bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity of anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies
Authors: Bardin Nathalie , Blank Miri , Pascal Veronique , Alessi Marie , Dignat-George Françoise , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Harlé Jean , Sanmarco Marielle
Published: November 2004

The aim of this study was to evaluate the heterogeneity of IgG-anti- β2 -glycoprotein I antibodies (IgG-aβ2 GPI) as regarding their reactivity pattern against different sources of human β2 GPI,their avidity and their association with clinical events of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).Three thousand six hundred and eightyfour consecutive patient sera were routinely tested for IgG-a β2 GPI over 1 year using an in-house ELISA with 2 different commercial preparations of human purified β2GPI. Of the 340 sera found positive, all those clinically documented were included in this study; 61 were positive with only one preparation (S1) and 59 with both (S2).The results of ELISA were confirmed by Western blot. Heterogeneity was stressed by testing sera with a human recombinant protein and 3 β2 GPI-related peptides. No contribution of glycosylation in the binding to β2GPI was found.The avidity indices for each protein were significantly higher in S1 than in S2 (p = 0.0021). S2 were more associated with antiphospholipid antibodies than S1 (75% versus 21% ; p <0.0001).A similar frequency of the main clinical features of APS was found in S1 and S2 sera (69% and 71%, respectively). In conclusion, our data show a heterogeneity in the antigenic reactivity pattern of IgG- a β2 GPI and a relationship between a binding profile and antibody avidity.This heterogeneity could represent a crucial factor of variability in test results and underlines the difficulty of getting standardisation.
Elevated plasma osteoprotegerin levels are associated with venous thrombosis and bleeding in patients with polycythemia vera
Authors: Kees Mathias , Wiesbauer Franz , Gisslinger Bettina , Wagner Renate , Shehata Medhat , Gisslinger Heinz
Published: November 2004

Patients with polycythemia vera (PV) have an increased risk for the development of thrombohemorrhagic complications. The pathogenesis of these complications is still unclear.An important role in vascular disease has recently been attributed to osteoprotegerin (OPG). It has been shown that various tissues of the cardiovascular system produce OPG, and there is growing evidence of an association between elevated serum OPG levels and cardiovascular morbidity.We evaluated if OPG was associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis or bleeding complications in a cohort of 114 PV patients.The analysis consisted of a retrospective and a prospective part. In the retrospective univariate analysis,a one unit change in OPG caused the odds of venous thrombosis to increase by 40% (p=0.005) and the odds of bleeding to increase by 52% (p=0.001). Multivariate analysis only slightly attenuated the association to 33% (p=0.03) and 37% (p=0.013) for venous thrombosis and bleeding, respectively. OPG was also related to the development of the combined outcome of venous thrombosis and bleeding in the prospective analysis (log-rank-test: p=0.017).This is the first report that links the occurrence of venous thrombosis or bleeding to elevated OPG levels.
Hypofibrinogenaemia associated with a novel heterozygous γ289 Ala→Val substitution (fibrinogen Dorfen)
Authors: Brennan Stephen , Dempfle Carl-Erik , Kirschstein Werner , George Peter , Dear Amy
Published: November 2004

The molecular basis of hypofibrinogenaemia was investigated in a 34-year-old woman and her 10-year-old daughter. DNA sequencing revealed a single heterozygous GCC→GTC transition in exon 8 of the fibrinogen γ gene in both subjects, predicting a novel γ289 Ala→Val substitution. Examination of fibrinogen γ chains by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry failed to detect the variant chain in plasma fibrinogen. Further evidence for its non-expression came from tryptic peptide mapping. The mutation predicts a mass increase of 28 Da in peptide T32, but only the normal (M+2H) ion was detected at 1418 m/z in the proposita. Our finding that γ289 is an important determinant of plasma fibrinogen levels highlights the role of mutational analysis in defining structurally important regions of the fibrinogen molecule. This case suggests that the highly conserved Ala289 is important in maintaining structure of the “a” polymerization site via hydrogen bonding to Thr371.
Hepatitis C in haemophiliacs
Authors: Franchini Massimo
Published: November 2004

Virtually all haemophiliacs who received non-virucidally treated, large-pool clotting factor concentrates before 1986 became infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although approximately one-tenth of HCV-infected people have been shown to clear the infection naturally, in the remaining cases the infection slowly progresses. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of HCV-infected hemophilic patients were also co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can accelerate the progression to cirrhosis and liver failure. As regards treatment, combination therapy with interferon (IFN) and ribavirin has improved the poor results obtained with IFN monotherapy and has become the standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Given the positive results obtained with pegylated interferon in non-haemophiliacs, ongoing trials are evaluating this promising therapy in HCV-chronically infected haemophilic patients. Finally, anti-HCV treatment should also be considered for those haemophiliacs co-infected with HIV in whom anti-retroviral treatment has stabilized the HIV infection.
Clock Genes, Oscillators, and Cellular Networks in the Suprachiasmatic Nuclei
Authors: Hastings Michael H. , Herzog Erik D.
Published: November 2004

