bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Victorian Railways Commissioners v Coultas: The Untold Story
Authors: Handford Peter
Published: October 2021

[The story of liability for ‘nervous shock’ begins with the Privy Council decision in Victorian Railways Commissioners v Coultas in 1888 holding that such damage was too remote—a decision soon rejected by courts in England and elsewhere (though it had considerable influence in the United States). Over the next hundred years, courts gradually extended the boundaries of liability for what is now called psychiatric injury or mental harm. But the law reports tell us nothing about James and Mary Coultas, apart from what happened to them on one particular day. Moreover, the assertion in the initial report that Mary suffered a miscarriage is actually misleading, colouring judicial attitudes to nervous shock over a long period. Who were James and Mary Coultas, and why did they bring the action? What were the consequences of losing the case, and what happened to them after that? This article looks beyond the law reports to other sources in order to answer these questions.]
Facial Aesthetic Priorities and Concerns: A Physician and Patient Perception Global Survey
Authors: Fabi Sabrina , Alexiades Macrene , Chatrath Vandana , Colucci Ligia , Sherber Noëlle , Heydenrych Izolda , Jagdeo Jared , Dayan Steven , Swift Arthur , Chantrey Jonquille , Stevens W Grant , Sangha Sara
Published: October 2021

Background

Minimally invasive and noninvasive facial aesthetic treatments are increasingly popular, and a greater understanding of patient perspectives on facial aesthetic priorities is needed.

Objectives

The authors surveyed facial aesthetic concerns, desires, and treatment goals of aesthetically conscious men and women, and physicians, in 18 countries.

Methods

This was a global, internet-based survey on desired appearance and experiences with, or interest in, facial aesthetic treatments. Eligible respondents were aesthetically conscious adults (21-75 years). Eligible aesthetic physicians were required to see ≥30 patients per month for aesthetic reasons, have 2 to 30 years of experience in clinical practice, and spend ≥70% of their time in direct patient care.

Results

A total of 14,584 aesthetically conscious adults (mean age, 41 years; 70% women) and 1315 aesthetic physicians (mean age, 45 years; 68% men) completed the survey. Most respondents (68%) reported that aesthetic procedures should be sought in their 30s to 40s; physicians recommended patients seek treatment earlier. Respondents expressed greatest concern over crow’s feet lines, forehead lines, facial skin issues, hair-related concerns, and under-eye bags or dark circles; in contrast, physicians tended to underestimate concerns about under-eye bags or dark circles, mid-face volume deficits, and skin quality. Although both physicians and respondents cited cost as a major barrier to seeking aesthetic treatments, respondents also emphasized safety, fear of injections or procedure-related pain, and concern about unnatural-looking outcomes.

Conclusions

This global survey provides valuable insight into facial aesthetic concerns and perspectives that may be implemented in patient education and consultations to improve patient satisfaction following aesthetic treatments.
Diminished and waning immunity to COVID-19 vaccination among hemodialysis patients in Israel: the case for a third vaccine dose
Authors: Angel-Korman Avital , Peres Esther , Bryk Gabriel , Lustig Yaniv , Indenbaum Victoria , Amit Sharon , Rappoport Vladimir , Katzir Zeev , Yagil Yoram , Iaina Nomy Levin , Leiba Adi , Brosh-Nissimov Tal
Published: October 2021

Background

Humoral responses to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in hemodialysis (HD) patients can direct vaccination policy.

Methods

We compared 409 COVID-19-naïve HD patients from 13 HD units in Israel to 148 non-dialysis-dependent COVID-19-naïve controls. Twenty-four previously infected (antinucleocapsid positive) HD patients were analysed separately. Blood samples were obtained ≥14 days post-vaccination (BNT162b2, Pfizer/BioNTech) to assess seroconversion rates and titers of anti-spike (anti-S) and neutralizing antibodies.

Results

The median time from vaccination to blood sample collection was 82 days [interquartile range (IAR) 64–87] and 89 days (IQR 68–96) for HD patients and controls, respectively. Seroconversion rates were lower in HD patients compared with controls for both anti-S and neutralizing antibodies (89% and 77% versus 99.3%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Antibody titers were also significantly lower in HD patients compared with controls {median 69.6 [IQR 33.2–120] versus 196.5 [IQR 118.5–246], P < 0.0001; geometric mean titer [GMT] 23.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) 18.7–29.1] versus 222.7 [95% CI 174–284], P < 0.0001, for anti-S and neutralizing antibodies, respectively}. Multivariate analysis demonstrated dialysis dependence to be strongly associated with lower antibody responses and antibody titers waning with time. Age, low serum albumin and low lymphocyte count were also associated with lower seroconversion rates and antibody titers. HD patients previously infected with sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had no difference in their seroconversion rates or antibody titers compared with COVID-19-naïve patients.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates diminished and waning humoral responses following COVID-19 vaccination in a large and diverse cohort of HD patients, including those previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Considering these results and reduced vaccine effectiveness against variants of concern, in addition to continued social distancing precautions, a third booster dose should be considered in this population.
Novel Applications of Metagenomics for Detection of Tickborne Pathogens
Authors: Rodino Kyle G , Pritt Bobbi S
Published: October 2021

Background

Tick populations have expanded in many parts of the globe, bringing with them an enhanced appreciation and discovery of novel tickborne pathogens, as well an increased in reported human cases of tickborne disease. Targeted and unbiased (shotgun) clinical metagenomic sequencing tests are increasingly used for detection of known and emerging infectious agents and have recently been employed for detection of tickborne pathogens.

