bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-range functional connections mirror and link microarchitectural and cognitive hierarchies in the human brain
Authors: Wang Yezhou , Royer Jessica , Park Bo-yong , Vos de Wael Reinder , Larivière Sara , Tavakol Shahin , Rodriguez-Cruces Raul , Paquola Casey , Hong Seok-Jun , Margulies Daniel S , Smallwood Jonathan , Valk Sofie L , Evans Alan C , Bernhardt Boris C
Published: May 2022

Background

Higher-order cognition is hypothesized to be implemented via distributed cortical networks that are linked via long-range connections. However, it is unknown how computational advantages of long-range connections reflect cortical microstructure and microcircuitry.

Methods

We investigated this question by (i) profiling long-range cortical connectivity using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cortico-cortical geodesic distance mapping, (ii) assessing how long-range connections reflect local brain microarchitecture, and (iii) examining the microarchitectural similarity of regions connected through long-range connections.

Results

Analysis of 2 independent datasets indicated that sensory/motor areas had more clustered short-range connections, while transmodal association systems hosted distributed, long-range connections. Meta-analytical decoding suggested that this topographical difference mirrored shifts in cognitive function, from perception/action towards emotional/social processing. Analysis of myelin-sensitive in vivo MRI as well as postmortem histology and transcriptomics datasets established that gradients in functional connectivity distance are paralleled by those present in cortical microarchitecture. Notably, long-range connections were found to link spatially remote regions of association cortex with an unexpectedly similar microarchitecture.

Conclusions

By mapping covarying topographies of long-range functional connections and cortical microcircuits, the current work provides insights into structure-function relations in human neocortex.
Sulcal depth in prefrontal cortex: a novel predictor of working memory performance
Authors: Yao Jewelia K , Voorhies Willa I , Miller Jacob A , Bunge Silvia A , Weiner Kevin S
Published: May 2022

The neuroanatomical changes that underpin cognitive development are of major interest in neuroscience. Of the many aspects of neuroanatomy to consider, tertiary sulci are particularly attractive as they emerge last in gestation, show a protracted development after birth, and are either human- or hominoid-specific. Thus, they are ideal targets for exploring morphological-cognitive relationships with cognitive skills that also show protracted development such as working memory (WM). Yet, the relationship between sulcal morphology and WM is unknown—either in development or more generally. To fill this gap, we adopted a data-driven approach with cross-validation to examine the relationship between sulcal depth in lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and verbal WM in 60 children and adolescents between ages 6 and 18. These analyses identified 9 left, and no right, LPFC sulci (of which 7 were tertiary) whose depth predicted verbal WM performance above and beyond the effect of age. Most of these sulci are located within and around contours of previously proposed functional parcellations of LPFC. This sulcal depth model outperformed models with age or cortical thickness. Together, these findings build empirical support for a classic theory that tertiary sulci serve as landmarks in association cortices that contribute to late-maturing human cognitive abilities.
A Third Employment Category for Platform Workers in China: A Tough Start
Authors: Ke Zhenxing
Published: May 2022

In China, labour providers can be classified as employees or as independent contractors. Although platform workers have a certain freedom to decide when and where to work, they are nonetheless subordinate to their employers to a greater degree than independent contractors. However, because they are generally classified as independent contractors rather than employees, they cannot obtain any of the rights accorded to employees. Since platform workers are also unlike employees and have their own distinct characteristics, the mere extension of the labour rights an employee owes to the platform worker cannot solve this problem. A third employment category—an intermediate one between the employee and the independent contractor—may be a viable option that provides platform workers with partial labour rights. The Chinese government has been reluctant to create such a category but changed its stance on 16 July 2021, when it issued the Guiding Opinions on Protecting Workers in the New Form of Employment. This regulation creates a third employment category for workers ‘who do not meet the employee status standard but are subject to some degree of control from the company’. This regulation also grants the group many, but not all, employee rights, such as minimum wage. Given the particular needs of third category workers, occupational injury insurance and other issues should be redesigned to meet these needs.
Sex-specific added value of cardiac biomarkers for 10-year cardiovascular risk prediction
Authors: Zhu Fang , Arshi Banafsheh , Leening Maarten J G , Aribas Elif , Ikram M Arfan , Boersma Eric , Ikram M Kamran , Kavousi Maryam
Published: May 2022

Aims

To evaluate the sex-specific predictive value of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) for 10-year risk prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, heart failure (HF) and composite outcomes.

Methods

Five-thousand four-hundred thirty individuals (mean age 68.6 years, 59.9% women) from the Rotterdam Study, with biomarker measurements between 1997 and 2001, were included. Participants were followed until 2015. We fitted ‘basic’ models using traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Improvements in c-statistics and net reclassification improvement (NRI) for events and non-events were calculated.

