bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics between Regional Sex Ratios at Birth and Sex Ratios at Prime Marriageable Ages in China
Authors: Xiong Wanru
Published: March 2022

Following the homeostatic principle in demography and the notion of a sex ratio transition, I propose a self‐corrective mechanism to describe the dynamics of regional sex ratios in China. The mechanism consists of two pathways: (1) internal migration redistributes men and women across regions in a way that reduces highly skewed regional sex ratios at prime marriageable ages (SRM); and (2) a competitive marriage market for men reduces parental incentives for son‐biased sex selection, thus lowering sex ratios at birth (SRB). The mechanism suggests several hypotheses about the dynamics between regional SRBs and SRMs. I test these hypotheses using prefecture‐level sex ratios in four Chinese population censuses from 1982 to 2010. I use regression analyses that control for prefectural demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Results show that prefectures with higher SRBs in 1982 and 1990 experienced a greater decline in sex ratios of residents when the birth cohort reached marriageable ages in 2000 and 2010, respectively, resulting in a weak correlation between SRBs and subsequent SRMs in the same prefecture. Prefectural SRBs in 2000 and 2010 were negatively correlated with contemporary SRMs—a one‐unit higher prefectural SRM was associated with an approximately 0.3‐unit lower SRB in 2000 and 0.2‐unit lower SRB in 2010. Changes in prefectural SRBs between 1990 and 2010 are negatively correlated with changes in SRMs during the same period. The empirical findings are consistent with the implications of the proposed self‐corrective mechanism, suggesting that sex ratios may be subject to homeostatic forces within the population system.
High‐throughput phenotyping reveals differential transpiration behaviour within the banana wild relatives highlighting diversity in drought tolerance
Authors: Eyland David , Luchaire Nathalie , Cabrera‐Bosquet Llorenç , Parent Boris , Janssens Steven B. , Swennen Rony , Welcker Claude , Tardieu François , Carpentier Sebastien C.
Published: March 2022

Crop wild relatives, the closely related species of crops, may harbour potentially important sources of new allelic diversity for (a)biotic tolerance or resistance. However, to date, wild diversity is only poorly characterized and evaluated. Banana has a large wild diversity but only a narrow proportion is currently used in breeding programmes. The main objective of this study was to evaluate genotype‐dependent transpiration responses in relation to the environment. By applying continuous high‐throughput phenotyping, we were able to construct genotype‐specific transpiration response models in relation to light, VPD and soil water potential. We characterized and evaluated six (sub)species and discerned four phenotypic clusters. Significant differences were observed in leaf area, cumulative transpiration and transpiration efficiency. We confirmed a general stomatal‐driven ‘isohydric’ drought avoidance behaviour, but discovered genotypic differences in the onset and intensity of stomatal closure. We pinpointed crucial genotype‐specific soil water potentials when drought avoidance mechanisms were initiated and when stress kicked in. Differences between (sub)species were dependent on environmental conditions, illustrating the need for high‐throughput dynamic phenotyping, modelling and validation. We conclude that the banana wild relatives contain useful drought tolerance traits, emphasising the importance of their conservation and potential for use in breeding programmes.
Solitary cutaneous infantile myofibroma as a hallmark of myofibromatosis: Two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Braun Mitchell , Pascual Micah , Mully Thaddeus , Phelps Andrew , Prok Lori , Shah Sonal D. , Kohn Lucinda L.
Published: March 2022

Infantile myofibroma (IM) commonly presents as a benign cutaneous fibrous tumor in infancy. Although the majority of solitary IM regress without any morbidity, some cases have underlying bone or visceral involvement that can lead to both morbidity and mortality. In this report with review of the literature, we present two cases of solitary cutaneous IM with internal involvement and discuss screening cases of solitary IM with full body imaging.
Complete resolution of alopecia totalis following chemotherapy for B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: L’Ecuyer Ariane , Ronsley Rebecca , Lam Joseph , Dix David B.
Published: March 2022

Alopecia totalis (AT) is a cosmetically debilitating chronic disease characterized by non‐scarring hair loss of the entire scalp. The clinical course of AT is highly unpredictable, and effective durable treatment options are limited. The resolution of alopecia has been reported post‐autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; however, no cases of AT remission following chemotherapy alone have been described. Herein, we present a case of complete remission of AT following chemotherapy for B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a pediatric patient.
Prescription of online hemodiafiltration (ol‐HDF)
Authors: Canaud Bernard , Davenport Andrew
Published: March 2022

