic (no lesion) and temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis. Autoptic tissues were used for comparison. Three-dimensional reconstructions of Golgi-impregnated neurons revealed severe dendritic reshaping and spine alteration in the core of the type II focal cortical dysplasia. Dysmorphic neurons showed increased dendritic complexity, reduction of dendritic spines and occasional filopodia-like protrusions emerging from the soma. Surprisingly, the intermingled normal-looking pyramidal neurons also showed severe spine loss and simplified dendritic arborization. No changes were observed outside the dysplasia (perilesional tissue) or in neocortical postsurgical tissue obtained in the other patient groups. Immunoreactivities of vGLUT1 and vGAT showed synaptic reorganization in the core of type II dysplasia characterized by the presence of abnormal perisomatic baskets around dysmorphic neurons, in particular those with filopodia-like protrusions, and changes in vGLUT1/vGAT expression. Ultrastructural data in type II dysplasia highlighted the presence of altered neuropil engulfed by glial processes. Our data indicate that the fine morphological aspect of neurons and dendritic spines are normal in epileptogenic neocortex, with the exception of type II dysplastic lesions. The findings suggest that the mechanisms leading to this severe form of cortical malformation interfere with the normal dendritic arborization and synaptic network organization. The data argue against the concept that long-lasting epilepsy and seizure recurrence per se unavoidably produce a dendritic pathology.
Enhanced Odorant Localization Abilities in Congenitally Blind but not in Late-Blind Individuals
Authors: Manescu Simona , Chouinard-Leclaire Christine , Collignon Olivier , Lepore Franco , Frasnelli Johannes
Published: October 2020

Although often considered a nondominant sense for spatial perception, chemosensory perception can be used to localize the source of an event and potentially help us navigate through our environment. Would blind people who lack the dominant spatial sense—vision—develop enhanced spatial chemosensation or suffer from the lack of visual calibration on spatial chemosensory perception? To investigate this question, we tested odorant localization abilities across nostrils in blind people compared to sighted controls and if the time of vision loss onset modulates those abilities. We observed that congenitally blind individuals (10 subjects) outperformed sighted (20 subjects) and late-blind subjects (10 subjects) in a birhinal localization task using mixed olfactory-trigeminal stimuli. This advantage in congenitally blind people was selective to olfactory localization but not observed for odorant detection or identification. We, therefore, showed that congenital blindness but not blindness acquired late in life is linked to enhanced localization of chemosensory stimuli across nostrils, most probably of the trigeminal component. In addition to previous studies highlighting enhanced localization abilities in auditory and tactile modalities, our current results extend such enhanced abilities to chemosensory localization.
Vortex-Assisted Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Coupled with Deproteinization for Determination of Nateglinide in Human Plasma Using HPLC/UV
Authors: Hammad Mohamed A , Kamal Amira H , Kannouma Reham E , Mansour Fotouh R
Published: October 2020

A validated method for preconcentration and determination of nateglinide in plasma was developed using vortex-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction. Different variables that affect extraction efficiency were studied and optimized, including type and volume of extractant, type and volume of disperser, pH of diluent, salt addition effect, centrifugation and vortex time. Nateglinide was extracted using 30 μL of 1-octanol as an extractant and 200 μL of methanol as a disperser. The enrichment factor reached 330 under the optimum conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet was used for detection using phosphate buffer (pH 2.5, 10 mM): acetonitrile (45:55, v/v) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The method was linear over the range of 50–20,000 ng/mL with a limit of detection of 15 ng/mL (signal-to-noise ratio = 3). Intra- and inter-day precision had %relative standard deviation <6% (n = 3) and the %recoveries were found to be between 102.5 and 105.9%. The proposed method is simple, sensitive, eco-friendly, cost-effective and powerful for microextraction of nateglinide from human plasma samples.
Prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Non-US-Born Persons by Country of Birth—United States, 2012–2017
Authors: Collins Jeffrey M , Stout Jason E , Ayers Tracy , Hill Andrew N , Katz Dolly J , Ho Christine S , Blumberg Henry M , Winglee Kathryn ,   Tuberculosis Epidemiologic Studies Consortium
Published: October 2020

Background

Most tuberculosis (TB) disease in the United States (US) is attributed to reactivation of remotely acquired latent TB infection (LTBI) in non-US-born persons who were likely infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in their countries of birth. Information on LTBI prevalence by country of birth could help guide local providers and health departments to scale up the LTBI screening and preventive treatment needed to advance progress toward TB elimination.

