bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Determinants of Mortality of COVID-19 and Opioid Overdose in American Rural and Urban Counties
Authors: Zhu Yuhui , Fei Zhe , Mooney Larissa J. , Huang Kaitlyn , Hser Yih-Ing
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Both COVID-19 deaths and opioid overdose deaths continue to increase in the United States. Little is known about the characteristics of counties with high rates of mortality for both.

Methods:

We analyzed county-level data on COVID-19 mortality from January 1 to May 31, 2020, and on opioid overdose mortality during 2014-2018. The outcome variable, “high-risk county” was a binary indicator of high mortality rates (above 75% quartile) for both COVID-19 and opioid overdose. We conducted geospatial logistic regression models separately for urban and rural counties to identify social determinants of health associated with being a high-risk county.

Results:

After adjusting for other covariates, the overall mortality rate of COVID-19 is higher in counties with larger population size and a higher proportion of racial/ethnic minorities, although counties with high rates of opioid overdose mortality have lower proportions of racial/ethnic minorities, a higher proportion of females, and are more economically disadvantaged. Significant predictors of rural counties with high mortality rates for both COVID-19 and opioid overdose include higher proportions of Blacks (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.04; 95%CI, 1.01–1.07), American Indians and Alaska Natives (aOR, 1.07; 95%CI, 1.02–1.13), and two or more races (aOR, 1.34; 95%CI, 1.13–1.60). Additional predictors for high-risk urban counties include population density (aOR, 1.12; 95%CI, 1.04–1.22) and higher unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic (aOR, 1.23; 95%CI, 1.07–1.41).

Conclusions:

Rural counties with high proportions of racial/ethnic minorities and urban counties with high unemployment rates are at high mortality risk for COVID-19 and opioid overdose.
Ectopic pregnancies and endometrial microbiota
Authors: Aguilera Lidia Lorite , García Ignacio Cristóbal , Quevedo Ignacio Cristóbal
Published: April 2021

Purpose of the review

In recent years there has been significant progress in the study of endometrial microbiota. This line of investigation has not been free of controversy and discussion. It is a key for clinicians involved to remain updated with the most recent findings in microbiome and its clinical implications to be able to offer patients all possible treatments.

Recent findings

The existence of endometrial microbiota now seems undisputed. Current lines of work are centered on dysbiosis and its connection to other pathologies. It is in the field of assisted reproductive technology where this research plays an even more crucial role. In this case, we are focusing our attention toward the study of ectopic pregnancies, searching for similarities in their etiopathogenesis and alterations in the endometrial microbiota.

Ectopic pregnancy has great repercussions for patients and for the healthcare system. We must continue researching to offer patients techniques and behaviors that can prevent it. The increase in its incidence makes ectopic pregnancy an entity that we must study.
EFFECT OF LINEAR GROWTH RATE AND CHANGE IN BODY MASS INDEX IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN AFRO-CARIBBEAN YOUTH: THE VULNERABLE WINDOWS COHORT STUDY
Authors: Ferguson Trevor S. , Royal-Thomas Tamika Y. , Chin-Harty Lisa , Thame Minerva M. , Forrester Terrence E. , Osmond Clive , Boyne Michael S. , Wilks Rainford. J.
Published: April 2021

Background

Faster growth velocity during childhood may increase blood pressure (BP) in adults, but there are little data from African-origin populations. We evaluated the effect of postnatal linear growth (increase in height) and change in body mass index (BMI) from birth to adolescence on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) in Afro-Caribbean youth.

Methods

We used data from the Vulnerable Windows Birth Cohort Study in Jamaica. Children were followed from birth, with periodic anthropometric measurements. BP measurements started at age 1-year and every six months thereafter. Analyses used BP measurements (mmHg) from age 15-21 years. Linear growth and change in BMI measurements were calculated for: early infancy (0-6 months), late infancy (6 months - 2 years), early childhood (2-8 years), and later childhood (8-15 years). Conditional analyses were used to compute growth rates (as z-scores). Linear mixed models were used to estimate the effect of growth rates on BP.

Results

Analyses included 365 individuals (162 males, 203 females) with mean age 16.7 years. In multivariable models, after adjustment for age, sex, birth length, gestational age and BMI at age 15 years, faster linear growth for early infancy (β=1.06, p=0.010) was significantly associated with higher SBP. For change in BMI, after adjustment for age, sex, gestational age, height and SES at birth, significant associations of higher SBP were seen for greater increase in BMI in late infancy (β=1.41, p=0.001), early childhood (β=1.22, p=0.001) and later childhood (β=0.74, p=0.035). Faster post-natal linear growth had no significant associations with DBP, but greater increase in BMI for each of the late infancy to late childhood periods was significantly associated with higher DBP. When both growth rates were modeled together, rate of change of BMI and faster linear growth in early infancy retained significance for SBP, but only change in BMI retained significance for DBP.