The mammalian SCN contains a biological clock that drives remarkably precise circadian rhythms in vivo and in vitro. Recent advances have revealed molecular and cellular mechanisms required for the generation of these daily rhythms and their synchronization between SCN neurons and to the environmental light cycle. This review of the evidence for a cell-autonomous circadian pacemaker within specialized neurons of the SCN focuses on 6 genes implicated within the pace making mechanism, an additional 4 genes implicated in pathways from the pacemaker, and the intercellular and intracellular mechanisms that synchronize SCN neurons to each other and to solar time.
Intimate Partner Violence and Physical Health Consequences
Authors: Plichta Stacey B.
Published: November 2004

Extensive research indicates that intimate partner violence (IPV) poses a significant risk to the physical health of women. IPV is associated with increased mortality, injury and disability, worse general health, chronic pain, substance abuse, reproductive disorders, and poorer pregnancy outcomes. IPV is also associated with an overuse of health services and unmet need for services, as well as strained relationships with providers. The body of IPV research has several critical gaps. There are almost no longitudinal studies of IPV and health. Most studies are clustered into a few specialties, with almost no research in the areas of allied health, dentistry, or management. A common definition of IPV is still not used. Finally, with some notable exceptions, there has been little success in moving the health care system to routinely screen women for IPV.
Screening for Depression in Nursing Home Palliative Care Patients
Authors: Greenberg Loren , Lantz Melinda S. , Likourezos Antonios , Burack Orah R. , Chichin Eileen , Carter John
Published: November 2004

The purpose of the this study was to evaluate the existing tools for assessing depression in nursing home patients referred to palliative care services. The patients referred to palliative care were assessed for depression by a geriatric fellow and a psychiatrist (gold standard). The questions asked by the fellow were derived from the existing validated screening scales and diagnostic tools. The psychiatrist’s assessment had a strong agreement with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition ( DSM-IV;. = 0.400) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS;. = 0.462) and least agreement with the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CDS). However, depression in the most severe dementia patients (Mini-Mental State Examination = 0) was able to be assessed only by the CDS. Thus, although items from the DSM-IV and GDS may be used to ascertain depression in geriatric patients, to date there is no scale valid and reliable enough to effectively ascertain depression in the most severely demented patients.
The Clock Drawing Test as a Measure of Executive Dysfunction in Elderly Depressed Patients
Authors: Woo Benjamin K. P. , Rice Valerie A. , Legendre Susan A. , Salmon David P. , Jeste Dilip V. , Sewell Daniel D.
Published: November 2004

The aims of this research were to determine whether performance on the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) could accurately distinguish between older patients with depression and older patients with depression and previously undocumented executive dysfunction and to determine if there was a correlation between CDT and depression severity. The authors studied 52 patients consecutively admitted to a geriatric psychiatry inpatient unit of a university hospital who met DSM-IVcriteria for major depression or depression not otherwise specified but had no concurrent diagnosis of dementia. All the subjects completed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), and the CDT, as well as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The patients were divided into 2 subgroups based on the DRS score: <129 (cognitive impairment) versus = 129. Results indicated that the depressed patients with a score of DRS <129 had significantly lower CDT scores than did patients with DRS = 129 and normal comparison subjects ( P< .01). The results support the hypothesis that CDT score is lower in elderly depressed patients with executive dysfunction versus nondepressed seniors as well as depressed patients without executive dysfunction.
Driving and Dementia: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Brown Laura B. , Ott Brian R.
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the ability of individuals with dementia to drive an automobile. Based on a review of the literature, several factors were identified that may be useful in differentiating between people with dementia who presently remain safe drivers from those who have progressed to impaired driving. These factors include disease duration and severity, sex, patient self-assessment, family assessment, neuropsychological measures, findings on road evaluations, and driving simulator testing. The approach of the physician to driving and dementia is addressed, including in-office screening, referral for on-road driving assessments, and the potential for physician reporting to state agencies.
Filmmaking and Research
Authors: Goodman Paul S.
Published: November 2004

This article examines the intersection between the processes of filmmaking and research. The goal is to explore how documentary filmmakers can contribute to how we do our research on organizations and how organizational researchers can contribute to documentary filmmaking. The article draws from the author’s work as an organizational researcher and the author’s work in producing educational and documentary films about work during the past 12 years. After delineating some similarities and differences between the processes, specific suggestions are presented on how organizational researchers can learn from filmmakers and vice versa.
When a Student Blows the Whistle (on Himself)
Authors: Wright Thomas A.
Published: November 2004

Although various forms of dishonesty and cheating are widespread in academic and business settings, this personal experience case involves the intellectually provocative and emotionally stimulating example of a student who literally blew the whistle and turned himself in for cheating. Astonishingly, he turned himself in a few days after he had “successfully” cheated (was not caught) on the class final exam. Told from the perspective of both the student and professor, this personal experience essay addresses the issues surrounding why the student cheated and what led him to take the highly unusual action of turning himself in and accepting responsibility for his actions.
Plasticity in the Olfactory System: Lessons for the Neurobiology of Memory
Authors: Wilson D. A. , Best A. R. , Sullivan R. M.
Published: November 2004