Content

This review describes the types of metagenomic sequencing assays used for detection of emerging tickborne pathogens and reviews the recent literature on this topic. Important diagnostic and interpretative challenges are also covered.

Metagenomic analysis has emerged as a powerful tool for detection, discovery, characterization, and classification of tickborne pathogens. Shotgun metagenomics is especially promising because it allows for detection of all tickborne bacteria, viruses, and parasites in a single specimen. Despite the potential advantages, there are several important challenges, including high cost, complexity of testing and interpretation, and slow turnaround time. No doubt, these challenges will diminish with increased use and advances in the field.
Incivility as a Violation of Communication Norms—A Typology Based on Normative Expectations toward Political Communication
Authors: Bormann Marike , Tranow Ulf , Vowe Gerhard , Ziegele Marc
Published: October 2021

Research on incivility in political communication usually defines uncivil communication as a violation of established norms. Few studies, however, have specified these norms and corroborated them using relevant theoretical concepts. This article aims at strengthening the foundations of incivility research by analytically reconstructing the potential normative expectations of communication participants toward the behavior of others in offline and online political communication. We propose that these expectations can be considered as communication norms, which enable cooperative communication in political debates and conflicts. We use action theory, evolutionary anthropology, and linguistics to propose a norm concept that differentiates five communication norms: an information norm, a modality norm, a process norm, a relation norm, and a context norm. Drawing on these norms, we propose new definitions of incivility and civility. We also provide a comprehensive typology of norm violations that can be used as a heuristic for empirical research.
The prognostic impact of mechanical atrial dysfunction and atrial fibrillation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Weerts Jerremy , Barandiarán Aizpurua Arantxa , Henkens Michiel T H M , Lyon Aurore , van Mourik Manouk J W , van Gemert Mathijs R A A , Raafs Anne , Sanders-van Wijk Sandra , Bayés-Genís Antoni , Heymans Stephane R B , Crijns Harry J G M , Brunner-La Rocca Hans-Peter , Lumens Joost , van Empel Vanessa P M , Knackstedt Christian
Published: October 2021

Aims

This study assessed the prognostic implications of mechanical atrial dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients with different stages of atrial fibrillation (AF) in detail.

Methods and results

HFpEF patients (n = 258) systemically underwent an extensive clinical characterization, including 24-h Holter monitoring and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients were categorized according to rhythm and stages of AF: 112 with no history of AF (no AF), 56 with paroxysmal AF (PAF), and 90 with sustained (persistent/permanent) AF (SAF). A progressive decrease in mechanical atrial function was seen: left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) 30.5 ± 10.5% (no AF), 22.3 ± 10.5% (PAF), and 13.9 ± 7.8% (SAF), P < 0.001. Independent predictors for lower LASr values were AF, absence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, higher N-terminal-pro hormone B-type natriuretic peptide, left atrial volume index, and relative wall thickness, lower left ventricular global longitudinal strain, and echocardiographic signs of elevated left ventricular filling pressure. LASr was an independent predictor of adverse outcome (hazard ratio per 1% decrease =1.049, 95% confidence interval 1.014–1.085, P = 0.006), whereas AF was not when the multivariable model included LASr. Moreover, LASr mediated the adverse outcome associated with AF in HFpEF (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Mechanical atrial dysfunction has a possible greater prognostic role in HFpEF compared to AF status alone. Mechanical atrial dysfunction is a predictor of adverse outcome independently of AF presence or stage, and may be an underlying mechanism (mediator) for the worse outcome associated with AF in HFpEF. This may suggest mechanical atrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in disease progression in HFpEF patients with AF, and possibly also in HFpEF patients without AF.
Acute heart failure and bradyarrhythmia in a young male—what hides beneath the surface?: a case report
Authors: Santos João , Almeida Inês , Pires Inês , Blanco Filipe
Published: October 2021

Background

Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are characterized by early-onset muscular atrophy and weakness, with frequent cardiac involvement. Myocardial dysfunction and conduction system involvement are often rapidly progressive despite medical and device therapy, and may even precede muscular symptoms, posing a challenge to diagnosis.

Case summary

We report a case of a young male admitted to a cardiac intensive care unit due to ‘de novo’ acute heart failure (HF) and atrial flutter with a slow ventricular response. Careful evaluation of past medical history revealed the presence of neuromuscular symptoms since childhood, disregarded throughout adult age. Diagnostic workup allowed to establish a diagnosis of non-dilated hypokinetic cardiomyopathy secondary to Emery-Dreifuss MD, due to lamin A/C (LMNA) gene mutation. Our patient was treated with neurohormonal modulation therapy and a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) was implanted, but due to worsening advanced HF, cardiac transplantation was needed.