Conclusion

Faster linear growth and greater rate of increase in BMI were associated with higher SBP and DBP in Afro-Caribbean youth, but the BMI effect was stronger.
Protection of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection is similar to that of BNT162b2 vaccine protection: A three-month nationwide experience from Israel
Authors: Goldberg Yair , Mandel Micha , Woodbridge Yonatan , Fluss Ronen , Novikov Ilya , Yaari Rami , Ziv Arnona , Freedman Laurence , Huppert Amit
Published: April 2021

Worldwide shortage of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection while the pandemic is still uncontrolled leads many states to the dilemma whether or not to vaccinate previously infected persons. Understanding the level of protection of previous infection compared to that of vaccination is critical for policy making. We analyze an updated individual-level database of the entire population of Israel to assess the protection efficacy of both prior infection and vaccination in preventing subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization with COVID-19, severe disease, and death due to COVID-19. Vaccination was highly effective with overall estimated efficacy for documented infection of 92·8% (CI:[92·6, 93·0]); hospitalization 94·2% (CI:[93·6, 94·7]); severe illness 94·4% (CI:[93·6, 95·0]); and death 93·7% (CI:[92·5, 94·7]). Similarly, the overall estimated level of protection from prior SARS-CoV-2 infection for documented infection is 94·8% (CI:[94·4, 95·1]); hospitalization 94·1% (CI:[91·9, 95·7]); and severe illness 96·4% (CI:[92·5, 98·3]). Our results question the need to vaccinate previously-infected individuals.
Maternal and child outcomes reported by breastfeeding women following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Bertrand Kerri , Honerkamp-Smith Gordon , Chambers Christina
Published: April 2021

Table of Contents Summary

What’s known on this subject

One published U.S. study with 31 breastfeeding women who were vaccinated with either of the two available mRNA COVID-19 vaccines found that 67% experienced any side effects after dose one and 61% after dose two of the vaccine.

What this study adds

More than 85% of 180 breastfeeding women who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine reported local or systemic symptoms, with higher frequency following the second dose. Few symptoms were reported in their breastfed children. No serious adverse events were noted.

Contributors’ Statement Page

Dr. Chambers and Ms. Bertrand designed the study and supervised the collection of data used in the study. Mr. Honerkamp-Smith performed the statistical analysis. All authors were involved in preparing the manuscript. All authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Prevalence of traumatic psychological stress reactions in children and parents following paediatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Turgoose David , Kerr Stephanie , De Coppi Paolo , Blackburn Simon , Wilkinson Simon , Rooney Natasha , Martin Richard , Gray Suzanne , Hudson Lee D
Published: April 2021

Background

Children undergoing surgery, and their parents, are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress reactions. We systematically reviewed the literature to understand the prevalence of this issue, as well as potential risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, using PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Google Scholar, with searches conducted in February 2021. Papers were included if they measured post-traumatic stress in children and/or parents following paediatric surgery, and were excluded if they did not use a validated measure of post-traumatic stress. Data was extracted from published reports.

Findings

Our search yielded a total of 1,672 papers, of which 16 of met our inclusion criteria. In meta-analysis, pooled studies of children estimated an overall prevalence of 16% meeting criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder post-surgery (N= 187, 95% CI : 5-31%, I2= 80%). After pooling studies of parents, overall prevalence was estimated at 23% (N= 1444, 95% CI 16-31%, I2= 91%). Risk factors reported within studies included length of stay, level of social support and parental mental health.

Interpretation

There is consistent evidence of traumatic stress following surgery in childhood which warrants further investigation. Those delivering surgical care to children would benefit from a raised awareness of the potential for post-traumatic stress in their patients and their families, including offering screening and support.

Funding

We did not seek or receive any funding for this study.
Evaluating the Perceived Utility of an Artificial Intelligence-Powered Clinical Decision Support System for Depression Treatment Using a Simulation Centre
Authors: Tanguay-Sela Myriam , Benrimoh David , Popescu Christina , Perez Tamara , Rollins Colleen , Snook Emily , Lundrigan Eryn , Armstrong Caitrin , Perlman Kelly , Fratila Robert , Mehltretter Joseph , Israel Sonia , Champagne Monique , Williams Jérôme , Simard Jade , Parikh Sagar V. , Karp Jordan F. , Heller Katherine , Linnaranta Outi , Cardona Liliana Gomez , Turecki Gustavo , Margolese Howard
Published: April 2021

Aifred is a clinical decision support system (CDSS) that uses artificial intelligence to assist physicians in selecting treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) by providing probabilities of remission for different treatment options based on patient characteristics. We evaluated the utility of the CDSS as perceived by physicians participating in simulated clinical interactions. Twenty psychiatry and family medicine staff and residents completed a study in which each physician had three 10-minute clinical interactions with standardized patients portraying mild, moderate, and severe episodes of MDD. During these scenarios, physicians were given access to the CDSS, which they could use in their treatment decisions. The perceived utility of the CDSS was assessed through self-report questionnaires, scenario observations, and interviews. 60% of physicians perceived the CDSS to be a useful tool in their treatment-selection process, with family physicians perceiving the greatest utility. Moreover, 50% of physicians would use the tool for all patients with depression, with an additional 35% noting they would reserve the tool for more severe or treatment-resistant patients. Furthermore, clinicians found the tool to be useful in discussing treatment options with patients. The efficacy of this CDSS and its potential to improve treatment outcomes must be further evaluated in clinical trials.
Multi-Ancestry Meta-Analysis yields novel genetic discoveries and ancestry-specific associations
Authors: Turley Patrick , Martin Alicia R. , Goldman Grant , Li Hui , Kanai Masahiro , Walters Raymond K. , Jala Jonathan B. , Lin Kuang , Millwood Iona Y. , Carey Caitlin E. , Palmer Duncan S. , Zacher Meghan , Atkinson Elizabeth G. , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming , Akiyama Masato , Okada Yukinori , Kamatani Yoichiro , Walters Robin G. , Callier Shawneequa , Laibson David , Meyer Michelle N. , Cesarini David , Daly Mark , Benjamin Daniel J. , Neale Benjamin M.
Published: April 2021

