[Core data set for real world data in multiple sclerosis: customization for latin america from a global task force recommendation]

INTRODUCTION

The primary objective of the core data set is to reduce heterogeneity and promote harmonization among data sources in EM, thereby reducing the time needed to execute real life data collection efforts. Recently, a group led by the Multiple Sclerosis Data Alliance has developed a core data set for collecting real-world data on multiple sclerosis (MS) globally. Our objective was to adapt this global data set to the needs of Latin America, so that it can be implemented by the registries already developed and in the process of development in the region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A working group was formed regionally, the core data set created globally was adapted (translation process into Spanish, incorporation of regional variables and consensus on variables to be used). Consensus was obtained through the remote Delphi methodology of a round of questionnaires and remote discussion of the core data set variables.

RESULTS

A total of 25 professionals from Latin America carried out the adaptation process between November 2022 and July 2023. Agreement was established on a core data set of nine categories and 45 variables, version 2023 to suggest its implementation in developed or developing registries, and MS cohorts in the region.

CONCLUSION

The core data set seeks to harmonize the variables collected by registries and cohorts in MS in Latin America in order to facilitate said collection and allow collaboration between sources. Its implementation will facilitate real life data collection and collaboration in the region.

Associations of Swiss national reporting system's antimicrobial use data and management practices in dairy cows on tie stall farms

Antimicrobial use (AMU) in Switzerland is above target and requires reduction especially in dairy cattle. Measuring AMU is pivotal to identify starting points for AMU reduction and so are studies investigating its potential drivers in dairy farms worldwide. However, although AMU in dairy farms is high, studies estimating AMU specifically in tie stall farms are scarce. Tie stalls are a common housing system and their prevalence among dairy farms accounts to approximatively 73%, 41% and 40% in Canada, the US and Switzerland, respectively. The objectives of this cross-sectional, retrospective observational study were to estimate AMU using the newly established Swiss national reporting system for AMU in livestock and to identify associated factors on Swiss tie stall dairy farms. We calculated the treatment incidence (TI) by using the European Medicines Agency's methodology and their Defined Daily and Defined Course Dose (DDD/DCD) standards. Data on factors potentially associated with AMU were obtained through personal interviews with farm managers on 221 farms. Retrospectively, during a 1-year period, data on a total of 7,619 treatments were extracted from the national database. Associations between management factors and TI were analyzed using a generalized linear model with gamma distribution. The mean overall TI was 5.46 DDD/cow-year (±standard deviation: 4.10 DDD/cow-year). Intramammary treatment during lactation accounted for highest TI (3.24; ± 3.16 DDD/cow-year), whereas dry-cow therapy accounted for lowest TI (0.44; ± 0.49 DCD/cow-year). Five of the investigated management factors were significantly associated with TI. Organic production (estimate -2.16; 95% confidence interval [95 CI] -3.62, -0.70) and herd size (estimate -0.81; 95 CI -1.23, -0.39) were negatively associated with TI. Specific cow breeds (Brown Swiss and Holstein Friesian: estimate 1.56; 95 CI 0.45, 2.68; estimate 1.42; 95 CI 0.03, 2.82, respectively; reference: other breeds) and the use of hygienic powders on the lying area (estimate 1.10; 95 CI 0.04, 2.17) were positively associated with TI. In conclusion, the Swiss national reporting system is a valuable tool for AMU estimation. Several herd characteristics and management factors were associated with AMU in tie stall farms. Further studies focusing on factors associated with AMU and which are amenable to intervention will help improve stewardship programs and subsequently reduce AMU in dairy cows.

De novo design of high-affinity binders of bioactive helical peptides

Many peptide hormones form an α-helix on binding their receptors1-4, and sensitive methods for their detection could contribute to better clinical management of disease5. De novo protein design can now generate binders with high affinity and specificity to structured proteins6,7. However, the design of interactions between proteins and short peptides with helical propensity is an unmet challenge. Here we describe parametric generation and deep learning-based methods for designing proteins to address this challenge. We show that by extending RFdiffusion8 to enable binder design to flexible targets, and to refining input structure models by successive noising and denoising (partial diffusion), picomolar-affinity binders can be generated to helical peptide targets by either refining designs generated with other methods, or completely de novo starting from random noise distributions without any subsequent experimental optimization. The RFdiffusion designs enable the enrichment and subsequent detection of parathyroid hormone and glucagon by mass spectrometry, and the construction of bioluminescence-based protein biosensors. The ability to design binders to conformationally variable targets, and to optimize by partial diffusion both natural and designed proteins, should be broadly useful.

Tests of Light-Lepton Universality in Angular Asymmetries of B^{0}→D^{*-}ℓν Decays

We present the first comprehensive tests of the universality of the light leptons in the angular distributions of semileptonic B^{0}-meson decays to charged spin-1 charmed mesons. We measure five angular-asymmetry observables as functions of the decay recoil that are sensitive to lepton-universality-violating contributions. We use events where one neutral B is fully reconstructed in ϒ(4S)→BB[over ¯] decays in data corresponding to 189  fb^{-1} integrated luminosity from electron-positron collisions collected with the Belle II detector. We find no significant deviation from the standard model expectations.

Precise Measurement of the D_{s}^{+} Lifetime at Belle II

We measure the lifetime of the D_{s}^{+} meson using a data sample of 207  fb^{-1} collected by the Belle II experiment running at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The lifetime is determined by fitting the decay-time distribution of a sample of 116×10^{3} D_{s}^{+}→ϕπ^{+} decays. Our result is τ_{D_{s}^{+}}=(499.5±1.7±0.9)  fs, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This result is significantly more precise than previous measurements.

Search for a τ^{+}τ^{-} Resonance in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} Events with the Belle II Experiment

We report the first search for a nonstandard-model resonance decaying into τ pairs in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} events in the 3.6-10  GeV/c^{2} mass range. We use a 62.8  fb^{-1} sample of e^{+}e^{-} collisions collected at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The analysis probes three different models predicting a spin-1 particle coupling only to the heavier lepton families, a Higgs-like spin-0 particle that couples preferentially to charged leptons (leptophilic scalar), and an axionlike particle, respectively. We observe no evidence for a signal and set exclusion limits at 90% confidence level on the product of cross section and branching fraction into τ pairs, ranging from 0.7 to 24 fb, and on the couplings of these processes. We obtain world-leading constraints on the couplings for the leptophilic scalar model for masses above 6.5  GeV/c^{2} and for the axionlike particle model over the entire mass range.

