bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of C-Reactive Protein Levels on Differentiating of Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome From Japanese Spotted Fever
Authors: Kawaguchi Takeshi , Umekita Kunihiko , Yamanaka Atsushi , Hara Seiichiro , Yamaguchi Tetsuro , Inoue Eisuke , Okayama Akihiko
Published: October 2020

Background

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging viral hemorrhagic fever in China, Korea, and Japan. Japanese spotted fever (JSF), which belongs to spotted fever group rickettsioses, is also endemic to Western Japan. Patients with SFTS and those with JSF display many of the same clinical manifestations. Sudden fever, rash, tick bite, and neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms may be seen in both infections, but the frequency and severity of each disease have not been compared and studied. Because laboratory confirmation of pathogens takes time, it is important to predict diagnosis of SFTS vs JSF based on the features of the clinical characteristics at the initial presentation, particularly in primary care settings.

Methods

We conducted a case series review at 4 medical facilities in Miyazaki, Japan. Based on the medical records, clinical and laboratory characteristics were compared between patients with SFTS and those with JSF.

Results

Eighty-one patients were enrolled in this study, including 41 with SFTS and 40 with JSF. The absence of rash (P < .001), leukopenia (P < .001), and normal C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P < .001) were the variables distinguishing SFTS from JSF. Normal CRP levels (≤1.0 mg/dL) had a 95% sensitivity (84%–99%) and 97% specificity (87%–100%) for SFTS, with a positive likelihood ratio of 37.1 (5.35–257).

Conclusions

Normal serum CRP levels were shown to differentiate SFTS from JSF with a very high probability.
Dynamic mechanical analysis in materials science: The Novice’s Tale
Authors: Patra Sudeshna , Ajayan Pulickel M , Narayanan Tharangattu N
Published: October 2020

There are a few useful textbooks and online materials available on dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) but no short and succinct article that will be useful for a beginner. Here we are providing a brief introductory overview of DMA, followed by details of the different types of measurements possible with a typical DMA instrument. Some of the important measures needing to be taken in these analyses are also summarized, along with the possibilities of designing new experiments with the help of a DMA instrument. Oscillatory stress/strain-assisted studies of two different types of membranes—a polymer membrane and a membrane which consists of assembled ultra-thin oxidized graphene flakes—are discussed at the end. These studies show the vast possibilities of DMA in understanding the different aspects of solids, such as their phase transitions, microstructure, damping, complex interactions in the composite matrix, and also about the mechanical modulus of the solid membrane. Hence this article discusses the new avenues for DMA in different fields and takes the reader from the fundamentals to its advanced applicability.
Unnecessary ultrasounds in children with undescended testes: An interrogation of the impact of the Choosing Wisely campaigns and clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Milford Karen , Pokarowski Martha , Chua Michael , Lorenzo Armando , Koyle Martin
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Over the past decade, clinical practice guidelines and educational campaigns have counselled against the use of routine ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of undescended testes (UDT). We aimed to establish whether or not there has been change in the proportion of children with UDT undergoing pre-referral US prior to referral to our centre over this period. We also sought to determine whether type of referring specialist, UDT diagnosis, and patient distance from the hospital had impacted the rate of pre-referral US.

Methods

A select sample of hospital charts of children undergoing orchidopexy at a single tertiary paediatric urological referral centre between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed. Data regarding age at surgery, cryptorchidism diagnosis, type of referring physician, patient distance from institution, and evidence of US as part of diagnostic work-up were extracted.

Results

Five hundred charts were examined. Referring provider specialty impacted the number of US ordered (P=0.01). On subset analysis, paediatricians ordered fewer US for children with palpable UDT in 2014 (P=0.03). In 2018, community urologists ordered no US (P=0.02). These findings had temporal relationships with guideline release. The proportion of children undergoing US each year remained consistently between 50% and 62%, except in 2014, when only 36% had US. Distance from hospital and UDT diagnosis were of no significance.

Conclusion

Despite clinical practice guidelines and Choosing Wisely campaign recommendations, significant numbers of children with UDT still undergo US. Transient changes in sub-specialty guideline adherence are observed. Strategies to improve sustained guideline awareness in referring clinicians need to be considered.
Molecular and morphological assessment of tropical sponges in the subfamily Phyllospongiinae, with the descriptions of two new species
Authors: Abdul Wahab Muhammad Azmi , Wilson Nerida G , Prada Diana , Gomez Oliver , Fromont Jane
Published: October 2020

