bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Odor discrimination in children aged 4–12 years
Authors: Oleszkiewicz Anna , Behl Oshin , Grahl Tim , Hummel Thomas
Published: March 2022

Olfaction is functional at birth and newborns use their sense of smell to navigate their environment. Yet, certain chemosensory abilities are subject to experience and develop with age. It has been argued that odor discrimination is a key ability enabling organisms to capture and distinguish odors occurring in the environment to further identify them and formulate a behavioral response. Yet, the development of odor discrimination abilities has been overlooked in the literature, with few attempts to investigate developmental changes in odor discrimination abilities independent of verbal abilities and olfactory experience. Here, building on these attempts, we propose a novel approach to studying the development of odor discrimination abilities by utilizing odor enantiomers—pairs of odorous molecules of identical chemical and physical features, but differing in optical activity. We hypothesized that discrimination of enantiomeric odor pairs in children and adolescents would be less prone to age effects than discrimination of pairs of common odors due to their encoding difficulty and their limited exposure in common olfactory experience. We examined olfactory discrimination abilities in children aged 4–12 years with regard to three common odor pairs and five enantiomeric odor pairs. The study protocol eliminated verbal and cognitive development bias, resulting in diminished age advantage of the older children in discrimination of enantiomers as compared to common odors.
Conference report: Biocuration 2021 Virtual Conference
Authors: Quaglia Federica , Balakrishnan Rama , Bello Susan M , Vasilevsky Nicole
Published: March 2022

The International Society for Biocuration (ISB) aims to promote the field of biocuration and provide a community forum for information exchange and networking. Over the past 14 years, the ISB has hosted annual international conferences, entirely dedicated to the field of biocuration, that rotate between regions across the world. These meetings bring together biocurators from various roles, including database curators, bioinformaticians, ontology developers and students. Due to the ongoing global pandemic, the 14th Annual ISB Biocuration Conference (ISB2021) was held virtually in the form of four sessions and one workshop over the course of the year. Each of the four virtual sessions included panel discussions covering (i) The Future of Biocuration, (ii) Career paths and projections in Biocuration, (iii) Addressing Implicit or Unconscious Bias: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and (iv) Strategic planning. Here we report on highlights from the virtual conference and share some of the ideas and future goals of the ISB.

Database URL:https://www.biocuration.org/14th-annual-biocuration-conference-virtual/
Effects of aspirin on dementia and cognitive function in diabetic patients: the ASCEND trial
Authors: Parish Sarah , Mafham Marion , Offer Alison , Barton Jill , Wallendszus Karl , Stevens William , Buck Georgina , Haynes Richard , Collins Rory , Bowman Louise , Armitage Jane
Published: March 2022

Aims

Aspirin is widely used in cardiovascular disease prevention but is also associated with an increased risk of bleeding. The net effect of aspirin on dementia and cognitive impairment is uncertain.

Methods and results

In the ASCEND trial, 15 480 people from the UK with diabetes and no history of cardiovascular disease were randomized to aspirin 100 mg daily or matching placebo for a mean of 7.4 years. The 15 427 ASCEND participants with no recorded dementia prior to baseline were included in this cognitive study with a primary pre-specified outcome of ‘broad dementia’, comprising dementia, cognitive impairment, or confusion. This was ascertained through participant, carer, or general practitioner report or hospital admission diagnosis, by 31 March 2019 (∼2 years beyond the scheduled treatment period). The broad dementia outcome occurred in a similar percentage of participants in the aspirin group and placebo group: 548 participants (7.1%) vs. 598 (7.8%), rate ratio 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.81–1.02]. Thus, the CI excluded proportional hazards of >2% and proportional benefits of >19%.

Conclusion

Aspirin does not have a large proportional effect on the risk of dementia. Trials or meta-analyses with larger total numbers of incident dementia cases to increase statistical power are needed to assess whether any modest proportional 10–15% benefits of 5–7 years of aspirin use on dementia exist.

Clinical Trial Registration

Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN60635500; ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00135226.
Baryon acoustic oscillations in thin redshift shells from BOSS DR12 and eBOSS DR16 galaxies
Authors: Menote Ranier , Marra Valerio
Published: March 2022

In an age of large astronomical data sets and severe cosmological tensions, the case for model independent analyses is compelling. We present a set of 14 baryon acoustic oscillations measurements in thin redshift shells with $3\,\mathrm{ per} \,\mathrm{ cent}$ precision that were obtained by analysing BOSS DR12 and eBOSS DR16 galaxies in the redshift range 0.32 < z < 0.66. Thanks to the use of thin shells, the analysis is carried out using just redshifts and angles so that the fiducial model is only introduced when considering the mock catalogues, necessary for the covariance matrix estimation and the pipeline validation. We compare our measurements, with and without supernova data, to the corresponding constraints from Planck 2018, finding good compatibility. A Monte Python module for this likelihood is available at github.com/ranier137/angularBAO.
Single-dish 1-cm-band radio photometry of protoplanetary discs: few centimetre-sized dust grains?
Authors: Greaves Jane S , Mason Brian
Published: March 2022