We are rapidly advancing toward an understanding of the molecular events underlying odor transduction, mechanisms of spatiotemporal central odor processing, and neural correlates of olfactory perception and cognition. A thread running through each of these broad components that define olfaction appears to be their dynamic nature. How odors are processed, at both the behavioral and neural level, is heavily dependent on past experience, current environmental context, and internal state. The neural plasticity that allows this dynamic processing is expressed nearly ubiquitously in the olfactory pathway, from olfactory receptor neurons to the higher-order cortex, and includes mechanisms ranging from changes in membrane excitability to changes in synaptic efficacy to neurogenesis and apoptosis. This review will describe recent findings regarding plasticity in the mammalian olfactory system that are believed to have general relevance for understanding the neurobiology of memory.
Assessing and Teaching Competence
Authors: Grant Terri
Published: November 2004

The Professional Communication Unit (PCU) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) recently conducted a business communication needs analysis to determine student perceptions of their communicative competence and the teaching strategies being used to develop such competence. Students felt that the specialist, stand-alone communication program was more effective than their 3 to 4-year degree per se in delivering communication instruction, but certain business fields (e.g., actuarial science) felt this more strongly than others (e.g., information systems). The implications are that expert tuition is essential and that a customized, more nuanced approach will ensure greater job literacy. Experiential teaching strategies that encourage student voice; workshop diversity; real-life scenarios; and supportive, scaffolding marking interventions will further consolidate skills development. In particular, communication teachers need to work with students and other stakeholders to deepen understanding of computer-mediated communications (CMC) and the expanded needs of a multicultural global society.
A Comparison of Traditional and Technology-Assisted Instructional Methods in the Business Communication Classroom
Authors: Sauers Diza , Walker Robyn C.
Published: November 2004

In their study of 261 students enrolled in eight sections of a business communication course, three taught in a traditional classroom setting and the others delivered in a hybrid, half-time online format, the authors found that all students measurably improved their writing skills. On another dimension of interest, however, students in the online hybrid course demonstrated a higher rate of active learning practices in their use of Blackboard course management software. Perhaps most important, online writing instruction yielded as significant levels of measurable improvement in writing as did instruction in a traditional classroom, provided that instructional materials corresponded to the particular needs of the students. These results are encouraging in indicating that online courses may provide the best form of course delivery for certain students and certain communication practices.
News Coverage of Negative Political Campaigns
Authors: Min Young
Published: November 2004

The present experiment examines the effects of negative campaigns on voting participation and preference over which previous studies have provided inconsistent findings. This study focuses on the impact of negative campaigns covered in the news rather than those delivered in political advertising. Findings do not support an across-the-board “negativity-demobilization” hypothesis but demonstrate that the focus of campaign (i.e., policy-versus personality-focused) moderates the impact of campaign attacks on the likelihood of turning out to vote. While policy-based attacks covered in the news slightly stimulate voter turnout, personality attacks significantly depress one’s participatory intention. The data also indicate that negative strategies generally do not benefit the sponsoring candidates, and it is even more so when attacks concern personal matters. In general, voters appear to prefer a policy-appealing candidate over a personality-appealing one.
Fetal Ovarian Cyst
Authors: Alexander Cassie D. , Kuller Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2004

This case report demonstrates a complex fetal ovarian cyst. A fetal ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled ovarian tumor. Ovarian cysts are rarely detected in infants but are slightly more common on fetal sonography. The majority of cysts are benign corpus luteal cysts. The size and appearance of the cysts may vary. The largest cyst could possibly occupy the entire abdomen. The cyst will most likely be anechoic, but it can be complicated due to hemorrhage or torsion. Difficulties may arise when trying to differentiate a large ovarian cyst from other cystic lesions, such as enteric or mesenteric cysts. Both placental and maternal hormones can cause excess stimulation of the fetal ovary. A decrease in hormone stimulation after birth causes most neonatal ovarian cysts to spontaneously regress.
Introduction of Peptide Functions into DNA by Nucleic Acid Peptides, NAPs
Authors: Kawakami Junji , Wang Zhong-Ming , Fujiki Hiroyoshi , Izumi Satoshi , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: November 2004

Nucleic acid peptides (NAPs) with a mimetic amino acid side residue at the base position of the nucleotide via an amide bond were synthesized from 3-deoxy-6-O-(4,4′-dimethoxytrityl)allonic acid methyl ester as the common precursor. Furthermore, an NAP with an octapeptide at the C1′ position was synthesized. The peptide-linked NAP exhibits both functions of the oligopeptide part and of the oligonucleotide part.
Thermal Stability of Mononuclear Hydroperoxocopper(II) Species. Effects of Hydrogen Bonding and Hydrophobic Field
Authors: Yamaguchi Syuhei , Wada Akira , Nagatomo Shigenori , Kitagawa Teizo , Jitsukawa Koichiro , Masuda Hideki
Published: November 2004

