Effect of COVID-19 prevention as part of an urban renewal programme

OBJECTIVES

To address existing inequalities, the Barcelona City Council launched a Neighbourhood Plan in 2016-2020. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Neighbourhood Plan interventions were intensified. This study aimed to assess the effect of the plan on the incidence of COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in Barcelona.

STUDY DESIGN

We used a quasi-experimental design with 16 intervention neighbourhoods and 17 neighbourhoods in the comparison group with similar socioeconomic characteristics.

METHODS

We calculated the cumulative incidence rate (CIR) of COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants by sex, age groups, and neighbourhood of residence. Poisson regression models were fitted to estimate the crude relative risk and relative risk adjusted by socioeconomic status (cRR and aRR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The CIR of COVID-19 was lower in the intervention neighbourhoods (CIR: 841 per 100,000 inhabitants) than in the comparison group (CIR: 973 per 100,000 inhabitants). On multivariate analysis, the aRR was 0.77 (CI: 0.70-0.83) for men and 0.89 (CI: 0.83-0.96) for women. Among men older than 75 years (aRR = 0.73; CI: 0.62-0.86), statistically significant differences were found in the intervention neighbourhoods compared to the comparison group. This pattern was not observed in women older than 75 years (aRR = 1.13; CI: 0.99-1.30).

CONCLUSION

This research finds positive short-term effect in the intervention neighbourhoods. We conclude that the COVID-19 control and prevention interventions are likely to explain the better performance in the neighbourhoods included in the Neighbourhood Plan.

Healthy and Equitable Interpersonal Relationships, Health Inequalities and Socio-Educational Interventions: A Conceptual Framework for Action

BACKGROUND

Interpersonal relationships undoubtedly have a bidirectional connection with the health of individuals and communities. Relational models based on equity contribute to well-being, while asymmetrical relationships based on hierarchies and differences of power negatively impact mental, physical, and social health.

METHODS

A conceptual framework for understanding the determinants of interpersonal relational models was developed.

RESULTS

Structural determinants were identified as the combined action of systems of oppression, the socio-historical context that normalizes violence, and social stratification and segregation, consequences which included inequitable access to power, resources, and opportunities. Intermediate determinants include individual, psychosocial, behavioral, and community aspects. Structural and intermediate determinants impact health and health inequalities through multiple relational patterns that are simultaneously established and sustained by individuals and communities. The health impact of inequitable relational patterns includes: Reduced self-esteem; anxiety, stress, and depression; acceptance of violence; physical and sexual harm; suicide; and murder.

CONCLUSIONS

This conceptual framework allows for the modification of relational models by influencing structural and intermediate determinants. Six areas of intervention have been identified: educative policies, school governance, physical and symbolic space, school curriculum, school-community relations, and socio-educative interventions to promote healthy and equitable relationships. Healthy and equitable relationships are associated with improved subjective well-being, health status and protection from violence. Socio-educational interventions that consider the elements of this conceptual framework may be effective in promoting healthy and equitable relational models.

A double-spiral maze and hi-resolution tracking pipeline to study dispersal by groups of minute insects

Minute insects such as parasitic micro-wasps have high basic and applied importance for their widespread use as biocontrol agents. Their dispersal is a phenotype of particular interest. Classically, it is evaluated using field releases, but those are time consuming, costly, and their results highly variable, preventing high-throughput and repeatability. Alternatively, dispersal can be studied using small-scale assays, but those neglect important higher-scale processes. Consequently, proper evaluation of dispersal is often complicated or lacking in academic studies and biocontrol breeding programs. Here we introduce a new method, the double-spiral maze, that allows the study of spatial propagation of groups of micro-wasps at relevant scales (several hours and meters), retaining high throughput and experimental power. The method records the location of every individual at every time, enabling accurate estimates of diffusion coefficients or other dispersal metrics. We describe this affordable, scalable, and easy-to-implement method, and illustrate its application with a species of agricultural interest.

Aggression, mini-aggression, and abuse against health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

COVID-19 pandemic brought multiple negative consequences that go beyond the direct damage caused by the disease and that affect health systems as well. Complaints of attacks against health care workers became frequent and concerning. The objective of this survey was to characterize the frequency and type of violent behavior against front-line professionals in Latin America.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional electronic survey was carried out between January 11th to February 28th, 2022. Different health care workers from Latin America who have been delivering care at least from March 2020, regardless of whether they assist or not patients with COVID-19 were included. A non-probabilistic snowball sampling was performed, and the survey was

Results

The survey was responded by 3,544 participants from 19 countries (Figure 1); 58.5% were women, and the mean age was 41.9±11 years. The 70.8% were doctors, 16% nurses, 3.4% physiotherapists, and the remaining 9.8% had other functions within the health team. About 85.1% of physicians were specialists: 33.9% were cardiologists, 14.4% were intensivists or emergency physicians, 10.9% had some surgical specialty, 7.7% were pediatricians or related subspecialties, and the remaining 33.1% had other specialties. The 36.3% and 28.8% worked in public and private practice respectively, the remaining worked in both. Direct and regular care to COVID-19 patients was provided by 74.7% of all contestants.