Measurement of CP Violation in B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0} Decays at Belle II

We report a measurement of the CP-violating parameters C and S in B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0} decays at Belle II using a sample of 387×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events recorded in e^{+}e^{-} collisions at a center-of-mass energy corresponding to the ϒ(4S) resonance. These parameters are determined by fitting the proper decay-time distribution of a sample of 415 signal events. We obtain C=-0.04_{-0.15}^{+0.14}±0.05 and S=0.75_{-0.23}^{+0.20}±0.04, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Test of Light-Lepton Universality in the Rates of Inclusive Semileptonic B-Meson Decays at Belle II

We present the first measurement of the ratio of branching fractions of inclusive semileptonic B-meson decays, R(X_{e/μ})=B(B→Xeν)/B(B→Xμν), a precision test of electron-muon universality, using data corresponding to 189  fb^{-1} from electron-positron collisions collected with the Belle II detector. In events where the partner B meson is fully reconstructed, we use fits to the lepton momentum spectra above 1.3  GeV/c to obtain R(X_{e/μ})=1.007±0.009(stat)±0.019(syst), which is the most precise lepton-universality test of its kind and agrees with the standard-model expectation.

Search for an Invisible Z^{'} in a Final State with Two Muons and Missing Energy at Belle II

The L_{μ}-L_{τ} extension of the standard model predicts the existence of a lepton-flavor-universality-violating Z^{'} boson that couples only to the heavier lepton families. We search for such a Z^{'} through its invisible decay in the process e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}Z^{'}. We use a sample of electron-positron collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV collected by the Belle II experiment in 2019-2020, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 79.7  fb^{-1}. We find no excess over the expected standard-model background. We set 90%-confidence-level upper limits on the cross section for this process as well as on the coupling of the model, which ranges from 3×10^{-3} at low Z^{'} masses to 1 at Z^{'} masses of 8  GeV/c^{2}.

[Risk factors for infectious foot -disorders on two Swiss cattle -mountain pastures]

INTRODUCTION

In the present study, risk groups for infectious foot disorders were identified on two large Swiss cattle mountain pastures by analyzing animal and treatment data of a total of 3256 animals of the bovine species. Both mountain pastures were part of the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) consultancy project «Healthy animals, attractive herdsmen positions and less medication on large cattle mountain pastures». The project was launched in 2020 following the increased incidence of lameness on these mountain pastures. Bacteriological and histological analyses were to provide information as to whether the most common foot disorder was interdigital phlegmon (IP) or whether digital dermatitis also occurred. Further, the temporal distribution of cases over the mountain pasture season and the influence of mountain pasture and year were investigated and interpreted for the project years 2020 to 2022, and treatment incidences were compared between years. Multiple treatment cycles in the same individual were classified into persistent infections and new infections. Nineteen of 394 first-treated cattle were clinically examined, 12 of them were additionally sampled for bacteriological and histological analyses. All cases examined showed, both clinically and following laboratory analyses, typical characteristics for IP. In contrast, there was no specific evidence for the presence of digital dermatitis. No persistent infections occurred during treatment with benzylpenicillin. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified > 365-730-day-old cattle (odds ratio OR 8,29), as well as inseminated (OR 5,30) and non-inseminated (OR 7,85) heifers as risk groups for the disease studied (p < 0,05). Association with the oestrus activity of non-inseminated heifers and a generally higher locomotor activity in heifers compared to cows - with a correspondingly increased risk of injury - is conceivable. Meat breeds had a reduced risk compared to dairy breeds (OR 0,29). Breed differences in behavior and/or the effectiveness of the local immune response might have an impact. Knowing about these risk groups can be put to use in the future when selecting animals to be taken to the mountain pastures and/or when planning pasture management in order to reduce the prevalence of infectious foot disorders and thereby the use of antibiotics.

Search for Lepton-Flavor-Violating τ Decays to a Lepton and an Invisible Boson at Belle II

We search for lepton-flavor-violating τ^{-}→e^{-}α and τ^{-}→μ^{-}α decays, where α is an invisible spin-0 boson. The search uses electron-positron collisions at 10.58 GeV center-of-mass energy with an integrated luminosity of 62.8  fb^{-1}, produced by the SuperKEKB collider and collected with the Belle II detector. We search for an excess in the lepton-energy spectrum of the known τ^{-}→e^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}ν_{τ} and τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ} decays. We report 95% confidence-level upper limits on the branching-fraction ratio B(τ^{-}→e^{-}α)/B(τ^{-}→e^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}ν_{τ}) in the range (1.1-9.7)×10^{-3} and on B(τ^{-}→μ^{-}α)/B(τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ}) in the range (0.7-12.2)×10^{-3} for α masses between 0 and 1.6  GeV/c^{2}. These results provide the most stringent bounds on invisible boson production from τ decays.

[Implementation of biosecurity measures by hoof trimmers in Switzerland]

INTRODUCTION

Biosecurity in livestock farming includes all measures preventing pathogen introduction onto a farm (external biosecurity) and pathogen transmission on the farm itself (internal biosecurity). An important risk factor for the dissemination of infectious diseases are specialised external persons working on numerous farms, such as professional hoof trimmers in Switzerland. In the present study, 49 hoof trimmers, participating in the Swiss claw health programme and working as professionals, were questioned regarding their biosecurity measures and observed by two veterinarians during hoof trimming in order to assess the implementation of biosecurity measures by hoof trimmers. Data were processed using a scoring system, in which points were allocated to the different working methods taking into account their assumed transmission potential for infectious diseases such as digital dermatitis (DD) and Salmonellosis. The working method, which complied with the ideal biosecurity measure, was always given a whole point, whereas less optimal working methods were only given an intermediate value or no point. The scoring system helped identify precisely the strengths and weaknesses of the hoof trimmers in terms of biosecurity. The level of implementation of biosecurity measures by hoof trimmers was overall quite low (53 %=average of the overall biosecurity scores of the 49 hoof trimmers). Hoof trimmers which attended specialised training courses tended to have a higher level of implementation of biosecurity measures. The answers given by the hoof trimmers and the observations made by the veterinarians were compared, whereby it was found that hoof trimmers generally evaluated themselves better in regard to biosecurity than veterinarians assessed them. In summary and based on the results of this study, the dissemination of pathogens, such as DD associated treponemes and salmonella is possible during hoof trimming performed by external persons working on numerous farms. Thus, future training and continuing education courses should place emphasis on biosecurity.