The effects of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic field on the thermal stabilities of Cu(II)–OOH complexes have been studied using tripodal tetradentate ligands with their functional groups on the basis of UV–vis, ESR, ESI-mass, and resonance Raman spectroscopies.
Successive Phase Transitions in Crystalline State of Mesogenic Butyl 4-[2-(Perfluorooctyl)ethoxy]benzoate
Authors: Maeda Minako , Nagasawa Motoi , Tachibana Makoto , Kawaji Hitoshi , Atake Tooru , Iida Akifumi , Ozeki Tomoji , Hori Kayako
Published: November 2004

Successive phase transitions have been found in crystalline state of the title compound by X-ray diffractometry with synchrotron radiation and by adiabatic calorimetry. The transitions are at 173.5 and 174.2 K with a total entropy change of 7.26 J K−1 mol−1. The phase transitions are associated with a change of the periodicity of lateral molecular stacking in the monoclinic lattices with the common b axis, Z = 4, 16, and 12, for high, intermediate and low temperature phases, respectively.
Tissue-engineered bone formation in vivo using a novel sintered polymeric microsphere matrix
Authors: Borden M. , Attawia M. , Khan Y. , El-Amin S. F. , Laurencin C. T.
Published: November 2004

We have evaluated in vivo a novel, polymer-based, matrix for tissue engineering of bone. A segmental defect of 15 mm was created in the ulna of New Zealand white rabbits to determine the regenerative properties of a porous polylactide-co-glycolide matrix alone and in combination with autogenous marrow and/or the osteoinductive protein, BMP-7. In this study four implant groups were used: 1) matrix alone; 2) matrix with autogenous marrow; 3) matrix with 20 μg of BMP-7; and 4) matrix with 20 μg of BMP-7 and autogenous marrow.

The results showed that the degree of bone formation was dependent on the properties of the graft material. The osteoconductive sintered matrix structure showed significant formation of bone at the implant-bone interface. The addition of autogenous marrow increased the penetration of new bone further into the central area of the matrix and also increased the degree of revascularisation. The osteoinductive growth factor BMP-7 induced penetration of new bone throughout the entire structure of the implant. The most effective treatment was with the combination of marrow cells and osteoinductive BMP-7.
Hydroxyapatite ceramic-coated femoral stems in young patients
Authors: Singh S. , Trikha S. P. , Edge A. J.
Published: November 2004

We describe the clinical and radiological results of 38 total hip replacements (THR) using the JRI Furlong hydroxyapatite-ceramic (HAC)-coated femoral component in patients younger than 50 years. The mean age at the time of operation was 42 years (22 to 49) and the mean length of follow-up was ten years (63 to 170 months). All patients receiving a Furlong HAC THR were entered into the study regardless of the primary pathology including patients who had undergone previous hip surgery.

The mean Harris hip score improved from 44 before operation to 92 at the last postoperative review. After 12 years the cumulative surivival for the stem was 100% (95% confidence interval 89 to 100). No femoral component was revised. Our results show that the Furlong HAC implant gives excellent long-term results in young patients with high demands.
Recovery of function after closed femoral shortening
Authors: Barker K. L. , Simpson A. H. R. W.
Published: November 2004

This prospective, longitudinal study documents the muscle strength and baseline function of 18 patients undergoing closed femoral shortening for discrepancy in limb length. Patients were studied for two years following surgery. Function was measured by a self-reported questionnaire, timed tests of performance and measurements of muscle strength and power. After two years, the self-reported function and ability to complete timed functional tests had returned to or improved on the pre-operative values. Muscle strength remained slightly below the pre-operative value and was more marked in the quadriceps than the hamstrings. This study suggests that small decreases in muscle strength and power following closed femoral shortening do not adversely affect the patients’ ability to perform everyday activities.
Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Boucai Laura , Zafereo Mark , Cabanillas Maria E.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Approximately 43 720 new cases of thyroid carcinoma are expected to be diagnosed in 2023 in the US. Five-year relative survival is approximately 98.5%. This review summarizes current evidence regarding pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of early-stage and advanced thyroid cancer.

Observations

Papillary thyroid cancer accounts for approximately 84% of all thyroid cancers. Papillary, follicular (≈4%), and oncocytic (≈2%) forms arise from thyroid follicular cells and are termed well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Aggressive forms of follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer are poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (≈5%) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (≈1%). Medullary thyroid cancer (≈4%) arises from parafollicular C cells. Most cases of well-differentiated thyroid cancer are asymptomatic and detected during physical examination or incidentally found on diagnostic imaging studies. For microcarcinomas (≤1 cm), observation without surgical resection can be considered. For tumors larger than 1 cm with or without lymph node metastases, surgery with or without radioactive iodine is curative in most cases. Surgical resection is the preferred approach for patients with recurrent locoregional disease. For metastatic disease, surgical resection or stereotactic body irradiation is favored over systemic therapy (eg, lenvatinib, dabrafenib). Antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitors (eg, sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib) are approved for thyroid cancer that does not respond to radioactive iodine, with response rates 12% to 65%. Targeted therapies such as dabrafenib and selpercatinib are directed to genetic mutations (BRAF, RET, NTRK, MEK) that give rise to thyroid cancer and are used in patients with advanced thyroid carcinoma.

