bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Origins, Shared Book Reading, and Language Skills in Early Childhood: Evidence from an Information Experiment
Authors: Barone Carlo , Fougère Denis , Pin Clément
Published: August 2020

Shared book reading (SBR) between parents and children is often regarded as a significant mediator of social inequalities in early skill development processes. We argue that socially biased gaps between parents in the awareness of the benefits of this activity for school success contribute to inequalities between children in access to this activity and in their language development. We test this hypothesis with a large-scale field experiment assessing the causal impact of an intervention targeting parents of pre-schoolers on both the frequency of SBR and the receptive vocabulary of children. Results indicate that low-educated parents are more reactive to this intervention, with significant effects on the language development of their children. We conclude that cognitive barriers and information gaps on the potential of informal learning activities at home fuel social inequalities in early childhood. At the same time, light-touch interventions removing these barriers are a cost-effective way of reducing these inequalities.
Two-year outcome after implantation of a full magnetically levitated left ventricular assist device: results from the ELEVATE Registry
Authors: Zimpfer Daniel , Gustafsson Finn , Potapov Evgenij , Pya Yuriy , Schmitto Jan , Berchtold-Herz Michael , Morshuis Michiel , Shaw Steven M , Saeed Diyar , Lavee Jacob , Heatley Gerald , Gazzola Carlo , Garbade Jens
Published: August 2020

Aims

The ELEVATE Registry was designed to study long-term outcomes with the Heartmate 3 (HM3), a fully magnetically levitated centrifugal ventricular assist device, in a real-world population following CE-mark approval.

Methods and results

A total of 540 patients, implanted in Europe and the Middle East were followed in ELEVATE. The registry included 463 patients receiving the HM3 as primary implant (Primary Implant Cohort), 19 patients underwent a pump upgrade from another device (Pump Exchange Cohort) and 58 patients who had experienced an outcome before having the possibility to sign the Informed Consent, for which only outcome data were collected (Anonymized Cohort). Data collection included demographics, survival, adverse events, EQ-5D Visual Analog Score quality of life (EQ-5D VAS QOL) questionnaire, and 6-min walk distance (6MWD). Mean age was 55.6 ± 11.7 years (89% male, 48% ischaemic cardiomyopathy). Seventy per cent of patients were in INTERMACS Profile 1–3 and 12.7% were on temporary mechanical circulatory support. Primary Implant Cohort survival was 83% after 2 years. In the Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation Primary Implant Cohort, strokes were observed in 10.2%, gastrointestinal bleedings in 9.7%, pump thrombosis in 1.5%, and outflow graft twists in 3.5%. Heartmate 3 implantation resulted in a significant and sustained improvement of functional capacity and QOL.

Conclusion

In a real-world population, cohort implanted with the HM3 left ventricular assist device we demonstrate good long-term survival, sustained improvement of functional capacity, and low rates of adverse events (including pump thrombosis).

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT02497950
A simple and practical criterion for determining a failed His-bundle pacing
Authors: Liang Yanchun , Wang Na , Yu Haibo , Xu Baige , Yan Xiaolei , Wu Min , Gao Yang , Liu Rong , Xu Guoqing , Li Zhenhui , He Jiaqi , Wang Zulu , Han Yaling
Published: August 2020

Aims

To establish a simple criterion for determining a failed His-bundle pacing (HBP). This criterion states that if stimulus to QRS end interval is longer than His-bundle potential to QRS end interval (‘S-QRSend > H-QRSend’) then a failed HBP can be determined.

Methods and results

We performed retrospective analysis on 737 pacing tests around His-bundle in 241 patients and prospective analysis on 400 tests in 123 patients. A successful HBP is defined as that whole His-bundle is captured with or without capture of adjacent ventricular myocardium, otherwise, a failed HBP was considered. The output criteria and effective refractory period criteria were used as the gold standards for determining a successful HBP. The gold standards are that if decreasing the pacing output or pacing cycle length to a certain level results in duration or morphology changes of QRS, then a successful HBP is ascertained. In retrospective analysis of patients with normal His-Purkinje conduction, a failed HBP was determined in 31% (154/492) of pacing tests according to ‘S-QRSend > H-QRSend’; all of them were validated by the gold standards (specificity = 100%). In prospective study, a failed HBP was confirmed according to the simple criterion with 100% accuracy in 33% (79/241) pacing tests. This simple criterion was also suitable for patients with His-Purkinje conduction disease although cases with ‘S-QRSend > H-QRSend’ rarely occurred.