Results

During a median follow-up of 14 years, 747 (13.8%), 563 (10.4%), and 664 (12.2%) participants were diagnosed with CHD, stroke, and HF, respectively. NT-proBNP improved the discriminative performance of the ‘basic’ model for all endpoints (c-statistic improvements ranging from 0.007 to 0.050) and provided significant event-NRI for HF (14.3% in women; 10.7% in men) and for stroke in men (9.3%). The addition of hs-cTnT increased c-statistic for CHD in women by 0.029 (95% CI, 0.011–0.047) and for HF in men by 0.034 (95% CI, 0.014–0.053), and provided significant event-NRI for CHD (10.3%) and HF (7.8%) in women, and for stroke (8.4%) in men. The added predictive value of CK-MB was limited.

Conclusion

NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT provided added predictive value for various cardiovascular outcomes above traditional risk factors. Sex differences were observed in the predictive performance of these biomarkers.
Supershear shock front contribution to the tsunami from the 2018 Mw 7.5 Palu, Indonesia earthquake
Authors: Amlani Faisal , Bhat Harsha S , Simons Wim J F , Schubnel Alexandre , Vigny Christophe , Rosakis Ares J , Efendi Joni , Elbanna Ahmed E , Dubernet Pierpaolo , Abidin Hasanuddin Z
Published: May 2022

Hazardous tsunamis are known to be generated predominantly at subduction zones. However, the 2018 Mw 7.5 Palu (Indonesia) earthquake on a strike-slip fault generated a tsunami that devastated the city of Palu. The mechanism by which this tsunami originated from such an earthquake is being debated. Here we present near-field ground motion (GPS) data confirming that the earthquake attained supershear speed, i.e. a rupture speed greater than the shear wave speed of the host medium. We subsequently study the effect of this supershear rupture on tsunami generation by coupling the ground motion to a 1-D non-linear shallow-water wave model accounting for both time-dependent bathymetric displacement and velocity. With the local bathymetric profile of Palu bay around a tidal station, our simulations reproduce the tsunami arrival and motions observed by CCTV cameras. We conclude that Mach (shock) fronts, generated by the supershear speed, interacted with the bathymetry and contributed to the tsunami.
Changes in aortic growth rate and factors influencing aneurysmal dilatation after uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection
Authors: Lee Jae Hang , Jung Joon Chul , Sohn Bongyeon , Chang Hyoung Woo , Kim Dong Jung , Kim Jun Sung , Lim Cheong , Park Kay-Hyun
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in aortic growth rate and factors influencing aneurysmal dilatation after uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD).

METHODS

Medically treated patients with uncomplicated ABAD between September 2004 and January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Diameters of 6 different sites in the descending aorta were measured and aortic growth rate was calculated according to the time interval. Factors associated with aneurysmal changes were also investigated.

RESULTS

This study enrolled a total of 105 patients who underwent >2 serial computed tomography with a mean follow-up duration of 35.4 (12.1–77.4) months. The mean overall growth rates of the proximal descending thoracic aorta (DTA), mid-DTA, distal DTA, proximal abdominal aorta, maximal DTA and maximal abdominal aorta were 0.6 (1.9), 2.9 (5.2), 2.1 (4.0), 1.2 (2.2), 3.3 (5.6) and 1.4 (2.5) mm/year, respectively. The growth rate was higher at the early stage. It decreased over time. Growth rates of proximal DTA, mid-DTA, distal DTA, proximal abdominal aorta, maximal DTA, and maximal abdominal aorta within 3 months after dissection were 1.3 (9.6), 12.6 (18.2), 7.6 (11.7), 5.9 (7.5), 16.7 (19.8) and 6.8 (8.9) mm/year, respectively. More than 2 years later, they were 0.2 (0.6), 1.6 (1.6), 1.2 (1.3), 0.9 (1.4), 1.7 (1.9) and 1.2 (1.7) mm/year, respectively. Factors associated with aneurysmal changes after uncomplicated ABAD included an elliptical true lumen (odds ratio = 3.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.19–8.41; P = 0.021) and a proximal entry >10 mm (odds ratio = 3.08; 95% confidence interval: 1.09–8.69; P = 0.034) on initial computed tomography imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

The aortic growth rate was higher immediately after uncomplicated ABAD but declined eventually. Patients with an elliptical true lumen and a large proximal entry might be good candidates for early endovascular intervention after uncomplicated ABAD.
Maternal and prenatal factors and age at thelarche in the LEGACY Girls Study cohort: implications for breast cancer risk
Authors: Goldberg Mandy , McDonald Jasmine A , Houghton Lauren C , Andrulis Irene L , Knight Julia A , Bradbury Angela R , Schwartz Lisa A , Buys Saundra S , Frost Caren J , Daly Mary B , John Esther M , Keegan Theresa H M , Chung Wendy K , Wei Ying , Terry Mary Beth
Published: May 2022

Background

Earlier onset of breast development (thelarche) is associated with increased breast cancer risk. Identifying modifiable factors associated with earlier thelarche may provide an opportunity for breast cancer risk reduction starting early in life, which could especially benefit girls with a greater absolute risk of breast cancer due to family history.

