bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between changes in bodyweight and cardiovascular disease risk factors among obese Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yoshimura Ran , Nakagami Tomoko , Hasegawa Yukiko , Oya Junko , Babazono Tetsuya
Published: April 2022

Aims/Introduction

We aimed to assess the association between bodyweight reduction and cardiovascular disease risk factors, and to identify the minimum bodyweight reduction associated with significant improvement in cardiovascular disease risk factors among obese Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

The cohort comprised 1,753 patients with type 2 diabetes and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, who visited our clinic between 2013 and 2016. Multivariable linear regression analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between bodyweight changes and glycated hemoglobin A1c, serum lipids and blood pressure. Analyses of covariance were carried out to compare mean changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors across six groups of bodyweight change, <−5%, −5% to <−3%, −3% to <−1%, −1% to <1% (reference), 1% to <3% and ≥3%.

Results

Log‐transformed bodyweight change had a significantly positive relationship with log‐transformed glycated hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure changes, and a negative relationship with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, after adjusting for sex, age, duration of diabetes, body mass index, use of glucose‐lowering, lipid‐lowering and antihypertensive agents, and changes in the use of these medications. A mean change in glycated hemoglobin A1c was significantly improved only in the <−5% group compared with the reference. Mean changes in triglycerides were improved in all groups, and significantly in the <−5% group.

Conclusions

Bodyweight change was significantly associated with cardiovascular disease risk factor changes, and >5% bodyweight reduction was associated with improved glycated hemoglobin A1c.
On the phylogenetic position of Raphidocystis pallida with some notes on its life cycle
Authors: Drachko Daria , Shɨshkin Yegor , Zlatogursky Vasily V.
Published: April 2022

Raphidocystis pallida, a centrohelid heliozoan with unusually shaped tubular siliceous scales, was reisolated from Jamor river, Portugal, and studied with the use of light and electron microscopy. In enriched cultures, the cells were naked, devoid of siliceous external skeleton with the exception of several scales present in one cell. Instead, such cells were covered with a layer of rod‐shaped bacteria. In clonal cultures, the cells gradually acquired siliceous coverings typical for this species and retained them in next generations. Phylogenetic position of R. pallida was clarified with SSU rDNA‐based molecular phylogenetics, and its placement within the genus Raphidocystis despite unusual coverings structure was confirmed. The implications of phylogenetic placement of R. pallida and possible origins of the previously undescribed naked form were discussed.
Social isolation, homebound status, and race among older adults: Findings from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011–2019)
Authors: Cudjoe Thomas K. M. , Prichett Laura , Szanton Sarah L. , Roberts Lavigne Laken C. , Thorpe Roland J.
Published: April 2022

Background

Multiple factors may influence the risk of being homebound, including social isolation and race. This study examines the relationship between social isolation and homebound status by race over 9 years in a sample of adults.

Methods

Utilizing a representative sample of 7788 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65+ from 2011–2019, we assessed the odds of becoming homebound by social isolation. We defined social isolation as the objective lack of contact with others. We defined severe social isolation as scoring a 0 or 1 on a social connection scale from 0 to 4. Homebound status was defined as never leaving home or only leaving home with difficulty. Utilizing a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for age, gender, marital status, income, and education, we examined the association between social isolation at baseline and becoming homebound during the study in those who were not initially homebound.

Results

Older adults in this study were on average 78 years old. Overall, most were white (69%), female (56.3%), and married (57.8%) and reported that they had a college education or higher (43.9%). Also, at baseline, approximately 25% of study participants were socially isolated, 21% were homebound, and 6.3% were homebound and socially isolated or severely socially isolated. Homebound status at baseline varied by race: Black, 23.9% and white, 16.6% (p < 0.0001). After 9 years, socially isolated black (hazard risk ratio, HRR 1.35, 95% confidence interval CI [1.05,1.73], p < 0.05) and white (HRR 1.25, 95% CI [1.09,1.42], p < 0.01) older adults were at higher risk of becoming homebound.

Conclusion

Socially isolated black and white adults are more likely to be homebound at baseline and become homebound over time. Further research is needed to determine whether community‐based strategies and policies that identify and address social isolation reduce homebound status among community‐dwelling older adults.
Validation of the Italian version of the pediatric CMT quality of life outcome measure
Authors: Moroni Isabella , Danti Federica Rachele , Pareyson Davide , Pagliano Emanuela , Piscosquito Giuseppe , Foscan Maria , Marchi Alessia , Ardissone Anna , Genitrini Silvia , Wu Tong Tong , Shy Michael E , Ramchandren Sindhu
Published: April 2022

