bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-Driven Sports Ticket Pricing for Multiple Sales Channels with Heterogeneous Customers
Authors: Arslan Hayri A. , Easley Robert F. , Wang Ruxian , Yılmaz Övünç
Published: August 2021

Problem Definition: We develop a framework to study purchase behavior from distinct segments of heterogeneous customers and to optimize prices for different policies in a sports ticket market with multiple sales channels. Academic/Practical Relevance: Sports teams face challenges in maintaining or increasing ticket sales levels. With the growth of analytics, they aim to implement data-driven pricing techniques to improve gate revenues; however, they do not have state-of-the-art demand estimation and price optimization tools that take into account the range of valuations across different seat sections and opponent match-ups. Methodology: Partnering with a college football team, we develop a data-driven pricing tool which (1) segments customers in two sales channels, using transaction-level data and anonymous customer profiles; (2) explores the decision-making process of different customers within these segments using the Multinomial Logit and Mixed Multinomial Logit frameworks; and (3) computes optimal or near-optimal prices subject to some business constraints enforced by the team management. In addition, our method takes the sequential arrivals of customers and the capacity constraints of seat categories into account. Results: Our estimation results show that customers differ significantly in their sensitivities to price and distance to the field within each segment, in addition to the differences across segments. We also observe that customers become less likely to choose a seat category as its remaining inventory falls below a certain point. Managerial Implications: By analyzing different policies, we show that price optimization could increase revenue by as much as 7.6%. In addition, better categorization of games and further refinement of seat category differentiation and related pricing may help further boost this figure up to 11.9%.
Association of abnormal fetal echocardiography with some obstetric records
Authors: Najafian Mahin , Barati Mojgan , Aberumand Sareh , Nasehi Nahal , Emami-moghaddam Abdolrahman
Published: August 2021

Background

To evaluate the history of some obstetrical records of pregnant women who were referred for fetal echocardiography for any reason.

Methods

This was a retrospective study on 1772 documents of referred pregnant women, which was conducted in Narges diagnostic clinic staff (Ahvaz city, Iran) from 2017-2020. In this study, all document data of pregnant women who referred for fetal echocardiography for any reason have been reviewed.

Results

Our study showed that there is a significant relationship between abnormal fetal echocardiography with history of miscarriage, stillbirth and a previous child with Down syndrome.

Conclusion

Although our study showed that abnormal fetal echocardiography was associated with stillbirth, miscarriage, and a history of having a previous child with Down syndrome, but many cases had abnormal echocardiography didn't have a history of having a previous child with CHD, increased NT and high-risk aneuploidy screening test.
Changing the tide: influencing factors for midwives on vaginal breech birth skill acquisition
Authors: Furtado Vairi , Kitson-Reynolds Ellen
Published: August 2021

Background

Breech presentation at term occurs in 3%–5% of pregnancies. Many midwives are not skilled in vaginal breech births which affects the safety of vaginal breech birth. This research study begins to explore the influencing factors for skill attainment and potential areas for change to enhance education and competence.

Method

This was a small exploratory qualitative study that used a focus group with four participants for data collection.

Findings

The influence of internal and external factors in midwives' competence are represented by a ‘continuum of change’ and by moving from a place of fear to one of educational enlightenment. This encompasses three themes: ‘not a good place’, ‘changing the tide’ and ‘new normal’.

Conclusion

Education of student midwives and registered midwives is key in creating a safe space for vaginal breech births. Introducing normal physiology early in curriculums can impact the initial framing of vaginal breech birth. The uptake of specialised physiological breech birth training by registered midwives and other birth practitioners is upskilling all practitioners.
Gender disappointment
Authors: Winter George F
Published: August 2021

George F Winter explains the meaning of gender dissappointment and why midwives need to be aware of it
It's okay to not be okay
Authors: Bennett Steph
Published: August 2021

Self-care could be the key to reducing burnout amongst midwives, writes Steph Bennett
Augmentation of implant surfaces with BMP-2 in a revision setting
Authors: Cleemann Rasmus , Sorensen Mette , West Andreas , Soballe Kjeld , Bechtold Joan E. , Baas Jorgen
Published: August 2021

Aims

We wanted to evaluate the effects of a bone anabolic agent (bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)) on an anti-catabolic background (systemic or local zoledronate) on fixation of allografted revision implants.

Methods

An established allografted revision protocol was implemented bilaterally into the stifle joints of 24 canines. At revision surgery, each animal received one BMP-2 (5 µg) functionalized implant, and one raw implant. One group (12 animals) received bone graft impregnated with zoledronate (0.005 mg/ml) before impaction. The other group (12 animals) received untreated bone graft and systemic zoledronate (0.1 mg/kg) ten and 20 days after revision surgery. Animals were observed for an additional four weeks before euthanasia.