Conclusion

A failed HBP can be easily and reliably determined solely by ‘S-QRSend > H-QRSend’ in more than 30% pacing tests.
SETAP: epidemiology and prevention of stroke and transient ischaemic attack in Czech patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Táborský Miloš , Dušek Ladislav , Kautzner Josef , Vícha Marek , Aiglová Renata , Gloger Vít , Fedorco Marián , Duba Jaroslav , Dušek Lukáš , Jarkovský Jiří , Bezděková Monika , Skála Tomáš
Published: August 2020

Aims

The aim of this study is to analyse the prevalence, epidemiology, and anticoagulation prevention of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in Czech patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and results

Retrospective observational analysis of diagnoses, procedures, and treatment reported to the Czech National Registry of Reimbursed Healthcare Services between 2015 and 2018. Prevalence of AF in 2018 was 4.3% of Czech population and the prevalence of stroke/TIA in AF patients was 22.3% with annual incidence of 181.62 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. In 2018, CHA2DS2-ASc score ≥4 was present in 98% AF patients in secondary and 59% in primary prevention, respectively, while the anticoagulation treatment was used by 71–81% of them. Between 2015 and 2018, the percentage of AF patients treated with warfarin monotherapy in primary prevention decreased from 35% to 31%, with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) monotherapy from 18% to 16% and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) monotherapy increased from 7% to 11%. In secondary prevention, the percentage of warfarin monotherapy treatment decreased from 35% to 32%, with ASA monotherapy from 20% to 18% and with NOACs monotherapy increased from 9% to 15%.

Conclusion

This study followed all Czech patients with AF. The unadjusted prevalence and incidence of AF was higher compared with other countries and 2019 European Society of Cardiology Statistics. The study identified several gaps in standard of reimbursed care. 20–30% of AF patients with other risk factors were without any prevention medication and the share of ASA monotherapy in treated patients was 16–18%.
Complications related to elective generator replacement of the subcutaneous implantable defibrillator
Authors: van der Stuijt Willeke , Quast Anne-Floor B E , Baalman Sarah W E , de Wilde Koen C , Brouwer Tom F , Wilde Arthur A M , Knops Reinoud E
Published: August 2020

Aims

To guarantee uninterrupted function of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD), the pulse generator needs to be surgically replaced before the battery is depleted. The risks related to this replacement substantially impact long-term outcome for S-ICD recipients, as the majority will undergo one or several of these procedures in their lifetime. We aim to describe the procedural characteristics of the replacement procedure and to provide an insight in the complications associated with these replacements.

Methods and results

In this retrospective analysis, data from replacement procedures and follow-up visits were collected from all patients who underwent elective S-ICD generator replacement in our tertiary centre from June 2014 until November 2019. Original device position was assessed using the PRAETORIAN score. Complications were defined as those requiring surgical intervention, systemic antibiotic treatment, or device extraction. Seventy-two patients were included, with a median follow-up of 1.9 years (IQR 0.6–3.3 years) after replacement. Battery depletion occurred after 5.9 ± 0.7 years. The pulse generator was repositioned in patients with a PRAETORIAN score ≥90 to minimize the defibrillation threshold. Although there was an increase in impedance compared to the implant procedure, first shock conversion rate during defibrillation testing was 91.4% with a success rate of 100% after multiple attempts. Two patients developed a complication after, respectively, 9 and 21 months, resulting in a complication rate of 1.4% per year.

Conclusion

With a median follow-up of 1.9 years, this study shows a low complication rate after S-ICD replacement, with a first shock conversion rate of 91.4%.
Direct antibacterial and antibiotic resistance modulatory activity of chalcones synthesized from the natural product 2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyacetophenone
Authors: Freitas Thiago Sampaio de , Xavier Jayze da Cunha , Pereira Raimundo L S , Rocha Janaina E , Muniz Dédora F , da Silva Priscila T , da Hora João P , dos Santos Hélcio S , Bandeira Paulo N , Nogueira Carlos E S , Teixeira Alexandre M R , Coutinho Henrique D M
Published: August 2020

Antibiotic for clinical use lose its effectiveness over time due to bacterial resistance. In this work, four chalcones with modifications in their ligands were synthesized from the natural product 2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyacetophenone, characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared spectroscopy, and tested in bacterial models to investigate the direct and modifiers effects of the antibiotic activity of these four novel chalcones. The tests followed the broth microdilution methodology to obtain the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The MIC/8 of the products were used in the resistance reversion test. The chalcone 2 showed the best result in terms of direct activity, with MIC 645 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and 812 μg/mL for Escherichia coli. While, for the bacterial resistance reversal test, the chalcones presented several synergistic interactions, being that chalcone 4 had the best interaction with the tested antibiotics. It was found that the type of ligand, as well as its position in the ring, interferes in the modulation of the antibiotic activity. Our results show that chalcones are strong candidates to be used as antibacterial drug or in combination with antibiotics for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains.
Between ‘horror’ and ‘honour’: the legacy of the Saint Bartholomew’s Day massacre for the descendants of Admiral Gaspard de Coligny
Authors: Breton Nicolas
Published: August 2020

This article explores the memory of a traumatic event across several generations. It focuses on the legacy of the Saint Bartholomew’s Day massacre and its impact on the political decisions taken by the descendants of the massacre’s first victim, Admiral Gaspard de Coligny, especially the admiral’s son François de Châtillon (1557–91) and grandson Gaspard III of Châtillon (1584–1646). It argues that the tragic events surrounding the massacre played a crucial role in the identity and collective memory of a major aristocratic family in early modern France. This collective memory evolved as it was passed on and appropriated by each successive generation. While François de Châtillon pursued above all a desire to avenge Admiral Coligny’s ignominious death by continuing his fight against the house of Guise, for Gaspard III de Châtillon the admiral’s legacy became a moral obligation to continue his work in support of royal authority.
The Impact of Sheltering in Place During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults’ Social and Mental Well-Being
Authors: Krendl Anne C , Perry Brea L
Published: August 2020

Objectives

We examined whether social isolation due to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders was associated with greater loneliness and depression for older adults, and, if so, whether declines in social engagement or relationship strength moderated that relationship.

