bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factor-based screening compared to universal screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in marginalized Burman and Karen populations on the Thailand-Myanmar border: An observational cohort
Authors: Prüst Janna T. , Brummaier Tobias , Wah Mu , Yee Htay Htay , Win Nyo Nyo , Pimanpanarak Mupawjay , Min Aung Myat , Gilder Mary Ellen , Tun Nay Win , Ilozumba Onaedo , Kabeer Basirudeen Syed Ahamed , Terranegra Annalisa , Nosten Francois , Lee Sue J. , McGready Rose
Published: January 2023

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) contributes to maternal and neonatal morbidity. As data from marginalized populations remains scarce, this study compares risk-factor-based to universal GDM screening in a low resource setting.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from a prospective preterm birth cohort. Pregnant women were enrolled in the first trimester and completed a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-32 weeks' gestation. To define GDM cases, Hyperglycaemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (HAPO trial) criteria were used. All GDM positive cases were treated. Sensitivity and specificity of risk-factor-based selection for screening (criteria: age ≥30y, obesity (Body mass index (BMI) ≥27.5kg/m2), previous GDM, 1st degree relative with diabetes, previous macrosomia (≥4kg), previous stillbirth, or symphysis-fundal height ≥90th percentile) was compared to universal screening using the OGTT as the gold standard. Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared by GDM status.

Results: GDM prevalence was 13.4% (50/374) (95% CI: 10.3-17.2). Three quarters of women had at least one risk factor (n=271 women), with 37/50 OGTT positive cases correctly identified: sensitivity 74.0% (59.7-85.4) and specificity 27.8% (3.0-33.0). Burman women (self-identified) accounted for 29.1% of the cohort population, but 38.0% of GDM cases. Percentiles for birthweight (p=0.004), head circumference (p=0.002), and weight-length ratio (p=0.030) were higher in newborns of GDM positive compared with non-GDM mothers. 21.7% (75/346) of newborns in the cohort were small-for-gestational age (≤10th percentile). In Burman women, overweight/obese BMI was associated with a significantly increased adjusted odds ratio 5.03 (95% CI: 1.43-17.64) for GDM compared with normal weight, whereas in Karen women, the trend in association was similar but not significant (OR 2.36; 95% CI 0.95-5.89).

Conclusions: Risk-factor-based screening missed one in four GDM positive women. Considering the benefits of early detection of GDM and the limited additional cost of universal screening, a two-step screening program was implemented.
The genome sequence of the common green furrow bee, Lasioglossum morio (Fabricius, 1793)
Authors: Falk Steven ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Monks Joseph ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: January 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Lasioglossum morio (the common green furrow bee; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Halictidae). The genome sequence is 547 megabases in span. Over half of the assembly (55.79%) is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome was also assembled, and is 16.8 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 11,460 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of an erect bryozoan, Bugulina stolonifera (Ryland, 1960)
Authors: Wood Christine , Bishop John , Adkins Patrick , Jenkins Helen ,   Marine Biological Association Genome Acquisition Lab,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: January 2023

We present a genome assembly from a Bugulina stolonifera colony (an erect bryozoan; Bryozoa; Gymnolaemata; Cheilostomatida; Bugulidae). The genome sequence is 235 megabases in span. Most of the assembly (99.85%) is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 14.4 kilobases long.
Production Planning with Risk Hedging Under a Conditional Value at Risk Objective
Authors: Wang Liao , Yao David D.
Published: January 2023

Effective management of demand risk is a central problem of production planning. In many applications, it is observed that demand often depends on certain asset prices in the financial market. This calls for a model that jointly optimizes the production decision along with a risk hedging policy, using the latter to compensate for loss of profit in scenarios of weak demand. In “Production Planning with Risk Hedging under a Conditional Value at Risk Objective,” Wang and Yao develop an integrated production and risk hedging model, where the risk hedging strategy is derived in explicit form and the production quantity is solved as a concave maximization problem. Furthermore, a complete characterization of the efficient frontier is provided, and the improvement over the production-only decision is quantified.
Investigating health visitors' experiences of the screening process for domestic violence and abuse
Authors: Morgan Emma Marie , Thomas Michelle , Plaster Joanne
Published: January 2023

The Healthy Child Wales Programme requires health visitors to screen for domestic violence and abuse (DVA), providing an opportunity to search for health needs, as defined by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Open conversations, observation and assessment begin during the antenatal period as pregnant women are at a high risk of DVA during this time. Although women want to be asked about DVA, many do not disclose their experiences. Consequently, health visitors may struggle to recognise DVA, asking inadequate questions and responding ineffectively. This article outlines the findings of a policy analysis exercise and a literature review to shed light on ways in which health visitors support women who are victims of DVA. It identifies three themes: confidence; disclosure; and support. The review concludes that health visiting and midwifery services would benefit from working more collaboration and better information sharing to ensure that women are supported appropriately and to improve outcomes.
The Antenatal Risk Questionnaire: Identifying mothers at risk of developing perinatal mental illness
Authors: Terry Jenna
Published: January 2023

