bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OF VALUES AND P-VALUES: USING MIXED METHODS TO STUDY FAMILIES AND RELIGION IN THE LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF GENERATIONS
Authors: Silverstein Merril D
Published: April 2020

In this presentation we discuss challenges and opportunities presented by the use of mixed methods to study continuity, change, and conflict related to religion—and the absence of religion—in multigenerational families. Discussion centers on the complementarity of quantitative and qualitative approaches, strategic decisions in tone and emphasis of the manuscript, and uncertainties in navigating the peer review process. An empirical example is provided to illustrates these points. We present an analysis that tracked patterns of religious change across three generations using survey data and in depth interviews emphasizing epistemological issues in knowledge generation.
GEOGRAPHIC DISPARITIES IN LIFE EXPECTANCY AND MORTALITY IN THE U.S.
Authors: Kravchenko Julia , Lyerly H Kim
Published: April 2020

Although the US has one of the highest per-capita health expenditures in the world, it noticeably lags behind a number of other industrialized countries in terms of life expectancy (LE). These disparities remain unexplained by individual demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare factors. Analysis of death certificates for 1999-2016 revealed that diseases contributed most to LE variability are myocardial infarction (explained 12.9% of the difference in mortality), heart failure (10.6%), stroke (8.2%), lung cancer (7.5%) and COPD (7.2%). Analysis of histories of diseased patients in Medicare records showed that septicemia (15.7%), low weight (13.8%), renal disease (13.3%), disorders of electrolyte and fluid balance (9.0%) and heart failure (7.3%) contributed most to the disparities. Diseases that substantially contribute to disparities in LE in the US include both common and less-often-discussed diseases. Future studies of variations in treatment patterns, access-to and quality-of medical care for these diseases could provide important insight in observed patterns.
USING DATA SCIENCE TO GENERATE PSYCHOSOCIAL PROFILES OF FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION IN SENIORS
Authors: Enzler Cassandra J , Suchting Robert , Green Charles , Burnett Jason
Published: April 2020

Financial exploitation (FE) in older adults is a significant public health problem linked to outcomes including depression, financial ruin and early mortality. This study applied exploratory data science techniques to a multi-year statewide protective services dataset of over 8,000 elder abuse cases. The goal was to derive data-driven psychosocial profiles of abuse with an emphasis on determining which factors, commonly shared across abuse cases, were most important for determining when elder FE was occurring and whether it was occurring alone or in conjunction with other types of abuse. We found that pronounced psychological distress (i.e. verbalizing suicide, homicide, self-harm) was most important for indicating when abuse had occurred and predicted non-FE related abuse. Drug paraphernalia in the home and perpetrator drug/alcohol use were important predictors of FE-related abuse. When differentiating pure FE from hybrid FE, factors indicative of long-term FE occurrence and substantial financial loss were most important (i.e. facing foreclosure, lack of food, medications, and utilities). The findings parallel some existing work characterizing pure and hybrid FE, but also highlight new profile factors that may help determine when FE is occurring and when it is less likely. Applying data science approaches to other large protective service datasets and national datasets such as the National Adult Maltreatment Registry could help improve characterization of abuse types such as pure and hybrid FE resulting in better detection, response and prevention.
INCIDENT DIFFICULTY IN INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING: WHICH COMES FIRST?
Authors: Feger Danielle L , Rebok George W , Willis Sherry , Gross Alden L
Published: April 2020

Background: Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are necessary for successful independent living. Older adults may develop difficulty completing IADLs as they become physically and/or cognitively frail. The relative ordering in which IADLs deteriorate, and the importance of this ordering, is not well understood. Methods: Participants from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study who reported no difficulty with IADLs at baseline were included. Individuals were followed up to 10 years for incidence of self-reported difficulty in 19 specific IADLs. The outcome of interest was time to any incident difficulty. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of incident IADL difficulty for each IADL. Results: Of N=1,273 participants who contributed 6,144 person-years to the analysis, 887 developed difficulty with at least 1 IADL during the study period. The tasks in which participants reported difficulty earliest included giving self-injections (HR=5.69, [4.77, 6.79]), balancing checkbooks (HR=5.56, [4.32-7.16]), remembering often called numbers without having to look them up (HR=5.47, [4.55-6.59]), and household chores (HR=4.18, [3.43-5.11]). The last tasks to become difficult included keeping household expenses balanced (HR=0.07, [0.04-0.14]) and hanging up at the end of a phone call (HR=0.23, [0.09-0.56]). Conclusion: Independent older adults reported earlier difficulty with balancing checkbooks, remembering often called phone numbers, and doing household cleaning. Recognizing these early difficult tasks may facilitate early planning for family members and adoption of compensatory strategies.
FEEL YOUNGER, THINK YOUNGER? THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOMENTARY FLUCTUATIONS OF SUBJECTIVE AGE AND MIND-WANDERING
Authors: Hughes Matthew L , Touron Dayna
Published: April 2020