We present a new method, Multi-Ancestry Meta-Analysis (MAMA), which combines genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from multiple populations to produce new summary statistics for each population, identifying novel loci that would not have been discovered in either set of GWAS summary statistics alone. In simulations, MAMA increases power with less bias and generally lower type-1 error rate than other multi-ancestry meta-analysis approaches. We apply MAMA to 23 phenotypes in East-Asian- and European-ancestry populations and find substantial gains in power. In an independent sample, novel genetic discoveries from MAMA replicate strongly.
Online spike sorting via deep contractive autoencoder
Authors: Radmanesh Mohammadreza , Rezaei Ahmad Asgharian , Hashemi Alireza , Jalili Mahdi , Goudarzi Morteza Moazami
Published: April 2021

Spike sorting – the process of separating spikes from different neurons – is often the first and most critical step in the neural data analysis pipeline. Spike-sorting techniques isolate a single neuron’s activity from background electrical noise based on the shapes of the waveforms (WFs) obtained from extracellular recordings. Despite several advancements in this area, an important remaining challenge in neuroscience is online spike sorting, which has the potential to significantly advance basic neuroscience research and the clinical setting by providing the means to produce real-time perturbations of neurons via closed-loop control. Current approaches to online spike sorting are not fully automated, are computationally expensive and are often outperformed by offline approaches. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm for fast and robust online classification of single neuron activity. This algorithm is based on a deep contractive autoencoder (DCAE) architecture. DCAEs are deep neural networks that can learn a latent state representation of their inputs. The main advantage of DCAE approaches is that they are less sensitive to noise (i.e., small perturbations in their inputs). We therefore reasoned that they can form the basis for robust online spike sorting algorithms. Overall, our DCAE-based online spike sorting algorithm achieves over 90% accuracy at sorting previously-unseen spike waveforms. Moreover, our approach produces superior results compared to several state-of-the-art offline spike-sorting procedures.
Developmental HCN channelopathy results in decreased neural progenitor proliferation and microcephaly in mice
Authors: Schlusche Anna Katharina , Vay Sabine Ulrike , Kleinenkuhnen Niklas , Sandke Steffi , Campos-Martin Rafael , Florio Marta , Huttner Wieland , Tresch Achim , Roeper Jochen , Rueger Maria Adele , Jakovcevski Igor , Stockebrand Malte , Isbrandt Dirk
Published: April 2021

The development of the cerebral cortex relies on the controlled division of neural stem and progenitor cells. The requirement for precise spatiotemporal control of proliferation and cell fate places a high demand on the cell division machinery, and defective cell division can cause microcephaly and other brain malformations. Cell-extrinsic and intrinsic factors govern the capacity of cortical progenitors to produce large numbers of neurons and glia within a short developmental time window. In particular, ion channels shape the intrinsic biophysical properties of precursor cells and neurons and control their membrane potential throughout the cell cycle. We found that hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN)-channel subunits are expressed in mouse, rat, and human neural progenitors. Loss of HCN-channel function in rat neural stem cells impaired their proliferation by affecting the cell-cycle progression, causing G1 accumulation and dysregulation of genes associated with human microcephaly. Transgene-mediated, dominant-negative loss of HCN-channel function in the embryonic mouse telencephalon resulted in pronounced microcephaly. Together, our findings suggest a novel role for HCN-channel subunits as a part of a general mechanism influencing cortical development in mammals.

Significance Statement

Impaired cell cycle regulation of neural stem and progenitor cells can affect cortical development and cause microcephaly. During cell cycle progression, the cellular membrane potential changes through the activity of ion channels and tends to be more depolarized in proliferating cells. HCN channels, which mediate a depolarizing current in neurons and cardiac cells, are linked to neurodevelopmental diseases, also contribute to the control of cell-cycle progression and proliferation of neuronal precursor cells. In this study, HCN-channel deficiency during embryonic and fetal brain development resulted in marked microcephaly of mice designed to be deficient in HCN-channel function in dorsal forebrain progenitors. The findings suggest that HCN-channel subunits are part of a general mechanism influencing cortical development in mammals.
Ribosomal RNA degradation induced by the bacterial RNA polymerase inhibitor rifampicin
Authors: Hamouche Lina , Poljak Leonora , Carpousis Agamemnon J.
Published: April 2021