Among the participants, 54.8% reported acts of violence: 95.6% suffered verbal violence, 11.1% physical violence, and 19.9% other types. 39.5% of respondents experienced it at least once a week. The acts of violence involved patients' relatives (32%), or patients together with their relatives (35.1%). The victims rated the stress level of these events with an average of 8.2±1.8 points (scale from 1 to 10). Approximately half of the health personnel who suffered an assault experienced psychosomatic symptoms after the traumatic event (Figure 2). Among the victims of violence, 56.2% considered changing their care tasks, and 33.6% abandoning their profession. However, only 23% of the health personnel attacked stated that they had made some type of legal action regarding these acts.

In a logistic regression model, doctors (OR 1.95, p<0.01), nurses (OR 1.77, p=0.001), and administrative staff (OR 3.20, p<0.01) suffered more violence than other health workers. Women more frequently suffered violence (OR 1.56, p<0.01), as well as those who worked with patients with COVID-19 (OR 3.59, p<0.01). Conversely, a lower probability of violence was observed at older ages (OR 0.96, p<0.01).

Conclusion

We detected a high prevalence of violence against health personnel in Latin America during the current pandemic. Those caring for COVID-19 patients, younger staff, and women were found to be more vulnerable. It is imperative to develop strategies to mitigate these acts and their repercussions on the health team.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Health Inequalities by Sexual Orientation: Results from the 2016-2017 Barcelona Health Survey

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess health inequalities by sexual attraction in the 2016-2017 Barcelona population, stratifying by sex. Methods: Data came from the 2016-2017 Barcelona Health Survey, where 3362 adults answered among other instruments the EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L), which measures five dimensions and summarizes health-related quality of life into a single utility index score. To assess health differences by sexual attraction, we constructed Tobit models for the EQ-5D index score and Poisson regression models for the EQ-5D dimensions. Nested models were constructed to examine the mediating role of discrimination and health-related variables. Results: After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, women feeling attraction to more than one sex showed a lower EQ-5D index score (worse health) than those with only other sex attraction (-0.042, p = 0.012), and higher prevalence of problems with mobility, usual activities, and anxiety/depression with the following adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and confidence intervals (CIs): 1.79 (95% CI 1.05-3.05), 1.84 (95% CI 1.05-3.21), and 1.76 (95% CI 1.27-2.43). Women feeling attraction only to their same sex also presented higher prevalence of anxiety/depression (aPR = 1.46, CI 95% 1.10-1.92). In contrast, differences were not observed for men. Conclusion: Women, but not men, feeling attraction to more than one sex and only same-sex attraction in Barcelona in 2016-2017 presented worse health than those feeling only other sex attraction, with discrimination playing a mediating role in explaining such inequalities. These results among women indicate the need to develop public health strategies in Barcelona addressed to lesbian and bisexual women, considering the intersection of gender and sexual orientation.

Search for Dark-Matter-Induced Oscillations of Fundamental Constants Using Molecular Spectroscopy

A possible implication of an ultralight dark matter field interacting with the standard model degrees of freedom is oscillations of fundamental constants. Here, we establish direct experimental bounds on the coupling of an oscillating ultralight dark matter field to the up, down, and strange quarks and to the gluons, for oscillation frequencies between 10 and 10^{8}  Hz. We employ spectroscopic experiments that take advantage of the dependence of molecular transition frequencies on the nuclear masses. Our results apply to previously unexplored frequency bands and improve on existing bounds at frequencies >5  MHz. We also improve on the bounds for coupling to the electromagnetic field and the electron field, in particular spectral windows. We identify a sector of ultralight dark matter and standard model coupling space where the bounds from equivalence principle tests may be challenged by next-generation experiments of the present kind.