Radio-wavelength observations of protoplanetary discs can show whether large dust grains (pebbles) have formed on the pathway to aggregation of planetary cores. The 100-m Green Bank Telescope was used to make a four-subband (26–40 GHz) photometric survey of the Taurus and Ophiuchus regions, which is nearly complete for class II systems above fixed millimetre-flux thresholds. There is evidence of anomalous microwave emission in 40 per cent of the systems, indicating that radio observations of protoplanetary discs need good spectral coverage to distinguish the presence of dust. At most, one-quarter of the systems are seen to host pebbles, of radii as large as 1 cm. The lack of pebble-dominated systems suggests that this is a short-lived phase in particle size evolution, and/or that pebbles only grow in limited areas of the disc. Either case supports models where grains of centimetre size rapidly fragment and/or drift towards the star, potentially feeding growing planets. In the best-fitting systems, including the 26–40 GHz data raises the detected dust mass by up to an order of magnitude, and the mass distribution of the discs may be flatter. Both of these phenomena could help to solve the ‘missing mass’ problem, where the solid budget in protoplanetary discs is compared with the substantial requirements of extrasolar-planet systems.
Search and sequence analysis tools services from EMBL-EBI in 2022
Authors: Madeira Fábio , Pearce Matt , Tivey Adrian R N , Basutkar Prasad , Lee Joon , Edbali Ossama , Madhusoodanan Nandana , Kolesnikov Anton , Lopez Rodrigo
Published: March 2022

The EMBL-EBI search and sequence analysis tools frameworks provide integrated access to EMBL-EBI’s data resources and core bioinformatics analytical tools. EBI Search (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/ebisearch) provides a full-text search engine across nearly 5 billion entries, while the Job Dispatcher tools framework (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/services) enables the scientific community to perform a diverse range of sequence analysis using popular bioinformatics applications. Both allow users to interact through user-friendly web applications, as well as via RESTful and SOAP-based APIs. Here, we describe recent improvements to these services and updates made to accommodate the increasing data requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Percutaneous Versus Open Pedicle Screw Fixation for Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine
Authors: Cabrera Juan P. , Camino-Willhuber Gastón , Muthu Sathish , Guiroy Alfredo , Valacco Marcelo , Pola Enrico
Published: March 2022

Study Design:

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective:

This meta-analysis aimed to compare percutaneous (PPS) versus open pedicle screw (OPS) fixation for treatment of thoracic and lumbar spondylodiscitis.

Summary of Background Data:

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis of the thoracic and lumbar spine can produce instability, deformity, and/or neurological compromise. When medical treatment is unsuccessful, surgical treatment is indicated, with the conventional open approach the usual standard of care. However, percutaneous techniques can be advantageous in medically vulnerable patients.

Materials and Methods:

A literature search was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, looking for comparative articles on pyogenic spondylodiscitis requiring surgical stabilization with pedicle screws. This systematic review is reported according to PRISMA guidelines.

Results:

From 215 articles initially identified, 7 retrospective studies were analyzed, encapsulating an overall sample of 722 patients: 405 male (56.1%) and 317 female (43.9%). The treatment modality was PPS fixation in 342 patients (47.4%) and OPS fixation in 380 (52.6%). For PPS, operating time was 29.75 minutes (P<0.0001), blood loss 390.18 mL (P<0.00001), postoperative pain 1.54 points (P<0.00001), and length of stay 4.49 days (P=0.001) less than with OPS fixation, and wound infection 7.2% (P=0.003) less frequent. No difference in screw misplacement (P=0.94) or loosening (P=0.33) rates was observed.

Conclusion:

Employing PPS fixation to treat pyogenic spondylodiscitis of the thoracic and lumbar spine is associated with significantly reduced operating time, blood loss, postoperative pain, length of stay, and rates of wound infection than OPS fixation, with no difference between the 2 treatments in rates of screw misplacement or screw loosening.
Influence of Preoperative Severity on Postoperative Improvement Among Patients With Myeloradiculopathy Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Cha Elliot D.K. , Lynch Conor P. , Patel Madhav R. , Jacob Kevin C. , Geoghegan Cara E. , Pawlowski Hanna , Vanjani Nisheka N. , Prabhu Michael C. , Singh Kern
Published: March 2022

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Objective:

The aim was to determine how neck pain and disability improve following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion among patients with myeloradiculopathy.

Summary of Background Data:

Neck pain and disability have traditionally been assessed using the neck disability index (NDI) and visual analog scale (VAS). Few studies have investigated how neck pain/disability improve differently among patients with symptoms of both myelopathy and radiculopathy.

Methods:

Patients were identified through retrospective review of a prospective surgical database from 2013 to 2020. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) collected included VAS neck and arm, NDI, 12-Item Short Form physical composite score (SF-12 PCS), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical function (PROMIS PF), and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). PROMs were collected preoperatively and up to 1-year postoperatively. Patients were categorized by preoperative symptom severity: high VAS arm (>7); high NDI (>55); high VAS arm and NDI; and moderate symptoms. Linear and logistic regression evaluated the impact of preoperative symptom severity on PROM scores and achievement of minimum clinically important difference (MCID), respectively.

