bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hardiness and Burnout in Adult U.S. Workers
Authors: Bartone Paul T. , McDonald Kelly , Hansma Braden J.
Published: November 2021

Objective:

Burnout is a costly problem, and it appears to be getting worse due to COVID-related stressors. It is thus important for organizations to find better tools to prevent and mitigate worker burnout.

Methods:

Conditional PROCESS path analysis was used to assess the relation of hardiness to burnout in a representative sample of U.S. workers, with sex and age as potential moderators.

Results:

Hardiness is associated with reduced burnout symptoms. Sex did not moderate this relation. A moderating effect for age was observed, with more burnout appearing in younger, less hardy workers.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest hardiness operates similarly for men and women as a buffer against burnout, and that older workers are less vulnerable to burnout. Training programs to increase stress appraisals and coping skills used by more experienced, hardy workers may be beneficial in reducing burnout.
Utilizing Supplemental Online Modules for Physician Assistant Student Electrocardiogram Interpretation Training
Authors: Aycock Mallory M. , Brown Sheena D.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The literature suggests that graduating medical and physician assistant (PA) students lack competency in electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation. This project aimed to determine whether use of perceptual adaptive learning modules (PALMs) would improve PA students' ECG interpretation, alter self-perceptions of their ECG education, or both.

Methods

PALMs were incorporated into the PA curriculum after lecture-based ECG learning. Students' pretest, posttest, and delayed-posttest scores were then compared. Students' ability to correctly interpret ECGs (accuracy) and the percentage of ECGs accurately interpreted within 15 seconds or less (fluency) also were evaluated. Finally, students' perceptions of PALMs and overall ECG training were assessed.

Results

PALM training improved ECG interpretation accuracy and fluency (p < .0001), as well as delayed-posttest accuracy and fluency (p < .0001). The majority of student respondents felt supplemental training enhanced their learning.

Conclusion

These perception results combined with data on ECG interpretation improvement supports continued use of supplemental PALMs in ECG interpretation training.
Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Laser-Ablated Titanium Implant System for Bone Anchored Hearing Systems in a Pediatric Population and the Relationship of Resonance Frequency Analysis With Implant Survival
Authors: Osborne Max Sallis , Child-Hymas Anne , Holmberg Marcus , Thomsen Peter , Johansson Martin L. , McDermott Ann-Louise
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of pediatric patients implanted a novel 4.5 mm wide laser ablated titanium bone anchored implant system and to evaluate the implant stability over the first 12-month period.

Study Design:

A prospective, single-subject, repeated measure, cohort study. Participants served as their own controls.

Setting:

Community and tertiary referral hospital pediatric assessment center.

Patients:

A total of 115 consecutive pediatric patients aged 4 to 15 years were implanted with 176 laser ablated titanium bone anchored implants from January 2016 to January 2019.

Main Outcome Measure:

Clinical outcomes, implant failure rates, and post implantation implant stability quotient (ISQ) scores were studied over the first 12-month period. Data were analyzed for statistical significance through mixed effect modeling, with the significance level p = 0.01.

Results:

A median 12-month survival of 96.6% was observed. Six implants (3.5%) were lost in total, one of these (0.6%) was lost due to trauma. Adverse skin reactions (Holgers grade 2–4) were observed in 4.4% of all postoperative visits, occurring in 22 individuals (19.1%). Neither the ISQ high (ISQH) nor ISQ low (ISQL) values increased significantly between the stage 1 and 2 surgeries. In contrast, the ISQ results, irrespective of abutment size, demonstrated an increasing trend from 49.1 to 57 over the 12 months review period. A statistically significant change was only demonstrated from the 3 months follow up onwards.

Conclusion:

The use of 4.5 mm wide laser-ablated titanium bone anchored hearing implants resulted in superior survival rates and excellent clinical outcomes compared with previous implant systems.
Experiences of Losing Bowel Control After Lower Anterior Resection With Sphincter Saving Surgery for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Tsui Ho , Huang Xuan-Yi
Published: November 2021

Background

Rectal cancer patients who have undergone lower anterior resection with sphincter-saving surgery often experience loss of bowel control. We currently do not have suitable treatment regimens for such patients.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of losing bowel control in patients who have undergone lower anterior resection with sphincter-saving surgery for rectal cancer in Taiwan.

Methods

A descriptive phenomenological study design was adopted. Purposive sampling and one-on-one semistructured interviews were conducted for data collection. Narratives were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method.

Results

Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 12 patients (8 men, 4 women) whose average age was 61 years. Three themes and 11 subthemes emerged: physical problems (pain from broken perianal skin, insomnia, decreased physical strength, and body weight loss), adverse psychological reactions (worries, helplessness, and social isolation), and the use of coping strategies (avoidance of inappropriate foods to reduce bowel irritation and peristalsis, reduction of food intake, and use of antidiarrheal drugs and perianal skincare products).

