bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic left hemi-nephroureterectomy for a patient with suspected urothelial carcinoma in a horseshoe kidney
Authors: Cullivan Orla , Byrnes Kevin , D’Arcy Frank
Published: February 2022

A 76-year-old gentleman with a background of benign prostatic hyperplasia, hiatus hernia and anxiety was referred to the rapid access haematuria service following an episode of painless visible haematuria. Flexible cystoscopy did not reveal any concerning bladder lesions. CT Urogram demonstrated a horseshoe kidney with a filling defect in the left upper pole moiety suspicious for an urothelial carcinoma. The patient was subsequently referred to the urology services in a tertiary centre. Flexible ureterorenoscopy was performed, with findings of a likely urothelial carcinoma corresponding to the suspicious area on imaging. Biopsy of this lesion revealed a low grade urothelial cancer. The patient proceeded to have a laparoscopic left heminephroureterectomy with an open bladder cuff. The patient recovered well and urinary catheter was removed Day 12 post procedure after the performance of a cystogram. Histology revealed a favourable pTa low grade malignancy, and the patient will require ongoing follow-up moving forward. This case report highlights the operative intricacies in managing patients with horseshoe kidney due to anatomic variations associated with this condition.
Multiplex Microsphere PCR (mmPCR) Allows Simultaneous Gram Typing, Detection of Fungal DNA, and Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Authors: Browne Daniel J , Liang Fang , Gartlan Kate H , Harris Patrick N A , Hill Geoffrey R , Corrie Simon R , Markey Kate A
Published: February 2022

Objective

To show the high analytical specificity of our multiplex microsphere polymerase chain reaction (mmPCR) method, which offers the simultaneous detection of both general (eg, Gram type) and specific (eg, Pseudomonas species) clinically relevant genetic targets in a single modular multiplex reaction.

Materials and Methods

Isolated gDNA of 16S/rRNA Sanger-sequenced and Basic Local Alignment Tool–identified bacterial and fungal isolates were selectively amplified in a custom 10-plex Luminex MagPlex-TAG microsphere-based mmPCR assay. The signal/noise ratio for each reaction was calculated from flow cytometry standard data collected on a BD LSR Fortessa II flow cytometer. Data were normalized to the no-template negative control and the signal maximum. The analytical specificity of the assay was compared to single-plex SYBR chemistry quantitative PCR.

Results

Both general and specific primer sets were functional in the 10-plex mmPCR. The general Gram typing and pan-fungal primers correctly identified all bacterial and fungal isolates, respectively. The species-specific and antibiotic resistance–specific primers correctly identified the species- and resistance-carrying isolates, respectively. Low-level cross-reactive signals were present in some reactions with high signal/noise primer ratios.

Conclusion

We found that mmPCR can simultaneously detect specific and general clinically relevant genetic targets in multiplex. These results serve as a proof-of-concept advance that highlights the potential of high multiplex mmPCR diagnostics in clinical practice. Further development of specimen-specific DNA extraction techniques is required for sensitivity testing.
The interpretation of zeta test results: a supplement
Authors: Rizvi Pervez
Published: February 2022

Zeta is a mathematical method which has been used to try to solve authorship attribution problems in both the early modern and modern periods. David Hoover, one of its leading practitioners, has recently made two important claims (Hoover, Zeta revisited, Digital Scholarship in the Humanities, print publication forthcoming). Given his status as an expert on Zeta, these claims are likely to be treated by researchers as authoritative. Most Zeta graphs show a good separation between the base and counter segments. Hoover claims that this is an important finding, rather than, as Pervez Rizvi argued, a mechanical consequence of the method (Rizvi, The interpretation of zeta test results. Digital Scholarship in the Humanities, 34(2): 401–18). Drawing a bisector line is a common technique for interpreting a Zeta graph and, in practice, it produces the same attributions as the ones that Hoover’s less mathematical approach produces. Rizvi argued that this is an unsound technique, an argument that Hoover has now rejected. This paper elaborates Rizvi’s arguments and presents the results of new experiments to show that both of Hoover’s claims are incorrect and should not be accepted.
Transference-focused Psychotherapy
Authors: Green Christopher , Yeomans Frank
Published: February 2022

Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) is an evidence-based treatment developed for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD) that has been adapted to treat other personality disorders. This chapter summarizes the theory and practice of TFP and provides an illustrative clinical vignettes. From TFP’s perspective, the central feature of personality disorders is an individual’s lack of an integrated and coherent sense of self. TFP is based on object-relations theory, the branch of psychoanalysis that emphasizes internalized mental representations of the self and of others that are highly charged with affects and determine an individual’s experience and expression of emotional states and conflicts. Personality disorders with a borderline personality organization (BPO) are characterized by internal representations that are rigid, extreme, and split into groupings that have either a total positive, ideal affective charge or those that have a negative one involving aggression, anger, or hatred. BPO stems from a lack of successful psychological maturation, which leaves individuals suffering from affective instability, identity diffusion, splitting-based defenses, impulsive aggression, and difficulty sustaining personal and work relationships. TFP starts with an interview to establish and communicates a clear diagnosis, and an adequate treatment contract. The contract helps contain acting-out and facilitates the exploration of underlying conflicts at the core of the patient’s behavioral problems and sense of distress. TFP offers techniques that help patients gain awareness of unrecognized internal experiences. This empowers the patient to achieve symptom reduction, behavioral control, and psychological integration of a coherent sense of self.
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Authors: Sperry Len , Casteleiro Gerardo
Published: February 2022

Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is one of most prevalent personality disorders, with upwards of 55 percent of patients in clinical settings. It is characterized by shyness and sensitivity to rejection. The chapter provides an overview of the disorder: basic descriptors; differentiation from avoidant personality style and social anxiety disorder; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5) criteria; prototypic description; and prevalence. This chapter also provides a framework for the assessment and treatment of AVPD, including diagnosis, psychological assessment, case conceptualization, treatment recommendations, and interventions. Five common clinical case conceptualizations provide the basis for individualizing treatment. Finally, five treatment modalities are described: individual psychotherapies, group therapy, marital and family therapy, medication, and combined treatments. Combined treatments are the most effective.
The SAMI Galaxy Survey: the difference between ionized gas and stellar velocity dispersions
Authors: Oh Sree , Colless Matthew , D’Eugenio Francesco , Croom Scott M , Cortese Luca , Groves Brent , Kewley Lisa J , van de Sande Jesse , Zovaro Henry , Varidel Mathew R , Barsanti Stefania , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Brough Sarah , Bryant Julia J , Casura Sarah , Lawrence Jon S , Lorente Nuria P F , Medling Anne M , Owers Matt S , Yi Sukyoung K
Published: February 2022

We investigate the mean locally measured velocity dispersions of ionized gas (σgas) and stars (σ*) for 1090 galaxies with stellar masses $\log \, (M_{\!\ast }/M_{\odot }) \ge 9.5$ from the SAMI Galaxy Survey. For star-forming galaxies, σ* tends to be larger than σgas, suggesting that stars are in general dynamically hotter than the ionized gas (asymmetric drift). The difference between σgas and σ* (Δσ) correlates with various galaxy properties. We establish that the strongest correlation of Δσ is with beam smearing, which inflates σgas more than σ*, introducing a dependence of Δσ on both the effective radius relative to the point spread function and velocity gradients. The second strongest correlation is with the contribution of active galactic nuclei (AGN) (or evolved stars) to the ionized gas emission, implying that the gas velocity dispersion is strongly affected by the power source. In contrast, using the velocity dispersion measured from integrated spectra (σap) results in less correlation between the aperture-based Δσ (Δσap) and the power source. This suggests that the AGN (or old stars) dynamically heat the gas without causing significant deviations from dynamical equilibrium. Although the variation of Δσap is much smaller than that of Δσ, a correlation between Δσap and gas velocity gradient is still detected, implying that there is a small bias in dynamical masses derived from stellar and ionized gas velocity dispersions.
A combined VANDELS and LEGA-C study: the evolution of quiescent galaxy size, stellar mass, and age from z = 0.6 to z = 1.3
Authors: Hamadouche M L , Carnall A C , McLure R J , Dunlop J S , McLeod D J , Cullen F , Begley R , Bolzonella M , Buitrago F , Castellano M , Cucciati O , Fontana A , Gargiulo A , Moresco M , Pozzetti L , Zamorani G
Published: February 2022

We study the relationships between stellar mass, size, and age within the quiescent population, using two mass-complete spectroscopic samples with log10(M⋆/M⊙) > 10.3, taken from VANDELS at 1.0 < z < 1.3, and LEGA-C at 0.6 < z < 0.8. Using robust Dn4000 values, we demonstrate that the well-known ‘downsizing’ signature is already in place by z ≃ 1.1, with Dn4000 increasing by ≃ 0.1 across a ≃ 1 dex mass interval for both VANDELS and LEGA-C. We then proceed to investigate the evolution of the quiescent galaxy stellar mass–size relation from z ≃ 1.1 to z ≃ 0.7. We find the median size increases by a factor of 1.9 ± 0.1 at log10(M⋆/M⊙) = 10.5, and see tentative evidence for flattening of the relation, finding slopes of α = 0.72 ± 0.06 and $\alpha =\, 0.56\pm 0.04$ for VANDELS and LEGA-C, respectively. We finally split our sample into galaxies above and below our fitted mass–size relations, to investigate how size and Dn4000 correlate. For LEGA-C, we see a clear difference, with larger galaxies found to have smaller Dn4000 at fixed stellar mass. Due to the faintness and smaller numbers of the VANDELS sample, we cannot confirm whether a similar relation exists at z ≃ 1.1. We consider whether differences in stellar age or metallicity are most likely to drive this size–Dn4000 relation, finding that any metallicity differences are unlikely to fully explain the observed offset, meaning smaller galaxies must be older than their larger counterparts. We find the observed evolution in size, mass, and Dn4000 across the ≃ 2 Gyr from z ∼ 1.1 to z ∼ 0.7 can be explained by a simple toy model in which VANDELS galaxies evolve passively whilst experiencing a series of minor mergers.
Development and validation of a deep neural network–based model to predict acute kidney injury following intravenous administration of iodinated contrast media in hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease: a multicohort analysis
Authors: Yan Ping , Duan Shao-Bin , Luo Xiao-Qin , Zhang Ning-Ya , Deng Ying-Hao
Published: February 2022

Background

Stratification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2] at risk for post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) following intravenous administration of iodinated contrast media (ICM) is important for clinical decision-making and clinical trial enrollment.