The pediatric Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) specific quality of life (QOL) outcome measure (pCMT‐QOL) is a recently developed and validated patient‐reported measure of health QOL for children with CMT. The aim of this study was to provide and validate an Italian version of the pCMT‐QOL. The original English version was translated and adapted into Italian using standard procedures. pCMT‐QOL was administered to patients genetically diagnosed with CMT, aged 8 to 18 years. A retest was given 2 weeks later to assess reliability in all patients. A total of 22 patients (median age 14 years, DS 2.5; M:F 1:1) affected with CMT (19 CMT1A, 2 CMT2A, 1 CMT2K) were assessed as part of their clinical visit. The Italian‐pCMT‐QOL demonstrate a high test‐retest reliability. None of the patients experienced difficulty in completing the questionnaire, no further corrections were needed after administration in patients. The Italian‐pCMT‐QOL is a reliable, culturally adapted and comparable version of the original English pCMT‐QOL. This questionnaire is expected to be valuable in monitoring disease progression and useful for future clinical trials in Italian‐speaking children with CMT.
Factors associated with the decision to offer memory making in end‐of‐life: A survey of healthcare professionals in adult intensive care
Authors: Riegel Melissa , Randall Sue , Buckley Thomas
Published: April 2022

Aim

Report experiences and behaviour influences with healthcare professionals’ decision to and experiences of offering memory making during end‐of‐life care in the adult acute population.

Background

Little is known about healthcare professionals’ experiences offering memory making during adult acute end‐of‐life care.

Design

Survey.

Methods

Registered nurses, medical practitioners and social workers employed at a single tertiary referral adult intensive care, where memory making had been implemented nearly two years prior were invited to participate between June and August 2017. Reporting adheres to the STROBE checklist.

Results

Ninety‐six valid surveys (75% response rate: 75 registered nurses, 19 medical practitioners, and 2 social workers) were analysed with 67 participants reporting experience offering memory making. Highest overall agreement scores included believing families value memory making and the offer of memory making being beneficial. Enablers were described as organisational supports, personal qualities and good interpersonal relationships. Barriers identified included the intensive care environment, workload, inexperience offering/facilitating memory making, being afraid to offer, lack of resources and legality concerns. Compared with non‐experienced participants, experienced participants reported higher level of confidence and comfort offering memory making, pride in their ability, ability to spend time supporting families and had observed colleagues offering memory making. Experienced participants were less likely to be afraid to offer, be limited by the family's behaviours, report lack of resources or be time limited to offer memory making.

Conclusion

Findings identify elements needed for the development and support for offering memory making to assist bereaved families in adult acute care including role modelling, support to reduce negative emotions, workload assistance and leadership/organisational support.

Relevance to clinical practice

Discoveries have important implications in addressing evidence gaps regarding behaviour influences linked to the decision to offer memory making. Findings inform development and sustainability to integrate memory making as routine end‐of‐life care intervention in adult acute care.
Integrity and quantity of salivary cell‐free DNA as a potential molecular biomarker in oral cancer: A preliminary study
Authors: Rapado‐González Óscar , López‐Cedrún José Luis , Lago‐Lestón Ramón Manuel , Abalo Alicia , Rubin‐Roger Guillermo , Salgado‐Barreira Ángel , López‐López Rafael , Muinelo‐Romay Laura , Suárez‐Cunqueiro María Mercedes
Published: April 2022

Background

Differences in cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) fragments have been described as a valuable tool to distinguish cancer patients from healthy individuals. We aim to investigate the concentration and integrity of cfDNA fragments in saliva from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and healthy individuals in order to explore their value as diagnostic biomarkers.

Methods

Saliva samples were collected from a total of 34 subjects (19 OSCC patients and 15 healthy controls). The total concentration of salivary cfDNA (scfDNA) was determined using a fluorometry method and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). To evaluate the scfDNA quantity and integrity, qPCR targeting Arthobacter luteus (ALU) sequences at three amplicons of different lengths (60, 115, and 247 bp, respectively) was carried out. ScfDNA integrity indexes (ALU115/ALU60 and ALU247/ALU60) were calculated as the ratio between the absolute concentration of the longer amplicons 115 bp and 247 bp and the total scfDNA amount (amplicon 60 bp).

Results

The total scfDNA concentration (ALU60) was higher in OSCC than in healthy donors, but this trend was not statistically significant. The medians of scfDNA integrity indexes, ALU115/ALU60 and ALU247/ALU60, were significantly higher in OSCC, showing area under the curve values of 0.8211 and 0.7018, respectively.

Conclusion

Our preliminary results suggest that scfDNA integrity indexes (ALU115/ALU60 and ALU247/ALU60) have potential as noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for OSCC.
Review of venom immunotherapy at a regional tertiary paediatric centre
Authors: Johnston Niall , Belcher Jan , Preece Kahn , Bhatia Rani
Published: April 2022

Aim

Bee stings can result in allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is a definitive cure for bee venom allergy, but controversy surrounds whether accelerated protocols are safe in children. Our primary aim was to assess the safety profile of ultra‐rush bee VIT compared with conventional bee VIT at a regional paediatric tertiary centre. We also sought to evaluate the impact of both approaches on time and resource use.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from 14 patients with bee venom allergy who were treated with ultra‐rush or conventional bee VIT between 2013 and 2021 at John Hunter Children's Hospital. We compared VIT‐associated adverse reactions and use of resources in both these groups.

Results

Overall, six patients received ultra‐rush bee VIT and eight patients received conventional VIT. The ultra‐rush group had a lower rate of systemic reaction (16%) compared with the conventional group (25%). One patient from the conventional group required adrenaline. Ultra‐rush patients require fewer injections over a shorter time and fewer hospital visits to complete the protocol. Travel distance for families was significantly reduced.

