bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New national osteoporosis guidance—implications for geriatricians
Authors: Gregson Celia L , Compston Juliet E
Published: February 2022

Fragility fractures are painful, debilitating, often life-changing and accounted for an estimated 2.4% of pre-pandemic health care spending in the UK. Those who are older, frail and multimorbid have the highest fracture risk and therefore the most to gain from anti-osteoporosis treatments to reduce this risk. Currently, an unacceptable treatment gap exists between those eligible for and those who receive treatment. This commentary discusses the major changes to the new, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence accredited, UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG) guidance (published March 2022) most relevant to the management of older people’s bone health. Changes include intervention thresholds; using fracture probabilities from FRAX; for patients too frail to undergo DXA; greater emphasis on vertebral fracture detection and the use of intravenous zoledronate as a first-line anti-osteoporosis therapy; the new concept of ‘very high fracture risk’ which should prompt consideration of use of parenteral anti-osteoporosis therapy; new guidance regarding anabolic treatment options; concerns regarding denosumab cessation; and the urgent need to get patients with a fragility fracture onto treatment to reduce re-fracture risk with follow-up to check tolerance and ensure adherence.
Rat Model of Late Gestational Alcohol Exposure Produces Similar Life-Long Changes in Thalamic Nucleus Reuniens Following Moderate- Versus High-Dose Insult
Authors: Gursky Zachary H , Klintsova Anna Y
Published: February 2022

Aims

Recent studies have recognized that thalamic nucleus reuniens (Re) undergoes substantial neuron loss following alcohol exposure (AE) during the brain growth spurt (BGS). As all previous studies have utilized high-dose AE paradigms, we tested whether moderate-dose AE is capable of damaging Re to a similar degree as high-dose AE.

Methods

We used a rat model of third-trimester binge AE (relative to human pregnancy) to administer ethanol to rat pups at either a high (5.25 g/kg/day) or moderate (3.00 g/kg/day) dose during the BGS (postnatal days [PD] 4–9) via intragastric intubation. In adulthood (i.e. PD72), we quantified the volume of Re as well as the total number of neurons and non-neuronal cells in the nucleus (which were further divided into microglia versus ‘other’ non-neurons), using unbiased stereological estimation of cells identified with immunofluorescent markers (i.e. nuclear label Hoechst, neuron-specific protein NeuN, and microglia-specific protein Iba1). Data were analyzed both between-treatment and correlated with peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Results and conclusions

We observed significant neuronal and non-neuronal cell loss in both the high-dose and moderate-dose AE groups (relative to both procedural control and typically-developing control groups), which mediated reductions in Re volume. Outcomes did not correlate with peak BAC, further supporting that Re is vulnerable to AE-induced neurodegeneration at lower doses than previously suspected. Given the role that Re has in coordinating prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, the current study highlights the role that thalamic damage may play in the range of behavioral alterations observed in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
‘Or both’: A note on the alleged exclusivity of disjunction in English
Authors: Lajevardi Kaave
Published: February 2022

I make a point concerning the construction ‘A or B or both’ in English, to the effect that if the connective ‘or’ is understood exclusively across the board then this familiar construction cannot convey the intended inclusive sense of disjunction. If we take ‘or’ inclusively, ‘A or B or both’ has the function of emphasizing that the disjunction is inclusive; taking ‘or’ exclusively, it does nothing.
Interventions Targeting Health and Wellbeing among Nail Salon Workers: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ward Lauren , Le Aurora , Shannon Carol , Rosemberg Marie-Anne
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To identify existing interventions targeting the health and wellbeing of nail salon workers.

Methods

Arksey and O’Malley’s framework on reviews guided this project. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) chart was used to capture the inclusion protocol.

Results

Four interventions were identified, of which one was a randomized controlled trial. Across the four interventions, there were about 424 participants that were recruited through cosmetology schools and 34 from nail salons. Interventions varied from pamphlet distribution and inspections to full-day training sessions. Intervention effectiveness was determined via pre- and post-tests and infractions frequency. Maximum follow-up time was 8 months. Outcomes included increased knowledge on exposures, fewer infractions, increased adherence to infection control practices and use of personal protective equipment, and behavior and attitude changes.

Conclusions

There is a need for further research on interventions targeting vulnerable workers in nail salons who face numerous hazards on the job. Two of the four interventions targeted nail technician trainees and their instructors, indicating the potential of early interventions before the workers officially enter the workforce.
Bioinformatics/network topology analysis of acupuncture in the treatment of COVID-19: response to methodological issues
Authors: Zhao Meidan , Wang Pengqian , Zhang Kai
Published: February 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic and there is an urgent need to discover the therapy for COVID-19. In our original article, we first obtained the target proteins of acupuncture and related target genes of COVID-19 by searching English and Chinese databases, then Gene Ontology biological processes and enrichment analysis were performed on the overlapping targets of acupuncture with COVID-19. Moreover, the compound-target and compound-disease-target network was constructed. This is an innovative attempt to predict the potential benefits of acupuncture treatment for COVID-19. In this letter, we answered reader Zheng's comments.
Multimodal reasoning based on knowledge graph embedding for specific diseases
Authors: Zhu Chaoyu , Yang Zhihao , Xia Xiaoqiong , Li Nan , Zhong Fan , Liu Lei
Published: February 2022

Motivation

Knowledge Graph (KG) is becoming increasingly important in the biomedical field. Deriving new and reliable knowledge from existing knowledge by KG embedding technology is a cutting-edge method. Some add a variety of additional information to aid reasoning, namely multimodal reasoning. However, few works based on the existing biomedical KGs are focused on specific diseases.