Methods

The derivation and internal validation cohorts originated from the Second Xiangya Hospital. The external validation cohort was generated from the Xiangya Hospital and the openly accessible database Medical Information Mart for Intensive CareIV. PC-AKI was defined based on the serum creatinine criteria of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). Six feature selection methods were used to identify the most influential predictors from 79 candidate variables. Deep neural networks (DNNs) were used to establish the model and compared with logistic regression analyses. Model discrimination was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Low-risk and high-risk cutoff points were set to stratify patients.

Results

Among 4218 encounters studied, PC-AKI occurred in 10.3, 10.4 and 11.4% of encounters in the derivation, internal and external validation cohorts, respectively. The 14 variables-based DNN model had significantly better performance than the logistic regression model with AUC being 0.939 (95% confidence interval: 0.916–0.958) and 0.940 (95% confidence interval: 0.909–0.954) in the internal and external validation cohorts, respectively, and showed promising discrimination in subgroup analyses (AUC ≥ 0.800). The observed PC-AKI risks increased significantly from the low- to intermediate- to high-risk group (<1.0 to >50%) and the accuracy of patients not developing PC-AKI was 99% in the low-risk category in both the internal and external validation cohorts.

Conclusions

A DNN model using routinely available variables can accurately discriminate the risk of PC-AKI of hospitalized CKD patients following intravenous administration of ICM.
Clinicopathological and immunological features of new onset kidney disease: a rare event after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Authors: Zhang Yue-Miao , Liu Xing-Zi , Zhang Zhao , Zhou Tai-Cheng , Zhang Xin , Yang Hong-Yu , Tan Meng , Hu Nan , Shi Su-Fang , Wang Fang , Xu Rong , Liu Li-Jun , Wang Su-Xia , Liu Gang , Zhou Fu-De , Zhao Ming-Hui , Zhang Hong , Lv Ji-Cheng , Zhang Ya-Ping , Zhang Zi-Jie , Yang Li
Published: February 2022

The onset of various kidney diseases has been reported after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. However, detailed clinical and pathological features are lacking. We screened and analyzed patients with newly diagnosed kidney diseases after inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in Peking University First Hospital from January 2021 to August 2021, and compared them with the reported cases in the literature. We obtained samples of blood, urine and renal biopsy tissues. Clinical and laboratory information, as well as light microscopy, immunostaining and ultrastructural observations, were described. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and nucleoprotein were stained using the immunofluorescence technique in the kidney biopsy samples. SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies were tested using magnetic particle chemiluminescence immunoassay. The study group included 17 patients with a range of conditions including immune-complex-mediated kidney diseases (IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy and lupus nephritis), podocytopathy (minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) and others (antineutrophil-cytoplasmic-antibody-associated vasculitis, anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis, acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and thrombotic microangiopathy). Seven patients (41.18%) developed renal disease after the first dose and ten (58.82%) after the second dose. The kidney disease spectrum as well as clinicopathological features are similar across different types of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. We found no definitive evidence of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein or nucleoprotein deposition in the kidney biopsy samples. Seropositive markers implicated abnormal immune responses in predisposed individuals. Treatment and follow-up (median = 86 days) showed that biopsy diagnosis informed treatment and prognosis in all patients. In conclusion, we observed various kidney diseases following SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administration, which show a high consistency across different types of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Our findings provide evidence against direct vaccine protein deposition as the major pathomechanism, but implicate abnormal immune responses in predisposed individuals. These findings expand our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine renal safety.
Fertility Preservation Discussions Between Young Adult Rectal Cancer Survivors and Their Providers: Sex-Specific Prevalence and Correlates
Authors: Stal Julia , Yi Serena Y , Cohen-Cutler Sally , Gallagher Phuong , Barzi Afsaneh , Freyer David R , Milam Joel E , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Miller Kimberly A
Published: February 2022

Background

Young adults (YA) diagnosed with rectal cancer are disproportionately impacted by the gonadotoxic effects of treatment and potential subsequent infertility.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to characterize the prevalence of fertility preservation measures used, reasons why such measures were not used, and correlates of discussion between providers and YA rectal cancer survivors.

Design

An online, cross-sectional survey was administered on the Facebook page of a national colorectal cancer (CRC) advocacy organization. Eligible participants were rectal cancer survivors diagnosed before age 50, between 6 and 36 months from diagnosis or relapse, and based in the US.