Methods

We assessed associations of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), physical activity during pregnancy, gestational weight gain and daughters’ weight and length at birth with age at thelarche using longitudinal Weibull models in 1031 girls in the Lessons in Epidemiology and Genetics of Adult Cancer from Youth (LEGACY) Girls Study—a prospective cohort of girls, half of whom have a breast cancer family history (BCFH).

Results

Girls whose mothers had a pre-pregnancy BMI of ≥25 and gained ≥30 lbs were 57% more likely to experience earlier thelarche than girls whose mothers had a pre-pregnancy BMI of <25 and gained <30 lbs [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.12]. This association was not mediated by childhood BMI and was similar in girls with and without a BCFH (BCFH: HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 0.87, 2.27; No BCFH: HR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.40). Daughters of women who reported no recreational physical activity during pregnancy were more likely to experience earlier thelarche compared with daughters of physically active women. Birthweight and birth length were not associated with thelarche.

Conclusion

Earlier thelarche, a breast cancer risk factor, was associated with three potentially modifiable maternal risk factors—pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain and physical inactivity—in a cohort of girls enriched for BCFH.
Social determinants of tuberculosis: a nationwide case–control study, Denmark, 1990–2018
Authors: Nordholm Anne Christine , Andersen Aase Bengaard , Wejse Christian , Norman Anders , Ekstrøm Claus Thorn , Andersen Peter Henrik , Koch Anders , Lillebaek Troels
Published: May 2022

Background

The global vision is a world free of tuberculosis (TB). Even in resource-rich TB low-incidence settings, we need more focus on the role of social risk factors to end the TB epidemic.

Methods

Nationwide, retrospective register-based, case–control study from 1990 to 2018, including all TB patients in Denmark ≥18 years old (n = 9581) matched 1:3 on sex and age with population controls. TB risk factors were assessed in logistic regression models and estimated by odds ratio (OR).

Results

All TB patients had considerably lower socio-economic status compared with controls (P < 0.0001). Among ethnic Danes, TB was mostly found among males, persons between 35 and 65 years, those living alone, those with low educational level, persons on social welfare benefits and those with low income. Conversely, for migrants, being younger, sex and living alone were less important, whereas having children was protective. In an adjusted multivariable regression model among Danes, key risk factors for TB were being on disability pension (OR = 2.7) and cash benefits (OR = 4.7). For migrants, fewer social risk factors increased TB risk, although low income and cash benefits did (OR = 3.1).

Conclusion

Even today in a resourceful setting, socio-economic status drives disparities in health. In our study, multifactorial social deprivation was highly associated with TB. Especially household structure, education, employment and income were important risk factors that should be addressed in the future to accelerate TB control and end the TB epidemic.
Individual, Household, and Community Drivers of Dengue Virus Infection Risk in Kamphaeng Phet Province, Thailand
Authors: Ribeiro dos Santos Gabriel , Buddhari Darunee , Iamsirithaworn Sopon , Khampaen Direk , Ponlawat Alongkot , Fansiri Thanyalak , Farmer Aaron , Fernandez Stefan , Thomas Stephen , Rodriguez Barraquer Isabel , Srikiatkhachorn Anon , Huang Angkana T , Cummings Derek A T , Endy Timothy , Rothman Alan L , Salje Henrik , Anderson Kathryn B
Published: May 2022

Background

Dengue virus (DENV) often circulates endemically. In such settings with high levels of transmission, it remains unclear whether there are risk factors that alter individual infection risk.

Methods

We tested blood taken from individuals living in multigenerational households in Kamphaeng Phet province, Thailand for DENV antibodies (N = 2364, mean age 31 years). Seropositivity ranged from 45.4% among those 1–5 years old to 99.5% for those >30 years. Using spatially explicit catalytic models, we estimated that 11.8% of the susceptible population gets infected annually.

Results

We found that 37.5% of the variance in seropositivity was explained by unmeasured household-level effects with only 4.2% explained by spatial differences between households. The serostatus of individuals from the same household remained significantly correlated even when separated by up to 15 years in age.

Conclusions

These findings show that despite highly endemic transmission, persistent differences in infection risk exist across households, the reasons for which remain unclear.
Stability of Lisdexamfetamine in Sampled Whole Blood—Implications of Sampling Tube Additives and Storage Temperature for Interpretation of Impairment
Authors: Sørensen Lambert K , Andreasen Mette F , Jornil Jakob R , Andersen Charlotte U , Hasselstrøm Jørgen B
Published: May 2022