Results

No difference was detected on mechanical implant fixation (load to failure, stiffness, energy) between local or systemic zoledronate. Addition of BMP-2 had no effect on implant fixation. In the histomorphometric evaluation, implants with local zoledronate had more area of new bone on the implant surface (53%, p = 0.025) and higher volume of allograft (65%, p = 0.007), whereas implants in animals with systemic zoledronate had the highest volume of new bone (34%, p = 0.003). Systemic zoledronate with BMP-2 decreased volume of allograft by 47% (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Local and systemic zoledronate treatment protects bone at different stages of maturity; local zoledronate protects the allograft from resorption and systemic zoledronate protects newly formed bone from resorption. BMP-2 in the dose evaluated with experimental revision implants was not beneficial, since it significantly increased allograft resorption without a significant compensating anabolic effect. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(8):488–497.
COMPUTATIONAL TOOL FOR SELECTION AND RANKING OF PULL-TYPE FORAGE HARVESTERS
Authors: Silveira Daniel Duarte da , Sigales Marlon Soares , Centurion Ramón Justiniano Benítez , Reis Ângelo Vieira dos , Ferreira Mauro Fernando
Published: August 2021

The variety of forage harvester models available on Brazilian market demand practical tools for selecting and ranking these equipments. The present study aimed at the elaboration of an algorithm capable of providing simple and objective criteria that assist in the decision making. The communication channel of the companies was used to obtain technical specifications and price of the equipment, which were tabulated in spreadsheets. The instructions for the manipulation of the obtained data were elaborated in the software R, being calculated ranks for the following requirements considering simulated information about a farm: price (COT), productivity and price relation (PROD.COT), fuel consumption (CONS), operational comfort (CONF), versatility (VERS) and overall (GERAL). We obtained information from 45 models belonging to 8 companies. The best machine in the overall rank got similar rank in the COT, PROD.COT and CONS ranks and worst rank for CONF. The algorithm established allowed the selection and ranking of the forage harvesters analyzed, providing simple, objective and easily interpreted criteria for the use of the farmers and the technicians who assist them.
Influence of the bus waveguide on the linear and nonlinear response of a taiji microresonator
Authors: Franchi Riccardo , Biasi Stefano , de las Heras Alberto Muñoz , Ghulinyan Mher , Carusotto Iacopo , Pavesi Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

We study the linear and nonlinear response of a unidirectional reflector where a nonlinear breaking of the Lorentz reciprocity is observed. The device under test consists of a racetrack microresonator, with an embedded S-shaped waveguide, coupled to an external bus waveguide (BW). This geometry of the microresonator is known as “taiji” microresonator (TJMR). Here, we show that a full description of the device needs to consider also the role of the BW, which introduces (i) Fabry-Perot oscillations (FPOs) due to reflections at its facets, and (ii) asymmetric losses, which depend on the actual position of the TJMR. At sufficiently low powers the asymmetric loss does not affect the unidirectional behavior, but the FP interference fringes can cancel the effect of the S-shaped waveguide. However, at high input power, both the asymmetric loss and the FPOs contribute to the redistribution of energy between counterpropagating modes within the TJMR. This strongly modifies the nonlinear response, giving rise to counter-intuitive features where, due to the FP effect and the asymmetric losses, the BW properties can determine the violation of the Lorentz reciprocity and, in particular, the difference between the transmittance in the two directions of excitation.
A novel cascade allows Metarhizium robertsii to distinguish cuticle and hemocoel microenvironments during infection of insects
Authors: Zhang Xing , Meng Yamin , Huang Yizhou , Zhang Dan , Fang Weiguo
Published: August 2021

Pathogenic fungi precisely respond to dynamic microenvironments during infection, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. The insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii is a representative fungus in which to study broad themes of fungal pathogenicity as it resembles some major plant and mammalian pathogenic fungi in its pathogenesis. Here we report on a novel cascade that regulates response of M. robertsii to 2 distinct microenvironments during its pathogenesis. On the insect cuticle, the transcription factor COH2 activates expression of cuticle penetration genes. In the hemocoel, the protein COH1 is expressed due to the reduction in epigenetic repression conferred by the histone deacetylase HDAC1 and the histone 3 acetyltransferase HAT1. COH1 interacts with COH2 to reduce COH2 stability, and this down-regulates cuticle penetration genes and up-regulates genes for hemocoel colonization. Our work significantly advances the insights into fungal pathogenicity in insects.
The unbiased estimation of the fraction of variance explained by a model
Authors: Pospisil Dean A. , Bair Wyeth
Published: August 2021

The correlation coefficient squared, r2, is commonly used to validate quantitative models on neural data, yet it is biased by trial-to-trial variability: as trial-to-trial variability increases, measured correlation to a model’s predictions decreases. As a result, models that perfectly explain neural tuning can appear to perform poorly. Many solutions to this problem have been proposed, but no consensus has been reached on which is the least biased estimator. Some currently used methods substantially overestimate model fit, and the utility of even the best performing methods is limited by the lack of confidence intervals and asymptotic analysis. We provide a new estimator, r ^ ER 2, that outperforms all prior estimators in our testing, and we provide confidence intervals and asymptotic guarantees. We apply our estimator to a variety of neural data to validate its utility. We find that neural noise is often so great that confidence intervals of the estimator cover the entire possible range of values ([0, 1]), preventing meaningful evaluation of the quality of a model’s predictions. This leads us to propose the use of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a quality metric for making quantitative comparisons across neural recordings. Analyzing a variety of neural data sets, we find that up to ∼ 40% of some state-of-the-art neural recordings do not pass even a liberal SNR criterion. Moving toward more reliable estimates of correlation, and quantitatively comparing quality across recording modalities and data sets, will be critical to accelerating progress in modeling biological phenomena.
Lapatinib and poziotinib overcome ABCB1-mediated paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: McCorkle J. Robert , Gorski Justin W. , Liu Jinpeng , Riggs McKayla B. , McDowell Anthony B. , Lin Nan , Wang Chi , Ueland Frederick R. , Kolesar Jill M.
Published: August 2021