Results:

A total of 187 patients were included, 98 with neither high VAS arm nor NDI (moderate group), 14 with high NDI, 46 with high VAS arm, and 29 with high NDI and VAS arm. Postoperatively, greater symptom severity was a significant predictor of VAS neck (all timepoints; P≤0.002, all), VAS arm (6 weeks; P=0.007), NDI (6 weeks to 6 months; P<0.001, all), SF-12 PCS (6 months; P=0.004), PROMIS PF (6 weeks; P=0.007), and PHQ-9 (6 weeks to 6 months; P<0.001, all). Mean postoperative improvement was different among the four severity groups for VAS arm, NDI, and VAS neck (except for 1-year) (P≤0.002, all). Overall MCID achievement rates were significantly greater among higher symptom severity groups across VAS arm and NDI (P≤0.003, both).

Conclusion:

PROM improvement and MCID achievement for NDI, VAS neck, and VAS arm differed based on symptom severity.
Oxygen Targets During Mechanical Ventilation in the ICU: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cumpstey Andrew F. , Oldman Alex H. , Martin Daniel S. , Smith Andrew , Grocott Michael P. W.
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Patients admitted to intensive care often require treatment with invasive mechanical ventilation and high concentrations of oxygen. Mechanical ventilation can cause acute lung injury that may be exacerbated by oxygen therapy. Uncertainty remains about which oxygen therapy targets result in the best clinical outcomes for these patients. This review aims to determine whether higher or lower oxygenation targets are beneficial for mechanically ventilated adult patients.

DATA SOURCES:

Excerpta Medica dataBASE, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, and Cochrane medical databases were searched from inception through to February 28, 2021.

STUDY SELECTION:

Randomized controlled trials comparing higher and lower oxygen targets in adult patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy in an intensive care setting.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Study setting, participant type, participant numbers, and intervention targets were captured. Outcome measures included “mortality at longest follow-up” (primary), mechanical ventilator duration and free days, vasopressor-free days, patients on renal replacement therapy, renal replacement free days, cost benefit, and quality of life scores. Evidence certainty and risk of bias were evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A random-effects models was used. Post hoc subgroup analysis looked separately at studies comparing hypoxemia versus normoxemia and normoxemia versus hyperoxemia.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Data from eight trials (4,415 participants) were analyzed. Comparing higher and lower oxygen targets, there was no difference in mortality (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.74–1.22), but heterogeneous and overlapping target ranges limit the validity and clinical relevance of this finding. Data from seven studies (n = 4,245) demonstrated targeting normoxemia compared with hyperoxemia may reduce mortality at longest follow-up (0.73 [0.57–0.95]) but this estimate had very low certainty. There was no difference in mortality between targeting relative hypoxemia or normoxemia (1.20 [0.83–1.73]).

CONCLUSIONS:

This systematic review and meta-analysis identified possible increased mortality with liberal oxygen targeting strategies and no difference in morbidity between high or low oxygen targets in mechanically ventilated adults. Findings were limited by substantial heterogeneity in study methodology and further research is urgently required to define optimal oxygen therapy targets.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Real-Time Throughput Analysis: Development and Implementation of an Innovative Data Collection Tool
Authors: Skaggs Michael D. , Wendel Sarah K. , Zane Richard D. , Resnick-Ault Daniel
Published: March 2022

Background:

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented the healthcare system with a plethora of challenges, including implementation of an efficient vaccination strategy. Mass vaccinations have been used during previous pandemics; however, the associated data have largely been limited to theoretical simulations and post hoc analysis.

Methods:

An innovative data collection tool was created to deliver real-time data analysis during a drive-through mass vaccination. Patients were assigned unique identification numbers at the clinic entrance. Using these identification numbers, and the web-based spreadsheet, patients were tracked throughout the vaccination process. Static timestamps corresponding to the entry and exit at each checkpoint were recorded in real time.

Results:

Data were collected on a total of 3,744 vehicles over five clinic days. Total time was collected, from entry to exit, on 2,860 vehicles. Registration and vaccination times were collected on 3,111 vehicles. Of the vehicles sampled, 1,588 (42%) had data points associated with all checkpoints.

Conclusions:

This open-source, innovative data collection tool was successfully implemented in our mass vaccination clinic for tracking patients in real time providing actionable data on overall throughput efficiency. This cost-effective tool can be used on a variety of healthcare-related projects to provide data-driven evaluation on the efficiency of care.
The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Transmural Approach in the Management of Biliary Obstructions
Authors: Jagielski Mateusz , Zieliński Michał , Piątkowski Jacek , Jackowski Marek
Published: March 2022

Background:

Transpapillary biliary drainage in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an established method for treatment of patients with benign and malignant biliary obstruction. However, attempts to gain access to the biliary tract through the major duodenal papilla during ERCP have been unsuccessful in some patients. This study aims to determine the role of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided transmural approach in biliary endotherapy in case of failed ERCP.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective analysis of the treatment outcomes of all 896 patients with obstructive jaundice secondary to biliary obstruction, who underwent endoscopic treatment in the years 2016-2021 at our institution.