Methods

Between April 21 and May 21, 2020, 93 older adults in the United States who had completed measures characterizing their personal social networks, subjective loneliness, and depression 6–9 months prior to the pandemic completed the same measures via phone interview, as well as questions about the impact of the pandemic on their social relationships.

Results

Older adults reported higher depression and greater loneliness following the onset of the pandemic. Loneliness positively predicted depression. Perceived relationship strength, but not social engagement, moderated this relationship such that loneliness only predicted depression for individuals who became closer to their networks during the pandemic. For those who felt less close, depression was higher irrespective of loneliness.

Discussion

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected older adults’ mental health and social well-being in the short term. Potential long-term impacts are considered.
Exacerbating Inequalities: Social Networks, Racial/Ethnic Disparities, and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States
Authors: Gauthier Gertrude R , Smith Jeffrey A , García Catherine , Garcia Marc A , Thomas Patricia A
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The disruption and contraction of older adults’ social networks are among the less discussed consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to provide an evidence-based commentary on racial/ethnic disparities in social network resources and draw attention to the ways in which disasters differentially affect social networks, with meaningful insight for the ongoing pandemic.

Methods

We draw upon prior research on social networks and past natural disasters to identify major areas of network inequality. Attention is given to how pre-pandemic racial/ethnic network disparities are exacerbated during the current crisis, with implications for physical and mental health outcomes.

Results

Evidence from the literature shows a robust association between strong social networks and physical and mental health outcomes. During times of crisis, access to social networks for older adults is disrupted, particularly for marginalized groups. We document pre-pandemic disparities in social networks resources and offer insight for examining the impact of COVID-19 on disrupting social networks among older adults.

Discussion

Importantly, racial/ethnic disparities in social networks both prior to and as a result of the pandemic intensify existing inequalities and demonstrate the necessity of better understanding social network inequalities for marginalized older adults, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 health crisis.
Dual Trajectories of Dementia and Social Support in the Mexican-Origin Population
Authors: Rote Sunshine M , Angel Jacqueline L , Kim Jiwon , Markides Kyriakos S
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

In the next few decades, the number of Mexican American older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders will increase dramatically. Given that this population underutilizes formal care services, the degree of care responsibilities in Mexican American families is likely to increase at the same time. However, little is known about the changing need for assistance with instrumental day-to-day activities and emotional support by long-term patterns of cognitive impairment.

Research Design and Methods

We use 7 waves of the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (1992/1993–2010/2011) and trajectory modeling to describe long-term patterns of perceived emotional and instrumental support, and dementia.

Results

Results revealed 2 latent classes of both emotional and instrumental support trajectories: low and high support. Specifically, those living alone were more likely to belong to the group with low support than to that with high support. Three latent classes for likely dementia were also revealed: likely dementia, increasing impairment, and no impairment. Those living alone were more likely to belong to the increasing impairment and likely dementia groups. The dual trajectory of emotional and instrumental support with likely dementia revealed that the probability of belonging to the low-support group was highest for those with increasing impairment.

Discussion and Implications

These findings highlight the risk and vulnerability of those who live alone concerning perceived social support and dementia. Implications of the findings for the potential dependency burden on Latino caregivers are discussed.
Changes in Subjective Age During COVID-19
Authors: Terracciano Antonio , Stephan Yannick , Aschwanden Damaris , Lee Ji Hyun , Sesker Amanda A , Strickhouser Jason E , Luchetti Martina , Sutin Angelina R
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

To examine the change in subjective age with the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Two competing hypotheses were tested: (a) people felt increasingly older due to the stress generated by the pandemic and (b) people felt increasingly younger due to psychological distancing from older age, a vulnerability to COVID-19.

Research Design and Methods

An age- and sex-stratified sample of adults from across the United States (baseline N = 3,738) was assessed on 3 occasions: before the COVID-19 outbreak in late January/early February and during the outbreak in late March and again in late April. Multilevel modeling analysis examined the change in subjective age and tested potential moderators of individual differences in the trajectory of subjective age.

Results

The average trajectory of subjective age followed a concave curve, with a nadir (feeling younger) during the second assessment in late March. Older age, negative expectations about aging, absence of preexisting conditions, and less stress during COVID-19 were associated with feeling younger but did not predict the rate of change. The only significant predictor of change in subjective age was the belief that the “coronavirus is only a threat to older adults”: The more individuals agreed with this statement, the more likely it was that they felt increasingly younger at follow-up.