Subjective age is susceptible to day-to-day influence from external factors (e.g., stress), but it is not known how it fluctuates throughout the day. Mind-wandering, when one’s concentration is not on the task at hand, can be induced in a laboratory, but less is known about older adults’ mind-wandering in everyday life. This pre-registered study used experience sampling to investigate the relationship between mind-wandering and subjective age. Participants ages 50 years and older carried iPods for 7 days. Participants received 8 daily probes asking questions about mind-wandering and subjective age. Subjective age was assessed using an unmarked sliding scale between 0 and 120 years. For the first time, we demonstrated subjective age fluctuation within each day, with an average coefficient of variation of 12.40 (range 9.73–47.56). Participants also reported mind wandering about 34% of the time. Multilevel modeling provides insight into the relationship between everyday fluctuations of subjective age and mind-wandering.
REASONS FOR RELOCATING TO ASSISTED LIVING: THE PUSH, THE PULL, AND DECISIONAL CONTROL
Authors: Plys Evan
Published: April 2020

Using the push-pull framework, this study describes reasons for relocation and self-reported decisional control in the move to assisted living (AL). A sample of 202 residents of 21 ALs responded to a semi-structured questionnaire regarding their relocation. Participants most commonly relocated from a private local residence (n = 80, 40%), hospital/rehab facility (n = 27, 13%), or private long-distance residence (n = 24, 12%). The most frequently reported pull reasons to relocate to an AL were: “security and safety” (n = 46), “closer to family or friends” (n = 43), and “appearance of the facility” (n = 40). The most frequently reported push reasons to relocate from a previous residence were: “health problems” (n = 94), “others planned the move” (n = 87), and “fear of an accident” (n = 53). On average, participants who moved from other ALs reported the most decisional control in the move (M = 3.94, SD = 1.47), while participants from hospitals/rehab facilities reported the lowest control (M = 2.48, SD = 1.42). On average, participants who relocated from other ALs reported the most pull factors (M = 2.67, SD = 1.15), while participants from independent living communities reported the most push factors (M = 2.53, SD = 1.46). Results suggest that current residents commonly cite safety as both a push and pull reason for relocating to their AL. In addition, reasons for relocation and decisional control varied based on previous residence, which may be useful for identifying AL residents at risk for relocation stress.
PSYCHOSOCIAL AND CULTURAL PAIN EXPERIENCES AND SELF-MANAGEMENT ACROSS DIVERSE OLDER ADULT POPULATIONS
Authors: Booker Staja , Roach Keesha
Published: April 2020

Racial/ethnic minority older adults experience a disproportionate burden of functionally-disabling chronic pain. However, minimal research in pain and aging has fully explicated the unique and endemic psychosocial and cultural factors that strongly influence appraisal, communication, and management/coping of pain. Yet, to fully engage with and care for diverse racial/ethnic older adults, intentional responsiveness to these factors is necessary. This symposium features under-represented racial/ethnic older adult populations and multiple methodologies, including advanced imaging techniques, to understand various psychosocial and cultural factors associated with chronic pain. Our first presenter, Dr. Lor, uses qualitative inquiry to examine pain-associated language and expression of pain in Hmong older adults, which is often laden with stress and misunderstanding. Following is Dr. Taylor who will discuss the mediating effect of stress and coping on bodily pain in inner-city Black older adults. Dr. Terry will present novel findings on the association between catastrophizing (i.e., negative cognitive and emotional response to actual or anticipated pain resulting in feelings of helplessness) and brain structure in non-Hispanic Black and White adults with or at high-risk for knee osteoarthritis pain. This presentation will segway into culturally-relevant pain self-management practices and the role of social support specifically for Blacks from urban Detroit, as presented by Dr. Janevic. We will conclude with Dr. Booker presenting mixed-level data on the lack of familial and social networks and provider support for osteoarthritis pain self-management in Southern-dwelling older Blacks. This symposium extends the knowledge on the nuanced complexity of biopsychosocial and cultural dynamics underlying the pain experience.
DO PSYCHOSOCIAL RESOURCES CONFER PHYSIOLOGICAL RISK? EXAMINING ALLOSTATIC LOAD BLACK MEN ACROSS THE LIFE COURSE
Authors: Tobin Courtney S Thomas , Thorpe Jr Roland J
Published: April 2020

Research suggests positive psychosocial resources promote resilience, although this has been underexplored among Black men. The present study identified profiles of psychosocial resilience and examined their association with allostatic load (AL) among young, middle-aged, and older Black men. Data come from 283 Black men in the Nashville Stress and Health Study. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified resource profiles comprised of eight psychosocial resources across four categories (coping strategies, sense of control, racial identity, social support). Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of high AL (5+ high-risk indicators) across classes. LCA indicated three latent classes: low (33%), moderate (26%), and high (41%) psychosocial resources. Unexpectedly, individuals in the high resilience class had the greatest relative odds of high AL; high resilience worsened health for older but not younger Black men. Findings suggest elevated levels of resources resilience may undermine physical health in this population.
IDENTIFYING DIGITAL BIOMARKERS OF DEMENTIA-RELATED AGITATION: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM THE MODERATE STUDY
Authors: Au-Yeung Wan-Tai M , Miller Lyndsey M , Beattie Zachary , Reynolds Christina L , Kaye Jeffrey
Published: April 2020

