bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting habitat suitability and connectivity for management and conservation of urban wildlife: A real‐time web application for grassland water voles
Authors: Nelli Luca , Schehl Bianka , Stewart Robyn A. , Scott Catherine , Ferguson Scott , MacMillan Shelagh , McCafferty Dominic J.
Published: February 2022

Natural habitats in urban areas provide benefits for both humans and biodiversity. However, to achieve biodiversity gains, we require new techniques to determine habitat suitability and ecological connectivity that will inform urban planning and development.

Using an example of an urban population of water voles Arvicola amphibius, we developed a habitat suitability model and a resistance‐surface‐based model of landscape connectivity to identify potential connectivity between areas of suitable habitat. We then updated the environmental variables according to new urban development plans and used our models to generate spatially explicit predictions of both habitat suitability and connectivity.

To make models accessible to urban and conservation planners, we developed an interactive mapping tool that provided users with a graphical user interface (GUI) to inform conservation planning for this species.

The model found that habitat suitability for water voles was related to the proportion and distance from key environmental variables, such as built‐up areas and urban green spaces, while the connectivity model identified important corridors connecting areas of potential distribution for this species.

Future development plans altered the potential spatial distribution of the water vole population, reducing the extent of suitable habitat in some core areas. The interactive mapping tool made available suitable habitat and connectivity maps for conservation managers to assess new planning applications and for the development of a conservation action plan for water voles.

Synthesis and applications. We believe this approach provides a framework for future development of nature conservation tools that can be used by planners to inform ecological decision‐making, increase biodiversity and reduce human–wildlife conflict in urban environments.
TRANSFORMED SECURITY PRACTICES: Informalization in the Production of Hegemony and Place
Authors: Guarneros‐Meza Valeria , Jenss Alke
Published: February 2022

The article builds an analytical framework to study the relation between security and informality and the extent to which it contributes to producing hegemony in local politics. By emphasizing a processual understanding of hegemony, the article develops a twofold argument: (1) structurally powerful actors with well‐established links to state institutions carry out informal practices just as well as those often perceived to be at the 'margins' of the state; and (2) subaltern groups are capable of transforming their society while also inadvertently reproducing hegemonic security practices. The analytical framework is unpacked through two Mexican cases: the Coordinadora Regional de Autoridades Comunitarias – Policia Comunitaria (CRAC‐PC) in Guerrero State and neighbourhood vigilantism in Oaxaca City. The CRAC‐PC case shows that procedures in which hegemony is challenged involve actors resorting to state institutions (law, judiciary) coupled by paralegal institutions that enhance placemaking of rural indigenous communities. The Oaxacan case shows how communities challenge state actors through a series of practices that bring people together into networks that put into question the hegemonic organization of in/security at city level. The analytical framework helps to break the dichotomization of formality and informality and to clarify how informality is practised in struggles both for and against hegemony.
Knowledge, attitude and practices of pregnant women related to COVID‐19 infection: A cross‐sectional survey in seven countries from the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health
Authors: Naqvi Farnaz , Naqvi Seemab , Billah Sk Masum , Saleem Sarah , Fogleman Elizabeth , Peres‐da‐Silva Nalini , Figueroa Lester , Mazariegos Manolo , Garces Ana L. , Patel Archana , Das Prabir , Kavi Avinash , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Esamai Fabian , Chomba Elwyn , Lokangaka Adrien , Tshefu Antoinette , Haque Rashidul , Siraj Shahjahan , Yousaf Sana , Bauserman Melissa , Liechty Edward A. , Krebs Nancy F. , Derman Richard J. , Carlo Waldemar A. , Petri William A. , Hibberd Patricia L. , Koso‐Thomas Marion , Bann Carla M. , McClure Elizabeth M. , Goldenberg Robert L.
Published: February 2022

Objective

We sought to understand knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding COVID‐19 in pregnant women in seven low and middle‐income countries (LMIC).

Design

Population‐based prospective, observational study.

Settings

Study sites in DRC, Kenya, Zambia, Bangladesh, India (two sites), Pakistan and Guatemala.

Population and sample

Pregnant women in the Global Network's Maternal and Neonatal Health Registry (MNHR).

Methods

A KAP questionnaire was administered in face‐to‐face interviews with pregnant women from September 2020 through October 2021 in the MNHR.

Main outcome measures

KAP regarding COVID‐19 during pregnancy.

Results

In all, 25 260 women completed the survey. Overall, 56.8% of women named ≥3 COVID‐19 symptoms, 34.3% knew ≥2 transmission modes, 51.3% knew ≥3 preventive measures and 79.7% named at least one high‐risk condition. Due to COVID‐19 exposure concerns, 23.8% had avoided prenatal care and 7.5% planned to avoid hospital delivery. Over half the women in the Guatemalan site and 40% in the Pakistan site reduced care seeking due to COVID‐19 exposure concerns. Of the women, 24.0% were afraid of getting COVID‐19 from healthcare providers. Overall, 63.3% reported wearing a mask and 29.1% planned to stay at home to reduce COVID‐19 exposure risk.