Discussion

Association of skeletal muscle and cardiac symptoms should always raise the suspicion for an underlying MD, since the consequences of a missed diagnosis are often dramatic. A timely diagnosis is crucial to prevent sudden death due to arrhythmias in these patients and to delay the progressive course of cardiomyopathy.
A C-terminal ataxin-2 disordered region promotes Huntingtin protein aggregation and neurodegeneration in Drosophila models of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Huelsmeier Joern , Walker Emily , Bakthavachalu Baskar , Ramaswami Mani
Published: October 2021

The Ataxin-2 (Atx2) protein contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative phenotypes in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), type 2 spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA-2), Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease (HD). However, because the Atx2 protein contains multiple separable activities, deeper understanding requires experiments to address the exact mechanisms by which Atx2 modulates neurodegeneration (ND) progression. Recent work on two ALS models, C9ORF72 and FUS, in Drosophila has shown that a C-terminal intrinsically disordered region (cIDR) of Atx2 protein, required for assembly of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, is essential for the progression of neurodegenerative phenotypes as well as for accumulation of protein inclusions associated with these ALS models. Here, we show that the Atx2-cIDR also similarly contributes to the progression of degenerative phenotypes and accumulation of Huntingtin protein aggregates in Drosophila models of HD. Because Huntingtin is not an established component of RNP granules, these observations support a recently hypothesized, unexpected protein-handling function for RNP granules, which could contribute to the progression of Huntington’s disease and, potentially, other proteinopathies.
Estimating the impact process of the Jeokjung-Chogye Basin in Korea from gravity field interpretation
Authors: Choi Sungchan , Kim Sung-Wook , Choi Eun-Kyeong , Lee Young-Cheol
Published: October 2021

The Jeokjung-Chogye Basin (JCB) is the first impact crater discovered in the Korean peninsula. The geometric centre of the exterior crater rim is demarcated by an elevation high surrounding the JCB, exceeding 200 m. The diameter of the exterior ring is approximately 6500 m, and its centre is located about 1000 m southwest of the basin centre. Using terrestrial measured gravity field interpretations such as dip curvature and Z-derivative analysis of the residual anomaly field, we calculated the diameters of the peak ring and uplift ring to be about 4000 and 1500 m, respectively. The centre of the peak ring is located approximately 350 m to the west of the centre of the exterior ring; meanwhile, the centre of the uplift ring is located about 300 m to the east from the exterior ring's centre. Application of the Euler deconvolution method indicates that the depth discrepancy between the peak and uplift rings is approximately 200 m. This discrepancy indicates that the bedrock under the uplift ring has risen about 200 m following the meteorite impact. The offsets of the peak and the uplift ring's centres, relative to the diameter of the crater centre, allow us to conclude that the JCB was formed by steeply inclined impact (∼50–60° to the horizontal) from the eastern direction.
Intracolonic Neuropeptide Y Y1 Receptor Inhibition Attenuates Intestinal Inflammation in Murine Colitis and Cytokine Release in IBD Biopsies
Authors: Chandrasekharan Bindu , Boyer Darra , Owens Joshua A , Wolfarth Alexandra A , Saeedi Bejan J , Dhere Tanvi , Iskandar Heba , Neish Andrew S
Published: October 2021

We have demonstrated that neuropeptide Y (NPY) can regulate pro-inflammatory signaling in the gut via cross-talk with the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Here, we investigated if selective blocking of NPY receptors, NPY1R or NPY2R, using small molecule non-peptide antagonists (BIBP-3222 for NPY1R and BIIE-0246 for NPY2R) in the colon could attenuate intestinal inflammation by lowering TNF levels (BIBP - N-[(1R)]-4-[(Aminoiminomethyl)amino-1-[[[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]amino]carbonyl]butyl-α-phenylbenzeneacetamide; BIIE - N-[(1S)-4-[(Aminoiminomethyl)amino]-1-[[[2-(3,5-dioxo-1,2-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazolidin-4-yl)ethyl]amino]carbonyl]butyl]-1-[2-[4-(6,11-dihydro-6-oxo-5H-dibenz[b,e]azepin-11-yl)-1-piperazinyl]-2-oxoethyl]-cyclopentaneacetamide). Colitis was induced using dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water for 7 days, or by adoptive T-cell transfer in RAG-/- mice. Colonic biopsies from healthy subjects (n = 10) and IBD patients (n = 34, UC = 20, CD = 14) were cultured ex vivo in presence or absence of NPY antagonists (100 µM, 20 h), and cytokine release into culture supernatants was measured by ELISA. Intracolonic administration of BIBP (but not BIIE) significantly reduced clinical, endoscopic, and histological scores, and serum TNF, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12p70 in DSS colitis; it also significantly attenuated histological damage and serum IL-6 in T-cell colitis (P < .05). Intracolonic administration of BIBP significantly reduced TNF and interferon (IFN)-γ release from UC biopsies, whereas BIIE downregulated only IFN-γ (P < .05). BIBP significantly reduced TNF and interferon (IFN)-γ release from UC biopsies, whereas BIIE downregulated only IFN-γ (P < .05). Our data suggest a promising therapeutic value for NPY1R inhibition in alleviating intestinal inflammation in UC, possibly as enemas to IBD patients.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA Identifies Asymptomatic Infection in First Responders
Authors: Montague Brian T , Wipperman Matthew F , Hooper Andrea T , Hamon Sara C , Crow Rowena , Elemo Femi , Hersh Lisa , Langdon Shaun , Hamilton Jennifer D , O’Brien Meagan P , Simões Eric A F
Published: October 2021

Background

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an important component of the early immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Prior serosurveys in high-risk groups employing IgG testing alone have provided discordant estimates. The potential added benefit of IgA in serosurveys has not been established.