Rifampicin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase. Here we show that rifampicin treatment ofEscherichia coliresults in a 50% decrease in cell size due to a terminal cell division. This decrease is a consequence of inhibition of transcription as evidenced by an isogenic rifampicin-resistant strain. There is also a 50% decrease in total RNA due mostly to a 90% decrease in 23S and 16S rRNA levels. Control experiments showed this decrease is not an artifact of our RNA purification protocol and therefore due to degradationin vivo. Since chromosome replication continues after rifampicin treatment, ribonucleotides from rRNA degradation could be recycled for DNA synthesis. Rifampicin-induced rRNA degradation occurs under different growth conditions and in different strain backgrounds. However, rRNA degradation is never complete thus permitting the re-initiation of growth after removal of rifampicin. The orderly shutdown of growth under conditions where the induction of stress genes is blocked by rifampicin is noteworthy. Inhibition of protein synthesis by chloramphenicol resulted in a partial decrease in 23S and 16S rRNA levels whereas kasugamycin treatment had no effect. Analysis of temperature-sensitive mutant strains implicate RNase E, PNPase and RNase R in rifampicin-induced rRNA degradation. We cannot distinguish between a direct role for RNase E in rRNA degradation versus an indirect role involving a slowdown of mRNA degradation. Since mRNA and rRNA appear to be degraded by the same ribonucleases, competition by rRNA is likely to result in slower mRNA degradation rates in the presence of rifampicin than under normal growth conditions.
Structural origins of altered spectroscopic properties upon ligand binding in proteins containing a fluorescent non-canonical amino acid
Authors: Gleason Patrick R. , Kolbaba-Kartchner Bethany , Henderson J. Nathan , Simmons Chad R. , Mills Jeremy H.
Published: April 2021

Fluorescent non-canonical amino acids (fNCAAs) could serve as starting points for the rational design of protein-based fluorescent sensors of biological activity. However, efforts toward this goal are likely hampered by a lack of atomic-level characterization of fNCAAs within proteins. Here, we describe the spectroscopic and structural characterization of five streptavidin mutants that contain the fNCAA L-(7-hydroxycoumarin-4-yl)ethylglycine (7-HCAA) at sites proximal to the binding site of its substrate, biotin. Many of the mutants exhibited altered fluorescence spectra in response to biotin binding, which included both increases and decreases in fluorescence intensity as well as red or blue shifted emission maxima. Structural data were also obtained for three of the five mutants. The crystal structures shed light on interactions between 7-HCAA and functional groups—contributed either by the protein or substrate—that may be responsible for the observed changes in the 7-HCAA spectra. These data could be used in future studies aimed at the rational design of fluorescent, protein-based sensors of small molecule binding or dissociation.
Limited Phylogenetic Overlap Between Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated on Dairy Farms and those Causing Bacteriuria in Humans Living in the Same Geographical Region
Authors: Mounsey Oliver , Schubert Hannah , Findlay Jacqueline , Morley Katy , Puddy Emma F. , Gould Virginia C. , North Paul , Bowker Karen E. , Williams O. Martin , Williams Philip B. , Barrett David C. , Cogan Tristan A. , Turner Katy M. , MacGowan Alasdair P. , Reyher Kristen K. , Avison Matthew B.
Published: April 2021

Synopsis

Background

Our primary aim was to test whether cattle-associated fluoroquinolone-resistant (FQ-R)Escherichia colifound on dairy farms were a significant cause of bacteriuria in humans living in the same 50 × 50 km geographical region located in South West England. Another aim was to identify risk factors for the presence of FQ-RE. colion dairy farms.

Methods

FQ-RE. coliwere isolated during 2017-18 from 42 dairy farms and from community urine samples. Forty-two cattle and 489 human urinary isolates were subjected to WGS, allowing phylogenetic comparisons. Risk factors were identified using a Bayesian regularisation approach.

Results

Of 489 FQ-R human isolates, 255 were also 3rdgeneration cephalosporin-resistant (3GC-R), with strong genetic linkage betweenaac(6’)Ib-crandblaCTX-M-15. We identified possible farm-to-human sharing for pairs of ST744 and ST162 isolates, but core genome SNP distances (71 and 63, respectively) were smaller in pairs of ST744 and ST162 isolates from different farms (7 and 3 SNPs, respectively). Total farm fluoroquinolone use showed a positive association with the odds of isolating FQ-RE. coliwhile total dry cow therapy use showed a negative association.

Conclusions

This work suggests that FQ-RE. colifound on dairy farms have a limited impact on community bacteriuria within the local human population, however, this appears greater than observed for 3GC-RE. coliwhen studied in parallel. Reducing fluoroquinolone use may reduce the on-farm prevalence of FQ-RE. coli, and this reduction may be greater when dry cow therapy is targeted to the ecology of resistantE. colion the farm.
Computational modeling of molecular structure of microRNA inhibitors selected against microRNA over-expressed in thyroid cancer
Authors: de Oliveira Andrade Luís Jesuíno , Vinhaes Bittencourt Alcina Maria , de Oliveira Luís Matos , de Oliveira Gabriela Correia Matos
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent malignant neoplasm of endocrine system and advances in thyroid molecular biology studies demonstrate that microRNAs (miRNAs) seem to play a fundamental role in tumor triggering and progression. The miRNAs inhibitors are nucleic acid-based molecules that blockade miRNAs function, making unavailable for develop their usual function, also acting as gene expression controlling molecules.