Conclusions

Approximately 44 000 new cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed each year in the US, with a 5-year relative survival of 98.5%. Surgery is curative in most cases of well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine treatment after surgery improves overall survival in patients at high risk of recurrence. Antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitors and targeted therapies to genetic mutations that give rise to thyroid cancer are increasingly used in the treatment of metastatic disease.
Serum Urate and Recurrent Gout
Authors: McCormick Natalie , Yokose Chio , Challener Gregory J. , Joshi Amit D. , Tanikella Sruthi , Choi Hyon K.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Approximately 12 million adults in the US have a history of gout, but whether serum urate levels can help predict recurrence is unclear.

Objective

To assess associations of a single serum urate measurement with subsequent risk of acute gout flares and subsequent risk of hospitalizations for gout among patients in the UK with a history of gout.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective study included patients with a history of gout identified from the UK between 2006 and 2010 who were followed up through Primary Care Linked Data medical record linkage until 2017 and through the Hospital Episode Statistics database until 2020.

Exposures

Serum urate levels at enrollment.

Main Outcome and Measure

Rate of recurrent acute gout, ascertained by hospitalization, outpatient, and prescription/procedure records, and adjusted rate ratios using negative binomial regressions.

Results

Among 3613 patients with gout (mean age, 60 years; 3104 [86%] men), 1773 gout flares occurred over a mean follow-up of 8.3 years. Of these, 1679 acute gout flares (95%) occurred in people with baseline serum urate greater than or equal to 6 mg/dL and 1731 (98%) occurred in people with baseline serum urate greater than or equal to 5 mg/dL. Rates of acute gout flares per 1000 person-years were 10.6 for participants with baseline urate levels less than 6 mg/dL, 40.1 for levels of 6.0 to 6.9 mg/dL, 82.0 for levels of 7.0 to 7.9 mg/dL, 101.3 for levels of 8.0 to 8.9 mg/dL, 125.3 for urate levels of 9.0 to 9.9 mg/dL, and 132.8 for levels greater than or equal to 10 mg/dL. Rate ratio of flares were 1.0, 3.37, 6.93, 8.67, 10.81, and 11.42, respectively, over 10 years (1.61 [1.54-1.68] per mg/dL). Rates of hospitalization per 1000 person-years during follow-up were 0.18 for those with baseline serum urate less than 6 mg/dL, 0.97 for serum urate of 6.0 to 6.9 mg/dL, 1.8 for serum urate of 7.0 to 7.9 mg/dL, 2.2 for serum urate of 8.0 to 8.9 mg/dL, 6.7 for serum urate of 9.0 to 9.9 mg/dL, and 9.7 for serum urate greater than or equal to 10 mg/dL. Rate ratios of hospitalization for gout, adjusting for age, sex, and race were 1.0, 4.70, 8.94, 10.37, 33.92, and 45.29, respectively (1.87 [1.57-2.23] per mg/dL).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective study of patients with a history of gout, serum urate levels at baseline were associated with the risk of subsequent gout flares and rates of hospitalization for recurrent gout. These findings support using a baseline serum urate level to assess risk of recurrent gout over nearly 10 years of follow-up.
Neonatal Outcomes After COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy
Authors: Norman Mikael , Magnus Maria C. , Söderling Jonas , Juliusson Petur B. , Navér Lars , Örtqvist Anne K. , Håberg Siri , Stephansson Olof
Published: February 2024

Importance

Better knowledge about neonatal adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy could help address concerns about vaccine safety.

Objective

To evaluate the risks of neonatal adverse events after exposure to COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Population-based cohort study including all infants in Sweden and Norway born from June 2021 to January 2023. Unique personal identity numbers were used to link individual information from different national registers.

Exposure

Administration of any mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 during pregnancy, irrespective of previous vaccination, number of doses during pregnancy, or vaccine manufacturer.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes were neonatal conditions with bleeding/thrombosis or inflammation/infection; disorders of the central nervous system; circulatory, respiratory, or gastrointestinal problems; and neonatal mortality. Statistical methods included logistic regression adjusted for characteristics of the pregnant individuals, with additional restricted and stratified analyses.