Observation of e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{bJ}(1P) and Search for X_{b}→ωϒ(1S) at sqrt[s] near 10.75 GeV

We study the processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{bJ}(1P) (J=0, 1, or 2) using samples at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=10.701, 10.745, and 10.805 GeV, corresponding to 1.6, 9.8, and 4.7  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity, respectively. These data were collected with the Belle II detector during special operations of the SuperKEKB collider above the ϒ(4S) resonance. We report the first observation of ωχ_{bJ}(1P) signals at sqrt[s]=10.745  GeV. By combining Belle II data with Belle results at sqrt[s]=10.867  GeV, we find energy dependencies of the Born cross sections for e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{b1,b2}(1P) to be consistent with the shape of the ϒ(10753) state. These data indicate that the internal structures of the ϒ(10753) and ϒ(10860) states may differ. Including data at sqrt[s]=10.653  GeV, we also search for the bottomonium equivalent of the X(3872) state decaying into ωϒ(1S). No significant signal is observed for masses between 10.45 and 10.65  GeV/c^{2}.

Measurement of the Λ_{c}^{+} Lifetime

An absolute measurement of the Λ_{c}^{+} lifetime is reported using Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+} decays in events reconstructed from data collected by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy electron-positron collider. The total integrated luminosity of the data sample, which was collected at center-of-mass energies at or near the ϒ(4S) resonance, is 207.2  fb^{-1}. The result, τ(Λ_{c}^{+})=203.20±0.89±0.77  fs, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, is the most precise measurement to date and is consistent with previous determinations.

Search for a Dark Photon and an Invisible Dark Higgs Boson in μ^{+}μ^{-} and Missing Energy Final States with the Belle II Experiment

The dark photon A^{'} and the dark Higgs boson h^{'} are hypothetical particles predicted in many dark sector models. We search for the simultaneous production of A^{'} and h^{'} in the dark Higgsstrahlung process e^{+}e^{-}→A^{'}h^{'} with A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} and h^{'} invisible in electron-positron collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV in data collected by the Belle II experiment in 2019. With an integrated luminosity of 8.34  fb^{-1}, we observe no evidence for signal. We obtain exclusion limits at 90% Bayesian credibility in the range of 1.7-5.0 fb on the cross section and in the range of 1.7×10^{-8}-200×10^{-8} on the effective coupling ϵ^{2}×α_{D} for the A^{'} mass in the range of 4.0  GeV/c^{2}<M_{A^{'}}<9.7  GeV/c^{2} and for the h^{'} mass M_{h^{'}}<M_{A^{'}}, where ϵ is the mixing strength between the standard model and the dark photon and α_{D} is the coupling of the dark photon to the dark Higgs boson. Our limits are the first in this mass range.

eQTL Set-Based Association Analysis Identifies Novel Susceptibility Loci for Barrett Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Over 20 susceptibility single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have been identified for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and its precursor, Barrett esophagus (BE), explaining a small portion of heritability.

METHODS

Using genetic data from 4,323 BE and 4,116 EAC patients aggregated by international consortia including the Barrett's and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Consortium (BEACON), we conducted a comprehensive transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) for BE/EAC, leveraging Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) gene-expression data from six tissue types of plausible relevance to EAC etiology: mucosa and muscularis from the esophagus, gastroesophageal (GE) junction, stomach, whole blood, and visceral adipose. Two analytical approaches were taken: standard TWAS using the predicted gene expression from local expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), and set-based SKAT association using selected eQTLs that predict the gene expression.

RESULTS

Although the standard approach did not identify significant signals, the eQTL set-based approach identified eight novel associations, three of which were validated in independent external data (eQTL SNP sets for EXOC3, ZNF641, and HSP90AA1).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified novel genetic susceptibility loci for EAC and BE using an eQTL set-based genetic association approach.

IMPACT

This study expanded the pool of genetic susceptibility loci for EAC and BE, suggesting the potential of the eQTL set-based genetic association approach as an alternative method for TWAS analysis.

AB1449 ADHERENCE TO MTX AT INITIATION OF FIRST TARGETED THERAPY (PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS): RESULTS OF THE STRATEGE2 STUDY

Background

Treatment adherence is a major challenge in chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease (CIRD). Mainly studied in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this ranges from 30 to 80% [1]. Given the impact of non-adherence to disease-modifying therapy among RA patients, guidelines aiming to facilitate management of adherence were published in 2019 [2]. These guidelines highlight the multifactorial characteristics and importance of clarifying the factors determining non-adherence. In addition, treatment adherence was also listed as a point to consider for the management of difficult-to-treat RA by an EULAR task force [3].

Objectives

Based on inclusion results of STRATEGE 2 we explore the adherence to methotrexate (MTX) and its associated factors prior to initiation of a first targeted therapy.

Methods

The objective of STRATEGE2 is to describe the therapeutic strategy in RA patients treated with MTX for at least 3 months, naive of targeted biological (bDMARD) or synthetic (tsDMARD) therapy and who are candidates for initiation of first b/tsDMARD therapy due to RA activity. Patients were included prospectively in 2019-2020 and completed the Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology (CQR) [4], a self-administered questionnaire specific to rheumatology, measuring treatment adherence. They were then divided into 2 groups: adherence (Ad) (CQR19>80) vs. non-adherence (NAd) to investigate factors liable to be associated with adherence. Then, univariate and multivariate analysis was applied to identify potential predictors for adherence.

Results

Between Feb. 2019 and Dec. 2020, 230 patients were included, with 124 RA patients having an analysable CQR19: 73.4% females, mean age 56.6 years (±13.2), diagnosed 5.6 years (±7.4) previously, treatment with MTX for 4.4 years (±5.3) and a mean DAS of 4.3 (±1.2). The mean CQR score was 75.8. Patient distribution: 45.2% in the Ad group and 54.8% in the NAd group.