Methods

A total of 13 805 non-US-born persons at high risk of TB infection or progression to TB disease were screened for LTBI at 16 clinical sites located across the United States with a tuberculin skin test, QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube test, and T-SPOT.TB test. Bayesian latent class analysis was applied to test results to estimate LTBI prevalence and associated credible intervals (CrIs) for each country or world region of birth.

Results

Among the study population, the estimated LTBI prevalence was 31% (95% CrI, 26%–35%). Country-of-birth-level LTBI prevalence estimates were highest for persons born in Haiti, Peru, Somalia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Bhutan, ranging from 42% to 55%. LTBI prevalence estimates were lowest for persons born in Colombia, Malaysia, and Thailand, ranging from 8% to 13%.

Conclusions

LTBI prevalence in persons born outside the US varies widely by country. These estimates can help target community outreach efforts to the highest-risk groups.
Inter-population differences in salinity tolerance of adult wild Sacramento splittail: osmoregulatory and metabolic responses to salinity
Authors: Verhille Christine E , Dabruzzi Theresa F , Cocherell Dennis E , Mahardja Brian , Feyrer Fred , Foin Theodore C , Baerwald Melinda R , Fangue Nann A
Published: October 2020

The Sacramento splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus) is composed of two genetically distinct populations endemic to the San Francisco Estuary (SFE). The allopatric upstream spawning habitat of the Central Valley (CV) population connects with the sympatric rearing grounds via relatively low salinity waters, whereas the San Pablo (SP) population must pass through the relatively high-salinity Upper SFE to reach its allopatric downstream spawning habitat. We hypothesize that if migration through SFE salinities to SP spawning grounds is more challenging for adult CV than SP splittail, then salinity tolerance, osmoregulatory capacity, and metabolic responses to salinity will differ between populations. Osmoregulatory disturbances, assessed by measuring plasma osmolality and ions, muscle moisture and Na+-K+-ATPase activity after 168 to 336 h at 11‰ salinity, showed evidence for a more robust osmoregulatory capacity in adult SP relative to CV splittail. While both resting and maximum metabolic rates were elevated in SP splittail in response to increased salinity, CV splittail metabolic rates were unaffected by salinity. Further, the calculated difference between resting and maximum metabolic values, aerobic scope, did not differ significantly between populations. Therefore, improved osmoregulation came at a metabolic cost for SP splittail but was not associated with negative impacts on scope for aerobic metabolism. These results suggest that SP splittail may be physiologically adjusted to allow for migration through higher-salinity waters. The trends in interpopulation variation in osmoregulatory and metabolic responses to salinity exposures support our hypothesis of greater salinity-related challenges to adult CV than SP splittail migration and are consistent with our previous findings for juvenile splittail populations, further supporting our recommendation of population-specific management.
Effectiveness of the Care of Persons With Dementia in Their Environments Intervention When Embedded in a Publicly Funded Home- and Community-Based Service Program
Authors: Fortinsky Richard H , Gitlin Laura N , Pizzi Laura T , Piersol Catherine Verrier , Grady James , Robison Julie T , Molony Sheila , Wakefield Dorothy
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

In the absence of effective pharmacotherapy, there is an urgent need to test evidence-based dementia care interventions using pragmatic trial approaches. We present results from a study in which an evidence-based, nonpharmacologic intervention for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) and their informal caregivers, Care of Persons with Dementia in their Environments (COPE), was tested in a Medicaid and state revenue-funded home and community-based service (HCBS) program.

Research Design and Methods

Using pragmatic trial design strategies, persons living with ADRD and their caregivers were randomly assigned as dyads to receive COPE plus usual HCBS (COPE; n = 145 dyads) or usual HCBS only (Usual Care or UC; n = 146 dyads). Outcomes were measured prerandomization, and 4 and 12 months postrandomization. Outcomes for persons living with ADRD included functional independence, activity engagement, self-reported quality of life, and behavioral and psychological symptoms. Caregiver outcomes included perceived well-being, confidence using dementia management strategies, and degree of distress caused by behavioral and psychological symptoms.