Methods

Longitudinal serosurvey of first responders (police, emergency medical service providers, fire fighters, and other staff) employing 3 serologic tests (anti-spike IgA, anti-spike IgG, and anti-nucleocapsid IgG) correlated with surveys assessing occupational and nonoccupational risk, exposure to COVID-19, and illnesses consistent with COVID-19.

Results

Twelve percent of first responders in Colorado at baseline and 22% at follow-up were assessed as having SARS-CoV-2 infection. Five percent at baseline and 6% at follow-up were seropositive only for IgA. Among those IgA positive only at baseline, the majority (69%) had a positive antibody at follow-up; 45% of those infected at baseline and 33% at follow-up were asymptomatic. At all time points, the estimated cumulative incidence in our study was higher than that in the general population.

Conclusions

First responders are at high risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. IgA testing identified a significant portion of cases missed by IgG testing and its use as part of serologic surveys may improve retrospective identification of asymptomatic infection.
Small dose of oral gastrografin for computed tomography-based image-guided brachytherapy in patients with uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Maemoto Hitoshi , Ogura Takuto , Toita Takafumi , Ariga Takuro , Hashimoto Seiji , Kawakami Yuka , Ishikawa Kazuki , Takehara Shota , Heianna Joichi , Kudaka Wataru , Aoki Yoichi , Nishie Akihiro
Published: October 2021

Oral administration of a water-soluble iodine contrast agent (gastrografin) was reported to assist in the appropriate contouring of the small intestine on computed tomography (CT)-based radiotherapy (RT) planning. The efficacy and optimal dose of gastrografin in CT-based image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) for cervical cancer remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of pretreatment oral administration of gastrografin at a small dose of 50 ml in CT-based IGBT for cervical cancer. A total of 422 sessions in 137 patients who underwent CT-based IGBT with 50 ml of oral gastrografin (concentration, 3% or 4%) were analyzed. Preparation of gastrografin was judged as effective when the small intestine was contrast-enhanced at the area where the small intestine was in contact with the uterus/adnexa. About 287 out of 422 sessions (68%) were judged as effective with gastrografin preparation. The 135 ineffective sessions were considered as follows: (i) the contrast enhancement of the small intestine was not confirmed (n = 36), (ii) the small intestine was not in contact with the uterus/adnexa despite the confirmation of the contrast enhancement of the small intestine (n = 34), and (iii) gastrografin was absent in the small intestine at the area in contact with the uterus/adnexa, even when gastrografin was observed in the small intestine at the area not in contact with the uterus/adnexa (n = 65). In conclusion, pretreatment oral administration of a small dose gastrografin achieved moderate efficacy for accurate contouring of the small intestine close to the uterus/adnexa in CT-based IGBT for cervical cancer.
Lyme Carditis With Complete Heart Block Successfully Treated With Oral Doxycycline
Authors: Burns Michael , Robben Paul , Venkataraman Ramesh
Published: October 2021

Lyme disease is a vector-borne infection that can affect multiple different organ systems. Lyme carditis represents one of these sequelae and is defined by acute onset of high-grade atrioventricular block in the presence of laboratory-confirmed infection. Current guidelines recommend patients with Lyme carditis be admitted for close cardiac monitoring and intravenous antibiotics therapy. Our case illustrates an active duty male who was initially diagnosed with Lyme disease after initially reporting symptoms including headache, fever, eye pain, and rash, with subsequent development of exercise intolerance 6 weeks later. An electrocardiogram (ECG) obtained at that time was misinterpreted as first-degree heart block, and he was initiated on oral doxycycline therapy and referred to cardiology. On follow-up to cardiology clinic, the prior ECG was reviewed and interpreted as complete heart block. A repeat ECG showed resolution of the heart block, and exercise stress testing showed chronotropic competence. This case illustrates the resolution of complete heart block in Lyme carditis with oral doxycycline, suggesting this antibiotic as a possible alternative treatment agent.
Long-lasting accretion-powered chemical heating of millisecond pulsars
Authors: Kantor E M , Gusakov M E
Published: October 2021

We analyse the effect of magnetic field in superconducting neutron star (NS) cores on the chemical heating of millisecond pulsars (MSPs). We argue that the magnetic field destroys proton superconductivity in some volume fraction of the stellar core, thus allowing for unsuppressed non-equilibrium reactions of particle mutual transformations there. The reactions transform the chemical energy, accumulated by an NS core during the low-mass X-ray binary stage, into heat. This heating may keep an NS warm at the MSP stage (with the surface temperature $\sim 10^5\, \rm K$) for more than a billion of years after ceasing of accretion, without appealing to the rotochemical heating mechanism.
RNAInter v4.0: RNA interactome repository with redefined confidence scoring system and improved accessibility
Authors: Kang Juanjuan , Tang Qiang , He Jun , Li Le , Yang Nianling , Yu Shuiyan , Wang Mengyao , Zhang Yuchen , Lin Jiahao , Cui Tianyu , Hu Yongfei , Tan Puwen , Cheng Jun , Zheng Hailong , Wang Dong , Su Xi , Chen Wei , Huang Yan
Published: October 2021