Table 1.At baseline (before b/tsDMARD initiation)Ad - N=56NAd - N=68pSex: female73.2%73.5%-Age (mean)59.3 (±13.6)54.4 (±12.4)p < 0.05BMI (mean)27.2 (±7.0)25.0 (±4.7)p < 0.15Still in work39.3%55.9%p < 0.15At least 1 comorbidity60.7%47.1%p < 0.15Positive anti-CCP67.9%80.6%p < 0.15Positive rheumatoid factor69.8%84.8%p < 0.05Radiological signs57.1%41.8%p < 0.15RA duration (years)4.9 ±6.76.3 ±8.0-Average MTX initiation (years)4.0 ±4.74.8 ±5.7-Per os MTX28.6%29.4%-→ mean dosage (mg/week)16.4 ±4.515.6 ±4.6Subcutaneous MTX69.6%70.6%-→ mean dosage (mg/week)20.1 ±4.619.4 ±3.3-Intramuscular MTX1.8%0%-Patients self-administration30.0%12.5%P < 0.05Corticosteroid therapy53%50.6%-→ mean dosage (mg/day)8.1 ±4.19.5 ±5.8Mean DAS284.5 ± 1.34.2 ±1.2-Mean HAQ1.1 ± 0.70.9 ±0.7p < 0.15

In the multivariate analysis, no formal predictive factors to MTX adherence was identified except BMI>30kg/m2 (odds ratio, OR (95% confidence interval, CI)=4.00, 1.08-14.86, p=0,038) and adherents who estimate having completely participate to the decision-making for the targeted therapy (OR (95% CI)=6.41, 2.32-17.65, p<0.001).

Conclusion

In this cohort, beyond the recently published guidelines, nearly half of patients do not show adherence to MTX (CQR19-based evaluation) before initiation of b/tsDMARD. As physicians tend to overestimate adherence to medication, clarification of the factors associated with non-adherence would help improve patient assessment and, therefore, management. Supplementary data on patients’ adherence evolution and adherence predictors, might be observed on the follow-up data at 12 and 24 months of this cohort.

References

[1]Beauvais C, et al. Joint Bone Spine 2020;87(6):668-669.

[2]Gossec C, et al. Joint Bone Spine 2019;86(1):13-19.

[3]Nagy G, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2021;0:1–14.

[4]De Klerk E, et al. J Rheumatol 2003;30(11):2469-2475

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge RCTs for their contribution to the statistical analysis, the investigators, centres and patients.

Disclosure of Interests

Cécile Gaujoux-Viala Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Amgen; Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb; Celgene; Eli Lilly; Galapagos; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen; Medac; Merck-Serono; Mylan; Nordic Pharma; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche; Sandoz; Sanofi; and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie; Amgen; Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb; Celgene; Eli Lilly; Galapagos; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen; Medac; Merck-Serono; Mylan; Nordic Pharma; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche; Sandoz; Sanofi; and UCB, Emmanuelle Dernis Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Roche-Chugaï Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi and UCB Pharma., Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Roche-Chugaï Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi and UCB Pharma., Eric Senbel Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Pfizer Roche-Chugai and Sandoz, Sanofi., Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Pfizer Roche-Chugai and Sandoz, Sanofi., Hélène Herman-Demars Employee of: Nordic Pharma France, Jennifer Becker Employee of: Nordic Pharma France, René-Marc Flipo Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Medac, MSD, Nordic-Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugaï, and Sanofi., Consultant of: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Medac, MSD, Nordic-Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugaï, and Sanofi.

Altered DNA methylation at age-associated CpG sites in children with growth disorders: impact on age estimation?

Age estimation based on DNA methylation (DNAm) can be applied to children, adolescents and adults, but many CG dinucleotides (CpGs) exhibit different kinetics of age-associated DNAm across these age ranges. Furthermore, it is still unclear how growth disorders impact epigenetic age predictions, and this may be particularly relevant for a forensic application. In this study, we analyzed buccal mucosa samples from 95 healthy children and 104 children with different growth disorders. DNAm was analysed by pyrosequencing for 22 CpGs in the genes PDE4C, ELOVL2, RPA2, EDARADD and DDO. The relationship between DNAm and age in healthy children was tested by Spearman’s rank correlation. Differences in DNAm between the groups “healthy children” and the (sub-)groups of children with growth disorders were tested by ANCOVA. Models for age estimation were trained (1) based on the data from 11 CpGs with a close correlation between DNAm and age (R ≥ 0.75) and (2) on five CpGs that also did not present significant differences in DNAm between healthy and diseased children. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the healthy group and the group with growth disorders (11 CpGs), the subgroup with a short stature (12 CpGs) and the non-short stature subgroup (three CpGs). The results are in line with the assumption of an epigenetic regulation of height-influencing genes. Age predictors trained on 11 CpGs with high correlations between DNAm and age revealed higher mean absolute errors (MAEs) in the group of growth disorders (mean MAE 2.21 years versus MAE 1.79 in the healthy group) as well as in the short stature (sub-)groups; furthermore, there was a clear tendency for overestimation of ages in all growth disorder groups (mean age deviations: total growth disorder group 1.85 years, short stature group 1.99 years). Age estimates on samples from children with growth disorders were more precise when using a model containing only the five CpGs that did not present significant differences in DNAm between healthy and diseased children (mean age deviations: total growth disorder group 1.45 years, short stature group 1.66 years). The results suggest that CpGs in genes involved in processes relevant for growth and development should be avoided in age prediction models for children since they may be sensitive for alterations in the DNAm pattern in cases of growth disorders.

Precise Measurement of the D^{0} and D^{+} Lifetimes at Belle II

We report a measurement of the D^{0} and D^{+} lifetimes using D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+} and D^{+}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{+} decays reconstructed in e^{+}e^{-}→cc[over ¯] data recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The data, collected at center-of-mass energies at or near the ϒ(4S) resonance, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 72  fb^{-1}. The results, τ(D^{0})=410.5±1.1(stat)±0.8(syst)  fs and τ(D^{+})=1030.4±4.7(stat)±3.1(syst)  fs, are the most precise to date and are consistent with previous determinations.