Combining plasma extracellular vesicle Let-7b-5p, miR-184 and circulating miR-22-3p levels for NSCLC diagnosis and drug resistance prediction

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) Non-Small Cell Lung (NSCLC) screening is associated with high false-positive rates, leading to unnecessary expensive and invasive follow ups. There is a need for minimally invasive approaches to improve the accuracy of NSCLC diagnosis. In addition, NSCLC patients harboring sensitizing mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR (T790M, L578R) are treated with Osimertinib, a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). However, nearly all patients develop TKI resistance. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Plasma extracellular vesicle (EV) and circulating microRNA (miRNA) have been proposed as biomarkers for cancer screening and to inform treatment decisions. However, the identification of highly sensitive and broadly predictive core miRNA signatures remains a challenge. Also, how these systemic and diverse miRNAs impact cancer drug response is not well understood. Using an integrative approach, we examined plasma EV and circulating miRNA isolated from NSCLC patients versus screening controls with a similar risk profile. We found that combining EV (Hsa-miR-184, Let-7b-5p) and circulating (Hsa-miR-22-3p) miRNAs abundance robustly discriminates between NSCLC patients and high-risk cancer-free controls. Further, we found that Hsa-miR-22-3p, Hsa-miR-184, and Let-7b-5p functionally converge on WNT/βcatenin and mTOR/AKT signaling axes, known cancer therapy resistance signals. Targeting Hsa-miR-22-3p and Hsa-miR-184 desensitized EGFR-mutated (T790M, L578R) NSCLC cells to Osimertinib. These findings suggest that the expression levels of circulating hsa-miR-22-3p combined with EV hsa-miR-184 and Let-7b-5p levels potentially define a core biomarker signature for improving the accuracy of NSCLC diagnosis. Importantly, these biomarkers have the potential to enable prospective identification of patients who are at risk of responding poorly to Osimertinib alone but likely to benefit from Osimertinib/AKT blockade combination treatments.

Performance and Operational Evaluation of the Access Bio CareStart Rapid Antigen Test in a High-Throughput Drive-Through Community Testing Site in Massachusetts

BACKGROUND

To facilitate deployment of point-of-care testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, we evaluated the Access Bio CareStart COVID-19 Antigen test in a high-throughput, drive-through, free community testing site using anterior nasal (AN) swab reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for clinical testing.

METHODS

Consenting symptomatic and asymptomatic children (≤18 years) and adults received dual AN swabs. CareStart testing was performed with temperature/humidity monitoring. All tests had 2 independent reads to assess interoperator agreement. Patients with positive CareStart results were called and instructed to isolate pending RT-PCR results. The paired RT-PCR result was the reference for sensitivity and specificity calculations.

RESULTS

Of 1603 participants, 1245 adults and 253 children had paired RT-PCR/CareStart results and complete symptom data. Eighty-three percent of adults and 87% of children were asymptomatic. CareStart sensitivity/specificity were 84.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.1-93.7)/97.2% (95% CI, 92.0-99.4) and 85.7% (95% CI, 42.1-99.6)/89.5% (95% CI, 66.9-98.7) in adults and children, respectively, within 5 days of symptoms. Sensitivity/specificity were 50.0% (95% CI, 41.0-59.0)/99.1% (95% CI, 98.3-99.6) in asymptomatic adults and 51.4% (95% CI, 34.4-68.1)/97.8% (95% CI, 94.5-99.4) in asymptomatic children. Sensitivity in all 234 RT-PCR-positive people was 96.3% with cycle threshold (Ct) ≤25, 79.6% with Ct ≤30, and 61.4% with Ct ≤35. All 21 false-positive CareStart tests had faint but normal bands. Interoperator agreement was 99.5%. Operational challenges included identification of faint test bands and inconsistent swab elution volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

CareStart had high sensitivity in people with Ct ≤25 and moderate sensitivity in symptomatic people overall. Specificity was unexpectedly lower in symptomatic versus asymptomatic people. Excellent interoperator agreement was observed, but operational challenges indicate that operator training is warranted.

Performance and Implementation Evaluation of the Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid Antigen Test in a High-Throughput Drive-Through Community Testing Site in Massachusetts