Results:

Effective drainage of bile ducts through the major duodenal papilla during ERCP was achieved in 772/896 (86.16%) patients with biliary obstruction. In 124/896 (13.84%) patients [92 males, 32 females; mean age 63.52 (46 to 89) y] ERCP failed and EUS-guided transmural approach was performed. Benign biliary obstruction was identified in 17/124 (13.71%) patients; the remaining 107/124 (86.29%) were diagnosed with malignant biliary obstruction. EUS-guided endoscopic transpapillary biliary tract stenting with transmural access was performed in 21/124 (16.94%) patients; the remaining 103/124 (83.06%) required extra-anatomic transmural anastomosis of the bile ducts to the gastrointestinal tract. Technical success was achieved in 121/124 (97.58%) patients, while clinical success was achieved in 112/124 (90.32%). Complications were reported in 15/124 (12.1%) patients; with early complications in 12 and late complications in 3.

Conclusions:

Various methods of EUS-guided transmural access to bile ducts improves endotherapy outcomes of patients with biliary obstruction. Endoscopic transmural access is highly effective and associated with an acceptable number of complications.
US Central Command military blood utilization practices 2011 to 2020
Authors: Hall Andrew B. , Qureshi Iram , McMinn Heidi , Kuper Joshua , Gurney Jennifer M. , Tadlock Matthew D. , Cardin Sylvain
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Military involvement in Afghanistan ended in 2021, and while low-intensity troop engagements continue globally, casualty numbers are dwindling. To understand the clinical and operational connections between blood utilization and clinical paradigm shifts in resuscitation strategies, a review of blood product utilization and the changes in the last decade was conducted within the US Central Command area of responsibility. The intent of this review was to assess patterns of blood use during the last decade of the United States' involvement in the most recent major conflicts to potentially inform future blood requirements.

METHODS

Blood product and types transfused between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020, were acquired from the Medical Situational Awareness in Theater blood reports. All reported blood usage data in the US Central Command area of responsibility were queried.

RESULTS

Packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) usage showed no statistically significant change over time (τ
b = 0.24, p = 0.3252; τ
b = −0.47, p = 0.0603). Fresh and stored whole blood (SWB) use increased overtime (τ
b = 0.69, p = 0.0056; τ
b = 0.83, p = 0.0015). A strong inverse relationship was found between SWB and FFP usage (r = −0.68, p = 0.0309) and liquid plasma and FFP usage (r = −0.65, p = 0.0407) over time.

CONCLUSION

Whole blood usage increased significantly over time with a preference for SWB. Component therapy is anticipated to remain a critical element of resuscitation in the event of large-scale combat operations secondary to supply chain and longer storage times.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management; Level III.
Infection Prevention and Control practices; an exploratory qualitative study of experiences of health care providers and support staff at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Zimba Martin Magule , Dorothy Chanda O. , Mulubwa Chama , Ngoma-Hazemba Alice
Published: March 2022

Background

Infection Prevention and Control is a public health concern to abate Hospital Acquired Infections. Hospital Acquired Infections are known to complicate clinical care, increase length of stay in hospitals and particularly have disturbing effects on patients’ recovery as well as devastating effects on health care facilities, especially in low resource settings. However, with effective infection prevention practices, the Microorganisms can be eradicated through proper hand hygiene practices of the health workers and proper waste management and disposal/adequate environmental sanitation.

We explored the experiences of health care providers and support staffing infection prevention practices in selected clinical areas at the University Teaching Hospital, in Lusaka.

Material and Methods

This was a qualitative study that used an exploratory research design. The exploratory design allowed the participants to give in-depth narratives from their work environments as well as enabled the researcher to observe their Infection Prevention Practices. The observations provided an opportunity to make varied conclusions on compliance to infection prevention practices. The researcher collected data using an interview guide from the thirty (30) study respondents. Observations were conducted in their work environments to strengthen the conclusions made. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and then imported into Nvivo Version 11 for data management and analysis. Thematic analysis guided the conclusions made in the study.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the data analyzed: These were existing guidelines on selected Infection Prevention and Control guidelines; Knowledge and use of the Infection Prevention and Control guidelines, and compliance to Infection Prevention and Control guidelines by health care providers and support staff. The participants demonstrated good understanding of the benefits of observing standard IPC guidelines in the workplace, barriers to compliance were reported in almost all the sites. Staff turnover, limitations in infrastructural, and heavy clinical workloads led to lapses in compliance with Infection Prevention Practices.

Conclusion

The study recommends the setting up of an effective and efficient Infection Prevention and Control Committee at the University Teaching Hospital. The committee should oversee the proper functioning of all safety and occupational Health activities and compliance to all infection prevention and control guidelines in the clinical areas and hospital environment by ensuring effective hand hygiene practices using elbow–operated taps and proper medical waste disposal starting with the use of foot-operated bins and compliance to all existing infection prevention guidelines in all clinical areas within the hospital..
Serological Response to Three, Four and Five Doses of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Osmanodja Bilgin , Ronicke Simon , Budde Klemens , Jens Annika , Hammett Charlotte , Koch Nadine , Seelow Evelyn , Waiser Johannes , Zukunft Bianca , Bachmann Friederike , Choi Mira , Weber Ulrike , Eberspächer Bettina , Hofmann Jörg , Grunow Fritz , Mikhailov Michael , Liefeldt Lutz , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Halleck Fabian , Schrezenmeier Eva
Published: March 2022

Mortality from COVID-19 among kidney transplant recipients (KTR) is high, and their response to three vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 is strongly impaired.