Agitation is a challenging dementia-related behavioral symptom and disconcertingly leads to an undesirable increase in pharmaceutical intervention. Agitation is primarily assessed subjectively by time-impoverished caregivers or clinicians, who may not be able to provide comprehensive or sensitive enough reporting to detect early signs of agitation or identify its precipitants. The purpose of the MODERATE (Monitoring Dementia Related Agitation Using Technology Evaluation) study is to characterize dementia-related agitation and its potential catalysts using wearables and sensors installed in participants’ private living quarters within memory care (skilled nursing) facilities. Preliminary data from seven episodes of agitation–reported by nursing staff and treated by pharmaceutical intervention–were captured and characterized with an integrated network consisting of research-grade actigraphy, passive infrared presence sensors, door contact sensors, ambient environmental sensor boards, and bed sensor mats. Behaviors (e.g. pacing, space transitions) during 8-hour nursing shifts that included episodes of agitation were compared with 8-hour nursing shifts without any episodes of agitation. The environmental conditions (temperature, lighting, humidity, and decibel level) during agitated periods and non-agitated periods were also compared. There was a statistically significant difference between agitated periods and non-agitated periods for the number of space transitions in the living room (p<0.01) and for the measured amount of ambient light and humidity (p <0.05). Passive monitoring of behavioral activity is a promising method of unobtrusive, early, and objective detection of dementia-related agitation, expanding the window of opportunity for identifying factors associated with behavioral change and delivering appropriate evidence-based interventions.
Mechanical Ecology—Taking Biomechanics to the Field
Authors: Bauer Ulrike , Poppinga Simon , Müller Ulrike K
Published: April 2020

Synopsis Interdisciplinary research can have strong and surprising synergistic effects, leading to rapid knowledge gains. Equally important, it can help to reintegrate fragmented fields across increasingly isolated specialist sub-disciplines. However, the lack of a common identifier for research “in between fields” can make it difficult to find relevant research outputs and network effectively. We illustrate and address this issue for the emerging interdisciplinary hotspot of “mechanical ecology,” which we define here as the intersection of quantitative biomechanics and field ecology at the organism level. We show that an integrative approach crucially advances our understanding in both disciplines by (1) putting biomechanical mechanisms into a biologically meaningful ecological context and (2) addressing the largely neglected influence of mechanical factors in organismal and behavioral ecology. We call for the foundation of knowledge exchange platforms such as meeting symposia, special issues in journals, and focus groups dedicated to mechanical ecology.
Aminoglycosides are efficient reagents to induce readthrough of premature termination codon in mutant B4GALNT1 genes found in families of hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Yesmin Farhana , Bhuiyan Robiul H , Ohmi Yuhsuke , Ohkawa Yuki , Tajima Orie , Okajima Tetsuya , Furukawa Keiko , Furukawa Koichi
Published: April 2020

The readthrough of premature termination codon (PTC) by ribosome sometimes produces full-length proteins. We previously reported a readthrough of PTC of glycosyltransferase gene B4GALNT1 with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). Here we featured the readthrough of B4GALNT1 of two mutants, M4 and M2 with PTC by immunoblotting and flow cytometry after transfection of B4GALNT1 cDNAs into cells. Immunoblotting showed a faint band of full-length mutant protein of M4 but not M2 at a similar position with that of wild-type B4GALNT1. AGC sequences at immediately before and after the PTC in M4 were critical for the readthrough. Treatment of cells transfected with mutant M4 cDNA with aminoglycosides resulted in increased readthrough of PTC. Furthermore, treatment of transfectants of mutant M2 cDNA with G418 also resulted in the induction of readthrough of PTC. Both M4 and M2 cDNA transfectants showed increased/induced bands in immunoblotting and GM2 expression in a dose-dependent manner of aminoglycosides. Results of mass spectrometry supported this effect. Here, we showed for the first time the induction and/or enhancement of the readthrough of PTCs of B4GALNT1 by aminoglycoside treatment, suggesting that aminoglycosides are efficient for patients with HSP caused by PTC of B4GALNT1, in which gradual neurological disorders emerged with aging.
Convenient method of producing cyclic single-chain Fv antibodies by split-intein-mediated protein ligation and chaperone co-expression
Authors: Liu Chenjiang , Kobashigawa Yoshihiro , Yamauchi Soichiro , Fukuda Natsuki , Sato Takashi , Masuda Takeshi , Ohtsuki Sumio , Morioka Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Single-chain Fv (scFv) is a recombinant antibody in which the variable regions of the heavy chain (VH) and light chain (VL) are connected by a short flexible polypeptide linker. Compared with monoclonal antibodies, scFvs have the advantages of low-cost production using Escherichia coli and easy genetic manipulation. ScFvs are, therefore, regarded as useful modules for producing next-generation medical antibodies. The practical use of scFvs has been limited due to their aggregation propensity mediated by interchain VH–VL interactions. To overcome this problem, we recently reported a cyclic scFv whose N-terminus and C-terminus were connected by sortase A-mediated ligation. Preparation of cyclic scFv is, however, a time-consuming process. To accelerate the application study of cyclic scFv, we developed a method to produce cyclic scFv by the combined use of a protein ligation technique based on protein trans-splicing reaction (PTS) by split intein and a chaperone co-expression system. This method allows for the preparation of active cyclic scFv from the cytoplasm of E. coli. The present method was applied to the production of cyclic 73MuL9-scFv, a GA-pyridine antibody, as a kind of advanced glycation end-product. These findings are expected to evoke further application study of cyclic scFv.
Preserving Vision: Rethinking Burn Patient Monitoring to Prevent Orbital Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Mai Anthony P , Fortenbach Christopher R , Wibbenmeyer Lucy A , Wang Kai , Shriver Erin M
Published: April 2020