Conventional frontline treatment for ovarian cancer consists of successive chemotherapy cycles of paclitaxel and platinum. Despite the initial favorable responses for most patients, chemotherapy resistance frequently leads to recurrent or refractory disease. New treatment strategies that circumvent or prevent mechanisms of resistance are needed to improve ovarian cancer therapy. We established in vitro paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cell line and organoid models. Gene expression differences in resistant and sensitive lines were analyzed by RNA sequencing. We manipulated candidate genes associated with paclitaxel resistance using siRNA or small molecule inhibitors, and then screened the cells for paclitaxel sensitivity using cell viability assays. We used the Bliss independence model to evaluate the anti-proliferative synergy for drug combinations. ABCB1 expression was upregulated in paclitaxel-resistant TOV-21G (q < 1x10-300), OVCAR3 (q = 7.4x10-156) and novel ovarian tumor organoid (p = 2.4x10-4) models. Previous reports have shown some tyrosine kinase inhibitors can inhibit ABCB1 function. We tested a panel of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the ability to sensitize resistant ABCB1-overexpressing ovarian cancer cell lines to paclitaxel. We observed synergy when we combined poziotinib or lapatinib with paclitaxel in resistant TOV-21G and OVCAR3 cells. Silencing ABCB1 expression in paclitaxel-resistant TOV-21G and OVCAR3 cells reduced paclitaxel IC50 by 20.7 and 6.2-fold, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated direct inhibition of paclitaxel-induced ABCB1 transporter activity by both lapatinib and poziotinib. In conclusion, lapatinib and poziotinib combined with paclitaxel synergizes to inhibit the proliferation of ABCB1-overexpressing ovarian cancer cells in vitro. The addition of FDA-approved lapatinib to second-line paclitaxel therapy is a promising strategy for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Let’s go fishing: A quantitative analysis of subsistence choices with a special focus on mixed economies among small-scale societies
Authors: Ahedo Virginia , Zurro Débora , Caro Jorge , Galán José Manuel
Published: August 2021

The transition to agriculture is regarded as a major turning point in human history. In the present contribution we propose to look at it through the lens of ethnographic data by means of a machine learning approach. More specifically, we analyse both the subsistence economies and the socioecological context of 1290 societies documented in the Ethnographic Atlas with a threefold purpose: (i) to better understand the variability and success of human economic choices; (ii) to assess the role of environmental settings in the configuration of the different subsistence economies; and (iii) to examine the relevance of fishing in the development of viable alternatives to cultivation. All data were extracted from the publicly available cross-cultural database D-PLACE. Our results suggest that not all subsistence combinations are viable, existing just a subset of successful economic choices that appear recurrently in specific ecological systems. The subsistence economies identified are classified as either primary or mixed economies in accordance with an information-entropy-based quantitative criterion that determines their degree of diversification. Remarkably, according to our results, mixed economies are not a marginal choice, as they constitute 25% of the cases in our data sample. In addition, fishing seems to be a key element in the configuration of mixed economies, as it is present across all of them.
Skill-driven recommendations for job transition pathways
Authors: Dawson Nikolas , Williams Mary-Anne , Rizoiu Marian-Andrei
Published: August 2021

Job security can never be taken for granted, especially in times of rapid, widespread and unexpected social and economic change. These changes can force workers to transition to new jobs. This may be because new technologies emerge or production is moved abroad. Perhaps it is a global crisis, such as COVID-19, which shutters industries and displaces labor en masse. Regardless of the impetus, people are faced with the challenge of moving between jobs to find new work. Successful transitions typically occur when workers leverage their existing skills in the new occupation. Here, we propose a novel method to measure the similarity between occupations using their underlying skills. We then build a recommender system for identifying optimal transition pathways between occupations using job advertisements (ads) data and a longitudinal household survey. Our results show that not only can we accurately predict occupational transitions (Accuracy = 76%), but we account for the asymmetric difficulties of moving between jobs (it is easier to move in one direction than the other). We also build an early warning indicator for new technology adoption (showcasing Artificial Intelligence), a major driver of rising job transitions. By using real-time data, our systems can respond to labor demand shifts as they occur (such as those caused by COVID-19). They can be leveraged by policy-makers, educators, and job seekers who are forced to confront the often distressing challenges of finding new jobs.
Biodiversity of marine microbes is safeguarded by phenotypic heterogeneity in ecological traits
Authors: Menden-Deuer Susanne , Rowlett Julie , Nursultanov Medet , Collins Sinead , Rynearson Tatiana
Published: August 2021

