bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Job rotation approach in nursing profession
Authors: Alfuqaha Othman A. , Al‐Hairy Sakher S. , Al‐Hemsi Haifa A. , Sabbah Afaf A. , Faraj Khadeejeh N. , Assaf Eyad M.
Published: December 2020

Background

The nursing profession still needs more attention from decision‐makers to enhance satisfaction and commitment in the work environment.

Aims and objectives

This study aims to explore the perceived level of job rotation, job satisfaction, job commitment, job turnover and job conflict among nurses who previously had job rotation experience in Jordan. The study also investigates the correlation between studied variables and job rotation approach based on the type of hospitals. Furthermore, it also evaluates the contribution of job rotation, job commitment and many demographic factors in predicting job satisfaction among nurses who had job rotation experience in Jordan.

Design

The study adopted the cross‐sectional survey design of the correlational type.

Methods

The study was performed on a stratified convenience sample of 786 nurses from five hospitals in Jordan. The scales used to explore the perceived level of studied variables were obtained from previously published studies, translated to Arabic language and then checked for validity and reliability before being used.

Results

Results show that job rotation, job satisfaction, job commitment, job turnover and job conflict are all found to be at high levels. Job rotation approach among nurses seems necessary since job satisfaction and job commitment are positively correlated with job rotation. Also, job commitment, job rotation and gender are identified as significant predictors of job satisfaction among nurses in Jordan.

Conclusion

Nurses who experienced job rotation are found have high levels of job satisfaction and job commitment. However, job turnover is also found to be at high level which should be emphasised. Nurse leaders are advised to apply the job rotation approach by moving nurses between different departments in a planned manner to increase the level of job satisfaction and job commitment.
SECULARITY, SYNCHRONICITY, AND UNCANNY SCIENCE: CONSIDERATIONS AND CHALLENGES
Authors: Agrama Hussein Ali
Published: December 2020

In this essay, I discuss the reports and results of recent official studies of UFOs, and argue they may pose a challenge to contemporary science, religion, and secularity. While the question of UFOs has been well addressed with respect to religion, this essay, which is also a report on current research, highlights the challenge to secularity and some of its constitutive practices. It aims to show how current knowledge on UFOs renders both science and religion uncanny, placing them in a domain where they become irreducibly strange while unshakably familiar, pushing us to (re)consider some of the secular premises of the social sciences (e.g., anthropology) and the humanities (e.g., religious studies), and the possible need for new analytics.
Horses and worthwhile causes: Exploring equine-assisted learning at Dune Lakes Horse Inspired Learning Centre in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Lietz Ricarda , Napan Ksenija
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: Equine-assisted therapies and trauma-informed interventions have become increasingly popular with a growing literature suggesting that people can deeply relate to experiential work with horses, where silence, emotional growth, reflection and acceptance are prioritised over talking about problems.APPROACH: This research, undertaken at a rural learning and retreat centre near Auckland in Aotearoa New Zealand, examines how practitioners tailor equine-assisted interventions (EAI) and sheds light into values, theories and frameworks that underpin their work. The study is based on personal and professional experiences of four practitioners who engage in equine- assisted learning.FINDINGS AND APPLICATION: Findings are drawn from the thematic analysis of the transcripts of four semi-structured interviews, highlighting the process of facilitating post- traumatic growth in a professional, supportive and client-centred environment involving a facilitator, a horse, and a person keen to improve the quality of their life. Application of this modality, particularly when working with clients with complex trauma, is explored with a special emphasis on the relevance of involvement of animals in social work practice.
Meeting the social support needs of older rural people in Central Otago: The impact of a pilot social work position
Authors: Diamond Sharnee , Jaye Chrystal
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: This project aimed to identify the support needs of older people living in rural Central Otago, Aotearoa New Zealand and to ascertain if a pilot social work position was meeting these needs.METHODS: Data were collected during December 2019. Twelve semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with the social worker, referrers of the social worker’s clients, key community stakeholders, and the older rural residents supported by the social worker.FINDINGS: An interpretive analysis of the data identified two key thematics: 1) being older in Central Otago; and 2) providing aged social work services in this region.CONCLUSION: Despite the positive impact that the Age Concern Otago social work position is having for clients of the service, the need for social support for older rural people in Central Otago continues to grow. In addition to increasing social worker resourcing, better coordination and linking between the government and non-government agencies operating in this space would improve the effectiveness of aged social work services, as would improved visibility of these services within the community.
De novo synthesis and salvage pathway coordinately regulate polyamine homeostasis and determine T cell proliferation and function
Authors: Wu Ruohan , Chen Xuyong , Kang Siwen , Wang Tingting , Gnanaprakasam JN Rashida , Yao Yufeng , Liu Lingling , Fan Gaofeng , Burns Mark R. , Wang Ruoning
Published: December 2020

Polyamine homeostasis determines T cell function.
An ultrahigh-resolution soft x-ray microscope for quantitative analysis of chemically heterogeneous nanomaterials
Authors: Shapiro David A. , Babin Sergey , Celestre Richard S. , Chao Weilun , Conley Raymond P. , Denes Peter , Enders Bjoern , Enfedaque Pablo , James Susan , Joseph John M. , Krishnan Harinarayan , Marchesini Stefano , Muriki Krishna , Nowrouzi Kasra , Oh Sharon R. , Padmore Howard , Warwick Tony , Yang Lee , Yashchuk Valeriy V. , Yu Young-Sang , Zhao Jiangtao
Published: December 2020