[Prevalence of claw disorders in swiss cattle farms]

INTRODUCTION

The project «Healthy claws - the foundation for the future» aims to establish a Swiss national claw health monitoring based on digital recordings by claw trimmers during claw trimming. To assess claw health on the participating farms, between-herd prevalence, within-herd prevalence and cow prevalence of all claw disorders based on the «ICAR Claw Health Atlas» were calculated during this study. Claw trimmers underwent an intensive training and examination in order to ensure data quality. To guarantee the representativity of the prevalences, only farm claw trimmings were considered, where ≥ 80 % of the cows in a herd were trimmed. The calculations were based on 7108 cows and 403 heifers from 238 farms, during the period from February 2020 to February 2021. At least one claw disorder was present in 99,2 % of the farms, with 49,6 % of the heifers and 77,7 % of the cows having at least one claw disorder. The high prevalence is seen as a result of all ICAR claw disorders being considered, whereas not all of them are painful and consequently not all of them cause lameness. The absence of lameness assessment limits the evaluation of existing herd problems. High between-herd and cow prevalences were observed for the following claw disorders: heel horn erosion (92,9 %/64,7 %), digital dermatitis (55,9 %/20,7 %), white line disease (81,5 %/17,7 %) and sole hemorrhage (66,4 %/11,6 %). Asymmetric claws, corkscrew claws, scissor claws, horn fissure, interdigital phlegmon, swelling of the coronet and/or bulb and toe necrosis had low prevalences. The proportion of cows treated with a hoof block (0,5 %) was comparatively small in regard of the cows suffering from ulcers (5,6 %) and white line abscesses (2,5 %). The median within-herd prevalence of digital dermatitis was 5,6 %, with a maximal within-herd prevalence of 87,5 %. Despite the contagious nature of digital dermatitis, no increase of between-herd and cow prevalence has been observed in the past ten years throughout Switzerland. Based on this data, the Swiss claw health situation can be monitored, compared over time and improved in the future.

Evidence for differences in DNA methylation between Germans and Japanese

As a contribution to the discussion about the possible effects of ethnicity/ancestry on age estimation based on DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns, we directly compared age-associated DNAm in German and Japanese donors in one laboratory under identical conditions. DNAm was analyzed by pyrosequencing for 22 CpG sites (CpGs) in the genes PDE4C, RPA2, ELOVL2, DDO, and EDARADD in buccal mucosa samples from German and Japanese donors (N = 368 and N = 89, respectively).

Twenty of these CpGs revealed a very high correlation with age and were subsequently tested for differences between German and Japanese donors aged between 10 and 65 years (N = 287 and N = 83, respectively). ANCOVA was performed by testing the Japanese samples against age- and sex-matched German subsamples (N = 83 each; extracted 500 times from the German total sample). The median p values suggest a strong evidence for significant differences (p < 0.05) at least for two CpGs (EDARADD, CpG 2, and PDE4C, CpG 2) and no differences for 11 CpGs (p > 0.3).

Age prediction models based on DNAm data from all 20 CpGs from German training data did not reveal relevant differences between the Japanese test samples and German subsamples. Obviously, the high number of included “robust CpGs” prevented relevant effects of differences in DNAm at two CpGs.

Nevertheless, the presented data demonstrates the need for further research regarding the impact of confounding factors on DNAm in the context of ethnicity/ancestry to ensure a high quality of age estimation. One approach may be the search for “robust” CpG markers—which requires the targeted investigation of different populations, at best by collaborative research with coordinated research strategies.

Search for B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] Decays Using an Inclusive Tagging Method at Belle II

A search for the flavor-changing neutral-current decay B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] is performed at the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric energy electron-positron collider. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 63  fb^{-1} collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance and a sample of 9  fb^{-1} collected at an energy 60 MeV below the resonance. Because the measurable decay signature involves only a single charged kaon, a novel measurement approach is used that exploits not only the properties of the B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] decay, but also the inclusive properties of the other B meson in the ϒ(4S)→BB[over ¯] event, to suppress the background from other B meson decays and light-quark pair production. This inclusive tagging approach offers a higher signal efficiency compared to previous searches. No significant signal is observed. An upper limit on the branching fraction of B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] of 4.1×10^{-5} is set at the 90% confidence level.

[Evaluation of voluntary incentive--based animal welfare programs to decrease antimicrobial use on source dairies and veal calf fattening operations]

INTRODUCTION

Increased antimicrobial use (AMU) and poor animal health are common problems on Swiss veal farms. The creation of incentive systems could contribute to reduce AMU and to implement supportive management measures. Voluntary government-funded programs could be an option. Therefore, the present study developed four hypothetical programs, which differed in their approach and funded measures. Depending on the program, the objective of reducing AMU should be achieved either by promotion of farm specific advice from the Swiss calf health service, benchmarking the antibiotic use, promotion of health measures on the source dairy (farm of birth) or by promoting veal calf fattening on the source dairy instead of selling calf to fattening operations. A survey using the contingent evaluation method evaluated the willingness of farm manager to participate in these programs. A total of 135 veal farm managers filled in the questionnaire, of which 131 were managers of family-run small scale veal fattening farms. In addition, 309 managers of dairy farms where no veal was produced participated in the study. These farms served as source dairies and sold excess calves for subsequent fattening mostly at the age of three to five weeks. Participation was moderate to good depending on the program. Approximately 30% of farm managers would participate in the program with farm specific advice from the Swiss calf health service and with benchmarking of AMU, 35% in the promotion of veal calf fattening on the source dairy, and 60% in health measures on the source dairy. Probability of participation in the program with farm specific advice and in health measures on source dairies can be influenced by the amount of the extra pay. The main reasons for which managers would not want to participate were having reservations about the need to improve animal health on the own farm, a lack of space and time, as well as concerns about increased administrative work. The study can be a starting point for the development of voluntary programs to reduce AMU on farms, in particular on source dairies and veal calf fattening farms. The results of this study may allow of estimation of the percentage of farm managers to participate in voluntary programs, thus addressing an optimal number of farms.

Pathogenic SPTBN1 variants cause an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental syndrome

SPTBN1 encodes βII-spectrin, the ubiquitously expressed β-spectrin that forms micrometer-scale networks associated with plasma membranes. Mice deficient in neuronal βII-spectrin have defects in cortical organization, developmental delay and behavioral deficiencies. These phenotypes, while less severe, are observed in haploinsufficient animals, suggesting that individuals carrying heterozygous SPTBN1 variants may also show measurable compromise of neural development and function. Here we identify heterozygous SPTBN1 variants in 29 individuals with developmental, language and motor delays; mild to severe intellectual disability; autistic features; seizures; behavioral and movement abnormalities; hypotonia; and variable dysmorphic facial features. We show that these SPTBN1 variants lead to effects that affect βII-spectrin stability, disrupt binding to key molecular partners, and disturb cytoskeleton organization and dynamics. Our studies define SPTBN1 variants as the genetic basis of a neurodevelopmental syndrome, expand the set of spectrinopathies affecting the brain and underscore the critical role of βII-spectrin in the central nervous system.