HDF prescription should be able to satisfy the delivery of an optimal dialytic convective dose. Several factors are implicated in this endeavor. High blood flow rate is crucial to warranty processing an adequate blood volume and to ensure the highest shear rate per fiber needed to cleanse and prevent membrane fouling. A highly permeable dialyzer is needed with a surface area aligned to blood flow and performance needs. Anticoagulation requires specific adaptation in case of low molecular weight heparin use. By default, HDF prescription modality should ideally start by postdilution mode with a stepwise increment of convective dose by probing patient tolerance and efficacy. Alternative substitution modality should be considered if dialytic convective dose could not be achieved in the usual time frame. Convective dose prescription relies either on a manual mode (pressure control or volume control) or on automated mode (ultrafiltration control) depending on the technical options of the HDF machines. Dialysate flow rate is regulated by the HDF machine but should preferably keep constant dialysis fluid flowing the dialyzer with a Qb:Qd ratio of 1.4. Treatment time should not be reduced with HDF prescription. Treatment time should fit with patient tolerance (hemodynamic, osmotic, and solute shifts) and overall solute removal efficiency. Electrolytic prescription does not require specific adjustments as compared with conventional dialysis, but the patient needs to be monitored regularly and dialysate electrolyte adjusted to lab tests. A stepwise approach for implementing ol‐HDF is preferable depending on the initial condition of the patient. Three particular cases may be considered: late‐stage chronic kidney disease patient transitioning to renal replacement therapy, stable dialysis patient switching to HDF, and unstable or fragile patient or specific treatment schedule. Optimal dosing of HDF and personalized care to ensure treatment adequacy is the main goal for renal replacement therapy to improve patient outcomes. That should be ensured with HDF treatment.
Phylogenomics of the Aphididae: Deep relationships between subfamilies clouded by gene tree discordance, introgression and the gene tree anomaly zone
Authors: Owen Christopher L. , Miller Gary L.
Published: March 2022

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are a lineage of ~5200 plant‐feeding insects most abundant in temperate regions. The diversification of aphids is thought to be a rapid radiation, whereas abiotic and biotic factors heavily influence the morphologies. These factors have clouded the taxonomy at all taxonomic ranks, and the effect can be viewed in many incongruent molecular and morphological phylogenies. In this study, we address this problem using both genome and transcriptome data to estimate the phylogenomic relationships between 12 subfamilies with 48 ingroup taxa. We predicted a novel well‐curated dataset of phylogenetically consistent orthologues that included 3162 genes to estimate a concatenated maximum likelihood and multi‐species coalescent species trees. Our results suggest that there are three main clades of Aphididae subfamilies, which are congruent with a previous Sanger sequencing‐based phylogenetic study. However, the relationship between the three clades of subfamilies is clouded by gene tree discordance, introgression and parent–child branches along the backbone that fall within the gene tree anomaly zone. In addition, our results suggest an introgression event between two agriculturally important species of aphids within the subfamily Aphidinae. Our research provides the first phylogenomic study of the Aphididae subfamilies and a foundation for future molecular and morphological studies into this adaptive radiation of insects.
Integrative taxonomy solves taxonomic impasses: a case study from Epyrinae (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae)
Authors: Colombo Wesley D. , Tribull Carly M. , Waichert Cecilia , Azevedo Celso O.
Published: March 2022

We apply integrative taxonomy to solve a historical taxonomic impasse in a flat wasp group (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae). The phylogeny of Epyrinae is inferred with parsimony analyses under equal and implied weights, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference using the nuclear markers 18S and 28S, the mitochondrial genes 16S, cytochrome oxidase subunit I and cytochrome B and 232 morphological characters. This is the first phylogenetic study to examine all 42 epyrine genera, including junior synonyms and extinct taxa, applying a combined molecular and morphological approach. This study considered 186 terminal taxa with 166 representing the ingroup taxa and 20 outgroup taxa. All resulting trees of the combined analyses recovered Anisepyris Kieffer, Aspidepyris Evans, Bakeriella Kieffer, Disepyris Kieffer, Laelius Ashmead and Trachepyris Kieffer as monophyletic; Chlorepyris Kieffer, Epyris Westwood, Formosiepyris Terayama and Holepyris Kieffer are non‐monophyletic. Calyozina Enderlein is recovered as an independent lineage in implied weights, Bayesian and maximum likelihood topologies. Here, we describe three new genera and revalidate six genera, five of them junior synonyms of Epyris and one of Holepyris. In addition, we analysed the presence/absence of a sulcus between the mesoscuto‐scutellar foveae and the shape of mesoscuto‐scutellar foveae as the most important taxonomic characters for Epyrinae using ancestral state reconstruction. Finally, we provide a checklist of all species of Epyrinae, compiled via direct observation of the type, illustrations, or literature and an updated and illustrated taxonomic key for all epyrine genera.
Understanding the correlation between destination distribution and urban built environment from taxi GPS data
Authors: Liu Fang , Bi Wei , Tang Jinjun , Hao Wei
Published: March 2022