Establishing an RNA-associated interaction repository facilitates the system-level understanding of RNA functions. However, as these interactions are distributed throughout various resources, an essential prerequisite for effectively applying these data requires that they are deposited together and annotated with confidence scores. Hence, we have updated the RNA-associated interaction database RNAInter (RNA Interactome Database) to version 4.0, which is freely accessible at http://www.rnainter.org or http://www.rna-society.org/rnainter/. Compared with previous versions, the current RNAInter not only contains an enlarged data set, but also an updated confidence scoring system. The merits of this 4.0 version can be summarized in the following points: (i) a redefined confidence scoring system as achieved by integrating the trust of experimental evidence, the trust of the scientific community and the types of tissues/cells, (ii) a redesigned fully functional database that enables for a more rapid retrieval and browsing of interactions via an upgraded user-friendly interface and (iii) an update of entries to >47 million by manually mining the literature and integrating six database resources with evidence from experimental and computational sources. Overall, RNAInter will provide a more comprehensive and readily accessible RNA interactome platform to investigate the regulatory landscape of cellular RNAs.
LncRNAWiki 2.0: a knowledgebase of human long non-coding RNAs with enhanced curation model and database system
Authors: Liu Lin , Li Zhao , Liu Chang , Zou Dong , Li Qianpeng , Feng Changrui , Jing Wei , Luo Sicheng , Zhang Zhang , Ma Lina
Published: October 2021

LncRNAWiki, a knowledgebase of human long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), has been rapidly expanded by incorporating more experimentally validated lncRNAs. Since it was built based on MediaWiki as its database system, it fails to manage data in a structured way and is ineffective to support systematic exploration of lncRNAs. Here we present LncRNAWiki 2.0 (https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/lncrnawiki), which is significantly improved with enhanced database system and curation model. In LncRNAWiki 2.0, all contents are organized in a structured manner powered by MySQL/Java and curators are able to submit/edit annotations based on the curation model that includes a wider range of annotation items. Moreover, it is equipped with popular online tools to help users identify lncRNAs with potentially important functions, and provides more user-friendly web interfaces to facilitate data curation, retrieval and visualization. Consequently, LncRNAWiki 2.0 incorporates a total of 2512 lncRNAs and 106 242 associations for disease, function, drug, interacting partner, molecular signature, experimental sample, CRISPR design, etc., thus providing a comprehensive and up-to-date resource of functionally annotated lncRNAs in human.
Real-world Assessment of 2,879 COVID-19 Patients Treated with Monoclonal Antibody Therapy: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Cooper Megan H , Christensen Paul A , Salazar Eric , Perez Katherine K , Graviss Edward A , Nguyen Duc , Musser James M , Huang Howard J , Liebl Michael G
Published: October 2021

Background

SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread globally and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Anti-spike protein monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has been shown to prevent progression to severe COVID-19 disease. The objective of this study was to report the outcomes of high-risk, SARS-CoV-2-positive patients infused with one of the three mAb available through FDA emergency use authorization (EUA).

Methods

A total of 4,328 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients that satisfied EUA criteria for eligibility for receiving mAb therapy were infused with bamlanivimab or combination therapies bamlanivimab-etesevimab or casirivimab-imdevimab from November 22, 2020, to May 31, 2021, at six infusion clinics and multiple emergency departments within the eight Houston Methodist Hospitals in Houston, Texas. The primary outcome of hospital admission within 14- and 28-days post-infusion was assessed relative to a propensity-score matched cohort, matched based on age, race/ethnicity, median income by zip code, body mass index, comorbidities, and positive PCR date. Secondary outcomes included ICU admission and mortality.

Results

A total of 2,879 infused patients and matched controls were included in the analysis, including 1,718 patients infused with bamlanivimab, 346 patients infused with bamlanivimab-etesevimab, and 815 patients infused with casirivimab-imdevimab. Hospital admission and mortality rates were significantly decreased overall in mAb-infused patients relative to matched controls. Among the infused cohort, those who received casirivimab-imdevimab had significantly decreased rate of admission relative to the other two mAbs groups (aRR = 0.51, p=0.001).

Conclusions

Treatment with bamlanivimab, bamlanivimab-etesevimab, or casirivimab-imdevimab significantly decreased the number of patients who progressed to severe COVID-19 disease and required hospitalization.
Infectious Disease Providers’ Knowledge of and Engagement in Quality Improvement
Authors: Sheridan Kathleen R , Lane Michael A , Kim Thomas J , Eby Joshua C
Published: October 2021

Background

Although engagement of infectious disease physicians has been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes in a variety of disease states, the extent of ID physician engagement in quality improvement or their knowledge of QI has not been assessed.

