bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tapped Out? Racial Disparities in Extrahousehold Kin Resources and the Loss of Homeownership
Authors: Sharp Gregory , Whitehead Ellen , Hall Matthew
Published: September 2020

Research shows that extrahousehold kin economic resources contribute to the racial gap in transitions into homeownership, but the extent to which these resources matter for racial disparities in exits from homeownership is less understood. Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, 1984–2017, we examine the role of extrahousehold kin wealth and poverty in shaping racial inequalities in the risk of exiting homeownership. Our nonlinear decomposition results indicate that racial differences in family network resources explain a nontrivial portion of the racial gap in homeownership exit, but there is little evidence that the effects of kin resources on exit are moderated by race. Among both Black and White owners, having wealthier noncoresident kin does not lessen the negative impacts of adverse economic or health shocks on the probability of losing homeownership. Our findings have implications for policies and programs designed to buttress the ability of minority households, especially those in financial distress, to sustain the wealth-building state of homeownership.
Understanding the limitations of network online learning
Authors: LaRock Timothy , Sakharov Timothy , Bhadra Sahely , Eliassi-Rad Tina
Published: September 2020

Studies of networked phenomena, such as interactions in online social media, often rely on incomplete data, either because these phenomena are partially observed, or because the data is too large or expensive to acquire all at once. Analysis of incomplete data leads to skewed or misleading results. In this paper, we investigate limitations of learning to complete partially observed networks via node querying. Concretely, we study the following problem: given (i) a partially observed network, (ii) the ability to query nodes for their connections (e.g., by accessing an API), and (iii) a budget on the number of such queries, sequentially learn which nodes to query in order to maximally increase observability. We call this querying process Network Online Learning and present a family of algorithms called NOL*. These algorithms learn to choose which partially observed node to query next based on a parameterized model that is trained online through a process of exploration and exploitation. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real world networks show that (i) it is possible to sequentially learn to choose which nodes are best to query in a network and (ii) some macroscopic properties of networks, such as the degree distribution and modular structure, impact the potential for learning and the optimal amount of random exploration.
Why May COVID-19 Overwhelm Low-Income Countries Like Pakistan?
Authors: Ali Inayat , Ali Shahbaz
Published: September 2020

Since the coronavirus disease 2019, called COVID-19, has overwhelmed the high-income countries with ample resources and established health-care system, we argue that there are plausible concerns why it may devastate the low-income countries like Pakistan. Focusing on Pakistan, we highlight the underlying reasons, eg, demographic features, ineffective health-care system, economic and political inequalities, corruption, and socio-cultural characteristics, that create fertile grounds for COVID-19 to overwhelm low-income countries. This study presents Pakistan’s brief profile to demonstrate these underlying structures that may make low-income countries like Pakistan more vulnerable in the face of an unceasing COVID-19 pandemic. The study concludes that the country may make appropriate and possibly effective short-term preparedness measures to halt or slow the transmission of the virus, and deal with its current implications as well as it may pay significant attention to long-term measures to deal effectively with COVID-19’s longer-term effects. These measures will help them, including Pakistan, to deal appropriately with a similar future critical event.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Well-Being of Pregnant Women in Japan: Need for Economic and Social Policy Interventions
Authors: Matsushima Midori , Horiguchi Hanna
Published: September 2020

Objective:

This study explores the mental well-being of pregnant women in Japan during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods:

We collected 1777 responses from pregnant women through an online survey. Using the Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), we calculated the percentage of pregnant women above the cutoff (≥ 13), and the factor scores of anhedonia, anxiety, and depression. Regression analyses were performed to identify factors and socioeconomic characteristics correlated with depressive symptoms.

Results:

The point prevalence of pregnant women with an EPDS score of ≥ 13 was 17%. The mean scores were 0.73, 3.68, and 1.82 for anhedonia, anxiety, and depression, respectively. The probability of becoming above the cutoff score positively correlated with the cancellation of planned informal support, higher perceived risk for infection of COVID-19, difficulties in household finances, and lack of social support. Moreover, being younger, less wealthy, unemployed, and without a partner showed a significantly higher possibility of having a score above the cutoff.