A novel ultrahigh-resolution x-ray microscope achieves 8-nm spatial resolution and accurately maps chemistry in nanomaterials.
The structure and global distribution of the endoplasmic reticulum network are actively regulated by lysosomes
Authors: Lu Meng , van Tartwijk Francesca W. , Lin Julie Qiaojin , Nijenhuis Wilco , Parutto Pierre , Fantham Marcus , Christensen Charles N. , Avezov Edward , Holt Christine E. , Tunnacliffe Alan , Holcman David , Kapitein Lukas , Schierle Gabriele S. Kaminski , Kaminski Clemens F.
Published: December 2020

Lysosomes, important centers of metabolic sensing and material recycling, play a key role in the dynamic reshaping of the ER.
Organic monolayers disrupt plastic flow in metals
Authors: Sugihara Tatsuya , Udupa Anirudh , Viswanathan Koushik , Davis Jason M. , Chandrasekar Srinivasan
Published: December 2020

Adsorbed monomolecular organic films are shown to embrittle ductile metals via an induced surface stress.
Chemical anti-corrosion strategy for stable inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Fu Sheng , Zhang Wenxiao , Ke Shanzhe , Song Weijie , Fang Junfeng
Published: December 2020

Chemical anticorrosion of metal electrode with benzotriazole inhibitor enhances the stability of perovskite solar cells.
Virus detection using nanoparticles and deep neural network–enabled smartphone system
Authors: Draz Mohamed S. , Vasan Anish , Muthupandian Aradana , Kanakasabapathy Manoj Kumar , Thirumalaraju Prudhvi , Sreeram Aparna , Krishnakumar Sanchana , Yogesh Vinish , Lin Wenyu , Yu Xu G. , Chung Raymond T. , Shafiee Hadi
Published: December 2020

A virus detection method using deep learning–based analysis of smartphone-recorded microchip images without any optical hardware.
Inferring the effectiveness of government interventions against COVID-19
Authors: Brauner Jan M. , Mindermann Sören , Sharma Mrinank , Johnston David , Salvatier John , Gavenčiak Tomáš , Stephenson Anna B. , Leech Gavin , Altman George , Mikulik Vladimir , Norman Alexander John , Monrad Joshua Teperowski , Besiroglu Tamay , Ge Hong , Hartwick Meghan A. , Teh Yee Whye , Chindelevitch Leonid , Gal Yarin , Kulveit Jan
Published: December 2020

How to hold down transmission

Early in 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission was curbed in many countries by imposing combinations of nonpharmaceutical interventions. Sufficient data on transmission have now accumulated to discern the effectiveness of individual interventions. Brauner
et al.
amassed and curated data from 41 countries as input to a model to identify the individual nonpharmaceutical interventions that were the most effective at curtailing transmission during the early pandemic. Limiting gatherings to fewer than 10 people, closing high-exposure businesses, and closing schools and universities were each more effective than stay-at-home orders, which were of modest effect in slowing transmission.

Science
, this issue p.
eabd9338
Targeting therapy-resistant prostate cancer via a direct inhibitor of the human heat shock transcription factor 1
Authors: Dong Bushu , Jaeger Alex M. , Hughes Philip F. , Loiselle David R. , Hauck J. Spencer , Fu Yao , Haystead Timothy A. , Huang Jiaoti , Thiele Dennis J.
Published: December 2020

Pharmacological inhibition of a stress-protective transcription factor provides proof of concept for treatment of therapy-resistant cancer.
Wireless sensors for continuous, multimodal measurements at the skin interface with lower limb prostheses
Authors: Kwak Jean Won , Han Mengdi , Xie Zhaoqian , Chung Ha Uk , Lee Jong Yoon , Avila Raudel , Yohay Jessica , Chen Xuexian , Liang Cunman , Patel Manish , Jung Inhwa , Kim Jongwon , Namkoong Myeong , Kwon Kyeongha , Guo Xu , Ogle Christopher , Grande Dominic , Ryu Dennis , Kim Dong Hyun , Madhvapathy Surabhi , Liu Claire , Yang Da Som , Park Yoonseok , Caldwell Ryan , Banks Anthony , Xu Shuai , Huang Yonggang , Fatone Stefania , Rogers John A.
Published: December 2020

Wireless, soft sensors continuously monitor pressure and temperature at the interface between a residual limb and a prosthesis.
Establishment and Evaluation of a Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing Scheme for Whole-Genome Sequence-Based Typing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tönnies Hauke , Prior Karola , Harmsen Dag , Mellmann Alexander
Published: December 2020

The environmental bacterium
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, particularly multidrug-resistant clones, is often associated with nosocomial infections and outbreaks. Today, core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) is frequently applied to delineate sporadic cases from nosocomial transmissions.
High-Resolution Typing of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Based on Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing To Investigate the Hospital Spread of Multidrug-Resistant Clones
Authors: Jamet Anne , Guglielmini Julien , Brancotte Bryan , Coureuil Mathieu , Euphrasie Daniel , Meyer Julie , Roux Johanna , Barnier Jean-Philippe , Bille Emmanuelle , Ferroni Agnès , Magny Jean-François , Bôle-Feysot Christine , Charbit Alain , Nassif Xavier , Brisse Sylvain
Published: December 2020