Conclusions

We found a decrease in planned antenatal and delivery care use due to COVID‐19 concerns. The clinical implications of potential decreases in care are unclear, but decline in essential healthcare utilisation during pregnancy and delivery could pose challenges for maternal and newborn health. More research is needed to address the impact of COVID‐19 on routine pregnancy and delivery care.
Severe maternal morbidity among undocumented migrant women in the PreCARE prospective cohort study
Authors: Eslier Maxime , Deneux‐Tharaux Catherine , Sauvegrain Priscille , Schmitz Thomas , Luton Dominique , Mandelbrot Laurent , Estellat Candice , Azria Elie
Published: February 2022

Objective

To assess the risk of severe maternal outcomes among migrant women, considering both their legal status and birthplace; in Europe, migrant women, especially from sub‐Saharan Africa, have higher risks of adverse maternal outcomes compared with non‐migrants and legal status, a component of migrant condition, may be an important, and potentially actionable, risk factor.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Four maternity units around Paris in 2010–12.

Sample

A total of 9599 women with singleton pregnancies.

Methods

Legal status was categorised in four groups: reference group of non‐migrant native Frenchwomen, legal migrants with French or European citizenship, other legal migrants with non‐European citizenship, and undocumented migrants. The risk of severe maternal morbidity was assessed with multivariable logistic regression models according to women's legal status and birthplace.

Main outcome measure

Binary composite criterion of severe maternal morbidity.

Results

Undocumented migrants had resided for less time in France, experienced social isolation, linguistic barriers and poor housing conditions more frequently and had a pre‐pregnancy medical history at lower risk than other migrants. The multivariable analysis showed that they had a higher risk of severe maternal morbidity than non‐migrants (33/715 [4.6%] versus 129/4523 [2.9%]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.12–2.53). This increased risk was significant for undocumented women from sub‐Saharan Africa (18/308 [5.8%] versus 129/4523 [2.9%]; aOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.30–3.91), and not for those born elsewhere (15/407 [3.7%] versus 129/4523 [2.9%]; aOR 1.44, 95% CI 0.82–2.53).

Conclusion

Undocumented migrants are the migrant subgroup at highest risk of severe maternal morbidity, whereas the prevalence of risk factors does not appear to be higher in this subgroup. This finding suggests that their interaction with maternity care services may be sub‐optimal.

Tweetable abstract

Undocumented migrants, especially those born in sub‐Saharan Africa, have the highest risk of Severe Maternal Morbidity.
Science Diplomacy and COVID‐19: Future Perspectives for South–South Cooperation
Authors: Sharma Jyoti , Ricardo Pérez Valerino Danev , Natalie Widmaier Claudia , Lima Roberta , Gupta Nidhi , Varshney Sanjeev Kumar
Published: February 2022

Apart from economic, political, and cultural cooperation for an equal growth of all developing countries, science and technology are an integral significant component in these levels of engagement for leveraging mutual gains. The current pandemic not only brought about an 1800 shift in the relationship between the government, policy makers, and the scientific community but highlights the importance of South–South Cooperation (SSC). SSC may serve as a mode of cooperation to foster the transfer of need‐based technologies among developing and least developing countries and open many fronts for mutual sharing in terms of geopolitical, available resources, and expertise. The cooperation under the SSC does not substitute but complements North–South development cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The use of science diplomacy would be an effective tool to bring all the stakeholders of the Global South to a common platform to combat future global challenges. Science policy instruments would need to incorporate scope for international collaborations as a means of furthering the national and global imperatives.
Misidentification errors in reencounters result in biased estimates of survival probability from CJS models: Evidence and a solution using the robust design
Authors: Rakhimberdiev Eldar , Karagicheva Julia , Saveliev Anatoly , Loonstra A. H. Jelle , Verhoeven Mo A. , Hooijmeijer Jos C. E. W. , Schaub Michael , Piersma Theunis
Published: February 2022

Misidentification of marked individuals is unavoidable in most studies of wild animal populations. Models commonly used for the estimation of survival from such capture–recapture data ignore misidentification errors potentially resulting in biased parameter estimates. With a simulation study, we show that ignoring misidentification in Cormack–Jolly–Seber (CJS) models results in systematic positive biases in the estimates of survival and in spurious declines of survival over time.

We developed an extended robust design capture mark–resight (RDM) model that includes correct identification parameters to get unbiased survival estimates when resighting histories are prone to misidentification. The model assumes that resightings occur repeatedly within a season, which in practice is often the case when resightings of colour‐marked individuals are collected. We implemented the RDM model in a state‐space formulation and also an approximate, but computationally faster, model (RDMa) in JAGS and evaluated their performances using simulated and empirical capture–resight data on black‐tailed godwits Limosa limosa.

The CJS models applied to simulated data under an imperfect identification scenario data produced strongly positively biased estimates of survival. For a range of degrees of correct identification probabilities, the RDM model provided unbiased and accurate estimates of survival, reencounter and correct‐identification probabilities. The RDMa model performed well for large datasets (>25 individuals), with high resighting (>0.3) and high correct identification (>0.7) probabilities. For the empirical data, the CJS model estimated average juvenile survival at 0.997% and adult survival at 0.939% and also detected a strong decline in adult survival over time at a rate of −0.14 ± 0.029. In contrast, the RDMa model estimated a probability of correct identification of 0.94, annual juvenile survival at 0.234%, adult at 0.834% and less strong decline over time (−0.046 ± 0.016).