Conclusion

The study supports the importance of having a good understanding of patient experiences by healthcare professionals to provide more effective healthcare. Furthermore, awareness of the cultural issue of social isolation was deemed important for providing individualized healthcare.

Implications for Practice

Education, counseling, and psychological support can enhance patients’ abilities to use coping strategies to overcome the physical and mental challenges of bowel symptoms. For example, appropriate diet-related education programs must be developed to reduce the trial-and-error learning process commonly adopted by patients to identify inappropriate foods.
Information Provision, Decision Self-efficacy, and Decisional Conflict in Adopting Health Behaviors Among Patients Treated for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lee Myung Kyung , Bryant-Lukosius Denise
Published: November 2021

Background

Health promotion is necessary to mitigate the negative consequences of colorectal cancer and its treatment. Rates of behavior modification are low in populations of cancer patients. Studies are needed to determine the factors, such as decisional conflict, which influence adoption of healthy behaviors following a cancer diagnosis.

Objective

To examine the effects of information provision, decision self-efficacy, and decisional conflict on the adoption of healthy behaviors among patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

This cross-sectional study focused on 251 patients with colorectal cancer in South Korea. Information provision, decision self-efficacy, and decisional conflict were measured using validated instruments. Patients rated their decisional conflict related to the adoption of behaviors that include regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Results

Most participants (73%) reported low satisfaction with the amount of information received. Of the participants, 64% had low decision self-efficacy, and 80% experienced decisional conflict. The perception of a higher level of information provision was associated with greater decision self-efficacy (odds ratio, 4.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.61-13.35). Higher decision self-efficacy was associated with lower decisional conflict (odds ratio, 5.19; 95% confidence interval, 2.33-11.59).

Conclusion

Receiving adequate information is important for promoting patients' confidence in making decisions about their health and reducing decisional conflict in the adoption of healthy lifestyle changes following a cancer diagnosis.

Implication for Practice

Oncology nurses should assess patient information needs and promote decision self-efficacy, thus empowering patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer to make lifestyle decisions that improve their health and quality of life.
A 1-Year Accredited Nurse Residency Program's Effect on Intent to Leave
Authors: Failla Kim Reina , Ecoff Laurie , Stichler Jaynelle F. , Pelletier Luc R.
Published: November 2021

OBJECTIVE

This article describes the evaluation of a system-wide program to enhance new graduate nurse resident (NGNR) experience, enculturation, and commitment to the organization.

BACKGROUND

Structured nurse residency programs support NGNR transition to the work environment and increase retention and organizational commitment.

METHODS

The study used a descriptive, comparative design measuring NGNR perceptions of affective commitment, job satisfaction, job stress, and other variables over 3 times from baseline to 24 months.

RESULTS

Findings demonstrated a reduction in affective commitment and an increase in nursing stress from baseline to 12 and 24 months of employment. The highest mean in intent to leave occurred at 12 months, highlighting the vulnerability of the NGNR at that time.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse leaders must consider resources supporting NGNRs beyond the traditional 12 months to ensure retention and organizational commitment, thereby decreasing intent to leave.
Urgent COVID-19 Vaccination of Healthcare Workers via a Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Baumer-Mouradian Shannon H. , Collins Stacey , Lausten Thomas , Pohl Cecile , Sisney Mary , Khare Smriti , Ose Megan , Roe Jennifer , Reilly Chelsi , Gutzeit Michael
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant threat to US healthcare workers’ mental and physical health. The US Food and Drug Administration approved the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for Emergency Use Authorization on December 11, 2020. High-risk healthcare workers were determined to be Phase 1a. Goal: Complete the two-dose vaccine series in all interested phase 1a staff immediately after the COVID-19 vaccine was available and distributed to our institution, December 14, 2020.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary team involving key stakeholders performed process mapping to develop four key drivers for vaccination success: rapid vaccine procurement, proper storage and handling, well-defined vaccine administration and follow-up plan, and system preparation. We tested interventions using plan-do-study-act cycles. We included employees and providers with direct patient care responsibilities, age 18 years or older, employed at the children’s health system, or the affiliated academic medical center. We examined the total number of dose 1 and dose 2 vaccines administered for our primary outcome, and the balancing measure included the percent of wasted vaccines.

Results:

Three thousand nine-hundred twenty-one healthcare personnel completed the survey, and 73% reported intent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine immediately or at a later time. After 57 clinic days, we vaccinated 83% (n = 5,231) of healthcare personnel at our institution, and 99% completed the two-dose series. Due to surplus vaccines, we vaccinated an additional 1,258 community members with 99% completion of the two-dose series. Vaccine waste was minimal 0.1%.

Conclusion:

We describe the development and implementation of a successful COVID-19 employee and community vaccination program.
Comparison of dementia incidence and prevalence between individuals with and without HIV infection in primary care from 2000 to 2016
Authors: Lam Jennifer O. , Lee Catherine , Gilsanz Paola , Hou Craig E. , Leyden Wendy A. , Satre Derek D. , Flamm Jason A. , Towner William J. , Horberg Michael A. , Silverberg Michael J.
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To compare dementia incidence and prevalence after age 50 years by HIV status.