Results

Of 196 470 newborn infants included (51.3% male, 93.8% born at term, 62.5% born in Sweden), 94 303 (48.0%) were exposed to COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. Exposed infants exhibited no increased odds of adverse neonatal outcomes, and they exhibited lower odds for neonatal nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage (event rate, 1.7 vs 3.2/1000; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.78 [95% CI, 0.61-0.99]), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (1.8 vs 2.7/1000; aOR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.55-0.96]), and neonatal mortality (0.9 vs 1.8/1000; aOR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.50-0.91]). Subgroup analyses found a similar association between vaccination during pregnancy and lower neonatal mortality; subgroups were restricted to infants delivered by individuals unvaccinated before pregnancy, individuals vaccinated before pregnancy, individuals vaccinated after a general recommendation of vaccination during pregnancy was issued, and individuals without COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. Analyses restricted to term infants, singleton births, or infants without birth defects yielded similar results. Stratifying the analysis by vaccine manufacturer did not attenuate the association between vaccination and low neonatal mortality.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this large population-based study, vaccination of pregnant individuals with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines was not associated with increased risks of neonatal adverse events in their infants.
Gun Violence Exposure and Suicide Among Black Adults
Authors: Semenza Daniel C. , Daruwala Samantha , Brooks Stephens Jasmin R. , Anestis Michael D.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Black individuals are disproportionately exposed to gun violence in the US. Suicide rates among Black US individuals have increased in recent years.

Objective

To evaluate whether gun violence exposures (GVEs) are associated with suicidal ideation and behaviors among Black adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used survey data collected from a nationally representative sample of self-identified Black or African American (hereafter, Black) adults in the US from April 12, 2023, through May 4, 2023.

Exposures

Ever being shot, being threatened with a gun, knowing someone who has been shot, and witnessing or hearing about a shooting.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcome variables were derived from the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview, including suicidal ideation, suicide attempt preparation, and suicide attempt. A subsample of those exhibiting suicidal ideation was used to assess for suicidal behaviors.

Results

The study sample included 3015 Black adults (1646 [55%] female; mean [SD] age, 46.34 [0.44] years [range, 18-94 years]). Most respondents were exposed to at least 1 type of gun violence (1693 [56%]), and 300 (12%) were exposed to at least 3 types of gun violence. Being threatened with a gun (odds ratio [OR], 1.44; 95% CI, 1.01-2.05) or knowing someone who has been shot (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.05-1.97) was associated with reporting lifetime suicidal ideation. Being shot was associated with reporting ever planning a suicide (OR, 3.73; 95% CI, 1.10-12.64). Being threatened (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 2.41-5.09) or knowing someone who has been shot (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.42-5.74) was associated with reporting lifetime suicide attempts. Cumulative GVE was associated with reporting lifetime suicidal ideation (1 type: OR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.19-2.39]; 2 types: OR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.17-2.44]; ≥3 types: OR, 2.27 [95% CI, 1.48-3.48]), suicide attempt preparation (≥3 types; OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 2.37-5.63), and attempting suicide (2 types: OR, 4.78 [95% CI, 1.80-12.71]; ≥3 types: OR, 4.01 [95% CI, 1.41-11.44]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, GVE among Black adults in the US was significantly associated with lifetime suicidal ideation and behavior. Public health efforts to substantially reduce interpersonal gun violence may yield additional benefits by decreasing suicide among Black individuals in the US.
Wilson loop duality and OPE for super form factors of half-BPS operators
Authors: Basso Benjamin , Tumanov Alexander G.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We propose a dual Wilson loop description for the MHV super form factors of half-BPS operators in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills theory. In this description, the local operators are represented by on-shell states, made out of zero-momentum particles, that are absorbed by a null periodic super Wilson loop. We present evidence for this duality at weak coupling, by performing an explicit calculation of the Wilson loop matrix elements through one loop. At tree level, the interactions localize at the cusps of the loop, revealing a simple connection between the super form factors and the m = 2 tree amplituhedron. At loop level, we show that the Wilson loop calculation reproduces the known results for the super form factors. Inspired by this duality, we extend the OPE program developed for the form factors of the Lagrangian to the super form factors of the higher-charge operators. We introduce non-perturbative axioms and conjectures for the main building blocks that govern the exchange of the lightest flux-tube excitations. These blocks appear as simple refinements of the form factor transitions introduced in earlier OPE studies. They are expressed at any value of the ’t Hooft coupling in terms of the tilted Beisert-Eden-Staudacher kernel. We carry out checks of our conjectures up to two loops at weak coupling for three- and four-point form factors of half-BPS operators of various lengths, finding perfect agreement with perturbative data.
Region analysis of QED massive fermion form factor
Authors: ter Hoeve Jaco , Laenen Eric , Marinissen Coenraad , Vernazza Leonardo , Wang Guoxing
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We perform an analysis of the one- and two-loop massive quark form factor in QED in a region expansion, up to next-to-leading power in the quark mass. This yields an extensive set of regional integrals, categorized into three topologies, against which factorization theorems at next-to-leading power could be tested. Our analysis reveals a number of subtle aspects involving rapidity regulators, as well as additional regions that manifest themselves only beyond one loop, at the level of single diagrams, but which cancel in the form factor.
Differences in psychological treatment outcomes by ethnicity and gender: an analysis of individual patient data
Authors: Arundell Laura-Louise C. , Saunders Rob , Buckman Joshua E. J. , Lewis Glyn , Stott Joshua , Singh Satwant , Jena Renuka , Naqvi Syed Ali , Leibowitz Judy , Pilling Stephen
Published: February 2024