Perinatal mental illness (PMI) often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Early identification of risk factors can help women receive timely intervention to reduce associated child and maternal comorbidities. This article considers the use of a validated screening tool to identify maternal risk factors of developing PMI. An analysis of a perinatal mental health policy, literature review and project implementation plan were carried out to explore current gaps in the research. Validated perinatal mental health risk assessment screening tools are being used across the world but not in the UK. It is concluded that the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire should be recommended for health visiting practice to promote early identification of PMI and intervention, which can improve outcomes for families.
Looking after the Medicine Makers
Authors: Lee Sandra
Published: January 2023

At Accord Healthcare, a Barnstaple-based manufacturer of essential medicines, COVID-19 blew up a perfect storm. While the country went into lockdown, Accord faced the challenge of managing production to meet rising customer demand
Return, Restart, Repurpose
Authors: Levers Andy
Published: January 2023

Digital transformation should sit at the heart of the industry’s post-COVID recovery
A radio- and fluorescently labelled tracer for imaging and quantification of bacterial infection on orthopaedic prostheses
Authors: Welling Mick M. , Warbroek Kim , Khurshid Chrow , van Oosterom Matthias N. , Rietbergen Daphne D. D. , de Boer Mark G. J. , Nelissen Rob G. H. H. , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B. , Pijls Bart G. , Buckle Tessa
Published: January 2023

Aims

Arthroplasty surgery of the knee and hip is performed in two to three million patients annually. Periprosthetic joint infections occur in 4% of these patients. Debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) surgery aimed at cleaning the infected prosthesis often fails, subsequently requiring invasive revision of the complete prosthetic reconstruction. Infection-specific imaging may help to guide DAIR. In this study, we evaluated a bacteria-specific hybrid tracer (99mTc-UBI29-41-Cy5) and its ability to visualize the bacterial load on femoral implants using clinical-grade image guidance methods.

Methods

99mTc-UBI29-41-Cy5 specificity for Stapylococcus aureus was assessed in vitro using fluorescence confocal imaging. Topical administration was used to highlight the location of S. aureus cultured on femoral prostheses using fluorescence imaging and freehand single photon emission CT (fhSPECT) scans. Gamma counting and fhSPECT were used to quantify the bacterial load and monitor cleaning with chlorhexidine. Microbiological culturing helped to relate the imaging findings with the number of (remaining) bacteria.

Results

Bacteria could be effectively stained in vitro and on prostheses, irrespective of the presence of biofilm. Infected prostheses revealed bacterial presence on the transition zone between the head and neck, and in the screw hole. Qualitative 2D fluorescence images could be complemented with quantitative 3D fhSPECT scans. Despite thorough chlorhexidine treatments, 28% to 44% of the signal remained present in the locations of the infection that were identified using imaging, which included 500 to 2,000 viable bacteria.

Conclusion

The hybrid tracer 99mTc-UBI29-41-Cy5 allowed effective bacterial staining. Qualitative real-time fluorescence guidance could be effectively combined with nuclear imaging that enables quantitative monitoring of the effectiveness of cleaning strategies. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(1):72–79.
Volar Dislocation of Second Metacarpophalangeal Joint-open Reduction with Volar Approach – A rare Case Report
Authors: Patluri Rohit Raj , Gummadi Akhila
Published: January 2023

Introduction: In most cases, the volar plate interposition renders the complex metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation, commonly known as Kaplan’s lesion, intractable, necessitating open reduction. The capsuloligamentous attachments around the joint and the head of the metacarpal are buttonholed in this dislocation, limiting closed reduction. Case Report: It is presented here a case of 42-year-old male with the left Kaplan’s lesion with open wound. The dorsal technique would have decreased neurovascular compromise and prevented the reduction otherwise by exposing the fibrocartilagenous volar plate directly; however, in this case, the volar route was adopted since an open wound exposed the metacarpal head volarly rather than dorsally. After repositioning the volar plate, a metacarpal head splint was applied and physiotherapy was started a few weeks later. Conclusion: Volar technique has been confidently employed because the wound was not related to a fracture and the open wound through which the incision was extended was already existing, allowing for easy access to the lesion and leading to positive outcomes, such as better range of motion postoperatively. Keywords: Kaplan’s lesion, open reduction, volar approach, natatory ligament, fibrocartilaginous plate.
Arthroscopic Treatment of a Ganglion Cyst Originating from the Transverse Acetabular Ligament in the Hip Joint A Case Report
Authors: Amagami Ayano , Sugiyama Hajime , Tonotsuka Hisahiro , Saito Mitsuru
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Intra-articular ganglion in the hip joint is rare. Here, we present a case of ganglion cyst originating from the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) in the hip joint treated by arthroscopic surgery. Case Report: A 48-year-old man presented with the right groin pain after activity. A cystic lesion was found on magnetic resonance imaging. Under arthroscopic view, a cystic mass was identified between the TAL and ligamentum teres that discharged yellowish viscous liquid after puncture. The remaining lesion was resected in its entirety. A diagnosis of ganglion cyst was consistent with the histological findings. The patient has had no recurrence on magnetic resonance imaging as of 6 years postoperatively and had no complaints at the 6-year follow-up visit. Conclusion: Arthroscopic resection is useful for an intra-articular ganglion cyst in the hip joint. Keywords: Arthroscopic hip surgery, ganglion cyst, transverse ligament.
Representing color as multiple independent scales: brightness versus saturation
Authors: Xie Hao , Fairchild Mark D.
Published: January 2023

