bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new species of tree hyrax (Procaviidae:Dendrohyrax) from West Africa and the significance of the Niger–Volta interfluvium in mammalian biogeography
Authors: Oates John F , Woodman Neal , Gaubert Philippe , Sargis Eric J , Wiafe Edward D , Lecompte Emilie , Dowsett-Lemaire Françoise , Dowsett Robert J , Gonedelé Bi Sery , Ikemeh Rachel A , Djagoun Chabi A M S , Tomsett Louise , Bearder Simon K 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTree hyraxes (Dendrohyrax) are one of only three genera currently recognized in Procaviidae, the only extant family in the mammalian order Hyracoidea. Their taxonomy and natural history have received little attention in recent decades. All tree hyrax populations of Guineo-Congolian forests of Africa are currently treated as a single species, Dendrohyrax dorsalis, the western tree hyrax, but many other groups of mammals distributed across this large biome have been shown to consist of several different species, each restricted to a distinct biogeographical region. We analysed variation in loud-call structure, pelage colour, skull morphometrics and mitochondrial genomes in populations across much of the range of D. dorsalis. This integrative approach uncovered considerable cryptic variation. The population found between the Niger and Volta Rivers in West Africa is particularly distinctive, and we describe it herein as a new species. Our study highlights the need to revise the taxonomy of the genus Dendrohyrax in light of modern systematics and current understanding of its distribution. It also adds to a growing body of evidence that the Niger–Volta interfluvium has a distinct meso-mammal fauna. Unfortunately, the fauna of this region is under major threat and warrants much greater conservation attention.
Arabic Translation and Validation of the Acceptance of Illness Scale and Person-Centered Dermatology Self-care Index
Authors: Soliman Moetaza M. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
To translate the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and Person-Centered Dermatology Self-care Index (PeDeSI) from English to Arabic and validate their use among Arabic-speaking patients with psoriasis.

METHODS
Forward-backward translation was used to translate AIS and PeDeSI from English to Arabic language. Validation of the developed Arabic versions was performed using a cross-sectional study design. Arabic-speaking psoriatic patients were asked to complete the Arabic AIS and PeDeSI tools. Patients were also asked to complete the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), which was used as a reference to study external validity. The correlation between questionnaires was tested using Spearman rank correlation test. Factor analysis was used to study the dimensionality of the various tools. Cronbach α coefficient was used to evaluate internal consistency of Arabic versions of AIS and PeDeSI. Floor or ceiling effects were detected if more than 15% of patients achieved the lowest or the highest possible scores, respectively.

RESULTS
A total of 116 Arabic patients with psoriasis submitted the questionnaires. Both translated questionnaires were unidimensional. The internal consistencies of the AIS and PeDeSI were excellent (α coefficient = .90) and good (α coefficient = .87), respectively. There was a significant negative moderate correlation between the AIS and DLQI (ρ = −0.44), whereas the PeDeSI and DLQI were significantly weakly correlated (ρ = −0.23). No floor or ceiling effects were detected.

CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the Arabic versions of the AIS and PeDeSI questionnaires fulfilled the criteria for validation and may be used in research and routine clinical practice with Arabic speakers.
Implementation of an Analgesia-Sedation Protocol Is Associated With Reduction in Midazolam Usage in the PICU
Authors: Yang Youyang , Akhondi-Asl Alireza , Geva Alon , Dwyer Danielle , Stickney Carolyn , Kleinman Monica E. , Madden Kate , Sanderson Amy , Mehta Nilesh M. 
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVES:
Examine the association of a revised analgesia-sedation protocol with midazolam usage in the PICU.

DESIGN:
A single-center nonrandomized before-after study.

SETTING:
PICU at a quaternary pediatric hospital (Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA).