Conclusion

At our regional paediatric tertiary centre, ultra‐rush bee VIT was a safe treatment option for children with bee venom allergy. It has many advantages over a conventional approach, especially for patients living in regional or remote areas.
What about dreams? State of the art and open questions
Authors: Scarpelli Serena , Alfonsi Valentina , Gorgoni Maurizio , De Gennaro Luigi
Published: April 2022

Several studies have tried to identify the neurobiological bases of dream experiences, nevertheless some questions are still at the centre of the debate. Here, we summarise the main open issues concerning the neuroscientific study of dreaming. After overcoming the rapid eye movement (REM) ‐ non‐REM (NREM) sleep dichotomy, investigations have focussed on the specific functional or structural brain features predicting dream experience. On the one hand, some results underlined that specific trait‐like factors are associated with higher dream recall frequency. On the other hand, the electrophysiological milieu preceding dream report upon awakening is a crucial state‐like factor influencing the subsequent recall. Furthermore, dreaming is strictly related to waking experiences. Based on the continuity hypothesis, some findings reveal that dreaming could be modulated through visual, olfactory, or somatosensory stimulations. Also, it should be considered that the indirect access to dreaming remains an intrinsic limitation. Recent findings have revealed a greater concordance between parasomnia‐like events and dream contents. This means that parasomnia episodes might be an expression of the ongoing mental sleep activity and could represent a viable direct access to dream experience. Finally, we provide a picture on nightmares and emphasise the possible role of oneiric activity in psychotherapy. Overall, further efforts in dream science are needed (a) to develop a uniform protocol to study dream experience, (b) to introduce and integrate advanced techniques to better understand whether dreaming can be manipulated, (c) to clarify the relationship between parasomnia events and dreaming, and (d) to determine the clinical valence of dreams.
A sigmoid‐optimized encoder–decoder network for crack segmentation with copy‐edit‐paste transfer learning
Authors: Çelik Firdes , König Markus
Published: April 2022

The automatic recognition of cracks is an essential requirement for the cost‐efficient maintenance of concrete structures, such as bridges, buildings, and roads. It should allow the localization and the determination of the crack type and the evaluation of the crack severity by providing information on the shape, orientation, and crack area and width. The first step in this direction is the automatized segmentation of cracks. This paper provides a concrete crack data set (370 images) and proposes two solutions that achieve the best results on two different crack data sets. Our first solution concerns the segmentation architecture. We provide an encoder–decoder‐based network with a particular interconnection of layers between the encoder and decoder parts that outperforms several other methods. In addition, this network is enhanced by squeeze‐and‐excitation blocks equipped with a modified sigmoid activation function. We introduce a stretch coefficient into the sigmoid function and declare it a trainable parameter, allowing more differentiated calibration of the feature map during network training. Our second solution concerns kernel initialization by transfer learning (TL). We propose the Copy‐Edit‐Paste Transfer Learning (CEP TL). By copying, geometric editing, and pasting crack masks onto new concrete background images, we generate thousands of semisynthetic images used to pretrain the network. This CEP TL method increases model performance with significant differences. For data set A (ours), we achieve F1‐scores 76.06 ± 0.06% without CEP TL and 92.32 ± 0.82% with CEP TL. For data set B (DeepCrack data set), we achieve F1‐scores 88.56 ± 0.01% without CEP TL and 90.59 ± 0.80% with CEP TL.
The aeroecology of atmospheric convergence zones: the case of pallid swifts
Authors: Kearsley Lyndon , Ranc Nathan , Meier Christoph M. , Pacheco Carlos Miguel , Henriques Pedro , Elias Gonçalo , Poot Martin , Williams Andy , Costa Luís T. , Helsen Philippe , Hufkens Koen
Published: April 2022

Trans‐Saharan migratory bird species encounter large scale seasonal atmospheric convergence zones, where opposing monsoon and continental air masses meet. These macro‐scale atmospheric conditions determine local weather, influence migratory and foraging behaviour and seasonal bird survival rates. Here, we investigate the flight behaviour of pallid swifts Apus pallidus, a small aerial insectivore, in relation to non‐breeding season atmospheric conditions using state‐of‐the‐art GPS logged data. Our analysis shows two novel diurnal flight patterns which suggest that pallid swift prey on insects concentrated along frontal convergence zones, in particular the continental Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and a coastal sea‐breeze front. Resource use seems not only contingent on the abundance of insects, but also favourable atmospheric conditions. Persistence of swifts in wintering feeding grounds might therefore depend on the prevailing atmospheric conditions and their concentrating effects on insects rather than solely the vegetation state and co‐dependent insect populations. Migration events within, to and from, the non‐breeding season foraging locations might not only be guided by a decline in vegetation as common metric for prey availability, but also by shifting wind directions and their concentrating effects.
Inappropriately long post‐ventricular atrial blanking leading to ‘unnecessary’ defibrillator discharge
Authors: Bera Debabrata , Kar Ayan , Das Arya Kamal , Majumder Suchit
Published: April 2022