The concept of color space has served as a basis for vast scientific inquiries into the representation of color, including colorimetry, psychology, and neuroscience. However, the ideal color space that can model color appearance attributes and color difference as a uniform Euclidean space is still, to our best knowledge, not yet available. In this work, based on the alternative representation of independent 1D color scales, the brightness and saturation scales for five Munsell principal hues were collected via partition scaling, where the MacAdam optimal colors served as anchors. Furthermore, the interactions between brightness and saturation were evaluated using maximum likelihood conjoint measurement. For the average observer, saturation as constant chromaticity is independent of luminance changes, while brightness receives a small positive contribution from the physical saturation dimension. This work further supports the feasibility of representing color as multiple independent scales and provides the framework for further investigation of other color attributes.
Investigation of the multiple characteristics of the self-mixing effect subject to a single particle
Authors: Zhao Yu , Li Jiawei , Zhang Menglei , Chen Tao , Zou Jianglin
Published: January 2023

As a compact interferometry technique, self-mixing interferometry (SMI) is a promising tool for micro particle detection in biochemical analysis and the monitoring of laser manufacturing processing, and currently SMI based micro particle detection is attracting increasing attention. However, unlike the typical displacement or vibration measurement driven by a macro target, only a small amount of literature has targeted the SMI effect induced by a single micro moving particle. In this paper, two numerical models were investigated to describe the characteristics of the signal sparked by individual particle. We compared the measurement results with the two models’ simulations in three signal characteristic aspects: the temporal waveform, frequency spectrum, and phase profile. From these results, we established that both amplitude modulation and frequency modulation effects apply under different conditions in the self-mixing process. And for the first time, we analyzed the effect of the laser illumination spot size on the particle-induced SMI signal features with two optical arrangements. When the laser beam size is larger than the particle size, the signal bursts are likely to result from frequency modulation, and vice versa. Our results can improve the capability of SMI technology in particle size discrimination and particle sorting.
Monolithic integration of polymer waveguide phase modulators with silicon nitride waveguides using adiabatic transition tapers
Authors: Lee Eun-Su , Chun Kwon-Wook , Jin Jinung , Lee Sang-Shin , Oh Min-Cheol
Published: January 2023

Polymer waveguide phase modulators (PMs) demonstrate high thermal confinement with outstanding thermo-optic properties and can provide stable low-power phase modulation in optical phased arrays (OPA). On the other hand, silicon nitride (SiN) waveguides produce stronger optical confinement with smaller waveguide core sizes than polymer waveguides and can handle high optical power without nonlinear effects. In this work, a high-performance PM was achieved by monolithic integration of a polymer waveguide and tapered SiN input and output waveguides. The integration of heterogeneous waveguide materials on a single substrate will enable the fabrication of efficient OPAs for advanced imaging, display, sensing, and communications applications.
Simple electrically tunable liquid crystal spatial phase modulator
Authors: Zemska Zhanna , Galstian Tigran
Published: January 2023

We describe multiple optical functionalities obtained with a simple electrically tunable liquid crystal element that can be controlled by 4 electrodes, which are connected to a serpentine shaped transparent indium tin oxide layer. We experimentally demonstrate that the device is capable of dynamically generating refractive index distributions corresponding to a standard spherical lens, axicon, cylindrical lens, and prism. The dynamic switching of the device between these different operation modes is done in a very simple electronic way. We think that this element has a significant potential for applications in adaptive imaging, optogenetics, photonic integrated circuits, etc.
Broadband Bragg phenomenon in a uniform birefringent medium
Authors: McCall Martin W. , Koufidis Stefanos Fr.
Published: January 2023

A new mechanism of Bragg phenomenon is theoretically identified that, remarkably, occurs in a uniform medium and relies on resonant tuning of the medium parameters rather than on wavelength-matching. Due to the uniformity, reflection ensues over a broad wavelength range, much like a metal, but is polarization dependent: one circular state is reflected, whereas the other is transmitted. Such a medium can thus provide a broadband, low-loss polarization divider/combiner. Assessing a realistic embodiment with loss and material dispersion, we discuss practical realizations within range of current meta-media technology at terahertz and optical frequencies.
High-sensitivity vector bend sensor based on a fiber directional coupler inscribed by a femtosecond laser
Authors: Tian Ke , Zhang Mingyuan , Zhao Chuanzhen , Li Huibin , Li Shilong , Jiang Yuxuan , Lewis Elfed , Farrell Gerald , Wang Pengfei
Published: January 2023