Objective

To developin silicoprojection of molecular structure of miRNA inhibitors against miRNA over-expressed in thyroid cancer.

Methods

We conducted a search of the nucleotide sequence of 12 miRNAs already defined as inhibitors against miRNA over-expressed in thyroid cancer, realizingin silicoprojection of the molecular structure of following miRNAs: miRNA-101, miRNA-126, miRNA-126-3p, miRNA-141, miRNA-145, miRNA-146b, miRNA-206, miRNA-3666, miRNA-497, miRNA-539, miRNA-613, and miRNA-618. The nucleotides were selected using GenBank that is the NIH genetic sequence database. The sequences obtained were aligned with the Clustal W multiple alignment algorithms. For the molecular modeling, the structures were generated with the RNAstructure, a fully automated miRNAs structure modelling server, accessible via the Web Servers for RNA Secondary Structure Prediction.

Results

We demonstrated a search for nucleotide sequence and the projection of the molecular structure of the following miRNA inhibitors against miRNA over-expressed in thyroid cancer: miRNA-101, miRNA-126, miRNA-126-3p, miRNA-141, miRNA-145, miRNA-146b, miRNA-206, miRNA-3666, miRNA-497, miRNA-539, miRNA-613, and miRNA-618.

Conclusion

In this study we showin silicosecondary structures projection of selected of 12 miRNA inhibitors against miRNA over-expressed in thyroid cancer through computational biology.
The RNA helicase DHX36/G4R1 modulatesC9orf72GGGGCC repeat-associated translation
Authors: Tseng Yi-Ju , Sandwith Siara N. , Green Katelyn M. , Chambers Antonio E. , Krans Amy , Raimer Heather M. , Sharlow Meredith E. , Reisinger Michael A. , Richardson Adam E. , Routh Eric D. , Smaldino Melissa A. , Wang Yuh-Hwa , Vaughn James P. , Todd Peter K. , Smaldino Philip J.
Published: April 2021

GGGGCC (G4C2) hexanucleotide repeat expansions (HRE) inC9orf72are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of this expansion generates toxic proteins that accumulate in patient brains and contribute to disease pathogenesis. The DEAH-Box Helicase 36 (DHX36/G4R1) plays active roles in RNA and DNA G-quadruplex (G4) resolution in cells. As G4C2repeats form G4 structuresin vitro, we sought to determine the impact of manipulating DHX36 expression on repeat transcription and RAN translation. We found that DHX36 depletion suppresses RAN translation from reporter constructs in a repeat length dependent manner while overexpression of DHX36 enhances RAN translation from G4C2reporter RNAs. Taken together, these results suggest that DHX36 is active in regulating G4C2repeat translation, providing potential implications for therapeutic development in nucleotide repeats expansion disorders.
Early changes in corticomotor excitability underlie proactive inhibitory control of error correction
Authors: Rodríguez-Herreros Borja , Amengual Julià L. , Vázquez-Anguiano Jimena Lucrecia , Ionta Silvio , Miniussi Carlo , Cunillera Toni
Published: April 2021

Converging evidence indicates that response inhibition may arise from the interaction of effortful proactive and reflexive reactive mechanisms. However, the distinction between the neural basis sustaining proactive and reactive inhibitory processes is still unclear. To identify reliable neural markers of proactive inhibition, we examined the behavioral and electrophysiological correlates elicited by manipulating the degree of inhibitory control in a task that involved the detection and amendment of errors. Restraining or encouraging the correction of errors did not affect the time course of the behavioral and neural correlates associated to reactive inhibition. We rather found that a bilateral and sustained decrease of corticomotor excitability was required for an effective proactive inhibitory control, whereas selective strategies were associated with defective response suppression. Our results provide behavioral and electrophysiological conclusive evidence of a comprehensive proactive inhibitory mechanism, with a distinctive underlying neural basis, governing the commission and amendment of errors. Together, these findings hint at a decisive role for changes in corticomotor excitability in determining whether an action will be successfully suppressed.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Response inhibition is a fundamental brain function that must be flexible enough to incorporate volitional goal-directed demands, along with rapid, automatic and well consolidated behaviors. Previous studies reflect a lack of consensus regarding the neural correlates subserving these two –proactive and reactive– distinct modes of inhibitory control. We combined electrophysiological recordings with behavioral measures within a paradigm of detection and correction of errors under two degrees of inhibitory control to identify genuine neural markers of proactive inhibitory control. We found evidence supporting a sustained and global –not selective– reduction of corticomotor excitability subserving successful proactive inhibition of motor responses. Our findings favor a distinctive mechanism of comprehensive inhibitory control to amend errors under a high degree of response competition.
Follicular extension of atypical keratinocytes predicts the resistance of actinic keratosis to topical imiquimod treatment: A single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Tanese Keiji , Zhu Yingyao , Fujio Yumi , Konohana Izumi , Kurihara Yuichi
Published: April 2021