Sponges in the subfamily Phyllospongiinae are important components of coral reefs. However, significant taxonomic inconsistencies exist in this group due to the lack of useful morphological characters for species delineation. This study assesses the systematics of some common phyllospongiinids in the genera Carteriospongia, Phyllospongia and Strepsichordaia from tropical Australia and the Red Sea, by using a multigene approach that utilizes the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2, the complete ribosomal 18S rRNA and three 28s rRNA gene regions (D1‒D2, D3‒D5 and D6‒D8), which produced a phylogenetic framework in which complementary morphological taxonomic assessments were performed. Type specimens were included, where available, and six species clades were recovered, including the well-established Phyllospongia papyracea and Strepsichordaia lendenfeldi. Carteriospongia foliascens, the type species for the genus Carteriospongia, is transferred to the genus Phyllospongia, resulting in Carteriospongia becoming a synonym of Phyllospongia. Consequently, Carteriospongia flabellifera is removed from Carteriospongia and is reinstated to its original designation of Polyfibrospongia flabellifera. Two new species, Phyllospongia bergquistae sp. nov. and Polyfibrospongia kulit sp. nov., are described. With phyllospongiinid sponges increasingly used as models for assessing the effects of climate change and anthropogenic stressors, this study provides a reliable systematics framework for the accurate identification of common phyllospongiinids across the Indo-Pacific.
Complete Genome Sequence Data of Nonpathogenic Strain Rhizobium vitis VAR03-1, a Biological Control Agent for Grapevine Crown Gall Disease
Authors: Noutoshi Yoshiteru , Toyoda Atsushi , Ishii Tomoya , Saito Kirara , Watanabe Megumi , Kawaguchi Akira
Published: October 2020

Crown gall disease in grapevine is caused by pathogenic strains of Rhizobium vitis with a tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmids. A nonpathogenic strain, VAR03-1 of R. vitis, has been isolated from the grapevine root of nursery stock and it was shown to act as a biological control agent to crown gall disease. Its disease-suppressive effect was observed even when it was coinoculated with the pathogen in a 1:1 ratio. Here, we present the complete genome data of R. vitis VAR03-1, assembled by sequencing reads obtained by both PacBio and Illumina technologies with annotation. This genome sequence could contribute to investigations of the molecular basis underlying the biocontrol activity as well as the root-colonization ability of this bacterial strain.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Radiographic Evaluation of Cervical Disk Replacement
Authors: McCarthy Michael H. , Louie Philip K. , York Philip J. , Othman Yahya A. , Vaishnav Avani S. , Sato Kosuke , Lee Ryan , Huang Russel C. , Albert Todd J. , Qureshi Sheeraz A.
Published: October 2020

Study Design:

This was a retrospective review.

Objective:

Provide a validated method of radiographic evaluation of cervical disk replacement (CDR) patients linked to outcomes.

Summary of Background Data:

Preoperative radiographic criteria for CDRs and the impact of intraoperative positioning remain without formalized guidelines. The association between preexisting degenerative changes, optimal implant positioning, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are not well understood. Our study establishes a systematic radiographic evaluation of preoperative spondylosis, implant placement, and associated clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Preoperative radiographs for CDR patients were evaluated for disk height, facet arthrosis, and uncovertebral joint degeneration. Postoperative radiographs were scored based on the position of the CDR implant on anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs. PROMs including Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) arm pain, VAS neck pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Short Form 12 physical health (SF12-PCS) and mental health (SF12-M) were collected preoperatively, at early follow, and at late follow-up.

Results:

A total of 115 patients were included. Preoperative disk height had the highest reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.798). Facet arthrosis had the lowest intraclass correlation coefficient at 0.563. Preoperative disk height scores showed a significant correlation with AP radiographs and implant positioning score. Patients with more advanced uncovertebral degenerative changes showed less improvement 6 months postoperatively, based on SF-12 PCS scores (R
2=0.446, P=0.025). Postoperative implant position on lateral radiograph showed a significant correlation with SF-12 MCS scores at follow-up beyond 6 months (R
2=0.385, P=0.011). Overall postoperative implant position scores demonstrated significant correlation with SF-12 PCS (R
2=0.350, P=0.046) scores.

Conclusion:

This study provides a systematic method of evaluation of preoperative and intraoperative radiographs that can optimize outcomes. On the basis of our study, spine surgeons performing cervical disk replacement surgery should consider: (a) the presence of preexisting uncovertebral joint degeneration can negatively impact outcomes, (b) achieving optimal implant positioning can be increasingly difficult with more severe loss of disk height, and (c) overall implant position as judged on AP and lateral fluoroscopy can impact outcomes.
Severity-Adjusted ICU Mortality Only Tells Half the Truth—The Impact of Treatment Limitation in a Nationwide Database
Authors: Kaufmann Mark , Perren Andreas , Cerutti Bernard , Dysli Christine , Rothen Hans Ulrich ,   on behalf of the Swiss Society of Intensive Care Medicine
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

The influence of different forms of treatment limitation on mortality rate in the ICU is not known despite the common use of the latter as a quality indicator. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of treatment limitation and its influence on ICU mortality rate. Primary outcomes were prevalence of treatment limitation and its influence on severity-adjusted ICU mortality rate. Secondary outcomes included the association of limitation with age, sex, type of admission, diagnostic group, treatment intensity, and length of ICU stay.

Design:

Retrospective, observational study.

Setting:

All Swiss adult ICUs.

Interventions:

None.