Conclusions:

The present study found a high percentage of pregnant women with depressive symptoms. Notably, COVID-19-related variables, including perceived risk for the infection, fear of decreasing economic wealth, and social support, were significantly associated with depressive symptoms.
Pool Testing for COVID-19: Suitable Splitting Procedure and Pool Size for India
Authors: Rai Balram , Shukla Anandi , Choudhary Geetika , Singh Abhishek
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic for public health due to the large scale outbreak, therefore there is an urgent need to detect the infected cases quickly and isolate them in order to suppress the further spread of the disease. This study tries to identify a suitable pool testing method and algorithm for COVID-19.

Methods:

This study tries to derive a general equation for the number of tests required for a pooled sample to detect every infected individual in the specific pool. The gain in pool testing over the normal procedure is quantified by the percentage of tests required compared to individual testing.

Results:

The percentage of tests required by the pool testing strategy varies according to the different splitting procedures, the size of the pooled sample, and the probability of an individual being infected in the population. If the probability of infection is 0.05, then for a pool size of 32, only 14 tests are sufficient to detect every infected individual.

Conclusion:

The number of tests required to detect infected individuals by using the pooling method is much lower than individual testing. This may help us with increasing our testing capacity for COVID-19 by testing a large number of individuals in less time with limited resources.
Risk Factors of Fatal Outcome in Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Cellina Michaela , Gibelli Daniele , Valenti Pittino Carlo , Toluian Tahereh , Marino Pietro , Oliva Giancarlo
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to correlate the clinical, laboratory, and radiographic characteristics of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease, with fatal outcome.

Methods:

We reviewed chest X-ray (CXR) features, clinical, and laboratory data of patients with reverse transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. The relationship with mortality was investigated by fitting a logistic regression model.

Results:

A total of 246 patients were included (170 males; mean age, 63 y). Most of the patients had 1 or more comorbidity (62%); fever (95%), and cough (60%) were the most common symptoms; CXR detected abnormalities in 88.6%, mainly showing ground-glass opacities (GGO) (90%) with bilateral (64%) and peripheral (46%) distribution.

Multivariate analysis showed that age (P < 0.001; mortality of 59% in patients >66 y old; 5% at a younger age) and consolidation at CXR (P = 0.001; mortality of 11% with positive CXR; 2% in those without) represented the 2 most significant independent risk factors of mortality. Chronic pathologies, such as diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and peripheral GGO at CXR also showed a significant correlation with mortality.

Conclusions:

We identified predictive factors for the fatal outcome of COVID-19 patients. The prognostic value of these findings can be useful for optimal patient management and resource allocation.
Social Network Analysis of COVID-19 Public Discourse on Twitter: Implications for Risk Communication
Authors: Pascual-Ferrá Paola , Alperstein Neil , Barnett Daniel J.
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the use of social network analysis to understand public discourse on Twitter around the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We examined different network properties that might affect the successful dissemination by and adoption of public health messages from public health officials and health agencies.

Methods:

We focused on conversations on Twitter during 3 key communication events from late January to early June of 2020. We used Netlytic, a Web-based software that collects publicly available data from social media sites such as Twitter.

Results:

We found that the network of conversations around COVID-19 is highly decentralized, fragmented, and loosely connected; these characteristics can hinder the successful dissemination of public health messages in a network. Competing conversations and misinformation can hamper risk communication efforts in a way that imperil public health.

Conclusions:

Looking at basic metrics might create a misleading picture of the effectiveness of risk communication efforts on social media if not analyzed within the context of the larger network. Social network analysis of conversations on social media should be an integral part of how public health officials and agencies plan, monitor, and evaluate risk communication efforts.
Perceived Risk of Being Infected With SARS-CoV-2: A Perspective From Indonesia
Authors: Harapan Harapan , Anwar Samsul , Nainu Firzan , Setiawan Abdul M. , Yufika Amanda , Winardi Wira , Gan Alex Kurniawan , Sofyan Hizir , Mudatsir Mudatsir , Oktari Rina Suryani , Wagner Abram L.
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine the level of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk perceptions in Indonesia and characterize predictors of perceptions.