PATIENTS:
Children admitted to the PICU who were mechanically ventilated for greater than 24 hours. The preimplementation cohort included 190 eligible patients admitted between July 29, 2017, and February 28, 2018, and the postimplementation cohort included 144 patients admitted between July 29, 2019, and February 28, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS:
Implementation of a revised analgesia-sedation protocol.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
Our primary outcome, total dose of IV midazolam administered in mechanically ventilated patients up to day 14 of ventilation, decreased by 72% (95% CI [61–80%]; p < 0.001) in the postimplementation cohort. Dexmedetomidine usage increased 230% (95% CI [145–344%]) in the postimplementation cohort. Opioid usage, our balancing metric, was not significantly different between the two cohorts. There were no significant differences in ventilator-free days, PICU length of stay, rate of unplanned extubations, failed extubations, cardiorespiratory arrest events, and 24-hour readmissions to the PICU.

CONCLUSIONS:
We successfully implemented an analgesia-sedation protocol that primarily uses dexmedetomidine and intermittent opioids, and it was associated with significant decrease in overall midazolam usage in mechanically ventilated patients in the PICU. The intervention was not associated with changes in opioid usage or prevalence of adverse events.
In-house versus on-call trauma surgeon coverage: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de la Mar Alexander C.J. , Lokerman Robin D. , Waalwijk Job F. , Ochen Yassine , van der Vliet Quirine M.J. , Hietbrink Falco , Houwert R. Marijn , Leenen Luke P.H. , van Heijl Mark 
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND
A rapid trauma response is essential to provide optimal care for severely injured patients. However, it is currently unclear if the presence of an in-house trauma surgeon affects this response during call and influences outcomes. This study compares in-hospital mortality and process-related outcomes of trauma patients treated by a 24/7 in-house versus an on-call trauma surgeon.

METHODS
PubMed/Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched on the first of November 2020. All studies comparing patients treated by a 24/7 in-house versus an on-call trauma surgeon were considered eligible for inclusion. A meta-analysis of mortality rates including all severely injured patients (i.e., Injury Severity Score of ≥16) was performed. Random-effect models were used to pool mortality rates, reported as risk ratios. The main outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Process-related outcomes were chosen as secondary outcome measures.

RESULTS
In total, 16 observational studies, combining 64,337 trauma patients, were included. The meta-analysis included 8 studies, comprising 7,490 severely injured patients. A significant reduction in mortality rate was found in patients treated in the 24/7 in-house trauma surgeon group compared with patients treated in the on-call trauma surgeon group (risk ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–0.95; p = 0.002; I
2 = 0%). In 10 of 16 studies, at least 1 process-related outcome improved after the in-house trauma surgeon policy was implemented.

CONCLUSION
A 24/7 in-house trauma surgeon policy is associated with reduced mortality rates for severely injured patients treated at level I trauma centers. In addition, presence of an in-house trauma surgeon during call may improve process-related outcomes. This review recommends implementation of a 24/7 in-house attending trauma surgeon at level I trauma centers. However, the final decision on attendance policy might depend on center and region-specific conditions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Systematic review/meta-analysis, level III.
Tilt Test: A Review
Authors: Aponte-Becerra Laura , Novak Peter 
Published: April 2021