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a prodrug that is enzymatically converted into dextroamphetamine (d-AMP), a central nervous system stimulant. The stability of LDX in sampled whole blood is an important issue that may be crucial in the assessment of impaired driving caused by d-AMP. This study investigated the stability of LDX in whole blood collected in two different tubes containing a fluoride oxalate (FX) mixture and a fluoride citrate (FC) mixture. Without additives, LDX was unstable. LDX was also unstable in FX blood stored at ambient temperature or 4°C. After 3 days of storage at ambient temperature, an initial LDX concentration of 47 ± 1 ng/g (mean ± SD) was no longer detectable in the samples (n = 3). Instead, 19 ± 0.6 ng/g d-AMP was formed. The stability was improved at 4°C. After 7 days of storage at 4°C, 88 ± 5% of an initial LDX concentration of 50 ± 0.4 ng/g was recovered and 3.8 ± 0.3 ng/g d-AMP was formed. The stability of LDX was greater in FC blood than in FX blood; 79 ± 10% and 93 ± 4% of initial LDX concentrations of 48 ± 2 and 51 ± 0.5 ng/g were recovered from FC blood after 7 days of storage at ambient temperature and 4°C, respectively, and the corresponding formation of d-AMP was 5.8 ± 0.6 and 0.5 ± 0.3 ng/g, respectively. When FX and FC blood were stored at −20°C or −80°C, no detectable degradation of LDX or formation of d-AMP was observed after 3 weeks of storage.
Examining Historical Rates of Leafcutting Bee Brood Cell Pathogens, Parasitoids, and Predators to Establish Baseline Infectivity Rates for Alfalfa Seed Growers
Authors: Clements Justin , Barbour James , Haylett Maggie , Nelson Brenda , Bradford Benjamin , Walsh Doug
Published: May 2022

The alfalfa leafcutting bee Megachile rotundata (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) is the primary pollinator for the alfalfa seed industry. It is a solitary cavity nesting bee that utilizes leaf lined brood cells provisioned with pollen for larval development and pupation into the adult stage. During development, multiple pathogens, parasitoids, and predators can prey upon or use the larvae as a host, resulting in the loss of the future adult bee. As such, the presence of invertebrate pests and fungal pathogens presents a major concern for commercial alfalfa seed growers. In the present study, we used historic data from the Parma Cocoon Diagnostic Laboratory to determine baseline rates of pathogens, parasitoids, and predators of Megachile rotundata brood cells and used this analysis to determine cutoffs for management practices to inform growers when the purchase of new bee stocks should be considered. Additionally, we compared the presence of chalkbrood, predators, and parasitoids in samples collected from both grower-produced stocks and newly purchased Canadian bees. The results of the investigation provide historic averages of the presence of chalkbrood, predators, and parasitoids, show a significant increase in chalkbrood and predators in 2007–2011, and find a significant difference in rates of chalkbrood and predators between samples from Canadian suppliers and grower stocks. We speculate that these differences may have resulted from economic conditions that increased the cost of Canadian Megachile rotundata cells and likely resulted in increased reliance on 2nd-year U.S. grower stocks and subsequently increased infection rates during this time period.
A logic-based tractable approximation of probability
Authors: Baldi Paolo , Hosni Hykel
Published: May 2022

We provide a logical framework in which a resource-bounded agent can be seen to perform approximations of probabilistic reasoning. Our main results read as follows. First, we identify the conditions under which propositional probability functions can be approximated by a hierarchy of depth-bounded belief functions. Second, we show that under rather palatable restrictions, our approximations of probability lead to uncertain reasoning which, under the usual assumptions in the field, qualifies as tractable.
Decoding NGC 628 with radiative transfer methods
Authors: Rushton M T , Popescu C C , Inman C , Natale G , Pricopi D
Published: May 2022

We present an axi-symmetric model for the ultraviolet (UV)-to-submillimetre (submm) images of the nearly face-on spiral galaxy NGC 628. It was calculated using a radiative transfer (RT) code, accounting for the absorption and re-emission of starlight by dust in the interstellar medium of this galaxy. The code incorporates emission from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, anisotropic scattering, and stochastic heating of the grains. This is the second successful modelling of a face-on spiral galaxy with RT methods, whereby the large-scale geometry of stars and dust is self-consistently determined. The solution was obtained by fitting azimuthally averaged profiles in the UV, optical, and submm. The model predicts remarkably well all characteristics of the profiles, including the increase by a factor of 1.8 of the scale length of the infrared emissivity between 70 and 500 $\mu$m. We find that NGC 628 did not undergo an efficient inside-out disc growth, as predicted by semi-analytical hierarchical models for galaxy formation. We also find large amounts of dust grains at large radii, which could involve efficient transport mechanisms from the inner disc. Our results show that $71{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the dust emission in NGC 628 is powered by the young stellar populations, with the old stellar populations from the bulge contributing $65{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ to the heating of the dust in the central region (R < 0.5 kpc). The derived star formation rate is $\rm SFR=2.00\pm 0.15\, {\rm M}_{\odot }{\rm yr}^{-1}$.
A target list for searching for habitable exomoons
Authors: Dobos Vera , Haris András , Kamp Inga E E , van der Tak Floris F S
Published: May 2022