We conclude that estimates of survival probabilities obtained from data that include misidentification errors and analysed with standard CJS model are unlikely to be correct. The bias in survival increases with the magnitude of misidentification errors, which is inevitable as datasets become longer. Since misidentification due to tag misreads is common in empirical data, we recommend the use of the here presented RDM model to provide unbiased parameter estimates.
Patterns of recurrent preterm birth in Western Australia: A 36‐year state‐wide population‐based study
Authors: Adane Akilew A. , Shepherd Carrington C.J. , Farrant Brad M. , White Scott W. , Bailey Helen D.
Published: February 2022

Background

It is known that a previous preterm birth increases the risk of a subsequent preterm birth, but a limited number of studies have examined this beyond two consecutive pregnancies.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the risk and patterns of (recurrent) preterm birth up to the fourth pregnancy.

Materials and Methods

We used Western Australian routinely linked population health datasets to identify women who had two or more consecutive singleton births (≥20 weeks gestation) from 1980 to 2015. A log‐binomial model was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) for preterm birth risk in the third and fourth deliveries by the combined outcomes of previous pregnancies.

Results

We analysed 255 435 women with 651 726 births. About 7% of women had a preterm birth in the first delivery, and the rate of continuous preterm birth recurrence was 22.9% (second), 44.9% (third) and 58.5% (fourth) deliveries. The risk of preterm birth at the third delivery was highest for women with two prior indicated preterm births (RR 12.5, 95% CI: 11.3, 13.9) and for those whose first pregnancy was 32–36 weeks gestation, and second pregnancy was less than 32 weeks gestation (RR 11.8, 95% CI: 10.3, 13.5). There were similar findings for the second and fourth deliveries.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that women with any prior preterm birth were at greater risk of preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies compared with women with only term births, and the risk increased with shorter gestational length, and the number of previous preterm deliveries, especially sequential ones.
Identification and functional analysis of two new de novo KCNMA1 variants associated with Liang–Wang syndrome
Authors: Liang Lina , Liu Huihui , Bartholdi Deborah , van Haeringen Arie , Fernandez‐Jaén Alberto , Peeters Els E. A. , Xiong Hongbo , Bai Xuemei , Xu Chengqi , Ke Tie , Wang Qing K.
Published: February 2022

Aim

Loss‐of‐function KCNMA1 variants cause Liang–Wang syndrome (MIM #618729), a newly identified multiple malformation syndrome with a broad spectrum of developmental and neurological phenotypes. However, the full spectrum of clinical features and underlying pathogenic mechanisms need full elucidation.

Methods

Exome sequencing was used to identify pathogenic variants. Patch‐clamp recordings were performed to access the effects of KCNMA1 variants on BK channels. Total and membrane protein expression levels of BK channels were characterized using Western blotting.

Results

We report identification and functional characterization of two new de novo loss‐of‐function KCNMA1 variants p.(A172T) and p.(A314T) with characteristics of Liang–Wang syndrome. Variant p.(A172T) is associated with developmental delay, cognitive impairment and ataxia. Mechanistically, p.(A172T) abolishes BK potassium current, inhibits Mg2+‐dependent gating, but shifts conductance‐voltage (G‐V) curves to more positive potentials when complexed with WT channels. Variant p.(A314T) is associated with developmental delay, intellectual disability, cognitive impairment, mild ataxia and generalized epilepsy; suppresses BK current amplitude; and shifts G‐V curves to more positive potentials when expressed with WT channels. In addition, two new patients with previously reported gain‐of‐function variants p.(N536H) and p.(N995S) are found to show epilepsy and paroxysmal dyskinesia as reported previously, but also exhibit additional symptoms of cognitive impairment and dysmorphic features. Furthermore, variants p.(A314T) and p.(N536H) reduced total and membrane levels of BK proteins.

Conclusion

Our findings identified two new loss‐of‐function mutations of KCNMA1 associated with Liang–Wang syndrome, expanded the spectrum of clinical features associated with gain‐of‐function KCNMA1 variants and emphasized the overlapping features shared by gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function mutations.
A qualitative study utilizing Interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore disclosure in adolescents with turner syndrome
Authors: Nisbet Mhairi , O’Connor Rory , Mason Avril , Hunter Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To explore the experiences of diagnostic disclosure and disclosure to others in adolescents with Turner syndrome (TS) and their parents/guardians. In addition, we sought to examine the impact of TS on girls with TS and their family’s lives.

Design

A qualitative method utilizing interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed.

Methods

Five girls with TS and one parent/guardian of each girl completed dyadic and individual semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were audio recorded and analysed verbatim. Data were analysed in accordance with IPA guidelines, with a focus on the dynamic interactions within dyads.

Results

Analyses identified three superordinate themes across the 10 participant accounts: communication and support, stigmatization of TS, and psychological consequences. Ten related subthemes are described alongside relevant quotations, highlighting a gradual process of diagnostic disclosure within families and wider health care systems. Both girls and their parents appeared to express a general desire to conceal TS from others, indicating possible TS‐related stigma. The results also demonstrate the varying impact TS can have within families.