Methods

A 12 question, web-based survey was distributed to members of the Infectious Disease Society of America between August and October 2019 to assess knowledge of and engagement in QI. The survey link was sent to IDSA members that self-identified patient care as their primary professional activity.

Results

Responses were received from 200 individuals (5.4% response rate which is just below standard IDSA survey response rate of 6%) consisting of 175 adult IDP. Most respondents were employed in a hospital or clinic (41%), private or group practice (25%), or university/medical center (24%). 58% of respondents currently participate in QI projects while 38% serve on QI oversight committees. Among respondents, 27% reported not being engaged in QI. Infection Prevention/Hospital Epidemiology (77%), stewardship (72%), and antimicrobial resistance (56%) were the most commonly reported measure types. Respondents reported barriers that limited participation in QI including cost (61%), lack of time (56%), lack of data collection resources (48%), and lack of an ID-specific registry (46%). IDPs report significant interest in additional training in QI and new quality measures.

Conclusion

Although IDPs participate in QI, there are gaps in QI knowledge and measurement systems. The low response rate of our survey also suggests a lack of engagement in QI amongst IDPs. Closing these gaps will benefit ID in a value-driven healthcare economy.
Rest activity rhythms characteristics of breast cancer women following endocrine therapy
Authors: Martin Tristan , Duivon Mylène , Bessot Nicolas , Grellard Jean-Michel , Emile George , Polvent Sébastien , Raoul Lucie , Viader Fausto , Eustache Francis , Joly Florence , Giffard Bénédicte , Perrier Joy
Published: October 2021

Rest-activity rhythm (RAR) disruptions are frequently associated with chemotherapy in breast cancer (BC), but they are less known in BC with endocrine therapy (ET). The aim of this ancillary study was to characterize the RAR and estimated sleep characteristics from actigraphy in BC patients either treated (ET+) or untreated with ET (ET−), compared to healthy controls (HC) and using a cross-sectional design. Eighteen ET+, 18 ET−, and 16 HC completed questionnaires and wore wrist actigraphs at home for 2 weeks. Parametric and nonparametric RAR, sleep parameters, and quality of life were compared between groups (p < .05). BC groups presented lower daytime activity than HC according to RAR analysis (mesor and M10 parameters). Compared to HC, ET− had lower inter-daily stability and ET+ had greater sleep complaints. Compared to ET−, ET+ had lower sleep efficiency, more time awake, and higher activity levels at night, as assessed with actigraphy. Our results suggest an effect of cancer independent of treatment on RAR in BC, highlighting the need for further investigation of this topic. In contrast, sleep as assessed with actigraphy seems modified only during ET which matches with patients’ sleep complaints. Further longitudinal studies would aid in confirming the latter hypothesis.
Ethnoracial Capitalism and the Limits of Ethnic Solidarity
Authors: Vallejo Jody Agius , Canizales Stephanie L
Published: October 2021

Based on qualitative data drawn from Latino elites, Latino entrepreneurs, and two Latino banks in Los Angeles, we theorize the concept of ethnoracial capitalism, which occurs within racialized groups when group members commodify ethnicity through the sale of culturally-specific goods or when institutions and services are imbued with ethnicity and assumed to form the basis of profitable financial exchanges. We investigate why Latino elites establish Latino-centric banks, and we draw on the perspectives of Latino-elites and middle- and upper-class entrepreneurs to examine whether shared ethnoracial and class resources breed solidarity between Latino elite-owned and -operated banks and the Latino entrepreneurs they target. We find that structural constraints, the state, and class conflict thwarts the possibility of sustaining banking practices rooted in ethnoracial solidarity. Our research provides insights into the fraught intra-ethnic relationships that can occur within ethnoracial capitalistic endeavors that are situated within racist racial projects, such as the U.S. banking system. Ultimately, the sole presence of capital and ethnic financial institutions in minoritized communities does not remedy economic inequalities born of White supremacist racial projects and racially stratified systems, such as U.S. financial markets.
Analyses of symbiotic bacterial communities in the plant pest Bemisia tabaci reveal high prevalence of Candidatus Hemipteriphilus asiaticus on the African continent
Authors: Mouton Laurence , Henri Hélène , Romba Rahim , Belgaidi Zainab , Gnankiné Olivier , Vavre Fabrice
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Microbial symbionts are widespread in insects and some of them have been associated to adaptive changes. Primary symbionts (P-symbionts) have a nutritional role that allows their hosts to feed on unbalanced diets (plant sap, wood, blood). Most of them have undergone genome reduction, but their genomes still retain genes involved in pathways that are necessary to synthesize the nutrients that their hosts need. However, in some P-symbionts, essential pathways are incomplete and secondary symbionts (S-symbionts) are required to complete parts of their degenerated functions. The P-symbiont of the phloem sap-feeder Bemisia tabaci, Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarium, lacks genes involved in the synthesis of vitamins, cofactors, and also of some essential amino-acids. Seven S-symbionts have been detected in the B. tabaci species complex. Phenotypic and genomic analyses have revealed various effects, from reproductive manipulation to fitness benefits, notably some of them have complementary metabolic capabilities to Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarium, suggesting that their presence may be obligatory. In order to get the full picture of the symbiotic community of this pest, we investigated, through metabarcoding approaches, the symbiont content of individuals from Burkina Faso, a West African country where B. tabaci induces severe crop damage. While no new putative B. tabaci S-symbiont was identified, Candidatus Hemipteriphilus asiaticus, a symbiont only described in B. tabaci populations from Asia, was detected for the first time on this continent. Phylogenetic analyses however reveal that it is a different strain than the reference found in Asia. Specific diagnostic PCRs showed a high prevalence of these S-symbionts and especially of Candidatus Hemipteriphilus asiaticus in different genetic groups. These results suggest that Candidatus Hemipteriphilus asiaticus may affect the biology of B. tabaci and provide fitness advantage in some B. tabaci populations.
Beneficial effects of two Ayurvedic formulations,Saraswata GhritaandKalyanaka Ghritaon survival and on toxic aggregates inDrosophilamodels of Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sharma Swati , Singh Girish , Patwardhan Kishor , Lakhotia Subhash C.
Published: October 2021