Topical imiquimod therapy has been widely used for actinic keratosis (AK). However, some cases are refractory to treatment. Therefore, an indicator that can predict its efficacy is desired. Herein, we retrospectively analyzed 52 AK lesions treated with imiquimod to investigate the characteristics of refractory lesions. Imiquimod was applied in a cycle of three times weekly for 4 weeks, followed by a 4‐week break. This treatment cycle was repeated up to three times and treatment responses were evaluated. As a result, a complete response (CR) was observed in 78.8% (41/52) of lesions. Next, treatment response of lesions was correlated with clinicopathological characteristics including clinical morphology and thickness, pathological morphology and thickness, and presence of follicular extension (FE). Of these, lesions with FE were significantly less responsive to imiquimod treatment; while 92.6% of AK lesions without FE achieved a CR, only 64.0% of AK lesions with FE achieved a CR (p = 0.029). Logistic regression analysis revealed that FE was the sole significant predictor of its efficacy (p = 0.019). These results suggest that preliminary histological evaluation of FE may be useful to predict the efficacy of imiquimod for AK.
Safety and effectiveness of 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy combined with fractional micro‐plasma radio‐frequency treatment for verrucous epidermal nevus: A retrospective study with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Dai Siqi , He Sijin , Huang Xiaowen , Chen Pingjiao , Li Qian , Guo Jia , Zhu Menghua , Shen Jing , Zeng Kang
Published: April 2021

Verrucous epidermal nevus (VEN) is a benign skin disease that seriously affects appearance. Numerous therapeutic methods have been tried with varying results. However, there are few reports on the treatment of VEN by photodynamic therapy (PDT). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐PDT in VEN treatment with a long‐term follow‐up. A total of 16 patients with VEN received ALA‐PDT and were followed up for more than 1 year to observe the treatment effects, adverse reactions, and patients’ satisfaction. Complete improvement of lesions was observed in 11 patients (three to six sessions of ALA‐PDT). Two patients obtained 90–99% improvement (five sessions) and 50–89% improvement in three patients (three to six sessions). They were satisfied with the treatment effects, with an average satisfaction of 4.19/5 (±0.91). Long‐term follow‐up ranging 14–50 months showed a low recurrence rate (2/16) and no scar left after ALA‐PDT. The results demonstrate that ALA‐PDT is an effective and safe therapy in treating VEN with mild adverse reactions and a low risk of scar formation.
Early psoriatic arthritis in Japan: Post‐hoc analyses from a survey by the Japanese Society of Psoriasis Research
Authors: Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Ohtsuki Mamitaro , Kawada Akira
Published: April 2021

To determine the characteristics of the early phase of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), we conducted a subanalysis of a retrospective survey of Japanese patients. In this study, we enrolled patients with early onset within either 2 years or 1 year from onset among the 1282 patients with PsA that had previously been reported. Among the total reported PsA patients, 304 (23.7%) were diagnosed with less than 2 years of onset of joint manifestation. The male : female ratio was 1.9:1, mean age at onset of cutaneous psoriasis 40.2 years, and that of joint manifestation 50.3 years. Age of less than 20 years at cutaneous psoriasis onset was observed in 22 cases, while that at joint manifestation was observed in two cases. Plaque‐type psoriasis accounted for 90.1%, followed by psoriasis erythroderma (3.9%), pustular psoriasis (3.9%), and nail psoriasis (1.3%). Polyarthritis was the most common joint manifestation (32.9%), followed by distal interphalangeal (DIP) type (29.6%), oligoarthritis type (27.3%), and ankylosing spondylitis type (4.9%). Enthesitis was observed in 27.3% and dactylitis in 61.8%. Biologics were used in 168 cases (55.3%). By contrast, 199 patients (15.5%) were diagnosed within 1 year of onset of joint manifestation, among whom polyarthritis was the most common (30.7%). Biologics were used in 50.8%. In conclusion, the present study showed that the frequency of early PsA within 2 years of onset accounted for 23.7%, and those within 1 year of onset was 15.5% among the Japanese patients with PsA. Polyarthritis was the most common in early PsA patients.
Impacts of radiation exposure on the bacterial and fungal microbiome of small mammals in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
Authors: Antwis Rachael E. , Beresford Nicholas A. , Jackson Joseph A. , Fawkes Ross , Barnett Catherine L. , Potter Elaine , Walker Lee , Gaschak Sergey , Wood Michael D.
Published: April 2021

Environmental impacts of the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident are much debated, but the effects of radiation on host microbiomes have received little attention to date.

We present the first analysis of small mammal gut microbiomes from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in relation to total absorbed dose rate, including both caecum and faeces samples.

We provide novel evidence that host species determines fungal community composition, and that associations between microbiome (both bacterial and fungal) communities and radiation exposure vary between host species. Using ambient versus total weighted absorbed dose rates in analyses produced different results, with the latter more robust for interpreting microbiome changes at the individual level. We found considerable variation between results for faecal and gut samples of bank voles, suggesting faecal samples are not an accurate indicator of gut composition.

Associations between radiation exposure and microbiome composition of gut samples were not robust against geographical variation, although we identified families of bacteria (Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae) and fungi (Steccherinaceae and Strophariaceae) in the guts of bank voles that may serve as biomarkers of radiation exposure.