Burn patients receiving aggressive fluid resuscitation are at risk of developing orbital compartment syndrome (OCS). This condition results in elevated orbital pressures and can lead to rapid permanent vision loss. Risk factors and monitoring frequency for OCS remain largely unknown. A retrospective review was therefore conducted of admitted burn patients evaluated by the ophthalmology service at an American Burn Association verified Burn Treatment Center. Demographic, burn, examination, and fluid resuscitation data were compared using two-sided t-tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and linear regression. Risk factors for elevated intraocular pressures (IOPs; a surrogate for intraorbital pressure) in patients resuscitated via the Parkland formula were found to be total body surface area (% TBSA) burned, resuscitation above the Ivy Index (>250 ml/kg), and Parkland formula calculated volume. Maximum IOP and actual fluid resuscitation volume were linearly related. Analysis of all patients with elevated IOP found multiple patients with significant IOP increases after initial evaluation resulting in OCS within the first 24 hours postinjury. While %TBSA, Ivy Index, and resuscitation calculated volume are OCS risk factors in burn patients, two patients with facial burns developed OCS (25% of all patients with OCS) despite not requiring resuscitation. Orbital congestion can develop within the first 24 hours of admission when resuscitation volumes are the greatest. In addition to earlier and more frequent IOP checks in susceptible burn patients during the first day, the associated risk factors will help identify those most at risk for OCS and vision loss.
Education for Humanity: higher education for refugees in resource-constrained environments through innovative technology
Authors: Bauer Carrie , Gallagher Matthew J
Published: April 2020

Half of refugee children attend primary school and 22 per cent attend secondary school, yet only 3 per cent have access to higher education. When higher education efforts do exist, they often ignore common barriers refugees face in accessing it: cost, connectivity, lack of a power source, and access to devices, among others. Arizona State University’s Education for Humanity team piloted a programme to address this lack of access and associated barriers. Using a solar-powered, offline technology that emits a Wi-Fi hotspot, the team implemented a university-level course in Nakivale Settlement, Uganda. This article presents the results and findings from this pilot programme.
Fundamental differences in the radio properties of red and blue quasars: enhanced compact AGN emission in red quasars
Authors: Fawcett V A , Alexander D M , Rosario D J , Klindt L , Fotopoulou S , Lusso E , Morabito L K , Calistro Rivera G
Published: April 2020

We have recently used the Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-centimeters (FIRST) survey to show that red quasars have fundamentally different radio properties to typical blue quasars: a significant (factor ≈3) enhancement in the radio-detection fraction, which arises from systems around the radio-quiet threshold with compact (<5 arcsec) radio morphologies. To gain greater insight into these physical differences, here we use the DR14 Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and more sensitive, higher resolution radio data from the Very Large Array (VLA) Stripe 82 (S82) and VLA-COSMOS 3 GHz (C3GHz) surveys. With the S82 data, we perform morphological analyses at a resolution and depth three times that of the FIRST radio survey, and confirm an enhancement in radio-faint and compact red quasars over typical quasars; we now also find tentative evidence for an enhancement in red quasars with slightly extended radio structures (16–43 kpc at z = 1.5). These analyses are complemented by C3GHz, which is deep enough to detect radio emission from star-formation processes. From our data we find that the radio enhancement from red quasars is due to AGN activity on compact scales (≲43 kpc) for radio-intermediate–radio-quiet sources (−5 < $\mathcal {R}$ < −3.4, where $\mathcal {R}$ = $L_{\rm{1.4\,GHz}}/L_{6\mu\text{m}}$), which decreases at $\mathcal {R}$ < −5 as the radio emission from star-formation starts to dilute the AGN component. Overall our results argue against a simple orientation scenario and are consistent with red quasars representing a younger, earlier phase in the overall evolution of quasars.
ATAD5 deficiency alters DNA damage metabolism and sensitizes cells to PARP inhibition
Authors: Giovannini Sara , Weller Marie-Christine , Hanzlíková Hana , Shiota Tetsuya , Takeda Shunichi , Jiricny Josef
Published: April 2020