Methods:

An online cross-sectional study was conducted. A questionnaire assessed perceived risk and collected independent variables, including sociodemographic data. A multivariable linear regression model was used to characterize the relationship between independent variables and perceived risk.

Results:

We included 1379 respondents in the final analysis with the mean and median of perceived risk score was 19.21% and 10.0%, respectively. Respondents aged between 21 and 30 years had the highest perceived risk, and those who were unmarried had 4.3% higher perceived risk compared with those who were married. Compared with the lowest monthly income group, those making Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) 6-10 million and more than IDR 10 million a month believed they had 4.2% and 8.8% higher risk, respectively. Citizens who lived in cities and health-care workers also had a higher perceived risk compared with those in the rural areas and non–health-care workers, respectively.

Conclusions:

Perceived risk of COVID-19 in Indonesia is relatively low, and this could hamper the adoption of preventive measures of COVID-19. Efforts to increase the awareness and perceived risk are important to prevent the pandemic from escalating.
Current Data Gaps in Modeling Essential Worker Absenteeism Due to COVID-19
Authors: White Zackery , Schlegelmilch Jeff , Ratner Jackie , Saxena Gunjan , Wongsodirdjo Kevin , Aguilar Susanna , Kushner Daniel , Ortega Jim , Paaso Aleksi , Bahramirad Shay
Published: September 2020

With the uncertain physical and mental health implications of COVID-19 infection, companies have taken a myriad of actions that aim to reduce the risk of employees contracting the virus, with most grounded in reducing or eliminating in-person interactions. Our preliminary analysis indicates that while there is some data to support modelling absenteeism, there are gaps in the available evidence, requiring the use of assumptions that limit precision and efficacy for decision support. Improved data on time-to-recovery after hospitalization, absenteeism due to family or other household member illness, and mental health’s impact on returning to work will support the development of more robust absenteeism models and analytical approaches.
Possibilities of Limiting the Protection of Large-Scale Investments in Farmland
Authors: Cometti Zoe
Published: September 2020

Large-scale investments in farmland can generate adverse effects on food security, minority groups, and the environment. Consequently, this Article analyzes to what extent international investment law has the potential to prevent those effects, considering the current investment treaty reform towards a symmetrical mechanism promoting sustainable development. First this Article presents the current substantive standard on expropriation of large-scale investments in farmland and the regulatory space left for host states. This Article then frames a potential public interest clause that would have the effect of granting due protection to investors and the right to regulate to host states, while not undermining the public interest and also preventing the adverse effects of these investments.
Hegel's Philosophy of Biology? A Programmatic Overview
Authors: Gambarotto Andrea , Illetterati Luca
Published: September 2020

This paper presents what we call ‘Hegel's philosophy of biology’ to a target audience of both Hegel scholars and philosophers of biology. It also serves to introduce a special issue of theHegel Bulletinentirely dedicated to a first mapping of this yet to be explored domain of Hegel studies. We submit that Hegel's philosophy of biology can be understood as a radicalization of the Kantian approach to organisms, and as prefiguring current philosophy of biology in important ways, especially with regard to the nature of biological organization, the role of teleology in biological explanation, and the relation between life and cognition.
Equines as reservoirs of human fascioliasis: transmission capacity, epidemiology and pathogenicity inFasciola hepatica-infected mules
Authors: Mera y Sierra R. , Neira G. , Bargues M.D. , Cuervo P.F. , Artigas P. , Logarzo L. , Cortiñas G. , Ibaceta D.E.J. , Lopez Garrido A. , Bisutti E. , Mas-Coma S.
Published: September 2020

