bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and distribution of fecal indicators and pathogenic bacteria in seawater andPerna pernamussel in the Gulf of Annaba (Southern Mediterranean)
Authors: Boufafa Mouna , Kadri Skander , Redder Peter , Bensouilah Mourad
Published: October 2020

The brown musselPerna pernais a marine bivalve that is widely distributed and consumed along the east coast of Algeria. Due to its filter-feeding capacity, this mollusk can accumulate large quantities of pathogenic microorganisms from the surrounding waters, thus acting as bio-indicator of coastal environments. The objective of this study is to investigate the occurrence and distribution of fecal indicators and pathogenic bacteria in seawaters and mussels collected from four different sites in the Gulf of Annaba through physicochemical, biochemical and molecular analysis. The obtained results revealed that the levels of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were alarmingly high at Sidi Salem and Rezgui Rachid when compared with the two other sites (p < 0.05) and largely exceeded the permissible limits. Besides,P. pernacollected from all sites were several fold more contaminated by these germs than seawater samples, notably, during the warm season of the study period. Biochemical and molecular analysis showed that isolated bacteria from both environmental compartments were mostly potentially pathogenic species such asE. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and Proteus. These principal findings demonstrate the strong involvement of anthropogenic activities on the microbiological quality of the Gulf and highlight the role ofP. pernaas an effective bio-indicator of the bacteriological quality of coastal waters.
Joint estimation of neural sources and their functional connections from MEG data
Authors: Subramaniyam Narayan Puthanmadam , Tronarp Filip , Särkkä Simo , Parkkonen Lauri
Published: October 2020

Current techniques to estimate directed functional connectivity from magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals involve two sequential steps; 1) Estimation of the sources and their amplitude time series from the MEG data by solving the inverse problem, and 2) fitting a multivariate autoregressive (MVAR) model to these time series for the estimation of AR coefficients, which reflect the directed interactions between the sources. However, such a sequential approach is not optimal since i) source estimation algorithms typically assume that the sources are independent, ii) the information provided by the connectivity structure is not used to inform the estimation of source amplitudes, and iii) the limited spatial resolution of source estimates often leads to spurious connectivity due to spatial leakage.

Here, we present an algorithm to jointly estimate the source and connectivity parameters using Bayesian filtering, which does not require anatomical constraints in form of structural connectivity or a-priori specified regions-of-interest. By formulating a state-space model for the locations and amplitudes of a given number of sources, we show that estimation of functional connectivity can be reduced to a system identification problem. We derive a solution to this problem using a variant of the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm known as stochastic approximation EM (SAEM).

Compared to the traditional two-step approach, the joint approach using the SAEM algorithm provides a more accurate reconstruction of connectivity parameters, which we show with a connectivity benchmark simulation as well as with an electrocorticography-based simulation of MEG data. Using real MEG responses to visually presented faces in 16 subjects, we also demonstrate that our method gives source and connectivity estimates that are both physiologically plausible and largely consistent across subjects. In conclusion, the proposed joint-estimation approach based on the SAEM algorithm outperforms the traditional two-step approach in determining functional connectivity structure in MEG data.
SdhA interferes with disruption of theLegionella-containing vacuole by hijacking the OCRL phosphatase
Authors: Choi Won Young , Creasey Elizabeth A. , Lowe Martin , Isberg Ralph R.
Published: October 2020

Legionella pneumophilagrows intracellularly within a replication vacuole via action of Icm/Dot-secreted proteins. One such protein, SdhA, maintains the integrity of the vacuolar membrane, thereby preventing cytoplasmic degradation of bacteria. We show here that SdhA binds and blocks the action of OCRL (OculoCerebroRenal syndrome of Lowe), an inositol 5-phosphatase pivotal for controlling endosomal dynamics. OCRL depletion resulted in enhanced vacuole integrity and intracellular growth of asdhAmutant, consistent with OCRL participating in vacuole disruption. Overexpressed SdhA altered OCRL function, enlarging endosomes, driving endosomal accumulation of PI(4,5)P2, and interfering with endosomal trafficking. SdhA interrupted Rab GTPase-OCRL interactions by binding to the OCRL ASH domain, without directly altering OCRL 5-phosphatase activity. TheLegionellavacuole encompassing thesdhAmutant accumulated OCRL and endosomal antigen EEA1, consistent with SdhA blocking accumulation of OCRL-containing endosomal vesicles. Therefore, SdhA hijacking of OCRL is associated with blocking trafficking events that disrupt the pathogen vacuole.
Association between intrahospital transfers and hospital-acquired infection among elderly patients: A retrospective case-control study in one urban UK hospital trust
Authors: Boncea Estera , Expert Paul , Honeyford Kate , Kinderlerer Anne , Mitchell Colin , Cooke Graham S , Mercuri Luca , Costelloe Céire
Published: October 2020

Background

Intrahospital transfers have become more common as hospital staff balance patient needs with bed availability. However, this may leave patients more vulnerable to potential pathogen transmission routes via increased exposure to contaminated surfaces and contacts with individuals.