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for SARS-CoV-2 antigens (Ag) that can be performed at point of care (POC) can supplement molecular testing and help mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Deployment of an Ag RDT requires an understanding of its operational and performance characteristics under real-world conditions and in relevant subpopulations. We evaluated the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag card in a high-throughput, drive-through, free community testing site in Massachusetts using anterior nasal (AN) swab reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) for clinical testing. Individuals presenting for molecular testing in two of seven lanes were offered the opportunity to also receive BinaxNOW testing. Dual AN swabs were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic children (≤18 years of age) and adults. BinaxNOW testing was performed in a testing pod with temperature/humidity monitoring. One individual performed testing and official result reporting for each test, but most tests had a second independent reading to assess interoperator agreement. Positive BinaxNOW results were scored as faint, medium, or strong. Positive BinaxNOW results were reported to patients by phone, and they were instructed to isolate pending RT-PCR results. The paired RT-PCR result was the reference for sensitivity and specificity calculations. Of 2,482 participants, 1,380 adults and 928 children had paired RT-PCR/BinaxNOW results and complete symptom data. In this study, 974/1,380 (71%) adults and 829/928 (89%) children were asymptomatic. BinaxNOW had 96.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.0 to 99.3) sensitivity and 100% (95% CI, 98.6 to 100.0) specificity in adults within 7 days of symptoms and 84.6% (95% CI, 65.1 to 95.6) sensitivity and 100% (95% CI, 94.5 to 100.0) specificity in children within 7 days of symptoms. Sensitivity and specificity in asymptomatic adults were 70.2% (95% CI, 56.6 to 81.6) and 99.6% (95% CI, 98.9 to 99.9), respectively, and in asymptomatic children, they were 65.4% (95% CI, 55.6 to 74.4) and 99.0% (95% CI, 98.0 to 99.6), respectively. By cycle threshold (CT ) value cutoff, sensitivity in all subgroups combined (n = 292 RT-PCR-positive individuals) was 99.3% with CT values of ≤25, 95.8% with CT values of ≤30, and 81.2% with CT values of ≤35. Twelve false-positive BinaxNOW results (out of 2,308 tests) were observed; in all 12, the test bands were faint but otherwise normal and were noted by both readers. One invalid BinaxNOW result was identified. Interoperator agreement (positive versus negative BinaxNOW result) was 100% (n = 2,230/2,230 double reads). Each operator was able to process 20 RDTs per hour. In a separate set of 30 specimens (from individuals with symptoms ≤7 days) run at temperatures below the manufacturer's recommended range (46 to 58.5°F), sensitivity was 66.7% and specificity 95.2%. BinaxNOW had very high specificity in both adults and children and very high sensitivity in newly symptomatic adults. Overall, 95.8% sensitivity was observed with CT values of ≤30. These data support public health recommendations for use of the BinaxNOW test in adults with symptoms for ≤7 days without RT-PCR confirmation. Excellent interoperator agreement indicates that an individual can perform and read the BinaxNOW test alone. A skilled laboratorian can perform and read 20 tests per hour. Careful attention to temperature is critical.

Do basic auscultation skills need to be resuscitated? A new strategy for improving competency among nursing students

BACKGROUND

Auscultation of heart and lung sounds is a foundational competency for Registered Nurses (RNs). Precise and timely assessments are important for the early detection and recognition of the deteriorating patient. Studies have shown that improved teaching methods that incorporate emerging technologies and address different learning styles are needed to improve competency in auscultation.

METHOD

Undergraduate nursing students (n = 127) were randomized into treatment and control groups. The control group received the usual preparation in auscultation learning strategies. The treatment group received the usual training plus three auscultation learning sessions that were each 2 h in length (cardiac, pulmonary and mixed sounds).

RESULTS

The virtual auscultation teaching strategy had a significant impact on undergraduate nursing student's competency in recognizing heart murmurs. The treatment group also had increased scores compared to the control group increased scores in distinguishing normal versus abnormal heart and lung sounds, identification of crackles and diminished breath sounds.

CONCLUSION

Virtual auscultation as a teaching strategy was shown to have a positive impact on undergraduate student nurse competence in accurately identifying heart and lung sounds.

Impact of a community contraceptive counselling intervention on adolescent fertility rates: a quasi-experimental study

Background

From 2000 to 2008, in urban areas in Spain, adolescent fertility and abortion rates underwent unprecedented increases, consecutive to intensive immigration from developing countries. To address unmet needs for contraception information and services, a community-based, gender-sensitive and culturally adapted brief counselling intervention (SIRIAN program) was launched in some deprived neighbourhoods with a high proportion of immigrants in Barcelona. Once a randomized controlled trial demonstrated its effectiveness in increasing the use of contraceptives, we aim to examine its population impact on adolescent fertility rates.

Methods

Quasi-experimental study with comparison group, using population data from 2005 to 2016. Five neighbourhoods in the lowest tercile of Disposable Household Income were intervened in 2011–13. The comparison group included the three neighbourhoods which were in the same municipal district and in the lowest Disposable Household Income tercile, and displayed the highest adolescent fertility rates. Generalized linear models were fitted to assess absolute adolescent fertility rates and adjusted by immigrant population between pre-intervention (2005–10) and post-intervention periods (2011–16); Difference in Differences and relative pre-post changes analysis were performed.

Results

In 2005–10 the intervention group adolescent fertility rate was 27.90 (per 1000 women 15–19) and 21.84 in the comparison group. In 2011–16 intervention areas experienced great declines (adolescent fertility rate change: − 12.30 (− 12.45 to − 12.21); p < 0.001), while comparison neighbourhoods remained unchanged (adolescent fertility rate change: 1.91 (− 2.25 to 6.07); p = 0.368). A reduction of − 10.97 points (− 13.91 to − 8.03); p < 0.001) is associated to the intervention.