Results

This work develops a construction and multimodal reasoning process of Specific Disease Knowledge Graphs (SDKGs). We construct SDKG-11, a SDKG set including five cancers, six non-cancer diseases, a combined Cancer5 and a combined Diseases11, aiming to discover new reliable knowledge and provide universal pre-trained knowledge for that specific disease field. SDKG-11 is obtained through original triplet extraction, standard entity set construction, entity linking and relation linking. We implement multimodal reasoning by reverse-hyperplane projection for SDKGs based on structure, category and description embeddings. Multimodal reasoning improves pre-existing models on all SDKGs using entity prediction task as the evaluation protocol. We verify the model’s reliability in discovering new knowledge by manually proofreading predicted drug–gene, gene–disease and disease–drug pairs. Using embedding results as initialization parameters for the biomolecular interaction classification, we demonstrate the universality of embedding models.

Availability and implementation

The constructed SDKG-11 and the implementation by TensorFlow are available from https://github.com/ZhuChaoY/SDKG-11.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Basic mechanisms in cardiogenic shock: part 1—definition and pathophysiology
Authors: Krychtiuk Konstantin A , Vrints Christiaan , Wojta Johann , Huber Kurt , Speidl Walter S
Published: February 2022

Cardiogenic shock mortality rates remain high despite significant advances in cardiovascular medicine and the widespread uptake of mechanical circulatory support systems. Except for early invasive angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention of the infarct-related artery, the most widely used therapeutic measures are based on low-quality evidence. The grim prognosis and lack of high-quality data warrant further action. Part 1 of this two-part educational review defines cardiogenic shock and discusses current treatment strategies. In addition, we summarize current knowledge on basic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of cardiogenic shock, focusing on inflammation and microvascular disturbances, which may ultimately be translated into diagnostic or therapeutic approaches to improve the outcome of our patients.
Reduced myocardial septal function assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: associated with histological myocardial fibrosis and ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Song Yanyan , Bi Xuanye , Chen Liang , Yang Kai , Chen Xiuyu , Dong Zhixiang , Wang Jiaxin , Kong Xiangyong , Zhao Kankan , Wang Hongyue , Duru Firat , Lu Minjie , Ma Likun , Qiao Shubin , Zhao Shihua
Published: February 2022

Aims

Echocardiographic studies suggest that strain is related to myocardial fibrosis (MF) and ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) also allows strain analysis, but little is known whether it provides incremental value to late gadolinium enhancement imaging (LGE). This study aimed to explore the relationship between CMR-FT-derived strain parameters and histopathology MF and VA and its incremental value to LGE in obstructive HCM (HOCM) patients undergoing septal myectomy.

Methods and results

One hundred and twenty-three symptomatic HOCM patients underwent CMR examination, followed by septal myectomy. The abnormally increased histological MF was defined as higher than the mean + 2 standard deviation (SD) of nine control autopsy subjects who had no history of cardiovascular disease. Septal strain parameters and septal LGE were evaluated at the site of surgical myectomy. Among HOCM patients without LGE, septal circumferential (P = 0.003), longitudinal (P = 0.001), and radial (P = 0.02) strains were significantly impaired in patients with increased histological MF than those without. Histological MF was significantly associated with septal circumferential strain (r = 0.32, P < 0.001), septal longitudinal strain (r = 0.42, P < 0.001), and septal radial strain (r = −0.27, P = 0.003). On multivariate analysis, septal longitudinal strain was independently associated with histological MF [β, 0.19 (0.05–0.34); P = 0.01], and VA [odds ratio, 1.10 (1.01–1.19); P = 0.02]. Moreover, septal longitudinal strain was incremental to septal %LGE in detecting increased MF (P = 0.001) and VA (P = 0.048).