We investigate the habitability of hypothetical moons orbiting known exoplanets. This study focuses on big, rocky exomoons that are capable of maintaining a significant atmosphere. To determine their habitability, we calculate the incident stellar radiation and the tidal heating flux arising in the moons as the two main contributors to the energy budget. We use the runaway greenhouse and the maximum greenhouse flux limits as a definition of habitability. For each exoplanet, we run our calculations for plausible ranges of physical and orbital parameters for the moons and the planet using a Monte Carlo approach. We calculate the moon habitability probability for each planet, which is the fraction of the investigated cases that lead to habitable conditions. Based on our results, we provide a target list for observations of known exoplanets of which the top 10 planets have more than 50 per cent chance for hosting habitable moons on stable orbits. Two especially promising candidates are Kepler-62 f and Kepler-16 b, both of them with known masses and radii. Our target list can help to detect the first habitable exomoon.
The impact of time-dependent stellar activity on exoplanet atmospheres
Authors: Louca Amy J , Miguel Yamila , Tsai Shang-Min , Froning Cynthia S , Loyd R O Parke , France Kevin
Published: May 2022

M-dwarfs are thought to be hostile environments for exoplanets. Stellar events are very common on such stars. These events might cause the atmospheres of exoplanets to change significantly over time. It is not only the major stellar flare events that contribute to this disequilibrium, but the smaller flares might also affect the atmospheres in an accumulating manner. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of time-dependent stellar activity on the atmospheres of known exoplanets. We simulate the chemistry of GJ 876c, GJ 581c, and GJ 832c that go from H2-dominated to N2-dominated atmospheres using observed stellar spectra from the MUSCLES collaboration. We make use of the chemical kinetics code vulcan and implement a flaring routine that stochastically generates synthetic flares based on observed flare statistics. Using the radiative transfer code petitradtrans, we also simulate the evolution of emission and transmission spectra. We investigate the effect of recurring flares for a total of 11 d covering 515 flares. Results show a significant change in abundance for some relevant species such as H, OH, and CH4, with factors going up to three orders of magnitude difference with respect to the pre-flare abundances. We find a maximum change of ∼12 ppm for CH4 in transmission spectra on GJ 876c. These changes in the spectra remain too small to observe. We also find that the change in abundance and spectra of the planets accumulates throughout time, causing permanent changes in the chemistry. We conclude that this small but gradual change in chemistry arises due to the recurring flares.
Genomic Impact of Whaling in North Atlantic Fin Whales
Authors: Wolf Magnus , de Jong Menno , Halldórsson Sverrir Daníel , Árnason Úlfur , Janke Axel
Published: May 2022

It is generally recognized that large-scale whaling in the 19th and 20th century led to a substantial reduction of the size of many cetacean populations, particularly those of the baleen whales (Mysticeti). The impact of these operations on genomic diversity of one of the most hunted whales, the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), has remained largely unaddressed because of the paucity of adequate samples and the limitation of applicable techniques. Here, we have examined the effect of whaling on the North Atlantic fin whale based on genomes of 51 individuals from Icelandic waters, representing three temporally separated intervals, 1989, 2009 and 2018 and provide a reference genome for the species. Demographic models suggest a noticeable drop of the effective population size of the North Atlantic fin whale around a century ago. The present results suggest that the genome-wide heterozygosity is not markedly reduced and has remained comparable with other baleen whale species. Similarly, there are no signs of apparent inbreeding, as measured by the proportion of long runs of homozygosity, or of a distinctively increased mutational load, as measured by the amount of putative deleterious mutations. Compared with other baleen whales, the North Atlantic fin whale appears to be less affected by anthropogenic influences than other whales such as the North Atlantic right whale, consistent with the presence of long runs of homozygosity and higher levels of mutational load in an otherwise more heterozygous genome. Thus, genome-wide assessments of other species and populations are essential for future, more specific, conservation efforts.
Hormone-controlled cooperative binding of transcription factors drives synergistic induction of fasting-regulated genes
Authors: Goldberg Dana , Charni-Natan Meital , Buchshtab Nufar , Bar-Shimon Meirav , Goldstein Ido
Published: May 2022

During fasting, hepatocytes produce glucose in response to hormonal signals. Glucagon and glucocorticoids are principal fasting hormones that cooperate in regulating glucose production via gluconeogenesis. However, how these hormone signals are integrated and interpreted to a biological output is unknown. Here, we use genome-wide profiling of gene expression, enhancer dynamics and transcription factor (TF) binding in primary mouse hepatocytes to uncover the mode of cooperation between glucagon and glucocorticoids. We found that compared to a single treatment with each hormone, a dual treatment directs hepatocytes to a pro-gluconeogenic gene program by synergistically inducing gluconeogenic genes. The cooperative mechanism driving synergistic gene expression is based on ‘assisted loading’ whereby a glucagon-activated TF (cAMP responsive element binding protein; CREB) leads to enhancer activation which facilitates binding of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) upon glucocorticoid stimulation. Glucagon does not only activate single enhancers but also activates enhancer clusters, thereby assisting the loading of GR also across enhancer units within the cluster. In summary, we show that cells integrate extracellular signals by an enhancer-specific mechanism: one hormone-activated TF activates enhancers, thereby assisting the loading of a TF stimulated by a second hormone, leading to synergistic gene induction and a tailored transcriptional response to fasting.
rna-tools.online: a Swiss army knife for RNA 3D structure modeling workflow
Authors: Magnus Marcin
Published: May 2022