In this Letter, we demonstrate a high-sensitivity vector bend sensor based on a fiber directional coupler. The fiber directional coupler is composed of two parallel waveguides inscribed within a no-core fiber (NCF) by a femtosecond laser. Since the two written waveguides have closely matched refractive indices and geometries, the transmission spectrum of the fiber directional coupler possesses periodic resonant dips. Such a fiber directional coupler exhibits a good bending-dependent spectral shift response due to its asymmetric structure. Experimental results show that bending sensitivities of −97.11 nm/m−1 and 58.22 nm/m−1 are achieved for the 0° and 180° orientations in the curvature range of 0–0.62 m−1, respectively. In addition, the proposed fiber directional coupler is shown to be insensitive to external humidity changes, thus improving its suitability in high-accuracy bending measurements.
Continuous variable quantum key distribution with a shared partially characterized entangled source
Authors: Du Shanna , Wang Pu , Liu Jianqiang , Tian Yan , Li Yongmin
Published: January 2023

Locking the sophisticated and expensive entanglement sources at the shared relay node is a promising choice for building a star-type quantum network with efficient use of quantum resources, where the involved parties only need to equip low-cost and simple homodyne detectors. Here, to our best knowledge, we demonstrate the first experimental continuous variable quantum key distribution with an entanglement source between the two users. We consider a practical partially characterized entangled source and establish the security analysis model of the protocol under realistic conditions. By applying a biased base technology, the higher key rate than that of the original protocol is achieved. The experimental results demonstrate that the distance between two users can reach up to 60 km over telecom single-mode fiber, implying the feasibility for high-rate and secure communication with a shared entangled source at metropolitan distances.
Systematic study on size and temporal dependence of micro-LED arrays for display applications
Authors: Nie Junyang , Zhang Zhi , Chen Kongjie , Liu Yifeng , He Shuang , Huang Zhonghang , Zhang Xiaoning , Sun Jie , Zhang Fan , Wu Yongsheng , Yan Qun
Published: January 2023

Micro-LEDs are one of the most promising candidates for next-generation displays, yet they are inconvenienced by the efficiency reduction induced by the sidewall defects when pursuing further scaled-down device dimensions. We have systematically investigated both the size and temporal dependence of micro-LEDs. Micro-LED arrays with a mesa size ranging from 7 to 100 μm were prepared for display purposes. The luminance and external quantum efficiency (EQE) were measured and discussed. Surprisingly, micro-LED arrays with a smaller mesa size exhibit a higher EQE under 100 ns pulse duration operation when compared with longer pulse duration operations. Under certain short-pulsed excitation, a 7×7  μm2 micro-LED array even exhibits a >20% higher EQE as compared to the direct current (DC) or the long duration pulse operation condition. We thus concluded that the notorious efficiency reduction induced by sidewall defects in small-sized micro-LED arrays could be significantly reduced by applying short-pulse voltages.
Perfect light absorber with a PT phase transition via coupled topological interface states
Authors: Zheng Jiajun , Zhou Haiyang , Li Junyang , Wang Yufei , Jiang Haitao , Li Yunhui , Guo Zhiwei , Yang Yaping , Du Guiqiang , Zheng Wanhua , Sun Yong , Chen Hong
Published: January 2023

Recently, the concepts of parity–time (PT) symmetry and band topology have inspired many novel ideas for light manipulation in their respective directions. Here we propose and demonstrate a perfect light absorber with a PT phase transition via coupled topological interface states (TISs), which combines the two concepts in a one-dimensional photonic crystal heterostructure. By fine tuning the coupling between TISs, the PT phase transition is revealed by the evolution of absorption spectra in both ideal and non-ideal PT symmetry cases. Especially, in the ideal case, a perfect light absorber at an exceptional point with unidirectional invisibility is numerically obtained. In the non-ideal case, a perfect light absorber in a broken phase is experimentally realized, which verifies the possibility of tailoring non-Hermiticity by engineering the coupling. Our work paves the way for novel effects and functional devices from the exceptional point of coupled TISs, such as a unidirectional light absorber and exceptional-point sensor.
Examining the efficacy of localised gemcitabine therapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer using a hybrid agent-based model
Authors: Jenner Adrianne L. , Kelly Wayne , Dallaston Michael , Araujo Robyn , Parfitt Isobelle , Steinitz Dominic , Pooladvand Pantea , Kim Peter S. , Wade Samantha J. , Vine Kara L.
Published: January 2023

The prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients has not significantly improved in the past 3 decades, highlighting the need for more effective treatment approaches. Poor patient outcomes and lack of response to therapy can be attributed, in part, to a lack of uptake of perfusion of systemically administered chemotherapeutic drugs into the tumour. Wet-spun alginate fibres loaded with the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine have been developed as a potential tool for overcoming the barriers in delivery of systemically administrated drugs to the PDAC tumour microenvironment by delivering high concentrations of drug to the tumour directly over an extended period. While exciting, the practicality, safety, and effectiveness of these devices in a clinical setting requires further investigation. Furthermore, an in-depth assessment of the drug-release rate from these devices needs to be undertaken to determine whether an optimal release profile exists. Using a hybrid computational model (agent-based model and partial differential equation system), we developed a simulation of pancreatic tumour growth and response to treatment with gemcitabine loaded alginate fibres. The model was calibrated usingin vitroandin vivodata and simulated using a finite volume method discretisation. We then used the model to compare different intratumoural implantation protocols and gemcitabine-release rates. In our model, the primary driver of pancreatic tumour growth was the rate of tumour cell division. We were able to demonstrate that intratumoural placement of gemcitabine loaded fibres was more effective than peritumoural placement. Additionally, we quantified the efficacy of different release profiles from the implanted fibres that have not yet been tested experimentally. Altogether, the model developed here is a tool that can be used to investigate other drug delivery devices to improve the arsenal of treatments available for PDAC and other difficult-to-treat cancers in the future.
Adherence to and experiences of K–12 students in modified and standard home quarantine during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Missouri
Authors: Worrell Mary Claire , Malone Sara , Dawson Patrick , Fritz Stephanie A. , Thomas Ebony , Peeler Bre , Rains Catherine , Tinker Sarah C. , Neatherlin John C. , Barrios Lisa , Mooney Jon , Towns Katie , Newland Jason , Salzer Johanna S.
Published: January 2023

Background

In November 2020, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Missouri allowed local public health jurisdictions the option to implement a modified quarantine policy allowing kindergarten through 12 (K-12) students with low-risk exposures to continue in-person learning. We assessed adherence to quarantine among participants in modified quarantine and standard home quarantine and the psychosocial impacts of quarantine on students and families.

Methods

In January-March 2021, as part of an investigation of in-school transmission of SARS-CoV-2, parents of 586 participating K-12 students identified as a close contact with a person with SARS-CoV-2 were sent a survey to assess their activities and psychosocial impacts to the child and family.

Results

Among the 227 (39%) survey respondents, 26 (11%) participated in modified quarantine and 201 (89%) participated in standard home quarantine. Forty-six percent of students in modified quarantine and 72% of students in standard home quarantine reported abstaining from non-school activities during quarantine. Parents of 17 (65%) students in modified quarantine and 80 (40%) in standard home quarantine reported low or neutral levels of stress in their children. Parents of students in standard home quarantine described greater stress, negative impacts to family functioning, and interruptions to educational opportunities for students.

Conclusions

Students in modified quarantine reported lower adherence to quarantine recommendations but lower daily impact and stressors than those in standard home quarantine. Because in-school transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to be low when layered prevention strategies are in place regardless of the use of modified or standard home quarantine, this modified quarantine approach provides a reasonable option for balancing the needs of students and families with SARS-CoV-2 prevention measures.
Ancestral origins are associated with SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and protection in a Florida patient population
Authors: Shen Yiran , Khatri Bhuwan , Rananaware Santosh , Li Danmeng , Ostrov David A. , Jain Piyush K. , Lessard Christopher J. , Nguyen Cuong Q.
Published: January 2023

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The severity of COVID-19 is highly variable and related to known (e.g., age, obesity, immune deficiency) and unknown risk factors. The widespread clinical symptoms encompass a large group of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients, raising a crucial question regarding genetic susceptibility, e.g., whether individual differences in immunity play a role in patient symptomatology and how much human leukocyte antigen (HLA) contributes to this. To reveal genetic determinants of susceptibility to COVID-19 severity in the population and further explore potential immune-related factors, we performed a genome-wide association study on 284 confirmed COVID-19 patients (cases) and 95 healthy individuals (controls). We compared cases and controls of European (EUR) ancestry and African American (AFR) ancestry separately. We identified two loci on chromosomes 5q32 and 11p12, which reach the significance threshold of suggestive association (p<1x10-5 threshold adjusted for multiple trait testing) and are associated with the COVID-19 susceptibility in the European ancestry (index rs17448496: odds ratio[OR]  = 0.173; 95% confidence interval[CI], 0.08–0.36 for G allele; p = 5.15× 10−5 and index rs768632395: OR  =  0.166; 95% CI, 0.07–0.35 for A allele; p =  4.25×10−6, respectively), which were associated with two genes, PPP2R2B at 5q32, and LRRC4C at 11p12, respectively. To explore the linkage between HLA and COVID-19 severity, we applied fine-mapping analysis to dissect the HLA association with mild and severe cases. Using In-silico binding predictions to map the binding of risk/protective HLA to the viral structural proteins, we found the differential presentation of viral peptides in both ancestries. Lastly, extrapolation of the identified HLA from the cohort to the worldwide population revealed notable correlations. The study uncovers possible differences in susceptibility to COVID-19 in different ancestral origins in the genetic background, which may provide new insights into the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of the disease.
One size does not fit all: Preferences for HIV care delivery among out-of-care people living with HIV in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Jones Marxavian D. , Dyer Kelly , Nedell Emma R. , Fletcher Michelle R. , Grimsley Ackerley Cassie , Hussen Sophia A. , Kalokhe Ameeta S.
Published: January 2023