Results

After 4 months, caregivers receiving COPE reported greater perceived well-being (least squares mean = 3.2; 95% CI: 3.1–3.3) than caregivers receiving UC (3.0; 2.9–3.0; p < .001), and persons living with ADRD receiving COPE, compared to those receiving UC, showed a strong trend toward experiencing less frequent and less severe behavioral and psychological symptoms (9.7; 5.2–14.2 vs 12.7; 8.3–17.1; p = .07). After 12 months, persons living with ADRD receiving COPE were more engaged in meaningful activities (2.1; 2.0–2.1 vs 1.9; 1.9–2.0; p = .02) than those receiving UC.

Discussion and Implications

Embedding COPE in a publicly funded HCBS program yielded positive immediate effects on caregivers’ well-being, marginal positive immediate effects on behavioral and psychological symptoms, and long-term effects on meaningful activity engagement among persons living with ADRD. Findings suggest that COPE can be effectively integrated into this service system, an important step towards widespread adoption.

Clinical Trials Registration Number

NCT02365051.
Initial Evidence for the Efficacy of an Everyday Memory and Metacognitive Intervention
Authors: Pearman Ann , Lustig Emily , Hughes MacKenzie L , Hertzog Christopher
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of an Everyday Memory and Metacognitive Intervention (EMMI) designed to improve everyday functioning of older adults. The EMMI emphasizes self-regulation as a behavioral approach to take priority over habitual behaviors that often impede everyday functioning.

Research Design and Methods

This study used a quasi-experimental design (intervention vs waitlist control) to test whether the EMMI improved several aspects of everyday cognition. Thirty-three EMMI participants (Mage = 70.24) were compared to 20 control participants (Mage = 71.70 years). The 2 groups were compared on everyday memory failures and successes, measures of well-being, subjective memory, and a prospective memory task.

Results

Participants who received the EMMI reported more memory successes and fewer memory failures over a 10-day measurement period postintervention. In addition, EMMI participants reported significantly higher life satisfaction and better subjective memory at posttest than the control group. Critically, the EMMI participants performed better on a laboratory contact prospective memory task.

Discussion and Implications

The results from this study suggest that the EMMI is a promising approach that has potential to improve everyday memory functioning and perhaps help extend functional independence. Future studies will include randomized controlled trials as well as electronic measurement of memory incidents.
Purchasing Quality Nursing Home Care in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Intrator Orna , Miller Edward Alan , Cornell Portia Y , Levy Cari , Halladay Christopher W , Barber Malisa , Corneau Emily , Mor Vincent , Rudolph James L
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) contract with nursing homes (NHs) in their community to serve Veterans. This study compares the characteristics and performance of Veterans Affairs (VA)-paid and non-VA-paid NHs both nationally and within local VAMC markets.

Research Design and Methods

VA-paid NHs were identified, characterized, and linked to VAMC markets using data drawn from VA administrative files. NHs in the United States in December 2015 were eligible for the analysis, including. 1,307 VA-paid NHs and 14,253 non-VA-paid NHs with NH Compare measures in 128 VAMC markets with any VA-paid NHs. Measurements were derived from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) five-star rating system, NH Compare.

Results

VA-paid NHs had more beds, residents per day, and were more likely to be for-profit relative to non-VA-paid NHs. Nationally, the average CMS NH Compare star rating was slightly lower among VA-paid NHs than non-VA-paid NHs (3.05 vs. 3.21, p = .04). This difference was seen in all 3 domains: inspection (3.11 vs. 3.23, p < .001), quality (2.68 vs. 2.83, p < .001), and total nurse staffing (3.36 vs. 3.42, p < .10). There was wide variability across VAMC markets in the ratio of average star rating of VA-paid and non-VA-paid NHs (mean ratio = 0.93, interquartile range = 0.78–1.08).

Discussion and Implications

With increased community NH use expected following the implementation of the MISSION Act, comparison of the quality of purchased services to other available services becomes critical for ensuring quality, including for NH care. Methods presented in this article can be used to examine the quality of purchased care following the MISSION Act implementation. In particular, dashboards such as that for VA-paid NHs that compare to similar non-VA-paid NHs can provide useful information to quality improvement efforts.
Role of technical assistance in U.S. labor and health sector collaboration to address precarious work
Authors: Bonney Tessa , Welter Christina , Jarpe-Ratner Elizabeth , Velonis Alisa , Conroy Lorraine
Published: October 2020