In order to understand the health promotive, rejuvenative and disease preventive approach of the Ayurvedic system of medicine in the light of current principles, we examined two Rasayana formulations, viz.,Kalayanaka Ghrita(KG) andSaraswata Ghrita(SG) for their effects in Alzheimer’s (AD) and Huntington’s (HD) neurodegenerative disease models ofDrosophila. Initial experiments involving feeding of wild type flies on food supplemented with 0.05%, 0.25% and 0.5% (w/v)KGorSGrevealed 0.05% to be without any adverse effect while higher concentrations caused dose-dependent reduction in pupation frequency and adult life span in wild type flies. RearingGMR-GAL4>127Q(HD model) andey-GAL4>Aβ42(AD model) larvae and adults on 0.05% or 0.25%SGorKGsupplemented food enhanced the otherwise significantly reduced larval lethality and enhanced their median life span, with the 0.25%SGorKGconcentrations being less effective than the 0.05%. In parallel with the better larval survival and enhanced adult life span, feeding the HD and AD model larvae on either of theGhritasupplemented food (0.05% and 0.25%) substantially reduced the polyQ aggregates or amyloid plaques, respectively, in the larval eye discs. The present first in vivo organismic model study results have clinical implications for the increasing burden of age-associated dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like AD and HD in human populations.
Harmoni: a Method for Eliminating Spurious Interactions due to the Harmonic Components in Neuronal Data
Authors: Idaji Mina Jamshidi , Zhang Juanli , Stephani Tilman , Nolte Guido , Müller Klaus-Robert , Villringer Arno , Nikulin Vadim V.
Published: October 2021

Cross-frequency synchronization (CFS) has been proposed as a mechanism for integrating spatially and spectrally distributed information in the brain. However, investigating CFS in Magneto- and Electroencephalography (MEG/EEG) is hampered by the presence of spurious neuronal interactions due to the non-sinusoidal waveshape of brain oscillations. Such waveshape gives rise to the presence of oscillatory harmonics mimicking genuine neuronal oscillations. Until recently, however, there has been no methodology for removing these harmonics from neuronal data. In order to address this long-standing challenge, we introduce a novel method (called HARMOnic miNImization - Harmoni) that removes the signal components which can be harmonics of a non-sinusoidal signal. Harmoni’s working principle is based on the presence of CFS between harmonic components and the fundamental component of a non-sinusoidal signal. We extensively tested Harmoni in realistic EEG simulations. The simulated couplings between the source signals represented genuine and spurious CFS and within-frequency phase synchronization. Using diverse evaluation criteria, including ROC analyses, we showed that the within- and cross-frequency spurious interactions are suppressed significantly, while the genuine activities are not affected. Additionally, we applied Harmoni to real resting-state EEG data revealing intricate remote connectivity patterns which are usually masked by the spurious connections. Given the ubiquity of non-sinusoidal neuronal oscillations in electrophysiological recordings, Harmoni is expected to facilitate novel insights into genuine neuronal interactions in various research fields, and can also serve as a steppingstone towards the development of further signal processing methods aiming at refining within- and cross-frequency synchronization in electrophysiological recordings.
Predicting selection-response gradients of heat tolerance in a widespread reef-building coral
Authors: Weeriyanun Ponchanok , Collins Rachael B. , Macadam Alex , Kiff Hugo , Randle Janna L. , Quigley Kate M.
Published: October 2021