Significant improvements have been made in the efficiency and accuracy of RNA 3D structure prediction methods in recent years; however, many tools developed in the field stay exclusive to only a few bioinformatic groups. To perform a complete RNA 3D structure modeling analysis as proposed by the RNA-Puzzles community, researchers must familiarize themselves with a quite complex set of tools. In order to facilitate the processing of RNA sequences and structures, we previously developed the rna-tools package. However, using rna-tools requires the installation of a mixture of libraries and tools, basic knowledge of the command line and the Python programming language. To provide an opportunity for the broader community of biologists to take advantage of the new developments in RNA structural biology, we developed rna-tools.online. The web server provides a user-friendly platform to perform many standard analyses required for the typical modeling workflow: 3D structure manipulation and editing, structure minimization, structure analysis, quality assessment, and comparison. rna-tools.online supports biologists to start benefiting from the maturing field of RNA 3D structural bioinformatics and can be used for educational purposes. The web server is available at https://rna-tools.online.
Dali server: structural unification of protein families
Authors: Holm Liisa
Published: May 2022

Protein structure is key to understanding biological function. Structure comparison deciphers deep phylogenies, providing insight into functional conservation and functional shifts during evolution. Until recently, structural coverage of the protein universe was limited by the cost and labour involved in experimental structure determination. Recent breakthroughs in deep learning revolutionized structural bioinformatics by providing accurate structural models of numerous protein families for which no structural information existed. The Dali server for 3D protein structure comparison is widely used by crystallographers to relate new structures to pre-existing ones. Here, we report two most recent upgrades to the web server: (i) the foldomes of key organisms in the AlphaFold Database (version 1) are searchable by Dali, (ii) structural alignments are annotated with protein families. Using these new features, we discovered a novel functionally diverse subgroup within the WRKY/GCM1 clan. This was accomplished by linking the structurally characterized SWI/SNF and NAM families as well as the structural models of the CG-1 family and uncharacterized proteins to the structure of Gti1/Pac2, a previously known member of the WRKY/GCM1 clan. The Dali server is available at http://ekhidna2.biocenter.helsinki.fi/dali. This website is free and open to all users and there is no login requirement.
Relationship between gamma-ray loudness and X-ray spectra of radio galaxies
Authors: Kayanoki Taishu , Fukazawa Yasushi
Published: May 2022

The Fermi satellite has detected ∼ 60 radio galaxies (RGs). In this study, we investigate the difference in the properties of X-ray spectra between GeV-loud RGs and GeV-quiet RGs. Our sample comprises 68 objects: 36 RGs detected with Fermi and 32 RGs not detected with gamma-rays. We analyzed the X-ray spectra of these 68 objects using data from the XMM-Newton, Chandra, NuSTAR, and Swift satellites. Our results show that most GeV-loud RGs do not exhibit significant absorption, while $\sim \!50\%$ of the GeV-quiet RGs exhibit significant absorption. This suggests that the jet of GeV-loud RGs is viewed from a small angle, and thus the emission is not easily blocked by the torus. Moreover, we reported that RGs with a heavy absorption are mostly in the X-ray luminosity range of 1043–1045 erg s−1; however, few RGs with lower and higher luminosity suffer from heavy absorption. This is the same trend as that of Seyfert galaxies.
Years of life lost associated with COVID-19 deaths in the USA during the first 2 years of the pandemic
Authors: Quast Troy , Andel Ross , Gregory Sean , Storch Eric A
Published: May 2022

Background

Prior estimates of the years of life lost (YLLs) in the USA associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were 1.2 million through 11 July 2020 and 3.9 million through 31 January 2021 (which roughly coincides with the first full year of the pandemic). The aim of this study is to update YLL estimates through the first 2 years of the pandemic.

Methods

We employed data regarding COVID-19 deaths through 5 February 2022 by jurisdiction, gender and age group. We used actuarial life expectancy tables by gender and age to estimate YLLs.

Results

We estimated roughly 9.7 million YLLs due to COVID-19 deaths. The number of YLLs per 10 000 capita was 297.5, with the highest rate in Mississippi (482.7) and the lowest in Vermont (61.4). There was substantial interstate variation in the timing of YLLs and differences in YLLs by gender. YLLs per death increased from 9.2 in the first year of the pandemic to 10.8 through the first 2 years.