A 55‐year‐old lady with non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) was referred for multiple implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks. Stored electrograms (EGM) revealed atrial flutter (AFL) with A > V. Morphology match was good and RR‐intervals were irregular. Despite all these, the dual‐chamber‐ICD (Abbott medical) classified this as ventricular tachycardia (VT‐2) via V > A algorithm where it did not analyze morphology/stability and delivered therapy. Anti‐tachycardia‐pacing (ATP) was delivered which induced a true VT (rate in VF‐zone) and immediate shock was delivered. It was hence appropriate but an ‘unnecessary’ shock. The offender was found to be an inappropriately programmed long post‐ventricular atrial‐blanking (PVAB) of 200 ms which led to undersensing of several atrial electrograms, falsely making V > A during a clear AFL.
Population health in a global society: Preparing nurses for the future
Authors: Walton AnnMarie Lee , Nikpour Jacqueline A. , Randolph Schenita D.
Published: April 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has reinforced awareness that the health of populations is inextricably linked around the globe. Nurses require increased knowledge and preparation in global health. Nursing educators need examples of how to improve content in the curriculum.

Aims

The purpose of this paper is to describe reconceptualization of a master's level nursing course entitled “Population Health in a Global Society” to include global health competencies.

Methods

We identified four global health competencies within the following three domains: globalization of health and healthcare; collaboration, partnering, and communication; and sociocultural and political awareness.

Implementation

We utilized guest lectures, a panel discussion, discussion forums and an independent research assignment. The methods used were well received by students, and the content delivered improved their perceived knowledge in global population health.

Discussion

The global health domains and competencies provided a roadmap for improving our course to focus on population health from a global perspective.

Conclusion

In order to prepare nurses to contribute to global population health, population health courses should integrate global health competencies. The content of the revised course will better prepare nurses who will practice in a wide variety of settings and is designed for interdisciplinary education.
Anxiety and initial value dependence in startle habituation
Authors: Faunce Jules Alex , Blumenthal Terry D. , Waugh Christian E.
Published: April 2022

Studies suggest that deficits in startle reflex habituation occur in trait and clinical anxiety. Measures of habituation are affected by the magnitude of the initial response, with larger initial responses predicting a steeper decline in response over repeated trials. This relationship between initial value and change, commonly called the Law of Initial Value or initial value dependence (IVD), has been partialled out as a covariate in habituation research, but variation in IVD may be informative in itself, reflecting differences in physiological reactivity. The present study explored how trait anxiety and contextual anxiety relate to habituation kinetics of the startle eyeblink response: initial value, linear habituation slope, and the relationship between them (IVD). Participants (n = 31; 15 Control, 16 Contextual Anxiety [CA]) were exposed to two blocks of acoustic startle stimuli, and CA participants were warned that they may receive an electrical shock to the wrist during block 2. Trait anxiety did not predict habituation slope, but it did predict a weaker IVD relationship, meaning that high initial startle magnitude was less predictive of a steep response decline in trait‐anxious subjects. Meanwhile, CA did not impact startle habituation or IVD. The results suggest that individual differences in trait anxiety are related to the relationship between initial physiological response magnitude and subsequent change in response. IVD in startle habituation may thus serve as a better biomarker of healthy emotional responding than startle habituation per se.
Bootstrap Inference for the Finite Population Mean under Complex Sampling Designs
Authors: Wang Zhonglei , Peng Liuhua , Kim Jae Kwang
Published: April 2022

Bootstrap is a useful computational tool for statistical inference, but it may lead to erroneous analysis under complex survey sampling. In this paper, we propose a unified bootstrap method for stratified multi-stage cluster sampling, Poisson sampling, simple random sampling without replacement and probability proportional to size sampling with replacement. In the proposed bootstrap method, we first generate bootstrap finite populations, apply the same sampling design to each bootstrap population to get a bootstrap sample, and then apply studentization. The second-order accuracy of the proposed bootstrap method is established by the Edgeworth expansion. Simulation studies confirm that the proposed bootstrap method outperforms the commonly used Wald-type method in terms of coverage, especially when the sample size is not large.
Association between biophysical properties and anxiety in patients with sensitive skin
Authors: Manav Vildan , Karaali Müge Göre , Erdem Ozan , Koku Aksu Ayşe Esra
Published: April 2022

Background

Sensitive skin (SS) is a syndrome in which neurosensory disorders accompany epidermal barrier dysfunction. However, it is not yet clear how high anxiety levels affect the biophysical parameters of the skin in patients with SS.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the relationship between anxiety levels and facial neurosensitivity, the erythema index, sebum content, and sensitive skin scale scores in individuals with sensitive skin.

Methods

The study was carried out on 35 individuals with SS and 40 without SS over three months. In the study, a questionnaire to detect the presence of sensitive skin, the sensitive skin scale for sensitive skin severity, the lactic acid sting test (LAST) to show facial neurosensitivity, a Mexameter for erythema index measurement, and a Sebumeter for sebum content measurement were used. In addition, the anxiety levels of the patient and control groups were measured using the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS).

Results

While the HADS‐Anxiety scores were found to be significantly higher in patients with sensitive skin, there was no significant difference in the HADS‐Depression scores. Moreover, a strong positive correlation was found between the HADS‐Anxiety scores and the erythema index in patients with sensitive skin.