Conclusion

Adolescent fertility rate significantly declined in the intervention group but remained stable in the comparison group. This quasi-experimental study provide evidence that, in a country with universal health coverage, a community counselling intervention that increases access to contraception, knowledge and sexual health care in hard-to-reach segments of the population can contribute to substantially reduce adolescent fertility rates. Reducing adolescent fertility rates could become a feasible goal in cities with similar conditions.

Scalar Dark Matter in the Radio-Frequency Band: Atomic-Spectroscopy Search Results

Among the prominent candidates for dark matter are bosonic fields with small scalar couplings to the standard-model particles. Several techniques are employed to search for such couplings, and the current best constraints are derived from tests of gravity or atomic probes. In experiments employing atoms, observables would arise from expected dark-matter-induced oscillations in the fundamental constants of nature. These studies are primarily sensitive to underlying particle masses below 10^{-14}  eV. We present a method to search for fast oscillations of fundamental constants using atomic spectroscopy in cesium vapor. We demonstrate sensitivity to scalar interactions of dark matter associated with a particle mass in the range 8×10^{-11} to 4×10^{-7}  eV. In this range our experiment yields constraints on such interactions, which within the framework of an astronomical-size dark matter structure are comparable with, or better than, those provided by experiments probing deviations from the law of gravity.

Efficacy, Immunogenicity, and Safety of a 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: Subgroup Analysis of Participants From Asian Countries

Background

A 9-valent human papillomavirus-6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 (9vHPV) vaccine extends coverage to 5 next most common oncogenic types (31/33/45/52/58) in cervical cancer versus quadrivalent HPV (qHPV) vaccine. We describe efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety in Asian participants (India, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand) from 2 international studies: a randomized, double-blinded, qHPV vaccine-controlled efficacy study (young women aged 16–26 years; NCT00543543; Study 001); and an immunogenicity study (girls and boys aged 9–15 years; NCT00943722; Study 002).

Methods

Participants (N = 2519) were vaccinated at day 1 and months 2 and 6. Gynecological samples (Study 001 only) and serum were collected for HPV DNA and antibody assessments, respectively. Injection-site and systemic adverse events (AEs) were monitored. Data were analyzed by country and vaccination group.

Results

9vHPV vaccine prevented HPV-31/33/45/52/58–related persistent infection with 90.4%–100% efficacy across included countries. At month 7, ≥97.9% of participants seroconverted for each HPV type. Injection-site AEs occurred in 77.7%–83.1% and 81.9%–87.5% of qHPV and 9vHPV vaccine recipients in Study 001, respectively, and 62.4%–85.7% of girls/boys in Study 002; most were mild to moderate.

Conclusions

The 9vHPV vaccine is efficacious, immunogenic, and well tolerated in Asian participants. Data support 9vHPV vaccination programs in Asia.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT00543543; NCT00943722.

Emerging switchable ultraviolet photoluminescence in dehydrated Zn/Al layered double hydroxide nanoplatelets

Layered double hydroxides show intriguing physical and chemical properties arising by their intrinsic self-assembled stacking of molecular-thick 2D nanosheets, enhanced active surface area, hosting of guest species by intercalation and anion exchanging capabilities. Here, we report on the unprecedented emerging intense ultraviolet photoluminescence in Zn/Al layered double hydroxide high-aspect-ratio nanoplatelets, which we discovered to be fully activated by drying under vacuum condition and thermal desorption as well. Photoluminescence and its quenching were reproducibly switched by a dehydration–hydration process. Photoluminescence properties were comprehensively evaluated, such as temperature dependence of photoluminescence features and lifetime measurements. The role of 2D morphology and arrangement of hydroxide layers was demonstrated by evaluating the photoluminescence before and after exfoliation of a bulk phase synthetized by a coprecipitation method.

Processes and contexts influencing health inequalities among women who are mothers

This paper presents a conceptual framework that aims to conceptualise the different processes and contexts influencing health inequalities among women who are mothers. On the one hand, four processes are shown: (1) social stratification; (2) route into motherhood; (3) exposure and vulnerability to risk factors; and (4) generation of health inequalities. On the other hand, the role of the socioeconomic and political context, the labour market context, and the social, community and family context, as well as their inter-relationships, are presented. In addition, different family policy models, social values and cultural imperatives are considered.