Conclusions

Our findings improve our understanding of how the mortality effects of COVID-19 have evolved. This insight can be valuable to public health officials as the disease moves to an endemic phase.
An Innovative Approach to a Multitrack Advance Practice Registered Nurse Program: The Integration of Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care Cohorts
Authors: Durham Catherine O. , Lauerer Joy , Smith Whitney
Published: May 2022

We describe how an online graduate nurse practitioner program combined psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and primary care advanced practice registered nurse (AGNP/FNP/PNP) tracks into an integrated curriculum. Student evaluations and assessments, along with board certification scores, demonstrated improvement in identifying and managing behavioral health problems, as well as increased competence and collaboration with other nurse practitioner students. Details of the integrated curriculum are provided.
Interprofessional Collaboration Among Dental Hygiene and Nursing Students on the Oral Health of Cancer Patients
Authors: Warren Debin , Stanek Joan , Dsouza Roxanne Mariola , Ciarrocca Katharine , Brame Jennifer L.
Published: May 2022

One third of patients diagnosed with cancer develop oral complications during cancer treatment. Health care professionals play an important role in the management of patients undergoing cancer therapies; however, optimal oral care for cancer patients is often missing from nursing and dental hygiene curricula. A quasi-experimental mixed-methods study was conducted with accelerated bachelor of nursing and dental hygiene students following a presentation and small-group case review. Pre/post surveys and findings from a debriefing session showed increased confidence to screen, counsel, and refer patients between disciplines compared to a control group.
Building Academic Leadership Capacity Through Coaching
Authors: Patterson Barbara J. , Brewington Janice , Krouse Anne , Hall Meg
Published: May 2022

AIM

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of coaching in a 12-month leadership development program for nurse faculty and administrators who transition to leadership positions or who aspire to lead.

BACKGROUND

There is a critical need in nursing education to build leadership capacity. One strategy to foster leadership development is through coaching. Although developmental leadership programs for nurse educators exist, limited empirical data exist in nursing academia examining the effectiveness of coaching on leadership.

METHOD

The design was qualitative descriptive. Using a semistructured interview guide, participants (N = 12) responded to open-ended questions about their coaching experience.

RESULTS

Data analysis revealed three themes: encouraging intentional reflection of self and leadership, validating perceptions of challenging professional situations, and strategizing options for action plans and behaviors.

COAHCING

Coaching holds a great deal of promise as a means to develop the next generation of academic nurse leaders.
Developing an Interprofessional e-Consult Checklist for Family Nurse Practitioner Students
Authors: Conelius Jaclyn
Published: May 2022

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are filling the provider gaps in primary care. Primary care patients require referrals to different types of specialty providers that are not always readily available. The use of electronic consultations (e-consults) can fill this gap. FNPS may not be aware of e-consults or may feel they are not beneficial in their practice, likely because of a lack of training. This article details the development of an e-consult checklist for graduate FNPs.
Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Factors That Enhanced or Hindered Their Self-Efficacy
Authors: Page Julianne
Published: May 2022

Self-efficacy is the perceived confidence of students in their ability to learn new skills and knowledge. This study examined underrepresented ethnic minority students’ perceptions of the factors that enhanced/hindered their self-efficacy in a bachelor of science in nursing program. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: 1) doing it, 2) connecting with clinical faculty, and 3) dealing with multiple stressors. Students described clinical faculty’s teaching strategies that enhanced their nursing self-efficacy as they managed multiple stressors in their lives.
Association of Respiratory Parameters at Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Liberation With Duration of Mechanical Ventilation and ICU Length of Stay: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Thiara Sonny , Serpa Neto Ary , Burrell Aidan J. C. , Fulcher Bentley J , Hodgson Carol L. ,   for the EXCEL Study Investigators, the ANZICS-CTG and the International ECMO Network.
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Although the criteria for initiation of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) are well defined, the criteria and timing for VV ECMO decannulation are less certain. The aim of this study was to describe the ventilation and physiologic factors at the time of VV ECMO decannulation and to determine if these factors have association with mechanical ventilation or ICU length of stay after ECMO decannulation.

DESIGN:

Multicenter, prospective cohort study.

SETTING:

Eleven ICUs in Australia.

PATIENTS:

Adult patients treated with VV ECMO from March 19, 2019, to September 20, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS:

Liberation from VV ECMO.

RESULTS:

Of 87 patients receiving VV ECMO, the median age was 49 years (interquartile range, 37–59 yr), 61 of 87 (70%) were male, and 52/87 (60%) had a diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome. There were 24 of 87 patients (28%) who died prior to day 90. No patient required a second run of VV ECMO. In a multivariate models, a higher partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (p < 0.01) and respiratory rate at the time of decannulation (p = 0.01) were predictive of a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay postdecannulation in survivors. Higher positive end-expiratory pressure at ECMO decannulation was associated with shorter duration of ICU length of stay post-ECMO decannulation in survivors (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

A higher partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide and higher respiratory rate at ECMO decannulation were associated with increased duration of mechanical ventilation and increased duration of ICU stay postdecannulation, and increased positive end-expiratory pressure at decannulation was associated with decreased duration of ICU stay postdecannulation. Future research should further investigate these associations to establish the optimal ventilator settings and timing of liberation from VV ECMO.
Creating a Rural Plastic Surgery Practice: Social and Financial Impacts
Authors: Meyerson Joseph , Shields Tyler , Liechty Andrew , O’Brien Andrew
Published: May 2022