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease caused by liver flukes transmitted by freshwater lymnaeid snails. Donkey and horse reservoir roles have been highlighted in human endemic areas. Liver fluke infection in mules has received very limited research. Their role in disease transmission, epidemiological importance andFasciola hepaticapathogenicity are studied for the first time. Prevalence was 39.5% in 81 mules from Aconcagua, and 24.4% in 127 from Uspallata, in high-altitude areas of Mendoza province, Argentina. A mean amount of 101,242 eggs/mule/day is estimated. Lymnaeids from Uspallata proved to belong to ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) markers ITS-1 and ITS-2 combined haplotype 3C ofGalba truncatula. These lymnaeids were experimentally susceptible to infection by egg miracidia from mules. Infectivity, number of cercariae/snail and shedding period fit the enhancedF. hepatica/G. truncatulatransmission pattern at very high altitude. This indicates that the mule is able to maintain theF. hepaticacycle independently. Individual burdens of 20 and 97 flukes were found. Mule infection susceptibility is intermediate between donkey and horse, although closer to the latter. Anatomo-pathology and histopathology indicate that massive infection may cause mule death. Haematological value decreases of red blood cells, haemoglobin, leucocytes and lymphocytes indicate anaemia and strong immunosuppression. Strongly increased biochemical marker values indicate liver function alterations. The mule probably played a role in the past exchanges with Chile and Bolivia through Mendoza province. Evidence suggests that mules could contribute to the spread of bothF. hepaticaandG. truncatulato human fascioliasis-endemic areas in these countries.
Should adults with isolated serous otitis media be undergoing routine biopsies of the post-nasal space?
Authors: Cunniffe H A , Gona A K , Phillips J S
Published: September 2020

Background

Serous otitis media is a recognised presentation of Eustachian tube dysfunction secondary to post-nasal space pathology. Post-nasal space biopsies are commonly taken in patients with isolated serous otitis media, despite normal nasendoscopy findings, without robust evidence for doing so. This study examined cases of unilateral serous otitis media with effusion in adults. It is the largest known retrospective study to investigate whether post-nasal space biopsies are indicated in non-endemic regions.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of 119 patients who underwent post-nasal space biopsy because of isolated serous otitis media, in a tertiary referral centre, from 2007 to 2017. Endoscopic examination and final histological report findings were reviewed.

Results

Of the 119 patients identified, 6 (5.0 per cent) were found to have abnormal histology. In all six cases, suspicious clinical findings had been noted on nasendoscopic examination prior to biopsy.

Conclusion

Suspicious findings pre-operatively predict sinister pathology. Biopsies are not recommended in cases of adult serous otitis media with normal nasendoscopy findings if no other risk factors exist. A UK-wide retrospective study or prospective study over the next 10 years will help provide the evidence necessary to support this guidance.
Variation in Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in definitive and intermediate hosts in Hawaii, a global hotspot of rat lungworm disease
Authors: Niebuhr Chris N. , Siers Shane R. , Leinbach Israel L. , Kaluna Lisa M. , Jarvi Susan I.
Published: September 2020

Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) is a tropical and subtropical parasitic nematode, with infections in humans causing angiostrongyliasis (rat lungworm disease), characterized by eosinophilic meningitis. Hawaii has been identified as a global hotspot of infection, with recent reports of high infection rates in humans, as well as rat definitive and snail intermediate hosts. This study investigated variation in A. cantonensis infection, both prevalence and intensity, in wild populations of two species of rats (Rattus exulans and R. rattus) and one species of snail (Parmarion martensi). An overall infection prevalence of 86.2% was observed in P. martensi and 63.8% in rats, with R. exulans (77.4%) greater than R. rattus (47.6%). We found infections to vary with environmental and host-related factors. Body mass was a strong predictor of infection in all three species, with different patterns seen between sexes and species of rats. Infection prevalence and intensity for R. exulans were high in May 2018 and again in February 2019, but generally lower and more variable during the intervening months. Information on sources of variability of infection in wild host populations will be a crucial component in predicting the effectiveness of future disease surveillance or targeted management strategies.
Quality of health economic evaluations submitted to the Italian Medicines Agency: current state and future actions
Authors: Carletto Angelica , Zanuzzi Matteo , Sammarco Annalisa , Russo Pierluigi
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current state of health economic evaluations (HEEs) submitted by pharmaceutical companies to the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) as part of their pricing and reimbursement (P&R) dossiers, and to explore potential future actions in order to enhance their quality.