We retrospectively analyzed serological response of up to five doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in KTR from December 27, 2020, until December 31, 2021. Particularly, the influence of different dose adjustment regimens for mycophenolic acid (MPA) on serological response to fourth vaccination was analyzed.

In total, 4.277 vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 in 1.478 patients were analyzed. Serological response was 19.5% after 1.203 basic immunizations, and increased to 29.4%, 55.6%, and 57.5% in response to 603 third, 250 fourth and 40 fifth vaccinations, resulting in a cumulative response rate of 88.7%.

In patients with calcineurin inhibitor and MPA maintenance immunosuppression, pausing MPA and adding 5 mg prednisolone equivalent before the fourth vaccination increased serological response rate to 75% in comparison to no dose adjustment (52%) or dose reduction (46%). Belatacept-treated patients had a response rate of 8.7% (4/46) after three vaccinations and 12.5% (3/25) after four vaccinations.

Except for belatacept-treated patients, repeated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of up to five times effectively induces serological response in kidney transplant recipients. It can be enhanced by pausing MPA at the time of vaccination.
Epidemiologic Assessment of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Presentation in NYC During COVID-19
Authors: Rosenbaum Janet , Ochoa Kenny Castro , Hasan Faria , Goldfarb Alexa , Tang Vivian , Tomer Gitit , Wallach Thomas
Published: March 2022

SARS-nCoV2 may have increased capacity to generate autoimmune disease; multiple reports suggest increased risk of Type 1 Diabetes, and case reports suggest other autoimmune linkages. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) pathogenesis appears to be a mix of genetic susceptibility, microbial populations, and immune triggers such as infections. Given the perceived role of infection in pathogenesis, decreased incidence of all infections during the pandemic secondary to non-pharmaceutical interventions should decrease IBD incidence rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the Covid-19 pandemic and IBD presentation in NYC using data from new diagnoses at a consortium of institutions.

Using EMR systems all diagnoses at 4 collaborating institutions were retrieved from 2015-2021. We fit time series model (ARIMA) to the quarterly number of cases of each disease for January 2016-March 2020 and forecast the subsequent 21 months. We not only did not observe a decline in pediatric IBD secondary to absent viral illness but noted a statistically significant increase in Crohn’s Disease approximately 6 months after the initial 2020 COVID wave in NYC, and trends suggesting increases overall in IBD diagnoses above the existing trend towards increased disease presentation that pre-dated the pandemic. This data suggests that there may be a linkage between SARS-nCoV2 infection rates and subsequent pediatric IBD presentation, warranting further evaluation in the aftermath of the Omicron wave.
Nature prescriptions: a scoping review with a nested meta-analysis
Authors: Nguyen Phi-Yen , Astell-Burt Thomas , Rahimi-Ardabili Hania , Feng Xiaoqi
Published: March 2022

Background
"Nature prescriptions" are gaining popularity as a form of social prescribing and in response to calls for sustainable healthcare. Our review and meta-analysis appraised evidence of effectiveness of nature prescriptions on various health outcomes. In doing so, we sought to determine the factors that are critical for the success of nature prescriptions, based on Social Cognitive Theory.

Methods
This is a scoping review with a nested meta-analysis for a subset of outcomes. Five databases were searched up to July 25, 2021. Randomised and non-randomised controlled studies featuring a nature prescription (i.e. an instruction or organised programme, by a health or social provider, to promote spending time in nature) are included. All health outcomes are eligible, but only key pre-specified outcomes are qualified for meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently conducted all steps of study selection; one reviewer conducted data collection and risk of bias assessment. Summary data was extracted from published reports for analysis. Random-effect models for meta-analysis were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1.

Findings
We identified 86 unique studies (116 reports), of which 26 studies contributed data to meta-analysis. Compared to control, nature prescription programmes resulted in a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure (MD = -4.9mmHg [-9.6 to -0.1], I2=65%) and diastolic blood pressure (MD = -3.6mmHg [-7.4 to 0.1], I2=67%). They also had a moderate-to-large effect on depression scores (SMD=0.5 [0.2 to 0.8], I2=79%) and anxiety score (SMD=0.6 [0.1 to 1.2], I2=90%). Lastly, they resulted in a greater increase in daily step counts (MD = 900 steps [790-1010], I2=0%), but did not improve weekly time of moderate physical activities (MD = 25.9 minutes [-10.3 to 62.1], I2=53%). Most studies have moderate to high risk of bias, principally due to non-blinding nature of the interventions, small sample size and lack of analysis plan to rule out risks of bias.

Interpretation
Nature prescription programmes may provide cardiometabolic and mental health benefits and increase physical activity. Effective nature prescription programmes can select from a range of natural settings, activities and might be implemented via social and community channels, besides health providers. The Social Cognition Theory is useful in designing future nature prescription programmes.
The costs of global protected-area expansion (Target 3 of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework) may fall more heavily on lower-income countries
Authors: Waldron A. , Besancon C. , Watson J.E.M. , Adams V.M. , Sumaila U.R. , Garnett S.T. , Balmford A. , Butchart S.H.M.
Published: March 2022