Conclusions

The findings provide insight into the lived experience of receiving a diagnosis of TS and the possible difficulties around disclosure to others. Potential recommendations for clinicians and parents include ensuring direct conversations about infertility occur within treatment and facilitating open, honest communication.
Design, synthesis, and molecular modeling of coumarin derivatives as MDM2 inhibitors targeting breast cancer
Authors: Ahmed Eman Y. , Abdel Latif Nehad A. , Nasr Tamer , Awad Hanem M. , Abdelhafez Omaima M.
Published: February 2022

The coumarin ring was used as a central scaffold that was substituted with a variety of bioactive functional groups, for designing and synthesizing novel MDM2 inhibitors targeting breast cancer. The synthesized derivatives, 3c, 3d, 3g, 7b, 7c and 8 with IC50s ranging from 9.4 to 9.9 µM were evaluated for their safety on MCF10a normal breast cell line. The compounds showed selectivity indices of 2.15, 3.85, 2.75, 1.38, 3.72 and 5.20 respectively. 7c was selected for further investigation, the compound was capable of down‐regulating MDM2 and the anti‐apoptosis proteins Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL, up‐regulating the level of p53 and the pro‐apoptosis protein BAX, causing cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and activating Caspase‐9 to induce apoptosis. Molecular docking study revealed the capability of derivative 7c to interact with the key amino acids in p53 binding pocket of MDM2 protein. Moreover, the physicochemical properties of compound 7c were studied in silico.
Evaluation of a blockchain‐based dynamic consent platform (METORY) in a decentralized and multicenter clinical trial using virtual drugs
Authors: Huh Ki Young , Moon Seol Ju , Jeong Sang‐un , Kim Min‐Ji , Yang Wooseok , Jeong Myeonggyu , Kim Min‐Gul , Lee SeungHwan
Published: February 2022

Blockchain is a novel data architecture characterized by a chronological sequence of blocks in a decentralized manner. We aimed to evaluate the real‐world feasibility of a blockchain‐based dynamic consent platform (METORY) in a decentralized and multicenter trial. The study consisted of three visits (i.e., screening and 2 follow‐up visits) with a 2‐week interval. Each subject was required to report the self‐measured body temperatures and take a virtual investigational drug by entering the unique drug code on the application. To simulate real‐world study settings, two major (i.e., changes in the schedule of body temperature measurement) and three minor protocol amendments (i.e., nonsignificant changes without any changes in the procedures) were set. Overall study completion rates, proportion of consent, and response time to each protocol amendment and adherence were evaluated. A total of 60 subjects (30 in each center) were enrolled in two study centers. All subjects completed the study, and the overall proportion of consent to each protocol amendment was 95.7 ± 13.7% (mean ± SD), with a median response time of 0.2 h. Overall, subjects took 90.8% ± 19.2% of the total drug, whereas compliance with the schedule was 69.1% ± 27.0%. Subjects reported 96.7% ± 4.2% of the total body temperature measurements whereas the adherence to the schedule was 59.0% ± 25.0%, which remarkably decreased after major protocol amendments. In conclusion, we evaluated a blockchain‐based dynamic consent platform in real clinical trial settings. The results suggested that major changes should be avoided unless subjects’ proper understanding is warranted.
A phase I evaluation of the effect of curcumin on dose‐limiting toxicity and pharmacokinetics of irinotecan in participants with solid tumors
Authors: Gbolahan Olumide B. , O’Neil Bert H. , McRee Autumn J. , Sanoff Hanna K. , Fallon John K. , Smith Philip C. , Ivanova Anastasia , Moore Dominic T. , Dumond Julie , Asher Gary N.
Published: February 2022

Curcumin inhibits UDP‐glucuronyltransferases, a primary metabolic pathway for cancer chemotherapeutic agents like irinotecan. Concurrent administration of both agents may exacerbate irinotecan toxicity. We conducted this phase I study to determine the safety of concurrent curcumin and irinotecan administration. Ten participants with advanced solid tumors received one of four doses (1, 2, 3, and 4 g) of a curcumin phosphatidylcholine complex (PC) orally daily, and 200 mg/m2 of i.v. infusion irinotecan on days 1 and 15 of a 28‐day cycle, to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of PC. Thirteen participants received 4 g of PC (MTD) to assess the effect on the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of irinotecan and its metabolites, SN‐38 and SN‐38G. Irinotecan, SN‐38, and SN‐38G exposure equivalence with and without curcumin was assessed using area under the plasma concentration‐time curves from 0 to 6 h (AUC0‐6h). Safety assessments and disease responses were also evaluated. The combination of irinotecan and PC was well‐tolerated. Because there was no dose limiting toxicity, the maximum dose administered (4 g) was defined as the recommended phase II dose of PC. PC did not significantly alter the plasma exposure and other PK properties of irinotecan and its metabolites. There was no apparent increase in the incidence of irinotecan‐associated toxicities. The objective response rate was 3/19 (22%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5–39%), median progression free survival and overall survival (n = 23) were 4 months (95% CI: 2.9–8.9 months) and 8.4 months (95% CI: 3.7 – not evaluable [NE]), respectively. Future studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of this combination.
Qualitative health research in the fields of developmental medicine and child neurology
Authors: Jack Susan M. , Phoenix Michelle
Published: February 2022