Results

Participants were 148 rectal cancer survivors. Over half of the survivors reported that their doctor did not talk to them about potential therapy-related fertility complications. Only one-fifth of survivors banked sperm (males) or eggs/embryos (females) prior to their cancer therapy. Older age at diagnosis and greater quality of life were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of fertility discussions among males. Greater quality of life was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of fertility discussion among females.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the majority of YA rectal cancer survivors do not receive, or cannot recall, comprehensive cancer care, and help to identify patients with rectal cancer who may be at risk for inadequate fertility counseling. Clinicians should provide proper counseling to mitigate this late effect and to ensure optimal quality of life for YA rectal cancer survivors.
The Voter ID Debate: An Analysis of Political Elite Framing in the UK Parliament
Authors: Alonso-Curbelo Ana
Published: February 2022

In 2021, the Conservative UK government announced a proposal to introduce mandatory voter identification (ID) in elections, raising concerns around how these measures might disenfranchise already marginalised groups. Using computational content analysis techniques, this study analyses all parliamentary debates to date on voter ID to understand how political elites frame these requirements. Despite voter ID being justified as necessary to tackle voter fraud when the new Elections Bill was first announced, this study instead finds both Conservative and Labour Members of Parliament agree voter fraud numbers are small. Conservatives nevertheless significantly frame voter ID as necessary to strengthen public confidence in the electoral system, which contrasts Electoral Commission’s 2021 data instead finding 90% of the public consider voting to be safe from fraud at the polling station. Overall, this study sheds light to the ‘framing contest’ and polarisation present in parliamentary debates about voter ID, an increasingly contentious issue of the proposed Elections Bill.
orf137 triggers cytoplasmic male sterility in tomato
Authors: Kuwabara Kosuke , Arimura Shin-ichi , Shirasawa Kenta , Ariizumi Tohru
Published: February 2022

mitoTALEN, a mitochondrial genome editing technology, demonstrated that the mitochondrial gene orf137 is responsible for inducing cytoplasmic male sterility in tomato.
Assessing the benefits of green super rice in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Mozambique
Authors: Kodama Wataru , Pede Valerien O , Mishra Ashok K , Cuevas Rosa Paula O , Ndayiragije Alexis , Cabrera Ellanie R , Langa Marcos , Ali Jauhar
Published: February 2022

In Mozambique, smallholder farmers commonly grow rice under rainfed systems with limited fertilizer application; thus, productivity remains very low. Moreover, the adoption rate of improved rice varieties is as low as 3 per cent, partly because these varieties usually require an irrigated environment with the use of fertilizer. Green super rice (GSR) varieties are expected to sustain high yield potential under severe stress conditions. This article used farm-level survey data collected in Mozambique to assess the benefits of the adoption of a GSR variety (Simão) on the yield and cost efficiency of smallholder rice producers. The econometric approach involves propensity score matching and a simultaneous equation model with endogenous switching regression to account for observable and unobservable factors that affect adoption and outcome variables. The results indicate positive and significant benefits from adopting GSR on rice yield and cost efficiency for adopters. These benefits are observed not only in irrigated environments where fertilizer is applied together with some more advanced farming practices (i.e. Gaza province), but also in Nampula and Sofala provinces where farmers grow rice under rainfed conditions with no fertilizer application. Our findings suggest that GSR varieties have the potential to bring some positive changes in the development of rice production in Mozambique.
PpHYH is responsible for light-induced anthocyanin accumulation in fruit peel of Prunus persica
Authors: Zhao Lei , Sun Juanli , Cai Yaming , Yang Qiurui , Zhang Yuanqiang , Ogutu Collins Otieno , Liu Jingjing , Zhao Yun , Wang Furong , He Huaping , Zheng Beibei , Han Yuepeng
Published: February 2022

Peach Prunus persica is an economically important fruit tree crop worldwide. Although the external color of fruit is an important aspect of fruit quality, the mechanisms underlying its formation remain elusive in peach. Here, we report an elongated hypocotyl 5-homolog gene PpHYH involved in the regulation of anthocyanin pigmentation in peach fruit peel. Anthocyanin accumulation in fruit peel is light-dependent in peach. PpHYH had no auto-activation activity and its transcription was induced by sunlight. PpHYH activated transcription of a cluster of three PpMYB10 genes in the present of a cofactor PpBBX4 encoding a B-BOX protein, leading to anthocyanin accumulation in the sun-exposed peel. However, the PpHYH activity was repressed by a negative regulator of PpCOP1 encoding constitutive photomorphogenesis protein 1 which accumulated in the nucleus under dark condition, resulting in failure of anthocyanin accumulation in the shaded peel. PpCOP1 was re-localized into the cytosol under light condition, in accordance with fruit peel pigmentation. Additionally, transport of anthocyanins from the cytoplasm to the vacuole was a rate-limiting step for anthocyanin accumulation in peach fruit peel. Our results reveal for the first time the HYH gene involved in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation in fruits, and provide target genes for genetic manipulation of fruit coloration.
Jalons pour un droit uniforme de la preuve dans l’espace OHADA
Authors: Hounkpe Julien C
Published: February 2022

L’harmonisation du droit de la preuve dans les États membres de l’OHADA se justifie par la disparité des normes probatoires aux sources plurielles voire concurrentes, et la mixité du système probatoire partagé entre la preuve libre et la preuve légale. Une harmonisation du droit de la preuve permettrait, en outre, de moderniser la matière et de l’adapter aux réalités africaines. Toutefois, le droit de la preuve s’accommode mal d’une intégration au droit des affaires. À cet égard, aussi nécessaire que paraît l’émergence d’un droit uniforme de la preuve, son élaboration dans le cadre de l’OHADA appelle des précautions dans la méthode et dans le contenu.