Methods

All company dossiers submitted from October 2016 to December 2018 were reviewed to select those containing pharmacoeconomic studies. The general characteristics of HEEs were described and their quality assessed based on a checklist adapted from Philips et al. (Review of guidelines for good practice in decision-analytic modelling in health technology assessment. Health Technol Assess. 2004;8: 1–158).

Results

Of the 299 dossiers submitted to AIFA, 105 included one or more pharmacoeconomic studies, of which fifty-three were cost-effectiveness analyses. Overall, the compliance of the HEEs with the quality checklist was highly variable: some studies reached high methodological standards whereas others had serious flaws (mean 59.22 percent, range 19.35–90.32 percent). The main weaknesses were the unjustified exclusion of relevant alternatives, poor description and justification of model data and assumptions, and insufficient exploration of uncertainty and study validity. Non-homogeneity across studies was found in study perspectives, discount rates, methods for costing, estimating quality-adjusted life-years and conducting sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, the recommended actions for increasing the quality of HEEs within reimbursement submissions in Italy are twofold: first, to set methodological standards for conducting and reporting HEEs; second, to strengthen the internal assessment process, also through the acquisition of companies' models and re-evaluation of results. These actions will hopefully provide greater contribution to the evidence-based P&R decision making.
Diet quality, excess body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents living in São Paulo, Brazil and in the USA: differences and similarities
Authors: Pereira Jaqueline L , Mattei Josiemer , Isasi Carmen R , Van Horn Linda , Carnethon Mercedes R , Daviglus Martha L , Perera Marisa J , Sotres-Alvarez Daniela , Fisberg Regina M
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To compare diet quality and its association with excess body weight (EBW: overweight/obesity), central adiposity (CA) and CVD risk factors (CVDR) among adolescents from Brazil and USA.

Design:

Data from two cross-sectional surveys: Health Survey of São Paulo (ISA-Nutrition) and Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL-Youth). Dietary intake was assessed from 24-h recalls, and diet quality using the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI) developed in the USA and the Revised Brazilian Healthy Eating Index (BHEI-R). CVDR was defined as ≥3 of: obesity, elevated blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, high plasma glucose and insulin resistance. Adjusted OR for EBW, CA and CVDR by diet quality were tested using logistic regression.

Setting:

São Paulo, Brazil; and Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; Bronx, NY; San Diego, CA.

Participants:

Adolescents (12–16 years) living in São Paulo (n 189) and USA (n 787).

Results:

ISA-Nutrition individuals with EBW (v. without) had marginally lower (unhealthier) scores for whole grains using BHEI-R and sugary beverages using AHEI. SOL-Youth individuals with EBW had lower scores of nuts/legumes using AHEI, and Na using BHEI-R, but higher scores of whole grains and dairy using BHEI-R. In ISA-Nutrition, BHEI-R was inversely associated with EBW (OR = 0·87; 95 % CI 0·80, 0·95) and CVDR (OR = 0·89; 95 % CI 0·80, 0·98). In SOL-Youth, AHEI was inversely associated with EBW (OR = 0·93; 95 % CI 0·87, 0·99).

Conclusions:

Dietary improvements should be made by adolescents in both USA and Brazil. Healthier diet quality as measured with the country-specific index was associated with lower odds of EBW in Brazilian and USA-Hispanic/Latino adolescents, and with lower CVDR in Brazilian adolescents.
Variegated Anti-Austerity: Exploring the Demise and Rise of Class Struggle during the Crisis of Neoliberalism
Authors: Bailey David , Huke Nikolai , Lewis Paul , Shibata Saori
Published: September 2020