Objective

This study aimed to quantify the association between the number of intrahospital transfers undergone during a hospital spell and the development of a hospital-acquired infection (HAI).

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was conducted using data extracted from electronic health records and microbiology cultures of non-elective, medical admissions to a large urban hospital trust comprising 3 hospital sites between 2016 and 2018 (n=24,239). As elderly patients comprise a large proportion of hospital users and are a high-risk population for HAIs, the analysis focused on those over 65-years old. Logistic regression was conducted to obtain the odds ratio (OR) for developing a HAI as a function of intrahospital transfers until onset of HAI for cases, or hospital discharge for controls, while controlling for age, gender, time-at-risk, Elixhauser comorbidities, hospital site of admission, dominant treatment function code, intensive care admission, total number of procedures, and discharge destination.

Results

Of the 24,239 spells, 2879 cases were included in the analysis. 72.2% of spells contained at least one intrahospital transfer. On multivariable analysis, each additional intrahospital transfer increased the odds of acquiring a HAI by 9% (OR 1.09; 95%CI 1.05 to 1.13).

Conclusion

Intrahospital transfers are associated with increased odds of developing a HAI. Strategies for minimising intrahospital transfers should be considered, and further research is needed to identify unnecessary transfers. Their reduction may diminish spread of contagious pathogens in the hospital environment.
Chest pain presentations to hospital during the COVID-19 lockdown: lessons for public health media campaigns
Authors: Ferry Amy V , Keanie Collette , Denvir Martin A , Mills Nicholas L , Strachan Fiona E
Published: October 2020

Objective

Emergency Department (ED) attendances with chest pain reduced during the COVID-19 lockdown. To understand factors influencing patients’ decisions to attend hospital, we performed a local service evaluation project in NHS Lothian.

Methods

We collated data on online searches and local clinical services on the number of ED presentations and chest pain clinic (CPC) referrals with suspected acute coronary syndrome between January and May 2020 and compared findings with the same period in 2019. We also carried out 28 semi-structured telephone interviews with patients who presented with chest pain during lockdown and in patients with known coronary heart disease under the outpatient care of a cardiologist in April and May 2020. Interviews were audio recorded and salient themes and issues documented as verbatim extracts.

Results

Online searches for the term “chest pain” doubled after 01/03/2020, peaking in week commencing 22/03/2020 and returning to 2019 levels during April 2020. In contrast, chest pain presentations to ED and CPC decreased, with the greatest reduction in the final week of March 2020 (128 v 287 (average weekly ED attendance 2019), and 6 v 23 (average weekly CPC referral 2019)). This aligned with key government messages to ‘Protect the NHS’ and the ‘NHS is open’ campaign. Patient interviews revealed three main themes; 1) pandemic help-seeking behaviour2) COVID-19 exposure concerns; 3) favourable Hospital experience if admitted.

Conclusions

Dynamic monitoring of public health and media messaging should evaluate public response to healthcare campaigns to ensure the net impact on health, pandemic and non-pandemic related, is optimised.

What is already known about the subject?

Reports from around the world revealed a decrease in the numbers of patients attending hospital for serious health complaints such as chest pain during the lockdown restrictions imposed by governments to decrease the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

What does this study add?

This service evaluation project has provided insight into how patients experiencing chest pain made the decision to attend hospital for assessment during this period. It has revealed how the pandemic shaped help-seeking practices, how patients interpreted their personal vulnerability to the virus, and describes patient experience of attending hospital for assessment during this time.

How might this impact on clinical practice?

Careful monitoring of the public response to health care messaging campaigns should be a key part of a pandemic strategy and careful adjustment of messaging, in a dynamically responsive way, should be considered in future.
A multiplex microsphere IgG assay for SARS-CoV-2 using ACE2-mediated inhibition as a surrogate for neutralization
Authors: Cameron Andrew , Porterfield Claire A. , Byron Larry D. , Wang Jiong , Pearson Zachary , Bohrhunter Jessica L. , Cardillo Anthony B. , Ryan-Muntz Lindsay , Sorensen Ryan A. , Caserta Mary T. , Angeloni Steven , Hardy Dwight J. , Zand Martin S. , Pecora Nicole D.
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges inherent to the serological detection of a novel pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2. Serological tests can be used diagnostically and for surveillance, but their usefulness depends on their throughput, sensitivity and specificity. Here, we describe a multiplex fluorescent microsphere-based assay, 3Flex, that can detect antibodies to three major SARS-CoV-2 antigens—spike (S) protein, the spike ACE2 receptor-binding domain (RBD), and nucleocapsid (NP). Specificity was assessed using 213 pre-pandemic samples. Sensitivity was measured and compared to the Abbott™ ARCHITECT™ SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay using serum samples from 125 unique patients equally binned (n= 25) into 5 time intervals (≤5, 6 to 10, 11 to 15, 16 to 20, and ≥21 days from symptom onset). With samples obtained at ≤5 days from symptom onset, the 3Flex assay was more sensitive (48.0%vs. 32.0%), but the two assays performed comparably using serum obtained ≥21 days from symptom onset. A larger collection (n= 534) of discarded sera was profiled from patients (n= 140) whose COVID-19 course was characterized through chart review. This revealed the relative rise, peak (S, 23.8; RBD, 23.6; NP, 16.7; in days from symptom onset), and decline of the antibody response. Considerable interperson variation was observed with a subset of extensively sampled ICU patients. Using soluble ACE2, inhibition of antibody binding was demonstrated for S and RBD, and not for NP. Taken together, this study described the performance of an assay built on a flexible and high-throughput serological platform that proved adaptable to the emergence of a novel infectious agent.
Age disparities in lung cancer survival in New Zealand: the role of patient and clinical factors
Authors: Pilleron Sophie , Maringe Camille , Charvat Hadrien , Atkinson June , Morris Eva , Sarfati Diana
Published: October 2020