Relativement à la méthode d’élaboration, la première démarche passe par la définition du domaine d’harmonisation qui pourrait être un droit de la preuve autonome. S’agissant de la technique d’harmonisation, il serait prudent d’envisager alternativement à l’acte uniforme d’autres procédés plus souples d’intégration juridique. En ce qui concerne le contenu substantiel, l’apport fondamental se situe dans le renouvellement de la théorie classique de la preuve, pour proposer les principes généraux et les règles techniques issus de l’évolution du droit probatoire et adaptés au contexte africain.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for the management of hypertension
Authors: Cheng Yibang , Li Yan , Wang Jiguang
Published: February 2022

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) has become indispensable in the current management of hypertension. ABPM is particularly useful in the accurate diagnosis of hypertension. Its diagnostic thresholds had been recently established based on hard clinical outcomes. Cross-classification of patients according to office and ambulatory blood pressure identifies white-coat, masked, and sustained hypertension. ABPM is also useful in cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment. It provides information on daytime and nighttime blood pressure and circadian rhythm, particularly nighttime blood pressure dipping. Nighttime blood pressure is predictive of CV risk independent of office and daytime blood pressure. Isolated nocturnal hypertension is a special form of masked hypertension, with normal daytime but elevated nocturnal blood pressure. It also helps in the evaluation of blood pressure fluctuation and variation, such as morning blood pressure surge and reading-to-reading blood pressure variability. ABPM may derive several other indexes, such as ambulatory blood pressure index and salt sensitivity index, which may be useful in CV evaluations.
Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in prone split-leg and inclined supine positions to treat renal cast and multiple calyx stones: An invited commentary
Authors: Li Fangzhou , Chi Chenfei , Chen Qi
Published: February 2022

This Invited Commentary discusses the following article:

Mulay A, Mane D, Mhaske S, Shah AS, Krishnappa D, Sabale V. Supine versus prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal calculi: Our experience. Curr Urol 2022;16 (1):25-29. doi: 10.1097/CU9.0000000000000076.
Advanced Practice Provider Care Team Models
Authors: Chaney Amanda , Beliles Gregory , Keimig Andrew , Porter Ivan
Published: February 2022

Health care leaders must be innovative to meet the demands of patient access and cost efficiency, all while never compromising patient safety or experience. A clear understanding of the care team model with optimal utilization of all team members is paramount to success. This article discusses 5 nurse practitioner and physician assistant (collectively called advanced practice providers) care team models that regularly occur in health care organizations across the country. Examples of each practice model, a discussion on when each model would be appropriate, as well as data on patient experience and financial return of investment of each model are provided.
Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares and Their Relationship to PTSD Severity Among Combat Veterans With PTSD and Hazardous Alcohol Use
Authors: Possemato Kyle , Silander Nina , Bellete Nardos , Emery J. Bronte , De Stefano Leigha , Pigeon Wilfred
Published: February 2022

Although nightmares are known to predict the clinical course of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), research on the relationship between specific nightmare characteristics and PTSD severity is sparse. This study conducted a secondary analysis to explore how five nightmare characteristics are cross-sectionally related to PTSD severity in 76 combat veterans with PTSD and at-risk alcohol use. Consistent with emotional processing theory, we hypothesized that more replicative, threatening, realistic, and easily recalled nightmares would be associated with more severe PTSD, whereas those with greater symbolism would predict lower PTSD severity. Nightmares narratives were audio-recorded and rated by multiple coders. Multiple analyses of variance explored the relationship between nightmare characteristics and PTSD clinical indicators. Most nightmares were realistic, easily recalled, and involved significant threat. Greater realism and replication were associated with greater PTSD severity. Realistic and replicative nightmares may be markers of more severe PTSD and may indicate that less emotional processing of the trauma has occurred.
Pulmonary Vasculitis on Dual-Phase 18F-FDG PET/CT in SAPHO Syndrome
Authors: Norikane Takashi , Yamamoto Yuka , Arai-Okuda Hanae , Dobashi Hiroaki , Nishiyama Yoshihiro
Published: February 2022

Pulmonary vasculitis is an uncommon type of vasculitis that may cause pulmonary artery stenosis with ensuing ischemic damage to lung tissue. 99mTc–macroaggregated albumin scintigraphy and iodine lung perfusion mapping are useful imaging modalities for assessment of lung perfusion but are not useful for assessing disease activity. On the other hand, 18F-FDG PET/CT is widely used for assessment of vasculitis activity but cannot provide perfusion information. We reported the clinical utility of dual-phase 18F-FDG PET/CT for pulmonary vasculitis in patients with SAPHO (synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis) syndrome.
Evaluation of Diplopia by Emergency Medicine Physicians and Consulting Neurologists
Authors: Feng Yilin , Commiskey Patrick W. , Deveney Tatiana K. , De Lott Lindsey B. , Trobe Jonathan D.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Appropriate evaluation of diplopia requires separating serious from benign causes. If providers are not adept in this task, diagnosis of critical conditions may be delayed and unnecessary testing may result.