Purpose

There are discrepancies in mental health treatment outcomes between ethnic groups, which may differ between genders. NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression provide evidence-based psychological therapies for common mental disorders. This study examines the intersection between ethnicity and gender as factors associated with psychological treatment outcomes. Aims were to explore by gender: (1) differences in psychological treatment outcomes for minoritized ethnic people compared to White-British people, (2) whether differences are observed when controlling for clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with outcomes, and (3) whether organization-level factors moderate differences in outcomes between ethnic groups.

Methods

Patient data from eight NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression services (n = 98,063) was used to explore associations between ethnicity and outcomes, using logistic regression. Stratified subsamples were used to separately explore factors associated with outcomes for males and females.

Results

In adjusted analyses, Asian (OR = 0.82 [95% CI 0.78; 0.87], p < .001, ‘Other’ (OR = 0.79 [95%CI 0.72–0.87], p < .001) and White-other (0.93 [95%CI 0.89–0.97], p < .001) ethnic groups were less likely to reliably recover than White-British people. Asian (OR = 1.48 [95% CI 1.35–1.62], p < .001), Mixed (OR = 1.18 [95% CI 1.05–1.34], p = .008), ‘Other’ (OR = 1.60 [95% CI 1.38–1.84], p < .001) and White-other (OR = 1.18 [95% CI 1.09–1.28], p < .001) groups were more likely to experience a reliable deterioration in symptoms. Poorer outcomes for these groups were consistent across genders. There was some evidence of interactions between ethnic groups and organization-level factors impacting outcomes, but findings were limited.

Conclusions

Across genders, Asian, ‘Other’ and White-other groups experienced worse treatment outcomes across several measures in adjusted models. Reducing waiting times or offering more treatment sessions might lead to increased engagement and reduced drop-out for some patient groups.
MRI morphological characteristics of lymph nodes in anal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gulevski Stephanie , Frennered Anna , Trägårdh Elin , Nilsson Martin P. , Johnsson Anders , Buchwald Pamela , Blomqvist Lennart , Zackrisson Sophia
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Pre-treatment staging of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) includes pelvic MRI and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET-CT). MRI criteria to define lymph node metastases (LNMs) in ASCC are currently lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the morphological characteristics of lymph nodes (LNs) on MRI in ASCC patients with PET-CT-positive LNs.

Methods

ASCC patients treated at Skåne University Hospital between 2009 and 2017 were eligible for inclusion if at least one positive LN according to PET-CT and a pre-treatment MRI were present. All PET-CT-positive LNs and PET-CT-negative LNs were retrospectively identified on baseline MRI. Each LN was independently classified according to pre-determined morphological characteristics by two radiologists blinded to clinical patient information.

Results

Sixty-seven ASCC patients were included, with a total of 181 PET-CT-positive LNs identified on baseline MRI with a median short-axis diameter of 9.0 mm (range 7.5–12 mm). MRI morphological characteristics of PET-CT-positive LNs included regular contour (87%), round shape (89%), and homogeneous signal intensity on T2-weighed images (67%). An additional 78 PET-CT-negative LNs were identified on MRI. These 78 LNs had a median size of 6.8 mm (range 5.5–8.0 mm). The majority of PET-CT-negative LNs had a regular contour, round shape, and a homogeneous signal that was congruent to the primary tumor.

Conclusions

There are MRI-specific morphological characteristics for pelvic LNs in ASCC. PET-CT-positive and negative LNs share similar morphological features apart from size, with PET-CT-positive LNs being significantly larger. Further studies are needed to determine discrimination criteria for LNM in ASCC.
Learning modifies attention during bumblebee visual search
Authors: Robert Théo , Tarapata Karolina , Nityananda Vivek
Published: February 2024

The role of visual search during bee foraging is relatively understudied compared to the choices made by bees. As bees learn about rewards, we predicted that visual search would be modified to prioritise rewarding flowers. To test this, we ran an experiment testing how bee search differs in the initial and later part of training as they learn about flowers with either higher- or lower-quality rewards. We then ran an experiment to see how this prior training with reward influences their search on a subsequent task with different flowers. We used the time spent inspecting flowers as a measure of attention and found that learning increased attention to rewards and away from unrewarding flowers. Higher quality rewards led to decreased attention to non-flower regions, but lower quality rewards did not. Prior experience of lower rewards also led to more attention to higher rewards compared to unrewarding flowers and non-flower regions. Our results suggest that flowers would elicit differences in bee search behaviour depending on the sugar content of their nectar. They also demonstrate the utility of studying visual search and have important implications for understanding the pollination ecology of flowers with different qualities of reward.