This invited review introduces the principles of qualitative health research (QHR) to the fields of developmental medicine and child neurology to facilitate the conduct of applied qualitative research. It provides practical guidance on how to write a study purpose statement aligned with the foci of QHR and then articulate an overarching research question using the Emphasis‐Purposeful sample‐Phenomenon of interest‐Context framework. Guidance for health researchers on how to select a study design that aligns with the practice, education, or policy goals of applied QHR is provided. This is followed by strategies to guide decision‐making with respect to purposeful sampling, selecting data collection methods, and identifying the most appropriate analytic approach to code and synthesize the data. Findings from QHR studies can be used conceptually or instrumentally to provide new insights or inform decisions within the discipline of developmental medicine and child neurology. While qualitive findings are increasingly valued in the field, designing studies that demonstrate methodological congruence is one strategy to improve the overall quality and trustworthiness of discipline specific QHR.
BNT162b2 Vaccine‐Associated Myo/Pericarditis in Adolescents: A Stratified Risk‐Benefit Analysis
Authors: Krug Allison , Stevenson Josh , Høeg Tracy Beth
Published: February 2022

Background

Male patients ages 12–17 years have an elevated risk of mRNA vaccination‐associated myo/pericarditis. A risk‐benefit analysis of first and second doses of mRNA vaccination in adolescent boys by health status and history of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has not been performed.

Methods

Using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), we identified BNT162b2 [Pfizer‐BioNTech] myo/pericarditis occurrence according to CDC criteria. Main outcomes were as follows: 1) post‐vaccination myo/pericarditis crude incidence in adolescents aged 12–15 and 16–17; and 2) two risk‐benefit analyses by age, sex, comorbidity, variant and history of infection.

Results

Cases of myo/pericarditis (n = 253) included 129 after dose 1 and 124 after dose 2; 86.9% were hospitalized. Incidence per million after dose two in male patients aged 12–15 and 16–17 was 162.2 and 93.0, respectively. Weighing post‐vaccination myo/pericarditis against COVID‐19 hospitalization during delta, our risk‐benefit analysis suggests that among 12–17‐year‐olds, two‐dose vaccination was uniformly favourable only in nonimmune girls with a comorbidity. In boys with prior infection and no comorbidities, even one dose carried more risk than benefit according to international estimates. In the setting of omicron, one dose may be protective in nonimmune children, but dose two does not appear to confer additional benefit at a population level.

Conclusions

Our findings strongly support individualized paediatric COVID‐19 vaccination strategies which weigh protection against severe disease vs. risks of vaccine‐associated myo/pericarditis. Research is needed into the nature and implications of this adverse effect as well as immunization strategies which reduce harms in this overall low‐risk cohort.
Epidemiological characterization of a disease associated with phytoplasmas in Andean oak, Quercus humboldtii Bonpland, in Bogotá—Colombia
Authors: Lamilla Julian , Solano Cindy Julieth , Franco‐Lara Liliana
Published: February 2022

Quercus humboldtii is the dominant tree species in oak forest ecosystems in the Colombian Andes, and approximately 15,000 trees have been planted in urban Bogotá. In Bogotá, Q. humboldtii is affected by phytoplasmas. The management of phytoplasmas relies mainly on control of the insect vectors. The aim of this work was to generate information on phytoplasmas affecting Q. humboldtii and the potential insect vectors involved. Phytoplasmas were detected by nested PCR and identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism or sequencing analysis of the 16S rRNA gene in 238 randomly selected urban trees, from 17 city zones. The prevalence of the disease was 80%, with phytoplasmas detected in 94% of trees. ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma fraxini’ was found in 54.6%, ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ in 30.7% and mixed infections of both phytoplasmas in 8.8% of the trees. Phytoplasmas were observed in the phloem of infected trees by electron microscopy. ‘Ca. P. fraxini’ was more common than ‘Ca. P. asteris’ in both street and parks trees, but correlations between the phytoplasma and disease‐associated variables were not observed. The entomofauna of a subsample of 102 of these trees was examined. Representative specimens of seven orders were collected, with Hemiptera the most prevalent. Specimens of 17 Cicadellidae, one Membracidae and one Psyllidae species were collected. Cicadellidae species from subfamilies Aphrodinae, Deltocephalinae, Iassinae, Eurymelinae, Megophthalminae and Typhlocybinae were found, in which phytoplasma vectors have been reported previously. Specimens of two known Cicadellidae vector species were collected: Amplicephalus funzaensis (Deltochephalinae) and Exitianus atratus (Deltochephalinae). Phytoplasmas were assessed in 103 Cicadellidae specimens. ‘Candidatus P. asteris’ was detected in A. funzaensis (n = 3/16 tested), E. atratus (n = 2/10 tested) and Alebrini sp. 1 (n = 1/11) tested). The possible epidemiological implications of these findings are discussed.
Impact of infectious comorbidity and overall time of hospitalization in total outpatient management of acute myeloid leukemia patients following venetoclax and hypomethylating agents
Authors: Papayannidis Cristina , Nanni Jacopo , Cristiano Gianluca , Marconi Giovanni , Sartor Chiara , Parisi Sarah , Zannoni Letizia , Saed Rashed , Ottaviani Emanuela , Bandini Lorenza , Testoni Nicoletta , Baldazzi Carmen , Solli Vincenza , Ricci Paolo , Di Giovanni Bezzi Chiara , Abd‐alatif Rania , Stanzani Marta , Paolini Stefania , Cavo Michele , Curti Antonio
Published: February 2022