Patients:

A total of 166,764 patients were admitted to an ICU in 2016 and 2017. Of these, 9139 were excluded because of readmission or invalid coding.

Measurements and Main Results:

Of 157,625 ICU patients, 20,916 (13.3%) had a fully defined treatment limitation. Among this group, treatment limitation was defined upon ICU admission in 12,854 (61%), the decision to limit treatment was based on the patient’s advance directives in 9,951 (48%), and in 15,341 (73%), there was a decision to deliberately withhold certain treatment modalities. The mortality odds ratio for the group with a treatment limitation, considering relevant cofactors, was 18.1 (95% CI 16.8–19.4).

Conclusions:

Every seventh patient in a Swiss ICU has some kind of treatment limitation, and this most probably affects the severity-adjusted mortality rate. Thus, mortality data as a quality indicator or benchmark in intensive care can only meaningfully be interpreted if existence, grade, cause, and time of treatment limitation are taken into account.
Fondaparinux Use in Patients With COVID-19: A Preliminary Multicenter Real-World Experience
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Cardillo Giuseppe , Viggiano Giuseppe Vito , Mangiacapra Sara , Cavalli Antonella , Fontanella Andrea , Agrusta Federica , Bellizzi Annamaria , Amitrano Maria , Iannuzzo Mariateresa , Sacco Chiara , Lodigiani Corrado , Di Micco Pierpaolo
Published: October 2020

The use of heparin has been shown to decrease the mortality in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical impact of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with fondaparinux versus enoxaparin among 100 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The incidence of pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, major bleeding (MB), clinically relevant non-MB, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and in-hospital mortality was compared between patients on fondaparinux versus enoxaparin therapy. The 2 groups were homogeneous for demographic, laboratory, and clinical characteristics. In a median follow-up of 28 (IQR: 12–45) days, no statistically significant difference in venous thromboembolism (14.5% vs. 5.3%; P = 0.20), MB and clinically relevant non-MB (3.2% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.76), ARDS (17.7% vs. 15.8%; P = 0.83), and in-hospital mortality (9.7% vs. 10.5%; P = 0.97) has been shown between the enoxaparin group versus the fondaparinux group. Our preliminary results support the hypothesis of a safe and effective use of fondaparinux among patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in internal medicine units.
Tacrolimus Exposure in Obese Patients: and A Case–Control Study in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Robert Vincent , Manos-Sampol Emmanuelle , Manson Thibaut , Robert Thomas , Decourchelle Nicolas , Gruliere Anne-Sophie , Quaranta Sylvie , Moal Valérie , Legris Tristan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in obese (Ob) patients has been poorly studied. In this article, the authors explored the impact of obesity on tacrolimus exposure in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and estimated a more suitable initial dosage in this population.

Methods:

A retrospective, observational, monocentric case–control study was performed in obese KTRs (BMI > 30 kg/m2) who received tacrolimus between 2013 and 2017 (initial dose: 0.15 mg/kg/d) (actual weight). Nonobese (Nob) controls (BMI <30 kg/m2) were matched for age and sex. Weekly centralized monitoring of tacrolimus trough levels was performed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry until the third month (M3). Target trough levels were set between 8 and 10 ng/mL. All patients received antilymphocyte globulin, corticosteroids, and mycophenolate mofetil.

Results:

Of the 541 KTRs, 28 tacrolimus-treated Ob patients were included and compared with 28 NOb-matched controls. With a mean of 22 assays/patient, tacrolimus trough levels were higher in Ob patients (mean 9.9 versus 8.7 ng/mL; P = 0.008); the weight-related dose of Tac was lower at M3 (mean 0.10 versus 0.13 mg/kg/d, P < 0.0001). The tacrolimus concentration to dose (C0/D) was higher in the Ob cohort [mean 116 versus 76 (ng/mL)/(mg/kg/d); P = 0.001]. In Ob patients, a mean decrease of −4.6 mg/d in the 3 months after tacrolimus initiation was required (versus −1.12 in NOb; P = 0.001) to remain within the therapeutic range. Obesity, high mycophenolate mofetil daily dose at M3, and CYP3A5 expression were independently associated with higher tacrolimus exposure. Four dose-adaptation strategies were simulated and compared with the study results.

Conclusions:

An initial dose calculation based on either ideal or lean body weight may allow for faster achievement of tacrolimus trough level targets in Ob KTRs, who are at risk of overexposure when tacrolimus is initiated at 0.15 mg/kg/d. A prospective study is required to validate alternative dose calculation strategies in these patients.
Comprehensive Respiratory Muscle Training Improves Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Choi Hee Eun , Jo Geun Yeol , Do Hwan Kwon , On Cheol Won
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on pulmonary function, respiratory complications, and stroke-related disabilities in patients with acute stroke.