Conclusions

Septal longitudinal strain at CMR is independently related to histological MF and occurrence of VA in HOCM patients. Moreover, it provides incremental value over LGE in detecting increased MF and VA.
Long COVID: post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 with a cardiovascular focus
Authors: Raman Betty , Bluemke David A. , Lüscher Thomas F. , Neubauer Stefan
Published: February 2022

Emerging as a new epidemic, long COVID or post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a condition characterized by the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms beyond 3 months, is anticipated to substantially alter the lives of millions of people globally. Cardiopulmonary symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and autonomic manifestations such as postural orthostatic tachycardia are common and associated with significant disability, heightened anxiety, and public awareness. A range of cardiovascular (CV) abnormalities has been reported among patients beyond the acute phase and include myocardial inflammation, myocardial infarction, right ventricular dysfunction, and arrhythmias. Pathophysiological mechanisms for delayed complications are still poorly understood, with a dissociation seen between ongoing symptoms and objective measures of cardiopulmonary health. COVID-19 is anticipated to alter the long-term trajectory of many chronic cardiac diseases which are abundant in those at risk of severe disease. In this review, we discuss the definition of long COVID and its epidemiology, with an emphasis on cardiopulmonary symptoms. We further review the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying acute and chronic CV injury, the range of post-acute CV sequelae, and impact of COVID-19 on multiorgan health. We propose a possible model for referral of post-COVID-19 patients to cardiac services and discuss future directions including research priorities and clinical trials that are currently underway to evaluate the efficacy of treatment strategies for long COVID and associated CV sequelae.
How spaceflight challenges human cardiovascular health
Authors: Jirak Peter , Mirna Moritz , Rezar Richard , Motloch Lukas J , Lichtenauer Michael , Jordan Jens , Binneboessel Stephan , Tank Jens , Limper Ulrich , Jung Christian
Published: February 2022

The harsh environmental conditions in space, particularly weightlessness and radiation exposure, can negatively affect cardiovascular function and structure. In the future, preventive cardiology will be crucial in enabling safe space travel. Indeed, future space missions destined to the Moon and from there to Mars will create new challenges to cardiovascular health while limiting medical management. Moreover, commercial spaceflight evolves rapidly such that older persons with cardiovascular risk factors will be exposed to space conditions. This review provides an overview on studies conducted in space and terrestrial models, particularly head-down bedrest studies. These studies showed that weightlessness elicits a fluid shift towards the head, which likely predisposes to the spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, neck vein thrombosis, and orthostatic intolerance after return to Earth. Moreover, cardiovascular unloading produces cardiopulmonary deconditioning, which may be associated with cardiac atrophy. In addition to limiting physical performance, the mechanism further worsens orthostatic tolerance after return to Earth. Finally, space conditions may directly affect vascular health; however, the clinical relevance of these findings in terms of morbidity and mortality is unknown. Targeted preventive measures, which are referred to as countermeasures in aerospace medicine, and technologies to identify vascular risks early on will be required to maintain cardiovascular performance and health during future space missions.
De Novo Reference Assembly of the Upriver Orange Mangrove (Bruguiera sexangula) Genome
Authors: Pootakham Wirulda , Naktang Chaiwat , Sonthirod Chutima , Kongkachana Wasitthee , Yoocha Thippawan , Jomchai Nukoon , Maknual Chatree , Chumriang Pranom , Pravinvongvuthi Tamanai , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke
Published: February 2022

Upriver orange mangrove (Bruguiera sexangula) is a member of the most mangrove-rich taxon (Rhizophoraceae family) and is commonly distributed in the intertidal zones in tropical and subtropical latitudes. In this study, we employed the 10× Genomics linked-read technology to obtain a preliminary de novo assembly of the B. sexangula genome, which was further scaffolded to a pseudomolecule level using the Bruguiera parviflora genome as a reference. The final assembly of the B. sexangula genome contained 260 Mb with an N50 scaffold length of 11,020,310 bases. The assembly comprised 18 pseudomolecules (corresponding to the haploid chromosome number in B. sexangula), covering 204,645,832 bases or 78.6% of the 260-Mb assembly. We predicted a total of 23,978 protein-coding sequences, 17,598 of which were associated with gene ontology terms. Our gene prediction recovered 96.6% of the highly conserved orthologs based on the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) analysis. The chromosome-level assembly presented in this work provides a valuable genetic resource to help strengthen our understanding of mangroves’ physiological and morphological adaptations to the intertidal zones.
Growth of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum in medium containing N-acetylsucrosamine: enzyme that induces the growth of this bacterium via degradation of this disaccharide
Authors: Nagashima Makoto , Nakamura Hiroki , Hosaka Hiroki , Hirano Takako , Hakamata Wataru , Nishio Toshiyuki
Published: February 2022

Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum grows well in the early stages of cultivation in medium containing sucrose (Suc), whereas its growth in medium containing the analogue disaccharide N-acetylsucrosamine (SucNAc) tends to exhibit a considerable delay. To elucidate the cause of this phenomenon, we investigated the proliferation pattern of B. pseudocatenulatum in medium containing D-glucose (Glc) and SucNAc and identified the enzyme that degrades this disaccharide. We found that B. pseudocatenulatum initially proliferates by assimilating Glc, with subsequent growth based on SucNAc assimilation depending on production of the β-fructofuranosidase, which can hydrolyze SucNAc, after Glc is completely consumed. Thus, B. pseudocatenulatum exhibited a diauxic growth pattern in medium containing Glc and SucNAc. In contrast, when cultured in medium containing Glc and Suc, B. pseudocatenulatum initially grew by degrading Suc via the phosphorolysis activity of Suc phosphorylase, which did not react to SucNAc. These observations indicate that B. pseudocatenulatum proliferates by assimilating Suc and SucNAc via different pathways. The β-fructofuranosidase of B. pseudocatenulatum exhibited higher hydrolytic activity against several naturally occurring Suc-based tri- or tetrasaccharides than against Suc, suggesting that this enzyme actively catabolizes oligosaccharides other than Suc.
Associations between Allostatic Load and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Scoping Review
Authors: Carbone Jason T , Dell Nathaniel A , Issa Meriam , Watkins Montisa A
Published: February 2022