Exploring the relationship between travel destinations and urban built environments can help to conduct reasonable measurements in urban transportation planning. Destination distribution is affected by various factors, and quantitative description of the spatial effects is a challenge in factor correlation analysis. In this study, inhomogeneous Poisson point processes are proposed to model the correlation between destination distribution and related categories of variables, including land use, trip origin distribution, demographic information, and transport networks. First, five models based on inhomogeneous Poisson point processes are constructed, considering different combinations of variables. Second, diagnostic methods, including the G‐function, smoothed residuals, and parameter influence function, are applied to evaluate the models' performance. Finally, in experiments, the taxi GPS trajectory data collected in Shenzhen City, China, are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Moreover, in the discussion, the variations of variable coefficients in different time periods (workdays, weekends, and holidays) are analyzed and explained. The results of this study may enhance understanding of the correlation between travel patterns and urban structure.
Multiple follicular abnormalities in a 1‐year old cat consistent with basaloid follicular hamartomas
Authors: Moog Fabien , Demorieux Véronique , Gaide Nicolas , Semin Marie O. , Abadie Jérôme , Zacharopoulou Maria , Marinovic Lucrecija , Delverdier Maxence , Degorce‐Rubiales Frédérique , Cadiergues Marie C.
Published: March 2022

Background

In humans, basaloid follicular hamartomas are benign follicular tumours, that can be solitary or multiple, in which case they show autosomal dominant inheritance.

Hypothesis/Objectives

This study describes clinical and histopathological findings observed in a young cat, which could be consistent with basaloid follicular hamartomas.

Case description

Multiple follicular abnormalities, consistent with cutaneous diffuse basaloid follicular hamartomas, were observed in skin samples from a one‐year old neutered domestic short hair cat. Clinical signs were diffuse symmetrical alopecia with exaggerated skin markings (ventral abdomen, thorax and medial aspects of the limbs) and intense follicular‐centred thickening (face and feet). Microscopic lesions were characterised by multiple proliferative follicular abnormalities in all samples. The epidermis showed a very irregular surface with the follicles filled with variably pigmented keratin. The epithelial walls of the follicles had multiple small hyperplastic basaloid cells foci. In the superficial dermis under the epidermis and around the follicles, fibroblastic spindle‐shaped mesenchymal cells with a homogeneous moderate density were present in the collagenous connective tissue. The interfollicular epidermis was also abnormal with multiple small proliferating trichoblastic foci originating from the basal layer. RNAscope testing for feline papillomavirus was negative.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

This case report provides the first evidence of clinical and histopathological findings of multiple follicular abnormalities, consistent with cutaneous diffuse basaloid follicular hamartomas in a cat.
Weak D type 42: Antigen density and risk of alloimmunization in the province of Québec
Authors: Morin Pierre‐Aurèle , Perreault Josée , St‐Louis Maryse , Leiva‐Torres Gabriel André , Robitaille Nancy , Trépanier Patrick
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

A high proportion of suspected weak D patients referred to Héma‐Québec were genotyped as weak D type 42 (368/2105, 17.5%). These patients are currently considered D with regard to RhD immunoprophylaxis in pregnancy and transfusion. The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the risk of alloimmunization in weak D type 42 patients and to characterize their RhD surface molecule expression on red blood cells (RBCs) in comparison to other weak D types (1, 2 and 3).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis using the weak D type 42 patients' medical data to verify potential anti‐D alloimmunization events was conducted. Quantitative analyses using flow cytometry were also performed on RBCs to quantify the cell surface density of the D antigen.

Results

Data on 215 subjects with weak D type 42 were reviewed. None developed immune allo‐anti‐D; three had definite exposure to D+ red cells and 41 had possible exposure through pregnancy. Flow cytometry analysis showed that weak D types 1, 2, 3 and 42 had relative antigen densities of 2.7%, 2.2%, 8.1% and 3.6%, respectively, with R1R2 red cells referencing 100% density. The estimated antigen density range of weak D type 42 was 819–1104 sites per RBC.

Conclusion

Our retrospective alloimmunization data analysis and antigen density study establish a basis for the consideration of a weak D type 42 individual as D+. This consideration would allow for a targeted reduction of RhD immunoprophylaxis in pregnancy and the unjustified use of D– units for transfusion.
Physiological aspects of pig kidney xenotransplantation and implications for management following transplant
Authors: Hansen‐Estruch Christophe , Cooper David K.C. , Judd Eric
Published: March 2022

Successful organ transplantation between species is now possible, using genetic modifications. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the differences and similarities in kidney function between humans, primates, and pigs, in preparation for pig‐allograft to human xenotransplantation. The kidney, as the principal defender of body homeostasis, acts as a sensor, effector, and regulator of physiologic feedback systems. Considerations are made for anticipated effects on each system when a pig kidney is placed into a human recipient. Discussion topics include anatomy, global kidney function, sodium and water handling, kidney hormone production and response to circulating hormones, acid–base balance, and calcium and phosphorus handling. Based on available data, pig kidneys are anticipated to be compatible with human physiology, despite a few barriers.
Protectores del Patrimonio Cultural: una propuesta lúdica como recurso educativo
Authors: Ceferino Gallo Osvaldo
Published: March 2022