Conclusions

Sensitive skin is a disorder that can sometimes occur without any dermatological examination findings. In particular, the sensations of the patients, along with their anxiety levels, are essential parameters that should be evaluated in the approach to patients with sensitive skin.
Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population: Recommendations Report
Authors: Umpierre Daniel , Coelho-Ravagnani Christianne , Cecília Tenório Maria , Andrade Douglas Roque , Autran Roseanne , Barros Mauro Virgilio Gomes de , Benedetti Tânia R. Bertoldo , Cavalcante Fabiana Vieira Santos Azevedo , Cyrino Edilson Serpeloni , Dumith Samuel Carvalho , Florindo Alex Antonio , Garcia Leandro Martin Totaro , Manta Sofia Wolker , Mielke Grégore Iven , Ritti-Dias Raphael Mendes , Magalhães Lorena Lima , Sandreschi Paula Fabricio , da Silva Juliana Rezende Melo , da Silva Kelly Samara , Siqueira Fernando Carlos Vinholes , Hallal Pedro Curi , _ _
Published: April 2022

Background: This article presents the recommendations from the Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population. Methods: A steering committee composed of a chair, 6 experts in physical activity, and representatives from the Ministry of Health/Brazil, Pan American Health Organization, Brazilian Society of Physical Activity and Health designed the guidelines, which was implemented by 8 working groups, as follows: (1) understanding physical activity, (2) children up to 5 years old, (3) children and youth from 6 to 17 years old, (4) adults, (5) older adults (60 years and above), (6) physical education at school, (7) pregnant and postpartum women, and (8) people with disabilities. The methodological steps included evidence syntheses, hearings with key stakeholders, and public consultation. Results: Across 8 chapters, the guidelines provide definitions of physical activity and sedentary behavior, informing target groups on types of physical activity, dosage (frequency, intensity, and duration), benefits, and supporting network for physical activity adoption. The guidelines are openly available in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and Braille and in audio versions, with a supplementary guide for health professionals and decision makers, and a report about the preparation and references. Conclusions: The Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population provide evidence-based recommendations, being a public-directed resource to contribute to the physical activity promotion in Brazil.
When killers become thieves: Trogocytosed PD-1 inhibits NK cells in cancer
Authors: Hasim Mohamed S. , Marotel Marie , Hodgins Jonathan J. , Vulpis Elisabetta , Makinson Olivia J. , Asif Sara , Shih Han-Yu , Scheer Amit K. , MacMillan Olivia , Alonso Felipe G. , Burke Kelly P. , Cook David P. , Li Rui , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Santoni Angela , Fallon Padraic G. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Sciumè Giuseppe , Veillette André , Zingoni Alessandra , Gray Douglas A. , McCurdy Arleigh , Ardolino Michele
Published: April 2022

Trogocytosis modulates immune responses, with still unclear underlying molecular mechanisms. Using leukemia mouse models, we found that lymphocytes perform trogocytosis at high rates with tumor cells. While performing trogocytosis, both Natural Killer (NK) and CD8
+
T cells acquire the checkpoint receptor PD-1 from leukemia cells. In vitro and in vivo investigation revealed that PD-1 on the surface of NK cells, rather than being endogenously expressed, was derived entirely from leukemia cells in a SLAM receptor–dependent fashion. PD-1 acquired via trogocytosis actively suppressed NK cell antitumor immunity. PD-1 trogocytosis was corroborated in patients with clonal plasma cell disorders, where NK cells that stained for PD-1 also stained for tumor cell markers. Our results, in addition to shedding light on a previously unappreciated mechanism underlying the presence of PD-1 on NK and cytotoxic T cells, reveal the immunoregulatory effect of membrane transfer occurring when immune cells contact tumor cells.
Social connections predict brain structure in a multidimensional free-ranging primate society
Authors: Testard Camille , Brent Lauren J. N. , Andersson Jesper , Chiou Kenneth L. , Negron-Del Valle Josue E. , DeCasien Alex R. , Acevedo-Ithier Arianna , Stock Michala K. , Antón Susan C. , Gonzalez Olga , Walker Christopher S. , Foxley Sean , Compo Nicole R. , Bauman Samuel , Ruiz-Lambides Angelina V. , Martinez Melween I. , Skene J. H. Pate , Horvath Julie E. , Unit Cayo Biobank Research , Higham James P. , Miller Karla L. , Snyder-Mackler Noah , Montague Michael J. , Platt Michael L. , Sallet Jérôme
Published: April 2022

Reproduction and survival in most primate species reflects management of both competitive and cooperative relationships. Here, we investigated the links between neuroanatomy and sociality in free-ranging rhesus macaques. In adults, the number of social partners predicted the volume of the mid–superior temporal sulcus and ventral-dysgranular insula, implicated in social decision-making and empathy, respectively. We found no link between brain structure and other key social variables such as social status or indirect connectedness in adults, nor between maternal social networks or status and dependent infant brain structure. Our findings demonstrate that the size of specific brain structures varies with the number of direct affiliative social connections and suggest that this relationship may arise during development. These results reinforce proposed links between social network size, biological success, and the expansion of specific brain circuits.
Wireless graphene-based thermal patch for obtaining temperature distribution and performing thermography
Authors: Kang Minpyo , Jeong Hyerin , Park Sung-Won , Hong Juyeong , Lee Hyeyeon , Chae Youngcheol , Yang Sunggu , Ahn Jong-Hyun
Published: April 2022