Traumatic events may lead to the development of PTSD or PTSD symptomology that can negatively impact health outcomes. Allostatic load, which represents the cumulative biological wear and tear of exposure to stress, can be employed to better understand the physiological etiology of PTSD. A scoping review, informed by the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, was completed to identify published and unpublished empirical studies that explored the relationship of allostatic load and PTSD. Eight databases were searched yielding four studies, with the results summarized narratively and in tabular form. Findings were mixed as to the association between allostatic load and PTSD. Allostatic load was positively associated with PTSD diagnosis; however, studies measuring only PTSD symptomatology found no relationship. Few PTSD researchers have tested the relationship of a comprehensive measure of allostatic load to PTSD. Among those who have, studies show that allostatic load can be a beneficial tool and applicable theoretical framework for understanding the biological changes associated with PTSD. Future research should focus on standardizing measures of both allostatic load and PTSD and identifying potential confounders. A better understanding of the physiological changes associated with PTSD could lead to more effective prevention and treatment efforts.
A preliminary experimental study of a novel incorporation of chilled ceiling with phase change materials and transparent membrane cover
Authors: Riffat James , Kutlu Cagri , Tapia-Brito Emmanuel , Su Yuehong , Riffat Saffa
Published: February 2022

This study presents an experimental investigation into a novel incorporation of chilled ceiling with transparent membrane cover and phase-change material (PCM) to form a new type of PCM chilled ceiling panel. The membrane cover is infrared transparent to facilitate radiant cooling, but serves as a barrier of convection to avoid moisture condensation for applications in humid climate regions. As reliable electricity supply is still not accessible to millions of people, especially in sub-Saharan and South Asian countries where these countries also face the combined problems of high cooling demand and inadequate power supply, the use of solar energy would help to overcome these problems. To address such problems, the proposed PCM chilled ceiling can be applied along with a solar photovoltaic (PV) directly driven vapour-compression cooling system. Electricity generated by the photovoltaic (PV) panels drives the variable speed direct current (DC) compressor for cooling production, while excessive cooling is stored in the PCM packs for use at night. The variable speed compressor can adjust to match fluctuation in solar radiation and hence increases the utilization of solar energy. A small-scale experimental setup was prepared using a mini DC compressor refrigeration system. Integration of salt hydrate type PCM in chilled beam and chilled ceiling, respectively, and application of transparent membrane cover in chilled ceiling were tested to verify the proposed design.
Global antimicrobial stewardship and the need for pharmaceutical system strengthening for antimicrobials within a One Health approach
Authors: Villacorta Linaza Rocio , Genovezos Chantelle , Garner Timothy , Panford-Quainoo Edwin , Roberts Adam P
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted both the vulnerabilities and the critical role of global pharmaceutical systems in enabling equitable access to medicines. In this personal view, we position the pharmaceutical system as a missed research and investment opportunity that, if integrated properly, would benefit antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes within a One Health approach.

Key findings

The pharmaceutical supply management cycle (PSMC) illustrates the continuous interdependence between four key phases: selection, procurement, distribution and use. Furthermore, a PSMC is subject to external forces of market competition, policy and regulation – across human, animal and environmental health. We present examples of overlap in PSMCs across different One Health sectors and discuss the need for integration within human, animal and environmental health contexts.

Despite pharmaceutical systems being fundamental to successful AMS programmes, they are currently neglected and undervalued. Research and investment into pharmaceutical system optimisation and integration into AMS programmes present an opportunity for both high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries to develop responsible, comparable and international AMS innovations and interventions.
Potential reduction in transmission of COVID-19 by digital contact tracing systems: a modelling study
Authors: Plank Michael J , James Alex , Lustig Audrey , Steyn Nicholas , Binny Rachelle N , Hendy Shaun C
Published: February 2022

Background. Digital tools are being developed to support contact tracing as part of the global effort to control the spread of COVID-19. These include smartphone apps, Bluetooth-based proximity detection, location tracking and automatic exposure notification features. Evidence on the effectiveness of alternative approaches to digital contact tracing is so far limited.

Methods. We use an age-structured branching process model of the transmission of COVID-19 in different settings to estimate the potential of manual contact tracing and digital tracing systems to help control the epidemic. We investigate the effect of the uptake rate and proportion of contacts recorded by the digital system on key model outputs: the effective reproduction number, the mean outbreak size after 30 days and the probability of elimination.