Protectores del Patrimonio Cultural es una propuesta lúdica y un recurso educativo que durante el año 2019 se puso en práctica en diferentes establecimientos educativos de San Andrés de Giles, distrito de la provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina), y que se enmarcó dentro del Plan de Protección y Resguardo del Patrimonio Cultural de San Andrés de Giles (Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina). Con este juego se identificaron y analizaron los bienes del patrimonio cultural y arquitectónico y las consecuencias de su destrucción o conservación. El presente trabajo detalla la implementación de este recurso en el aula y su asimilación por parte de la comunidad educativa (docentes y alumnos)
Auditory changes following firearm noise exposure, a review
Authors: Sonstrom Malowski Kristine , Gollihugh Lindsay H. , Malyuk Heather , Le Prell Colleen G.
Published: March 2022

Firearms produce peak sound pressure levels (peak SPL) between ∼130 and 175 dB peak SPL, creating significant risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in those exposed to firearm noise during occupational, recreational, and/or military operations. Noise-induced tinnitus and hearing loss are common in military service members, public safety officers, and hunters/shooters. Given the significant risk of NIHL due to firearm and other noise sources, there is an interest in, and demand for, interventions to prevent and/or treat NIHL in high-risk populations. However, research and clinical trial designs assessing NIHL prevention have varied due to inconsistent data from the literature, specifically with end point definitions, study protocols, and assessment methodologies. This article presents a scoping review of the literature pertaining to auditory changes following firearm noise exposure. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity of the study designs. Recommendations regarding audiologic test approach and monitoring of populations at risk for NIHL are presented based on critical review of the existing literature.
Drawing the mind, one neuron at a time
The Brain in Search of Itself: Santiago Ramón y Cajal and the Story of the Neuron
Benjamin Ehrlich
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2022. 464 pp.
Authors: Gomez-Marin Alex
Published: March 2022

A new biography celebrates the Spaniard who founded modern neuroscience
Schrödinger’s Oxford years
Schrödinger in Oxford
David C. Clary
World Scientific, 2022. 420 pp.
Authors: O’Raifeartaigh Cormac
Published: March 2022

A welcome new tome offers an incomplete portrait of a flawed genius
Enhanced Cross-Reactive and Polyfunctional Effector-Memory T Cell Responses by ICVAX—a Human PD1-Based Bivalent HIV-1 Gag-p41 Mosaic DNA Vaccine
Authors: Chen Samantha M. Y. , Wong Yik Chun , Yim Lok Yan , Zhang Haoji , Wang Hui , Lui Grace Chung Yan , Li Xin , Tang Xian , Cheng Lin , Du Yanhua , Peng Qiaoli , Wang Jinlin , Kwok Hau-yee , Huang Haode , Lau Thomas Tsz-Kan , Chan Denise Pui Chung , Wong Bonnie Chun Kwan , Liu Li , Chakrabarti Lisa A. , Lee Shui Shan , Chen Zhiwei
Published: March 2022

This study presents that ICVAX, a PD1-based DNA vaccine against HIV-1, could induce broad and polyfunctional T cell responses against different HIV-1 subtypes. ICVAX encodes a recombinant antigen consisting of the human soluble PD1 domain fused with two mosaic Gag-p41 antigens.
Antiviral Activity of Olanexidine-Containing Hand Rub against Human Noroviruses
Authors: Ettayebi Khalil , Salmen Wilhelm , Imai Kaoru , Hagi Akifumi , Neill Frederick H. , Atmar Robert L. , Prasad B. V. Venkataram , Estes Mary K.
Published: March 2022

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are highly contagious and cause nonbacterial acute gastroenteritis in all age groups worldwide. Since the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, HuNoVs have become the leading cause of diarrheal illness in children.
Defective Interfering Viral Particle Treatment Reduces Clinical Signs and Protects Hamsters from Lethal Nipah Virus Disease
Authors: Welch Stephen R. , Spengler Jessica R. , Harmon Jessica R. , Coleman-McCray JoAnn D. , Scholte Florine E. M. , Genzer Sarah C. , Lo Michael K. , Montgomery Joel M. , Nichol Stuart T. , Spiropoulou Christina F.
Published: March 2022

Here, we demonstrate that treatment with defective interfering particles (DIs), a natural by-product of viral infection, can significantly improve the clinical course and outcome of viral disease. When present with their parental virus, DIs can directly or indirectly alter viral propagation kinetics and exert potent inhibitory properties in cell culture.
Complete Coding Genome Sequence of Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus Isolated from
Penaeus
(
Litopenaeus
)
vannamei
Shrimp in Ecuador
Authors: Bajaña Leandro , Betancourt Irma , Bayot Bonny
Published: March 2022

Infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), recognized as
Penaeus stylirostris
penstyldensovirus 1 (PstDV1), has been associated with the runt-deformity syndrome (RDS) in cultured
Penaeus
(
Litopenaeus
)
vannamei
and
Penaeus monodon
shrimp. Here, we report the second published genome sequence of IHHNV, which was isolated from
P. vannamei
shrimp cultured in Ecuador.
Structural Domains of CIF3 Required for Interaction with Cytokinesis Regulatory Proteins and for Cytokinesis Initiation in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Kurasawa Yasuhiro , Lee Kyu Joon , Li Ziyin
Published: March 2022

Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division and is regulated by a signaling pathway conserved from yeast to humans. Cytokinesis in
Trypanosoma brucei
, an early-branching protozoan parasite causing human sleeping sickness, is regulated by mechanisms that are distinct from those of its human host, employing a number of trypanosome-specific regulatory proteins to cooperate with evolutionarily conserved regulators.
A 265-Nanometer High-Power Deep-UV Light-Emitting Diode Rapidly Inactivates SARS-CoV-2 Aerosols
Authors: Ueki Hiroshi , Ito Mutsumi , Furusawa Yuri , Yamayoshi Seiya , Inoue Shin-ichiro , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: March 2022

We developed a 265-nm high-power DUV-LED irradiation system and quantitatively demonstrated that the DUV-LED can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in suspensions and aerosols within very short irradiation times. We also found that the inactivation effect was about nine times greater against aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 than against SARS-CoV-2 suspensions.
IL-6 Prevents Lung Macrophage Death and Lung Inflammation Injury by Inhibiting GSDME- and GSDMD-Mediated Pyroptosis during Pneumococcal Pneumosepsis
Authors: Gou Xuemei , Xu Wenchun , Liu Yusi , Peng Yang , Xu Wenlong , Yin Yibing , Zhang Xuemei
Published: March 2022

Pneumococcal pneumonia has been a significant cause of morbidity and mortality throughout human history. Failing to control pneumococcal pneumonia and resolve ongoing inflammation in a host can cause sepsis, namely pneumococcal pneumosepsis, and death ensues. Few theories have suggested an optimally therapeutic option for this infectious disease.
CpxA Phosphatase Inhibitor Activates CpxRA and Is a Potential Treatment for Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in a Murine Model of Infection
Authors: Fortney Kate R. , Smith Sara N. , van Rensburg Julia J. , Brothwell Julie A. , Gardner Jessi J. , Katz Barry P. , Ahsan Nagib , Duerfeldt Adam S. , Mobley Harry L. T. , Spinola Stanley M.
Published: March 2022

The increasing prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to antibiotic-resistant uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) is a major public health concern. Bacteria contain proteins that sense their environment and have no human homologs and, thus, are attractive drug targets.
Tectonic burial of sedimentary rocks drives the building of juvenile crust of magmatic arc
Authors: Qin Sheng-Kai , Zhang Ze-Ming , Palin Richard M. , Ding Hui-Xia , Dong Xin , Tian Zuo-Lin
Published: March 2022

Continental arcs grow primarily by addition of mantle-derived magmas, thus forming juvenile crust, although geophysical evidence, alongside field investigation of exhumed terranes, show that supracrustal rocks are common components of the lower portions of continental arcs. The mechanisms by which metasedimentary rocks are transported to the deep arc crusts and their contributions to the juvenile arc crusts are ambiguous. Here, we conduct a systematic petrological, geochronological, and geochemical study of pelitic migmatites within Late Cretaceous meta-gabbros from the lower crust of the eastern Gangdese arc, southern Tibet. Our results show that the pelitic migmatites were derived from the Late Carboniferous sedimentary rocks of the upper arc crust, have significantly enriched Sr-Nd-Hf-O isotopic compositions, and underwent Late Cretaceous (95–80 Ma) high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism and partial melting at ~850 °C and 15 kbar to generate voluminous granitic melts. This indicates that the eastern Gangdese arc underwent significant crustal thickening and chemical differentiation during the final stages of subduction of the Neo-Tethys. We suggest that the metasedimentary rocks were transported into the lower crust of the Gangdese arc by underthrusting of arc crust and accretion of mantle-derived magma, and the deeply buried supracrustal rocks altered the petrological constitution and chemical compositions of juvenile lower arc crust, and assimilated the mantle- and juvenile crust-derived melts. We propose that tectonic burial of sedimentary rocks is a key mechanism driving the building and reworking of juvenile crust of magmatic arcs throughout most of geological time.
Supplemental Material: Cretaceous to Oligocene magmatic and tectonic evolution of the western Alaska Range: Insights from U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology
Authors: III J.V. Jones , al. et
Published: March 2022

Complete descriptions of all U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar analytical methods together with detailed analytical data for all samples.
Ontogenic Changes in Coloration of Rare Deepwater Richardson’s Ray Bathyraja richardsoni (Arhynchobatidae, Rajiformes, Chondrichthyes)
Authors: Orlov A. M. , Rabazanov N. I. , Nikiforov A. I.
Published: March 2022