Methods:

One hundred twenty-two subjects with stroke admitted to the stroke rehabilitation center of Inje Hospital between August 2016 and May 2018 were recruited. After the initial exclusion, the remaining patients were assigned to the RMT group (36 patients) or the standard rehabilitation (SR) group (28 patients who did not undergo RMT). A total of 44 patients completed the study, with 22 patients in each group. The RMT program consisted of air-stacking exercise, manually assisted coughing, inspiratory and expiratory muscle strengthening, cough exercises, and respiratory reeducation. Pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength were evaluated before commencement and after 1 mo of RMT. The Functional Ambulation Category score, Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index, Shoulder Abduction and Finger Extension score, and handgrip power were assessed. The incidence of pneumonia was also evaluated.

Results:

Both pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength significantly improved in both groups. However, differences (%) in the RMT group was greater for all parameters of pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength. Respiratory complications at 1 yr were significantly lower in the RMT group (P = .016).

Conclusion:

Four weeks of comprehensive RMT in patients with acute stroke resulted in significantly greater improvements in both pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength than SR. Therefore, RMT has the potential to reduce post-stroke respiratory complications.
Telegenetics
Authors: Peterlin Borut
Published: October 2020

Purpose of review

The aim of the article is to provide an update on recent evidence for utilization and challenges of implementation of telegenetics in the clinical practice.

Recent findings

Implementation of telegenetics in health systems is still limited, below 10%, somewhat higher for cancer genetic counseling. Nevertheless, telegenetic services have been shown useful in the COVID pandemic. Key factors for efficient implementation include a patient-centered approach, engaging the major stakeholders, and incorporating telegenetics into existing health policies. Main barriers remain: limitations to billing and reimbursement, licensure, proper equipment and technical issues, engagement of referring providers and patients, coordination of services with local health providers, and lack of decision-making power. Further rigorous studies are needed to investigate the outcomes of telegenetics and to motivate health policies for change.

Despite continuous evidence of the benefits of telegenetics, its use in health systems remains limited. Further, larger, prospective, randomized, long-term studies are needed to address the outcomes.

Enabling factors contributing to the implementation of telegenetics are patient-centeredness, the involvement of major stakeholders, and aligning telegenetics with the existing national health policies.
Examining the Longitudinal Predictive Relationship Between HIV Treatment Outcomes and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use by Serodiscordant Male Couples
Authors: Jin Harry , Biello Katie , Garofalo Robert , Lurie Mark , Sullivan Patrick S. , Stephenson Rob , Mimiaga Matthew J.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Men who have sex with men are disproportionately burdened by HIV/AIDS, and the advent of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has provided an effective strategy to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Research has shown that improving one partner's health-promoting behaviors increases the likelihood that their partner adopts healthier behaviors. We examined the longitudinal relationship between favorable HIV treatment outcomes with current PrEP use among HIV serodiscordant male partners.

Setting:

Data are from Project Stronger Together, a randomized controlled trial that recruited serodiscordant male couples from Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; and Chicago, IL.

Methods:

Serodiscordant couples completed assessments at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. We analyzed longitudinal data from 120 HIV serodiscordant male partners to assess the relationship between the HIV-negative partner's current PrEP use and their HIV-positive partner's current ART use, ART adherence, and viral load using generalized estimating equation models.

Results:

Fewer than half of the HIV-negative partners were on PrEP at baseline and nearly two-thirds of their HIV-positive partners were virally suppressed. HIV-negative male partners who had partners with an undetectable viral load had greater odds of being a current PrEP user than HIV-negative partners with partners with a detectable viral load.

Conclusion:

Our study highlights the need to develop dyad-level interventions to improve HIV medication use/adherence by HIV serodiscordant male couples. Our findings also suggest that dyad-level interventions may be able to leverage our understanding of how partners can influence each other's health-promoting behaviors to develop programs that improve health outcomes for both partners.
The influence of extinction and counterconditioning procedures on operant evaluative conditioning and intersecting regularity effects
Authors: Hughes Sean , Mattavelli Simone , Hussey Ian , De Houwer Jan
Published: October 2020

One of the most effective methods of influencing what people like and dislike is to expose them to systematic patterns (or ‘regularities’) in the environment, such as the repeated presentation of a single stimulus (mere exposure), two or more stimuli (evaluative conditioning (EC)) or to relationships between stimuli and behaviour (approach/avoidance). Hughes
et al
. (2016)
J. Exp. Psychol. Gen.
145
, 731–754. (
doi:10.1037/xge0000100
) found that evaluations also emerge when regularities in the environment
intersect
with one another. In this paper, we examined if evaluations established via operant EC and intersecting regularities can be undermined via extinction or revised via counterconditioning. Across seven pre-registered studies (
n
= 1071), participants first completed a learning phase designed to establish novel evaluations followed by one of multiple forms of extinction or counterconditioning procedures designed to undo them. Results indicate that evaluations were—
in general
—resistant to extinction and counterconditioning. Theoretical and practical implications along with future directions are discussed.
Highly selective self-condensation of cyclohexanone: the distinct catalytic behaviour of HRF5015
Authors: Peng Xiujing , Zeb Shah , Zhao Jianguo , Zhang Miaomiao , Cui Yu , Sun Guoxin
Published: October 2020