Summary:
This review recapitulates the head-up tilt test, which is commonly used for evaluation of orthostatic syndromes and dysautonomia. Tilt test evaluates autonomic system responses to orthostatic stress. Established tilt testing includes monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure; adding capnography and cerebral blood flow monitoring expands its diagnostic yield and allows assessing cerebral blood flow regulation. Common syndromes detectable by the tilt test are neurally mediated syncope (vasodepressor, cardiovagal, or mixed), orthostatic hypotension, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, hypocapnic cerebral hypoperfusion, and orthostatic cerebral hypoperfusion syndrome. This review describes relevant physiology, tilt test protocols, diagnostic criteria for orthostatic syndromes, grading test results, diagnostic accuracy, limitations of the tilt test, and safety considerations.
Real-time PCR assay for detection and differentiation of Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii from culture and clinical specimens
Authors: Chaturvedi Sudha , Victor Tanya R. , Marathe Anuradha , Sidamonidze Ketevan , Crucillo Kelly L. , Chaturvedi Vishnu 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTCoccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) is a pulmonary and systemic fungal disease with increasing incidence and expanding endemic areas. The differentiation of etiologic agents Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii remains problematic in the clinical laboratories as conventional PCR and satellite typing schemes are not facile. Therefore, we developed Cy5- and FAM-labeled TaqMan-probes for duplex real-time PCR assay for rapid differentiation of C. immitis and C. posadasii from culture and clinical specimens. The RRA2 gene encoding proline-rich antigen 2, specific for Coccidioides genus, was the source for the first set of primers and probe. Coccidioides immitis contig 2.2 (GenBank: AAEC02000002.1) was used to design the second set of primers and probe. The second primers/probe did not amplify the corresponding C. posadasii DNA, because of an 86-bp deletion in the contig. The assay was highly sensitive with limit of detection of 0.1 pg gDNA/PCR reaction, which was equivalent to approximately ten genome copies of C. immitis or C. posadasii. The assay was highly specific with no cross-reactivity to the wide range of fungal and bacterial pathogens. Retrospective analysis of fungal isolates and primary specimens submitted from 1995 to 2020 confirmed 129 isolates and three primary specimens as C. posadasii and 23 isolates as C. immitis from human coccidioidomycosis cases, while all eight primary samples from two animals were confirmed as C. posadasii. A preliminary analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and pleural fluid samples showed positive correlation between serology tests and real-time PCR for two of the 15 samples. The Coccidioides spp. duplex real-time PCR will allow rapid differentiation of C. immitis and C. posadasii from clinical specimens and further augment the surveillance of coccidioidomycosis.
Specific heterozygous frameshift variants in hnRNPA2B1 cause early-onset oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy
Authors: Kim Hong Joo , Mohassel Payam , Donkervoort Sandra , Guo Lin , O’Donovan Kevin , Coughlin Maura , Lornage Xaviere , Foulds Nicola , Hammans Simon R. , Foley A. Reghan , Fare Charlotte M. , Ford Alice F. , Ogasawara Masashi , Sato Aki , Iida Aritoshi , Munot Pinki , Ambegaonkar Gautam , Phadke Rahul , O’Donovan Dominic G , Buchert Rebecca , Grimmel Mona , Töpf Ana , Zaharieva Irina T. , Brady Lauren , Hu Ying , Lloyd Thomas E. , Klein Andrea , Steinlin Maja , Kuster Alice , Mercier Sandra , Marcorelles Pascale , Péréon Yann , Fleurence Emmanuelle , Manzur Adnan , Ennis Sarah , Upstill-Goddard Rosanna , Bello Luca , Bertolin Cinzia , Pegoraro Elena , Salviati Leonardo , French Courtney E. , Shatillo Andriy , Raymond F Lucy , Haack Tobias , Quijano-Roy Susana , Böhm Johann , Nelson Isabelle , Stojkovic Tanya , Evangelista Teresinha , Straub Volker , Romero Norma B. , Laporte Jocelyn , Muntoni Francesco , Nishino Ichizo , Tarnopolsky Mark A. , Shorter James , Taylor J. Paul , Bönnemann Carsten G. 
Published: April 2021

SummaryRNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are essential for post-transcriptional regulation and processing of RNAs. Pathogenic missense variants in RBPs underlie a spectrum of disease phenotypes, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, inclusion body myopathy, distal myopathy, and Paget’s disease of the bone. Here, we present ten independent families with a severe, progressive, early-onset muscular dystrophy, reminiscent of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), caused by heterozygous frameshift variants in the prion-like domain of hnRNPA2B1. We found that in contrast with the previously reported missense variants, the frameshift hnRNPA2B1 variants do not promote, but rather decelerate the fibrillization of the protein. Importantly, the frameshift variants harbor altered nuclear-localization sequences and exhibit reduced affinity for the nuclear-import receptor, Karyopherin-β2, which promotes their cytoplasmic accumulation in cells and in animal models that recapitulate the human pathology. Thus, we expand the phenotypes associated with hnRNPA2B1 to include a severe, early-onset disease reminiscent of OPMD, caused by a distinct class of frameshift variants that alter its nucleocytoplasmic transport dynamics.
# AstraZeneca vaccine disinformation on Twitter
Authors: Jemielniak Dariusz , Krempovych Yaroslav 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe analyzed 50,080 tweets about # AstraZeneca in English from 2021. We found that the news most common in the frequently retweeted tweets abound in negative information, and in many cases come from media sources well-known for disinformation. Also, we found that RT, a Russian state-sponsored news website, as well as Al Arabiya, a Saudi-owned news website, are frequently retweeted with information about the vaccine. Our analysis identified large coordination networks involved in political astroturfing and vaccine diplomacy in South Asia but also vaccine advocacy networks associated with European Commission employees. Our results show that Twitter discourse about # AstraZeneca is filled with disinformation and bad press, and may be distributed not only organically by anti-vaxxer activists, but also systematically by professional sources.HighlightsMost commonly retweeted media news links abound in negative informationWell established disinformation media sources are retweeted moreState coordinated networks are active in # AstraZeneca astroturfing
SARS-CoV-2 Immunogenicity in individuals infected before and after COVID-19 vaccination: Israel, January-March 2021: Implications for vaccination policy
Authors: Jabal Kamal Abu , Ben-Amram Hila , Beiruti Karine , Brimat Ira , Saada Ashraf Abu , Bathish Younes , Sussan Christian , Zarka Salman , Edelstein Michael 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBetween December 2020-March 2021 we measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers post-vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine among 725 Israeli hospital workers. Previously infected individuals who received one dose had higher IgG titres than fully vaccinated, never-infected workers. Post-vaccination infection did not increase IgG titres. Individuals infected post-dose one should receive the second.
Clumpiness: Modeling the Impact of Social Dynamics on COVID-19 Spread
Authors: Goertzel Ben , Pennachin Cassio , Duong Deborah , Iklé Matt , Duncan Michael , Boyd James , Senna André , Durães Ramon 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe present an agent based simulation model configured for exploring the dynamics of disease spread in the context of agents that group together through homophily, the principle of “like attracts like”. To study the properties of this model, we introduce two novel social network inter-connectivity measures, “clumpiness” and “hoprank,” that are the same basic concept defined at global and local levels, respectively. The measures may be computed from samples of readily available demographic data, and are useful for measuring probabilistic packet transmission through social networks. In three studies we apply clumpiness to measure the effects, on COVID-19 transmission, caused by social networks of both homophilic physical proximity and homophilic information replication. The particular characteristic we are interested in about disease transmission is herd immunity, the percentage of a population that has to be immune in order to prevent infection from spreading to those who are not. Two studies demonstrate innovations measuring herd immunity levels and predicting future outbreak locations, procedures relevant to epidemiological control policy. In the first study, we look at how homophilic physical proximity networks form natural bubbles that act as frictive surfaces that affect the speed of transmission of packets and influence herd immunity levels. In the second study, we test clumpiness in homophilic proximity social networks as a predictor of future infection outbreaks at the level of individual schools, restaurants, and workplaces. Our third study demonstrates that protective social bubbles form naturally from homophilic information replication networks, and enhance the natural bubbles that come from the homophilic physical proximity networks. Accurate description of this information environment lays the foundation for epidemiological messaging policy formation.
Association between physical-activity trajectories and cognitive decline in adults 50 years of age or older