The features of the coloration of the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the rare deep-sea Richardson’s ray Bathyraja richardsoni (Arhynchobatidae) in the length range from 14 to 146 cm have been studied and its ontogenetic changes have been traced. New data on the coloration of embryos, immature, maturing, and sexually mature individuals are presented. It is shown that variations in the coloration of the dorsal surface are insignificant, while the coloration of the ventral surface can vary significantly. The data obtained can be used in taxonomic and population studies, in the development of keys for species identification, in the preparation of faunal overviews and field guides, to facilitate understanding the features of coloration and its changes in deep-sea animals living in permanent darkness, and to expand knowledge about certain aspects of macro- and microevolution of deep-sea skates.
Association between covid-19 vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and risk of immune mediated neurological events: population based cohort and self-controlled case series analysis
Authors: Li Xintong , Raventós Berta , Roel Elena , Pistillo Andrea , Martinez-Hernandez Eugenia , Delmestri Antonella , Reyes Carlen , Strauss Victoria , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Burn Edward , Duarte-Salles Talita
Published: March 2022

Objective

To study the association between covid-19 vaccines, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and risk of immune mediated neurological events.

Design

Population based historical rate comparison study and self-controlled case series analysis.

Setting

Primary care records from the United Kingdom, and primary care records from Spain linked to hospital data.

Participants

8 330 497 people who received at least one dose of covid-19 vaccines ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, or Ad.26.COV2.S between the rollout of the vaccination campaigns and end of data availability (UK: 9 May 2021; Spain: 30 June 2021). The study sample also comprised a cohort of 735 870 unvaccinated individuals with a first positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test result for SARS-CoV-2 from 1 September 2020, and 14 330 080 participants from the general population.

Main outcome measures

Outcomes were incidence of Bell’s palsy, encephalomyelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and transverse myelitis. Incidence rates were estimated in the 21 days after the first vaccine dose, 90 days after a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2, and between 2017 and 2019 for background rates in the general population cohort. Indirectly standardised incidence ratios were estimated. Adjusted incidence rate ratios were estimated from the self-controlled case series.

Results

The study included 4 376 535 people who received ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, 3 588 318 who received BNT162b2, 244 913 who received mRNA-1273, and 120 731 who received Ad26.CoV.2; 735 870 people with SARS-CoV-2 infection; and 14 330 080 people from the general population. Overall, post-vaccine rates were consistent with expected (background) rates for Bell’s palsy, encephalomyelitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Self-controlled case series was conducted only for Bell’s palsy, given limited statistical power, but with no safety signal seen for those vaccinated. Rates were, however, higher than expected after SARS-CoV-2 infection. For example, in the data from the UK, the standardised incidence ratio for Bell’s palsy was 1.33 (1.02 to 1.74), for encephalomyelitis was 6.89 (3.82 to 12.44), and for Guillain-Barré syndrome was 3.53 (1.83 to 6.77). Transverse myelitis was rare (<5 events in all vaccinated cohorts) and could not be analysed.

Conclusions

No safety signal was observed between covid-19 vaccines and the immune mediated neurological events of Bell’s palsy, encephalomyelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and transverse myelitis. An increased risk of Bell’s palsy, encephalomyelitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome was, however, observed for people with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Validation of Visual Analogue Scales of job demand and job control at the workplace: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dutheil Frederic , Pereira Bruno , Bouillon-Minois Jean-Baptiste , Clinchamps Maëlys , Brousses Georges , Dewavrin Samuel , Cornet Thomas , Mermillod Martial , Mondillon Laurie , Baker Julien S , Schmidt Jeannot , Moustafa Farès , Lanhers Charlotte
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Work-related stress is a major concern. One of the best performing models is the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) of Karasek, assessing job demand and job control using 18 items. However, the JCQ is long and complex. Visual Analogue Scales (VASs) are easy to use and quick to implement. VASs have been validated to assess pain and occupational stress; however, VASs demand and control have not been evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to validate the use of VAS demand and control compared with the 18 items of the JCQ.

Design

We implemented a cross-sectional observational study, by administering a self-reported questionnaire to the users of Wittyfit software, with a second test (retest) proposed 1 week later. In addition to JCQ, VAS demand and control, we measured sociodemographic outcomes, as well as characteristics of work, sleep, well-being, stress, depression and anxiety.

Participants

190 volunteers French workers using WittyFit software participated in the study, and 129 completed the test–retest.

Results

VAS demand and VAS control correlated with the two Karasek domains from the JCQ, respectively, at 0.59 and 0.57 (p<0.001). Test–retest reliability highlighted concordance coefficients higher than 0.70. Sensitivity was higher than 70% for each VAS. External validity was acceptable. For both demand and control, VAS cut-offs were 75/100. Compared with other workers, senior executives and individuals with master’s degrees had higher levels of job control but did not differ in job demand using the VAS and JCQ.

Conclusions

VAS demand and VAS control are valid, quick, easy to use, and reliable tools for the assessment of job demand and job control. They can be used in daily clinical practice for primary prevention and diagnosis. However, when results are over 75 mm on VAS, we promote the use of JCQ to be more discriminant and specific to initiate action plans to help workers.