Psychological resilience early in the COVID-19 pandemic: Stressors, resources, and coping strategies in a national sample of Americans

Spreading rapidly across the United States beginning in the spring of 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic radically disrupted Americans' lives. Previous studies of community-wide disasters suggested people are fairly resilient and identified resources and strategies that promote that resilience. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic is in some ways unique, with high levels of uncertainty, evolving implications and restrictions, and varied and uneven impacts. How resilient were Americans as the pandemic progressed? What psychosocial resources and coping strategies facilitated adjustment as the country moved into a summer of uneven reopenings and reclosures? Data from a national sample of 674 Americans were gathered at the height of early lockdowns and peaking infections in mid-April, 2020, and again, 5 and 10 weeks later. The study aimed to determine levels and sources of distress and to identify the resources and coping efforts that promoted or impeded resilience. Early levels of distress diminished to some extent over subsequent months while levels of wellbeing were comparable with usual norms, suggesting a largely resilient response. COVID-19-related stress exposure also decreased gradually over time. Older age, higher levels of mindfulness and social support, and meaning focused coping predicted better adjustment, reflecting resilience, while avoidance coping was particularly unhelpful. In models predicting change over time, approach-oriented coping (i.e., active coping, meaning-focused coping, and seeking social support) was minimally predictive of subsequent adjustment. Given the unique and ongoing circumstances presented by COVID-19, specific interventions targeting psychosocial resources and coping identified here may help to promote resilience as the pandemic continues to unfold. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychological resilience early in the COVID-19 pandemic: Stressors, resources, and coping strategies in a national sample of Americans

Spreading rapidly across the United States beginning in the spring of 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic radically disrupted Americans' lives. Previous studies of community-wide disasters suggested people are fairly resilient and identified resources and strategies that promote that resilience. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic is in some ways unique, with high levels of uncertainty, evolving implications and restrictions, and varied and uneven impacts. How resilient were Americans as the pandemic progressed? What psychosocial resources and coping strategies facilitated adjustment as the country moved into a summer of uneven reopenings and reclosures? Data from a national sample of 674 Americans were gathered at the height of early lockdowns and peaking infections in mid-April, 2020, and again, 5 and 10 weeks later. The study aimed to determine levels and sources of distress and to identify the resources and coping efforts that promoted or impeded resilience. Early levels of distress diminished to some extent over subsequent months while levels of wellbeing were comparable with usual norms, suggesting a largely resilient response. COVID-19-related stress exposure also decreased gradually over time. Older age, higher levels of mindfulness and social support, and meaning focused coping predicted better adjustment, reflecting resilience, while avoidance coping was particularly unhelpful. In models predicting change over time, approach-oriented coping (i.e., active coping, meaning-focused coping, and seeking social support) was minimally predictive of subsequent adjustment. Given the unique and ongoing circumstances presented by COVID-19, specific interventions targeting psychosocial resources and coping identified here may help to promote resilience as the pandemic continues to unfold. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Associations of alcohol, marijuana, and polysubstance use with non-adherence to COVID-19 public health guidelines in a US sample

Background: We sought to understand the association between heavy alcohol and frequent drug use and non-adherence to recommended social distancing and personal hygiene guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 early in the US pandemic. Methods: A survey was offered on the crowdsourcing platform, Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) during April 2020 (the early days of strict, social distancing restrictions). The study included 1,521 adults ages 18 years and older who resided in the US and were enrolled as MTurk workers, i.e., workers who are qualified by Amazon to complete a range of human interaction tasks, including surveys through the MTurk worker platform. Main predictors included measures of heavy drinking, marijuana, and polysubstance use. The dependent measures were measures of social distancing and personal hygiene, based on guidelines recommended at the time of the survey by the US Centers for Disease Control to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Results: We found consistent negative associations between heavy drinking and drug use and adherence to social distancing and personal hygiene. Additionally, three control variables, age, gender, and race/ethnicity, were significant correlates of adherence to these measures. Conclusions: The findings here are consistent with previous research exploring links between substance use and other adverse health behaviors. Further, the negative association between heavy drinking (five or more drinks in one sitting) and adherence underscore the public health risks entailed with the unrestricted reopening of public drinking establishments.

Combining 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT-Directed and Elective Radiation Therapy Improves Outcome in Oligorecurrent Prostate Cancer: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

Background

In case of oligo-recurrent prostate cancer (PC) following prostatectomy, ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-PET/CT can be used to detect a specific site of recurrence and to initiate metastasis-directed radiation therapy (MDT). However, large heterogeneities exist concerning doses, treatment fields and radiation techniques, with some studies reporting focal radiotherapy (RT) to PSMA-PET/CT positive lesions only and other studies using elective RT strategies. We aimed to compare oncological outcomes and toxicity between PET/CT-directed RT (PDRT) and PDRT plus elective RT (eRT; i.e. prostate bed, pelvic or paraaortal nodes) in a large retrospective multicenter study.

Methods

Data of 394 patients with oligo-recurrent ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-PET/CT-positive PC treated between 04/2013 and 01/2018 in six different academic institutions were evaluated. Primary endpoint was biochemical-recurrence-free survival (bRFS). bRFS was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log rank testing. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to determine influence of treatment parameters.

Results

In 204 patients (51.8%) RT was directed only to lesions seen on ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-PET/CT (PDRT), 190 patients (48.2%) received PDRT plus eRT. PDRT plus eRT was associated with a significantly improved 3-year bRFS compared to PDRT alone (53 vs. 37%; p = 0.001) and remained an independent factor in multivariate analysis (p = 0.006, HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.68). This effect was more pronounced in the subgroup of patients who were treated with PDRT and elective prostate bed radiotherapy (ePBRT) with a 3-year bRFS of 61% versus 22% (p <0.001). Acute and late toxicity grade ≥3 was 0.8% and 3% after PDRT plus eRT versus no toxicity grade ≥3 after PDRT alone.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of patients with oligo-recurrent prostate cancer, elective irradiation of the pelvic lymphatics and the prostatic bed significantly improved bRFS when added to ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-PET/CT-guided focal radiotherapy. These findings need to be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

Americans' distress early in the COVID-19 pandemic: Protective resources and coping strategies

OBJECTIVE

The rapid emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States has dramatically altered daily life and taken a toll on Americans' physical, mental, social, and financial well-being. Based on previous widespread disasters, future high prevalence of short- and long-term adverse mental health consequences are anticipated. Studies of COVID-19 outside the United States indicated moderately high levels of distress, but we have little information regarding Americans' distress nor the factors associated with relative distress or adjustment during this unprecedented time. This study represents the first national view of Americans' distress during the massive disruption of COVID-19 and identifies levels of stress exposure, protective psychosocial resources, and coping strategies.