Background

Age is an important prognostic factor for lung cancer. However, no studies have investigated the age difference in lung cancer survival per se. We, therefore, described the role of patient-related and clinical factors on the age pattern in lung cancer excess mortality hazard by stage at diagnosis in New Zealand.

Methods

We extracted 22 487 new lung cancer cases aged 50-99 (median age = 71, 47.1% females) diagnosed between 1 January 2006 and 31 July 2017 from the New Zealand population-based cancer registry and followed up to December 2019. We modelled the effect of age at diagnosis, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, comorbidity, and emergency presentation on the excess mortality hazard by stage at diagnosis, and we derived corresponding lung cancer net survival.

Results

The age difference in net survival was particularly marked for localised and regional lung cancers, with a sharp decline in survival from the age of 70. No identified factors influenced age disparities in patients with localised cancer. However, for other stages, females had a greater age difference in survival between middle-aged and older patients with lung cancer than males. Comorbidity and emergency presentation played a minor role. Ethnicity and deprivation did not influence age disparities in lung cancer survival.

Conclusion

Sex and stage at diagnosis were the most important factors of age disparities in lung cancer survival in New Zealand.

Key messages

What is the key question?

How do patient-related and clinical factors influence age pattern in lung cancer survival?

What is the bottom line?

Age disparities in lung cancer survival were strongest for females and non-advanced disease. Deprivation, ethnicity, comorbidity, and emergency presentation did not influence age disparities.

Why read on?

Our findings reinforce the call for a better representation of older adults in clinical trials and a wider use of geriatric assessment to identify patients who will benefit treatment.
Communicating personalised risks from COVID-19: guidelines from an empirical study
Authors: Freeman Alexandra L. J. , Kerr John , Recchia Gabriel , Schneider Claudia R. , Lawrence Alice C.E. , Finikarides Leila , Luoni Giulia , Dryhurst Sarah , Spiegelhalter David J
Published: October 2020

As increasing amounts of data accumulate on the effects of the novel coronavirus Sars-CoV-2 and the risk factors that lead to poor outcomes, it is possible to produce personalised estimates of the risks faced by groups of people with different characteristics. The challenge of how to communicate these then becomes apparent. Based on empirical work (total n=5,520, UK) supported by in-person interviews with the public and physicians, we make recommendations on the presentation of such information. These include: using predominantly percentages when communicating the absolute risk, but also providing, for balance, a format which conveys a contrasting (higher) perception of risk (expected frequency out of 10,000); using a visual linear scale cut at an appropriate point to illustrate the maximum risk, explained through an illustrative ‘persona’ who might face that highest level of risk; and providing context to the absolute risk through presenting a range of other ‘personas’ illustrating people who would face risks of a wide range of different levels. These ‘personas’ should have their major risk factors (age, existing health conditions) described. By contrast, giving people absolute likelihoods of other risks they face in an attempt to add context was considered less helpful.
Updating Herd Immunity Models for the U.S. in 2020: Implications for the COVID-19 Response
Authors: Sheils Natalie E. , Lyng Gregory D. , Berke Ethan M.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To understand what levels of herd immunity are required in the COVID-19 pandemic, given spatial population heterogeneity, to best inform policy and action.

Methods

Using a network of counties in the United States connected by transit data we considered a set of coupled differential equations for susceptible-infectious-removed populations. We calculated the classical herd immunity level plus a version reflecting the heterogeneity of connections in the network by running the model forward in time until the epidemic completed.

Results

Necessary levels of herd immunity vary greatly from county to county. A population weighted average for the United States is 47.5% compared to a classically estimated level of 77.1%.