Design:

Observational cohort, 2000–2016.

Methods:

People with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and demographically similar people without HIV (PWoH), all aged 50 years and older, were identified from Kaiser Permanente healthcare systems in Northern California, Southern California, and Mid-Atlantic States (Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC). Dementia diagnoses were obtained from electronic health records. Incidence and prevalence of dementia, overall and by time period (i.e. 2000–2002, 2003–2004, …, 2015–2016), were calculated using Poisson regression. Trends were examined using Joinpoint regression. Rate ratios were used to compare dementia by HIV status with adjustment for sociodemographics, substance use, and clinical factors.

Results:

The study included 13 296 PWH and 155 354 PWoH (at baseline: for both, mean age = 54 years, 89% men; for PWH, 80% with HIV RNA <200 copies/ml). From 2000 to 2016, overall incidence of dementia was higher among PWH [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) = 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.60–2.04]. Dementia incidence decreased among both PWH and PWoH (−8.0 and −3.1% per period, respectively) but remained higher among PWH in the most recent time period, 2015–2016 (aIRR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.18–2.12). The overall prevalence of dementia from 2000 to 2016 was higher among PWH [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.70–2.04] and was also higher among PWH in 2015–2016 (aPR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.56–1.97).

Conclusion:

Reductions in dementia incidence are encouraging and may reflect ART improvement, but PWH are still more likely to have dementia than PWoH. Monitoring the burden of dementia among PWH is important as this population ages.
Variables Associated With Response to Therapy in Patients With Interstitial Pneumonia With Autoimmune Features
Authors: Joerns Elena K. , Adams Traci N. , Newton Chad A. , Bermas Bonnie , Karp David , Batra Kiran , Torrealba Jose , Davila Lesley , Reisch Joan , Glazer Craig , Makris Una E.
Published: November 2021

Background/Objective

We have limited knowledge regarding characteristics of patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) that are associated with response to immunosuppression. In this study, we used published IPAF criteria to characterize features associated with response to treatment.

Methods

We conducted a single-center medical records review study of 63 IPAF patients to evaluate for serological, clinical, and morphological characteristics that are associated with response to immunosuppression. Response was defined as % relative functional vital capacity decline of less than 10% and absence of death or lung transplant within the first year of continuous immunosuppressive therapy. Nonparametric measures of association and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the relationship between baseline characteristics and immunosuppressive response.

Results

There was a trend of greater progression among men, ever smokers, those negative for antisynthetase antibodies, and those with usual interstitial pneumonia radiographic pattern, but no statistically significant relationship was found between baseline serological, clinical, or morphological features and response to immunosuppression. Patients on combination therapy with mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone had less disease progression (p = 0.018) than those on regimens that did not include both of these medications.

Conclusions

In our cohort, baseline clinical assessment did not identify which patients with IPAF will respond to immunosuppressive therapy. Combination therapy with mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone was associated with lack of disease progression in our IPAF patients, including in IPAF–usual interstitial pneumonia. Further studies are needed to evaluate which IPAF patients would benefit from immunosuppressive therapy, antifibrotic therapy, or a combination of both.
Electrodiagnostic Testing for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome When Routine Median Sensory and Thenar Motor Responses Are Absent
Authors: Ornelas Abbie S. , Girardo Marlene E. , Smith Benn E.
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The cardinal symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) include pain in the affected hand(s). The median/second lumbrical nerve (Med2ndL) seems relatively preserved in severe CTS, with previous small studies suggesting its value in electromyogram to localize a median neuropathy to the wrist when both initial routine sensory and thenar motor responses are absent.

Methods:

This is a retrospective analysis of 208 hands in 183 patients with electrophysiologically markedly severe CTS (absent routine sensory and thenar motor median responses) who underwent stimulation of both the Med2ndL and ulnar/second dorsal interosseous (Uln2ndDIn) motor nerves. A Med2ndL distal latency of ≥ 0.5 milliseconds when compared with the Uln2ndDIn supported the diagnosis of CTS. The presence or absence of hand pain was recorded if these data were available.

Results:

Some 83.7% of hands (172/208) in 183 patients with markedly severe CTS had preservation of the Med2ndL meeting criteria for CTS. In those with pain data available, 77.1% (81/105) of hands had no pain. Of those 105 hands, 87 had preservation of the Med2ndL with 79.3% (69/87) demonstrating no pain.