Discussion and Implications

Subjective age changed during a global health crisis, with people feeling younger with the emergence of COVID-19. The findings support the hypothesis that subjective age partly reflects a coping process of psychological distancing from older age, the age group most vulnerable to COVID-19.
The capsular polysaccharides of Pasteurella multocida serotypes B and E: Structural, genetic and serological comparisons
Authors: Michael Frank St , Cairns Chantelle M , Fleming Perry , Vinogradov Evgeny V , Boyce John D , Harper Marina , Cox Andrew D
Published: August 2020

We describe the structural characterization of the capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) of Pasteurella multocida serotypes B and E. CPS was isolated following organic solvent precipitation of the supernatant from flask grown cells. Structural analysis utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy enabled the determination of the CPS structures and revealed significant structural similarities between the two serotypes, but also provided an explanation for the serological distinction. This observation was extended by the development of polyclonal sera to the glycoconjugate of serotype B CPS that corroborated the structural likenesses and differences. Finally, identification of these structures enabled a more comprehensive interrogation of the genetic loci and prediction of roles for some of the encoded proteins in repeat unit biosynthesis.
The health promoting sports club model: an intervention planning framework
Authors: Van Hoye Aurélie , Johnson Stacey , Geidne Susanna , Donaldson Alex , Rostan Florence , Lemonnier Fabienne , Vuillemin Anne
Published: August 2020

Researchers and policymakers acknowledge sports clubs (SCs) as health promoting settings. Limited research links the health promoting sports club (HPSC) concept with evidence-driven strategies to provide SCs guidance to develop health promotion (HP) interventions. As implementation science insists on theoretically grounded interventions, the present work’s objective was to provide SCs an evidence-driven intervention framework for planning, developing and implementing HP initiatives. Four iteratively sequenced steps were undertaken: (i) investigation of ‘health promoting’ indicators, (ii) adaptation of the HPSC concept to create the HPSC model, (iii) formulation of published evidence-driven guidelines into strategies and implementable intervention components (ICs) and (iv) merging the HPSC model with the ICs to create an intervention planning framework for SCs. First, researchers drafted five HPSC indicators. Second, they defined three SC levels (macro, meso and micro) and four health determinants (organizational, environmental, economic and social) to create an HPSC model. Third, researchers used published guidelines to develop 14 strategies with 55 ICs. Fourth, three workshops (one each with French master-level sport students, French sport and health professionals and Swedish sport and health professionals) had participants classify the ICs into the model. The HPSC model and intervention framework are starting points to plan, select and deliver interventions to increase SC HP. This planning framework is usable in several ways: (i) clubs can apply strategies to achieve specific goals, (ii) clubs can target specific levels with corresponding ICs and (iii) ICs can be used to address particular health determinants.
Relationship between maternal healthy eating literacy and healthy meal provision in families in Japan
Authors: Yoshii Emi , Akamatsu Rie , Hasegawa Tomoko , Fukuda Kazuhiko
Published: August 2020

This study examined the effects of maternal healthy eating literacy (HEL) on healthy meal provision in Japanese families. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey with 1899 mothers of pre-school children. Participants were divided into two groups based on their median score of eating out and consuming convenience foods, and demographic variables were compared between these groups. We assessed associations between HEL and healthy meal provision using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and multiple linear regression with healthy meal provision as the dependent variable and HEL as the independent variable, adjusting for age, education, work styles, household income, number of children and whether participants lived with a partner. Mothers exhibiting high scores on eating out/consuming convenience foods were more likely to be employed (p = 0.004), have only one child (p = 0.034), have lower education (p=0.011) and exhibit lower healthy meal provision (p < 0.001) and HEL scores (p < 0.001). In addition, HEL was associated with healthy meal provision (β = 0.34, p < 0.001). Among mothers with higher scores on eating out/consuming convenience foods, HEL was associated with healthy meal provision (β = 0.32, p < 0.001). This study suggests that maternal HEL is associated with healthy meal provision regardless of the degree of eating out/consuming convenience food. Thus, interventions to improve maternal HEL can help mothers to provide healthy meals when they eat out or consume convenience foods as family meals.
DARS2 is indispensable for Purkinje cell survival and protects against cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Rumyantseva Anastasia , Motori Elisa , Trifunovic Aleksandra
Published: August 2020

Leukoencephalopathy with brain stem and spinal cord involvement and lactate elevation disorder (LBSL) arises from mutations in mitochondrial aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (DARS2) gene. The disease has a childhood or juvenile-onset and is clinically characterized by cerebellar ataxia, cognitive decline and distinct morphological abnormalities upon magnetic resonance imaging. We previously demonstrated that neurons and not adult myelin-producing cells are specifically sensitive to DARS2 loss, hence likely the primary culprit in LBSL disorder. We used conditional Purkinje cell (PCs)-specific Dars2 deletion to elucidate further the cell-type-specific contribution of this class of neurons to the cerebellar impairment observed in LBSL. We show that DARS2 depletion causes a severe mitochondrial dysfunction concomitant with a massive loss of PCs by the age of 15 weeks, thereby rapidly deteriorating motor skills. Our findings conclusively show that DARS2 is indispensable for PC survival and highlights the central role of neuroinflammation in DARS2-related PC degeneration.
The Israeli judiciary-centered constitutionalism
Authors: Bendor Ariel L
Published: August 2020