Autochthonous cutaneous leishmaniasis in urban domestic animals (Felis catus / Canis lupus familiaris) from central-western Venezuela

Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by intracellular protozoa of the Leishmania genus that are spread and transmitted by sandflies. Natural infection and clinical disease in domestic cats and dogs appear to be rare or perhaps largely under-reported in endemic areas. However, previous reports on infected domestic animals usually implicate the same Leishmania species that affect humans in tropical and subtropical areas of the world suggesting a potential role for zoonotic transmission. In the present study we assessed a representative sample of cats and dogs from endemic urban / suburban areas of Lara state in central western Venezuela. In both dogs and cats, cutaneous disease exhibits a spectrum of manifestations that range from single papules or nodules, which may evolve into ulcerative, plaque-like or scaly lesions. Cytochrome b (cyt b) PCR gene sequence analysis revealed L. mexicana as the causative agent in all cases, including two human cases proceeding from the same study area at the same time the study was carried out. In order to improve our understanding on feline/canine infection with Leishmania mexicana, and address potential zoonotic concerns it is necessary to characterize its enzootic reservoirs and vectors as well as the possible anthropophilic players linking to the peridomestic and domestic cycles.

SEIS: Insight's Seismic Experiment for Internal Structure of Mars

By the end of 2018, 42 years after the landing of the two Viking seismometers on Mars, InSight will deploy onto Mars' surface the SEIS (Seismic Experiment for Internal Structure) instrument; a six-axes seismometer equipped with both a long-period three-axes Very Broad Band (VBB) instrument and a three-axes short-period (SP) instrument. These six sensors will cover a broad range of the seismic bandwidth, from 0.01 Hz to 50 Hz, with possible extension to longer periods. Data will be transmitted in the form of three continuous VBB components at 2 sample per second (sps), an estimation of the short period energy content from the SP at 1 sps and a continuous compound VBB/SP vertical axis at 10 sps. The continuous streams will be augmented by requested event data with sample rates from 20 to 100 sps. SEIS will improve upon the existing resolution of Viking's Mars seismic monitoring by a factor of ∼ 2500 at 1 Hz and ∼ 200 000 at 0.1 Hz. An additional major improvement is that, contrary to Viking, the seismometers will be deployed via a robotic arm directly onto Mars' surface and will be protected against temperature and wind by highly efficient thermal and wind shielding. Based on existing knowledge of Mars, it is reasonable to infer a moment magnitude detection threshold of M w ∼ 3 at 40 ∘ epicentral distance and a potential to detect several tens of quakes and about five impacts per year. In this paper, we first describe the science goals of the experiment and the rationale used to define its requirements. We then provide a detailed description of the hardware, from the sensors to the deployment system and associated performance, including transfer functions of the seismic sensors and temperature sensors. We conclude by describing the experiment ground segment, including data processing services, outreach and education networks and provide a description of the format to be used for future data distribution.

ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

The online version of this article (10.1007/s11214-018-0574-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effects of Gravity, Microgravity or Microgravity Simulation on Early Mammalian Development

Plant and animal life forms evolved mechanisms for sensing and responding to gravity on Earth where homeostatic needs require responses. The lack of gravity, such as in the International Space Station (ISS), causes acute, intra-generational changes in the quality of life. These include maintaining calcium levels in bone, maintaining muscle tone, and disturbances in the vestibular apparatus in the ears. These problems decrease work efficiency and quality of life of humans not only during microgravity exposures but also after return to higher gravity on Earth or destinations such as Mars or the Moon. It has been hypothesized that lack of gravity during mammalian development may cause prenatal, postnatal and transgenerational effects that conflict with the environment, especially if the developing organism and its progeny are returned, or introduced de novo, into the varied gravity environments mentioned above. Although chicken and frog pregastrulation development, and plant root development, have profound effects due to orientation of cues by gravity-sensing mechanisms and responses, mammalian development is not typically characterized as gravity-sensing. Although no effects of microgravity simulation (MGS) on mouse fertilization were observed in two reports, negative effects of MGS on early mammalian development after fertilization and before gastrulation are presented in four reports that vary with the modality of MGS. This review will analyze the positive and negative mammalian early developmental outcomes, and enzymatic and epigenetic mechanisms known to mediate developmental responses to simulated microgravity on Earth and microgravity during spaceflight experiments. We will update experimental techniques that have already been developed or need to be developed for zero gravity molecular, cellular, and developmental biology experiments.