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a pathogen emerging worldwide as a leading cause of health care-associated infections. A standardized high-resolution typing method to document transmission and dissemination of multidrug-resistant
S. epidermidis
strains is needed.
Genome Number and Size Polymorphism in Zika Virus Infectious Units
Authors: Sexton Nicole R. , Bellis Eric D. , Murrieta Reyes A. , Spangler Mark Cole , Cline Parker J. , Weger-Lucarelli James , Ebel Gregory D.
Published: December 2020

The arthropod-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) infects humans and can cause severe neurological sequelae, particularly in fetuses infected
in utero
. How this virus has been able to spread across vast geological ranges and evolve in new host populations is not yet understood.
Suberoyl Bis-Hydroxamic Acid Reactivates Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus through Histone Acetylation and Induces Apoptosis in Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Iida Shun , Mine Sohtaro , Ueda Keiji , Suzuki Tadaki , Hasegawa Hideki , Katano Harutaka
Published: December 2020

Kaposi’s sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma cells are latently infected with Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), whereas KSHV replication is frequently observed in multicentric Castleman disease. Although KSHV replication can be induced by some chemical reagents (e.g., 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate), the mechanism of KSHV replication is not fully understood.
Novel Function of African Swine Fever Virus pE66L in Inhibition of Host Translation by the PKR/eIF2α Pathway
Authors: Shen Zhou , Chen Chen , Yang Yilin , Xie Zhenhua , Ao Qingying , Lv Lu , Zhang Shoufeng , Chen Huanchun , Hu Rongliang , Chen Hongjun , Peng Guiqing
Published: December 2020

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a member of the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA virus superfamily that predominantly replicates in the cytoplasm of infected cells. The ASFV double-stranded DNA genome varies in length from approximately 170 to 193 kbp depending on the isolate and contains between 150 and 167 open reading frames (ORFs), of which half the encoded proteins have not been explored.
Malignant prolongation of the QTc interval due to severe vitamin D deficiency: an unusual presentation
Authors: Gupta Preeti , Agstam Sourabh , Yadav Ashutosh , Ghosh Soumitra
Published: December 2020

Long QT syndrome with Torsades de Pointes (TdP) is a life-threatening polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia. The corrected QT (QTc) prolongation >500 milliseconds (ms) has been associated with TdP. Hypocalcaemia due to severe vitamin D deficiency is an uncommon cause of acquired long QT. We hereby present a case of a 40-year-old woman with sensorineural deafness and having symptoms of palpitations and presyncope. She had a QTc interval of 556 ms (reference range, QTc 451–470 ms in adult healthy woman) on 24-hour Holter analysis. Genetic analysis for congenital long QT syndrome was negative. She was diagnosed with severe hypocalcaemia secondary to severe vitamin D deficiency. After treatment with intravenous calcium gluconate, followed by oral vitamin D and calcium supplementation, the QTc became normalised and no further episode of palpitations or presyncope occurred. The causes of vitamin D deficiency was due to inadequate exposure to sunlight and a strict vegan diet.
Immunocytochemistry of the ocular surface after different techniques of limbal stem cell transplantation for chronic chemical burns
Authors: Arora Ritu , Saran Ravindra , Jha Vikas , Gotmare Nikhil Dattatraya , Jain Parul
Published: December 2020

Aim

To compare the immunocytochemistry (ICC) on impression cytology of corneal surface epithelium after simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) and conjunctival-limbal autograft (CLAU).

Methods

A prospective study of 20 patients above 1 year of age with chronic chemical burns, who underwent limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT). They were divided equally in group A (SLET) and group B (CLAU). ICC was done for cytokeratin 3 (CK3) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19), preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months.

Results

Four cases were excluded due to inadequate cellularity in preoperative or postoperative samples. On ICC analysis, in the remaining 16 patients mean CK3 and CK19 positivity changed from 2.06%±1.73% and 83.56%±8.69% preoperatively to 70.62%±13.2% (p<0.0001) and 5.93%±4.17% (p<0.0001), respectively, at 6 months post LSCT. In group A (8 patients) mean CK3 and CK19 positivity of 2%±1.8% and 84.5%±8.4% preoperatively changed to 70%±13.8% (p<0.0001) and 6.25%±5.1% (p<0.0001) at 6 months respectively. While in group B (8 patients), it was 2.12%±1.7% and 82.62%±9.4% preoperatively and 71.25%±013.5% (p<0.0001) and 5.62%±3.2% (p<0.0001) at 6 months. There was no significant difference in expression of CK3 (p=0.084) and CK19 (p=0.744) post SLET or CLAU.

Three patients with complete reversion had clear corneas at 6 months.