HRF5015, a perfluorosulfonic acid resin catalyst with unique pore structures, was investigated in the catalytic self-condensation of cyclohexanone under mild conditions. The morphology of HRF5015 was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM), and the reaction mechanism was studied by
in situ
diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The effects of reaction time and temperature on the yield of dimer were investigated under the nitrogen atmosphere. The results show that the reaction temperature is low, and especially, the selectivity of the dimer is close to 100%. The apparent activation energy for the dimer formation reaction is 54 kJ mol
−1
. Synergistic action of cluster structure formed by sulfonic groups and nanopores in HRF5015 may be the key factor of high-efficiency catalytic activity and high selectivity.
In situ
infrared spectra indicate that the intermediate is stable in the reaction process. HRF5015 is environmentally friendly and re-usable, which shows good potential in a future application.
Bayesian inference for diffusion processes: using higher-order approximations for transition densities
Authors: Pieschner Susanne , Fuchs Christiane
Published: October 2020

Modelling random dynamical systems in continuous time, diffusion processes are a powerful tool in many areas of science. Model parameters can be estimated from time-discretely observed processes using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods that introduce auxiliary data. These methods typically approximate the transition densities of the process numerically, both for calculating the posterior densities and proposing auxiliary data. Here, the Euler–Maruyama scheme is the standard approximation technique. However, the MCMC method is computationally expensive. Using higher-order approximations may accelerate it, but the specific implementation and benefit remain unclear. Hence, we investigate the utilization and usefulness of higher-order approximations in the example of the Milstein scheme. Our study demonstrates that the MCMC methods based on the Milstein approximation yield good estimation results. However, they are computationally more expensive and can be applied to multidimensional processes only with impractical restrictions. Moreover, the combination of the Milstein approximation and the well-known modified bridge proposal introduces additional numerical challenges.
Three minutes to change preferences: perceptual fluency and response inhibition
Authors: McKean Bryony , Flavell Jonathan C. , Over Harriet , Tipper Steven P.
Published: October 2020

Perceptual fluency and response inhibition are well-established techniques to unobtrusively manipulate preference: objects are devalued following association with disfluency or inhibition. These approaches to preference change are extensively studied individually, but there is less research examining the impact of combining the two techniques in a single intervention. In short (3 min) game-like tasks, we examine the preference and memory effects of perceptual fluency and inhibition individually, and then the cumulative effects of combining the two techniques. The first experiment confirmed that perceptual fluency and inhibition techniques influence immediate preference judgements but, somewhat surprisingly, combining these techniques did not lead to greater effects than either technique alone. The second experiment replicated the first but with changes to much more closely imitate a real-world application: measuring preference after 20 min of unrelated intervening tasks, modifying the retrieval context via room change, and generalization from computer images of objects to real-world versions of those objects. Here, the individual effects of perceptual fluency and inhibition were no longer detected, whereas combining these techniques resulted in preference change. These results demonstrate the potential of short video games as a means of influencing behaviour, such as food choices to improve health and well-being.
Correction notices in psychology: impactful or inconsequential?
Authors: Heyman Tom , Maerten Anne-Sofie
Published: October 2020

Science is self-correcting, or so the adage goes, but to what extent is that indeed the case? Answering this question requires careful consideration of the various approaches to achieve the collective goal of self-correction. One of the most straightforward mechanisms is individual self-correction: researchers rectifying their
own
mistakes by publishing a correction notice. Although it offers an efficient route to correcting the scientific record, it has received little to no attention from a metascientific point of view. We aim to fill this void by analysing the content of correction notices published from 2010 until 2018 in the three psychology journals featuring the highest number of corrections over that timespan based on the Scopus database (i.e.
Psychological Science
with
N
= 58,
Frontiers in Psychology
with
N
= 99 and
Journal of Affective Disorders
with
N
= 57). More concretely, we examined which aspects of the original papers were affected (e.g. hypotheses, data-analyses, metadata such as author order, affiliations, funding information etc.) as well as the perceived implications for the papers’ main findings. Our exploratory analyses showed that many corrections involved inconsequential errors. Furthermore, authors rarely revised their conclusions, even though several corrections concerned changes to the results. We conclude with a discussion of current policies, and suggest ways to improve upon the present situation by (i) preventing mistakes, and (ii) transparently rectifying those mistakes that do find their way into the literature.
A new two-fingered dinosaur sheds light on the radiation of Oviraptorosauria
Authors: Funston Gregory F. , Chinzorig Tsogtbaatar , Tsogtbaatar Khishigjav , Kobayashi Yoshitsugu , Sullivan Corwin , Currie Philip J.
Published: October 2020