Why, contrary to theoretical predictions, do marine microbe communities harbor tremendous phenotypic heterogeneity? How can so many marine microbe species competing in the same niche coexist? We discovered a unifying explanation for both phenomena by investigating a non-cooperative game that interpolates between individual-level competitions and species-level outcomes. We identified all equilibrium strategies of the game. These strategies represent the probability distribution of competitive abilities (e.g. traits) and are characterized by maximal phenotypic heterogeneity. They are also neutral towards each other in the sense that an unlimited number of species can co-exist while competing according to the equilibrium strategies. Whereas prior theory predicts that natural selection would minimize trait variation around an optimum value, here we obtained a mathematical proof that species with maximally variable traits are those that endure. This discrepancy may reflect a disparity between predictions from models developed for larger organisms in contrast to our microbe-centric model. Rigorous mathematics proves that phenotypic heterogeneity is itself a mechanistic underpinning of microbial diversity. This discovery has fundamental ramifications for microbial ecology and may represent an adaptive reservoir sheltering biodiversity in changing environmental conditions.
Factors influencing walking trips. Evidence from Gdynia, Poland
Authors: Wolek Marcin , Suchanek Michal , Czuba Tomasz
Published: August 2021

Political support for active mobility is growing for many reasons, including land use planning, health, and improved mobility. As the vital part of many cities is their central area, decision-makers need to know what factors are essential for increasing walkability. This paper aims to identify the main factors affecting the walkability of the city centre of Gdynia (Poland). To achieve this, the research design was adjusted to the specificity of the local use case. Based on primary data collected via personal interviews, factor analysis was applied to rule out potential collinearity and reduce dimensions. Logistic regression models were then constructed. The results were compared with the research carried out in other cities. The results show that only two of the analysed factors are significant, namely accessibility and safety. Both are extensive categories and include many subcomponents that are influential among different groups of citizens. Our research also confirms that walkability is a city-specific issue that is influenced by many local factors.
Effectiveness of oral phloroglucinol as a premedication for unsedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy: A prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial
Authors: Jung HyeIn , Kim Hyun Jung , Choi Eun Sung , Lee Ju Yup , Park Kyung Sik , Cho Kwang Bum , Lee Yoo Jin
Published: August 2021

Background

Anti-spasmodic agents are commonly injected during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to improve visualization of the gastric mucosa by inhibiting gastrointestinal (GI) peristalsis. The availability of oral anti-spasmodic agents would increase convenience. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of oral phloroglucinol (Flospan®) as a premedication for unsedated EGD.

Methods

A prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Individuals scheduled to undergo unsedated EGD were randomly assigned to receive either oral phloroglucinol or matching placebo 15 min before EGD. The primary outcome was the rate of complete gastric peristalsis suppression. Outcomes were assessed by independent investigators according to the classification of gastric peristalsis and ease of intragastric observation at the beginning (Period A) and end (Period B) of EGD.

Results

Overall, 71 phloroglucinol-treated and 71 placebo-treated participants (n = 142 total) were included. The phloroglucinol group showed significantly higher proportions of participants with complete gastric peristalsis suppression than the placebo group (22.5% vs. 9.9%, P = 0.040). The ease of intragastric observation was significantly better in the phloroglucinol group than in the placebo group at Periods A (P < 0.001) and B (P = 0.005). Patients in both groups had comparable adverse events and showed willingness to take the premedication at their next examination.

Conclusions

Oral phloroglucinol significantly suppressed gastrointestinal peristalsis during unsedated EGD compared with placebo (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03342118).
Socioeconomic differences in utilization of public and private dental care in Finland: Register-based evidence on a population aged 25 and over
Authors: Nurminen Mikko , Blomgren Jenni , Mikkola Hennamari
Published: August 2021

Dental care utilization is known to have a strong socioeconomic gradient, with lower socioeconomic groups utilizing less of these services despite having poorer dental health. However, less is known about the utilization of dental services in the population concurrently in the public and private sectors in different socioeconomic groups. Additionally, evidence on how different sectors contribute to the overall socioeconomic gradient in dental care utilization is scarce. This study examines visits and absence of visits to public and private dentists in the years 2017–2018 by education, occupational class and income. Comprehensive register data was collected from the total population aged 25 and over in the city of Oulu, Finland (N = 118,397). The data were analyzed with descriptive methods and with multinomial logistic regressions for the probability of visits and with negative binomial regressions for the number of visits, adjusted for sociodemographic covariates. The results showed a clear socioeconomic gradient for the probability of visits according to income and education: the higher the income and the higher the education, the more likely was a visit to a dentist–especially a private dentist–during the two-year period. Similar results were obtained for the number of visits. Higher socioeconomic status was less associated with public dentist visits. While those with the lowest income visited public dentists more frequently than private dentists, their overall visits fell below that of others. Adjusted estimates by occupation did not show a clear socioeconomic gradient. The socioeconomic inequality in dentist visits in a country having a universally covered public dental care scheme puts a challenge for decision makers in designing an equal dental health care system. Experimenting with lower co-payments is a possible option.
The utility of clusters and a Hungarian clustering algorithm
Authors: Kume Alfred , Walker Stephen G.
Published: August 2021