Conclusion

Reversion of the epithelium to corneal phenotype was documented post LSCT with no difference in expression of CK3 between the two procedures (SLET/CLAU).
Health-related quality of life in Ahmed FP7, and Baerveldt 250 and 350 patients compared with medical controls
Authors: Kilgore Khin P , Wang Feng , Stern Nicole C , Jamali Dogahe Sepideh , White Launia J , Khanna Cheryl L
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with Ahmed FP7 (FP7), Baerveldt 250 (B250) and Baerveldt 350 (B350) glaucoma drainage device (GDDs), and medically treated controls.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study from August 2017 to July 2019. The NEI 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25), the Adult Strabismus-20 questionnaire (AS-20) and the Diplopia Questionnaire were conducted ≥30 days postoperatively in GDD patients, on enrolment for controls. Age, sex, treatment type, visual acuity, mean deviation and diplopia were evaluated for association with HRQoL

Results

Of the 128 GDD patients enrolled, 35 (27.3%) had FP7, 32 (25.0%) had B250 and 61 (47.7%) had B350. In univariate analysis, decreased HRQoL was associated with younger age (r2 range 0.042–0.071), diplopia (r2 range 0.039–0.119), GDD treatment (r2 range 0.023–0.103), lower visual acuity (r2 range 0.021–0.215) and worse mean deviation (r2 range 0.029–0.131). All GDD groups had lower HRQoL subscores than the controls. HRQoL scores were lower compared with controls among B350 patients for AS-20 Self-perception subscale, B250 and B350 for Reading and General Function subscales, and FP7 and B350 for VFQ-25 Visual Functioning subscale. There were no significant differences among the GDDs.

Conclusions

Glaucoma patients with a younger age, diplopia, lower visual acuity, worse mean deviation or a GDD had lower HRQoL. Those with B350 had lower self-perception scores, consistent with previous reports in the literature. This subscale was not diminished in FP7 or B250, so the decreased self-perception scores may be due to greater visibility or awareness of the B350.
Characterisation of gene and pathway expression in stabilised blood from children with coeliac disease
Authors: Bragde Hanna Gustafsson , Jansson Ulf , Fredrikson Mats , Grodzinsky Ewa , Söderman Jan
Published: December 2020

Introduction

A coeliac disease (CD) diagnosis is likely in children with levels of tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (anti-TG2) >10 times the upper reference value, whereas children with lower anti-TG2 levels need an intestinal biopsy to confirm or rule out CD. A blood sample is easier to obtain than an intestinal biopsy sample, and stabilised blood is suitable for routine diagnostics because transcript levels are preserved at sampling. Therefore, we investigated gene expression in stabilised whole blood to explore the possibility of gene expression-based diagnostics for the diagnosis and follow-up of CD.

Design

We performed RNA sequencing of stabilised whole blood from active CD cases (n=10), non-CD cases (n=10), and treated CD cases on a gluten-free diet (n=10) to identify diagnostic CD biomarkers and pathways involved in CD pathogenesis.

Results

No single gene was differentially expressed between the sample groups. However, by using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), significantly differentially expressed pathways were identified in active CD, and these pathways involved the inflammatory response, negative regulation of viral replication, translation, as well as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival. The results indicate that there are differences in pathway regulation in CD, which could be used for diagnostic purposes. Comparison between GSEA results based on stabilised blood with GSEA results based on small intestinal biopsies revealed that type I interferon response, defence response to virus, and negative regulation of viral replication were identified as pathways common to both tissues.

Conclusions

Stabilised whole blood is not a suitable sample for clinical diagnostics of CD based on single genes. However, diagnostics based on a pathway-focused gene expression panel may be feasible, but requires further investigation.
Zika virus infection in pregnancy: a protocol for the joint analysis of the prospective cohort studies of the ZIKAlliance, ZikaPLAN and ZIKAction consortia
Authors: Ades A E , Brickley Elizabeth B , Alexander Neal , Brown David , Jaenisch Thomas , Miranda-Filho Demócrito de Barros , Pohl Moritz , Rosenberger Kerstin D , Soriano-Arandes Antoni , Thorne Claire , Ximenes Ricardo Arraes de Alencar , de Araújo Thalia Velho Barreto , Avelino-Silva Vivian I , Bethencourt Castillo Sarah Esperanza , Borja Aburto Victor Hugo , Brasil Patrícia , Christie Celia D C , de Souza Wayner Vieira , Gotuzzo H Jose Eduardo , Hoen Bruno , Koopmans Marion , Martelli Celina Maria Turchi , Martins Teixeira Mauro , Marques Ernesto T A , Miranda Maria Consuelo , Montarroyos Ulisses Ramos , Moreira Maria Elisabeth , Morris J Glenn , Rockx Barry , Saba Villarroel Paola Mariela , Soria Segarra Carmen , Tami Adriana , Turchi Marília Dalva , Giaquinto Carlo , de Lamballerie Xavier , Wilder-Smith Annelies
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnancy has been associated with microcephaly and severe neurological damage to the fetus. Our aim is to document the risks of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes and the prevalence of laboratory markers of congenital infection in deliveries to women experiencing ZIKV infection during pregnancy, using data from European Commission-funded prospective cohort studies in 20 centres in 11 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Methods and analysis

We will carry out a centre-by-centre analysis of the risks of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, comparing women with confirmed and suspected ZIKV infection in pregnancy to those with no evidence of infection in pregnancy. We will document the proportion of deliveries in which laboratory markers of congenital infection were present. Finally, we will investigate the associations of trimester of maternal infection in pregnancy, presence or absence of maternal symptoms of acute ZIKV infection and previous flavivirus infections with adverse outcomes and with markers of congenital infection. Centre-specific estimates will be pooled using a two-stage approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained at each centre. Findings will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed open access journals and discussed with local public health officials and representatives of the national Ministries of Health, Pan American Health Organization and WHO involved with ZIKV prevention and control activities.
Double-blind RCT of fish oil supplementation in pregnancy and lactation to improve the metabolic health in children of mothers with overweight or obesity during pregnancy: study protocol
Authors: Satokar Vidit V , Cutfield Wayne S , Derraik José G B , Harwood Matire , Okasene-Gafa Karaponi , Beck Kathryn , Cameron-Smith David , O’Sullivan Justin M , Sundborn Gerhard , Pundir Shikha , Mason R Preston , Albert Benjamin B
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with adverse changes in body composition and metabolism in the offspring. We hypothesise that supplementation during pregnancy of overweight and obese women may help prevent the development of greater adiposity and metabolic dysfunction in children. Previous clinical trials investigating fish oil supplementation in pregnancy on metabolic outcomes and body composition of the children have not focused on the pregnancies of overweight or obese women.