This article maps important trends that mark a new stage in neoliberal capitalism since 2008, with a focus on class struggle and resistance in the advanced industrial democracies. New forms of collective action have arisen in response to austerity which has been imposed, in different forms, across most of the advanced industrial democracies, in a context in which established solidaristic institutions – trade unions, social democratic parties, welfare states – have already been eroded as a result of the preceding twenty five years of neoliberal reform. The article presents an overview of these trends, highlighting austerity policies and anti-austerity responses. The article accounts for the rise of new forms of resistance and collective action as they have emerged differently in different national contexts, focusing on developments in the UK, US, Spain, Japan and Germany.
„Meinen ersten Frühdienst werde ich nie vergessen …“
Authors: Winter Claudia
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die generalistischen Rahmenpläne fordern Lehrende und Anleitende dazu auf, Lernsituationen zu entwickeln, in denen Auszubildende emotionale Erlebnisse aus der Pflegepraxis reflexiv bearbeiten. Basierend auf empirischen Ergebnissen wird ein Konzept vorgestellt, das in sechs Lerneinheiten exemplarische Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten subjektiv bedeutsamer Lernprozesse aufzeigt, damit Erlebnisse zu Erfahrungen werden.
Partizipation von Anfang an
Authors: Wehrstedt Nora , Wiedermann Anja
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung. Auszubildende in der Pflege erleben sich aufgrund der Wiedersprucherfahrung zwischen Theorie und Praxis oft als hilf- und machtlos und die Bearbeitung der oft belastend empfundenen Pflegewirklichkeit kann nicht losgelöst von der Heranbildung politischer Reflexionsfähigkeit und der Diskussion von Partizipationsmöglichkeiten gesehen werden. Die Erkenntnis von Systemzusammenhängen und die Partizipation an Veränderungsprozessen stärkt angehende Pflegefachpersonen und deshalb sollte eine frühzeitige Förderung der Partizipation innerhalb der Ausbildung einen höheren Stellenwert erhalten.
Den Operatoren auf der Spur
Authors: Leufgen Bianca , Wulfhorst Britta , Schenk Olaf
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die 68 verwendeten Operatoren der konkretisierten Kompetenzen aus der Anlage 2 PflAPrV (2018) wurden anhand einer semiotischen Analyse gedeutet und hinsichtlich der entsprechenden sprachlich-kognitiven Operationen den Anforderungsbereiche I-III zugeordnet. Die Operatorenbeschreibung und -Kategorisierung kann bei der Erarbeitung schulinterner Curricula zur Umsetzung der Kompetenzorientierung als Hilfestellung genutzt werden.
Praxisbegleitung durch Lehrende der Pflegeschulen in der generalistischen Pflegeausbildung
Authors: Hermanns Josephine , Koch Dr. Sebastian
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die Novellierung des PflBG stellt Schulen und Ausbildungseinrichtungen vor neue Herausforderungen. Mit Inkrafttreten steigen die Anforderungen an Lehrende vor allem in Bezug auf die Praxisbegleitung (PBL), die nicht eindeutig definiert ist. So sind die Aufgaben, die Lehrende in einer PBL erfüllen sollen nicht näher erläutert. In der folgenden Untersuchung stehen die Anforderungen und die Erwartungen an die PBL in der generalistische Pflegeausbildung im Vordergrund.
Autoantibody-dependent amplification of inflammation in SLE
Authors: Lou Hantao , Wojciak-Stothard Beata , Ruseva Marieta M. , Cook H. Terence , Kelleher Peter , Pickering Matthew C. , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Screaton Gavin R. , Xu Xiao-Ning
Published: September 2020