Approximately half of the people with HIV (PWH) in the United States are retained in HIV care and only 57% have achieved viral suppression, due to barriers including transportation access, stigma, poor mental health, substance use, and medical mistrust. Community-based HIV care models have potential to address the diverse needs of patients and to improve retention in care, but their success is contingent on acceptance by patients and key community stakeholders. Recognizing that the preferences of PWH who are out-of-care (PWH-OOC) likely differ from those retained in care, we conducted a mixed-methods study from June 2019 to May 2021 composed of surveys with PWH-OOC (n = 50) and in-depth interviews with key clinic and community stakeholders (n = 41) to examine the relative preference and perceived advantages and disadvantages for six different community-based HIV care models versus the traditional fixed-clinic model. Survey data was analyzed to assess average rank preference for each care model and interview transcripts were thematically coded to examine factors influencing model acceptance. The highest preference for care delivery was via a mobile clinic, followed by community-based peer navigation, primary care clinics, telemedicine, traditional HIV subspeciality clinic, homeless shelter, and drug treatment center. Common factors influencing preference included convenience, accessibility, potential to preserve confidentiality, quality of care assurance, opportunity to develop rapport with their HIV care provider, access to a smart device, and potential to alleviate versus exacerbate HIV stigma. Participants discussed need for integration of care models and for individuals to choose different care models at different times. Providers and patients differed in preference for care model and weighting of relative advantages and disadvantages of each. Findings highlight the need to integrate alternative, community-based care models into the national plan to end the HIV epidemic and to allow for PWH-OOC to choose the model most fitting based on individual circumstances.
Three-dimensional kinematics of the craniocervical junction of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels compared to Chihuahuas and Labrador retrievers
Authors: Nickel Mareike-Kristin , Schikowski Lisa , Fischer Martin Stephan , Kelleners Nicola , Schmidt Martin Jürgen , Eley Nele
Published: January 2023

Our knowledge about the underlying pathomechanisms of craniocervical junction abnormalities (CCJA) in dogs mostly derives from measurements based on tomographic imaging. These images are static and the positioning of the dogs’ head does not reflect the physiologicalin vivoposition of the craniocervical junction (CCJ). Aberrant motion patterns and ranges of motion (ROM) in sound individuals of CCJA predisposed breeds may be a pathogenetic trigger. To further extend our limited knowledge of physiological motion of the CCJ, this prospective, comparative study investigates thein vivomotion patterns and ROM of the CCJ in walk and trot in sound Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Chihuahuas. The Labrador retriever is used as a reference breed without predisposition for CCJA. This is the first detailed description of CCJ movement of trotting dogs. Biplanar fluoroscopy images, recorded in walking and trotting dogs, were matched to a virtual reconstruction of the skull and cranial cervical spine utilising Scientific Rotoscoping. Kinematic data reveal the same motion patterns among all breeds and gaits with individual temporal and spatial differences in each dog. A stride cycle-dependent lateral rotation of the cranial cervical spine and axial rotation of the atlantoaxial joint in trot in dogs is described for the first time. The ROM of the atlantoaxial and atlantooccipital joints in walk and trot were not statistically significantly greater in the CCJA-predisposed breeds CKCS and Chihuahua. ROM values of all translational and rotational degrees of freedom were larger in walk than trot, although this is only statistically significant for the atlantoaxial joint. Until proven otherwise, a more species-specific than breed-specific general motion pattern of the CCJ in walking and trotting, clinically sound dogs must be assumed. Species-specific anatomic properties of the CCJ seem to supersede breed-specific anatomical differences in clinically sound dogs.
Moral luck in investment contexts: We consciously find unprofitable investments less moral
Authors: Max Raphael , Uhl Matthias
Published: January 2023

Moral luck refers to whether an actor is morally praised or blamed for an action whose outcome they could not influence. In two studies, we investigated the behavioral importance of this phenomenon in the realm of investments, which has become increasingly subject to ethical evaluations. In our first online experiment, we examined whether people’s moral evaluation of an investment decision depended on its arbitrary outcome and whether their interpretation of the nature of the decision was driven by this outcome. Our results showed that profitable investments were considered more moral than unprofitable investments. Moreover, profitable investments were labeled “investments” instead of “speculation” or “gambling” more often than unprofitable ones. In our second study, we asked the subjects to assess investments independent of the outcome. After the outcome was announced, the subjects were given the opportunity to reflect and change their initial decision. The results show that people change the moral evaluation and label of investments when told that it had a bad outcome. This observation was stable across different investment contexts. These findings suggest that we must be careful with the increasing moralization of investment decisions and be sensitive to our cognitive biases.
Gender differential effect of college on political orientation over the last 40 years in the U.S.—A propensity score weighting approach
Authors: Edelmann Achim , Vaisey Stephen
Published: January 2023