Conclusions:

This is a large study that demonstrates the relative preservation of the Med2ndL response in markedly severe CTS. Assessment of the Med2ndL should be considered to electrophysiologically support CTS when routine sensory and thenar motor responses are absent. In addition, most patients with electrophysiologically markedly severe CTS had no pain.
Influence of cerium content on the microstructure and thermal expansion properties of suction cast Al-Cu-Fe alloys
Authors: Wang Juan , Yang Zhong , Ma Zhijun , Bai Yaping , Duan Hongbo , Tao Dong , Shi Guoqing , Zhang Jiachen , Wang Zhen , Li Jianping
Published: November 2021

Low-expansion alloys are of great importance and can be used for the development of new aerospace materials. Herein, we report diverse rare earth quasicrystal alloys fabricated by the vacuum suction casting process. The effects of the addition of cerium (Ce) on the microstructure, thermal expansion properties and microhardness of the Al-Cu-Fe alloy were systematically investigated. This study discovered the tiny Al-Cu-Fe-Ce microstructure. A uniform distribution could be achieved after Ce addition amount is elevated. At the Ce addition amount of 1 at%, the lowest alloy thermal expansion coefficient was obtained. The alloy exhibited the maximum microhardness under these conditions. The microhardness of alloys containing 1 at% of Ce was approximately 2.4 times higher than the microhardness exhibited by alloys devoid of Ce additives. The coefficient of thermal expansion decreases by approximately 20%. The use of the suction casting process and the addition of an appropriate amount of Ce can potentially help design and develop Al-Cu-Fe-Ce alloys.
An efficient synthesis of furan-3(2
H
)-imine scaffold from alkynones
Authors: Rasras Anas J. , Shehadi Ihsan A. , Younes Eyad A. , Jaradat Da'san M. M. , AlQawasmeh Raed A.
Published: November 2021

A novel efficient method to generate spiro furan-3(2
H
)-imine derivatives is established by the reaction between the
α
,
β
-unsaturated ketones and aniline derivatives. The reaction involves 1,4- addition of aniline followed by the subsequent intramolecular cyclization mediated by tertiary alcohol to produce the furan-3(2
H
)-imine. All the synthesized compounds are characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).
Heterogeneity of performances in several inhibitory control tasks: male rhesus macaques are more easily distracted than females
Authors: Loyant Louise , Waller Bridget M. , Micheletta Jérôme , Joly Marine
Published: November 2021

Inhibitory control, the ability to override a dominant response, is crucial in many aspects of everyday life. In animal studies, striking individual variations are often largely ignored and their causes rarely considered. Hence, our aims were to systematically investigate individual variability in inhibitory control, to replicate the most common causes of individual variation (age, sex and rank) and to determine if these factors had a consistent effect on three main components of inhibitory control (inhibition of a distraction, inhibition of an action, inhibition of a cognitive set). We tested 21 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in a battery of validated touchscreen tasks. We first found individual variations in all inhibitory control performances. We then demonstrated that males had poorer performances to inhibit a distraction and that middle-aged individuals exhibited poorer performance in the inhibition of a cognitive set. Hence, the factors of age and sex were not consistently associated with the main components of inhibitory control, suggesting a multi-faceted structure. The rank of the subjects did not influence any inhibitory control performances. This study adopts a novel approach for animal behaviour studies and gives new insight into the individual variability of inhibitory control which is crucial to understand its evolutionary underpinnings.
Branch-counting in the Everett interpretation of quantum mechanics
Authors: Saunders Simon
Published: November 2021

A defence is offered of a version of the branch-counting rule in the Everett interpretation (otherwise known as many worlds interpretation) of quantum mechanics that both depends on the state and is continuous in the norm topology on Hilbert space. The well-known branch-counting rule, for realistic models of measurements, in which branches are defined by decoherence theory, fails this test. The new rule hinges on the use of decoherence theory in defining branching structure, and specifically decoherent histories theory. On this basis ratios of branch numbers are defined, free of any convention. They agree with the Born rule and deliver a notion of objective probability similar to naive frequentism, save that the frequencies of outcomes are not confined to a single world at different times, but spread over worlds at a single time. Nor is it
ad hoc
: it is recognizably akin to the combinatorial approach to thermodynamic probability, as introduced by Boltzmann in 1879. It is identical to the procedure followed by Planck, Bose, Einstein and Dirac in defining the equilibrium distribution of the Bose–Einstein gas. It also connects in a simple way with the decision-theory approach to quantum probability.
Social selection within aggregative multicellular development drives morphological evolution
Authors: La Fortezza Marco , Velicer Gregory J.
Published: November 2021