Conclusions

Common thinking argues that the nation needs to achieve at least 60% herd immunity to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Heterogeneity in contact structure and individual variation in infectivity, susceptibility, and resistance are key factors that reduce the disease-induced herd immunity levels to 34.2–47.5% in our models. Looking forward toward vaccination strategies, these results suggest we should consider not just who is vaccinated but where those vaccinations will do the most good.
Obtaining deeper insights into microbiome diversity using a simple method to block host and non-targets in amplicon sequencing
Authors: Mayer Teresa , Mari Alfredo , Almario Juliana , Murillo-Roos Mariana , Abdullah Muhammad , Dombrowski Nina , Hacquard Stephane , Kemen Eric M. , Agler Matthew T.
Published: October 2020

Microbiome profiling is revolutionizing our understanding of biological mechanisms such as metaorganismal (host+microbiome) assembly, functions and adaptation. Amplicon sequencing of multiple conserved, phylogenetically informative loci is an instrumental tool for characterization of the highly diverse microbiomes of natural systems. Investigations in many study systems are hindered by loss of essential sequencing depth due to amplification of non-target DNA from hosts or overabundant microorganisms. This issue requires urgent attention to address ecologically relevant problems using high throughput, high resolution microbial profiling. Here, we introduce a simple, low cost and highly flexible method using standard oligonucleotides (“blocking oligos”) to block amplification of non-targets and an R package to aid in their design. They can be dropped into practically any two-step amplicon sequencing library preparation pipeline. We apply them in leaves, a system presenting exceptional challenges with host and non-target microbial amplification. Blocking oligos designed for use in eight target loci reduce undesirable amplification of host and non-target microbial DNA by up to 90%. In addition, 16S and 18S “universal” plant blocking oligos efficiently block most plant hosts, leading to increased microbial alpha diversity discovery without biasing beta diversity measurements. By blocking only chloroplast 16S amplification, we show that blocking oligos do not compromise quantitative microbial load information inherent to plant-associated amplicon sequencing data. Using these tools, we generated a near-complete survey of theArabidopsis thalianaleaf microbiome based on diversity data from eight loci and discuss complementarity of commonly used amplicon sequencing regions for describing leaf microbiota. The blocking oligo approach has potential to make new questions in a variety of study systems more tractable by making amplicon sequencing more targeted, leading to deeper, systems-based insights into microbial discovery.
Evaluating CRISPR-based Prime Editing for cancer modeling and CFTR repair in intestinal organoids
Authors: Geurts Maarten H. , de Poel Eyleen , Pleguezuelos-Manzano Cayetano , Carrillo Léo , Andersson-Rolf Amanda , Boretto Matteo , Beekman Jeffrey M. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2020

Prime editing is a recently reported genome editing tool employing a nickase-cas9 fused to a reverse transcriptase that directly synthesizes the desired edit at the target site. The technique holds great promise for clinical application due to its versatility. Here, we explore the use of prime editing in human intestinal organoids. Common TP53 mutations were modeled in human adult stem cell with notable efficiency differences. Next, we functionally repaired the cystic fibrosis CFTR-F508del mutation and compared prime editing to CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology directed repair and adenine base editing on the CFTR-R785* mutation. Despite encountering varying editing efficiencies and undesired mutations, these results underline the broad applicability of prime editing for modeling oncogenic mutations and showcase the potential clinical application of this technique, pending further optimization.
A novel emaravirus identified in maple with leaf mottle symptoms by deep sequencing
Authors: Rumbou Artemis , Candresse Thierry , von Bargen Susanne , Büttner Carmen
Published: October 2020

The full-length genome of a novelEmaravirushas been identified and characterized from sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) - a tree species of significant importance in urban and forest areas - showing leaf mottle symptoms. RNA-Seq was performed using RNA preparations from a symptomatic and a symptomless maple tree. Purified double-stranded cDNA from each sample were used for RNA-Seq analysis on the Illumina HiSeq2500system and 14-198 MB data/sample of 100 bp-long paired-end sequence reads were generated. The sequence assembly and analysis revealed the presence of six RNA segments in the symptomatic sample (RNA1: 7,075 nt-long encoding the viral replicase; RNA2: 2,289 nt-long encoding the glycoprotein precursor; RNA3: 1,525 nt-long encoding the nucleocapsid protein; RNA4: 1,533 nt-long encoding the putative movement protein; RNA5: 1,825 nt-long encoding a hypothetical protein P5; RNA6: 1,179 nt-long encoding a hypothetical protein P6). Two independent HTS sequencing runs from the same symptomatic maple tree detected the same genome segments. For one of these sequencing runs the cDNA library was prepared using a primer targeting the conserved genome terminal region, known to be shared between emaraviruses genome segments and a high amount of sequence data was generated. We suggest, therefore, that the six identified genome segments represent the complete genome of a novel emaravirus from maple, which we tentatively name maple mottle-associated virus (MaMaV). RT-PCR assays were performed on symptomatic and non-symptomatic leaves ofA. pseudoplatanustrees coming growing on two different locations in Berlin. MaMaV was only detected from symptomatic trees and all six RNAs were generally simultaneously detected. Non-symptomatic samples were consistently negative for MaMaV. These results suggest that MaMaV might be the symptom inducing virus in the sampled trees. In the present state of the art, this is the first time an Emaravirus is described from maple and is fully genetically characterized.
SMARCAD1 Mediated Active Replication Fork Stability Maintains Genome Integrity
Authors: Yu Lo Calvin Shun , van Toorn Marvin , Gaggioli Vincent , Dias Mariana Paes , Zhu Yifan , Manolika Eleni Maria , Zhao Wei , van der Does Marit , Mukherjee Chirantani , Souto Gonçalves João G S C , van Royen Martin E , French Pim J , Demmers Jeroen , Smal Ihor , Lans Hannes , Wheeler David , Jonkers Jos , Chaudhuri Arnab Ray , Marteijn Jurgen A , Taneja Nitika
Published: October 2020