Results. Effective manual contact tracing can reduce the effective reproduction number from 2.4 to around 1.5. The addition of a digital tracing system with a high uptake rate over 75% could further reduce the effective reproduction number to around 1.1. Fully automated digital tracing without manual contact tracing is predicted to be much less effective.

Conclusions. For digital tracing systems to make a significant contribution to the control of COVID-19, they need be designed in close conjunction with public health agencies to support and complement manual contact tracing by trained professionals.
Distinct Homologous and Variant-Specific Memory B-Cell and Antibody Response Over Time After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Messenger RNA Vaccination
Authors: Haralambieva Iana H , Monroe Jonathon M , Ovsyannikova Inna G , Grill Diane E , Poland Gregory A , Kennedy Richard B
Published: February 2022

The durability of protective humoral immunity after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination and infection is largely dependent on the generation and persistence of antigen-specific isotype-switched memory B cells (MBCs) and long-lived plasma cells that reside in the bone marrow and secrete high-affinity neutralizing antibodies. The reactivity of vaccine-induced MBCs to emerging clinically significant SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs) is largely unknown. In a longitudinal cohort study (up to 6 months following coronavirus disease 2019 messenger RNA vaccination), we measured MBCs in concert with other functional antibody measures. We found statistically significant differences between the frequencies of MBCs responding to homologous and VoC (Beta, Gamma, and Delta) receptor-binding domains after vaccination that persisted over time. In concert with a waning antibody response, the reduced MBC response to VoCs could translate to a weaker subsequent recall immune response and increased susceptibility to the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant strains after vaccination.
Urgent Care Proceedings for New-born Babies in England and Wales – Time for a Fundamental Review
Authors: Broadhurst Karen , Mason Claire , Ward Harriet
Published: February 2022

Emergency action to safeguard babies at birth who are at risk of significant harm is sanctioned in a number of international jurisdictions, including the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. However, there is widespread international disquiet about this practice, regarding breaches of parents’ Articles 6 and 8 rights (Human Rights Act 1998), as well as the reliability of hasty decisions for children. This article reports the findings from the first large-scale qualitative study of professional and parental experience (n = 307 participants) of compulsory State intervention at birth, with a specific focus on urgent care proceedings. Completed in eight local authority areas and corresponding health trusts in England and Wales (2019–2021), the study concludes that children’s social care, hospitals, and the family courts are not yet sufficiently aligned around the needs of a small, but highly vulnerable population of mothers, their partners, and babies to ensure equitable, just or effective practice in cases of urgent care proceedings. Evidence is provided from both professionals and parents about the highly consequential nature of interim decisions, particularly where they result in physical separation of mother and baby at birth. The article advances knowledge about the distinctive challenges of issuing family court proceedings in the immediate post-partum period and calls for a fundamental review.
Rethinking Opsins
Authors: Feuda Roberto , Menon Anant K , Göpfert Martin C
Published: February 2022

Opsins, the protein moieties of animal visual photo-pigments, have emerged as moonlighting proteins with diverse, light-dependent and -independent physiological functions. This raises the need to revise some basic assumptions concerning opsin expression, structure, classification, and evolution.
Perception of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Survivors of Gynecologic Cancer
Authors: Quam Nicholas , Stenzel Ashley E , Brown Katherine , Jewett Patricia , Parsons Helen M , Hui Jane , Ghebre Rahel G , Blaes Anne , Teoh Deanna , Vogel Rachel I
Published: February 2022

Our objective was to assess gynecologic cancer survivor preferences for telehealth cancer care. Gynecologic cancer survivors participating in a prospective cohort study were invited to complete a cross-sectional survey regarding their experience with and preferences for telehealth. Of 188 participants, 48.9% had undergone a telehealth visit since March 2020, and 53.7% reported a preference for exclusively in-person visits for their cancer care and surveillance. Furthermore, 80.5% of participants were satisfied with the telehealth care they received and 54.8% would recommend telehealth services to patients with similar conditions. Most participants thought a physical examination was critical to detecting recurrence, and concern that their provider may miss something during telehealth visits was greater among those who preferred in-person visits. With many gynecologic cancer survivors preferring in-person care, building a future care model that includes telehealth elements will require adaptations, careful evaluation of patient concerns, as well as patient education on telehealth.
Probing the primordial Universe with 21 cm line from cosmic dawn/epoch of reionization
Authors: Minoda Teppei , Saga Shohei , Takahashi Tomo , Tashiro Hiroyuki , Yamauchi Daisuke , Yokoyama Shuichiro , Yoshiura Shintaro
Published: February 2022