Trial registration number

NCT02596737.
Protocol for a prospective, hospital-based registry of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection in India: PregCovid Registry study
Authors: Gajbhiye Rahul K , Mahajan Niraj N , Waghmare Rakesh , Surve Suchitra V , Howal Prashant , Bhurke Aishwarya , Pious Merlin , Modi Deepak N , mahale Smita D
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Pregnant women are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 due to several factors and therefore require special attention. However, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women and their newborns remain uncharted. The PregCovid registry aims to document the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant, postpartum women and their newborns. The aim of the registry is also to determine mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in India.

Methods and analysis

PregCovid is a hospital-based registry for capturing information of pregnant, postpartum women with COVID-19 and their newborns in India. Medical case records of pregnant and postpartum women with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 will be captured in real-time using an online electronic patient record software. The data analysis will be carried out for symptoms, the severity of COVID-19, pregnancy complications, maternal morbidity and mortality, neonatal complications, mother-to-child transmission, etc. Data analysis will be carried out for different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic for rapid response and developing strategies well in advance to manage pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. The evidence generated from the registry will be regularly shared with the appropriate authorities for policy decisions. Thus, the registry data may be useful for planning the strategies for better management of pregnant women with COVID-19.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Institutional Ethics Committees of all the participating study sites under the Medical Education and Drugs Department, Government of Maharashtra, Topiwala National Medical College & BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai and ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India. The results from this study will be disseminated with local, state, and national health authorities, collaborators and the general population on the study website (https://pregcovid.com) as well as dissemination through scientific meetings and publications.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2020/05/025423.
WHO standards-based tools to measure service providers’ and service users’ views on the quality of hospital child care: development and validation in Italy
Authors: Lazzerini Marzia , Mariani Ilaria , de Melo e Lima Tereza Rebecca , Felici Enrico , Martelossi Stefano , Lubrano Riccardo , Lucarelli Annunziata , Trobia Gian Luca , Cogo Paola , Peri Francesca , Nisticò Daniela , Were Wilson Milton , Baltag Valentina , Muzigaba Moise , Barbi Egidio
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Evidence showed that, even in high-income countries, children and adolescents may not receive high quality of care (QOC). We describe the development and initial validation, in Italy, of two WHO standards-based questionnaires to conduct an assessment of QOC for children and young adolescents at inpatient level, based on the provider and user perspectives.

Design

Multiphase, mixed-methods study.

Setting, participants and methods

The two questionnaires were developed in four phases equally conducted for each tool. Phase 1 which included the prioritisation of the WHO Quality Measures according to predefined criteria and the development of the draft questionnaires. In phase 2 content face validation of the draft questionnaires was assessed among both experts and end-users. In phase 3 the optimised questionnaires were field tested to assess acceptability, perceived utility and comprehensiveness (N=163 end-users). In phase 4 intrarater reliability and internal consistency were evaluated (N=170 and N=301 end-users, respectively).

Results

The final questionnaires included 150 WHO Quality Measures. Observed face validity was excellent (kappa value of 1). The field test resulted in response rates of 98% and 76% for service users and health providers, respectively. Among respondents, 96.9% service users and 90.4% providers rated the questionnaires as useful, and 86.9% and 93.9%, respectively rated them as comprehensive. Intrarater reliability was good, with Cohen’s kappa values exceeding 0.70. Cronbach alpha values ranged from 0.83 to 0.95, indicating excellent internal consistency.

Conclusions

Study findings suggest these tools developed have good content and face validity, high acceptability and perceived utility, and good intrarater reliability and internal consistency, and therefore could be used in health facilities in Italy and similar contexts. Priority areas for future research include how tools measuring paediatric QOC can be more effectively used to help health professionals provide the best possible care.
Study protocol to quantify the genetic architecture of sonographic cervical length and its relationship to spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: Wolf Hope M , Romero Roberto , Strauss Jerome F , Hassan Sonia S , Latendresse Shawn J , Webb Bradley T , Tarca Adi L , Gomez-Lopez Nardhy , Hsu Chaur-Dong , York Timothy P
Published: March 2022

Introduction

A short cervix (cervical length <25 mm) in the midtrimester (18–24 weeks) of pregnancy is a powerful predictor of spontaneous preterm delivery. Although the biological mechanisms of cervical change during pregnancy have been the subject of extensive investigation, little is known about whether genes influence the length of the cervix, or the extent to which genetic factors contribute to premature cervical shortening. Defining the genetic architecture of cervical length is foundational to understanding the aetiology of a short cervix and its contribution to an increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery.

Methods/analysis

The proposed study is designed to characterise the genetic architecture of cervical length and its genetic relationship to gestational age at delivery in a large cohort of Black/African American women, who are at an increased risk of developing a short cervix and delivering preterm. Repeated measurements of cervical length will be modelled as a longitudinal growth curve, with parameters estimating the initial length of the cervix at the beginning of pregnancy, and its rate of change over time. Genome-wide complex trait analysis methods will be used to estimate the heritability of cervical length growth parameters and their bivariate genetic correlation with gestational age at delivery. Polygenic risk profiling will assess maternal genetic risk for developing a short cervix and subsequently delivering preterm and evaluate the role of cervical length in mediating the relationship between maternal genetic variation and gestational age at delivery.