Stalled fork protection pathway mediated by BRCA1/2 proteins is critical for replication fork stability that has implications in tumorigenesis. However, it is unclear if additional mechanisms are required to maintain replication fork stability. We describe a novel mechanism by which the chromatin remodeler SMARCAD1 stabilizes active replication forks that is essential for resistance towards replication poisons. We find that loss of SMARCAD1 results in toxic enrichment of 53BP1 at replication forks which mediates untimely dissociation of PCNA via the PCNA-unloader, ATAD5. Faster dissociation of PCNA causes frequent fork stalling, inefficient fork restart and accumulation of single-stranded DNA resulting in genome instability. Although, loss of 53BP1 in SMARCAD1 mutants restore PCNA levels, fork restart efficiency, genome stability and tolerance to replication poisons; this requires BRCA1 mediated fork protection. Interestingly, fork protection challenged BRCA1-deficient naïve- or PARPi-resistant tumors require SMARCAD1 mediated active fork stabilization to maintain unperturbed fork progression and cellular proliferation.
Multimodal 3D atlas of the macaque monkey motor and premotor cortex
Authors: Rapan Lucija , Froudist-Walsh Sean , Niu Meiqi , Xu Ting , Funck Thomas , Zilles Karl , Palomero-Gallagher Nicola
Published: October 2020

In the present study we reevaluated the parcellation scheme of the macaque frontal agranular cortex by implementing quantitative cytoarchitectonic and multireceptor analyses, with the purpose to integrate and reconcile the discrepancies between previously published maps of this region.

We applied an observer-independent and statistically testable approach to determine the position of cytoarchitectonic borders. Analysis of the regional and laminar distribution patterns of 13 different transmitter receptors confirmed the position of cytoarchitectonically identified borders. Receptor densities were extracted from each area and visualized as its “receptor fingerprint”. Hierarchical and principal components analyses were conducted to detect clusters of areas according to the degree of (dis)similarity of their fingerprints. Finally, functional connectivity pattern of each identified area was analyzed with areas of prefrontal, cingulate, somatosensory and lateral parietal cortex and the results were depicted as “connectivity fingerprints” and seed-to-vertex connectivity maps.

We identified 16 cyto- and receptor architectonically distinct areas, including novel subdivisions of the primary motor area 4 (i.e. 4a, 4p, 4m) and of premotor areas F4 (i.e. F4s, F4d, F4v), F5 (i.e. F5s, F5d, F5v) and F7 (i.e. F7d, F7i, F7s). Multivariate analyses of receptor fingerprints revealed three clusters, which first segregated the subdivisions of area 4 with F4d and F4s from the remaining premotor areas, then separated ventrolateral from dorsolateral and medial premotor areas. The functional connectivity analysis revealed that medial and dorsolateral premotor and motor areas show stronger functional connectivity with areas involved in visual processing, whereas 4p and ventrolateral premotor areas presented a stronger functional connectivity with areas involved in somatomotor responses.

For the first time, we provide a 3D atlas integrating cyto- and multi-receptor architectonic features of the macaque motor and premotor cortex. This atlas constitutes a valuable resource for the analysis of functional experiments carried out with non-human primates, for modeling approaches with realistic synaptic dynamics, as well as to provide insights into how brain functions have developed by changes in the underlying microstructure and encoding strategies during evolution.

Highlights

Multimodal analysis of macaque motor and premotor cortex reveals novel parcellation

3D atlas with cyto- and multireceptor architectonic features of 16 (pre)motor areas

Primary motor area 4 is cyto- and receptor architectonically heterogeneous

(Pre)motor areas differ in their functional connectivity fingerprints
In vitroefficacy of Artemisinin-based treatments against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Gilmore Kerry , Zhou Yuyong , Ramirez Santseharay , Pham Long V. , Fahnøe Ulrik , Feng Shan , Offersgaard Anna , Trimpert Jakob , Bukh Jens , Osterrieder Klaus , Gottwein Judith M. , Seeberger Peter H.
Published: October 2020

Effective and affordable treatments for patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), are needed. We reportin vitroefficacy ofArtemisia annuaextracts as well as artemisinin, artesunate, and artemether against SARS-CoV-2. The latter two are approved active pharmaceutical ingredients of anti-malarial drugs.