The article argues that over the years a series of gradual developments has taken place in the judicial review policies of Israel’s Supreme Court, whereby the Court expanded its ad hoc discretion in determining the constitutional limits that apply to primary legislation. Israeli constitutionalism has become judiciary-centered. The article suggests that judicial discretion that the Israeli Supreme Court tends to exercise in constitutional matters is of two types: substantive judicial discretion, which concerns the interpretation or application of the law; and adjudicative discretion, which includes both the discretion to deny in limine petitions in which the Court does not deem it necessary to grant relief according to considerations such as standing or delay; and the Court’s discretion in the manner of the hearing. The article suggests three illuminations of Israeli judiciary-centered constitutionalism: expenditure of the justices’ awareness of their discretion; the decline of the rules structuring judicial discretion; and a re-rise of the justices’ recognition of legitimacy of adjudicative discretion due to the expansion of substantive judicial discretion.
Spontaneousrupture of a giant thoracic duct cyst presenting with abdominal pain and a tension chylothorax
Authors: Garner Megan , Duvva Dileep , Gosney John , Buderi Silviu
Published: August 2020

Ruptured thoracic duct cysts are an extremely rare occurrence that may arise spontaneously or due to trauma. Surgical treatment is needed to provide a definitive diagnosis, drain the chylothorax and ligate the thoracic duct to prevent reoccurrence. We report the case of a woman with a ruptured thoracic duct cyst presenting with abdominal pain and subsequent tension chylothorax. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such reported case.
Changes in residential greenness between pregnancies and birth outcomes: longitudinal evidence from Michigan births 1990--2012
Authors: Margerison Claire E , Pearson Amber L , Lin Zihan , Sanciangco Jonnell
Published: August 2020

Background

Residential exposure to greenness is associated with better birth outcomes, but it remains unknown whether this is explained by maternal characteristics associated with both place of residence and birth outcomes. We examined whether changes in residential greenness are associated with preterm birth (PTB) and birthweight.

Methods

We examined cross-sectional associations between maternal exposure to residential greenness [normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] and PTB (<37 weeks of gestation) and birthweight in grams, using all births in Michigan (1990–2012) linked by mother (n = 1 730 424). We used maternal fixed effects analysis to estimate associations within mothers across multiple pregnancies and associations for mothers who did not move, but for whom greenness changed between pregnancies, to mimic an intervention.

Results

Each 0.1-unit change in NDVI was associated with 0.98 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97, 0.99] times lower odds of PTB and a 9.0 (95% CI: 8.1, 9.9)-gram increase in birthweight after adjusting for individual and neighbourhood covariates. When we controlled for time-invariant maternal unmeasured confounders; these associations were close to null [odds ratio (OR): 1.00 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.01); β: -0.3 (95% CI: -2.0, 3.6)]. We did not find a relationship between greenness and birth outcomes among women who did not move between pregnancies, but for whom greenness changed within their residential location (as in an intervention).

Conclusions

Residential greenness does not predict birth outcomes, after controlling for time-invariant maternal characteristics, using longitudinal evidence. Future research should explore residential selection factors, spatial and individual heterogeneity and experimental study designs.
Transitional Justice Standards on Reparations for Women Subjected to Violence in the CEDAW Committee’s Evolving Legal Practice
Authors: Rubio-Marin Ruth , Estrada-Tanck Dorothy
Published: August 2020

Violence against women continues to be one of the most pressing global concerns. Reparations for women victims of violence have been addressed by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women Committee over the last 15 years. This article critically examines the evolving practice of the Committee on reparations, in light of the transitional justice doctrinal and normative acquis on gender-sensitive reparations. We systematize legal interpretations, identify trends and milestones, and link them to transitional justice elements. We also suggest that the transitional justice reparations framework can be, and is in fact being, applied to non-transitional contexts, independent of armed conflict and authoritarian regimes. Further, we propose recommendations for the Committee to engage in a more explicit ‘dialogue’ with these ongoing developments to the benefit of women in their everyday lives and in recognition of the structural dimension of violence against women, even in what are other so-called peaceful and stable societies.
Multi-reference factor analysis: low-rank covariance estimation under unknown translations
Authors: Landa Boris , Shkolnisky Yoel
Published: August 2020