One of the biggest stumbling blocks for global environmental agreements is how higher-income and lower-income countries share the costs of implementing them. This problem has become particularly acute as biodiversity and climate ambitions have increased across recent COPs (Conferences of Parties). Here, we estimate the likely distribution of costs for one of the most ambitious proposals: draft Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which would increase coverage of protected and conserved areas (PCAs) to 30% of global land and sea area - more than triple the current value. Since the GBF does not specify where new PCAs would be placed, we use three scenarios of how Target 3 might be implemented, cost those scenarios, and then compare the mean distribution of costs across World Bank income groups. We find that in relative terms, lower-income countries could face considerably larger financial burdens than high-income countries, even though the benefits of conservation are disproportionately enjoyed by high-income countries. Lower-income countries would also face larger increases in the amount of land or sea under conservation, implying higher opportunity and establishment costs. Resolving this potential cost-sharing inequity may be a key requirement to achieve consensus on draft Target 3, and indeed on ambitious environmental proposals more generally.
Inconsistent directions of change in case severity across successive SARS-CoV-2 variant waves suggests an unpredictable future
Authors: Pascall David J. , Vink Elen , Blacow Rachel , Bulteel Naomi , Campbell Alasdair , Campbell Robyn , Clifford Sarah , Davis Chris , Silva Filipe Ana da , Sakka Noha El , Fjodorova Ludmila , Forrest Ruth , Goldstein Emily , Gunson Rory , Haughney John , Holden Matthew T.G. , Honour Patrick , Hughes Joseph , James Edward , Lewis Tim , MacLean Oscar , McHugh Martin , Mollett Guy , Nyberg Tommy , Onishi Yusuke , Parcell Ben , Ray Surajit , Robertson David L. , Seaman Shaun R. , Shabaan Sharif , Shepherd James G. , Smollett Katherine , Templeton Kate , Wastnedge Elizabeth , Wilkie Craig , Williams Thomas ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium, Thomson Emma C.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine how the severity of successively dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting

Community- and hospital-sequenced COVID-19 cases in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GG&C) Health Board.

Participants

All sequenced non-nosocomial adult COVID-19 cases in NHS GG&C infected with the relevant SARS-CoV-2 lineages during analysis periods. B.1.177/Alpha: 1st November 2020 - 30th January 2021 (n = 1640). Alpha/Delta: 1st April - 30th June 2021 (n = 5552). AY.4.2 Delta/non-AY.4.2 Delta: 1st July - 31st October 2021 (n = 9613). Non-AY.4.2 Delta/Omicron: 1st - 31st December 2021 (n = 3858).

Main outcome measures

Admission to hospital, ICU, or death within 28 days of positive COVID-19 test

Results

For B.1.177/Alpha, 300 of 807 B.1.177 cases were recorded as hospitalised or worse, compared to 232 of 833 Alpha cases. After adjustment, the cumulative odds ratio was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.08-2.11) for Alpha versus B.1.177. For Alpha/Delta, 113 of 2104 Alpha cases were recorded as hospitalised or worse, compared to 230 of 3448 Delta cases. After adjustment, the cumulative odds ratio was 2.09 (95% CI: 1.42-3.08) for Delta versus Alpha. For non-AY.4.2 Delta/AY.4.2 Delta, 845 of 8644 non-AY.4.2 Delta cases were recorded as hospitalised or worse, compared to 101 of 969 AY.4.2 Delta cases. After adjustment, the cumulative odds ratio was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.76-1.27) for AY.4.2 Delta versus non-AY.4.2 Delta. For non-AY.4.2 Delta/Omicron, 30 of 1164 non-AY.4.2 Delta cases were recorded as hospitalised or worse, compared to 26 of 2694 Omicron cases. After adjustment, the median cumulative odds ratio was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.22-1.06) for Omicron versus non-AY.4.2 Delta.

Conclusions

The direction of change in disease severity between successively emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern was inconsistent. This heterogeneity demonstrates that severity associated with future SARS-CoV-2 variants is unpredictable.
Altered M2 Cortex - Superior Colliculus visual perception circuit in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Conde-Berriozabal Sara , García-Gilabert Lia , García-García Esther , Sitjà-Roqueta Laia , López-Gil Javier , Muñoz-Moreno Emma , Boudjadja Mehdi Boutagouga , Soria Guadalupe , Rodríguez Manuel J , Alberch Jordi , Masana Mercè
Published: March 2022

The premotor cortical area -M2 cortex in rodents- connection to the striatum is involved in movement and prominently affected in Huntington’s Disease (HD). M2 cortex also projects to the superior colliculus (SC), implicated in oculomotor functions (i.e. saccades) and visual perception. Here, we investigated the contribution of M2 cortex – SC circuit to HD physiopathology in male mice. Using fMRI, we observed that M2 cortex functional connectivity with the SC was the most prominently affected circuit in the symptomatic R6/1 HD mouse model. Structural alterations were also detected by tractography and viral tracing. HD mice showed decreased defensive behavioral responses towards an unexpected visual stimuli, such as a moving robo-beetle, and decreased locomotion upon unexpected flash of light. Additionally, optogenetic M2 cortex – SC stimulation promoted avoidance responses towards the robo-beetle in WT, but not HD mice. Though, DWI measurements in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiological responses to optogenetic and electrical stimuli in the SC suggested preserved brain structure. Finally, GCamp6f fluorescence recordings with fiber photometry indicated that aberrant M2 cortex engagement might be the underlying mechanism of visual perception alterations in HD. Collectively, our findings point to a key role of M2 cortex - SC circuit alterations in HD pathophysiology.
Tree species and genetic diversity increase productivity via functional diversity and trophic feedbacks
Authors: Tang Ting , Zhang Naili , Bongers Franca J. , Staab Michael , Schuldt Andreas , Fornoff Felix , Lin Hong , Cavender-Bares Jeannine , Hipp Andrew , Li Shan , Liang Yu , Han Baocai , Klein Alexandra-Maria , Bruelheide Helge , Durka Walter , Schmid Bernhard , Ma Keping , Liu Xiaojuan
Published: March 2022