Replication factor C (RFC), a heteropentamer of RFC1-5, loads PCNA onto DNA during replication and repair. Once DNA synthesis has ceased, PCNA must be unloaded. Recent findings assign the uloader role primarily to an RFC-like (RLC) complex, in which the largest RFC subunit, RFC1, has been replaced with ATAD5 (ELG1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae). ATAD5-RLC appears to be indispensable, given that Atad5 knock-out leads to embryonic lethality. In order to learn how the retention of PCNA on DNA might interfere with normal DNA metabolism, we studied the response of ATAD5-depleted cells to several genotoxic agents. We show that ATAD5 deficiency leads to hypersensitivity to methyl methanesulphonate (MMS), camptothecin (CPT) and mitomycin C (MMC), agents that hinder the progression of replication forks. We further show that ATAD5-depleted cells are sensitive to poly(ADP)ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and that the processing of spontaneous oxidative DNA damage contributes towards this sensitivity. We posit that PCNA molecules trapped on DNA interfere with the correct metabolism of arrested replication forks, phenotype reminiscent of defective homologous recombination (HR). As Atad5 heterozygous mice are cancer-prone and as ATAD5 mutations have been identified in breast and endometrial cancers, our finding may open a path towards the therapy of these tumours.
Analgesic Effectiveness of Perioperative Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block Combined with General Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaofei , Zhang Chao , Zhou Xiaofeng , Chen Wei , Li Junhong , Wang Huan , Liu Juying
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate whether perioperative ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) combined with general anesthesia is more effective and safer than current analgesic techniques for postoperative analgesia after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods

PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched for clinical trials published up to July 31, 2019. Outcomes, including operative duration, postoperative pain scores, postoperative analgesia use, patient satisfaction with analgesia, time to chest tube removal, length of stay, and adverse effects were analyzed.

Results

Four clinical trials, including 262 patients, met inclusion criteria. Ultrasound-guided SAPB reduced pain scores at zero, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes in the postoperative anesthesia care unit (all P < 0.05) and at one, two, six, 12, and 24 hours in the ward (all P < 0.001). Additionally, postoperatively, morphine consumption at 15 and 30 minutes, overall morphine consumption, and total consumption (morphine plus tramadol) were significantly lower in the SAPB cohort (P  < 0.05). Similarly, postoperative tramadol consumption at one, two, six, 12, and 24 hours was also lower in this cohort (all P  < 0.05). The postoperative consumption of fentanyl, tramadol, and total morphine in patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) at 24 hours was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Moreover, SAPB provided better patient satisfaction with analgesia (P = 0.0038). However, no statistically significant difference was found in duration of operation, time to chest tube removal, length of stay, or side effects (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Perioperative ultrasound-guided SAPB combined with general anesthesia provided more effective postoperative analgesia after VATS. However, no significant advantage was found regarding side effects.
Pain Management Best Practices from Multispecialty Organizations During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Public Health Crises
Authors: Cohen Steven P , Baber Zafeer B , Buvanendran Asokumar , McLean Brian C , Chen Yian , Hooten W Michael , Laker Scott R , Wasan Ajay D , Kennedy David J , Sandbrink Friedhelm , King Scott A , Fowler Ian M , Stojanovic Milan P , Hayek Salim M , Phillips Christopher R
Published: April 2020

Background

It is nearly impossible to overestimate the burden of chronic pain, which is associated with enormous personal and socioeconomic costs. Chronic pain is the leading cause of disability in the world, is associated with multiple psychiatric comorbidities, and has been causally linked to the opioid crisis. Access to pain treatment has been called a fundamental human right by numerous organizations. The current COVID-19 pandemic has strained medical resources, creating a dilemma for physicians charged with the responsibility to limit spread of the contagion and to treat the patients they are entrusted to care for.

Methods

To address these issues, an expert panel was convened that included pain management experts from the military, Veterans Health Administration, and academia. Endorsement from stakeholder societies was sought upon completion of the document within a one-week period.

Results

In these guidelines, we provide a framework for pain practitioners and institutions to balance the often-conflicting goals of risk mitigation for health care providers, risk mitigation for patients, conservation of resources, and access to pain management services. Specific issues discussed include general and intervention-specific risk mitigation, patient flow issues and staffing plans, telemedicine options, triaging recommendations, strategies to reduce psychological sequelae in health care providers, and resource utilization.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 public health crisis has strained health care systems, creating a conundrum for patients, pain medicine practitioners, hospital leaders, and regulatory officials. Although this document provides a framework for pain management services, systems-wide and individual decisions must take into account clinical considerations, regional health conditions, government and hospital directives, resource availability, and the welfare of health care providers.
Home and Community-Based Physical Therapist Management of Adults With Post–Intensive Care Syndrome
Authors: Smith James M , Lee Alan C , Zeleznik Hallie , Coffey Scott Jacqueline P , Fatima Arooj , Needham Dale M , Ohtake Patricia J
Published: April 2020