We consider the problem of estimating the covariance matrix of a random signal observed through unknown translations (modeled by cyclic shifts) and corrupted by noise. Solving this problem allows to discover low-rank structures masked by the existence of translations (which act as nuisance parameters), with direct application to principal components analysis. We assume that the underlying signal is of length $L$ and follows a standard factor model with mean zero and $r$ normally distributed factors. To recover the covariance matrix in this case, we propose to employ the second- and fourth-order shift-invariant moments of the signal known as the power spectrum and the trispectrum. We prove that they are sufficient for recovering the covariance matrix (under a certain technical condition) when $r<\sqrt{L}$. Correspondingly, we provide a polynomial-time procedure for estimating the covariance matrix from many (translated and noisy) observations, where no explicit knowledge of $r$ is required, and prove the procedure’s statistical consistency. While our results establish that covariance estimation is possible from the power spectrum and the trispectrum for low-rank covariance matrices, we prove that this is not the case for full-rank covariance matrices. We conduct numerical experiments that corroborate our theoretical findings and demonstrate the favourable performance of our algorithms in various settings, including in high levels of noise.
Prym–Brill–Noether Loci of Special Curves
Authors: Creech Steven , Len Yoav , Ritter Caelan , Wu Derek
Published: August 2020

We use Young tableaux to compute the dimension of $V^r$, the Prym–Brill–Noether locus of a folded chain of loops of any gonality. This tropical result yields a new upper bound on the dimensions of algebraic Prym–Brill–Noether loci. Moreover, we prove that $V^r$ is pure dimensional and connected in codimension $1$ when $\dim V^r \geq 1$. We then compute the 1st Betti number of this locus for even gonality when the dimension is exactly $1$ and compute the cardinality when the locus is finite and the edge lengths are generic.
Riemannian Properties of Engel Structures
Authors: Pia Nicola
Published: August 2020

This paper is about geometric and Riemannian properties of Engel structures. A choice of defining forms for an Engel structure $\mathcal{D}$ determines a distribution $\mathcal{R}$ transverse to $\mathcal{D}$ called the Reeb distribution. We study conditions that ensure integrability of $\mathcal{R}$. For example, if we have a metric $g$ that makes the splitting $TM=\mathcal{D}\oplus \mathcal{R}$ orthogonal and such that $\mathcal{D}$ is totally geodesic then there exists another Reeb distribution, which is integrable. We introduce the notion of K-Engel structures in analogy with K-contact structures, and we classify the topology of K-Engel manifolds. As natural consequences of these methods, we provide a construction that is the analogue of the Boothby–Wang construction in the contact setting, and we give a notion of contact filling for an Engel structure.
Factors Associated With Viral Load Kinetics of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus During the 2015 Outbreak in South Korea
Authors: Yang Jeong-Sun , Yoo Min-Gyu , Lee Hye-Ja , Jang Han Byul , Jung Hee-Dong , Nam Jeong-Gu , Lee Joo-Yeon , Jee Youngmee , Kim Sung Soon
Published: August 2020

We conducted a retrospective study of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) viral load kinetics using data from patients hospitalized with MERS-CoV infection between 19 May and 20 August 2015. Viral load trajectories were considered over the hospitalization period using 1714 viral load results measured in serial respiratory specimens of 185 patients. The viral load levels were significantly higher among nonsurvivors than among survivors (P = .003). Healthcare workers (P = .001) and nonspreaders (P < .001) had significantly lower viral loads. Viral RNA was present on the day of symptom onset and peaked 4–10 days after symptom onset.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Authors: Decker Michael D , Edwards Kathryn M
Published: August 2020

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. All ages are susceptible. In the prevaccine era, almost all children became infected. Pertussis is particularly dangerous in young infants, who account for practically all hospitalizations and deaths, but clinical disease is burdensome at any age. Widespread use of pertussis vaccines dramatically reduced cases, but concern over adverse reactions led to the replacement of standard whole-cell by acellular pertussis vaccines that contain only a few selected pertussis antigens and are far less reactogenic. Routine administration of acellular pertussis vaccines combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids is recommended in infancy with toddler and preschool boosters, at age 11, and during pregnancy. Boosting in the second half of every pregancy is critical to protection of the newborn. Waning of vaccine immunity over time has become an increasing concern, and several new pertussis vaccines are being evaluated to address this problem.
Clinical and Epidemiological Features of 46 Children <1 Year Old With Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Wuhan, China: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Liu Xinghua , Tang Jianqiao , Xie Rong , Li Wei , Chen Jianying , Guo Yan , Zhang Bo , Zhang Yue , Wang Juanjuan , Peng Cao , Lei Xiao , Luo Qunying , Zhang Qiong , Li Yunqiao
Published: August 2020

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases has exceeded 10 million. However, little is known about the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 infants. We collected medical information of 46 confirmed patients (<1 year old) and retrospectively analyzed epidemiological history, clinical symptoms, and laboratory test results. The median age was 5 (interquartile range, 2–7) months. Sixteen cases had fever and 27 cases had cough. Moderate disease was present in 40 cases and cardiac injury occurred in 38 cases, following by liver dysfunction in 20 cases and lymphopenia in no cases. Of all infant patients, 2 received invasive mechanical ventilation and 1 died with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
Relative Severity of Common Human Coronaviruses and Influenza in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Respiratory Infection: Results From 8-Year Hospital-Based Surveillance in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Gilca Rodica , Carazo Sara , Amini Rachid , Charest Hugues , De Serres Gaston
Published: August 2020

Background

Few data exist concerning the role of common human coronaviruses (HCoVs) in patients hospitalized for acute respiratory infection (ARI) and the severity of these infections compared with influenza.