Addressing global biodiversity loss requires an expanded focus on multiple dimensions of biodiversity. While most studies have focused on the consequences of plant interspecific diversity, our mechanistic understanding of how the diversity within a given plant species (genetic diversity) affects plant productivity remains limited. Here, we use a tree species × genetic diversity experiment to disentangle the effects of species diversity and genetic diversity, and how they are related to tree functional diversity and trophic feedbacks. Tree species as well as genetic diversity increased tree productivity via increased tree functional diversity, reduced soil fungal diversity and marginally reduced herbivory. The effect of tree genetic diversity on productivity was partly different between tree species monocultures and mixtures: the functional diversity effect resulting from tree genetic diversity was only found in tree species monocultures, but the trophic feedbacks via herbivory were similar in species monocultures and mixtures. Given the complexity of interactions between tree species and genetic diversity, tree functional diversity and trophic feedbacks on productivity, we suggest that both tree species and genetic diversity should be considered in reforestation.
A toolkit of highly selective and sensitive genetically encoded neuropeptide sensors
Authors: Wang Huan , Qian Tongrui , Zhao Yulin , Zhuo Yizhou , Wu Chunling , Osakada Takuya , Chen Peng , Ren Huixia , Yan Yuqi , Geng Lan , Fu Shengwei , Mei Long , Li Guochuan , Wu Ling , Jiang Yiwen , Qian Weiran , Peng Wanling , Xu Min , Hu Ji , Chen Liangyi , Tang Chao , Lin Dayu , Zhou Jiang-Ning , Li Yulong
Published: March 2022

Neuropeptides are key signaling molecules in the endocrine and nervous systems that regulate many critical physiological processes, including energy balance, sleep and circadian rhythms, stress, and social behaviors. Understanding the functions of neuropeptides in vivo requires the ability to monitor their dynamics with high specificity, sensitivity, and spatiotemporal resolution; however, this has been hindered by the lack of direct, sensitive and non-invasive tools. Here, we developed a series of GRAB (G protein-coupled receptor activation‒based) sensors for detecting somatostatin (SST), cholecystokinin (CCK), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), neuropeptide Y (NPY), neurotensin (NTS), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). These fluorescent sensors utilize the corresponding GPCRs as the neuropeptide-sensing module with the insertion of a circular-permutated GFP as the optical reporter. This design detects the binding of specific neuropeptides at nanomolar concentration with a robust increase in fluorescence. We used these GRAB neuropeptide sensors to measure the spatiotemporal dynamics of endogenous SST release in isolated pancreatic islets and to detect the release of both CCK and CRF in acute brain slices. Moreover, we detect endogenous CRF release induced by stressful experiences in vivo using fiber photometry and 2-photon imaging in mice. Together, these new sensors establish a robust toolkit for studying the release, function, and regulation of neuropeptides under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
CryoET Reveals Organelle Phenotypes in Huntington Disease Patient iPSC-Derived and Mouse Primary Neurons
Authors: Wu Gong-Her , Smith-Geater Charlene , Galaz-Montoya Jesús G. , Gu Yingli , Gupte Sanket R. , Aviner Ranen , Mitchell Patrick G. , Hsu Joy , Miramontes Ricardo , Wang Keona Q. , Geller Nicolette R. , Danita Cristina , Joubert Lydia-Marie , Schmid Michael F. , Yeung Serena , Frydman Judith , Mobley William , Wu Chengbiao , Thompson Leslie M. , Chiu Wah
Published: March 2022

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is caused by an expanded CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene, yielding a Huntingtin protein with an expanded polyglutamine tract. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can help understand disease; however, defining pathological biomarkers is challenging. Here, we used cryogenic electron tomography to visualize neurites in HD patient iPSC-derived neurons with varying CAG repeats, and primary cortical neurons from BACHD, deltaN17-BACHD, and wild-type mice. In HD models, we discovered mitochondria with enlarged granules and distorted cristae, and thin sheet aggregates in double membrane-bound organelles. We used artificial intelligence to quantify mitochondrial granules, and proteomics to show differential protein content in HD mitochondria. Knockdown of Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT1 ameliorated aberrant phenotypes in iPSC-neurons and reduced phenotypes in BACHD neurons. We show that integrated ultrastructural and proteomic approaches may uncover early HD phenotypes to accelerate diagnostics and the development of targeted therapeutics for HD.
The aggregation potential of Zika virus proteome
Authors: Giri Rajanish , Bhardwaj Taniya , Saumya Kumar Udit , Gadhave Kundlik , Kapuganti Shivani K , Sharma Nitin
Published: March 2022