Methods:

We studied the records of 100 consecutive patients who presented to an emergency department between 2010 and 2020 with diplopia as a prominent symptom. We rated the performance of emergency medicine physicians (EMPs) and consulting neurologists (CNs) in the examination, diagnosis, and ordering of diagnostic tests according to standards based on neuro-ophthalmologic consultation and the neuro-ophthalmologic literature.

Results:

EMPs made no diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis in 88 (88%) of 100 encounters. They ordered 14 unindicated and 12 incorrect studies, mostly noncontrast computed tomography scans. CNs made an incorrect diagnosis in 13 (31%) encounters. They ordered 6 unindicated and 2 incorrect studies. The total charge for unindicated and incorrect studies ordered by EMPs and CNs was $119,950.

Conclusions:

EMPs and CNs made frequent errors in the examination, diagnosis, and ordering of diagnostic studies, leading to inefficient care and unnecessary testing. EMPs largely delegated the evaluation of diplopia to their consultants. If such consultative support were not available, the care of diplopic patients would be delayed. CNs performed more complete examinations, but rarely enough to allow appreciation of the pattern of ocular misalignment, contributing to misdiagnoses and ordering errors. The identification of these provider errors allows for more targeted teaching in the evaluation of diplopia.
The effect of attention on body size adaptation and body dissatisfaction
Authors: House T. , Stephen I. D. , Penton-Voak I. S. , Brooks K. R.
Published: February 2022

Attentional bias to low-fat bodies is thought to be associated with body dissatisfaction—a symptom and risk factor of eating disorders. However, the causal nature of this relationship is unclear. In three preregistered experiments, we trained 370 women to attend towards either high- or low-fat body stimuli using an attention training dot probe task. For each experiment, we analysed the effect of the attention training on (i) attention to subsequently presented high- versus low-fat body stimuli, (ii) visual adaptation to body size, and (iii) body dissatisfaction. The attention training had no effect on attention towards high- or low-fat bodies in an online setting (Experiment 1), but did increase attention to high-fat bodies in a laboratory setting (Experiment 2). Neither perceptions of a ‘normal’ body size nor levels of body dissatisfaction changed as a result of the attention training in either setting. The results in the online setting did not change when we reduced the stimulus onset-asynchrony of the dot probe task from 500 to 100 ms (Experiment 3). Our results provide no evidence that the dot probe training task used here has robust effects on attention to body size, body image disturbance or body dissatisfaction.
Multi-breather solutions to the Sasa–Satsuma equation
Authors: Wu Chengfa , Wei Bo , Shi Changyan , Feng Bao-Feng
Published: February 2022

General breather solution to the Sasa–Satsuma equation (SSE) is systematically investigated in this paper. We firstly transform the SSE into a set of three Hirota bilinear equations under a proper plane wave boundary condition. Starting from a specially arranged tau-function of the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili hierarchy and a set of 11 bilinear equations satisfied, we implement a series steps of reduction procedure, i.e. C-type reduction, dimension reduction and complex conjugate reduction, and reduce these 11 equations to three bilinear equations for the SSE. Meanwhile, the general breather solution to the SSE is found in determinant of even order. The one- and two-breather solutions are calculated and analysed in detail.
An experimental study of tie transparency and individual perception in social networks
Authors: Lyu Ding , Teng Yansong , Wang Lin , Wang Xiaofan , Pentland Alex
Published: February 2022

Tie transparency, which may provide more unbiased information to deepen mutual understanding, thus builds trust and prompts cooperation in social networks. Little is known, however, about social connections’ transparency. We introduce knowable degree (KD) to characterize the transparency of a social tie, defined as the number of other entities who perceive the tie. We design a two-phase experiment to collect KDs in a network of 155 students. We find that structural property and node attribute significantly predict tie transparency. Meanwhile, we also find there almost always exist a few covert ties due to non-reciprocity. Furthermore, we focus on exploring the boundary of scopes of perception and evaluating individuals’ perceptual capability. We describe the two degrees of perception phenomenon that people can generally catch the relationships between their 2-neighbours at most. We propose a generic quantitative model to recognize high-capability perceivers, who are found more sociable and enjoy exploring the social context as well.
Halobaculum rubrum sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a salt lake
Authors: Dilmurat Muhtar , Hu Xin-Yu , Dilbar Tohty , Cui Heng-Lin
Published: February 2022

A halophilic archaeal strain, designated C46T, was isolated from an inland salt lake in Qinghai Province, PR China. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain C46T belongs to the genus

Halobaculum

, and the closest phylogenetic relative is

Halobaculum gomorrense

DSM 9297T with 97.7 % similarity. Despite this, strain C46T was more related to

Halobaculum saliterrae

WSA2T than other members of the genus

Halobaculum

based on genome comparison and analysis, and the average nucleotide identity, in silico DNA–DNA hybridization, amino acid identity and percentage of conserved protein values between the two strains were 89.1, 53.3, 89.2 and 75.6 %, respectively, which are lower than the cutoff values proposed for species delimitation. The physiological, biochemical, genetic and genomic characteristics of strain C46T were different from those of its closest phylogenetic neighbours, which indicated that this strain represents a novel species of the genus