METHOD

Data were collected April 7-9, 2020 from an online platform, using best practices for ensuring high-quality data; 1,015 completed respondents are included ([53.9%] women; average age = 38.9 years; mostly White [82.4%] and non-Hispanic [91.5%]). Respondents' locations ranged across the United States, from 18.5% in the Northeast to 37.8% in the South.

RESULTS

Fairly high levels of stress exposure and peritraumatic and general distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) were reported. Emotion regulation skills along with active and distraction coping emerged as the strongest predictors of lower distress levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results identify potential targets for online mental health interventions-focusing on engaging in adaptive emotion regulation and coping (e.g., through telehealth mental health first aid)-during the pandemic to offset the likely rise in distress over the months ahead. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Scanning Compton X-ray microscopy

X-ray microscopy offers the opportunity to image biological and radiosensitive materials without special sample preparations, bridging optical and electron microscopy capabilities. However, the performance of such microscopes, when imaging radiosensitive samples, is not limited by their intrinsic resolution, but by the radiation damage induced on such samples. Here, we demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, radio-efficient microscope, scanning Compton X-ray microscopy (SCXM), which uses coherently and incoherently (Compton) scattered photons to minimize the deposited energy per unit of mass for a given imaging signal. We implemented SCXM, using lenses capable of efficiently focusing 60 keV X-ray photons into the sub-micrometer scale, and probe its radio-efficient capabilities. SCXM, when implemented in high-energy diffraction-limited storage rings, e.g., European Synchrotron Radiation Facility Extremely Brilliant Source and PETRA IV, will open the opportunity to explore the nanoscale of unstained, unsectioned, and undamaged radiosensitive materials.

[Comparative economic analysis of the new concept for veal calf fattening «outdoor veal calf» and the conventional IP-SUISSE label]

INTRODUCTION

The evaluation of new animal husbandry concepts includes, beyond the exploration of chosen parameters, that the question is addressed whether economic benefits for producers and ethical benefits for society result of the new system when compared to traditional systems. In a previous study, a novel management and housing concept for veal production («outdoor veal calf», OVC) was tested from October 2016 to July 2018. The OVC concept was associated with distinctly lower antimicrobial use while average daily weight gain was similar and calf welfare better; furthermore mortality was lower compared to conventional label fattening. The aim of the present study was to compare economics between the OVC concept on intervention farms (IF) and the IP-SUISSE label concept on control farms (CF) by calculating contribution margins (CM). The CM indicates the difference between the performance of a production branch (e. g. slaughter return) and the allocable costs for this production branch (e. g. feed costs). In the present study, two different approaches were used for CM calculation to analyze the available data in detail. No substantial differences in CM between the OVC concept and the IP-SUISSE concept were found in either approach. However, the specific CM varied between the approaches as different calculation criteria for quantities and prices were applied (approach «real» with accurate costs and returns from the OVC study and approach «standardized» with costs and returns based on the CM catalogue). The CM varied slightly for the CM per man-hour (IF «real»: 6.96 CHF/man-hour, «standardized»: 4.49 CHF/man-hour; CF: 7.90 CHF/man-hour and 8.08 CHF/man-hour, respectively) and considerably for the CM per fattening space and year (IF «real»: -380.36 CHF, «standardized»: -559.50 CHF; CF: -244.70 CHF and -318.80 CHF, -respectively). Producing veal with the OVC concept -allowed for achieving comparable CM/man-hour as in conventional label production. Thus, the farmers' economic interests should be warranted when implementing the OVC concept.

Treatment Retention in Opioid Dependent Clients Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment: Six-Month Rate and Baseline Correlates

In the current opioid overdose epidemic, treatment retention among clients receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependence is a significant and growing concern among treatment providers, policymakers, and researchers. Methods: We examined a sample of clients enrolled in a federally funded MAT expansion program implemented in four sites in Connecticut. Program participants received MAT for their opioid use disorders (OUDs). All program sites utilized a person in recovery from OUD (a recovery support coach, RSC) as part of the treatment team. By performing bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression models, we evaluated the association of 6-month retention and program site, gender, age, race/ethnicity, and past month substance use. Results: At 6-month follow-up, 58.9% of participants were classified as "retained." Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that participants who were older, reported no past month cocaine/crack use, or reported any illegal drug use other than cocaine/crack, were significantly more likely to be retained in treatment at follow-up. Conclusions: Retention rates were relatively high in these Connecticut sites compared to those examined in previous literature. Findings suggest that efforts for enhancing retention and successful treatment outcomes need to consider and potentially address the unique needs, problems, and risks of younger clients and clients with crack/cocaine involvement. The importance of drug use screening for those entering MAT is underscored. Future research needs to explore how levels of client involvement in adjunctive therapies may impact their retention.

Germline variation in the insulin-like growth factor pathway and risk of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and its precursor, Barrett's esophagus (BE), have uncovered significant genetic components of risk, but most heritability remains unexplained. Targeted assessment of genetic variation in biologically relevant pathways using novel analytical approaches may identify missed susceptibility signals. Central obesity, a key BE/EAC risk factor, is linked to systemic inflammation, altered hormonal signaling and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis dysfunction. Here, we assessed IGF-related genetic variation and risk of BE and EAC. Principal component analysis was employed to evaluate pathway-level and gene-level associations with BE/EAC, using genotypes for 270 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in or near 12 IGF-related genes, ascertained from 3295 BE cases, 2515 EAC cases and 3207 controls in the Barrett's and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Consortium (BEACON) GWAS. Gene-level signals were assessed using Multi-marker Analysis of GenoMic Annotation (MAGMA) and SNP summary statistics from BEACON and an expanded GWAS meta-analysis (6167 BE cases, 4112 EAC cases, 17 159 controls). Global variation in the IGF pathway was associated with risk of BE (P = 0.0015). Gene-level associations with BE were observed for GHR (growth hormone receptor; P = 0.00046, false discovery rate q = 0.0056) and IGF1R (IGF1 receptor; P = 0.0090, q = 0.0542). These gene-level signals remained significant at q < 0.1 when assessed using data from the largest available BE/EAC GWAS meta-analysis. No significant associations were observed for EAC. This study represents the most comprehensive evaluation to date of inherited genetic variation in the IGF pathway and BE/EAC risk, providing novel evidence that variation in two genes encoding cell-surface receptors, GHR and IGF1R, may influence risk of BE.