Ethics/dissemination

The proposed analyses will be conducted using deidentified data from participants in an IRB-approved study of longitudinal cervical length who provided blood samples and written informed consent for their use in future genetic research. These analyses are preregistered with the Center for Open Science using the AsPredicted format and the results and genomic summary statistics will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Relationship between social support and incident hypertension in the Jackson Heart Study: a cohort study
Authors: Harding Barbara N , Hawley Caitlin N , Kalinowski Jolaade , Sims Mario , Muntner Paul , Young Bessie A , Heckbert Susan R , Floyd James S
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Social support may be an important mitigating factor against adverse cardiovascular outcomes by facilitating health-promoting behaviours or by buffering against the negative effects of stress. This study examined the association of social support with incident hypertension.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

We evaluated the association of social support with incident hypertension among participants in the Jackson Heart Study, a community-based cohort of African Americans.

Participants

This study included African American adults, who were free of hypertension at baseline (2000–2004). Functional social support, structural social support and satisfaction with social support were assessed at baseline among 1516, 1240 and 1503 participants, respectively.

Outcome measures

Incident hypertension was assessed at follow-up examinations in 2005–2008 and 2009–2013. Incident hypertension was defined by the first visit with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg or self-reported antihypertensive medication use. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate the association of baseline social support with incident hypertension, adjusting for relevant confounders.

Results

At baseline, the mean age of participants was 50 years and 64% were men. During a median follow-up time of 6.9 years, 54% of participants developed hypertension. A high level of functional social support was associated with lower risk of incident hypertension (incident rate ratio 0.64, (95% CI 0.41 to 0.97)), compared with a low level of functional social support. Level of structural social support and satisfaction with social support were not associated with hypertension risk.

Conclusions

These results suggest that greater functional support may be associated with a lower risk of incident hypertension.
Acupuncture therapies for postherpetic neuralgia: a protocol for a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Bian Zhiyuan , Yu Jie , Tu Mingqi , Liao Binjun , Huang Jingmei , Izumoji Genki , Sun Ruohan , Xu Yunyun , Jiang Yongliang , He Xiaofen , Fang Jianqiao
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common sequela of herpes zoster, and it is often refractory to guideline-recommended treatments. Acupuncture therapy, a wildly applied complementary-alternative treatment, may help in the management of PHN. Diverse types of acupuncture therapy for PHN have been proposed, however, their comparative efficacies remain unclear. This study protocol plans to compare the efficacy and safety of different acupuncture therapies for PHN.

Methods and analysis

Databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database, Wanfang Database, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov, Chinese Clinical Trial Register and OpenGrey will be searched from their inception to January 2022. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy on the management of PHN will be selected. The primary outcome is pain intensity. Secondary outcomes include negative emotions, sleep condition, quality of life and adverse events. Reviewers will conduct study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment procedures. Then, standard pair-wised meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis will be performed (if applicable). The Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis application will be used to assess the confidence in the evidence for the primary outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

All data used for this study will be extracted from published RCTs, thus, no ethical approval will be required. The results of this systematic review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal and conference presentation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020219576.
Impact of disease activity outcome measures reporting in the medical records of patients with axial spondyloarthritis on the retention rates of biological treatment: the example of secukinumab use in daily practice in France
Authors: Dougados Maxime , Lucas Julien , Desfleurs Emilie , Lukas Cédric , Saraux Alain , Tournadre Anne , Ruyssen-Witrand Adeline , Wendling Daniel , Goupille Philippe , Claudepierre Pascal
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To estimate the frequency of reporting composite indices evaluating axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) disease activity in daily practice and to assess its impact on the secukinumab (SEC) retention rate.

Methods

Study design: Retrospective, multicentre. Data collected: (1) Recommended composite indices: Bath Ankylosing Spondyltitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) +C reactive protein or Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) at the time of initiation of SEC and at least once during the first year of follow-up; (2) Drug retention rate: percentage of patients still on SEC over time according to whether at least one recommended composite index had been optimally reported.

Results

A recommended composite index has been collected in 22% of the 906 enrolled axSpA patients. The percentage of patients still on treatment after 1, 2 and 3 years of follow-up was greater in those for whom at least one composite index had been optimally reported (respectively, 64% (57–71) vs 57% (54–61), 55% (48–62) vs 41% (38–45) and 52% (44–59) vs 38% (34–42), log rank test, p=0.016) with a lower risk of SEC discontinuation for these patients (HR: 0.70 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.88), Cox model, p=0.003).

Conclusion

This study suggests that reporting of recommended composites indices for monitoring axSpA might be associated with higher retention rates of biological therapies.