Thermal imaging provides information regarding the general condition of the human body and facilitates the diagnosis of various diseases. Heat therapy or thermotherapy can help in the treatment of injuries to the skin tissue. Here, we report a wearable thermal patch with dual functions of continuous skin temperature sensing and thermotherapy for effective self-care treatment. This system consists of a graphene-based capacitive sensor, a graphene thermal pad, and a flexible readout board with a wireless communication module. The wearable sensor continuously monitors the temperature variation over a large area of the skin (3 × 3cm
2
) with high resolution and sensitivity and performs thermotherapy via the graphene-based heater mounted at the bottom of the device. Animal studies prove that the proposed system can be used to diagnose various diseases. This technology could be useful in the development of convenient and wearable health care devices.
Carbon-free and binder-free Li-Al alloy anode enabling an all-solid-state Li-S battery with high energy and stability
Authors: Pan Hui , Zhang Menghang , Cheng Zhu , Jiang Heyang , Yang Jingui , Wang Pengfei , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: April 2022

Incompatibility of electrolytes with Li anode impedes the application of solid-state batteries. Aluminum with appropriate potential, high-capacity, and electronic conductivity can alloy with Li spontaneously and is proposed herein as a carbon-free and binder-free anode of an all-solid-state Li-S battery (LSB). A biphasic lithiation reaction of Al with modest volume change was revealed by in situ characterization. The Li
0.8
Al alloy anode showed excellent compatibility toward the Li
10
GeP
2
S
12
(LGPS) electrolyte, as verified by the steady Li
0.8
Al-LGPS-Li
0.8
Al cell operation for over 2500 hours at 0.5 mA cm
−2
. An all-solid-state LSB comprising Li
0.8
Al alloy anode and melting-coated S composite cathode functioned steadily for over 200 cycles with a capacity retention of 93.29%. Furthermore, a Li-S full cell with a low negative-to-positive ratio of 1.125 delivered a specific energy of 541 Wh kg
−1
. This work provides an applicable anode selection for all-solid-state LSBs and promotes their practical procedure.
Telerobotic neurovascular interventions with magnetic manipulation
Authors: Kim Yoonho , Genevriere Emily , Harker Pablo , Choe Jaehun , Balicki Marcin , Regenhardt Robert W. , Vranic Justin E. , Dmytriw Adam A. , Patel Aman B. , Zhao Xuanhe
Published: April 2022

Advances in robotic technology have been adopted in various subspecialties of both open and minimally invasive surgery, offering benefits such as enhanced surgical precision and accuracy with reduced fatigue of the surgeon. Despite the advantages, robotic applications to endovascular neurosurgery have remained largely unexplored because of technical challenges such as the miniaturization of robotic devices that can reach the complex and tortuous vasculature of the brain. Although some commercial systems enable robotic manipulation of conventional guidewires for coronary and peripheral vascular interventions, they remain unsuited for neurovascular applications because of the considerably smaller and more tortuous anatomy of cerebral arteries. Here, we present a teleoperated robotic neurointerventional platform based on magnetic manipulation. Our system consists of a magnetically controlled guidewire, a robot arm with an actuating magnet to steer the guidewire, a set of motorized linear drives to advance or retract the guidewire and a microcatheter, and a remote-control console to operate the system under real-time fluoroscopy. We demonstrate our system’s capability to navigate narrow and winding pathways both in vitro with realistic neurovascular phantoms representing the human anatomy and in vivo in the porcine brachial artery with accentuated tortuosity for preclinical evaluation. We further demonstrate telerobotically assisted therapeutic procedures including coil embolization and clot retrieval thrombectomy for treating cerebral aneurysms and ischemic stroke, respectively. Our system could enable safer and quicker access to hard-to-reach lesions while minimizing the radiation exposure to physicians and open the possibility of remote procedural services to address challenges in current stroke systems of care.
High-Resolution Chrono-Transcriptome of Lactococcus lactis Reveals That It Expresses Proteins with Adapted Size and pI upon Acidification and Nutrient Starvation
Authors: Pinto João P. C. , Brouwer Rutger , Zeyniyev Araz , Kuipers Oscar P. , Kok Jan
Published: April 2022

This data set is a rich resource for microbiologists interested in common mechanisms of gene expression, regulation and in particular the physiology of
L. lactis
. Thus, similar to the common use of genome sequence data by the scientific community, the data set constitutes an extensive data repository for mining and an opportunity for bioinformaticians to develop novel tools for in-depth analysis.
Menopause Is Associated with an Altered Gut Microbiome and Estrobolome, with Implications for Adverse Cardiometabolic Risk in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Peters Brandilyn A. , Lin Juan , Qi Qibin , Usyk Mykhaylo , Isasi Carmen R. , Mossavar-Rahmani Yasmin , Derby Carol A. , Santoro Nanette , Perreira Krista M. , Daviglus Martha L. , Kominiarek Michelle A. , Cai Jianwen , Knight Rob , Burk Robert D. , Kaplan Robert C.
Published: April 2022