Venetoclax (VEN) and hypomethylating agent (HMAs) regimens are emerging as the standard of care for unfit for chemotherapy acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, but the safety and feasibility of a total outpatient management have not been fully investigated. Fifty‐nine AML patients with active disease received VEN and HMAs. Nineteen out of 59 (32.2%) patients received the first cycle as inpatients, whereas 40/59 (67.8%) patients were treated in the outpatient setting. No significant differences were observed with regard to incidence of adverse events (AEs), including tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and the 30‐day and 60‐day mortality was comparable. Notably, an infectious prophylaxis inspired to that adopted during intensive chemotherapy resulted in a low infection rate with a reduced bacterial infections incidence in out‐ versus hospitalized patients (p < .0001). The overall time of hospitalization was significantly shorter in patients who received a total outpatient treatment as compared to those who received the first cycle as inpatients (5.9 vs. 39.7 days, p < .0001). Despite the adopted differences in treatment management, the efficacy was similar. These data indicate that a total outpatient management of VEN and HMAs is feasible in AML patients without negatively impacting on treatment efficacy and may yield pharmacoeconomic and quality‐of‐life benefits.
A Contingency Theory Approach to Understanding Small Retail Business Continuity During COVID‐19
Authors: Childs Michelle , Turner Tom , Sneed Christopher , Berry Ann
Published: February 2022

Small retail businesses are particularly vulnerable to turbulence caused from the COVID‐19 pandemic. To consider what actions retailer owners/managers can take to maneuver during such trying times, this study investigated leadership qualities associated with managing during times of crisis. Through in‐depth interviews with 12 small retail leaders, thematic data analysis revealed an emergence of contingent leadership, including an internal focus on cash flow and employees and an external focus on preserving key stakeholder relationships. Retail leaders displayed a resilient mindset, showing passion, agility, innovation, and relationship development. A conceptual model is proposed to further illustrate findings from the study.
Spatio‐temporal pattern and mechanism of coordinated development of “population–land–industry–money” in rural areas of three provinces in Northeast China
Authors: Lyu Xiao , Wang Yanan , Zhao Yuntai , Niu Shandong
Published: February 2022

In global pattern reconstruction, ecological civilization construction and integrated urban–rural development in the new era as well as outlining a new framework for rural development and promoting efficient operation of the coordination mechanism for rural development are urgently required. This paper considers three northeastern provinces of China as an example, attempts to analyze the relationship between the subsystems of rural development, and examines the coupling coordination mechanism of population, land, and industry money in the four‐dimensional system. It explores the evolution path and defects of rural development in Northeast China under the background of transformation from a systematic perspective. We found that the coupling degree of “population‐land‐industry‐money” in rural Northeast China is high, while the coordination degree is low. The degree of spatial and temporal differentiation of the coupling coordination degree gradually increases, and the rural development of each province is highly unbalanced. The results also indicate that the main reasons for the low level of the coupling coordination degree are improved land development levels, a relative shortage of labor force, backward industrial development, and increasingly weak rural investment levels. Finally, this paper illustrates that the main solutions to rural revitalization are stimulating rural investment through policies and promoting the revival of agriculture, with financial support as the starting point, before establishing the linkage and mutual feed development of “population‐land‐industry‐money” in rural areas. The results will help countries, especially developing countries, to further consider methods toward achieving rural development.
Visualization of Aqueous Geochemical Data Using Python and WQChartPy
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Honghua , Tang Zhonghua , Peeters Luk , Ye Ming
Published: February 2022

Graphical methods have been widely used for visualization, classification, and interpretation of aqueous geochemical data to obtain a better understanding of surface and subsurface hydrologic systems. This method note presents WQChartPy, an open‐source Python package developed to plot a total of 12 diagrams for analysis of aqueous geochemical data. WQChartPy can handle various data formats including Microsoft Excel, comma‐separated values (CSV), and general delimited text. The 12 diagrams include eight traditional diagrams (trilinear Piper, Durov, Stiff, Chernoff face, Schoeller, Gibbs, Chadha, and Gaillardet) and four recently proposed diagrams (rectangle Piper, color‐coded Piper, contour‐filled Piper, and HFE‐D) that have not been implemented in existing graphing software. The diagrams generated by WQChartPy can be saved as portable network graphics (PNG), scalable vector graphics (SVG), or portable document format (PDF) files for scientific publications. Jupyter and Google Colab notebooks are available online to illustrate how to use WQChartPy with example datasets. The geochemical diagrams can be generated with several lines of Python codes. Source codes of WQChartPy are publicly available at GitHub (https://github.com/jyangfsu/WQChartPy) and PyPI (https://pypi.org/project/wqchartpy/).
Healthcare utilization and costs among patients with chronic migraine, episodic migraine, and tension‐type headache enrolled in commercial insurance plans
Authors: Shao Qiujun , Rascati Karen L. , Barner Jamie C. , Lawson Kenneth A. , Sonawane Kalyani B. , Rousseau Justin F.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To quantify and compare healthcare utilization and costs for patients with chronic migraine (CM), episodic migraine (EM), and tension‐type headache (TTH) enrolled in US commercial health plans.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used the Optum Clinformatics® Data Mart database from January 2015 to December 2018. Adult patients with a diagnosis of EM, CM or TTH and at least 12 months of continuous enrollment before and after diagnosis were included. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to adjust for baseline differences among the three groups. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline, and healthcare utilization and costs during follow‐up, were described and compared between the three groups.