Halobaculum

, for which the name Halobaculum rubrum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C46T (=CGMCC 1.13737T=JCM 32959T).
Patient characteristics, clinical care, resource use, and outcomes associated with hospitalization for COVID-19 in the Toronto area
Authors: Verma Amol A. , Hora Tejasvi , Jung Hae Young , Fralick Michael , Malecki Sarah L. , Lapointe-Shaw Lauren , Weinerman Adina , Tang Terence , Kwan Janice L. , Liu Jessica J. , Rawal Shail , Chan Timothy C.Y. , Cheung Angela M. , Rosella Laura C. , Ghassemi Marzyeh , Herridge Margaret , Mamdani Muhammad , Razak Fahad
Published: February 2022

Background

Patient characteristics, clinical care, resource use, and outcomes associated with hospitalization for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada are not well described.

Methods

We described all adult discharges from inpatient medical services and medical-surgical intensive care units (ICU) between November 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020 at 7 hospitals in Toronto and Mississauga, Ontario. We compared patients hospitalized with COVID-19, influenza and all other conditions using multivariable regression models controlling for patient age, sex, comorbidity, and residence in long-term-care.

Results

There were 43,462 discharges in the study period, including 1,027 (3.0%) with COVID-19 and 783 (2.3%) with influenza. Patients with COVID-19 had similar age to patients with influenza and other conditions (median age 65 years vs. 68 years and 68 years, respectively, SD<0.1). Patients with COVID-19 were more likely to be male (59.1%) and 11.7% were long-term care residents. Patients younger than 50 years accounted for 21.2% of all admissions for COVID-19 and 24.0% of ICU admissions. Compared to influenza, patients with COVID-19 had significantly greater mortality (unadjusted 19.9% vs 6.1%, aRR: 3.47, 95%CI: 2.57, 4.67), ICU use (unadjusted 26.4% vs 18.0%, aRR 1.52, 95%CI: 1.27, 1.83) and hospital length-of-stay (unadjusted median 8.7 days vs 4.8 days, aRR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.20, 1.64), and not significantly different 30-day readmission (unadjusted 8.6% vs 8.2%, aRR: 1.01, 95%CI: 0.72, 1.42).

Interpretation

Adults hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic used substantial hospital resources and suffered high mortality. COVID-19 was associated with significantly greater mortality, ICU use, and hospital length-of-stay than influenza.
Immunological pathways underlying autism: Findings from Mendelian randomization and genetic colocalisation analyses
Authors: Dardani Christina , Robinson Jamie W. , Zheng Jie , Sadik Aws , Pagoni Panagiota , Stergiakouli Evie , Gardner Renee , Havdahl Alexandra , Grove Jakob ,   the iPSYCH Autism Spectrum Disorder working group, Smith George Davey , Sullivan Sarah , Leppert Beate , Jones Hannah J. , Zammit Stan , Khandaker Golam M. , Rai Dheeraj
Published: February 2022

Emerging evidence implicates the role of inflammation and immunity in autism. However, little is known about the involvement of specific immunological pathways and their causal role. In 18,381 autism cases and 27,969 controls from the PGC and the iPSYCH consortia, we investigated whether 15 cytokines implicated in the differentiation and function of CD4+ T cell subsets (TH1, TH2, TH9, TFH, TH17, TReg) could be causally linked to autism. Within a Mendelian randomization framework, we used protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs; N=1,000-3,394) to assess the effects of genetically proxied levels of plasma cytokines on autism. We additionally used brain cortex expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs; N= 6,601) to investigate whether genetically predicted expression of the genes encoding the cytokines of interest influence autism. We performed colocalisation to assess the possibility that the identified effects were confounded due to Linkage Disequilibrium (LD). We also assessed the possibility of reverse causation. We report consistent evidence for causal effects of genetically predicted levels of IFN-γR1, IL-12Rβ1 (TH1), and IL-4RA, IL-5RA, IL-13RA1 (TH2) on autism. We identified brain-specific effects of genetically predicted expression of IFNGR1, IL12RB1, IL23A, which in the case of IFNGR1 and IL23A were additionally supported by evidence suggestive of colocalisation. Findings appeared unlikely to be influenced by reverse causation. Our findings are consistent with a potentially causal effect of TH1 and TH2 pathway cytokines in autism, and further research is required to elucidate the pathways via which TH1 and TH2 influence its phenotypic presentation.
A single-dose of the deactivated rabies virus vectored COVID-19 vaccine, CORAVAX, is highly efficacious and alleviates lung inflammation in the hamster model
Authors: Kurup Drishya , Wirblich Christoph , Diba Leila Zabihi , Lambert Rachael , Watson Megan , Shaikh Noor , Ramage Holly , Solomides Charalambos , Schnell Matthias J.
Published: February 2022