Ultrathin catalyst-free InAs nanowires on silicon with distinct 1D sub-band transport properties

Ultrathin InAs nanowires (NW) with a one-dimensional (1D) sub-band structure are promising materials for advanced quantum-electronic devices, where dimensions in the sub-30 nm diameter limit together with post-CMOS integration scenarios on Si are much desired. Here, we demonstrate two site-selective synthesis methods that achieve epitaxial, high aspect ratio InAs NWs on Si with ultrathin diameters below 20 nm. The first approach exploits direct vapor-solid growth to tune the NW diameter by interwire spacing, mask opening size and growth time. The second scheme explores a unique reverse-reaction growth by which the sidewalls of InAs NWs are thermally decomposed under controlled arsenic flux and annealing time. Interesting kinetically limited dependencies between interwire spacing and thinning dynamics are found, yielding diameters as low as 12 nm for sparse NW arrays. We clearly verify the 1D sub-band structure in ultrathin NWs by pronounced conductance steps in low-temperature transport measurements using back-gated NW-field effect transistors. Correlated simulations reveal single- and double degenerate conductance steps, which highlight the rotational hexagonal symmetry and reproduce the experimental traces in the diffusive 1D transport limit. Modelling under the realistic back-gate configuration further evidences regimes that lead to asymmetric carrier distribution and breakdown of the degeneracy depending on the gate bias.

Monogenic variants in dystonia: an exome-wide sequencing study

BACKGROUND

Dystonia is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition that occurs in isolation (isolated dystonia), in combination with other movement disorders (combined dystonia), or in the context of multisymptomatic phenotypes (isolated or combined dystonia with other neurological involvement). However, our understanding of its aetiology is still incomplete. We aimed to elucidate the monogenic causes for the major clinical categories of dystonia.

METHODS

For this exome-wide sequencing study, study participants were identified at 33 movement-disorder and neuropaediatric specialty centres in Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Switzerland. Each individual with dystonia was diagnosed in accordance with the dystonia consensus definition. Index cases were eligible for this study if they had no previous genetic diagnosis and no indication of an acquired cause of their illness. The second criterion was not applied to a subset of participants with a working clinical diagnosis of dystonic cerebral palsy. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood of participants and whole-exome sequenced. To find causative variants in known disorder-associated genes, all variants were filtered, and unreported variants were classified according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. All considered variants were reviewed in expert round-table sessions to validate their clinical significance. Variants that survived filtering and interpretation procedures were defined as diagnostic variants. In the cases that went undiagnosed, candidate dystonia-causing genes were prioritised in a stepwise workflow.

FINDINGS

We sequenced the exomes of 764 individuals with dystonia and 346 healthy parents who were recruited between June 1, 2015, and July 31, 2019. We identified causative or probable causative variants in 135 (19%) of 728 families, involving 78 distinct monogenic disorders. We observed a larger proportion of individuals with diagnostic variants in those with dystonia (either isolated or combined) with coexisting non-movement disorder-related neurological symptoms (100 [45%] of 222; excepting cases with evidence of perinatal brain injury) than in those with combined (19 [19%] of 98) or isolated (16 [4%] of 388) dystonia. Across all categories of dystonia, 104 (65%) of the 160 detected variants affected genes which are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. We found diagnostic variants in 11 genes not previously linked to dystonia, and propose a predictive clinical score that could guide the implementation of exome sequencing in routine diagnostics. In cases without perinatal sentinel events, genomic alterations contributed substantively to the diagnosis of dystonic cerebral palsy. In 15 families, we delineated 12 candidate genes. These include IMPDH2, encoding a key purine biosynthetic enzyme, for which robust evidence existed for its involvement in a neurodevelopmental disorder with dystonia. We identified six variants in IMPDH2, collected from four independent cohorts, that were predicted to be deleterious de-novo variants and expected to result in deregulation of purine metabolism.

INTERPRETATION

In this study, we have determined the role of monogenic variants across the range of dystonic disorders, providing guidance for the introduction of personalised care strategies and fostering follow-up pathophysiological explorations.

FUNDING

Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung, Technische Universität München, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Charles University in Prague, Czech Ministry of Education, the Slovak Grant and Development Agency, the Slovak Research and Grant Agency.

Search for Axionlike Particles Produced in e^{+}e^{-} Collisions at Belle II

We present a search for the direct production of a light pseudoscalar a decaying into two photons with the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB collider. We search for the process e^{+}e^{-}→γa, a→γγ in the mass range 0.2<m_{a}<9.7  GeV/c^{2} using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of (445±3)  pb^{-1}. Light pseudoscalars interacting predominantly with standard model gauge bosons (so-called axionlike particles or ALPs) are frequently postulated in extensions of the standard model. We find no evidence for ALPs and set 95% confidence level upper limits on the coupling strength g_{aγγ} of ALPs to photons at the level of 10^{-3}  GeV^{-1}. The limits are the most restrictive to date for 0.2<m_{a}<1  GeV/c^{2}.

Safety Profile of Infinity Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode Placement in a 1.5T Interventional MRI Suite: Consecutive Single-Institution Case Series

"Asleep" deep brain stimulation using general anesthesia and intraoperative MR imaging guidance is considered "off-label" use by current FDA guidelines but is widely used in neurosurgical practice, and excellent safety has been demonstrated using first-generation, omnidirectional electrodes. Safety data for second-generation, directional electrodes in the interventional MR imaging environment have not yet been published. Herein, we report 34 cases of asleep deep brain stimulation using second-generation, directional electrodes in an interventional MR imaging suite at a single institution. Procedural complications and imaging data are described. All patients underwent postoperative MR imaging with fully implanted ("internalized") electrodes after scalp closure; 4 patients also underwent MR imaging with "externalized" electrodes before scalp closure. No MR imaging-related complications were observed, and procedural complication rates were comparable to prior series. This suggests that the use of second-generation, directional electrodes in the interventional MR imaging environment appears to be safe when following manufacturer-published imaging guidelines.