Ocean temperatures continue to rise due to climate change but it is unclear if heat tolerance of marine organisms will keep pace with warming. Understanding how tolerance scales from individuals to species and quantifying adaptive potentials is essential to forecasting responses to warming. We reproductively crossed corals from a globally distributed species (Acropora tenuis) on the Great Barrier Reef (Australia) from three thermally distinct reefs to create 85 offspring lineages. Individuals were experimentally exposed to temperatures (27.5, 31, and 35.5 °C) in adult and two critical early life stages (larval and settlement) to assess acquired heat tolerance via outcrossing of offspring phenotypes by comparing five physiological responses (photosynthetic yields, bleaching, necrosis, settlement, and survival). Adaptive potentials and physiological reaction norms were calculated across three stages to integrate heat tolerance at different biological scales. Selective breeding improved larval survival to heat by 1.5 - 2.5x but did not result in substantial enhancement of settlement, although population crosses were significantly different. At heat, adults were less variable compared to larval responses in warmer reefs compared to the cooler reef. Adults and offspring also differed in their mean population responses, likely underpinned by heat stress imposing strong divergent selection on adults. These results have implications for downstream selection during reproduction, evidenced by variability in a conserved heat tolerance response across offspring lineages. These results inform our ability to forecast the impacts of climate change on wild populations of corals and will aid in developing novel conservation tools like the assisted evolution of at-risk species.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Heat stress exerts disruptive selection on adult corals. This likely underpins variability in offspring survival and results in differences in offspring responses to selection.
Measurements of EEG Alpha Peak Frequencies Over the Lifespan: Validating Target Ranges on an In-Clinic Platform
Authors: Joffe David , Oakley D S , Lucini F. Arese , Palermo F. X.
Published: October 2021

Background

Peak individual alpha frequencies (IAF) extracted from an EEG exam can provide novel sources of information regarding brain function. This information can help measure and track changes in cognition arising from conditions such as concussion or unhealthy aging.

Objective 1

To validate a method for combining eyes-closed EEG with eyes-closed audio P300 ERP in order to streamline testing times involved in IAF extraction.

Objective 2

To validate age-stratified target ranges of IAF collected in clinic against published research

Objective 3

To validate the stability of IAF for data collected in routine clinical settings.

Participants

Two thousand twenty-five subjects aged 13-90.

Methods

EEG with audio P300 was collected as part of a health screening exam for studies through Colorado University, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Boone Heart Institute, WAVi Co., and various clinics alongside other clinical evaluations.

Results

(1) No differences were seen between IAF extracted during an eyes-closed resting and the P300 protocol. (2) The age-related AF trends measured in clinic match the age-related trends from previous research. (3) IAF remained stable over the course of 0-2 years in a test-retest dataset.

Conclusion

In-clinic measures of peak EEG frequency corroborate the age-related trends of published research taken over the last several decades and IAF. These results also confirm that IAF is a stable trait, making it useful for within-person longitudinal tracking. By following changes in IAF over time, deviations from normal CNS functioning, such as onset or progression of disease, can be monitored.
Seascape genomics reveals metapopulation connectivity network of Paramuricea biscaya in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Galaska Matthew P. , Liu Guangpeng , West Destiny , Erickson Katie , Quattrini Andrea , Bracco Annalisa , Herrera Santiago
Published: October 2021

The degree of connectivity among populations influences their ability to respond to natural and anthropogenic stressors. In marine systems, determining the scale, rate, and directionality of larval dispersal is therefore central to understanding how coral metapopulations are interconnected and the degree of resiliency in the event of a localized disturbance. Understanding these source-sink dynamics is essential to guide restoration efforts and for the study of ecology and evolution in the ocean. The patterns and mechanisms of connectivity in the deep-sea (> 200 meters deep) are largely understudied. In this study, we investigated the spatial diversity patterns and metapopulation connectivity of the octocoral Paramuricea biscaya throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Paramuricea biscaya is one of the most abundant corals on the lower continental slope (between 1200 and 2500 m) in the GoM. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DWH) directly impacted populations of this species and thus are considered primary targets for restoration. We used a combination of seascape genomic analyses, high-resolution ocean circulation modeling, and larval dispersal simulations to quantify the degree of population structuring and connectivity among P. biscaya populations. Evidence supports the hypotheses that the genetic diversity of P. biscaya is predominantly structured by depth, and that larval dispersal among connected populations is asymmetric due to dominant ocean circulation patterns. Our results suggest that there are intermediate unsampled populations in the central GoM that serve as stepping stones for dispersal. The data suggest that the DeSoto Canyon area, and possibly the West Florida Escarpment, critically act as sources of larvae for areas impacted by the DWH oil spill in the Mississippi Canyon. This work illustrates that the management of deep-sea marine protected areas should incorporate knowledge of connectivity networks and depth-dependent processes throughout the water column.
Prediction and preview strongly affect reading times but not skipping during natural reading
Authors: Heilbron Micha , van Haren Jorie , Hagoort Peter , de Lange Floris P.
Published: October 2021

In a typical text, readers look much longer at some words than at others and fixate some words multiple times, while skipping others altogether. Historically, researchers explained this variation via low-level visual or oculomotor factors, but today it is primarily explained in terms of cognitive factors, such as how well word identity can be predicted from context or discerned from parafoveal preview. While the existence of these effects has been well established in experiments, the relative importance of prediction, preview and low-level factors for eye movement variation in natural reading is unclear. Here, we address this question in three large datasets (n=104, 1.5 million words), using a deep neural network and Bayesian ideal observer to model linguistic prediction and parafoveal preview from moment to moment in natural reading. Strikingly, neither prediction nor preview was important for explaining word skipping – the vast majority of skipping was explained by a simple oculomotor model. For reading times, by contrast, we found strong but independent contributions of both prediction and preview, with effect sizes matching those from controlled experiments. Together, these results challenge dominant models of eye movements in reading by showing that linguistic prediction and parafoveal preview are not important determinants of word skipping.