It is well-known that the more educated people are, the more liberal views they tend to express. However, it is unclear whether this is due to college attendance itself or because those who go to college differ from those who do not in ways (directly or indirectly) related to their later political identification. In this paper, we therefore attempt to estimate the effect of college on political identification net of people’s tendencies to select into college using an inverse probability of treatment weighting approach. Based on data from the General Social Survey, we analyze how this effect has changed over time and whether college affects the political identification of women in the same ways as that of men. We find evidence consistent with the argument that college attendance politicizes both men and women. Moreover, we show that not only the general, but also the gender specific effects change markedly across the decades. This raises questions about the different mechanisms at play in how college mobilizes men and women politically.
Characteristics of salivary telomere length shortening in preterm infants
Authors: Schneper Lisa M. , Drake Amanda J. , Dunstan Taylor , Kotenko Iulia , Notterman Daniel A. , Piyasena Chinthika
Published: January 2023

Objective

To examine the association between gestational age, telomere length (TL) and rate of shortening in newborns.

Study design

Genomic DNA was isolated from buccal samples of 39 term infants at birth and one year and 32 preterm infants at birth, term-adjusted age (40 weeks post-conception) and age one-year corrected for gestational duration. Telomere length was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Demographic and clinical data were collected during clinic or research visits and from hospital records. Socioeconomic status was estimated using the deprivation category (DEPCAT) scores derived from the Carstairs score of the subject’s postal code.

Results

At birth, preterm infants had longer telomeres than infants born at term. However, there was no difference in telomere length between preterm infants and term infants at one year of age, implying that the rate of telomere shortening was greater in pre-term than term infants. Interestingly, TL at age 40 weeks post-conception in preterm infants was significantly longer than term infant TL at birth, suggesting that time since conception is not the only factor that affects rate of shortening. Several factors, including sex, fetal growth restriction, maternal age, maternal booking body mass index (BMI), mother education level and DEPCAT score, also differed between the preterm and term groups.

Conclusions

Preterm infants have longer telomeres than term infants at birth. In the studied cohort, the rate of telomere shortening was greater in the premature group compared with the term infants. This finding agrees with previous studies using cord blood, suggesting that the longer TL in premature infants detected at birth do not persist and demonstrating that use of saliva DNA is acceptable for studies of telomere dynamics in infants. However, that the TL at age 40 weeks post-conception in preterm is longer than term infants at birth suggests that biological factors other than time since conception also affect rate of shortening.
Genome-wide analysis of annexin gene family in Schrenkiella parvula and Eutrema salsugineum suggests their roles in salt stress response
Authors: Moinoddini Fatemeh , Mirshamsi Kakhki Amin , Bagheri Abdolreza , Jalilian Ahmad
Published: January 2023

Annexins (Anns) play an important role in plant development, growth and responses to various stresses. AlthoughAnngenes have been characterized in some plants, their role in adaptation mechanisms and tolerance to environmental stresses have not been studied in extremophile plants. In this study,Anngenes inSchrenkiella parvulaandEutrema salsugineumwere identified using a genome-wide method and phylogenetic relationships, subcellular distribution, gene structures, conserved residues and motifs and also promoter prediction have been studied through bioinformatics analysis. We identified ten and eight encoding putativeAnngenes inS.parvulaandE.salsugineumgenome respectively, which were divided into six subfamilies according to phylogenetic relationships. By observing conservation in gene structures and protein motifs we found that the majority ofAnnmembers in two extremophile plants are similar. Furthermore, promoter analysis revealed a greater number of GATA, Dof, bHLH and NAC transcription factor binding sites, as well as ABRE, ABRE3a, ABRE4, MYB and Myc cis-acting elements in compare toArabidopsis thaliana. To gain additional insight into the putative roles of candidateAnngenes, the expression ofSpAnn1,SpAnn2 andSpAnn6 inS.parvulawas studied in response to salt stress, which indicated that their expression level in shoot increased. Similarly, salt stress induced expression ofEsAnn1, 5 and 7, in roots andEsAnn1, 2 and 5 in leaves ofE.salsugineum. Our comparative analysis implies that both halophytes have different regulatory mechanisms compared toA.thalianaand suggestSpAnn2gene play important roles in mediating salt stress.
The impact of age on outcomes of breast cancer in different hormone receptor and HER2 groups
Authors: Zheng Hongjuan , Ge Chenyang , Lin Haiping , Zhou Shishi , Tang Wanfen , Wang Qinghua , Zhang Xia , Jin Xiayun , Xu Xifeng , Du Jinlin , Fu Jianfei
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of the current study was to explore the association between age and outcomes in breast cancer.

Methods

Patients during 2010–2015 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific death (BCSD) were taken as endpoints. The restrict cubic spline graph (RCS) was used to explore the relationship between age and outcomes in patients, and the cumulative incidence of BCSD and non-BCSD was calculated using the Gray method. Age-specific gene expression profiles were studied using RNA sequence data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to explore whether there were young age-related gene or gene sets.