The ability of human encoded soluble proteins to convert into amyloid fibrils is now recognized as a generic phenomenon in several human illnesses. Typically, such disease causal proteins/peptides consist of aggregation-prone regions (APR) that make them susceptible to misfolding and assemble into highly ordered β-sheet rich fibrils, distinct from their native soluble state. Here, we show that the zika virus (ZIKV) consists of several such aggregation prone hotspots spread across its entire proteome. Using a combination of high-accuracy prediction tools, we identified APRs in both structural and non-structural proteins of ZIKV. Furthermore, we have experimentally validated the bioinformatic results by subjecting the ZIKV proteins and peptides to artificial aggregation inducing environment. Using a combination of dye-based assays (ThT and ANS) and microscopy techniques (HR-TEM and AFM), we further characterized the morphological features of amyloid-like fibrils. We found that Envelope domain III (EDIII) protein, NS1 β-roll peptide, membrane-embedded signal peptide 2K, and cytosolic region of NS4B protein to be highly aggregating in the experimental setup. Our findings also pave the way for an extensive and detailed functional analysis of these predicted APRs in the future to enhance our understanding of the role played by amyloids in the pathogenesis of flavivirus.

Graphical Abstract
The role of repetitive DNA in re-patterning of major rDNA clusters in Lepidoptera
Authors: Dalíková Martina , Provazníková Irena , Provazník Jan , Grof-Tisza Patrick , Pepi Adam , Nguyen Petr
Published: March 2022

Genes for major ribosomal RNAs (rDNA) are present in multiple copies organized in tandem arrays. Number and position of rDNA loci can change dynamically and their re-patterning is presumably driven by repetitive sequences. We explored a peculiar rDNA organization in several representatives of Lepidoptera with either extremely large or numerous rDNA clusters. We combined molecular cytogenetics with analyses of second and third generation sequencing data to show that rDNA spreads as a transcription unit and reveal association between rDNA and various repeats. Furthermore, we performed comparative long read analyses between the species with derived rDNA distribution and moths with a single rDNA locus, which is considered ancestral. Our results suggest that satellite arrays, rather than mobile elements, facilitate homology-mediated spread of rDNA via either integration of extrachromosomal rDNA circles or ectopic recombination. The latter arguably better explains preferential spread of rDNA into terminal regions of lepidopteran chromosomes as efficiency of ectopic recombination depends on proximity of homologous sequences to telomeres.
3D-printed decoys are as effective as taxidermied decoys in attracting red-breasted sapsuckers for mist-netting
Authors: Natola Libby , Tousley Frankie
Published: March 2022

Decoys often improve targeted mist-netting efforts by drawing the species of interest to a specific area nearer the net. Traditional decoy constructions include taxidermied carcasses, hand-made wood or clay figures, or professionally made products purchased from companies that provide a limited number of species, sizes, shapes, and markings. 3D-printing allows ornithologists to customize decoys to their own study species’ specifications using cheap, durable, and replaceable materials. We show that red-breasted sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus ruber ruber) respond with equivocal aggression towards 3D-printed decoys and taxidermied decoys, demonstrating 3D-printed decoys as an effective tool in attracting birds towards a mist net for capture.
Interactions between anthropogenic stressors and recurring perturbations mediate ecosystem resilience or collapse
Authors: Keith DA , Benson DH , Baird IRC , Watts L , Simpson CC , Krogh M , Gorissen S , Ferrer-Paris JR , Mason TJ
Published: March 2022

Insights into declines in ecosystem resilience, their causes and effects, can inform pre-emptive action to avoid ecosystem collapse and loss of biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being. Empirical studies of ecosystem collapse are rare and hampered by ecosystem complexity, non-linear and lagged responses, and interactions across scales. We investigated how an anthropogenic stressor could diminish ecosystem resilience to a recurring perturbation by altering a critical ecosystem driver. We studied groundwater-dependent, peat-accumulating, fire-prone wetlands in southeastern Australia. We hypothesised that underground mining (stressor) reduced resilience of these wetlands to landscape fires (perturbation) by diminishing groundwater, a key ecosystem driver. We monitored soil moisture as an indicator of ecosystem resilience during and after underground mining and, after a landscape fire, we compared the responses of multiple state variables representing ecosystem structure, composition and function in wetlands within the mining footprint to unmined reference wetlands. Soil moisture showed very strong evidence of decline without recovery in mined swamps, but was maintained in reference swamps through eight years. Relative to burnt reference swamps, burnt and mined swamps showed greater loss of peat via substrate combustion, reduced cover, height and biomass of regenerating vegetation, reduced post-fire plant species richness and abundance, altered plant species composition, increased mortality rates of woody plants, reduced post-fire seedling recruitment, and local extinction of a hydrophilc fauna species. Mined swamps therefore showed strong symptoms of post-fire ecosystem collapse, while reference swamps regenerated vigorously. We conclude that an anthropogenic stressor may diminish the resilience of an ecosystem to recurring perturbations, predisposing it to collapse. Avoidance of ecosystem collapse hinges on early diagnosis of mechanisms and preventative risk reduction. It may be possible to delay or ameliorate symptoms of collapse or to restore resilience, but the latter appears unlikely in our study system due to fundamental alteration of a critical ecosystem driver.