Implicit in the k–means algorithm is a way to assign a value, or utility, to a cluster of points. It works by taking the centroid of the points and the value of the cluster is the sum of distances from the centroid to each point in the cluster. The aim in this paper is to introduce an alternative way to assign a value to a cluster. Motivation is provided. Moreover, whereas the k–means algorithm does not have a natural way to determine k if it is unknown, we can use our method of evaluating a cluster to find good clusters in a sequential manner. The idea uses optimizations over permutations and clusters are set by the cyclic groups; generated by the Hungarian algorithm.
Dynamic coupling between the COVID-19 epidemic timeline and the behavioral response to PAUSE in New York State counties
Authors: Rǎdulescu Anca , Ballard Shelah , Gonzalez Kaitlyn , Linton Johnathan
Published: August 2021

Behavioral epidemiology suggests that there is a tight dynamic coupling between the timeline of an epidemic outbreak, and the social response in the affected population (with a typical course involving physical distancing between individuals, avoidance of large gatherings, wearing masks, etc). We study the bidirectional coupling between the epidemic dynamics of COVID-19 and the population social response in the state of New York, between March 1, 2020 (which marks the first confirmed positive diagnosis in the state), until June 20, 2020. This window captures the first state-wide epidemic wave, which peaked to over 11,000 confirmed cases daily in April (making New York one of the US states most severely affected by this first wave), and subsided by the start of June to a count of consistently under 1,500 confirmed cases per day (suggesting temporary state-wide control of the epidemic). In response to the surge in cases, social distancing measures were gradually introduced over two weeks in March, culminating with the PAUSE directive on March 22nd, which mandated statewide shutdown of all nonessential activity. The mandates were then gradually relaxed in stages throughout summer, based on how epidemic benchmarks were met in various New York regions. In our study, we aim to examine on one hand, whether different counties exhibited different responses to the PAUSE centralized measures depending on their epidemic situation immediately preceding PAUSE. On the other hand, we explore whether these different county-wide responses may have contributed in turn to modulating the counties’ epidemic timelines. We used the public domain to extract county-wise epidemic measures (such as cumulative and daily incidence of COVID-19), and social mobility measures for different modalities (driving, walking, public transit) and to different destinations. Our correlation analyses between the epidemic and the mobility time series found significant correlations between the size of the epidemic and the degree of mobility drop after PAUSE, as well as between the mobility comeback patterns and the epidemic recovery timeline. In line with existing literature on the role of the population behavioral response during an epidemic outbreak, our results support the potential importance of the PAUSE measures to the control of the first epidemic wave in New York State.
Impaired immune response mediated by prostaglandin E2 promotes severe COVID-19 disease
Authors: Ricke-Hoch Melanie , Stelling Elisabeth , Lasswitz Lisa , Gunesch Antonia P. , Kasten Martina , Zapatero-Belinchón Francisco J. , Brogden Graham , Gerold Gisa , Pietschmann Thomas , Montiel Virginie , Balligand Jean-Luc , Facciotti Federica , Hirsch Emilio , Gausepohl Thomas , Elbahesh Husni , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. , Höfer Anne , Kühnel Mark P. , Jonigk Danny , Eigendorf Julian , Tegtbur Uwe , Mink Lena , Scherr Michaela , Illig Thomas , Schambach Axel , Pfeffer Tobias J. , Hilfiker Andres , Haverich Axel , Hilfiker-Kleiner Denise
Published: August 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has led to a pandemic with millions of people affected. The present study finds that risk-factors for severe COVID-19 disease courses, i.e. male sex, older age and sedentary life style are associated with higher prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) serum levels in blood samples from unaffected subjects. In COVID-19 patients, PGE2 blood levels are markedly elevated and correlate positively with disease severity. SARS-CoV-2 induces PGE2 generation and secretion in infected lung epithelial cells by upregulating cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 and reducing the PG-degrading enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin-dehydrogenase. Also living human precision cut lung slices (PCLS) infected with SARS-CoV-2 display upregulated COX-2. Regular exercise in aged individuals lowers PGE2 serum levels, which leads to increased Paired-Box-Protein-Pax-5 (PAX5) expression, a master regulator of B-cell survival, proliferation and differentiation also towards long lived memory B-cells, in human pre-B-cell lines. Moreover, PGE2 levels in serum of COVID-19 patients lowers the expression of PAX5 in human pre-B-cell lines. The PGE2 inhibitor Taxifolin reduces SARS-CoV-2-induced PGE2 production. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2, male sex, old age, and sedentary life style increase PGE2 levels, which may reduce the early anti-viral defense as well as the development of immunity promoting severe disease courses and multiple infections. Regular exercise and Taxifolin treatment may reduce these risks and prevent severe disease courses.
EUAdb: A resource for COVID-19 test development and comparison
Authors: Woronik Alyssa , Shaffer Henry W. , Kiontke Karin , Laurent Jon M. , Zambrano Ronald , Daley Mariah , Boeke Jef D. , Fitch David H. A.
Published: August 2021