Proof-of-concept for prophylactic efficacy of the extracts was obtained using a plaque-reduction assay in VeroE6 cells. Subsequent concentration-response studies using a high-throughput antiviral assay, based on immunostaining of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, revealed that pretreatment and treatment with extracts, artemisinin, and artesunate inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection of VeroE6 cells. In treatment assays, artesunate (50% effective concentration (EC50): 7 μg/mL) was more potent than the tested plant extracts (128-260 μg/mL) or artemisinin (151 μg/mL) and artemether (>179 μg/mL), while generally EC50 in pretreatment assays were slightly higher. The selectivity index (SI), calculated based on treatment and cell viability assays, was highest for artemisinin (54), and roughly equal for the extracts (5-10), artesunate (6) and artemether (<7). Similar results were obtained in human hepatoma Huh7.5 cells. Peak plasma concentrations of artesunate exceeding EC50 values can be achieved. Clinical studies are required to further evaluate the utility of these compounds as COVID-19 treatment.
Transcriptomic signatures of sex-specific nicotine sensitization and imprinting of self-administration in rats inform GWAS findings on human addiction phenotypes
Authors: Kozlova Alena , Butler Robert R , Zhang Siwei , Ujas Thomas , Zhang Hanwen , Steidl Stephan , Sanders Alan R. , Pang Zhiping P. , Vezina Paul , Duan Jubao
Published: October 2020

Rodents are frequently used to model drug addiction, yet their genetic relevance to human addictive behaviors especially the mounting genome-wide association study (GWAS) findings is poorly understood. Considering a possible gateway drug role of nicotine (NIC), we modeled NIC addiction, specifically NIC sensitization (SST) and self-administration (SA), in F1 progeny of inbred Envigo rats (F344/BN) and conducted integrative genomics analyses. We unexpectedly observed male-specific NIC SST and a parental effect of SA only present in paternal F344 crosses. Transcriptional profiling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) core and shell further revealed sex and brain region-specific transcriptomic signatures of SST and SA. We found that genes associated with SST and SA were enriched for those related to synaptic processes, myelin sheath, and tobacco use disorder or chemdependency. Interestingly, SST-associated genes were often downregulated in male VTA but upregulated in female VTA, and strongly enriched for smoking GWAS risk variants, possibly explaining the male-specific SST. For SA, we found widespread region-specific allelic imbalance of expression (AIE), of which genes showing AIE bias towards paternal F344 alleles in NAc core were strongly enriched for SA-associated genes and for GWAS risk variants of smoking initiation, likely contributing to the parental effect of SA. The transcriptional signatures of sex-specific nicotine SST and SA suggest a mechanistic link between genes underlying these processes and human nicotine addiction, providing a resource for understanding the biology underlying the GWAS findings on human smoking and other addictive phenotypes.
Epidemic characteristics of respiratory viruses in hospitals in a Chinese city during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic
Authors: Yang Weihua , Chen Jian , Xu Mingjie , Wang Jun , Li Huanjie , Wang Yunshan
Published: October 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 virus first broke out in China in early 2020. The early symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of influenza. Therefore, during the epidemic, patients with similar symptoms will be tested for multiple pathogens at the same time. In order to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, China has taken many measures. Under this special situation, have the types and epidemic characteristics of respiratory viruses changed? The nucleic acid test results of influenza A virus, influenza B virus and respiratory syncytial virus, as well as the antibody test results of 8 common respiratory viruses of Jinan Central Hospital were collected before and after the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2, and age distribution and time distribution characteristics were statisticed. Furthermore the epidemiological characteristics of this new virus before and after the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic was compared. In the early stage of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, influenza A, influenza B and respiratory syncytial virus nucleic acid test samples were large, and the positive rate of the three viruses was high. After that, the sample size and positive rate decreased significantly. No co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses was found in our hospital. The sample size before the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was larger than that after the outbreak, but the positive rate of the outbreak was lower than that after the outbreak. And the infection rate of children decreased in the middle and late stages of the epidemic. This is because since January 23, in order to prevent the spread of the new crown epidemic, my country has adopted measures such as wearing masks, not gathering together, and quarantining at home. This not only prevents the spread of the new crown virus, but also prevents the common respiratory tract. The spread of the virus has reduced the incidence of residents.
Consideration for the asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ravindra Khaiwal , Malik Vivek Singh , Padhi Bijaya K , Goel Sonu , Gupta Madhu
Published: October 2020

Objective

Worldwide countries are experiencing viral load in their population, leading to potential infectivity of asymptomatic COVID-19. Current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the role of asymptomatic infection worldwide reported in family-cluster, adults, children, health care workers, and travelers.

Design

Online literature search (PubMed, Google Scholar, medRixv, and BioRixv) was accomplished using standard Boolean operators, studies published till 07th June 2020.

Setting

Studies were included from case reports, short communication, and retrospective to cover sufficient asymptomatic COVID-19 transmission reported.

Participants

Familial-clusters, adults, children, health care workers, and travelers.

Results

We observed asymptomatic transmission among familial-cluster, adults, children, health care workers, and travelers with a proportion of 32% 37%, 26%, 6%, and 32%, respectively. This study observed an overall proportion of 31% (95%CI: 0.19-0.44) with heterogeneity of I2 (97.28%, p=<0.001) among all asymptomatic populations mentioned in this study. Among children and healthcare workers, this study showed no heterogeneity; to overcome the interpretation from a fixed model, the random effect model was also applied to estimate the average distribution across studies included in the meta-analysis.