Late Cretaceous trends in Asian dinosaur diversity are poorly understood, but recent discoveries have documented a radiation of oviraptorosaur theropods in China and Mongolia. However, little work has addressed the factors that facilitated this diversification. A new oviraptorid from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia sheds light on the evolution of the forelimb, which appears to have played a role in the radiation of oviraptorosaurs. Surprisingly, the reduced arm has only two functional digits, highlighting a previously unrecognized occurrence of digit loss in theropods. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the onset of this reduction coincides with the radiation of heyuannine oviraptorids, following dispersal from southern China into the Gobi region. This suggests expansion into a new niche in the Gobi region, which relied less on the elongate, grasping forelimbs inherited by oviraptorosaurs. Variation in forelimb length and manus morphology provides another example of niche partitioning in oviraptorosaurs, which may have made possible their incredible diversity in the latest Cretaceous of Asia.
No evidence of male-biased sexual selection in a snake with conventional Darwinian sex roles
Authors: Levine Brenna A. , Schuett Gordon W. , Clark Rulon W. , Repp Roger A. , Herrmann Hans-Werner , Booth Warren
Published: October 2020

Decades of research on sexual selection have demonstrated that ‘conventional’ Darwinian sex roles are common in species with anisogamous gametes, with those species often exhibiting male-biased sexual selection. Yet, mating system characteristics such as long-term sperm storage and polyandry have the capacity to disrupt this pattern. Here, these ideas were explored by quantifying sexual selection metrics for the western diamond-backed rattlesnake (
Crotalus atrox
). A significant standardized sexual selection gradient was not found for males (
β
SS
= 0.588,
p
= 0.199) or females (
β
SS
= 0.151,
p
= 0.664), and opportunities for sexual selection (

I
s

) and selection (
I
) did not differ between males (

I
s

= 0.069,
I
= 0.360) and females (

I
s

= 0.284,
I
= 0.424; both
p
> 0.05). Furthermore, the sexes did not differ in the maximum intensity of precopulatory sexual selection (males:
s′
max
= 0.155, females:
s′
max
= 0.080;
p
> 0.05). Finally, there was no evidence that male snout–vent length, a trait associated with mating advantage, is a target of sexual selection (
p
> 0.05). These results suggest a lack of male-biased sexual selection in this population. Mating system characteristics that could erode male-biased sexual selection, despite the presence of conventional Darwinian sex roles, are discussed.
Synchronized emergence under diatom sperm competition
Authors: Shirokawa Yuka , Shimada Masakazu
Published: October 2020

Appropriate timing of mating is crucial for the success of individuals. However, we know little about factors that explain variation in mating time in unicellular organisms. Unicellular eukaryotes often have facultative sexuality, that is, the less frequent sex is occasionally induced after long clonal reproduction. Thus, males originated from clonemates could be non-negligible mating rivals. Using a centric diatom whose clonal cells differentiate into either male or female, we analysed whether males (spermatogonium) compete or cooperate with each other. By analysing differentiation timing with hypotheses based on evolutionary game theory, we estimated that a substantial part of the variation in the mating timing of the diatom can be explained by results of optimization through interactions among selfish individuals rather than cooperation among clonemates. However, the competition is fiercer than expected owing to excessive synchronization, which was realized by adjustment of meiotic duration: cells completed mitotic division in the earlier mating phase took longer to enter into meiosis, whereas late-dividing cells entered into meiosis more quickly. Adjacent cells tended to synchronize, and model analyses suggest that cell–cell interaction can create a gap between the optimal and actual decisions. Our results provide insights into the evolution of cellular decision making and its restriction.
Stress in the city: meta-analysis indicates no overall evidence for stress in urban vertebrates
Authors: Iglesias-Carrasco Maider , Aich Upama , Jennions Michael D. , Head Megan L.
Published: October 2020

As cities continue to grow it is increasingly important to understand the long-term responses of wildlife to urban environments. There have been increased efforts to determine whether urbanization imposes chronic stress on wild animals, but empirical evidence is mixed. Here, we conduct a meta-analysis to test whether there is, on average, a detrimental effect of urbanization based on baseline and stress-induced glucocorticoid levels of wild vertebrates. We found no effect of urbanization on glucocorticoid levels, and none of sex, season, life stage, taxon, size of the city nor methodology accounted for variation in the observed effect sizes. At face value, our results suggest that urban areas are no more stressful for wildlife than rural or non-urban areas, but we offer a few reasons why this conclusion could be premature. We propose that refining methods of data collection will improve our understanding of how urbanization affects the health and survival of wildlife.
The multinomial index: a robust measure of reproductive skew
Authors: Ross Cody T. , Jaeggi Adrian V. , Borgerhoff Mulder Monique , Smith Jennifer E. , Smith Eric Alden , Gavrilets Sergey , Hooper Paul L.
Published: October 2020