In the most distant reaches of the Universe, the 21 cm hyperfine transition in neutral hydrogen provides one of the only available tracers of large-scale structure. A number of instruments have been working or are planned to measure the 21 cm line signals, and in particular, the Experiment to Detect the Global EoR Signature (EDGES) has recently reported the first detection of an absorption signal, which corresponds to the 21 cm line global signal at the epoch of reionization (EoR). The future large radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be able to deliver the high-precision measurement of the 21 cm line emission/absorption signals. In this paper, we review the current status for the 21 cm line global and fluctuation signals from EoR to the dark ages, and then summarize the recent studies of how we probe the primordial Universe particularly motivated by the recent EDGES result and future observations by SKA. We focus on two applications for constraining cosmology with the EDGES result: constraints on the primordial magnetic fields and those on the primordial power spectrum. We also discuss the potential of future SKA for probing the inflationary Universe, by discussing expected constraints on the primordial power spectrum, its adiabaticity, and primordial non-Gaussianities from future observations of 21 cm fluctuations.
Is there a low-mass triple system orbiting around the massive semi-detached binary ZZ Cassiopeiae?
Authors: Li Fu-Xing , Qian Sheng-Bang , Fernández Lajús Eduardo , Liu Liang , Zhao Er-Gang
Published: February 2022

ZZ Cassiopeiae (ZZ Cas) is an early spectral B-type close binary with an orbital period of 1.243527 d. By analyzing the continuous light curve obtained by TESS, and the spectroscopic data with low resolution observed by the 2.16 m telescope in Xinglong station, we found that it is a semi-detached binary; the secondary component fulfills the critical Roche lobe, while the more massive one is detached from the lobes with a fraction of the third light $1.82\%$. Our O-C diagram time spanning 32.6 yr shows a cyclical oscillation with a semi-amplitude of 0.0255(±0.0010) d and a period of 19.11(±0.27) yr superimposed on an upward parabolic curve with a period increase rate of dP/dt = +2.93 × 10−8 d yr−1. The upward parabolic variation and photometric solutions reveal that ZZ Cas is undergoing a late Case A mass transfer process on the nuclear timescale of the secondary component, and it was formed from originally detached binary systems. Its evolution is different from that of V606 Cen in the massive binaries. Meanwhile, the cyclic change in the O-C curve can be interpreted by the light-travel-time effect via the presence of a tertiary body. The tertiary companion with a minimal mass of M3 = 4.23(±0.22) M⊙ orbits around the central eclipsing binary in an eccentric orbit (e = 0.62). The estimation of an extremely low luminosity ratio of the primary component and the tertiary body may reveal that the additional component is a low-mass triple system or a compact object candidate.
Tomato SlBES1.8 Influences Leaf Morphogenesis by Mediating Gibberellin Metabolism and Signaling
Authors: Su Deding , Xiang Wei , Liang Qin , Wen Ling , Shi Yuan , Song Bangqian , Liu Yudong , Xian Zhiqiang , Li Zhengguo
Published: February 2022

Leaf morphogenetic activity determines its shape diversity. However, our knowledge of the regulatory mechanism in maintaining leaf morphogenetic capacity is still limited. In tomato, gibberellin (GA) negatively regulates leaf complexity by shortening the morphogenetic window. We here report a tomato BRI1-EMS-suppressor 1 transcription factor, SlBES1.8, that promoted the simplification of leaf pattern in a similar manner as GA functions. OE-SlBES1.8 plants exhibited reduced sensibility to exogenous GA3 treatment whereas showed increased sensibility to the application of GA biosynthesis inhibitor, paclobutrazol. In line with the phenotypic observation, the endogenous bioactive GA contents were increased in OE-SlBES1.8 lines, which certainly promoted the degradation of the GA signaling negative regulator, SlDELLA. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis uncovered a set of overlapping genomic targets of SlBES1.8 and GA, and most of them were regulated in the same way. Expression studies showed the repression of SlBES1.8 to the transcriptions of two GA-deactivated genes, SlGA2ox2 and SlGA2ox6, and one GA receptor, SlGID1b-1. Further experiments confirmed the direct regulation of SlBES1.8 to their promoters. On the other hand, SlDELLA physically interacted with SlBES1.8 and further inhibited its transcriptional regulation activity by abolishing SlBES1.8–DNA binding. Conclusively, by mediating GA deactivation and signaling, SlBES1.8 greatly influenced tomato leaf morphogenesis.
Origin and Evolution of the Iron-Rich Upper Unit and Fe–Ti–V Mineralization of the Neoarchean Lac Doré Layered Intrusion, Chibougamau, Québec
Authors: Mokchah Nesrine , Mathieu Lucie
Published: February 2022