Without sufficient herd immunity through either vaccination or natural infection, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic is unlikely to be controlled. Waning immunity with the currently approved vaccines suggests the need to evaluate vaccines causing the induction of long-term responses. Here we report the immunogenicity and efficacy of our adjuvanted single-dose Rabies vectored SARS CoV-2 S1 vaccine, CORAVAX, in hamsters. CORAVAX induces high SARS CoV-2 S1 specific and virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNA) that prevent weight loss, viral loads, disease, lung inflammation, and the cytokine storm in hamsters. We also observed high Rabies VNA titers. In summary, CORAVAX is a promising dual antigen vaccine candidate for clinical evaluation against SARS CoV-2 and Rabies virus.
Potent Neutralizing Activity of Polyclonal Equine Antibodies against Omicron SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Luczkowiak J. , Radreau P. , Nguyen L. , Labiod N. , Lasala F. , Herbreteau C.H. , Delgado R.
Published: February 2022

Using a polyclonal approach of equine anti-SARS-CoV-2 F(ab’)2 antibodies we have achieved a high level of neutralizing potency against all SARS-CoV-2 variants tested. Neutralization titers were in the range of 105-106 IU/mL including Omicron: 111,403 UI/mL, which is 2-3 orders of magnitude what is normally achieved in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or vaccination. The presence of high titers of a repertoire of antibodies targeting conserved epitopes in different regions of the spike protein could plausibly account for this remarkable breadth of neutralization. These results warrant the clinical investigation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 equine polyclonal F(ab’)2 antibodies as a novel therapeutic strategy against COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 Infection Breakthrough among the non-vaccinated and vaccinated: a Real World Evidence study based on Big Data
Authors: Perrella A , Bisogno M , D’Argenzio  , Trama U , Coscioni E , Orlando V ,   COVID CaRe group
Published: February 2022

Background

SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination can occur because COVID-19 vaccines do not offer 100% protection. The aim of this study was to assess vaccination coverage among people nasopharyngeal swabs, disease symptoms and type of hospitalisation (Intensive Care Unit) between the non-vaccinated and the effective dose vaccinated and to evaluate vaccination trend over time.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out among people tested positive for COVID-19 in Campania Region using collected information from Health Information System of Campania Region (Sinfonia).

The status of vaccination was assess according to the following timetable: “non-vaccinated”; “Ineffective dose” vaccination; “Effective dose” vaccination.

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate the association between Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to COVID-19 and gender, age groups and vaccine.

To determine vaccine coverage in subjects who received an effective dose, trend changes over time were investigated using segmented linear regression models and breakpoints estimations.

Vaccination coverage was assessed by analysing the trend in the percentage of covid 19 positive subjects in the 9 months after vaccination with an effective dose stratified by age group and type of vaccine. Statistical analyses were performed using R platform

Results

A significant association with the risk of hospitalisation in Intensive Care Unit was the vaccination status of the subjects: subjects with ineffective dose (adjusted OR: 3.68) and subjects no-vaccination (adjusted OR: 7.14) were at three- and seven-times higher risk of hospitalisation in Intensive Care Unit, respectively, than subjects with an effective dose.

Regarding subjects with an effective dose of vaccine, the vaccine’s ability to protect against infection in the months following vaccination decreased.

The first breakpoints is evident five months after vaccination (β =1.441, p<0.001). This increase was most evident after the seventh month after vaccination (β =3.110, p<0.001).

Conclusions

COVID19 vaccines protect from symptomatic infection by significantly reducing the risk of ICU hospitalization for severe disease. However, it seems they have trend to decrease their fully protection against SARS-COV-2 after five months regardless age, sex or type of vaccine. Therefore it seems clear that those not undergoing vaccine had higher risk to develop clinically significant disease and being at risk of ICU stay. Thus, considering highest percentage of asymptomatic patients and that few data about their capacity to transmit SARS-CoV-2, third dose vaccination should be introduced as soon as possible while awaiting antivirals.Finally, a surveillance approach based on the use of integrated BIG Data system to match all clinical conditions too, offer a precise and real analysis with low incidence of errors in the categorization of subjects.
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, vaccination, and hesitancy in agricultural workers in Guatemala
Authors: Calvimontes Diva M. , Krisher Lyndsay , Cruz-Aguilar Alex , Pilloni-Alessio Daniel , Crisostomo-Cal Luis E. , Castañeda-Sosa Edgar A. , Butler-Dawson Jaime , Olson Daniel , Newman Lee S. , Asturias Edwin J.
Published: February 2022

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, serological tests to screen populations have provided better estimates of the cumulative incidence of infection. This study evaluated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in agricultural workers in rural Guatemala, their COVID-19 vaccine uptake and vaccination attitudes.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was undertaken from August to November of 2021, in agricultural workers at a sugar plantation in Guatemala. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic, previous COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and attitudes toward vaccination. Serological testing was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG.

Results

Of the 4,343 study participants, 1,279 (29.4%) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 compared to 2.3% who reported previous COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 vaccine coverage was 85% for the first dose and 21.9% for second dose. Vaccine refusal was 0.6%, and 13.9% expressed some degree of vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitant workers or those refusing were less likely to have had the COVID-19 vaccine. Main reasons to get the vaccine were to protect family, coworkers, and community.

Conclusion

Agricultural workers in countries like Guatemala have suffered a high incidence of asymptomatic and undetected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most have received the COVID-19 vaccine, but there are moderate degrees of vaccine hesitancy that require better public health information to overcome it.