Inequality or skew in reproductive success (RS) is common across many animal species and is of long-standing interest to the study of social evolution. However, the measurement of inequality in RS in natural populations has been challenging because existing quantitative measures are highly sensitive to variation in group/sample size, mean RS, and age-structure. This makes comparisons across multiple groups and/or species vulnerable to statistical artefacts and hinders empirical and theoretical progress. Here, we present a new measure of reproductive skew, the multinomial index,M, that is unaffected by many of the structural biases affecting existing indices.Mis analytically related to Nonacs’ binomial index,B, and comparably accounts for heterogeneity in age across individuals; in addition,Mallows for the possibility of diminishing or even highly nonlinear RS returns to age. UnlikeB, however,Mis not biased by differences in sample/group size. To demonstrate the value of our index for cross-population comparisons, we conduct a reanalysis of male reproductive skew in 31 primate species. We show that a previously reported negative effect of group size on mating skew was an artefact of structural biases in existing skew measures, which inevitably decline with group size; this bias disappears when usingM. Applying phylogenetically controlled, mixed-effects models to the same dataset, we identify key similarities and differences in the inferred within- and between-species predictors of reproductive skew across metrics. Finally, we provide an R package,SkewCalc, to estimateMfrom empirical data.
Tracking the introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in coastal Kenya
Authors: Githinji George , de Laurent Zaydah R. , Mohammed Khadija Said , Omuoyo Donwilliams O. , Macharia Peter M. , Morobe John M. , Otieno Edward , Kinyanjui Samson M. , Agweyu Ambrose , Maitha Eric , Kitole Ben , Suleiman Thani , Mwakinangu Mohamed , Nyambu John , Otieno John , Salim Barke , Kasera Kadondi , Kiiru John , Aman Rashid , Barasa Edwine , Warimwe George , Bejon Philip , Tsofa Benjamin , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella , Nokes D. James , Agoti Charles N.
Published: October 2020

We generated 274 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from samples collected during the early phase of the Kenyan pandemic. Phylogenetic analysis identified 8 global lineages and at least 76 independent SARS-CoV-2 introductions into Kenyan coast. The dominant B.1 lineage (European origin) accounted for 82.1% of the cases. Lineages A, B and B.4 were detected from screened individuals at the Kenya-Tanzania border or returning travellers but did not lead to established transmission. Though multiple lineages were introduced in coastal Kenya within three months following the initial confirmed case, none showed extensive local expansion other than cases characterised by lineage B.1, which accounted for 45 of the 76 introductions. We conclude that the international points of entry were important conduits of SARS-CoV-2 importations. We speculate that early public health responses prevented many introductions leading to established transmission, but nevertheless a few undetected introductions were sufficient to give rise to an established epidemic.
Factors associated with initiation of bone-health medication among older adults in primary care in Ireland
Authors: Walsh Mary E. , Nerdrum Mari , Fahey Tom , Moriarty Frank
Published: October 2020

Background

Adults at high risk of fragility fracture should be offered pharmacological treatment when not contraindicated, however under-treatment is common.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with bone-health medication initiation in older patients attending primary care.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

44 general practices in Ireland from 2011-2017.

Subjects

Adults aged ≥65 years who were naïve to bone-health medication for 12 months.

Methods

Overall fracture-risk (based on QFracture) and individual fracture-risk factors were described for patients initiated and not initiated onto medication and compared using generalised linear model regression with Poisson distribution.

Results

Of 36,799 patients (51 % female, mean age 75.4 (SD=8.4)) included, 8% (n=2,992) were observed to initiate on bone-health medication during the study. One fifth of all patients (n=8,193) had osteoporosis or had high fracture-risk but only 21% of them (n=1,687) initiated on medication. Female sex, older age, state-funded health cover and osteoporosis were associated with initiation. Independently of osteoporosis and co-variates, high 5-year QFracture risk for hip (IRR=1.33 (95% CI=1.17-1.50), p<0.01) and all fractures (IRR=1.30 (95% CI=1.17-1.44), p<0.01) were associated with medication initiation. Previous fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, and corticosteroid use were associated with initiation, while liver, kidney, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy showed an inverse association.

Conclusions

Bone-health medication initiation is targeted at patients at higher fracture-risk but much potential under-treatment remains, particularly in those >80 years and with co-morbidities. This may reflect clinical uncertainty in older multimorbid patients, and further research should explore decision-making in preventive bone medication prescribing.

Key points

During this study, 23% of women and 11% of men defined as high-risk of fracture were newly initiated on bone-health medication.

Rates of potential under-treatment were highest in patients over 80 years old.

Fracture history, corticosteroid use, and rheumatoid arthritis were independently associated with medication initiation.

Patients with diabetes, and liver, kidney, or cardiovascular disease were less likely to be initiated on medication.

Clinical guidelines should provide advice on risk-benefit decisions in osteoporosis treatment where co-morbidities are present.
Linked surveillance and genetic data uncovers programmatically relevant geographic scale of Guinea worm transmission in Chad
Authors: Ribado Jessica V. , Li Nancy , Thiele Elizabeth , Lyons Hil , Cotton James A. , Weiss Adam , Ouakou Philippe Tchindebet , Moundai Tchonfienet , Zirimwabagabo Hubert , Guagliardo Sarah Anne J. , Chabot-Couture Guillaume , Proctor Joshua L.
Published: October 2020