Precarious work has recognized adverse impacts on the health of workers; however, there are few policy, systems and environmental (PSE) change public health interventions that target the causes and consequences of precarious work. To build the capacity of health organizations to develop and implement such interventions, researchers engaged representatives from health organizations in a six-session learning process, entitled the healthy work collaborative. Representatives of labor organizations were engaged as technical assistance (TA) providers, which involved sharing content and skill knowledge with health participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with providers and participants to examine perceptions of the role of TA; providers’ motivations for providing TA; and providers’ and participants’ perceptions of the impact of TA on learning and preparing for subsequent intervention. Results suggest that the provider–participant engagement evolved from one-way knowledge translation to a robust, two-way knowledge exchange with potential for collaborative intervention development and implementation. These results highlight the ways in which this provider–participant model facilitated engagement between representatives from sectors that had not previously worked together and suggests that such a model may be effective in catalyzing multi-level, multi-sectoral PSE change to address precarious work.
Exclusion of complex aortic aneurysm with chimney endovascular aortic repair is applicable in a minority of patients treated with fenestrated endografts
Authors: Kliewer Miriam , Pelanek-Völk Elisabeth , Plimon Markus , Taher Fadi , Assadian Afshin , Falkensammer Jürgen
Published: October 2020

OBJECTIVES

The Medtronic Endurant II stent graft has recently received Conformité Européenne (CE) approval for the use in chimney endovascular aortic repair (ChEVAR) for the treatment for juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. The aim of this study was to assess the percentage of patients treated by fenestrated endovascular repair who would have been alternatively suitable for the treatment by the CE approved Medtronic ChEVAR.

METHODS

Preoperative computed tomography scans of 100 patients who underwent fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) between April 2013 and February 2017 were retrospectively assessed for the applicability of the ChEVAR technique according to the Medtronic instructions for use. Eligibility criteria included an aortic neck diameter of 19–30 mm, a minimum infrarenal neck length of 2 mm, a total proximal sealing zone of at least 15 mm, thrombus in the aortic neck in ˂25% of the circumference, and maximum aortic angulations of 60° in the infrarenal, 45° in the suprarenal segment and ˂45° above the superior mesenteric artery.

RESULTS

According to CE-approved inclusion criteria, 19 individuals (19%) would have been eligible for ChEVAR. In 81 patients, at least 1 measure was found outside instructions for use: (i) excluding factor was detected in 26 patients, (ii) incongruous measures in 28 patients and in 27 patients, 3–5 measures were outside the instructions for use. The most frequently identified excluding factor was an insufficient infrarenal neck at ˂2 mm length (n = 63; 63%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with juxta- or pararenal aneurysm treated by FEVAR are in 19% of the cases alternatively suitable for the treatment by ChEVAR within CE-approved instructions for use. While ChEVAR is suitable in many emergency cases, FEVAR offers a broader applicability in an elective setting.
Functional Interplay of Type-2 Corticotrophin Releasing Factor and Dopamine Receptors in the Basolateral Amygdala-Medial Prefrontal Cortex Circuitry
Authors: Yarur H E , Zegers J , Vega-Quiroga I , Novoa J , Ciruela F , Andres M E , Gysling K
Published: October 2020

Background

Basolateral amygdala (BLA) excitatory projections to medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) play a key role controlling stress behavior, pain, and fear. Indeed, stressful events block synaptic plasticity at the BLA-PFC circuit. The stress responses involve the action of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) through type 1 and type 2 CRF receptors (CRF1 and CRF2). Interestingly, it has been described that dopamine receptor 1 (D1R) and CRF peptide have a modulatory role of BLA-PFC transmission. However, the participation of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in BLA-PFC synaptic transmission still is unclear.

Methods

We used in vivo microdialysis to determine dopamine and glutamate (GLU) extracellular levels in PFC after BLA stimulation. Immunofluorescence anatomical studies in rat PFC synaptosomes devoid of postsynaptic elements were performed to determine the presence of D1R and CRF2 receptors in synaptical nerve endings.

Results

Here, we provide direct evidence of the opposite role that CRF receptors exert over dopamine extracellular levels in the PFC. We also show that D1R colocalizes with CRF2 receptors in PFC nerve terminals. Intra-PFC infusion of antisauvagine-30, a CRF2 receptor antagonist, increased PFC GLU extracellular levels induced by BLA activation. Interestingly, the increase in GLU release observed in the presence of antisauvagine-30 was significantly reduced by incubation with SCH23390, a D1R antagonist.