Authors: Cheval Boris , Csajbók Zsófia , Formánek Tomáš , Sieber Stefan , Boisgontier Matthieu P. , Cullati Stéphane , Cermakova Pavla 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the associations of physical-activity trajectories with the level of cognitive performance and its decline in adults 50 years of age or older.MethodsWe studied 38729 individuals (63 ± 9 years; 57% women) enrolled in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Physical activity was self-reported and cognitive performance was assessed based on immediate recall, verbal fluency, and delayed recall. Physical-activity trajectories were estimated using growth mixture modelling and linear mixed effects models were used to investigate the associations between the trajectories and cognitive performance.ResultsThe models identified two physical-activity trajectories of physical activity: constantly-high physical activity (N=27634: 71%) and decreasing physical activity (N=11095; 29%). Results showed that participants in the decreasing physical-activity group exhibited a lower level of cognitive performance compared to the high physical-activity group (immediate recall: ß=0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.92 to 0.95; verbal fluency: ß=0.98; 95% CI=0.97 to 0.98; delayed recall: ß=0.95; 95% CI=0.94 to 0.97). Moreover, compared with participants in the constantly-high physical-activity group, participants in the decreasing physical-activity group showed a steeper decline in all cognitive measures (immediate recall: ß=-0.04; 95% CI=-0.05 to −0.04; verbal fluency: ß=-0.22; 95% CI=-0.24 to −0.21; delayed recall: ß=-0.04; 95% CI=-0.05 to −0.04).ConclusionsPhysical-activity trajectories are associated with the level and evolution of cognitive performance in adults over 50 years. Specifically, our findings suggest that a decline in physical activity over multiple years is associated with a lower level and a steeper decline in cognitive performance.
Treatment of Early Hypertension among Persons Living with HIV in Haiti: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yan Lily D , Rouzier Vanessa , Dade Eliezer , Guiteau Collette , Pierre Jean Lookens , St-Preux Stephano , Metz Miranda , Oparil Suzanne , Pape Jean William , McNairy Margaret 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death, with greater burdens of both HIV and CVD in lower-middle income countries. Treating prehypertension in PLWH may reduce progression to hypertension, CVD risk and potentially mortality. However, no trial has evaluated earlier blood pressure treatment for PLWH. We propose a randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility, benefits, and risks of initiating antihypertensive treatment among PLWH with prehypertension, comparing prehypertension treatment to standard of care following current WHO guidelines.MethodsA total of 250 adults 18-65 years and living with HIV (PLWH) with viral suppression in the past 12 months, who have prehypertension will be randomized to prehypertension treatment versus standard of care. Prehypertension is defined as having a systolic blood pressure (SBP) 120-139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 80-89 mmHg. In the prehypertension treatment arm, participants will initiate amlodipine 5 mg daily immediately. In the standard of care arm, participants will initiate amlodipine only if they develop hypertension defined as SBP ≥ 140 mmHg or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg. The primary outcome is the difference in mean change of SBP from enrollment to 12 months. Secondary outcomes include feasibility, acceptability, adverse effects, HIV viral suppression, and medication adherence. Qualitative in-depth interviews with providers and participants will explore attitudes about initiating amlodipine, satisfaction, perceived CVD risk, and implementation challenges.DiscussionPLWH have a higher CVD risk and may benefit from a lower BP threshold for initiation of antihypertensive treatment.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT04692467, registration date December 15, 2020, protocol ID 20-03021735.
Comorbidity Risk Factors Contributing to COVID-19 Related Deaths in Florida, March 1, 2020-January 16, 2021
Authors: Weiss Ursula K. , Maynard Jason D. , McDaniel Katherine , Cohen Alyssa , Bailey Marie , Rivkees Scott A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the association of specific comorbid conditions to COVID-19 deaths in Florida among decedents 16 to 64 years of age.MethodsThis report uses Florida vital statistics death data over the period of March 1, 2020 through January 16, 2021, to estimate the effects of comorbid conditions on COVID-19 mortality for decedents 16 to 64 years of age. All cases of COVID-19 death occurring in Florida, regardless of resident status, were evaluated. The comorbidities, or contributing causes of death, identified in this report include Down syndrome, asthma, diabetes, pulmonary fibrosis, obesity, dementia, immunodeficiency, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, heart disease, and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. The study uses a binary logistic regression to examine the relationship between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 death and contributing causes of death based on information in the death record. Odds ratios were calculated as a residual of the logistic regression.ResultsAmong COVID-19 deaths, Down syndrome was 15.26 times more likely to be a contributing cause of death compared to non-COVID-19 deaths followed by asthma (OR 7.74), diabetes (OR 6.11), pulmonary fibrosis (OR 5.13), obesity (OR 4.66), dementia (OR 4.51), immunodeficiency (OR 2.49), and kidney disease (OR 2.13). Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (OR 0.95) and cancer (OR 0.79) had lower odds of being a contributing cause of death.ConclusionsHeart disease, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, and cancer were not risk factors for death from COVID-19 among decedents. Additional studies are needed to elucidate associations between race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and behavioral factors.