Results

A total of 45,849 patients were included: 8955 with CM, 31,961 with EM, and 4933 with TTH. The total all‐cause annual direct medical costs of patients with CM ($17,878) were 1.38 times higher (95% CI: 1.31–1.44) than those with EM ($12,986), and 2.26 times higher (95% CI: 2.08–2.47) than those with TTH ($7902). The annual migraine/TTH‐related costs of patients with CM ($1869) were 4.19 times higher (95% CI: 3.92–4.48) than those with EM ($446), and 11.90 times (95% CI: 10.59–13.52) higher than those with TTH ($157). In the adjusted analyses, for all service categories (emergency department, inpatient, outpatient, and prescriptions), the expected costs in the migraine groups were higher than in the TTH group (all p < 0.001), while controlling for covariates. Main findings were consistent in both weighted and unweighted samples, and with both unadjusted and adjusted analyses.

Conclusion

This study provides an updated assessment of healthcare utilization and expenditures for adult patients with primary headache disorders. Compared to TTH, migraine is associated with higher resource use and direct medical costs, especially for those with a chronic condition. Future studies are needed to understand the indirect medical costs (productivity loss) and humanistic burden (quality of life) between migraine and TTH.
Remifentanil reduces the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells via lncRNA NBR2/miR‐650/TIMP3 axis
Authors: Liang Wei , Ke Jinyuan
Published: February 2022

Cancer cell hyperproliferation and metastasis are major causes of cancer‐associated mortality. Although the use of anaesthetics and analgesics may affect cancer cell metastasis, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of action of remifentanil on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Cell viability was measured by the 3‐(4, 5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl‐2‐h‐tetrazolium bromide assay. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to assess the expression levels of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) neighbour of BRCA1 gene 2 (NBR2), microRNA (miR)‐650 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐3 (TIMP3) in HCC cells. Wound healing and transwell assays were employed to evaluate the migration and invasion of HCC cells respectively. The target relationships between miR‐650 and NBR2/TIMP3 were confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay. Remifentanil reduced the viability of HCC cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Remifentanil treatment significantly increased the expression of lncRNA NBR2 and TIMP3, and repressed miR‐650 expression in HCC cells. Decreased lncRNA NBR2 or increased miR‐650 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of remifentanil‐treated HCC cells. LncRNA NBR2 targeted miR‐650, and miR‐650 further targeted TIMP3. Moreover, miR‐650 down‐regulation or TIMP3 up‐regulation reversed the effects of lncRNA NBR2 knockdown that caused an enhancement of cell viability, migration and invasiveness in remifentanil‐treated HCC cells. Thus remifentanil reduces the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells via the lncRNA NBR2/miR‐650/TIMP3 axis in vitro.
Synthesis and rheological characterization of nano‐magnetorheological fluid using inverse spinel ferrite (NiFe2O4)
Authors: Padma Yagnasri , Nuthalapati Seetharamaiah , Pantangi Usha Sri
Published: February 2022

In recent years, the utilization of nanoparticles for nano‐magnetorheological fluid (NMRF) synthesis is gaining popularity in automotive applications. From this perspective, the nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles were prepared by gel burning method and characterized using the X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (FESEM‐EDX), and vibration sample magnetometer (VSM). The XRD and FTIR results showed the phase formation and characteristic metal–oxygen M–O vibrations. The FESEM images showed quasi‐spherical crystallites with considerable agglomeration. The magnetic properties measured showed the ferromagnetic nature of NiFe2O4. The nanosized NiFe2O4 was used for NMRF preparation and characterization.
Photon radiation shielding properties of germanate glass systems containing Bi2O3, PbF2, and B2O3
Authors: Bilir Gökhan , Bilgici Cengiz Gülçin , Çağlar İlyas , Ertap Hüseyin
Published: February 2022