Conclusion

PFC CRF2 receptor unmasks D1R effect over glutamatergic transmission of the BLA-PFC circuit. Overall, CRF2 receptor emerges as a new modulator of BLA to PFC glutamatergic transmission, thus playing a potential role in emotional disorders.
Covid-19 and the Failure of Labour Law: Part 1
Authors: Ewing K D , Hendy Lord
Published: October 2020

In this article, we consider how Covid-19 revealed the extent to which, in Britain, the core functions of labour law have been compromised by successive governments stretching back to the 1980s and how workers collectively have been failed as a result by a discipline intended ostensibly in their interests. We seek to measure these deficits against a set of core normative principles rooted in ILO standards which we believe underpin labour law as a discipline of worker protection. We look first at the exploitation of critical workers; second at the failure generally to make adequate provision for income security; and third at issues relating to health and safety at work. Our consideration of these issues addresses both the substantive law and the means for its enforcement. Having considered the systemic failures and lack of resilience of British labour law in this article, we intend to return to the theme in Part II at a later date to address the lessons learned and the overhaul which the pandemic has revealed to be necessary.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) Vaccine Is Associated With Increased female-Male Mortality. Studies of DTP administered before and after measles vaccine
Authors: Hanifi Syed Manzoor Ahmed , Fisker Ane Bærent , Welaga Paul , Rieckmann Andreas , Jensen Aksel Georg , Benn Christine Stabell , Aaby Peter
Published: October 2020

Background

The third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP3) is used to monitor immunization programs. DTP has been associated with higher female mortality.

Methods

We updated previous literature searches for DTP studies of mortality by sex. We examined the female/male (F/M) mortality rate ratio (MRR) with increasing number of doses of DTP and for subsequent doses of measles vaccine (MV) after DTP and of DTP after MV.

Results

Eight studies had information on both DTP1 and DTP3. The F/M MRR was 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI], .88–1.57) after DTP1 and increased to 1.66 (95% CI, 1.32–2.09) after DTP3. Following receipt of MV, the F/M MRR declined to 0.63 (95% CI, .42–.96). In 11 studies the F/M MRR increased to 1.73 (95% CI, 1.33–2.27) when DTP-containing vaccine was administered after MV.

Conclusions

F/M MRR increased with increasing doses of DTP. After MV, girls had lower mortality than boys. With DTP after MV, mortality increased again for girls relative to boys. No bias can explain these changes in F/M MRR. DTP does not improve male survival substantially in situations with herd immunity to pertussis and higher F/M MRR after DTP may therefore reflects an absolute increase in female mortality.
Addressing bias in prediction models by improving subpopulation calibration
Authors: Barda Noam , Yona Gal , Rothblum Guy N , Greenland Philip , Leibowitz Morton , Balicer Ran , Bachmat Eitan , Dagan Noa
Published: October 2020

Objective

To illustrate the problem of subpopulation miscalibration, to adapt an algorithm for recalibration of the predictions, and to validate its performance.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the calibration of predictions based on the Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) and the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) in the overall population and in subpopulations defined by the intersection of age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and immigration history. We next applied the recalibration algorithm and assessed the change in calibration metrics, including calibration-in-the-large.

Results

1 021 041 patients were included in the PCE population, and 1 116 324 patients were included in the FRAX population. Baseline overall model calibration of the 2 tested models was good, but calibration in a substantial portion of the subpopulations was poor. After applying the algorithm, subpopulation calibration statistics were greatly improved, with the variance of the calibration-in-the-large values across all subpopulations reduced by 98.8% and 94.3% in the PCE and FRAX models, respectively.

Discussion

Prediction models in medicine are increasingly common. Calibration, the agreement between predicted and observed risks, is commonly poor for subpopulations that were underrepresented in the development set of the models, resulting in bias and reduced performance for these subpopulations. In this work, we empirically evaluated an adapted version of the fairness algorithm designed by Hebert-Johnson et al. (2017) and demonstrated its use in improving subpopulation miscalibration.

Conclusion

A postprocessing and model-independent fairness algorithm for recalibration of predictive models greatly decreases the bias of subpopulation miscalibration and thus increases fairness and equality.
Virtual care expansion in the Veterans Health Administration during the COVID-19 pandemic: clinical services and patient characteristics associated with utilization
Authors: Ferguson Jacqueline M , Jacobs Josephine , Yefimova Maria , Greene Liberty , Heyworth Leonie , Zulman Donna M
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To describe the shift from in-person to virtual care within Veterans Affairs (VA) during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify at-risk patient populations who require greater resources to overcome access barriers to virtual care.