The Lac Doré Complex (LDC) is a metamorphosed Neoarchean (ca. 2728 Ma) tholeiitic layered intrusion with an estimated thickness of 7–8 km. The Layered zone (magnetitite, anorthosite, and gabbro mostly, and ferrodunite locally) is located in the upper part of the LDC, and it corresponds to an Fe–Ti oxide-bearing unit currently being explored for Fe–Ti–V magmatic deposits. Previous studies documented lithological, textural, and chemical heterogeneities in the Layered zone from the NW, NE, and S limbs of the LDC. This study integrates detailed chemical and petrological investigation of Fe-rich rocks across the Layered zone to evaluate the impact of magmatic processes (contamination, magma replenishment events, and fractional crystallization) on the evolution of the upper part of the LDC. Field data point to fractional crystallization (upward increase of quartz, apatite, and ilmenite, and decrease of titanomagnetite) and to efficient mineral sorting within flow currents (modal layering) in the S limb, where the Layered zone is thick, possibly as a result of frequent replenishment events. Petrological observations and bulk rock chemistry indicates that the magma emplaced at the NW limb was more evolved (Si richer) than the Fe-rich magmas emplaced at the NE and S limbs, explaining the limited economic potential of the NW limb. The chemistry of Fe–Ti oxides indicates that the least evolved Fe-rich magma (magma most enriched in V, Cr, and Ni) emplaced at the NE limb and subsequently interacted with Si–Ca–poor carbonate-facies iron formation. The chemistry of Fe–Ti oxides, as well as ƒO2 estimates, points to additional chemical heterogeneities across the Layered zone, which are interpreted to result from several injections of a chemically heterogeneous residual tholeiitic melt (Fe rich) followed by inefficient homogenization process. We conclude that Fe-rich residual melts produced by prolonged crystallization of silicates during most of the evolution of the LDC were extracted from the Lower zone (anorthosite- and gabbro-dominated unit) and migrated upward to form the Layered zone. Successive extraction of the Fe-rich melt in response to regional and/or local deformation event translates as replenishment events for the Layered zone that then evolved through contamination (NE limb), fractional crystallization (NW, NE, and S limbs), and mineral sorting (S limb).
The Dynamics of Return Migration, Human Capital Accumulation, and Wage Assimilation
Authors: Adda Jérôme , Dustmann Christian , Görlach Joseph-Simon
Published: February 2022

This article develops and estimates a dynamic model where individuals differ in ability and location preference to evaluate the mechanisms that affect the evolution of immigrants’ careers in conjunction with their re-migration plans. Our analysis highlights a novel form of selective return migration where those who plan to stay longer invest more into skill acquisition, with important implications for the assessment of immigrants’ career paths and the estimation of their earnings profiles. Our study also explains the willingness of immigrants to accept jobs at wages that seem unacceptable to natives. Finally, our model provides important insight for the design of migration policies, showing that policies that initially restrict residence or condition residence on achievement shape not only immigrants’ career profiles through their impact on human capital investment but also determine the selection of arrivals and leavers.
A Genome Sequence Resource of Nigrospora sphaerica Causing Fruit Dried-Shrink Disease in Akebia trifoliata
Authors: Hong Xiujing , Huang Shengxiong , Liu Yongsheng
Published: February 2022

Nigrospora sphaerica is a worldwide plant pathogen causing fruit or leaf diseases on a variety of plant hosts such as Citrullus lanatus, Vigna unguiculata, Hylocereus polyrhizus, and Akebia trifoliata and other potential hosts. Here we report the first genome resource with high-quality assembly of the N. sphaerica strain ZJJ-C1, which causes fruit dried-shrink disease in A. trifoliata in China. The genome sequence of ZJJ-C1 will be useful for studying the evolution, host adaptation, and pathogenicity of N. sphaerica, which will be beneficial for a better understanding of the mechanisms of host-pathogen interaction during the endophytic period.
Art and Paediatric Orthopaedics: A Sixteenth Century Lie-down Comedian
Authors: Rebello Gleeson , Joseph Benjamin
Published: February 2022

This outstanding painting, by an unknown artist, of a man with multiple deformities compatible with a diagnosis of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita induces the viewer to think deeply about the artist’s portrayal of the subject.
Factors Associated with Thickening of the Ligamentum Flavum on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis
Authors: Yabe Yutaka , Hagiwara Yoshihiro , Tsuchiya Masahiro , Onoda Yoshito , Yoshida Shinichirou , Onoki Takahiro , Ishikawa Keisuke , Kurosawa Daisuke , Murakami Eiichi
Published: February 2022

Study design.

Experimental study of the ligamentum flavum (LF) thickness among patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS).

Objectives.

To elucidate the factors associated with thickening of the LF on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Summary of Background Data.

Thickening of the LF is a major contributor to LSCS. This thickening is attributed to tissue hypertrophy or buckling of the ligament, and there may be several associated factors on MRI; however, these factors remain unclear.

Methods.

We studied the LF in 56 patients (a total of 106 ligaments) with LSCS, who underwent decompressive surgery; among them, 23 were receiving haemodialysis. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess relationships between the thickness of the LF on MRI and the thickness of the LF tissue, age, disc height, disc degeneration, and disc level. Patients were also categorised into 2 groups based on whether they were undergoing haemodialysis, and the relationships were assessed similarly.

Results.

Among patients with LSCS, the thickness of the LF on MRI showed a significant positive linear relationship with the thickness of the LF tissue, and no association with disc height. Except for in those receiving haemodialysis, the thickness of the LF on MRI showed a significant positive relationship with age, disc degeneration, and disc level among patients with LSCS.

Conclusion.