Aggregative multicellular development is a social process involving complex forms of cooperation among unicellular organisms. In some aggregative systems, development culminates in the construction of spore-packed fruiting bodies and often unfolds within genetically and behaviourally diverse conspecific cellular environments. Here, we use the bacterium
Myxococcus xanthus
to test whether the character of the cellular environment during aggregative development shapes its morphological evolution. We manipulated the cellular composition of
Myxococcus
development in an experiment in which evolving populations initiated from a single ancestor repeatedly co-developed with one of several non-evolving partners—a cooperator, three cheaters and three antagonists. Fruiting body morphology was found to diversify not only as a function of partner genotype but more broadly as a function of partner social character, with antagonistic partners selecting for greater fruiting body formation than cheaters or the cooperator. Yet even small degrees of genetic divergence between distinct cheater partners sufficed to drive treatment-level morphological divergence. Co-developmental partners also determined the magnitude and dynamics of stochastic morphological diversification and subsequent convergence. In summary, we find that even just a few genetic differences affecting developmental and social features can greatly impact morphological evolution of multicellular bodies and experimentally demonstrate that microbial warfare can promote cooperation.
Fitness benefits of dietary restriction
Authors: Sultanova Zahida , Ivimey-Cook Edward R. , Chapman Tracey , Maklakov Alexei A.
Published: November 2021

Dietary restriction (DR) improves survival across a wide range of taxa yet remains poorly understood. The key unresolved question is whether this evolutionarily conserved response to temporary lack of food is adaptive. Recent work suggests that early-life DR reduces survival and reproduction when nutrients subsequently become plentiful, thereby challenging adaptive explanations. A new hypothesis maintains that increased survival under DR results from reduced costs of overfeeding. We tested the adaptive value of DR response in an outbred population ofDrosophila melanogasterfruit flies. We found that DR females did not suffer from reduced survival upon subsequent re-feeding and had increased reproduction and mating success compared to their continuously fully fed (FF) counterparts. The increase in post-DR reproductive performance was of sufficient magnitude that females experiencing early-life DR had the same total fecundity as continuously FF individuals. Our results suggest that the DR response is adaptive and increases fitness when temporary food shortages cease.
Background complexity can mitigate poor camouflage
Authors: Rowe Zeke W. , Austin Daniel J. D. , Chippington Nicol , Flynn William , Starkey Finn , Wightman Edward J. , Scott-Samuel Nicholas E. , Cuthill Innes C.
Published: November 2021

Avoiding detection through camouflage is often key to survival. However, an animal's appearance is not the only factor affecting conspicuousness: background complexity also alters detectability. This has been experimentally demonstrated for both artificially patterned backgrounds in the laboratory and natural backgrounds in the wild, but only for targets that already match the background well. Do habitats of high visual complexity provide concealment to even relatively poorly camouflaged animals? Using artificial prey which differed in their degrees of background matching to tree bark, we were able to determine their survival, under bird predation, with respect to the natural complexity of the background. The latter was quantified using low-level vision metrics of feature congestion (or ‘visual clutter’) adapted for bird vision. Higher background orientation clutter (edges with varying orientation) reduced the detectability of all but the poorest background-matching camouflaged treatments; higher background luminance clutter (varying achromatic lightness) reduced average mortality for all treatments. Our results suggest that poorer camouflage can be mitigated by more complex backgrounds, with implications for both camouflage evolution and habitat preferences.
Global biobank analyses provide lessons for developing polygenic risk scores across diverse cohorts
Authors: Wang Ying , Namba Shinichi , Lopera Esteban , Kerminen Sini , Tsuo Kristin , Läll Kristi , Kanai Masahiro , Zhou Wei , Wu Kuan-Han , Favé Marie-Julie , Bhatta Laxmi , Awadalla Philip , Brumpton Ben , Deelen Patrick , Hveem Kristian , Lo Faro Valeria , Mägi Reedik , Murakami Yoshinori , Sanna Serena , Smoller Jordan W. , Uzunovic Jasmina , Wolford Brooke N. ,   Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative, Willer Cristen , Gamazon Eric R. , Cox Nancy J. , Surakka Ida , Okada Yukinori , Martin Alicia R. , Hirbo Jibril
Published: November 2021

With the increasing availability of biobank-scale datasets that incorporate both genomic data and electronic health records, many associations between genetic variants and phenotypes of interest have been discovered. Polygenic risk scores (PRS), which are being widely explored in precision medicine, use the results of association studies to predict the genetic component of disease risk by accumulating risk alleles weighted by their effect sizes. However, few studies have thoroughly investigated best practices for PRS in global populations across different diseases. In this study, we utilize data from the Global-Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative (GBMI), which consists of individuals from diverse ancestries and across continents, to explore methodological considerations and PRS prediction performance in 9 different biobanks for 14 disease endpoints. Specifically, we constructed PRS using heuristic (pruning and thresholding, P+T) and Bayesian (PRS-CS) methods. We found that the genetic architecture, such as SNP-based heritability and polygenicity, varied greatly among endpoints. For both PRS construction methods, using a European ancestry LD reference panel resulted in comparable or higher prediction accuracy compared to several other non-European based panels; this is largely attributable to European descent populations still comprising the majority of GBMI participants. PRS-CS overall outperformed the classic P+T method, especially for endpoints with higher SNP-based heritability. For example, substantial improvements are observed in East-Asian ancestry (EAS) using PRS- CS compared to P+T for heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Notably, prediction accuracy is heterogeneous across endpoints, biobanks, and ancestries, especially for asthma which has known variation in disease prevalence across global populations. Overall, we provide lessons for PRS construction, evaluation, and interpretation using the GBMI and highlight the importance of best practices for PRS in the biobank-scale genomics era.
Distribution of confirmed with COVID-19 by age and gender in Mexico
Authors: Maldonado Adalberto , Reyes Marco
Published: November 2021