Materials and Methods

Outpatient encounters (N = 42 916 349) were categorized by care type (eg, primary, mental health, etc) and delivery method (eg, in-person, video). For 5 400 878 Veterans, we used generalized linear models to identify patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with: 1) use of virtual (phone or video) care versus no virtual care and 2) use of video care versus no video care between March 11, 2020 and June 6, 2020.

Results

By June, 58% of VA care was provided virtually compared to only 14% prior. Patients with lower income, higher disability, and more chronic conditions were more likely to receive virtual care during the pandemic. Yet, Veterans aged 45–64 and 65+ were less likely to use video care compared to those aged 18–44 (aRR 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79, 0.82] and 0.50 [95% CI 0.48, 0.52], respectively). Rural and homeless Veterans were 12% and 11% less likely to use video care compared to urban (0.88 [95% CI 0.86, 0.90]) and nonhomeless Veterans (0.89 [95% CI 0.86, 0.92]).

Discussion

Veterans with high clinical or social need had higher likelihood of virtual service use early in the COVID-19 pandemic; however, older, homeless, and rural Veterans were less likely to have video visits, raising concerns for access barriers.

Conclusions and Relevance

While virtual care may expand access, access barriers must be addressed to avoid exacerbating disparities.
Burns by Ionizing and Nonionizing Radiation
Authors: Alcocer Giovanni , Alcocer Priscilla , Marquez Carlos
Published: October 2020

This article consists of the study and investigative analysis of the effects of burns by radiation in humans. Cases of nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl (ionizing radiation) and the effects of nonionizing radiation, such as infrared and microwave radiation are detailed here. It is examined cases of injuries and burns by ionizing radiation due to irradiation (diagnostic equipment and medical treatment: x-rays, radiotherapy) or contamination (nuclear accidents, wars). Injuries and burns are also caused by nonionizing radiation, such as visible light (laser), ultraviolet, and radiofrequency. Ionizing radiation, including x-rays, gamma rays, and high-energy ultraviolet rays, can cause significant biological damage to tissues, primarily targeting DNA. This damage can result in mutations within the genetic code and may lead to the development of cancer. In addition, damage to other tissues and organs can occur, as well as burns, erythema, and lesions. The biological effects of nonionizing radiation are currently under investigation. Burns, erythema, and lesions can also occur due to the following types of radiation: low-energy ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwave, radiofrequency, and electromagnetic fields. The purpose of this article is to provide an exhaustive analysis of all types of both ionizing and nonionizing radiation and their effects on living beings. Finally, it is important to follow all safety and radiation protection measures against both ionizing and nonionizing radiation.
The Importance of Clear and Careful Thinking in Clinical Ethics
Authors: Parker J Clint
Published: October 2020

Clear and careful thinking is an indispensable aid in the pursuit of answers to the difficult ethical question faced by clinicians, patients, and families. In this issue of The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy devoted to issues in clinical ethics, the authors engage in this enterprise by reflecting on morally good medical decision making, conscientious objection, presumed consent in organ donation, the permissibility of surrogate decision making, and the failure of legislative limits on the scope of euthanasia in Belgium.
Molecular Features and Functional Implications of Germline Variants in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Ma Ding , Chen Si-Yu , Ren Jin-Xiao , Pei Yu-Chen , Jiang Cong-Wei , Zhao Shen , Xiao Yi , Xu Xiao-En , Liu Guang-Yu , Hu Xin , Liang Xiao-Zhen , Yu Ke-Da , Li Da-Qiang , Jiang Yi-Zhou , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: October 2020

Background

The germline variant spectrum of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is different from that of other subtypes and has demonstrated ethnic differences. However, the germline variants of TNBC among Chinese patients and its clinical significance remain unclear.

Methods

Using our multi-omics TNBC cohort (n = 325), we determined the spectrum of germline variants in TNBC and aimed to illustrate their biological and clinical implications.