Background

Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) was detected in Chad in 2010 after a supposed ten year absence, posing a challenge to the global eradication effort. Initiation of a village-based surveillance system in 2012 revealed a substantial number of dogs infected with Guinea worm, raising questions about paratenic hosts and cross-species transmission.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We coupled genomic and surveillance data from 2012-2018 cases to investigate the modes of transmission between hosts and the geographic connectivity for genetically similar worm populations. Eighty-six variants across three loci on the mitochondrial genome identified 41 genetically distinct worm genotypes. Spatiotemporal modeling reveals genetically identical worms are within a median range of 18.6 kilometers of each other, but largely within approximately 50 kilometers. Genetically identical worms vary in their degree of spatial clustering, suggesting there may be different factors that favor or constrain transmission. Each worm is surrounded by five to ten genetically distinct worms within a 50 kilometer radius. In an independent population, we show that more variants revealed in whole mitochondrial genome data improved the discrimination between worm pairs.

Conclusions/Significance

In the largest study linking genetic and surveillance data to date of Guinea worm cases in Chad, we show genetic similarity and modeling can contribute to understanding local transmission. The overlap of genetically distinct worms in quantitatively identified transmission ranges highlights the necessity for genomic tools to link cases. The improved discrimination between worm pairs from variants identified across the complete mitochondrial genome indicates expanding genomic markers could link cases at a finer scale. These results suggest that scaling up genomic surveillance for Guinea worm may provide additional value for programmatic decision-making critical for monitoring cases and intervention efficacy to achieve elimination.
Structural brain imaging predicts individual-level task activation maps using deep learning
Authors: Ellis David G. , Aizenberg Michele R.
Published: October 2020

Accurate individual functional mapping of task activations is a potential tool for biomarker discovery and is critically important for clinical care. While structural imaging does not directly map task activation, we hypothesized that structural imaging contains information that can accurately predict variations in task activation between individuals. To this end, we trained a convolutional neural network to use structural imaging (T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and diffusion tensor imaging) to predict 47 different functional MRI task activation volumes across seven task domains. The U-Net model was trained on 654 subjects and then subsequently tested on 122 unrelated subjects. The predicted activation maps correlated more strongly with their actual maps than with the maps of the other test subjects. An ablation study revealed that a model using the shape of the cortex alone or the shape of the subcortical matter alone was sufficient to predict individual-level differences in task activation maps, but a model using the shape of the whole brain resulted in markedly decreased performance. The ablation study also showed that the additional information provided by the T2-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging strengthened the predictions as compared to using the T1-weighted imaging alone. These results indicate that structural imaging contains information that is predictive of inter-subject variability in task activation mapping and cortical folding patterns as well as microstructural features may be a key component to linking brain structure to brain function.
Trans-acting genetic variation affects the expression of adjacent genes
Authors: Van Dyke Krisna , Mekonnen Gemechu , Myers Chad L. , Albert Frank W.
Published: October 2020

Gene expression differences among individuals are shaped by trans-acting expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). Most trans-eQTLs map to hotspot locations that influence many genes. The molecular mechanisms perturbed by hotspots are often assumed to involve “vertical” cascades of effects in pathways that can ultimately affect the expression of thousands of genes. Here, we report that trans-eQTLs can affect the expression of adjacent genes via “horizontal” mechanisms that extend along a chromosome. Genes affected by trans-eQTL hotspots in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were more likely to be located next to each other than expected by chance. These paired hotspot effects tended to occur at adjacent genes that show coexpression in response to genetic and environmental perturbations. Physical proximity and shared chromatin state, in addition to regulation of adjacent genes by similar transcription factors, were independently associated with paired hotspot effects. The effects of trans-eQTLs can spread among neighboring genes even when these genes do not share a common function. This phenomenon could result in unexpected connections between regulatory genetic variation and phenotypes.
In vivo human whole-brain Connectom diffusion MRI dataset at 760 μm isotropic resolution
Authors: Wang Fuyixue , Dong Zijing , Tian Qiyuan , Liao Congyu , Fan Qiuyun , Hoge W. Scott , Keil Boris , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Wald Lawrence L. , Huang Susie Y. , Setsompop Kawin
Published: October 2020

We present a whole-brain in vivo diffusion MRI (dMRI) dataset acquired at 760 μm isotropic resolution and sampled at 1260 q-space points across 9 two-hour sessions on a single healthy subject. The creation of this benchmark dataset is possible through the synergistic use of advanced acquisition hardware and software including the high-gradient-strength Connectom scanner, a custom-built 64-channel phased-array coil, a personalized motion-robust head stabilizer, a recently developed SNR-efficient dMRI acquisition method, and parallel imaging reconstruction with advanced ghost reduction algorithm. With its unprecedented resolution, SNR and image quality, we envision that this dataset will have a broad range of investigational, educational, and clinical applications that will advance the understanding of human brain structures and connectivity. This comprehensive dataset can also be used as a test bed for new modeling, sub-sampling strategies, denoising and processing algorithms, potentially providing a common testing platform for further development of in vivo high resolution dMRI techniques. Whole brain anatomical T1-weighted and T2-weighted images at submillimeter scale along with field maps are also made available.