Methods

Prospective data on the viral etiology of ARI hospitalizations during the peaks of 8 influenza seasons (from 2011–2012 to 2018–2019) in Quebec, Canada, were used to compare patients with HCoV and those with influenza infections; generalized estimation equations models were used for multivariate analyses.

Results

We identified 340 HCoV infections, which affected 11.6% of children (n = 136) and 5.2% of adults (n = 204) hospitalized with ARI. The majority of children (75%) with HCoV infections were also coinfected with other respiratory viruses, compared with 24% of the adults (P < .001). No deaths were recorded in children; 5.8% of adults with HCoV monoinfection died, compared with 4.2% of those with influenza monoinfection (P = .23). The risk of pneumonia was nonsignificantly lower in children with HCoV than in those with influenza, but these risks were similarly high in adults. Markers of severity (length of stay, intensive care unit admissions, and case-fatality ratio) were comparable between these infections in multivariate analyses, in both children and adults.

Conclusions

In children and adults hospitalized with ARI, HCoV infections were less frequent than influenza infections, but were as severe as influenza monoinfections.
Under the Radar: Epidemiology of Plasmodium ovale in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Mitchell Cedar L , Brazeau Nicholas F , Keeler Corinna , Mwandagalirwa Melchior Kashamuka , Tshefu Antoinette K , Juliano Jonathan J , Meshnick Steven R
Published: August 2020

Background

Plasmodium ovale is an understudied malaria species prevalent throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. Little is known about the distribution of ovale malaria and risk factors for infection in areas of high malaria endemicity.

Methods

Using the 2013 Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Demographic and Health Survey, we conducted a risk factor analysis for P. ovale infections. We evaluated geographic clustering of infections and speciated to P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri through deep sequencing.

Results

Of 18 149 adults tested, we detected 143 prevalent P. ovale infections (prevalence estimate 0.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], .59%–.98%). Prevalence ratios (PR) for significant risk factors were: male sex PR = 2.12 (95% CI, 1.38–3.26), coprevalent P. falciparum PR = 3.52 (95% CI, 2.06–5.99), and rural residence PR = 2.19 (95% CI, 1.31–3.66). P. ovale was broadly distributed throughout the DRC; an elevated cluster of infections was detected in the south-central region. Speciation revealed P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri circulating throughout the country.

Conclusions

P. ovale persists broadly in the DRC, a high malaria burden country. For successful elimination of all malaria species, P. ovale needs to be on the radar of malaria control programs.
Upsurge of Conjugate Vaccine Serotype 4 Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Clusters Among Adults Experiencing Homelessness in California, Colorado, and New Mexico
Authors: Beall Bernard , Walker Hollis , Tran Theresa , Li Zhongya , Varghese Jasmine , McGee Lesley , Li Yuan , Metcalf Benjamin J , Gierke Ryan , Mosites Emily , Chochua Sopio , Pilishvili Tamara
Published: August 2020

After 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction in the United States in 2000, invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) due to serotype 4 greatly decreased in children and adults. Starting in 2013, serotype 4 IPD incidence increased among adults within 3 of 10 Active Bacterial Core surveillance sites. Of 325 serotype 4 cases among adults in 2010–2018, 36% were persons experiencing homelessness (PEH); incidence of serotype 4 IPD among PEH was 100–300 times higher than in the general population within these 3 areas. Genome sequencing for isolates recovered 2015–2018 (n = 246), revealed that increases in serotype 4 IPD were driven by lineages ST10172, ST244, and ST695. Within each lineage, clusters of near-identical isolates indicated close temporal relatedness. Increases in serotype 4 IPD were limited to Colorado, California, and New Mexico, with highest increases among PEH, who were at increased risk for exposure to and infections caused by these strains.
Pretransplant CMV-Specific T-Cell Immunity But Not Dose of Antithymocyte Globulin Is Associated With Recovery of Specific Immunity After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Páez-Vega Aurora , Cantisán Sara , Agüera Maria L , Suñer Marta , Facundo Carmen , Yuste Jose R , Fernández-Ruiz Mario , Montejo Miguel , Redondo-Pachón Dolores , López-Oliva Maria O , Fernández-Rodríguez Ana , Fariñas Maria C , Hernández Domingo , Len Oscar , Muñoz Patricia , Valle-Arroyo Jorge , Rodelo-Haad Cristian , Cordero Elisa , Torre-Cisneros Julián
Published: August 2020

Background

This is a prospective, multicenter, observational study in cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seropositive kidney transplant recipients with pretransplant CMV-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMV-CMI) receiving antithymocyte globulin (ATG). We aimed to investigate posttransplant CMV-CMI over time and the impact of the dose-dependent ATG.

Methods

CMV-CMI was assessed at days +30, +45, +60, and +90 after transplantation with the QuantiFERON-CMV assay. A reactive result (interferon-γ [IFN-γ] ≥ 0.2 IU/mL) indicated a positive CMV-CMI.