Social, economic, and cultural factors can influence the likelihood of exposure to the virus of each person in sanitary emergencies like those of COVID-19. In this sense, parallel to the biological vulnerability to infection with SARS-CoV-2, said factors determine a complementary vulnerability to infection. Hence, they can influence in gender and age distributions of those confirmed, which is not entirely comprehended yet. The effect that age and gender can have on total vulnerability in Mexico thus far is not understood. A better understanding of such dependence can help policy optimization and decision-making to future similar emergencies. We aim to study the age and gender distributions of those confirmed with COVID-19 in Mexico. We also investigate the vulnerability to the infection with SARS-CoV-2 depending on such features. Two different samples of the Mexican population are analyzed in this non-experimental study to compare each other and evaluate the association of the result of the COVID-19 test with gender and age. Data up until the beginning of the vaccination are considered. The percentage of confirmed males is higher than females in both samples, and most tested and confirmed are working-age. Age distributions are positively skewed, with the peak in [30,39] years, which disagrees with the distribution of the Mexican population. The data suggest that the vulnerability to infection weakly depends on gender and age. Males were identified as the most vulnerable gender, and the age group [70,79] showed a higher vulnerability to infection.
Development and Evaluation of AccuPower® COVID-19 Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR Kit and AccuPower® SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR Kit for SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Sputum, NPS/OPS, Saliva and Pooled Samples
Authors: Suh In Bum , Lim Jaegyun , Kim Hyo Seon , Rhim Guil , Heebum Kim , Hana Kim , Sae-Mi Lee , Hyun-sang Park , Ju Song Hyun , MyungKook Hong , Sook Shin Gyung , Kim Moon Jung
Published: November 2021

Rapid and accurate detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is essential for the successful control of the current global COVID-19 pandemic. The real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time RT-PCR) is the most widely used detection technique. This research describes the development of two novel multiplex real-time RT-PCR kits,AccuPower®COVID-19 Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR Kit (NCVM) specifically designed for use with theExiStation™48 system (comprised ofExiPrep™48 Dx andExicycler™96 by BIONEER, Korea) for sample RNA extraction and PCR detection, andAccuPower®SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR Kit (SCVM) designed to be compatible with manufacturers’ on-market PCR instruments. The limit of detection (LoD) of NCVM was 120 copies/μL and the LoD of the SCVM was 2 copies/mL for both the gene and the SARS-CoV-2 gene (N gene and RdRp gene). TheAccuPower®kits demonstrated high precision with no cross reactivity to other respiratory-related microorganisms. The clinical performance ofAccuPower®kits was evaluated using the following clinical samples: sputum and nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab (NPS/OPS) samples. Overall agreement of theAccuPower®kits with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved emergency use authorized commercial kit (STANDARD™ M nCoV Real-Time Detection kit, SD BIOSENSOR, Korea) was above 95% (Cohen’s kappa coefficient ≥ 0.95), with a sensitivity of over 95%. The NPS/OPS specimen pooling experiment was conducted to verify the usability ofAccuPower®kits on pooled samples and the results showed greater than 90% agreement with individual NPS/OPS samples. The clinical performance ofAccuPower®kits with saliva samples was also compared with NPS/OPS samples and demonstrated over 95% agreement (Cohen’s kappa coefficient > 0.95). This study shows the BIONEER NCVM and SCVM assays are comparable with the current standard confirmation assay and are suitable for effective clinical management and control of SARS-CoV-2.
Reactogenicity of COVID-19 vaccine in hemodialysis patients: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Alfano Gaetano , Morisi Niccolò , Fontana Francesco , Scarmignan Roberta , Tonelli Laura , Ferri Camilla , Montani Martina , Giovanella Silvia , Ligabue Giulia , Mori Giacomo , Franceschini Erica , Guaraldi Giovanni , Cappelli Gianni , Magistroni Riccardo , Donati Gabriele
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Some hemodialysis patients are reluctant to COVID-19 for the development of adverse events (AEs). The aim of this study was to verify the safety of mRNA-1273 vaccine in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of in-center hemodialysis patients who underwent mRNA-1273 vaccine from March 1st to April 30th, 2021. All AEs occurring after the first and the second doses were collected and classified as local or systemic.