The menopausal transition, marked by declining ovarian hormones, is recognized as a pivotal period of cardiometabolic risk. Gut microbiota metabolically interact with sex hormones, but large population studies associating menopause with the gut microbiome are lacking.
Amplicon Sequencing of Single-Copy Protein-Coding Genes Reveals Accurate Diversity for Sequence-Discrete Microbiome Populations
Authors: Yang Chengfeng , Su Qinzhi , Tang Min , Luo Shiqi , Zheng Hao , Zhang Xue , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2022

Microbial communities can be distinguished by discrete genetic and ecological characteristics. These sequence-discrete populations are foundational for investigating the composition and functional structures of microbial communities at high resolution.
Large-Scale Genomic Epidemiology of Klebsiella pneumoniae Identified Clone Divergence with Hypervirulent Plus Antimicrobial-Resistant Characteristics Causing Within-Ward Strain Transmissions
Authors: Pei Na , Li Yanming , Liu Chunjiao , Jian Zijuan , Liang Tianzhu , Zhong Yiming , Sun Wanying , He Jingxuan , Cheng Xinyi , Li Hongling , Lei Xiaole , Liu Xin , Deng Ziqing , Liu Qingxia , Chen Xia , Yan Qun , Kristiansen Karsten , Li Junhua , Liu Wenen
Published: April 2022

The convergence of AMR and acquired virulence posing higher risks to the public is a focusing point. With sufficient genomes and genotypes, we successfully identify the convergence in two subclones, the previously reported CG11-KL64, and the newly reported CG25 cluster 1.
Insights from Lu-Hf zircon isotopic data on the crustal evolution of Avalonia and Ganderia in the northern Appalachian orogen
Authors: Pollock Jeffrey C. , Barr Sandra M. , van Rooyen Deanne , White Chris E.
Published: April 2022

Avalonia and Ganderia are composite microcontinental fragments in the northern Appalachian orogen likely derived from Gondwanan sources. Avalonia includes numerous Neoproterozoic magmatic arc sequences that represent protracted and episodic subduction-related magmatism before deposition of an Ediacaran–Ordovician cover sequence of mainly siliciclastic rocks. We characterized the nature of the basement on which these arcs were constructed using zircon grains from arc-related magmatic rocks in Atlantic Canada that were analyzed for their Lu-Hf isotope composition. The majority of zircon grains from Avalonia are characterized by initial 176Hf/177Hf values that are more radiogenic than chondritic uniform reservoir, and calculated crust formation Hf TDM (i.e., depleted mantle) model ages range from 1.2 to 0.8 Ga. These data contrast with those from Ganderia, which show typically positive initial εHf values and Hf TDM model ages that imply magmatism was derived by melting of crustal sources with diverse ages ranging from ca. 1.8 to 1.0 Ga. The positive distribution of initial εHf values along with the pattern of Hf TDM model ages provide a clear record of two distinct subduction systems. Cryogenian–Ediacaran magmatism is interpreted to have resulted from reworking of an evolved Mesoproterozoic crustal component in a long-lived, subduction-dominated accretionary margin along the margin of northern Amazonia. A change in Hf isotope trajectory during the Ediacaran implies a greater contribution of isotopically evolved material consistent with an arc-arc–style collision of Ganderia with Avalonia. The shallow-sloping Hf isotopic pattern for Paleozoic Ganderian magmatism remains continuous for ~200 m.y., consistent with tectonic models of subduction in the Iapetus and Rheic Oceans and episodic accretion of juvenile crustal terranes to Laurentia.
Supplemental Material: Multiple phyla, one time resolution? Similar time averaging in benthic foraminifera, mollusk, echinoid, crustacean, and otolith fossil assemblages
Authors: Nawrot Rafał , al. et
Published: April 2022

Details on methods, Tables S1 and S2, Figures S1–S4, Appendix S1 (radiocarbon and AAR ages), and Appendix S2 (R script for analyzing the age data). 
Health checks for adults with intellectual disability and association with survival rates: a linked electronic records matched cohort study in Wales, UK
Authors: Kennedy Natasha , Kennedy Jonathan , Kerr Mike , Dredge Sam , Brophy Sinead
Published: April 2022

Objective

To examine if mortality rates are lower in people with intellectual disability who have had a health check compared with those who have not had health checks.

Setting

General practice records of 26 954 people with an intellectual disability in Wales between 2005–2017, of which 7650 (28.4%) with a health check were matched 1:2 with those without a health check.

Primary outcome measure

Office of National Statistics mortality data; a Cox regression was utilised to examine time to death adjusted for comorbidities and gender.

Results

Patients who had a health check were stratified by those who (1) had a confirmed health check, that is, Read Code for a health check (n=7650 (28.4 %)) and (2) had no evidence of receiving a health check in their medical record. Patients with a health check were matched for age at time of health check with two people who did not have a health check. The health check was associated with improved survival for those with autism or Down’s Syndrome (HR 0.58 (95% CI 0.37 to 0.91) and HR 0.76 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.91), respectively). There was no evidence of improved survival for those diagnosed with diabetes or cancer. The people who had a health check were more likely to be older, have epilepsy and less likely to have autism or Down’s syndrome.