Due to the sheer number of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) cases there is a need for increased world-wide SARS-CoV-2 testing capability that is both efficient and effective. Having open and easy access to detailed information about these tests, their sensitivity, the types of samples they use, etc. would be highly useful to ensure their reproducibility, to help clients compare and decide which tests would be best suited for their applications, and to avoid costs of reinventing similar or identical tests. Additionally, this resource would provide a means of comparing the many innovative diagnostic tools that are currently being developed in order to provide a foundation of technologies and methods for the rapid development and deployment of tests for future emerging diseases. Such a resource might thus help to avert the delays in testing and screening that was observed in the early stages of the pandemic and plausibly led to more COVID-19-related deaths than necessary. We aim to address these needs via a relational database containing standardized ontology and curated data about COVID-19 diagnostic tests that have been granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). Simple queries of this actively growing database demonstrate considerable variation among these tests with respect to sensitivity (limits of detection, LoD), controls and targets used, criteria used for calling results, sample types, reagents and instruments, and quality and amount of information provided.
Seroprevalences of specific antibodies against avian pathogens in free-ranging ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in Northwestern Germany
Authors: Gethöffer Friederike , Curland Nele , Voigt Ulrich , Woelfing Benno , Ludwig Tobias , Heffels-Redmann Ursula , Hafez Hafez Mohamed , Lierz Michael , Siebert Ursula
Published: August 2021

Infectious diseases in captive pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) are well known, but there is a lack of knowledge about occurrence and distribution of pathogens in free-ranging pheasants in Germany. We investigated 604 sera from hunted pheasants and 152 sera from wild caught pheasants between 2011 to 2015, with the aim to determine the prevalence of specific antibodies against different viruses: Avian influenza virus (AIV) of subtypes H5, H7, H9, paramyxovirus type 1 (PMV-1), avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV), infectious bursitis disease virus (IBDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) and Salmonella sp., Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). In addition, 178 caeca were investigated for Histomonas meleagridis. The study reveals an ongoing circulation of IBV in the wild pheasant population during the study. Also high seroprevalences of specific antibodies against aMPV depending on the area and a strong increase in prevalence of IBDV antibodies in sera of pheasants in Lower Saxony were detected. ILTV antibody prevalences differed between areas and AEV antibody detection differed between years significantly, whereas specific antibodies against PMV-1 could not be detected and antibodies against AIV-H5, -H7 and -H9 and Mycoplasma spp. were detected in very few cases.
COVID-19 related posttraumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sayed Mohamed H. , Hegazi Moustafa A. , El-Baz Mohamed S. , Alahmadi Turki S. , Zubairi Nadeem A. , Altuwiriqi Mohammad A. , Saeedi Fajr A. , Atwah Ali F. , Abdulhaq Nada M. , Almurashi Saleh H.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in quarantine/lockdown measures in most countries. Quarantine may create intense psychological problems including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) especially for the vulnerable critically developing children/adolescents. Few studies evaluated PTSD associated with infectious disasters but no Saudi study investigated PTSD associated with COVID-19 in children/adolescents. This study was undertaken to screen for PTSD in children/adolescent in Saudi Arabia to identify its prevalence/risk factors during COVID-19 pandemic and its quarantine.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted after 2 months form start of quarantine for COVID-19 pandemic utilizing the original English version and an Arabic translated version for the University of California at Los Angeles Brief COVID-19 Screen for Child/Adolescent PTSD that can be parent-reported or self-completed by older children/adolescents. Participants (Saudi citizens/non-Saudi residents) were approached online via social media.

Results

Five hundred and thirty seven participants were enrolled. The participants were 262 boys and 275 girls with a mean age of 12.25±3.77 years. Symptoms of no, minimal, mild and potential PTSD were identified in 15.5%, 44.1%, 27.4% and 13.0% of children/adolescents, respectively. The age, gender, school grade, and residence were not predictive of PTSD symptoms. Univariate analysis of risk factors for PTSD revealed that work of a close relative around people who might be infected was significantly different between groups of PTSD symptoms, but this difference disappeared during multivariate analysis. Children/adolescents of Saudi citizens had significantly lower median total PTSD score than children/adolescents of expatriate families (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