In this study, we studied the gamma radiation shielding properties of ternary germanate glass systems containing Bi2O3, PbF2, and B2O3. The glass samples were synthesized by using the traditional melt‐quenching method. X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed to confirm the glassy nature of the synthesized materials. A narrow‐beam transmission geometry equipped with a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector was used to measure experimentally measurable shielding parameters of the samples, like mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient, half‐value layer, and effective atomic number. Measurements were performed at gamma‐ray energies of 662, 1173, and 1332 keV emitted from 137Cs and 60Co radioactive sources. Additionally, all the above parameters were also calculated theoretically in the .015–15 MeV energy region by employing the WinXCOM software to verify the experimental findings. The experimental and theoretical results were found to be in good agreement. The results showed that the 70Ge20Bi10Pb glass system has competitive shielding properties among the studied glass systems and could be a good candidate for radiation shielding applications.
β‐Glucan receptors on IL‐4 activated macrophages are required for hookworm larvae recognition and trapping
Authors: Bouchery Tiffany , Volpe Beatrice , Doolan Rory , Coakley Gillian , Moyat Mati , Esser‐von Bieren Julia , Wickramasinghe Lakshanie C , Hibbs Margaret L , Sotillo Javier , Camberis Mali , Le Gros Graham , Khan Nemat , Williams David , Harris Nicola L
Published: February 2022

Recent advances in the field of host immunity against parasitic nematodes have revealed the importance of macrophages in trapping tissue migratory larvae. Protective immune mechanisms against the rodent hookworm Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) are mediated, at least in part, by IL‐4‐activated macrophages that bind and trap larvae in the lung. However, it is still not clear how host macrophages recognize the parasite. An in vitro co‐culture system of bone marrow‐derived macrophages and Nb infective larvae was utilized to screen for the possible ligand–receptor pair involved in macrophage attack of larvae. Competitive binding assays revealed an important role for β‐glucan recognition in the process. We further identified a role for CD11b and the non‐classical pattern recognition receptor ephrin‐A2 (EphA2), but not the highly expressed β‐glucan dectin‐1 receptor, in this process of recognition. This work raises the possibility that parasitic nematodes synthesize β‐glucans and it identifies CD11b and ephrin‐A2 as important pattern recognition receptors involved in the host recognition of these evolutionary old pathogens. To our knowledge, this is the first time that EphA2 has been implicated in immune responses to a helminth.
HLA‐DR polymorphism in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and susceptibility to symptomatic COVID‐19
Authors: Astbury Stuart , Reynolds Catherine J. , Butler David K. , Muñoz‐Sandoval Diana C. , Lin Kai‐Min , Pieper Franziska P. , Otter Ashley , Kouraki Afroditi , Cusin Lola , Nightingale Jessica , Vijay Amrita , Craxford Simon , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Tighe Patrick J. , Gibbons Joseph M. , Pade Corinna , Joy George , Maini Mala , Chain Benny , Semper Amanda , Brooks Timothy , Ollivere Benjamin J. , McKnight Áine , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Treibel Thomas A. , Manisty Charlotte , Moon James C. ,   COVIDsortium Investigators*, Valdes Ana M. , Boyton Rosemary J. , Altmann Daniel M.
Published: February 2022

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection results in different outcomes ranging from asymptomatic infection to mild or severe disease and death. Reasons for this diversity of outcome include differences in challenge dose, age, gender, comorbidity and host genomic variation. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms may influence immune response and disease outcome. We investigated the association of HLAII alleles with case definition symptomatic COVID‐19, virus‐specific antibody and T‐cell immunity. A total of 1364 UK healthcare workers (HCWs) were recruited during the first UK SARS‐CoV‐2 wave and analysed longitudinally, encompassing regular PCR screening for infection, symptom reporting, imputation of HLAII genotype and analysis for antibody and T‐cell responses to nucleoprotein (N) and spike (S). Of 272 (20%) HCW who seroconverted, the presence of HLA‐DRB1*13:02 was associated with a 6·7‐fold increased risk of case definition symptomatic COVID‐19. In terms of immune responsiveness, HLA‐DRB1*15:02 was associated with lower nucleocapsid T‐cell responses. There was no association between DRB1 alleles and anti‐spike antibody titres after two COVID vaccine doses. However, HLA DRB1*15:01 was associated with increased spike T‐cell responses following both first and second dose vaccination. Trial registration: NCT04318314 and ISRCTN15677965.
Effect of boron oxide on mechanical and thermal properties of bioactive glass coatings for biomedical applications
Authors: Kuo Po‐Hsuen , Du Jincheng
Published: February 2022

Bioactive glass coatings can improve the osteo integration of metallic implants with the host tissue, thereby increasing their lifespan and overall success rate. However, complex composition‐structure‐property relations in phosphosilicate‐based bioactive glasses make experimental determination of these relations and related composition design of bioactive coatings challenging. By applying molecular dynamics (MD)‐based atomistic simulations with recently developed effective potentials, this work addresses the challenge by using a material genome approach to obtain the composition and structure effects on various key properties for bioactive coating applications. A series of potential bioactive glass compositions were studied and the composition effects on the mechanical and thermal properties that are critical to these bioactive glasses as a coating to metallic implants were calculated. Particularly, by varying the level of B2O3 to SiO2 substitutions, the effect of composition on various key properties was elucidated. It was found that by using cation in a 1 to 1 ratio (BO3/2 to SiO2) instead of the commonly used substitutions (B2O3 to SiO2), the composition effect can be more clearly expressed and, hence, recommended in future composition designs. Together with careful structural analysis, the origin of property changes can be elucidated. The atomistic computer simulation‐based approach is, thus, an effective way to guide future bioactive glass designs for bioactive coatings and other applications.