Methods and analysis

A double-blind randomised controlled trial of fish oil (providing 3 g/day of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) versus an equal volume of olive oil (control) taken daily from recruitment until birth, and in breastfeeding mothers, further continued for 3 months post partum. Eligible women will have a singleton pregnancy at 12–20 weeks’ gestation and be aged 18–40 years with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2at baseline. We aim to recruit a minimum of 128 participants to be randomised 1:1. Clinical assessments will be performed at baseline and 30 weeks of pregnancy, including anthropometric measurements, fasting metabolic markers, measures of anxiety, physical activity, quality of life and dietary intake. Subsequent assessments will be performed when the infant is 2 weeks, 3 months and 12 months of age for anthropometry, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)) and blood sampling. The primary outcome of the study is a between-group difference in infant percentage body fatness, assessed by DXA, at 2 weeks of age. Secondary outcomes will include differences in anthropometric measures at each time point, percentage body fat at 3 and 12 months and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance at 3 months. Statistical analysis will be carried out on the principle of intention to treat.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial was approved by the Northern A Health and Disabilities Ethics Committee, New Zealand Ministry of Health (17/NTA/154). Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617001078347p; Pre-results.
Modelling the impact of presemester testing on COVID-19 outbreaks in university campuses
Authors: Rennert Lior , Kalbaugh Corey Andrew , Shi Lu , McMahan Christopher
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Universities are exploring strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 prior to reopening their campuses. National guidelines do not currently recommend testing students prior to campus arrival. However, the impact of presemester testing has not been studied.

Design

Dynamic SARS-CoV-2 transmission models are used to explore the effects of three presemester testing interventions.

Interventions

Testing of students 0, 1 and 2 times prior to campus arrival.

Primary outcomes

Number of active infections and time until isolation bed capacity is reached.

Setting

We set on-campus and off-campus populations to 7500 and 17 500 students, respectively. We assumed 2% prevalence of active cases at the semester start, and that one-third of infected students will be detected and isolated throughout the semester. Isolation bed capacity was set at 500. We varied disease transmission rates (R0=1.5, 2, 3, 4) to represent the effectiveness of mitigation strategies throughout the semester.

Results

Without presemester screening, peak number of active infections ranged from 4114 under effective mitigation strategies (R0=1.5) to 10 481 under ineffective mitigation strategies (R0=4), and exhausted isolation bed capacity within 10 (R0=4) to 25 days (R0=1.5). Mandating at least one test prior to campus arrival delayed the timing and reduced the size of the peak, while delaying the time until isolation bed capacity was reached. Testing twice in conjunction with effective mitigation strategies (R0=1.5) was the only scenario that did not exhaust isolation bed capacity during the semester.

Conclusions

Presemester screening is necessary to avert early and large surges of active COVID-19 infections. Therefore, we recommend testing within 1 week prior to and on campus return. While this strategy is sufficient for delaying the timing of the peak outbreak, presemester testing would need to be implemented in conjunction with effective mitigation strategies to significantly reduce outbreak size and preserve isolation bed capacity.
COVID-19 mortality effects of underlying health conditions in India: a modelling study
Authors: Novosad Paul , Jain Radhika , Campion Alison , Asher Sam
Published: December 2020

Objective

To model how known COVID-19 comorbidities affect mortality rates and the age distribution of mortality in a large lower-middle-income country (India), and to identify which health conditions drive differences with high-income countries.

Design

Modelling study.

Setting

England and India.

Participants

Individual data were obtained from the fourth round of the District Level Household Survey and Annual Health Survey in India, and aggregate data were obtained from the Health Survey for England and the Global Burden of Disease, Risk Factors and Injuries Studies.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the modelled age-specific mortality in each country due to each COVID-19 mortality risk factor (diabetes, hypertension, obesity and respiratory illness, among others). The change in overall mortality and in the share of deaths under age 60 from the combination of risk factors was estimated in each country.

Results

Relative to England, Indians have higher rates of diabetes (10.6% vs 8.5%) and chronic respiratory disease (4.8% vs 2.5%), and lower rates of obesity (4.4% vs 27.9%), chronic heart disease (4.4% vs 5.9%) and cancer (0.3% vs 2.8%). Population COVID-19 mortality in India, relative to England, is most increased by uncontrolled diabetes (+5.67%) and chronic respiratory disease (+1.88%), and most reduced by obesity (−5.47%), cancer (−3.65%) and chronic heart disease (−1.20%). Comorbidities were associated with a 6.26% lower risk of mortality in India compared with England. Demographics and population health explain a third of the difference in share of deaths under age 60 between the two countries.