Results

Overall, 126 patients on chronic maintenance dialysis without a prior COVID-19 diagnosis were vaccinated with two doses of mRNA-1273 vaccine. Mean age was 68 (IQR, 54,7-76) years and 53.6% of patients were aged ≥ 65 years. During the observational period of 68 (IQR, 66-70) days, AEs occurred in 57.9% and 61.9% of patients after the first dose and second dose, respectively. The most common AEs were: injection-site pain (61.9%), erythema (4.8%), itching (4.8%), swelling (16.7%), axillary swelling/tenderness (2.4%), fever (17.5%) headache (7.9%), fatigue (23.8%), myalgia (17.5%), arthralgia (12.7%), dyspnoea (2.4%), nausea/vomiting (7.1%), diarrhoea (5.6%), shivers (4%) and vertigo (1.6%).

The rates of local AEs were similar after the first and second doses (P=0.8), whereas systemic AEs occurred more frequently after the second dose (P=0.001). Fever (P=0.03), fatigue (P=0.02) and nausea/vomiting (P=0.03) were significantly more frequent after the second dose of the vaccine. There were no age-related differences in the rate of AEs. Overall, vaccine-related AEs in hemodialysis patients seem to be lower than in the general population.

Conclusion

RNA-1273 vaccine was associated with the development of transient AEs after the first (57.9%) and second doses (61.9%) in patients on chronic maintenance hemodialysis. Systemic AEs were more common after the second dose. Overall, all AEs lasted for a few days, without any apparent sequelae.
Sex disparities in authorship in pulmonary hypertension research: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Lalonde Kathryn , Ruzycki Shannon , Mielniczuk Lisa , Weatherald Jason
Published: November 2021

From protocol introduction: “Our aim is to examine female authorship and sex disparities in the domain of pulmonary hypertension (PH) research. Despite PH disproportionately affecting females, we hypothesize that the proportion of studies with women as first or senior author will be < 50% and women will be underrepresented in publications in more prestigious journals.”
NetrinG1+ cancer-associated fibroblasts generate unique extracellular vesicles that support the survival of pancreatic cancer cells under nutritional stress
Authors: Raghavan Kristopher S. , Francescone Ralph , Franco-Barraza Janusz , Gardiner Jaye C. , Vendramini-Costa Débora Barbosa , Luong Tiffany , Pourmandi Narges , Andren Anthony , Kurimchak Alison , Ogier Charline , Duncan James S. , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Languino Lucia R. , Cukierman Edna
Published: November 2021

It is projected that, in 5 years, pancreatic cancer will become the second deadliest cancer in the United States. A unique aspect of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is its stroma; rich in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and a dense CAF-generated extracellular matrix (ECM). This fibrous stroma, known as desmoplasia, causes the collapse of local blood vessels rendering a nutrient-deprived milieu. Hence, PDAC cells are nurtured by local CAF-secreted products, which include, among others, CAF-generated small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). It is well-accepted that upon culturing functionally tumor-promoting CAFs under pathophysiological-relevant conditions (e.g., within self-produced ECM), these cells express NetrinG1 (NetG1) and sustain endosomal pools rich in active α5β1-integrin; traits indicative of poor patient survival. We herein report that NetG1+ CAFs generate sEVs that rescue PDAC cells from nutrient-deprived induced apoptosis. Two unique sEVs, NetG1+ and α5β1-integrin+, were uncovered. The former constitutes cargo of CAF-generated exomeres, and the latter is detected in classic exosomes. Proteomic and metabolomic analyses showed that the sEV-dependent PDAC survival is, at least in part, dictated by the cargo packaged within sEVs in a NetG1-dependent manner. Indeed, despite producing a similar number of vesicles, selected key proteins and metabolites (e.g., glutamine) were incorporated within the unique sEVs. Finally, we found that NetG1 and α5β1-integrin were detected in sEVs collected from plasma of PDAC patients, while their concomitant levels were significantly lower in plasma of sex/age-matched healthy donors. The discovery of these tumor-supporting CAF sEVs opens a new investigative avenue in tumor-stroma interactions and stroma staging detection.
The Population-based Microbiome Research Core: a longitudinal infrastructure for assessment of household microbiome and human health research
Authors: Schultz Amy A , Malecki Kristen MC , Holzhausen Elizabeth A , Bajwa Pravleen , Peppard Paul , LeCaire Tamara , Eggers Shoshannah , Safdar Nasia , Sethi Ajay K
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The Population-based Microbiome Research Core (PMRC) is an expandable and longitudinal research core infrastructure to support the study of the human microbiome within the context of environmental, sociodemographic, and health factors. Broadly, the purpose of this infrastructure is to provide new insights into how human-environment interactions affect health through its influence on the composition and function of the microbiome. The PMRC was established as an ancillary study of the Survey of Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) and serves as a platform for ancillary studies, ongoing follow-up of the cohort, and expansion of the microbiome biorepository.

Participants

The study recruited adult participants who had previously participated in SHOW’s Wisconsin Microbiome Study (WMS). Over 59% of the eligible WMS participants agreed to provide a repeat stool sample and household samples including dust, high touch surface swabs and outside soil.