More than 4 million adults survive a stay in the intensive care unit each year, with many experiencing new or worsening physical disability, mental health problems, and/or cognitive impairments, known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Given the prevalence and magnitude of physical impairments after critical illness, many survivors, including those recovering from COVID-19, could benefit from physical therapist services after hospital discharge. However, due to the relatively recent recognition and characterization of PICS, there may be limited awareness and understanding of PICS among physical therapists practicing in home health care and community-based settings. This lack of awareness may lead to inappropriate and/or inadequate rehabilitation service provision. While this perspective article provides information relevant to all physical therapists, it is aimed toward those providing rehabilitation services outside of the acute and postacute inpatient settings. This article reports the prevalence and clinical presentation of PICS and provides recommendations for physical examination and outcomes measures, plan of care, and intervention strategies. The importance of providing patient and family education, coordinating community resources including referring to other health care team members, and community-based rehabilitation service options is emphasized. Finally, this perspective article discusses current challenges for optimizing outcomes for people with PICS and suggests future directions for research and practice.
Beneficial effect of Mediterranean diet on disease activity and cardiovascular risk in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pocovi-Gerardino Gabriela , Correa-Rodríguez María , Callejas-Rubio José-Luis , Ríos-Fernández Raquel , Martín-Amada María , Cruz-Caparros María-Gracia , Rueda-Medina Blanca , Ortego-Centeno Norberto
Published: April 2020

Objective

To analyse the influence of the Mediterranean diet (Med Diet) on SLE activity, damage accrual and cardiovascular disease risk markers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 280 patients with SLE [46.9 (12.85) years]. Med Diet adherence was assessed through a 14-item questionnaire on food consumption frequency and habits (total score from 0 to 14 points; higher score is greater adherence to the Med Diet). CRP, homocysteine, SLEDAI-2K (SLE disease activity), and SLICC/ACR and SDI (damage accrual) were measured. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and blood lipids, among others, were considered cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Results

Greater adherence to the Med Diet was significantly associated with better anthropometric profiles, fewer cardiovascular disease risk factors, and lower disease activity and damage accrual scores (P ≤ 0.001 for SLEDAI and SDI). An inverse relationship between the Med Diet score and SLEDAI (P ≥ 0.001; β = −0.380), SDI (P ≤ 0.001; β = −0.740) and hsCRP (P = 0.039; β = −0.055) was observed. The odds ratio for having active SLE (SLEDAI ≥5) or the presence of damage (SDI ≥1) was lower among patients whose Med Diet score was higher (P ≤ 0.001). Finally, greater consumption of Med Diet foods (olive oil, fruits, vegetables, fish, etc.) and abstaining from red meat and meat products, sugars and pastries was associated with less SLE clinical activity and damage.

Conclusion

Greater adherence to the Med Diet seems to exert a beneficial effect on disease activity and cardiovascular risk in SLE patients. To confirm these findings, further longitudinal studies would be of interest.
Diagnosing REM sleep behavior disorder in Parkinson’s disease without a gold standard: a latent-class model study
Authors: Figorilli Michela , Marques Ana R , Meloni Mario , Zibetti Maurizio , Pereira Bruno , Lambert Celine , Puligheddu Monica , Cicolin Alessandro , Lopiano Leonardo , Durif Franck , Fantini Maria L
Published: April 2020

Study Objectives

To ascertain whether current diagnostic criteria for REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) are appropriate in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) consulting a movement disorder center, to evaluate the accuracy of REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) thresholds and determine the value of screening questionnaires to discriminate PD patients with RBD.

Methods

One hundred twenty-eight consecutive PD patients (M = 80; mean age: 65.6 ± 8.3 years) underwent screening questionnaires, followed by a sleep-focused interview and a full-night video-polysomnography (vPSG). Without a gold standard, latent class models (LCMs) were applied to create an unobserved (“latent”) variable. Sensitivity analysis was performed using RSWA cutoff derived from two visual scoring methods. Finally, we assessed the respective diagnostic performance of each diagnostic criterion for RBD and of the screening questionnaires.

Results

According to the best LCM-derived model, patients having either “history” or “video” with RSWA or alternatively showing both “history” and “video” without RSWA were classified as having RBD. Using both SINBAR and Montreal scoring methods, RSWA criterion showed the highest sensitivity while concomitant history of RBD and vPSG-documented behaviors, regardless to presence of RSWA, displayed the highest specificity. Currently recommended diagnostic threshold of RSWA was found to be optimal in our large cohort of PD patients. Both the RBD screening questionnaire (RBDSQ) and the RBD single question (RBD1Q) showed poor sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

Results of the best LCM for diagnosis of RBD in PD were consistent with the current diagnostic criteria. Moreover, RBD might be considered in those PD patients with both history and vPSG-documented dream enactment behaviors, but with RSWA values within the normal range.
Who Cares if Parents have Unpredictable Work Schedules?: Just-in-Time Work Schedules and Child Care Arrangements
Authors: Harknett Kristen , Schneider Daniel , Luhr Sigrid
Published: April 2020

Working parents must arrange some type of care for their young children when they are away at work. For parents with unstable and unpredictable work schedules, the logistics of arranging care can be complex. In this paper, we use survey data from the Shift Project, collected in 2017 and 2018 from a sample of 3,653 parents who balance work in the retail and food service sector with parenting young children from infants to nine years of age. Our results demonstrate that unstable and unpredictable work schedules have consequences for children’s care arrangements. We find that parents’ exposure to on-call work and last-minute shift changes are associated with more numerous care arrangements, with a reliance on informal care arrangements, with the use of siblings to provide care, and with young children being left alone without adult supervision. Given the well-established relationship between quality of care in the early years and child development, just-in-time scheduling practices are likely to have consequences for children’s development and safety and to contribute to the intergenerational transmission of disadvantage.
Effect of water-to-feed ratio on feed disappearance, growth rate, feed efficiency, and carcass traits in growing-finishing pigs
Authors: O’Meara Fiona M , Gardiner Gillian E , O’Doherty John V , Lawlor Peadar G
Published: April 2020