PTSD associated with the COVID-19 and its resultant quarantine shouldn’t be overlooked in different populations as it is expected in a considerable proportion of children/adolescents with variable prevalence, risk factors and severity. Parents/healthcare providers must be aware of PTSD associated with COVID-19 or similar disasters, so, they can provide children/adolescent with effective coping mechanisms.
Post-stroke fatigue: A factor associated with inability to return to work in patients <60 years—A 1-year follow-up
Authors: Rutkowski Nicole Anna , Sabri Elham , Yang Christine
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the association between post-stroke fatigue and inability to return to work/drive in young patients aged <60 years with first stroke who were employed prior to infarct while controlling for stroke severity, age, extent of disability, cognitive function, and depression. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was used to evaluate post-stroke fatigue in this 1-year prospective cohort study. Follow-ups were completed at 3, 6, and 12 months post rehabilitation discharge. A total of 112 patients were recruited, 7 were excluded, due to loss to follow-up (n = 6) and being palliative (n = 1), resulting in 105 participants (71% male, average age 49 ±10.63 years). Stroke patients receiving both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation were consecutively recruited. Persistent fatigue remained associated with inability to return to work when controlling for other factors at 3 months (adjusted OR = 18, 95% CI: 2.9, 110.3, p = 0.002), 6 months (adjusted OR = 29.81, 95% CI: 1.7, 532.8, p = 0.021), and 12 months (adjusted OR = 31.6, 95% CI: 1.8, 545.0, p = 0.018). No association was found between persistent fatigue and return to driving. Fatigue at admission was associated with inability to return to work at 3 months but not return to drive. Persistent fatigue was found to be associated with inability to resume work but not driving. It may be beneficial to routinely screen post-stroke fatigue in rehabilitation and educate stroke survivors and employers on the impacts of post-stroke fatigue on return to work.
Factors associated with and socioeconomic inequalities in breast and cervical cancer screening among women aged 15–64 years in Botswana
Authors: Keetile Mpho , Ndlovu Kagiso , Letamo Gobopamang , Disang Mpho , Yaya Sanni , Navaneetham Kannan
Published: August 2021

Background

The most commonly diagnosed cancers among women are breast and cervical cancers, with cervical cancer being a relatively bigger problem in low and middle income countries (LMICs) than breast cancer.

Methods

The main aim of this study was to asses factors associated with and socioeconomic inequalities in breast and cervical cancer screening among women aged 15–64 years in Botswana. This study is part of the broad study on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in Botswana conducted (NCD survey) in 2016. The NCD survey was conducted across 3 cities and towns, 15 urban villages and 15 rural areas of Botswana. The survey collected information on several NCDs and risk factors including cervical and breast cancer screening. The survey adopted a multistage sampling design and a sample of 1178 participants (males and females) aged 15 years and above was selected in both urban and rural areas of Botswana. For this study, a sub-sample of 813 women aged 15–64 years was selected and included in the analysis. The inequality analysis was conducted using decomposition analysis using ADePT software version 6. Logistic regression models were used to show the association between socioeconomic variables and cervical and breast cancer screening using SPSS version 25. All comparisons were considered statistically significant at 5%.

Results

Overall, 6% and 62% of women reported that they were screened for breast and cervical cancer, respectively. Women in the poorest (AOR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.06–0.45) and poorer (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.14–0.96) wealth quintiles were less likely to report cervical cancer screening compared to women in the richest wealth quintile. Similarly, for breast cancer, the odds of screening were found to be low among women in the poorest (AOR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.06–0.68) and the poorer (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.13–0.81)) wealth quintiles. Concentration indices (CI) showed that cervical (CI = 0.2443) and breast cancer (CI = 0.3975) screening were more concentrated among women with high SES than women with low SES. Wealth status was observed to be the leading contributor to socioeconomic inequality observed for both cervical and breast cancer screening.

Conclusions

Findings in this study indicate the need for concerted efforts to address the health care needs of the poor in order to reduce cervical and breast cancer screening inequalities.
Women’s empowerment in agriculture and productivity change: The case of Bangladesh rice farms
Authors: Mobarok Mohammad Hasan , Skevas Theodoros , Thompson Wyatt
Published: August 2021

Using productivity change as a measure of farm economic performance, we analyze the relationship between women’s empowerment in agriculture and farm productivity change and its components, which include efficiency change, technological change, and scale efficiency change. A non-parametric Malmquist approach is used to measure farm specific productivity change and its decomposition. We use a bootstrap regression to analyze factors that cause differences in productivity change and its components, testing, in particular, the role women’s empowerment plays. The empirical application focuses on a sample of Bangladesh rice farms over the crop cultivation period 2011 and 2014. Results suggest that improvements in women’s empowerment in agriculture were associated with higher levels of productivity change, efficiency change, and technical change, while they had no impact on scale efficiency change. We find that empowering women, specifically, improving their ability to make independent choices regarding agricultural production had a statistically significant positive association with productivity change, efficiency change, and technical change. We also find that lowering the gender parity gap is positively related with improving productivity of the sample farms.
Pertactin contributes to shedding and transmission of Bordetella bronchiseptica
Authors: Ma Longhuan , Dewan Kalyan K. , Taylor-Mulneix Dawn L. , Wagner Shannon M. , Linz Bodo , Rivera Israel , Su Yang , Caulfield Amanda D. , Blas-Machado Uriel , Harvill Eric T.
Published: August 2021