Results

A total of 142,755 patients with breast cancer were included. The hazard ratio (HR) of OS for Patients with stage I-III breast cancer was roughly stable before 53 years old and increased significantly after that, and the HR of BCSD for these patients showed a U-shaped distribution when plotted against age, with patients younger than 50 years and patients older than 70 years experiencing the worst survival. Further stratified analysis according to molecular subtype revealed that the U-shaped distribution of the HR of BCSD with was only found in the Hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative (HoR+/HER2-) subgroup. The cumulative incidence plots showed that young age was associated with worse BCSD in the breast cancer patients with stage I-III and HoR+/HER2- subgroup. In stage IV breast cancer, there was a linearity of the relationship between poor OS and increasing age. We failed to find any differentially expressed age-specific genes between 20–40 years and 41–60 years groups in 258 patients with stage I-III and HoR+/HER2- subtype.

Conclusion

Young age could predict worse BCSD of patient with stage I-III and HoR+/HER2- breast cancer. The escalating therapy was recommended to young age breast cancer with stage I-III and HoR+/HER2- subtype.
Birth order and sickness absence: Register-based evidence from Finland
Authors: Reini Kaarina , Saarela Jan
Published: January 2023

Background

In working ages, sickness absence is strongly related to persons’ health condition. We studied how birth order was associated with receipt of sickness allowance, distinguishing between mental disorders, musculoskeletal disorders and injuries.

Methods

A follow-up study based on the entire Finnish population was conducted for sibling groups born 1969–1982, in which each sibling was observed from age 35 years in the period 2004–2018. Focus was on within-family variation in first-time sickness allowance receipt.

Results

Results of stratified Cox regressions revealed that each increase in birth order was associated with a slightly higher risk of sickness absence from any cause. For mental disorders, associations were stronger; the hazard ratio as compared to first borns was 1.03 (95% CI: 0.98–1.08) of second borns, 1.10 (0.99–1.22) of third borns, and 1.52 (1.25–1.85) of fourth or higher borns. Corresponding numbers for musculoskeletal disorders were 1.12 (1.07–1.17), 1.19 (1.09–1.30) and 1.15 (0.96–1.38), and for injuries 1.06 (1.01–1.12), 1.09 (1.21–1.14) and 0.96 (0.77–1.20), respectively.

Conclusions

Birth order effects were generally stronger for women than men, and to some extent influenced by educational level, occupation, income, and family composition. Possible latent mechanisms behind the associations may relate to within-family dynamics at childhood.
Psychological mechanisms of offset analgesia: The effect of expectancy manipulation
Authors: Szikszay Tibor M. , Adamczyk Waclaw M. , Panskus Janina , Heimes Lotte , David Carolin , Gouverneur Philip , Luedtke Kerstin
Published: January 2023

A frequently used paradigm to quantify endogenous pain modulation is offset analgesia, which is defined as a disproportionate large reduction in pain following a small decrease in a heat stimulus. The aim of this study was to determine whether suggestion influences the magnitude of offset analgesia in healthy participants. A total of 97 participants were randomized into three groups (hypoalgesic group, hyperalgesic group, control group). All participants received four heat stimuli (two constant trials and two offset trials) to the ventral, non-dominant forearm while they were asked to rate their perceived pain using a computerized visual analogue scale. In addition, electrodermal activity was measured during each heat stimulus. Participants in both intervention groups were given a visual and verbal suggestion about the expected pain response in an hypoalgesic and hyperalgesic manner. The control group received no suggestion. In all groups, significant offset analgesia was provoked, indicated by reduced pain ratings (p < 0.001) and enhanced electrodermal activity level (p < 0.01). A significant group difference in the magnitude of offset analgesia was found between the three groups (F[2,94] = 4.81, p < 0.05). Participants in the hyperalgesic group perceived significantly more pain than the hypoalgesic group (p = 0.031) and the control group (p < 0.05). However, the electrodermal activity data did not replicate this trend (p > 0.05). The results of this study indicate that suggestion can be effective to reduce but not increase endogenous pain modulation quantified by offset analgesia in healthy participants.
The ‘roaring’ twenties and African wildlife in fashionable dress: Part 2: The role of fur patterns in representations of the flapper and the development of sportswear
Authors: Hannel Susan L.
Published: January 2023

African animal fur patterns were part of the flapper’s wardrobe. Fur trade publications and the fashion press specifically linked leopard to flapper fashion. Wearing leopard fur connected the modern woman to the wilds of jazz dance and sexual promiscuity for which she was known. Celebrity flappers like Nancy Cunard wore leopard. Illustrators like John Held Jr. made giraffe fur patterns part of this flapper look, though giraffe was short-lived and had more aristocratic and graceful connotations than leopard. African leopard, giraffe, gazelle and zebra were all linked to the new clothing category called sportswear. These furs were sometimes called jungle furs to exoticize their origins in Africa and connect them to the popularity of jazz, ‘jungle’ music. The fur patterns eventually became part of the exotic pyjama, thus promoting an early form of sportswear pant being worn outside the home for the beach by the end of the twenties.
Why Patti Smith Matters, Caryn Rose (2022)1
Authors: Warner Simon
Published: January 2023

Review of: Why Patti Smith Matters, Caryn Rose (2022)

London: Faber & Faber, 248 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47732-011-2, p/bk, £9.99