Results

Overall, 16.0% (52 of 325) of TNBC patients harbored at least 1 pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variant. These germline variants were associated with early onset of TNBC, the occurrence of contralateral breast cancer, the basal-like immune-suppressed mRNA subtype, and the homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) mutation subtype. Somatic allele-specific imbalance was observed in 54.1% of these germline variants, which was correlated with early onset of breast cancer and elevated HRD. The genes BRCA1 (7.4%), RAD51D (2.8%), and BRCA2 (2.2%) were those most frequently mutated. The RAD51D germline variants, especially K91fs, were enriched in Chinese patients with TNBC compared with Caucasian and African American patients. The Chinese-specific RAD51D germline variants were functionally associated with the instability of the RAD51D protein, HRD, and sensitivity to PARP inhibitors.

Conclusions

Chinese TNBC patients have a distinct spectrum of germline variants, with a remarkable impact on the clinical and molecular characteristics of the tumor. Integrative germline-somatic analysis may help identify TNBC patients who are most likely to be affected by their germline variants and in performing clinical interventions more precisely. The RAD51D variants enriched in our cohort may serve as therapeutic targets and guide precision treatment of TNBC.
Genetic insights into natural variation underlying salt tolerance in wheat
Authors: Li Long , Peng Zhi , Mao Xinguo , Wang Jingyi , Li Chaonan , Chang Xiaoping , Jing Ruilian
Published: October 2020

Developing salt-tolerant crop varieties is one of the important approaches to cope with increasing soil salinization worldwide. In this study, a diversity panel of 323 wheat accessions and 150 doubled haploid lines were phenotyped for salt-responsive morphological and physiological traits across two growth stages. The comprehensive salt tolerance of each wheat accession was evaluated based on principal component analysis. A total of 269 associated loci for salt-responsive traits and/or salt tolerance indices were identified by genome-wide association studies using 395 675 single nucleotide polymorphisms, among which 22 overlapping loci were simultaneously identified by biparental quantitative trait loci mapping. Two novel candidate genes ROOT NUMBER 1 (TaRN1) and ROOT NUMBER 2 (TaRN2) involved in root responses to salt stress fell within overlapping loci, showing different expression patterns and a frameshift mutation (in TaRN2) in contrasting salt-tolerant wheat genotypes. Moreover, the decline in salt tolerance of Chinese wheat varieties was observed from genetic and phenotypic data. We demonstrate that a haplotype controlling root responses to salt stress has been diminished by strong selection for grain yield, which highlights that linkage drag constrains the salt tolerance of Chinese wheat. This study will facilitate salt-tolerant wheat breeding in terms of elite germplasm, favorable alleles and selection strategies.
Contrasting dynamics in abscisic acid metabolism in differentFragariaspp. during fruit ripening and identification of the enzymes involved
Authors: Figueroa Nicolás E , Hoffmann Thomas , Olbricht Klaus , Abrams Suzanne R , Schwab Wilfried
Published: October 2020

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key hormone in non-climacteric Fragaria spp, regulating multiple physiological processes throughout fruit ripening. Its concentration increases during ripening, and it promotes fruit (receptacle) development. However, its metabolism in the fruit is largely unknown. We analyzed the concentrations of ABA and its catabolites at different developmental stages of strawberry ripening in diploid and octoploid genotypes and identified two functional ABA-glucosyltransferases (FvUGT71A49 and FvUGT73AC3) and two regiospecific ABA-8'-hydroxylases (FaCYP707A4a and FaCYP707A1/3). ABA-glucose ester content increased during ripening in diploid F. vesca varieties but decreased in octoploid F.×ananassa. Dihydrophaseic acid content increased throughout ripening in all analyzed receptacles, while 7'-hydroxy-ABA and neo-phaseic acid did not show significant changes during ripening. In the studied F. vesca varieties, the receptacle seems to be the main tissue for ABA metabolism, as the concentration of ABA and its metabolites in the receptacle was generally 100 times higher than in achenes. The accumulation patterns of ABA catabolites and transcriptomic data from the literature show that all strawberry fruits produce and metabolize considerable amounts of the plant hormone ABA during ripening, which is therefore a conserved process, but also illustrate the diversity of this metabolic pathway which is species, variety, and tissue dependent.
A genome-wide association study reveals that the glucosyltransferase OsIAGLU regulates root growth in rice
Authors: Zhao Jia , Yang Bin , Li Wenjun , Sun Shan , Peng Liling , Feng Defeng , Li Li , Di Hong , He Yongqi , Wang Zhoufei
Published: October 2020