The optimum proportion of water for preparing liquid feed to maximize growth and optimize feed efficiency (FE) in growing-finishing pigs is not known. The aim of the current study was, using an automatic short-trough sensor liquid feeding system, to identify the water-to-feed ratio at which growth was maximized and feed was most efficiently converted to live-weight. Two experiments were conducted in which four commercially used water-to-feed ratios were fed: 2.4:1, 3.0:1, 3.5:1, and 4.1:1 on a dry matter (DM) basis (the equivalent of 2:1, 2.5:1, 3.0:1, and 3.5:1 on a fresh matter basis). Each experiment comprised 216 pigs, penned in groups of 6 same sex (entire male and female) pigs/pen with a total of 9 pen replicates per treatment. The first experiment lasted 62 days (from 40.6 to 102.2 kg at slaughter) and the second experiment was for 76 days (from 31.8 to 119.6 kg at slaughter). Overall, in Exp. 1, FE was 0.421, 0.420, 0.453, and 0.448 (s.e. 0.0081 g/g; P < 0.01) for pigs fed at 2.4:1, 3.0:1, 3.5:1, and 4.1:1, respectively. Overall, in Exp. 2, average daily gain was 1,233, 1,206, 1,211, and 1,177 (s.e. 12.7 g/day; P < 0.05) for pigs fed at 2.4:1, 3.0:1, 3.5:1, and 4.1:1, respectively. At slaughter, in Exp. 1, dressing percentage was 76.7, 76.6, 76.7, and 75.8 (s.e. 0.17%; P < 0.01) for 2.4:1, 3.0:1, 3.5:1, and 4.1:1, respectively. There were no differences between treatment groups for DM, organic matter, nitrogen, gross energy, or ash digestibilities. These findings indicate that liquid feeding a diet prepared at a water-to-feed ratio of 3.5:1 maximizes FE of growing-finishing pigs without negatively affecting dressing percentage. Therefore, preparing liquid feed for growing-finishing pigs at a water-to-feed ratio of 3.5:1 DM is our recommendation for a short-trough liquid feeding system.
Spatial ecology of closely related taxa: the case of the little shearwater complex in the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Ramos Raül , Paiva Vitor H , Zajková Zuzana , Precheur Carine , Fagundes Ana Isabel , Jodice Patrick G R , Mackin William , Zino Francis , Bretagnolle Vincent , González-Solís Jacob
Published: April 2020

Seabirds inhabiting vast water masses provide numerous examples where opposing phenomena, such as natal and breeding philopatry vs. vagility have dug cryptic taxonomic boundaries among closely related taxa. The taxonomy of little shearwaters of the North Atlantic Ocean (Little–Audubon’s shearwater complex, Puffinus assimilis–lherminieri) still remains unclear, and complementary information on non-breeding distributions and at-sea behaviour becomes essential to unravel divergent local adaptations to specific habitats. Using miniaturized light-level geolocators from seven study areas in the North Atlantic, we evaluate the spatial and habitat segregation, estimate the timing of their key life-cycle events and describe the at-sea behaviour of three taxa of these little shearwaters year-round to distinguish ecological patterns and specializations that could ultimately unravel potential lineage divergences. We also assess morphometric data from birds that were breeding at each study area to further discuss potential adaptations to specific habitats. Our results show that, while birds from different taxa segregated in space and habitats, they share ecological plasticity, similar annual phenology and diel foraging behaviour. These ecological inconsistencies, while defining the evolutionary stressors faced by these taxa, do not suggest the existence of three Evolutionary Significant Units. However, they confirm the recent evolutionary divergence among the three little shearwaters of the North Atlantic.
Colletotrichum Species Isolated from Massachusetts Cranberries Differ in Response to the Fungicide Azoxystrobin
Authors: Giorgio Thomas , Adler Lynn S. , Sandler Hilary A.
Published: April 2020

Fruit rot is the most prevalent disease of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Colletotrichum species (C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides) have been identified as cranberry fruit rot pathogens. Resistance to azoxystrobin by Colletotrichum has been documented in other fruit crops. Azoxystrobin, a quinone-outside inhibitor fungicide, was approved for use in cranberry in 2003, and a single application delivers between 78 and 202 ppm under typical chemigation conditions. Twenty-nine isolates were collected from diseased fruit in commercial Massachusetts cranberry farms. Six isolates were collected prior to registration of azoxystrobin (unexposed), and 22 isolates were from locations where the fungicide had been applied (exposed). This study is the first report of the relative sensitivity of exposed and unexposed field-acquired cultures for the cranberry fruit rot pathogen, Colletotrichum, to azoxystrobin.
Distribution of Meloidogyne enterolobii in Eastern North Carolina and Comparison of Four Isolates
Authors: Schwarz Tanner , Li Chunying , Ye Weimin , Davis Eric
Published: April 2020