Conclusions

Known COVID-19 health risk factors are not expected to have a large effect on mortality or its age distribution in India relative to England. The high share of COVID-19 deaths from people under age 60 in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains unexplained. Understanding the mortality risk associated with health conditions prevalent in LMICs, such as malnutrition and HIV/AIDS, is essential for understanding differential mortality.
Non-invasive testing for liver pathology in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Abbas Syed Hamza , Pickett Elisha , Lomas David A , Thorburn Douglas , Gooptu Bibek , Hurst John R , Marshall Aileen
Published: December 2020

Background

Many patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) receive care in respiratory clinics without access to specialist hepatology expertise. Liver disease can develop asymptomatically, and non-invasive markers of fibrosis may help identify patients who require definitive assessment with liver biopsy. We evaluated the utility of non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis in A1ATD to guide testing in settings without ready access to hepatology expertise.

Methods

Patients attending the London A1ATD service undergo assessment using blood tests to calculate the ‘APRI’ and ‘FIB-4’ score, liver ultrasound and Fibroscan. Liver biopsy is offered to patients who have abnormal liver function tests with abnormal liver ultrasound and/or liver stiffness >6 kPa on Fibroscan. Liver biopsies were assessed for the presence of A1AT, steatosis, fibrosis and inflammation.

Results

75 patients with A1ATD had results for analysis, 56% were female, age 16–82 years. 75% of patients had Fibroscan <6 kPa, 19% had Fibroscan 6–7.9 kPa and 6%>8 kPa. There was a significant correlation between FIB-4 and Fibroscan (r=0.244, p=0.035). Fibroscan >6 kPa corresponded to a FIB-4 score of >1.26. However, FIB-4 >1.26 had poor sensitivity (47%), specificity (32%) and positive-predictive value (PPV; 36%) to identify Fibroscan >6 kPa. The negative-predictive value (NPV) was stronger at 81%. APRI data were similar. Twelve patients underwent liver biopsy, with 11 reports available for analysis. Six had FIB-4 scores<1.26 and five had Fibroscan of <6 kPa. A1AT was present in 64% of biopsies, steatosis in 82%, mild fibrosis in 36%, moderate fibrosis in 9% and severe fibrosis in 9%.

Conclusion

A combination of liver ultrasound and non-invasive fibrosis tests can help identify patients with A1ATD liver injury. However, APRI and FIB-4 scores alone had poor sensitivity and specificity to justify use as an independent tool for liver pathology in A1ATD.
Interaction of common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) with sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) genotypes
Authors: Chaudhari Sushila , Jennings Katherine M. , Monks David W. , Mehra Lucky K.
Published: December 2020

Greenhouse replacement series studies were conducted to determine the relative competitiveness of NC10-275 (unreleased, drought tolerant; upright, bushy, and vining growth with large leaves) and Covington (the most commonly grown genotype in North Carolina; vining growth with smaller leaves) sweet potato genotypes with weeds. Sweet potato genotypes were grown with Palmer amaranth (tall growing) or common purslane (low growing) at five planting (sweet potato to weed) proportions of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 at a density of four plants per pot. Reduction in common purslane shoot dry biomass was greater when growing with NC10-275 than when growing with Covington or alone. When growing with common purslane, shoot dry and root fresh biomass of Covington was 18% and 26% lower, respectively, than NC10-275. Relative yield (shoot dry biomass) and aggressivity index (AI) of common purslane was lower than both sweet potato genotypes. Palmer amaranth shoot dry biomass was similar when growing alone or with Covington, whereas it was reduced by 10% when growing with NC10-275 than alone. Palmer amaranth competition reduced shoot dry biomass and root fresh biomass of Covington by 23% and 42%, respectively, relative to NC10-275. Relative yield and AI of Palmer amaranth was greater than Covington but lower than NC10-275. This research indicates that sweet potato genotypes differ in their ability to compete with weeds. Both sweet potato genotypes were more competitive than common purslane, and the following species hierarchy exists: NC10-275 > Covington > common purslane. In contrast, NC10-275 was more competitive than Covington with Palmer amaranth, and the following species hierarchy exists: NC10-275 ≥ Palmer amaranth > Covington.
Detection prospects for the second-order weak decays of $$^{124}$$Xe in multi-tonne xenon time projection chambers
Authors: Wittweg Christian , Lenardo Brian , Fieguth Alexander , Weinheimer Christian
Published: December 2020

We investigate the detection prospects for two-neutrino and neutrinoless second-order weak decays of $$^{124}{\mathrm{Xe}}$$

124

Xe

– double-electron capture ($$0/2\upnu \text {ECEC}$$

0
/
2
ν
ECEC

), electron capture with positron emission ($$0/2\upnu \text {EC}\upbeta ^+$$

0
/
2
ν
EC

β
+

) and double-positron emission ($$0/2\upnu \upbeta ^+\upbeta ^+$$

0
/
2
ν

β
+

β
+

) – in multi-tonne xenon time projection chambers. We simulate the decays in a liquid xenon medium and develop a reconstruction algorithm which uses the multi-particle coincidence in these decays to separate signal from background. This is used to compute the expected detection efficiencies as a function of position resolution and energy threshold for planned experiments. In addition, we consider an exhaustive list of possible background sources and find that they are either negligible in rate or can be greatly reduced using our topological reconstruction criteria. In particular, we draw two conclusions: First, with a theoretical half-life of $$T_{1/2}^{2\upnu \text {EC}\upbeta ^+} = (1.7 \pm 0.6)\cdot 10^{23}\,\text {year}$$

T

1
/
2

2
ν
EC

β
+

=

(
1.7
±
0.6
)