Conclusion

We found and suggest the rigorous epidemiological history, early isolation, social distancing, and increased quarantine period (at least 28 days) after screening asymptomatic cases as well as their close contacts for chest CT scan even after their negative nucleic acid testing to minimize the spread among the community. This systematic review and meta-analysis support asymptomatic COVID-19 transmission between person to person depending on the variation of virus incubation period among individuals. Children especially, school-going aged <18 years, need to be monitored and prevention strategy, e.g., chest CT and social distancing required to prevent the community transmission of COVID-19 in asymptomatic mode.

Strengths and limitations of this study

Examine the possibility of asymptomatic COVID-19 transmission in the community at different levels.

Supports contact tracing, social distancing, early isolation, and increased quarantine period to minimize the risk of virus spread.

Supports chest CT scan and viral nucleic acid testing to identify the asymptomatic cases in the community.

Supports rigorous epidemiological history with multiple detection methods.

A higher proportion of asymptomatic incidence was seen, suggests monitoring, and maintaining social distancing.
Crystal structure of bis[μ-N-(η2-prop-2-en-1-yl)piperidine-1-carbothioamide-κ2
S:S]bis[(thiocyanato-κN)copper(I)]
Authors: Tanaka Takeshi , Kashiwagi Yukiyasu , Nakagawa Masami
Published: October 2020

The title crystalline compound, [Cu2(NCS)2(C9H16N2)2], was obtained from the reaction of copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) with (N-prop-2-en-1-yl)piperidine-1-carbothioamide as a chelating and bridging thiourea ligand in chlorobenzene. The Cu2S2 core of the dimeric molecule is situated on a crystallographic inversion centre. The copper atom is coordinated by a thiocyanate nitrogen atom, each sulfur atom of the two thiourea ligands, and the C=C double bond of the ligand in a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The dimers are linked by N—H...S hydrogen bonds, forming a network extending in two dimensions parallel to (100).
Digital Green: Leveraging Local Knowledge and Talent for Video-Based Information Dissemination
Authors: Ranjan Ashish , Ranganathan Kavitha
Published: October 2020

Digital Green is a prime example of a development intervention aimed not only at the poor but “by the poor”, as a content or knowledge disseminator to rural users The case is written in the form of multiple scenes that unfold organically to paint a bigger picture of what the organization does and the different players and groups that take part to make this intervention a success. The reader is exposed to different view-point and actions taken by various stakeholders: the Village Resource Person from the local government organization, the self-help group member who features in the video and the Assistant Program Manager (APM) for Digital Green. This case can be used in courses that teach ‘Development and ICT’ and generic courses in BOP development that want to highlight issues related to scalability of an intervention, local relevance and buy in (adoptability), and understanding ground realities.
The Steaming Mug
Authors: Ranganathan Kavitha
Published: October 2020

The case is meant to be used in an introductory course on Data Visualization or Analytics in either a business school or any other context where students have had some exposure to management topics. This case primarily focuses on introducing students to the basic philosophy and techniques of exploratory data analysis (EDA). The Steaming Mug, a US based hot beverage chain is provided as a context for engaging in a hands-on exploratory data analysis exercise to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the company's operations and performance. The learning from exploring this case will help students understand that many different insights can be drawn from the given data. The students will understand that there is no “one correct path” for this analysis. The values of getting multiple groups to present their findings is that students realise that there are many other angles that could have been explored, than the path they had gone down.
Radio Mirchi: Entry into Kolkata Market
Authors: Jaiswal Anand Kumar , Palan Harit
Published: October 2020

Radio Mirchi is the flagship brand of Entertainment Network India Limited (ENIL). ENIL is the largest private FM radio broadcaster in India. ENIL was able to gain a stronghold in the market due to its strengths of innovativeness and creative content, large operating network, reach among listeners, high quality studio and strong advertisement sales capabilities. The case discusses Radio Mirchi's entry into the Kolkata market in 2003 amidst the competition from three other players—Red FM, Aamar and Power. Kolkata occupied a prime place in the company's growth plans. The case discusses the dilemma faced by the company on developing the entry strategy. Its top management has to decide on the market segment(s) it should target, and the design of the product.
Extending the debate over entrepreneurial education effectiveness: the case of a Saudi university
Authors: Ayed Tahar Lazhar
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of entrepreneurial education (EE) through its impact on the predictor of behavior, which is entrepreneurial intention (EI), by studying the context of a Saudi university, in this case, Umm Al Qura University (UQU). The research theorizes a relationship between EE, innovativeness (INN) as a dimension of personality traits (PTs), and EI, mediated by entrepreneurial motivation (EM). Additionally, in this study, INN played a mediator role between EE and EI.

Design/methodology/approach

All direct and indirect effects were tested using a quantitative approach. A sample of 240 undergraduate UQU students from different specialties was applied. UQU is witnessing an unprecedented movement that seeks to spread entrepreneurial culture throughout the educational system as a whole, following the recommendations of the Kingdom's 2030 vision.