HIV-discordant and concordant HIV-positive male couples' recommendations for how an eHealth HIV prevention toolkit for concordant HIV-negative male couples could be improved to meet their specific needs

A number of HIV prevention interventions for male couples are in the pipeline for development as few evidence-based ones exist. Among these projects, none include all three groups of male couples (concordant HIV-negative, HIV-discordant, and concordant HIV-positive) as their target population, and only two are eHealth-based. The present qualitative study sought to assess whether one of the eHealth HIV prevention interventions for concordant HIV-negative male couples - called MCAP - could be adapted to meet the relationship and HIV prevention needs of HIV-discordant and HIV-positive male couples. Data for this study are drawn from in-person, individual-level interviews conducted with a convenience sample of 10 HIV-discordant male couples (n = 20) and 8 HIV-positive male couples (n = 16) from the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro area in 2016. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns (themes) of partners' thoughts about the toolkit, including how they perceived it could be improved for their own relationship and other couple's relationships. Two themes emerged from analysis of the qualitative data suggesting how the participants wanted the toolkit to be improved to meet their needs. Specifically, participants recommended for the toolkit to include guidance about integrating the use of biomedical HIV prevention strategies into couple's relationships, as well as for how partners can best take care of each other and further protect themselves from HIV and/or other STIs (Prevention Guidance). In addition, participants requested for the concept of sexual agreements to be broadened to include other aspects they deemed to be important in their life (e.g., mental health, exercise and nutrition) (Holistic agreements). Findings from the present study illuminate the ways in which MCAP would need to be adapted for these two groups of male couples in order to meet the needs for all three groups of male couples in the U.S. in a future iteration of this intervention.

Changes in serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels reflect and predict response to anti-PD-1 treatment in melanoma and non-small-cell lung cancer patients

Background

Surrogate biomarkers of efficacy are needed for anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy, given the existence of delayed responses and pseudo-progressions. We evaluated changes in serum IL-8 levels as a biomarker of response to anti-PD-1 blockade in melanoma and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Patients and methods

Metastatic melanoma and NSCLC patients treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab alone or nivolumab plus ipilimumab were studied. Serum was collected at baseline; at 2-4 weeks after the first dose; and at the time-points of response evaluation. Serum IL-8 levels were determined by sandwich ELISA. Changes in serum IL-8 levels were compared with the Wilcoxon test and their strength of association with response was assessed with the Mann-Whitney test. Accuracy of changes in IL-8 levels to predict response was estimated using receiver operation characteristics curves.

Results

Twenty-nine melanoma patients treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab were studied. In responding patients, serum IL-8 levels significantly decreased between baseline and best response (P <0.001), and significantly increased upon progression (P =  0.004). In non-responders, IL-8 levels significantly increased between baseline and progression (P =  0.013). Early changes in serum IL-8 levels (2-4 weeks after treatment initiation) were strongly associated with response (P <0.001). These observations were validated in 19 NSCLC patients treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab (P =  0.001), and in 15 melanoma patients treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab (P <0.001). Early decreases in serum IL-8 levels were associated with longer overall survival in melanoma (P =  0.001) and NSCLC (P =  0.015) patients. Serum IL-8 levels also correctly reflected true response in three cancer patients presenting pseudoprogression.

Conclusions

Changes in serum IL-8 levels could be used to monitor and predict clinical benefit from immune checkpoint blockade in melanoma and NSCLC patients.

Health-related quality of life inequalities by sexual orientation: Results from the Barcelona Health Interview Survey

Background

Studies on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) inequalities according to sexual orientation are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess HRQoL inequalities between lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people and heterosexuals in the 2011 Barcelona population, to describe the extent to which sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and chronic conditions could explain such inequalities, and to understand if they are sexual orientation inequities.

Methods

In the 2011 Barcelona Health Interview Survey 3277 adults answered the EQ-5D, which measures five dimensions of HRQoL summarized into a single utility index (1 = perfect health, 0 = death). To assess HRQoL differences by sexual orientation we constructed Tobit models for the EQ-5D index, and Poisson regression models for the EQ-5D dimensions. In both cases, nested models were constructed to assess the mediator role of selected variables.

Results

After adjusting by socio-demographic variables, the LGB group presented a significantly lower EQ-5D index than heterosexuals, and higher prevalence ratios of problems in physical EQ-5D dimensions among both genders: adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.70 for mobility (p = 0.046) and 2.11 for usual activities (p = 0.019). Differences in mental dimensions were only observed among men: aPR = 3.15 for pain/discomfort (p = 0.003) and 2.49 for anxiety/depression (p = 0.030). All these differences by sexual orientation disappeared after adding chronic conditions and health-related behaviors in the models.

Conclusion

The LGB population presented worse HRQoL than heterosexuals in the EQ-5D index and most dimensions. Chronic conditions, health-related behaviors and gender play a major role in explaining HRQoL differences by sexual orientation. These findings support the need of including sexual orientation into the global agenda of health inequities.