In the United States, 25 million people are without reasonable access to a plastic surgeon. Previous studies have demonstrated that rural populations have limitations to healthcare, and these limitations result in poor quality of life and poor outcomes. New research points to the importance of rural plastic surgery, but still lacks clarity of what the creation and development of a rural plastic surgery practice may entail. Our aim with this study was to discover both the surgical compilation and financial impact of a single rural plastic surgeon’s practice. We reviewed the first 1.5 years of a single surgeon’s plastic surgery practice from its beginnings in a rural community at a critical access hospital with no previous plastic surgery presence. During the study period, the surgeon completed 2062 clinic visits and 305 surgeries. The practice involved approximately 70% hand surgery and the remaining general plastic surgery. The practice generated approximately $8 million in charges and $3.5 million in collections. Collections were broken down by $2.6 million in surgical procedures, $560,000 from clinical practice, and $330,000 from downstream revenue. A rural plastic surgeon’s practice may have noted positive impacts on medical care and financial bottom lines in rural communities.
Fostering organizational resilience: The relevance of organization theory in a postpandemic world
Authors: Zinn Jacqueline
Published: May 2022

Associate Editor’s Note

This article is an adapted version of Dr. Jacqueline Zinn's Keith G. Provan Distinguished Scholar Award plenary to the Health Care Management Division of the Academy of Management in 2020. We are excited to share it with you because it is noteworthy among scholarly career award plenaries. Specifically, the article does two big things exceptionally well: (a) provides a compelling and informative retrospective on a truly exceptional scholarly career renowned for work that consistently and deeply engages with practice, practitioners, and emerging, urgent problems in a conceptually and empirically rigorous manner and (b) inventively connects her research to the health care, managerial, and organizational challenges posed by the pandemic (and pandemics from prior eras) to provide a forward looking research agenda on organizational resilience and well-being that offers ready-made conceptual development and empirical work for the next generation.
Exploring system features of primary care practices that promote better providers’ clinical work satisfaction: A qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Liu Lingrui , Chien Alyna T. , Singer Sara J.
Published: May 2022

Background

Health care delivery system features can have a profound effect on how frontline physicians and other clinical personnel in primary care practices (primary care providers [PCPs]) view the quality and safety of what they deliver and, ultimately, their clinical work satisfaction.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the combinations of system features (i.e., team dynamics, provider-perceived safety culture, and patient care coordination between PCPs) that are most conducive to positively enhancing PCPs’ clinical work satisfaction.

Approach

Nineteen Harvard-affiliated primary care practice sites participated in the Academic Innovations Collaborative 2012–2016, which aimed to establish team-based care and improve patient safety. An All-Staff Survey was administered to 854 PCPs in 2015. The survey measured provider experience of team dynamics, provider-perceived safety culture, patient care coordination between PCPs, and providers’ clinical work satisfaction. We performed a qualitative comparative analysis to identify “recipes,” that is, combinations of conditions necessary and sufficient for enhancing PCPs’ clinical work satisfaction.

Results

Strong provider-perceived safety culture and effective team dynamics constitute sufficient conditions that, when present in practices, could best support PCPs to achieve greater clinical work satisfaction.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the importance of creating and sustaining a strong safety culture and of establishing and implementing highly functioning teams in primary care practices for enhancing PCPs’ clinical work satisfaction.

Practice Implications

Conducting the qualitative comparative analysis provides a new perspective for informing primary care and encouraging primary care practices to pursue strategic priorities for enhancing PCPs’ clinical work satisfaction and providing safe, high-quality care.
The Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy-Halliwick Concept in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Karastamati Christina , Chandolias Konstantinos , Grammatikou Georgios , Hristara-Papadopoulou Alexandra
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

The main symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) include swelling of the affected joints, sensitivity, painful movement restriction, and walking disorders. A wealth of findings and research is available on the benefits of various physiotherapy interventions. Instead, there are a small number of studies that examine the benefits of more alternative forms of physiotherapy such as hydrotherapy and more specifically the Halliwick therapy. In the hydrotherapy studies so far, the results are equivalent to classical physiotherapy and sometimes better.

Aim:

This study attempts to record and highlight the effect of the Halliwick hydrotherapy in children with JIA in a 2-month intervention program. In particular, it focuses on (1) balance and (2) plantar pressure distribution before and after the intervention.

Methodology:

The methodology we used to collect our data was quantitative research, and the research tools used were the Berg balance scale and a modular platform system to measure plantar pressure. The sample consisted of 16 children with JIA who took measurements before and after the intervention. The duration of this intervention was 2 months. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS v21 statistical program.

Results:

Some remarkable results were obtained: (1) all subjects had no significant change in the already good balance; and (2) all subjects had a significant improvement in the uniform distribution of plantar pressure following the Halliwick treatment sessions.

Conclusions:

The philosophy of the Halliwick hydrotherapy is a more alternative form of physical therapy that has been shown to contribute to improving the distribution of weight and plantar pressure in children suffering from JIA.