Results

A total of 78 positive CMV-CMI patients were enrolled in the study, of which 59.5% had a positive CMV-CMI at day +30 and 82.7% at day +90. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ATG dose was not associated with positive CMV-CMI at any point. However, pretransplant IFN-γ level (>12 IU/mL vs ≤12 IU/mL) was associated with positive CMV-CMI at day +30 (odds ratio, 12.9; 95% confidence interval, 3.1–53.3; P < .001). In addition, all the patients who did not recover CMV-CMI at day +90 had a pretransplant IFN-γ level ≤12 IU/mL.

Conclusions

More than half of CMV-seropositive kidney transplant recipients receiving ATG recover (or maintain) CMV-CMI by the first month after transplantation. The pretransplant IFN-γ level, but not the ATG dose, shows a strong association with the kinetics of this recovery.
The role of non-governmental development organizations in the implementation of lymphatic filariasis programmes
Authors: Bush Simon , Richards Frank O , Zhang Yaobi
Published: August 2020

The Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Non-governmental Development Organization (NGDO) Network was established to engage in supporting both international and national LF elimination agendas covering areas such as assisting ministries of health as an on-the-ground link between communities and programmes, which additionally gives the Network members an important voice from the field at international meetings; playing key roles in programme evolution (especially helping to both scale up and scale down mass drug administration [MDA] as elimination thresholds are met); having a role in operational research and developing new programme delivery models that can be taken to scale (such as linkages with other disease programmes and approaches to morbidity management and disability prevention); developing advocacy and policy approaches with other partners; convening other important stakeholders (academic, technical, programmatic and funding); mobilizing financial and technical resources to support programmes; supporting national human resource capacity building to catalyse national ownership of LF programmes; providing leadership in LF governance structures and working in areas of conflict to ensure that everybody in LF-endemic areas enjoys treatment services. Three case studies will illustrate the roles identified for NGDOs in LF programmes covering development of operational research, policy and advocacy linkage between LF and malaria programmes; launching LF morbidity management projects and NGDO's ability to work and deliver LF services in areas of conflict. In addition, the case studies will show the role of NGDOs in mobilising financial and technical resources that support national human resources, leading to national ownership of programmes. Conclusions will be drawn on the role of NGDOs in the Global Alliance for LF elimination and the need for continued partnerships to reach programme goals.
Multiple developmental pathways lead to the generation of CD4 T-cell memory
Authors: Hojyo Shintaro , Tumes Damon , Murata Akihiko , Tokoyoda Koji
Published: August 2020

Long-term immunological memory mediated by CD4 T cells provides a rapid protection against previously encountered pathogens or antigens. However, it is still controversial how memory CD4 T cells are generated and maintained. Unclear definitions of T-cell memory may be partially responsible for this controversy. It is becoming clear that diverse pathways are responsible for the differentiation and long-term persistence of memory T cells. We herein discuss the diversity of memory cell generation, describing a novel population of resting memory CD4 T cells and their precursors.
Multiplex real-time PCR assays for the prediction of cephalosporin, ciprofloxacin and azithromycin antimicrobial susceptibility of positive Neisseria gonorrhoeae nucleic acid amplification test samples
Authors: Peterson S W , Martin I , Demczuk W , Barairo N , Naidu P , Lefebvre B , Allen V , Hoang L , Hatchette T F , Alexander D , Tomas K , Trubnikov M , Wong T , Mulvey M R
Published: August 2020

Background

The incidence of antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) is rising in Canada; however, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance data are unavailable for infections diagnosed directly from clinical specimens by nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), representing over 80% of diagnoses. We developed a set of 10 improved molecular assays for surveillance of GC-AMR and prediction of susceptibilities in NAAT specimens.

Methods

Multiplex real-time PCR (RT–PCR) assays were developed to detect SNPs associated with cephalosporin (ponA, porB, mtrR −35delA, penA A311V, penA A501, N513Y, G545S), ciprofloxacin (gyrA S91, parC D86/S87/S88) and azithromycin [23S (A2059G, C2611T), mtrR meningitidis-like promoter] resistance. The assays were validated on 127 gonococcal isolates, 51 non-gonococcal isolates and 50 NAATs with matched culture isolates. SNPs determined from the assay were compared with SNPs determined from in silico analysis of WGS data. MICs were determined for culture isolates using the agar dilution method.

Results

SNP analysis of the 50 NAAT specimens had 96% agreement with the matched culture RT–PCR analysis. When compared with MICs, presence of penA A311V or penA A501 and two or more other SNPs correlated with decreased susceptibility and presence of three or more other SNPs correlated with intermediate susceptibility to cephalosporins; presence of any associated SNP correlated with ciprofloxacin or azithromycin resistance. NAAT-AMR predictions correlated with matched-culture cephalosporin, ciprofloxacin and azithromycin MICs at 94%, 100% and 98%, respectively.

Conclusions

We expanded molecular tests for N. gonorrhoeae AMR prediction by adding new loci and multiplexing reactions to improve surveillance where culture isolates are unavailable.