Findings

The results indicate that EE and INN significantly predicted EI, though in an uneven manner. However, EM played a significant mediator role only between INN and EI. INN is a significant mediator in the relationship between EE and EI.

Practical implications

Future entrepreneurs must learn how to think, communicate, solve problems, deal with failure and exploit new opportunities. However, the debate over the contribution of EE to entrepreneurs is continuing. All educators, government officials, members of society and others are involved in encouraging entrepreneurial initiative. They should consider and understand how to affect entrepreneurial feasibility and desirability.

Originality/value

Variables included in the research model are not original; however, rarely in recent research works have psychological variables such as EM and INN been integrated into one model to explain the intention to enterprise business. This study provides a well-supported explanation of intention as a good predictor of entrepreneurial behavior that will be useful to all involved in encouraging potential entrepreneurs to succeed.
Probable maximum loss of a pipe network due to earthquakes: a case study in Iloilo city, Philippines
Authors: Jarder Samantha Louise N. , Garciano Lessandro Estelito O. , Maruyama Osamu
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Buried structures like pipeline systems or water distribution networks (WDN) are vulnerable to seismic activities and the risk of damages increases when there is liquefaction. This paper aims to propose a methodology on how to determine the probable maximum loss (PML) on pipeline systems when earthquakes and liquefaction occur in future scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used historical data and presents a case study on how the methodology to estimate the PML was used. The estimation is analytic and relied on simulations to determine the seismic and liquefaction hazard in the study area. Statistical and numerical analysis was used to estimate the damages and losses.

Findings

The output shows the PML of a WDN at different earthquake scenarios. It also shows a comparison between the damages and losses of diameter sizes of the pipes.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, the damages behaved independently in one area, and correlation was not considered.

Practical implications

This PML methodology can aid in pre-disaster planning to prepare for seismic countermeasures risk transfer such as insurance to reduce the loss.

Originality/value

This paper shows a methodology and example on how to estimate the damages and PMLs of an existing WDN of a projected earthquake and liquefaction hazard based on historical data.
Looking behind eye-catching design: an eye-tracking study on wine bottle design preference
Authors: Merdian Peter , Piroth Philipp , Rueger-Muck Edith , Raab Gerhard
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find out how unconscious perception and conscious reactions differ when it comes to evaluate wine bottles in a shopping shelf. It was evaluated how attention is related to subjective evaluations of interest and value in the perception of wine bottle design choices.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiment combined implicit eye-tracking observations and a quantitative measurement on the assessment on wine bottle designs. In total, 37 participants rated eight different wine bottle designs based on their interest and assumed value, without any given information about the wines’ original price classification.

Findings

There is a significant difference between the perception of wine bottle designs. Eye-catchy designs do not automatically transform into a higher perception of value and interest towards the product. The unconscious perception of bottles and the conscious reaction differentiate.

Research limitations/implications

The greatest limitation, as with many other implicit studies, is the limited number of subjects and the associated limited validity. In addition, eight bottles in four categories were studied, which is adequate, but does not fully reflect the complexity of the wine market supply.

Practical implications

Manufacturers and wine label designers should challenge existing pre-disposition towards certain wine bottle design choices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first German consumer study that focusses on unconscious perception (measured by implicit eye movement behaviour) and conscious reactions in the context of explicit value and interest evaluation.
Innovative drivers for family business models in tourism
Authors: Arcese Gabriella , Valeri Marco , Poponi Stefano , Elmo Grazia Chiara
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to verify whether, in the tourism sector, the “family business model” is an important development opportunity and, in particular, if it is an innovation driver for this industry development. In the literature, there is no conclusive evidence of this for the tourism sector. In this context, the authors investigate personal and family needs and preferences alongside the relationship between family business model, growth and profit maximization and the development of tourism businesses through innovation drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop this topic, the authors conducted an extensive literature review considering the scientific papers published and contained mainly in database in the last 10 years (2010–2020) and focused the attention on the last five years. The authors ran content and structural analysis on the collected sources by main scientific databases (EBSCO, Scopus, Thomson Reuter, etc.). Based on a systematic literature review, the analysis was conducted using statistical criteria and bibliometric indicators. In detail, the authors used systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis and automatic text analysis (ATA) tools for identified lexicon analysis and strategic keywords and used statistical correlation to classify the different approaches in the literature and to outline the orientations of the various research groups.

Findings

From this analysis, the correlation between tourism, hospitality, entrepreneurship, life cycle and innovation dynamics was analysed. Important research gaps are identified, and future research priorities are suggested. Implications for both family business and tourism theory are discussed.

Originality/value

While the intersection between tourism management and family business model has been established in the literature, the number of related publications is still limited. Against this background, a literature review as a total analysis was an adequate and practicable research methodology. This paper proposes a comprehensive literature review and a reflection on the potential developments and applications for family business in the tourism sector. Authors also suggest several research directions that have not been adequately investigated yet. In particular, scholars do not seem to have caught all the implications of innovation adoption, especially for SMEs and family ownerships in tourism.