Further studies considering a range of small mammal species are needed to establish the robustness of these potential biomarkers.
Theorising rehabilitation: Actors and parameters shaping normality, liminality and depersonalisation in a UK hospital
Authors: Bezmez Dikmen , Shakespeare Tom , Lee Kate
Published: April 2021

Sociological concern for rehabilitation remains limited. This paper aims to contribute to rehabilitation theory. It examines two units of a specialist rehabilitation hospital in the UK (amputee and neurological services) by focusing on the key actors involved – families, patients, staff – and the parameters shaping their relationships. The findings extend previous theoretical understandings of rehabilitation in three themes: normality, liminality and depersonalisation. We argue, first: normality is constantly negotiated amongst the different actors. This complicates existing works’ critique of rehabilitation as reproducing the ideology of normality. Second, discourses produced during acute care shape the inpatient rehabilitation experience. This calls attention to the pre‐rehabilitation phase and complicates existing works’ emphasis on the transition from inpatient stay to the time of discharge. Finally, inpatient rehabilitation is notable in rendering the adverse effects of depersonalisation apparent. It combines the bureaucracy of a regular hospital ward, with institutionalising aspects of long‐term care. These findings have a potential to enhance practice as well as knowledge. We call for a deeper sociological attention, combining theory‐building with empirical data for a better understanding of inpatient rehabilitation.
Profiles of juveniles with sex offense charges referred for competence evaluations
Authors: Cunningham Kathryn A. , Edyburn Kelly L. , Lexcen Fran
Published: April 2021

Juveniles referred for adjudicative competence evaluations make up a subset of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Among those referred for adjudicative competence evaluations, a significant number involve youth with current or past charges for sexual offenses. This study examines the profiles of youth with sexual offense charges who have been referred for competence evaluations at a state psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents. Differences between the characteristics of youth with and without sexual offenses were explored, and predictors of competence opinions were examined among the subset of youth with current or prior sexual charges (juveniles with sexual offenses, or JSOs). Findings indicated that youth with sexual offenses have several demographic, cognitive, clinical, and legal differences from youth without sexual offenses. Although youth with sexual offenses were less likely to be opined competent, presence of a sexual offense was not a predictor of competence opinions after controlling for other factors. Predictors of competence among JSOs were found to be similar to those among youth referred for competence evaluations in general. Primary diagnosis of an autism‐related disorder was a unique predictor of being opined not competent among the JSO subgroup, but not the overall sample. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.
Proteomic fingerprinting facilitates biodiversity assessments in understudied ecosystems: A case study on integrated taxonomy of deep sea copepods
Authors: Renz Jasmin , Markhaseva Elena L. , Laakmann Silke , Rossel Sven , Martinez Arbizu Pedro , Peters Janna
Published: April 2021

Accurate and reliable biodiversity estimates of marine zooplankton are a prerequisite to understand how changes in diversity can affect whole ecosystems. Species identification in the deep sea is significantly impeded by high numbers of new species and decreasing numbers of taxonomic experts, hampering any assessment of biodiversity. We used in parallel morphological, genetic, and proteomic characteristics of specimens of calanoid copepods from the abyssal South Atlantic to test if proteomic fingerprinting can accelerate estimating biodiversity. We cross‐validated the respective molecular discrimination methods with morphological identifications to establish COI and proteomic reference libraries, as they are a pre‐requisite to assign taxonomic information to the identified molecular species clusters. Due to the high number of new species only 37% of the individuals could be assigned to species or genus level morphologically. COI sequencing was successful for 70% of the specimens analysed, while proteomic fingerprinting was successful for all specimens examined. Predicted species richness based on morphological and molecular methods was 42 morphospecies, 56 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) and 79 proteomic operational taxonomic units (POTUs), respectively. Species diversity was predicted based on proteomic profiles using hierarchical cluster analysis followed by application of the variance ratio criterion for identification of species clusters. It was comparable to species diversity calculated based on COI sequence distances. Less than 7% of specimens were misidentified by proteomic profiles when compared with COI derived MOTUs, indicating that unsupervised machine learning using solely proteomic data could be used for quickly assessing species diversity.
PICT: A low‐cost, modular, open‐source camera trap system to study plant–insect interactions
Authors: Droissart Vincent , Azandi Laura , Onguene Eric Rostand , Savignac Marie , Smith Thomas B. , Deblauwe Vincent
Published: April 2021

Commercial camera traps (CTs) commonly used in wildlife studies have several technical limitations that restrict their scope of application. They are not easily customizable, unit prices sharply increase with image quality and importantly, they are not designed to record the activity of ectotherms such as insects. Those developed for the study of plant–insect interactions are yet to be widely adopted as they rely on expensive and heavy equipment.

We developed PICT (plant–insect interactions camera trap), an inexpensive (<100 USD) do‐it‐yourself CT system based on a Raspberry Pi Zero computer designed to continuously film animal activity. The system is particularly well suited for the study of pollination, insect behaviour and predator–prey interactions. The focus distance can be manually adjusted to under 5 cm. In low light conditions, a near‐infrared light automatically illuminates the subject. Frame rate, resolution and video compression levels can be set by the user. The system can be remotely controlled using either a smartphone, tablet or laptop via the onboard Wi‐Fi. PICT can record up to 72‐hr day and night videos at >720p resolution with a 110‐Wh power bank (30,000 mAh). Its ultra‐portable (<1 kg) waterproof design and modular architecture is practical in diverse field settings. We provide an illustrated technical guide detailing the steps involved in building and operating a PICT and for video post‐processing.