Good root growth in the early post-germination stages is an important trait for direct seeding in rice, but its genetic control is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the genetic architecture of variation in primary root length using a diverse panel of 178 accessions. Four QTLs for root length (qRL3, qRL6, qRL7, and qRL11) were identified using genome-wide association studies. One candidate gene was validated for the major QTL qRL11, namely the glucosyltransferase OsIAGLU. Disruption of this gene in Osiaglu mutants reduced the primary root length and the numbers of lateral and crown roots. The natural allelic variations of OsIAGLU contributing to root growth were identified. Functional analysis revealed that OsIAGLU regulates root growth mainly via modulating multiple hormones in the roots, including levels of auxin, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and cytokinin. OsIAGLU also influences the expression of multiple hormone-related genes associated with root growth. The regulation of root growth through multiple hormone pathways by OsIAGLU makes it a potential target for future rice breeding for crop improvement.
GASP XXIX – unwinding the arms of spiral galaxies via ram-pressure stripping
Authors: Bellhouse Callum , McGee Sean L , Smith Rory , Poggianti Bianca M , Jaffé Yara L , Kraljic Katarina , Franchetto Andrea , Fritz Jacopo , Vulcani Benedetta , Tonnesen Stephanie , Roediger Elke , Moretti Alessia , Gullieuszik Marco , Shin Jihye
Published: October 2020

We present the first study of the effect of ram pressure ‘unwinding’ the spiral arms of cluster galaxies. We study 11 ram-pressure stripped galaxies from GASP (GAs Stripping Phenomena in galaxies) in which, in addition to more commonly observed ‘jellyfish’ features, dislodged material also appears to retain the original structure of the spiral arms. Gravitational influence from neighbours is ruled out and we compare the sample with a control group of undisturbed spiral galaxies and simulated stripped galaxies. We first confirm the unwinding nature, finding that the spiral arm pitch angle increases radially in 10 stripped galaxies and also simulated face-on and edge-on stripped galaxies. We find only younger stars in the unwound component, while older stars in the disc remain undisturbed. We compare the morphology and kinematics with simulated ram-pressure stripping galaxies, taking into account the estimated inclination with respect to the intracluster medium (ICM) and find that in edge-on stripping, unwinding can occur due to differential ram pressure caused by the disc rotation, causing stripped material to slow and ‘pile up’. In face-on cases, gas removed from the outer edges falls to higher orbits, appearing to ‘unwind’. The pattern is fairly short-lived (<0.5 Gyr) in the stripping process, occurring during first infall and eventually washed out by the ICM wind into the tail of the jellyfish galaxy. By comparing simulations with the observed sample, we find that a combination of face-on and edge-on ‘unwinding’ effects is likely to be occurring in our galaxies as they experience stripping with different inclinations with respect to the ICM.
Intensity mapping as a probe of axion dark matter
Authors: Bauer Jurek B , Marsh David J E , Hložek Renée , Padmanabhan Hamsa , Laguë Alex
Published: October 2020

We consider intensity mapping (IM) of neutral hydrogen (H i) in the redshift range 0 ≲ z ≲ 3 employing a halo model approach where H i is assumed to follow the distribution of dark matter (DM) haloes. If a portion of the DM is composed of ultralight axions, then the abundance of haloes is changed compared to cold DM below the axion Jeans mass. With fixed total H i density, $\Omega _{\rm H\, \rm {\small I}}$, assumed to reside entirely in haloes, this effect introduces a scale-independent increase in the H i power spectrum on scales above the axion Jeans scale, which our model predicts consistent with N-body simulations. Lighter axions introduce a scale-dependent feature even on linear scales due to its suppression of the matter power spectrum near the Jeans scale. We use the Fisher matrix formalism to forecast the ability of future H i surveys to constrain the axion fraction of DM and marginalize over astrophysical and model uncertainties. We find that a HIRAX-like survey is a very reliable IM survey configuration, being affected minimally by uncertainties due to non-linear scales, while the SKA1MID configuration is the most constraining as it is sensitive to non-linear scales. Including non-linear scales and combining a SKA1MID-like IM survey with the Simons Observatory CMB, the benchmark ‘fuzzy DM’ model with ma = 10−22 eV can be constrained at few per cent. This is almost an order of magnitude improvement over current limits from the Ly α forest. For lighter ULAs, this limit improves below 1 per cent, and allows the possibility to test the connection between axion models and the grand unification scale across a wide range of masses.