Significance statement

Studies investigating how foraging bees learn about reward typically focus on the choices made by the bees. How bees deploy attention and visual search during foraging is less well studied. We analysed flight videos to characterise visual search as bees learn which flowers are rewarding. We found that learning increases the focus of bees on flower regions. We also found that the quality of the reward a flower offers influences how much bees search in non-flower areas. This means that a flower with lower reward attracts less focussed foraging compared to one with a higher reward. Since flowers do differ in floral reward, this has important implications for how focussed pollinators will be on different flowers. Our approach of looking at search behaviour and attention thus advances our understanding of the cognitive ecology of pollination.
Clinical benefits of MRI-guided freehand biopsy of small focal liver lesions in comparison to CT guidance
Authors: Schmidt Vanessa F. , Öcal Osman , Walther Viktoria , Fabritius Matthias P. , Dietrich Olaf , Kazmierczak Philipp M. , Weiss Lena , Deniz Sinan , Ümütlü Muzzafer R. , Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Wildgruber Moritz , Ricke Jens , Seidensticker Max
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To compare clinical success, procedure time, and complication rates between MRI-guided and CT-guided real-time biopsies of small focal liver lesions (FLL) < 20 mm.

Methods

A comparison of a prospectively collected MRI-guided cohort (n = 30) to a retrospectively collected CT-guided cohort (n = 147) was performed, in which patients underwent real-time biopsies of small FLL < 20 mm in a freehand technique. In both groups, clinical and periprocedural data, including clinical success, procedure time, and complication rates (classified according to CIRSE guidelines), were analyzed. Wilcoxon rank sum test, Pearson’s chi-squared test, and Fisher’s exact test were used for statistical analysis. Additionally, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed using the following criteria for direct matching: age, gender, presence of liver cirrhosis, liver lobe, lesion diameter, and skin-to-target distance.

Results

The median FLL diameter in the MRI-guided cohort was significantly smaller compared to CT guidance (p < 0.001; 11.0 mm vs. 16.3 mm), while the skin-to-target distance was significantly longer (p < 0.001; 90.0 mm vs. 74.0 mm). MRI-guided procedures revealed significantly higher clinical success compared to CT guidance (p = 0.021; 97% vs. 79%) as well as lower complication rates (p = 0.047; 0% vs. 13%). Total procedure time was significantly longer in the MRI-guided cohort (p < 0.001; 38 min vs. 28 min). After PSM (n = 24/n = 38), MRI-guided procedures still revealed significantly higher clinical success compared to CT guidance (p = 0.039; 96% vs. 74%).

Conclusion

Despite the longer procedure time, freehand biopsy of small FLL < 20 mm under MR guidance can be considered superior to CT guidance because of its high clinical success and low complication rates.

Clinical relevance statement

Biopsy of small liver lesions is challenging due to the size and conspicuity of the lesions on native images. MRI offers higher soft tissue contrast, which translates into a higher success of obtaining enough tissue material with MRI compared to CT-guided biopsies.

Key Points

• Image-guided biopsy of small focal liver lesions (FLL) is challenging due to inadequate visualization, leading to sampling errors and false-negative biopsies.

• MRI-guided real-time biopsy of FLL < 20 mm revealed significantly higher clinical success (p = 0.021; 97% vs. 79%) and lower complication rates (p = 0.047; 0% vs. 13%) compared to CT guidance.

• Although the procedure time is longer, MRI-guided biopsy can be considered superior for small FLL < 20 mm.

Graphical Abstract
Drivers of Caribbean precipitation change due to global warming: analyses and emergent constraint of CMIP6 simulations
Authors: Brotons Marta , Haarsma Rein , Bloemendaal Nadia , de Vries Hylke , Allen Teddy
Published: February 2024

Using 31 CMIP6 models we have analyzed projected future Caribbean precipitation. The model mean projection results in a 0.5 mm/day (20%) drying under a SSP5-8.5 scenario for the end of this century over the Caribbean basin. The multi-model spread is large ranging from no drying to a 1 mm/day (40%) reduction in mean precipitation. Eastern and central Pacific warming, resembling an El Niño / positive phase of Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), appears to be the main driver by shifting and weakening the Walker circulation and inducing subsidence over the Caribbean, especially during the wet season (May–November). This applies for the model mean as well as for the inter-model spread. During the dry season (December–April) the southward migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the advection of dry air from outside the Caribbean seem to be the dominant drivers of the projected drying. Another mechanism that contributes to the drying is the land-sea contrasts that induce divergence/convergence over the Caribbean. The incapability of CMIP6 models to simulate the current tropical Pacific warming and Walker circulation trends questions the reliability of precipitation projections in the Caribbean. Based on our understanding of the physical processes affecting Caribbean drying and on an emergent constraint analysis we state that the future drying in the Caribbean is likely to be weaker than the one projected by CMIP6 models.