·

10
23

year

, the $$2\upnu \text {EC}\upbeta ^{+}$$

2
ν
EC

β
+

decay of $$^{124}$$

124

Xe will likely be detected in upcoming Dark Matter experiments (e.g. XENONnT or LZ), and their major background will be $$\upgamma $$
γ
-rays from detector construction materials. Second, searches for the $$0\upnu \text {EC}\upbeta ^+$$

0
ν
EC

β
+

decay mode will likely be background-free, and new parameter space may be within reach. To this end we investigate two different scenarios of existing experimental constraints on the effective neutrino mass. The necessary 500 kg-year exposure of $$^{124}$$

124

Xe could be achieved by the baseline design of the DARWIN observatory, or by extracting and using the $$^{124}$$

124

Xe from the tailings of the nEXO experiment. We demonstrate how a combination of $$^{124}$$

124

Xe results with those from $$0\upnu \upbeta ^-\upbeta ^-$$

0
ν

β
-

β
-

searches in $$^{136}$$

136

Xe could help to identify the neutrinoless decay mechanism.
Changes in endothelial glycocalyx layer protective ability after inflammatory stimulus
Authors: Delgadillo Luis. F. , Lomakina Elena. B. , Kuebel Julia , Waugh Richard. E.
Published: December 2020

Leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium is an important early step in the initiation and progression of sepsis. The endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL) has been implicated in neutrophil adhesion and barrier dysfunction, but studies in this area are few. In this report, we examine the hypothesis that damage to the structure of the EGL caused by inflammation leads to increased leukocyte adhesion and endothelial barrier dysfunction. We used human umbilical vein endothelial cells enzymatically treated to remove the EGL components hyaluronic acid (HA) and heparan sulfate (HS) as a model for EGL damage. Using atomic force microscopy, we show reductions in EGL thickness after removal of either HA or HS individually, but the largest decrease, comparable with TNF-α treatment, was observed when both HA and HS were removed. Interestingly, removal of HS or HA individually did not affect neutrophil adhesion significantly, but removal of both constituents resulted in increased neutrophil adhesion. To test EGL contributions to endothelial barrier properties, we measured transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and diffusion of fluorescently labeled dextran (10 kDa molecular weight) across the monolayer. Removal of EGL components decreased TEER but had an insignificant effect on dextran diffusion rates. The reduction in TEER suggests that disruption of the EGL may predispose endothelial cells to increased rates of fluid leakage. These data support the view that damage to the EGL during inflammation has significant effects on the accessibility of adhesion molecules, likely facilitates leukocyte adhesion, and may also contribute to increased rates of fluid transport into tissues.
Potassium channels in intestinal epithelial cells and their pharmacological modulation: a systematic review
Authors: Cosme Dina , Estevinho Maria Manuela , Rieder Florian , Magro Fernando
Published: December 2020

Several potassium channels (KCs) have been described throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Notwithstanding, their contribution to both physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions, as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), remains underexplored. Therefore, we aim to systematically review, for the first time, the evidence on the characteristics and modulation of KCs in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to identify studies focusing on KCs and their modulation in IECs. The included studies were assessed using a reporting inclusiveness checklist. From the 745 identified records, 73 met the inclusion criteria; their reporting inclusiveness was moderate-high. Some studies described the physiological role of KCs, while others explored their importance in pathological settings. Globally, in IBD animal models, apical KCa1.1 channels, responsible for luminal secretion, were upregulated. In human colonocytes, basolateral KCa3.1 channels were downregulated. The pharmacological inhibition of K2P and Kv influenced intestinal barrier function, promoting inflammation. Evidence suggests a strong association between KCs expression and secretory mechanisms in human and animal IECs. Further research is warranted to explore the usefulness of KC pharmacological modulation as a therapeutic target.
The H+-ATPase (V-ATPase): from proton pump to signaling complex in health and disease
Authors: Eaton Amity F. , Merkulova Maria , Brown Dennis
Published: December 2020

A primary function of the H+-ATPase (or V-ATPase) is to create an electrochemical proton gradient across eukaryotic cell membranes, which energizes fundamental cellular processes. Its activity allows for the acidification of intracellular vesicles and organelles, which is necessary for many essential cell biological events to occur. In addition, many specialized cell types in various organ systems such as the kidney, bone, male reproductive tract, inner ear, olfactory mucosa, and more, use plasma membrane V-ATPases to perform specific activities that depend on extracellular acidification. It is, however, increasingly apparent that V-ATPases are central players in many normal and pathophysiological processes that directly influence human health in many different and sometimes unexpected ways. These include cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and sensory perception, as well as energy and nutrient-sensing functions within cells. This review first covers the well-established role of the V-ATPase as a transmembrane proton pump in the plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles and outlines factors contributing to its physiological regulation in different cell types. This is followed by a discussion of the more recently emerging unconventional roles for the V-ATPase, such as its role as a protein interaction hub involved in cell signaling, and the (patho)physiological implications of these interactions. Finally, the central importance of endosomal acidification and V-ATPase activity on viral infection will be discussed in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Exercise alters cardiovascular and renal pregnancy adaptations in female rats born small on a high-fat diet
Authors: Mahizir Dayana , Briffa Jessica F. , Anevska Kristina , Wadley Glenn D. , Moritz Karen M. , Wlodek Mary E.
Published: December 2020