The guava root-knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne enterolobii, is a particularly aggressive pathogen with limited known distribution in the United States. In 2011, M. enterolobii was identified on field crops in North Carolina for the first time. In collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nematode Assay Laboratory, RKN-positive samples from the eastern half of North Carolina submitted to the laboratory were analyzed for Meloidogyne species identification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of individual nematodes. PCR primers specific for Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, M. hapla, and M. enterolobii were used to analyze DNA from 203 RKN-positive samples representing a variety of field and vegetable crops grown in counties in the eastern half of North Carolina. M. incognita was the predominant species identified (32% of samples), and M. enterolobii was identified in 6% of samples including ones from sweetpotato, tobacco, and soybean crops. New detections of M. enterolobii were found in Nash, Greene, Sampson, and Harnett counties in addition to the previously identified locations in Johnston, Wayne, Columbus, and Wilson counties. Four isolates of M. enterolobii populations were collected from soybean and sweetpotato crops in Johnston, Greene, and Wilson counties and reared on ‘Rutgers’ tomato plants in the greenhouse. Potential differences in virulence among the four M. enterolobii populations were not detected in greenhouse infection assays on six selected resistant and susceptible sweetpotato genotypes in two independent tests.
Unraveling the functional role of DNA methylation using targeted DNA demethylation by steric blockage of DNA methyltransferase with CRISPR/dCas9
Authors: Sapozhnikov Daniel M. , Szyf Moshe
Published: April 2020

Although associations between DNA methylation and gene expression were established four decades ago, the causal role of DNA methylation in gene expression remains unresolved. Different strategies to address this question were developed; however, all are confounded and fail to disentangle cause and effect. We developed here a highly effective new method using only deltaCas9(dCas9):gRNA site-specific targeting to physically block DNA methylation at specific targets in the absence of a confounding flexibly-tethered enzymatic activity, enabling examination of the role of DNA methylationper sein living cells. We show that the extensive induction of gene expression achieved by TET/dCas9-based targeting vectors is confounded by DNA methylation-independent activities, inflating the role of DNA methylation in the promoter region. Using our new method, we show that in several inducible promoters, the main effect of DNA methylation is silencing basal promoter activity. Thus, the effect of demethylation of the promoter region in these genes is small, while induction of gene expression by different inducers is large and DNA methylation independent. In contrast, targeting demethylation to the pathologically silenced FMR1 gene targets robust induction of gene expression. We also found that standard CRISPR/Cas9 knockout generates a broad unmethylated region around the deletion, which might confound interpretation of CRISPR/Cas9 gene depletion studies. In summary, this new method could be used to reveal the true extent, nature, and diverse contribution to gene regulation of DNA methylation at different regions.
Fully human single-domain antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wu Yanling , Li Cheng , Xia Shuai , Tian Xiaolong , Wang Zhi , Kong Yu , Gu Chenjian , Zhang Rong , Tu Chao , Xie Youhua , Lu Lu , Jiang Shibo , Ying Tianlei
Published: April 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is spreading rapidly, highlighting the urgent need for an efficient approach to rapidly develop therapeutics and prophylactics against SARS-CoV-2. We describe here the development of a phage-displayed single-domain antibody library by grafting naïve CDRs into framework regions of an identified human germline IGHV allele. This enabled the isolation of high-affinity single-domain antibodies of fully human origin. The panning using SARS-CoV-2 RBD and S1 as antigens resulted in the identification of antibodies targeting five types of neutralizing or non-neutralizing epitopes on SARS-CoV-2 RBD. These fully human single-domain antibodies bound specifically to SARS-CoV-2 RBD with subnanomolar to low nanomolar affinities. Some of them were found to potently neutralize pseudotyped and live virus, and therefore may represent promising candidates for prophylaxis and therapy of COVID-19. This study also reports unique immunogenic profile of SARS-CoV-2 RBD compared to that of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, which may have important implications for the development of effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
Investigating structure function relationships in the NOTCH family through large-scale somatic DNA sequencing studies
Authors: Hall Michael W J , Shorthouse David , Jones Philip H , Hall Benjamin A
Published: April 2020

The recent development of highly sensitive DNA sequencing techniques has detected large numbers of missense mutations of genes, includingNOTCH1and 2, in ageing normal tissues. Driver mutations persist and propagate in the tissue through a selective advantage over both wild-type cells and alternative mutations. This process of selection can be considered as a large scale, in vivo screen for mutations that increase clone fitness. It follows that the specific missense mutations that are observed in individual genes may offer us insights into the structure-function relationships. Here we show that the positively selected missense mutations inNOTCH1andNOTCH2in human oesophageal epithelium cause inactivation predominantly through protein misfolding. Once these mutations are excluded, we further find statistically significant evidence for selection at the ligand binding interface and calcium binding sites. In this, we observe stronger evidence of selection at the ligand interface on EGF12 over EGF11, suggesting that in this tissue EGF12 may play a more important role in ligand interaction. Finally, we show how a mutation hotspot in the NOTCH1 transmembrane helix arises through the intersection of both a high mutation rate and residue conservation. Together these insights offer a route to understanding the mechanism of protein function throughin vivomutant selection.