Findings to date

PMRC includes 323 individuals; the majority (96%) were over the age of eighteen, white (84%), urban (75%), and lived in their homes for over one year (92%). Overall, 97% of participants completed the questionnaire and household high-touch surface swab collection, and 93% and 94% completed dust and stool collection, respectively. Soil samples were collected for 86% of all participant homes.

Future plans

Sample protocols developed for the PMRC offer a unique framework for future household-based microbiome research. This infrastructure can support the generation of new knowledge on the role of the home environment in relation to the human microbiome and identify new opportunities for intervention research.
Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among residents of Northern California jails
Authors: Liu Yiran E , Oto Jillian , Will John , LeBoa Christopher , Doyle Alexis , Rens Neil , Aggarwal Shelley , Kalish Iryna , Rodriguez Marcela , Sherif Beruk , Trinidad Chrisele , Del Rosario Michael , Allen Sophie , Spencer Robert , Morales Carlos , Chyorny Alexander , Andrews Jason R
Published: November 2021

Background

Carceral facilities are high-risk settings for COVID-19 transmission. Understanding of factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among incarcerated individuals is incomplete, especially for people living in jails.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of COVID-19 vaccination data from the electronic health record (EHR) of residents in two Northern California county jails to examine factors associated with vaccine uptake in this population. We additionally administered a survey in four jails to assess reasons for vaccine hesitancy, sources of COVID-19 information, and medical mistrust. We performed multivariate logistic regression to determine associations with vaccine uptake or hesitancy.

Results

Of 2,584 jail residents offered a COVID-19 vaccine between March 19, 2021 and June 30, 2021, 1,464 (56.7%) accepted at least one dose. Among vaccinated residents, 538 (36.7%) initially refused the vaccine. Vaccine uptake was higher among older individuals, women, those with recent flu vaccination, and those living in shared cells or open dorms. Leading reasons for vaccine hesitancy included concerns around side effects and suboptimal efficacy. Television and friends/family were the most commonly cited and the most trusted sources of COVID-19 information, respectively. Vaccine acceptance was associated with increased trust in COVID-19 information sources and in medical personnel both in and out of jail.

Conclusion

Ongoing evidence-based COVID-19 vaccination efforts are needed in high-risk carceral settings. Effective interventions to improve vaccination rates in this population should utilize accessible and trusted sources of information to address concerns about vaccine side effects and efficacy and foster medical trust.
The Substrate of Sudden Death in Long-QT Syndrome is localized in the Epicardium
Authors: Pappone Carlo , Ciconte Giuseppe , Anastasia Luigi , Borrelli Valeria , Grant Edward , Vicedomini Gabriele , Santinelli Vincenzo
Published: November 2021

Despite significant advances in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, sudden cardiac death (SCD) persists as a major public health problem. Among young and apparently healthy individuals, Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) represents a leading progenitor of SCD owing to fatal ventricular arrhythmia. Scientific understanding of this association has grown in recent years, and the mortality rate after LQTS diagnosis has significantly decreased. However, despite medical treatment advances, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias still occur. Until now, no research has established the degree to which this inherited condition arises from an underlying arrhythmogenic electroanatomical substrate. Here, we present direct evidence showing that LQTS patients who survive spontaneous malignant arrhythmias harbor structural electrophysiological abnormalities localized in the epicardium of the right ventricle. We further show that the elimination of these abnormalities by means of catheter ablation successfully suppresses malignant arrhythmias, offering a new approach for the effective treatment of LQTS patients.
Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants by rVSV-ΔG-spike-elicited human sera
Authors: Yahalom-Ronen Yfat , Erez Noam , Fisher Morly , Tamir Hadas , Politi Boaz , Achdout Hagit , Melamed Sharon , Glinert Itai , Weiss Shay , Cohen-Gihon Inbar , Israeli Ofir , Izak Marina , Mandelboim Michal , Caraco Yoseph , Madar-Balakirski Noa , Mechaly Adva , Shinar Eilat , Zichel Ran , Cohen Daniel , Beth-Din Adi , Zvi Anat , Marcus Hadar , Israely Tomer , Paran Nir
Published: November 2021

The emergence of rapidly spreading variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a major challenge to the ability of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies to provide immunity. These variants contain mutations at specific amino acids that might impede vaccine efficacy. BriLife® (rVSV-ΔG-spike) is a newly developed SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate currently in Phase II clinical trials. It is based on a replication competent vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) platform. rVSV-ΔG-spike contains several spontaneously-acquired spike mutations that correspond to SARS-CoV-2 variants’ mutations. We show that human sera from BriLife® vaccinees preserve comparable neutralization titers towards alpha, gamma and delta variants, and show less than 3-fold reduction in neutralization capacity of beta and omicron compared to the original virus. Taken together, we show that human sera from BriLife® vaccinees overall maintain neutralizing antibody response against all tested variants. We suggest that BriLife® acquired mutations may prove advantageous against future SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.