In patients with LSCS, thickening of the LF on MRI appears to represent tissue hypertrophy. The association between the thickness of the LF on MRI and age, disc degeneration, and disc level may indicate simultaneous alterations of spine components along with aging that was cancelled by the effects of haemodialysis.
Sleep Assessment in Critically Ill Adults: Established Methods and Emerging Strategies
Authors: Weinhouse Gerald L. , Kimchi Eyal , Watson Paula , Devlin John W.
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Sleep is a biological mandate with an integral role in optimizing functions that maintain psychological and physical health. During critical illness, however, sleep may be disrupted at best and elusive at worst. Sleep improvement efforts and research endeavors evaluating interventions to improve sleep in critically ill adults are hampered by limited methods available to measure sleep in this setting. This narrative review summarizes available modalities for sleep assessment in the ICU, describes new ICU sleep assessment methods under development, and highlights features of the ideal ICU sleep measurement tool.

DATA SOURCES:

The most relevant literature and author experiences were assessed for inclusion from PubMed and textbooks.

STUDY SELECTION:

The authors selected studies for inclusion by consensus.

DATA EXTRACTION:

The authors reviewed each study and selected appropriate data for inclusion by consensus.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Currently available tools to measure sleep in critically ill adults have important flaws. Subjective measurements are limited by recall bias, the inability of many patients to communicate, and poorly correlate with objective measures when completed by surrogates. Actigraphy does not consider the effects of sedating medications or myopathy leading to an over estimation of sleep time. Polysomnography, the gold standard for sleep assessment, is limited by interpretation issues and practical application concerns. Single and multiple channel electroencephalogram devices offer real-time physiologic data and are more practical to use than polysomnography but are limited by the scope of sleep-specific information they can measure and poorly characterize the circadian system.

CONCLUSIONS:

A measurement tool that offers real-time sleep and circadian assessment and is practical for broad application in the ICU does not exist. Newer sleep assessment devices have shown promise in measuring physiologic data in real time; when used in combination with other assessment modalities, and analyzed by computational techniques, they may revolutionize sleep monitoring in the ICU.
Research Brief: Physical Activity Trends Among Incarcerated Youth During a Sport Leadership Program
Authors: Wahl-Alexander Zachary , Jacobs Jennifer M.
Published: February 2022

Research indicates that engagement in physical activity is advantageous to adolescents' overall health. One subset of the population that is not provided with ample opportunities to be physically active includes incarcerated youth. To date, sport leadership programs have been designed to target this population; yet, little is known about physical activity opportunities for participants. The purpose of this study was to explore physical activity during a sport leadership program within a juvenile detention center. The participants were 27 incarcerated male youth (M
age = 18.7 years), all of whom participated in a sport leadership program. Physical activity was assessed during 32 sessions using Yamax DigiWalker SW 701 pedometers. Youth who participated in the sport leadership program accumulated an average of 3232 steps per session, with average standard deviation of 1245.5. As youth attended more sessions, overall physical activity levels during programming increased with a drastic reduction in variance among participants. This study is the first to closely examine and provide insights into youths' physical activity trends across programming and demonstrates a noticeable uptrend in activity and deceleration of variability among participants. Findings suggest that participation in a structured sport leadership program within juvenile detention centers can provide participants a critical opportunity to engage in physical activity.
Research Brief: Assessing Readiness for Barbershop-Based HIV Prevention Programs Among Rural African American Barbershop Patrons
Authors: Gardner Antonio J. , Fisher Melody , Tribit Givanta K. , Little Christine E. , Lucas Eric D. , Lowe Michael-Ryan Thomas
Published: February 2022

African American men are at a greater risk for contracting HIV infection, and geography may play an important role in the spread of the virus. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the readiness of rural African American men to participate in a barbershop-based HIV prevention program. A paper-and-pencil survey was administered to rural African American male barbershop attendees to assess their readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs. The results suggested that participants were amenable to this form of programming in the barbershop setting. There was no significance detected by demographic variables in readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs. The results of the study give health education specialists and other public health practitioners insight into ways to effectively research, communicate to, and develop culturally appropriate programming for this priority population in a setting in which they are more likely to frequent.
Impact of Tobacco and Marijuana on Infertility and Early Reproductive Wastage
Authors: BORTOLETTO PIETRO , PRABHU MALAVIKA
Published: February 2022

Reducing exposure to tobacco and marijuana during preconception and early pregnancy is a critical area of intervention for obstetricians, gynecologists, and other reproductive health care professionals. Beyond the deleterious personal health effects, both substances have been extensively associated with short-term and long-term detrimental effects to gametogenesis, fecundity, as well as tissue level effects in the reproductive tracts. When tobacco and marijuana do not impair the ability to achieve pregnancy, an increasing body of literature suggests either may be associated with increased risk of early pregnancy loss and reproductive wastage. In this review, we will discuss what is known about how tobacco and marijuana affect the male and female reproductive systems and highlight how these consequences may impair attempts at successful conception and pregnancy continuation beyond the first trimester.