Intrauterine growth restriction programs adult cardiorenal disease, which may be exacerbated by pregnancy and obesity. Importantly, exercise has positive cardiovascular effects. This study determined if high-fat feeding exacerbates the known adverse cardiorenal adaptations to pregnancy in rats born small and whether endurance exercise can prevent these complications. Uteroplacental insufficiency was induced by bilateral uterine vessel ligation (Restricted) or sham (Control) surgery on embryonic day 18 (E18) in Wistar-Kyoto rats. Female offspring consumed a Chow or high-fat diet (HFD) from weaning and were randomly allocated to either a sedentary (Sedentary) or an exercise protocol at 16 wk; exercised before and during pregnancy (Exercise), or exercised during pregnancy only (PregEx). Systolic blood pressure was measured prepregnancy and rats were mated at 20 wk. During pregnancy, systolic blood pressure (E18) and renal function (E19) were assessed. Sedentary HFD Control females had increased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared with Chow. Compared with Control, Sedentary-Restricted females had increased eGFR, which was not influenced by HFD. Renal function was not affected by exercise and prepregnancy blood pressure was not altered. Restricted Chow-fed dams and dams fed a high-fat diet had a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure during late gestation, which was only prevented by Exercise. In summary, high-fat fed females born small are at a greater risk of altered cardiorenal adaptations to pregnancy. Although cardiovascular dysfunction was prevented by Exercise, renal dysfunction was not affected by exercise interventions. This study highlights that modifiable risk factors can have beneficial effects in the mother during pregnancy, which may impact fetal growth and development.
Nicotinic receptor modulation of primary afferent excitability with selective regulation of Aδ-mediated spinal actions
Authors: Shreckengost Jacob , Halder Mallika , Mena-Avila Elvia , Garcia-Ramirez David Leonardo , Quevedo Jorge , Hochman Shawn
Published: December 2020

Somatosensory input strength can be modulated by primary afferent depolarization (PAD) generated predominantly via presynaptic GABAA receptors on afferent terminals. We investigated whether ionotropic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) also provide modulatory actions, focusing on myelinated afferent excitability in in vitro murine spinal cord nerve-attached models. Primary afferent stimulation-evoked synaptic transmission was recorded in the deep dorsal horn as extracellular field potentials (EFPs), whereas concurrently recorded dorsal root potentials (DRPs) were used as an indirect measure of PAD. Changes in afferent membrane excitability were simultaneously measured as direct current (DC)-shifts in membrane polarization recorded in dorsal roots or peripheral nerves. The broad nAChR antagonist d-tubocurarine (d-TC) selectively and strongly depressed Aδ-evoked synaptic EFPs (36% of control) coincident with similarly depressed A-fiber DRP (43% of control), whereas afferent electrical excitability remained unchanged. In comparison, acetylcholine (ACh) and the nAChR agonists, epibatidine and nicotine, reduced afferent excitability by generating coincident depolarizing DC-shifts in peripheral axons and intraspinally. Progressive depolarization corresponded temporally with the emergence of spontaneous axonal spiking and reductions in the DRP and all afferent-evoked synaptic actions (31%–37% of control). Loss of evoked response was long-lasting, independent of DC repolarization, and likely due to mechanisms initiated by spontaneous C-fiber activity. DC-shifts were blocked with d-TC but not GABAA receptor blockers and retained after tetrodotoxin block of voltage-gated Na+ channels. Notably, actions tested were comparable between three mouse strains, in rat, and when performed in different labs. Thus, nAChRs can regulate afferent excitability via two distinct mechanisms: by central Aδ-afferent actions, and by transient extrasynaptic axonal activation of high-threshold primary afferents.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Primary afferents express many nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) subtypes but whether activation is linked to presynaptic inhibition, facilitation, or more complex and selective activity modulation is unknown. Recordings of afferent-evoked responses in the lumbar spinal cord identified two nAChR-mediated modulatory actions: 1) selective control of Aδ afferent transmission and 2) robust changes in axonal excitability initiated via extrasynaptic shifts in DC polarization. This work broadens the diversity of presynaptic modulation of primary afferents by nAChRs.
Interactions between initial posture and task-level goal explain experimental variability in postural responses to perturbations of standing balance
Authors: Van Wouwe Tom , Ting Lena H. , De Groote Friedl
Published: December 2020

Responses to perturbations of standing balance vary both within and between individuals. By combining experimental observations with computational modeling, we identified causes of observed kinematic variability in healthy young adults. First, we found that trial-by-trial differences in posture at perturbation onset explain most of the kinematic variability observed within subjects. Second, we found that differences in prioritizing effort versus stability explained differences in the postural response as well as differences in trial-by-trial variability across subjects.
During vigilance to painful stimuli: slower response rate is related to high trait anxiety, whereas faster response rate is related to high state anxiety
Authors: Meeker Timothy J. , Emerson Nichole M. , Chien Jui-Hong , Saffer Mark I. , Bienvenu Oscar Joseph , Korzeniewska Anna , Greenspan Joel D. , Lenz Frederick Arthur
Published: December 2020

During a series of painful stimuli requiring subjects to respond to targets, we separated response willingness from ability to discriminate targets from nontargets. Response willingness declined during the task, with no change in subjects’ ability to discriminate, consistent with previous vigilance studies. High trait anxious subjects were less willing to respond and showed slower reaction times to hits than low anxious subjects. This study reveals an important role of trait anxiety in pain vigilance.