On the challenge of estimating diphoton backgrounds at large invariant mass

We examine, using the analyses of the 750 GeV diphoton resonance as a case study, the methodology for estimating the dominant backgrounds to diphoton resonance searches. We show that close to the high energy tails of the distributions, where background estimates rely on functional extrapolations or Monte Carlo predictions, large uncertainties are introduced, in particular by the challenging photon-jet background. Analyses with loose photon and low photon [Formula: see text] cuts and those susceptible to high photon rapidity regions are especially affected. Given that diphoton-based searches beyond 1 TeV are highly motivated as discovery modes, these considerations are relevant for future analyses. We first consider a physics-driven deformation of the photon-jet spectrum by next-to-leading order effects and a phase space dependent fake rate and show that this reduces the local significance of the excess. Using a simple but more general ansatz, we demonstrate that the originally reported local significances of the 750 GeV excess could have been overestimated by more than one standard deviation. We furthermore cross-check our analysis by comparing fit results based on the 2015 and 2016 LHC data sets. Finally we employ our methodology on the available 13 TeV LHC data set assessing the systematics involved in the current diphoton searches beyond the TeV region.

TiO2nanotubes enriched with calcium, phosphorous and zinc: promising bio-selective functional surfaces for osseointegrated titanium implants

TiO₂nanotubes enriched with Ca, P, and Zn by reverse polarization anodization, are promising bio-selective functional structures for osseointegrated titanium implants.

[Prognostic factors of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in hemorrhagic radiation cystitis]

OBJECTIVE

To emphasize prognostic factors of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on hematuria at 3 and 12 months in the context of a radiation cystitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort of 134 patients was treated from 2008 to 2013 in the hyperbaric medicine center of Toulouse University Hospital, France for radiation cystitis. Hematuria was ranked using the SOMA score. HBOT has been applied according to a standardized protocol of 20 renewable sessions, with pure oxygen to 2.5 ATA. The median number of sessions at 12 months was 50.

RESULTS

HBOT had an efficacy of 83% at 3 months and 81% at 12 months. Twenty percent of patients had minor side effects. Compared to the pre-HBOT period, the number of hospitalizations decreased by 75% following treatment. The efficacy at 3 months was predictive of efficacy at 12 months (P<0.0001). There was an inverse correlation between the initial grade and efficacy at 3 months (P=0.026) and 12 months (P=0.001). A high WHO status diminished HBOT efficacy at 3 and 12 months (P=0.0014 and P<0.0001, respectively). An anticoagulant intake decreased the HBOT response at 12 months (P=0.002). Other parameters had no effects on efficacy.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy at 3 months seems to be predictive of efficacy at 12 months. The initial hematuria grade is inversely correlated with efficacy at 3 and 12 months. It appears necessary to achieve at least 32 HBOT sessions. Moreover, a high WHO status and an anticoagulant intake seem to have a negative prognostic value.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in small rodents in France

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging zoonotic tick-borne pathogen affecting a wide range of mammals. Rodents are suspected to be natural reservoirs for this bacterium, but their role in the epidemiologic cycles affecting domestic animals and wild ungulates has not been demonstrated. This study aimed to improve our knowledge on A. phagocytophilum prevalence in Apodemus sylvaticus, A. flavicollis and Myodes glareolus using data collected in 2010 in one area in eastern France and in 2012-2013 in two others areas in western France. Rodents were captured in each site and infection was tested using qualitative real-time PCR assays on either blood or spleen samples. Prevalence showed high variability among sites. The highest prevalence was observed in the most eastern site (with an average infection rate of 22.8% across all species), whereas no rodent was found to be PCR positive in the south-west site and only 6.6% were positive in the north-west of France. Finally, a significant increase in prevalence was observed in autumn samples compared to spring samples in the north-west, but no change was found in the other two sites.

Human papillomavirus genotypes in genital warts in Latin America: a cross-sectional study in Bogota, Colombia

Epidemiological studies on benign lesions related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are scarce in Latin America. We enrolled 342 consecutive patients with lesions suspected of being genital warts (GW). All patients underwent confirmatory biopsy and GP5+/GP6+/- Reverse Line Blot HPV testing on frozen tissue. In 261 (81%) cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology and HPV was detected in 90.6% of men and 87.7% of women. HPV 6 was by far the most common type in both women (62%) and men (56%), followed by HPV 11 (∼20%). Co-infection with these two types occurred in 7% and 12% of women and men, respectively. HPV16 ranked third in prevalence, with 16% of patients testing positive. Twenty-five percent of cases tested positive for multiple HPV genotypes. Although HPV 6 and HPV 11 were the main types detected and no differences between men and women were observed, we found HPV 11 contributed more to GW aetiology compared with previous reports, showing a variability of HPV type distribution in GW across populations. This information is valuable baseline data in Latin America for future estimations of the burden of GW in men and women and shows the potential benefit obtainable by prophylactic vaccination against HPV types 6 and 11.