Conclusions

Health checks are likely to influence survival if started before a person is diagnosed with a chronic condition, especially for people with autism or Down’s syndrome.
Clinical perspectives on the identification of neurodevelopmental conditions in children and changes in referral pathways: qualitative interviews
Authors: Coughlan Barry , Woolgar Matt , Mann Alissa , Duschinsky Robbie
Published: April 2022

Objective

Previous work has raised questions about the role of general practitioners (GPs) in the identification of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorders (autism) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). This study aimed to explore how GPs identify these conditions in practice and their perspectives on recent changes to local referral pathways that mean referrals to the neurodevelopmental team come through educational professionals and health visitors, rather than GPs. This study also aimed to explore Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) specialist’s perspectives on the role of GPs.

Setting

GP practices, local neurodevelopmental services and specialist CAMHS services in the UK.

Participants: semistructured interviews were conducted with GPs (n=8), specialists in local CAMHS (n=7), and professionals at national CAMHS services around the country (n=10). Interviews were conducted between January and May 2019. A framework approach informed by thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

GPs drew on various forms of tacit and explicit information including behavioural markers, parental report, prior knowledge of the family, expert and lay resources. Opinions varied between GPs regarding changes to the referral pathway, with some accepting the changes and others describing it as a ‘disaster’. CAMHS specialists tended to feel that GPs required more neurodevelopmental training and time to conduct consultations.

Conclusion

This study adds to the literature showing that GPs use an array of information sources when making referral decisions for autism and ADHD. Further work is urgently required to evaluate the impact of reconfiguring neurodevelopmental referral pathways such that GPs have a diminished role in identification.
Influence of shift work on cardiovascular disease risk in Southern African long-distance truck drivers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Draaijer Melvin , Scheuermaier Karine , Lalla-Edward Samanta Tresha , Fischer Alex Emilio , Grobbee Diederick E , Venter Francois , Vos Alinda
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major problem globally. Truck drivers have an increased risk of CVD due to a sedentary lifestyle, irregular working hours and behavioural choices. We aimed to get insight into the contribution of night shift work to CVD risk in long-distance truck drivers in South Africa.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Enrolment took place at three South African truck stop locations in two provinces; Bloemfontein (Free State), Pomona Road (Gauteng) and Soweto (Gauteng).

Participants

607 males aged ≥18 years with full-time employment as a long-distance truck driver were included. The criteria for inclusion were willingness and being able to provide informed consent and to complete the study procedures.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Information was collected on sociodemographics, occupational and health characteristics. Physical measurements, an ECG and carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) measurements were taken. A night shift was defined as working at least 3 hours between 22:00 and 6:00 hours once a week. CVD risk was defined with the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk algorithm, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and CIMT.

Results

In total, 607 truck drivers were included of which 305 (50.2%) worked in day shifts only and 302 (49.8%) worked day and night shifts. There was a high prevalence of CVD risk factors in both groups as 33% were hypertensive, 28% obese and 37% had abnormal lipid levels. Working day and night shifts compared with working only day shifts did not result in differences in FRS, ASCVD risk or LVH. No difference was found in CIMT measurements, except for the maximum bulb thickness which was higher in day shift workers.

Conclusions

CVD risk factors are considerably present in male truck drivers in South Africa. CVD risk does not differ between dayshift and day–night shift workers in this cross-sectional analysis.
Protocol of a prospective study investigating the association of PAncreatic parenchymal RISk factors with postoperative pancreatic fistula after partial pancreaticoduodenectomy (PARIS trial)
Authors: Schuh Fabian , Fink Matthias A , Feisst Manuel , Eckert Christoph , Dörr-Harim Colette , Knebel Phillip , Diener Markus K , Büchler Markus W , Mihaljevic André L , Probst Pascal
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Partial pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is the treatment of choice for many malignant and benign diseases of the pancreatic head. Postoperative complication rates of up to 40% are regularly reported. One of the most common and potentially life-threatening complication is the postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Parenchymal risk factors like main pancreatic duct diameter or texture of the pancreatic gland have already been identified in retrospective studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of parenchymal risk factors on POPF in a prospective manner.

Methods and analysis

All patients scheduled for elective PD at the Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery of the University of Heidelberg will be screened for eligibility. As diagnostic factors, diameter and texture of the pancreatic gland as well as radiological and histopathological features will be recorded. Furthermore, the new four class risk classification system by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) will be recorded. The postoperative course will be monitored prospectively. The primary endpoint will be the association of the main pancreatic duct size and the texture of the pancreatic gland on POPF according to the updated ISGPS definition. The diagnostic value of the above-mentioned factors for POPF will be evaluated in a univariable and multivariable analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

PARIS is a monocentric, prospective, diagnostic study to evaluate the association of parenchymal risk factors and the development of POPF approved by the Ethics Committee of the medical faculty of Heidelberg University (S-344/2019). Results will be available in 2022 and will be published at national and international meetings. With this knowledge, the intraoperative and perioperative decision-making process could be eased and improve the individual outcome of patient.

Trial registration number

DRKS00017184.