We successfully field‐tested PICT in a Central African rainforest in two contrasting research settings: an insect pollinator survey in the canopy of the African ebony Diospyros crassiflora and the observation of rare pollination events of an epiphytic orchid Cyrtorchis letouzeyi.

PICT overcomes many of the limitations commonly associated with CT systems designed to monitor ectotherms. Increased portability and image quality at lower costs allow for large‐scale deployment and the acquisition of novel insights into the reproductive biology of plants and their interactions with difficult to observe animals.

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Structural Changes in the Renminbi Exchange Rate Mechanism
Authors: Su Guanyu , Qian Junhui
Published: April 2021

This paper examines structural changes in China's exchange rate mechanism. For this purpose, we propose a predictive model incorporating three factors that influence the central parity rate: a smoothing factor, a market factor, and a basket factor. We first apply the model to analyze the effects of 12 exchange rate reforms since 2005, treating these reforms as predetermined structural breaks. Among other results, we find that the main impact of introducing a “counter‐cyclical factor” is to weaken the role of the basket factor. We estimate structural breaks in data, assuming that the number and dates of breaks are unknown, and we find that, although the majority of estimated breaks occur within the neighborhood of exchange rate reforms, there are breaks due to other external shocks such as the escalation of the China–US trade conflict in May 2019. It is suggested that our model may be used to guide future currency reforms in China.
Trait dimensions in bacteria and archaea compared to vascular plants
Authors: Westoby Mark , Gillings Michael R. , Madin Joshua S. , Nielsen Daniel A. , Paulsen Ian T. , Tetu Sasha G.
Published: April 2021

Bacteria and archaea have very different ecology compared to plants. One similarity, though, is that much discussion of their ecological strategies has invoked concepts such as oligotrophy or stress tolerance. For plants, so‐called ‘trait ecology’—strategy description reframed along measurable trait dimensions—has made global syntheses possible. Among widely measured trait dimensions for bacteria and archaea three main axes are evident. Maximum growth rate in association with rRNA operon copy number expresses a rate‐yield trade‐off that is analogous to the acquisitive–conservative spectrum in plants, though underpinned by different trade‐offs. Genome size in association with signal transduction expresses versatility. Cell size has influence on diffusive uptake and on relative wall costs. These trait dimensions, and potentially others, offer promise for interpreting ecology. At the same time, there are very substantial differences from plant trait ecology. Traits and their underpinning trade‐offs are different. Also, bacteria and archaea use a variety of different substrates. Bacterial strategies can be viewed both through the facet of substrate‐use pathways, and also through the facet of quantitative traits such as maximum growth rate. Preliminary evidence shows the quantitative traits vary widely within substrate‐use pathways. This indicates they convey information complementary to substrate use.
Time lags and the invasion debt in plant naturalisations
Authors: Duncan Richard P.
Published: April 2021

Ecological processes often exhibit time lags. For plant invasions, lags of decades to centuries between species’ introduction and establishment in the wild (naturalisation) are common, leading to the idea of an invasion debt: accelerating rates of introduction result in an expanding pool of introduced species that will naturalise in the future. Here, I show how a concept from survival analysis, the hazard function, provides an intuitive way to understand and forecast time lags. For plant naturalisation, theoretical arguments predict that lags between introduction and naturalisation will have a unimodal distribution, and that increasing horticultural activity will cause the mean and variance of lag times to decline over time. These predictions were supported by data on introduction and naturalisation dates for plant species introduced to Britain. While increasing trade and horticultural activity can generate an invasion debt by accelerating introductions, the same processes could lower that debt by reducing lag times.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on access to healthcare services amongst patients with multiple sclerosis in the Lazio region, Italy
Authors: Colais Paola , Cascini Silvia , Balducci Maria , Agabiti Nera , Davoli Marina , Fusco Danilo , Calandrini Enrico , Bargagli Anna Maria
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease involving multidisciplinary assessments and interventions. Access to outpatient specialist and home healthcare services was explored during the pandemic outbreak and the lockdown amongst MS patients in the Lazio region. Adherence to disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs) is also described.

Methods

A population‐based study was conducted using regional healthcare administrative databases. A validated algorithm was used to identify MS cases over the period 2011–2018. The numbers of specialist and home‐based services were compared between 2019 and 2020. The medication possession ratio was used to measure adherence to DMTs.

Results

A total of 9380 MS patients were identified (68% women). A decline in the number of outpatient care services between March and June 2020 compared to the previous year was observed, in particular for rehabilitation (−82%), magnetic resonance imaging (−56%) and neurological specialist services (−91%). Important year‐to‐year variations were observed in May and June 2020 in home‐based nursing and medical care (−91%) and motor re‐education services (−74%). Adherence to DMTs was higher in the first 4 months of 2019 compared to the same period of 2020 (67.1% vs. 57.0%).

Conclusions

A notable disruption of rehabilitative therapy and home‐based services as well as in DMT adherence was observed. Since the pandemic is still ongoing and interruption of healthcare services could have a major impact on MS patients, it is necessary to monitor access of MS patients to healthcare resources in order to ensure adequate treatments, including rehabilitative therapies.