Whooping cough is resurging in the United States despite high vaccine coverage. The rapid rise ofBordetella pertussisisolates lacking pertactin (PRN), a key vaccine antigen, has led to concerns about vaccine-driven evolution. Previous studies showed that pertactin can mediate binding to mammalian cells in vitro and act as an immunomodulatory factor in resisting neutrophil-mediated clearance. To further investigate the role of PRNin vivo, we examined the functions of pertactin in the context of a more naturally low dose inoculation experimental system using C3H/HeJ mice that is more sensitive to effects on colonization, growth and spread within the respiratory tract, as well as an experimental approach to measure shedding and transmission between hosts. AB.bronchisepticapertactin deletion mutant was found to behave similarly to its wild-type (WT) parental strain in colonization of the nasal cavity, trachea, and lungs of mice. However, the pertactin-deficient strain was shed from the nares of mice in much lower numbers, resulting in a significantly lower rate of transmission between hosts. Histological examination of respiratory epithelia revealed that pertactin-deficient bacteria induced substantially less inflammation and mucus accumulation than the WT strain andin vitroassays verified the effect of PRN on the induction of TNF-α by murine macrophages. Interestingly, only WTB.bronchisepticacould be recovered from the spleen of infected mice and were further observed to be intracellular among isolated splenocytes, indicating that pertactin contributes to systemic dissemination involving intracellular survival. These results suggest that pertactin can mediate interactions with immune cells and augments inflammation that contributes to bacterial shedding and transmission between hosts. Understanding the relative contributions of various factors to inflammation, mucus production, shedding and transmission will guide novel strategies to interfere with the reemergence of pertussis.
Indonesia Emas Berkelanjutan 2045: Kumpulan Pemikiran Pelajar Indonesia Sedunia Seri 2 Kebudayaan
Authors: Nurhidayat Luthfi ,   Universiteit Leiden, Balqis Sakkir Nibras ,   University of Cambridge, Tanjung Indah Pratiwi ,   Ural Federal University, Afnan Anshori Ahmad ,   Radboud University, Sa'diyah Zaimatus ,   Radboud University, Christine Catriona Maria ,   University of Glasgow, Hidayahtulloh Muhammad Ammar ,   University of Queensland, Jihan Jelita Citrawati ,   National Central University Taiwan, Nabila Yestri Octari ,   Universiti Utara Malaysia, Darmawan Muhammad Rafi ,   University of Jordan, Darmanto Darmanto ,   Universiteit Leiden, Zain Wisuda Nove ,   Wageningen University and Research, Dharmaputra Radityo ,   University of Tartu
Published: August 2021

LIPI Press berkolaborasi dengan Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia (PPI) Dunia menerbitkan rangkaian buku seri Indonesia Emas Berkelanjutan 2045: Kumpulan Pemikiran Pelajar Indonesia Sedunia. Rangkaian bunga rampai ini terdiri dari 12 buku dengan sejumlah topik yang mendukung Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan atau Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) untuk mencapai tujuan Indonesia Emas 2045. Buku ini merupakan seri kedua dari rangkaian tersebut. Dari 17 target SDGs yang ada, beberapa yang dianggap erat dengan budaya terletak pada target 5 dan 11, berisikan isu-isu mengenai gender dan perlindungan anak, serta kota dan permukiman yang aman dan inklusif. Selain itu, Seri Kebudayaan ini menekankan pada aspek budaya yang sering kali terpinggirkan dalam narasi-narasi mengenai negara maju. Para penulis menggali tradisi lokal, pemahaman budaya, dan warisan alam (dan budaya) yang ada di Indonesia. Selanjutnya, hal tersebut dikaitkan dengan wacana mengenai pembangunan. Walaupun pembahasan dituliskan dalam sejumlah bab yang terpisah dan dengan topik yang berbeda, sejatinya para penulis melakukan diskusi besar mengenai keterkaitan dan peran penting aspek kultural dalam diskursus dan wacana soal pembangunan. Buku ini diharapkan dapat menjadi bacaan yang bermanfaat bagi masyarakat Indonesia, khususnya para pemangku kepentingan di bidang pembangunan. Temukan beragam sudut pandang serta sumbangsih pemikiran dari perwakilan pelajar Indonesia di seluruh dunia terkait kekayaan khazanah kebudayaan Indonesia yang berkelanjutan. Selamat membaca!
Use of Melatonin Is Associated With Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Older Adults
Authors: Zhang Naiqi , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Ji Jianguang
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Preclinical evidence suggests that melatonin may affect cellular pathways involved in colorectal cancer (CRC). We sought to test whether melatonin use was associated with decreased risk of CRC using population-based data.

METHODS:

We performed a nationwide cohort study using a new-user study design. We identified a total of 58,657 incident melatonin users aged 50 years and older from the Prescribed Drug Register, and matched them with 175,971 comparisons who did not use melatonin, on the ratio of 1:3. The Cox regression model was used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS:

The incidence rate of CRC was 10.40 per 10,000 person-years for melatonin users, whereas the rate was 12.82 per 10,000 person-years in the nonusers. We found a significant negative association between melatonin use and risk of CRC (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–0.92). A test for trend showed a significant dose-response correlation (P < 0.001). The decrease of CRC risk was independent of tumor location and stage at diagnosis. When stratified by age groups, the inverse association was significant only among individuals aged 60 years and older.

DISCUSSION:

This population-based cohort study suggests that the use of melatonin was associated with a reduced risk of CRC. Further studies are needed to confirm the observed association and to explore the underlying mechanisms.