Anti-double stranded DNA antibodies (anti-dsDNA) are a hallmark of SLE but their role in disease pathogenesis is not fully resolved. Anti-dsDNA in serum are highly heterogeneous therefore in this study, we aimed to dissect the functional specificities of anti-dsDNA using a panel of human monoclonal antibodies (humAbs) generated from patients with active lupus nephritis. A total of 46 ANA reactive humAbs were isolated and divided into four broad classes based on their reactivity to histones, DNA andCrithidia. Functional analysis indicated that one subclass of antibodies bound strongly to decondensed DNA areas in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and protected NETs from nuclease digestion, similar to the sera from active SLE patients. In addition, these anti-dsDNA antibodies could stimulate type I interferon responses in mononuclear phagocytic cells, or NF-kB activity in endothelial cells, by uptake of NETs-anti-NETs immune complexes and subsequently trigging inflammatory responses in an Fc-gamma receptor (Fcg-R)-dependant manner. Together our data suggest that only a subset of anti-dsDNA antibodies is capable to amplify inflammatory responses by deposit in the nephritic kidney in vivo, protecting NETs digestion as well as uptake of NETs immune complexes into Fcg-R-expressing cells in vitro.
CHIP as a therapeutic target for neurological diseases
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Hu Zheng-wei , Mao Cheng-yuan , Shi Chang-he , Xu Yu-ming
Published: September 2020

Carboxy-terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP) functions both as a molecular co-chaperone and ubiquitin E3 ligase playing a critical role in modulating the degradation of numerous chaperone-bound proteins. To date, it has been implicated in the regulation of numerous biological functions, including misfolded-protein refolding, autophagy, immunity, and necroptosis. Moreover, the ubiquitous expression of CHIP in the central nervous system suggests that it may be implicated in a wide range of functions in neurological diseases. Several recent studies of our laboratory and other groups have highlighted the beneficial role of CHIP in the pathogenesis of several neurological diseases. The objective of this review is to discuss the possible molecular mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological diseases in which CHIP has a pivotal role, such as stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and polyglutamine diseases; furthermore, CHIP mutations could also cause neurodegenerative diseases. Based on the available literature, CHIP overexpression could serve as a promising therapeutic target for several neurological diseases.
InvaCost, a public database of the economic costs of biological invasions worldwide
Authors: Diagne C. , Leroy B. , Gozlan R. E. , Vaissière A.-C. , Assailly C. , Nuninger L. , Roiz D. , Jourdain F. , Jarić I. , Courchamp F.
Published: September 2020

Biological invasions are responsible for tremendous impacts globally, including huge economic losses and management expenditures. Efficiently mitigating this major driver of global change requires the improvement of public awareness and policy regarding its substantial impacts on our socio-ecosystems. One option to contribute to this overall objective is to inform people on the economic costs linked to these impacts; however, until now, a reliable synthesis of invasion costs has never been produced at a global scale. Here, we introduce InvaCost as the most up-to-date, comprehensive, harmonised and robust compilation and description of economic cost estimates associated with biological invasions worldwide. We have developed a systematic, standardised methodology to collect information from peer-reviewed articles and grey literature, while ensuring data validity and method repeatability for further transparent inputs. Our manuscript presents the methodology and tools used to build and populate this living and publicly available database. InvaCost provides an essential basis (2419 cost estimates currently compiled) for worldwide research, management efforts and, ultimately, for data-driven and evidence-based policymaking.
A database of zooplankton biomass in Australian marine waters
Authors: McEnnulty Felicity R. , Davies Claire H. , Armstrong Asia O , Atkins Natalia , Coman Frank , Clementson Lesley , Edgar Steven , Eriksen Ruth S. , Everett Jason D. , Anthony Koslow J. , Lønborg Christian , McKinnon A. David , Miller Margaret , O’Brien Todd D. , Pausina Sarah A. , Uribe-Palomino Julian , Rochester Wayne , Rothlisberg Peter C. , Slotwinski Anita , Strzelecki Joanna , Suthers Iain M. , Swadling Kerrie M. , Tonks Mark L. , van Ruth Paul D. , Young Jock W. , Richardson Anthony J.
Published: September 2020

Zooplankton biomass data have been collected in Australian waters since the 1930s, yet most datasets have been unavailable to the research community. We have searched archives, scanned the primary and grey literature, and contacted researchers, to collate 49187 records of marine zooplankton biomass from waters around Australia (0–60°S, 110–160°E). Many of these datasets are relatively small, but when combined, they provide >85 years of zooplankton biomass data for Australian waters from 1932 to the present. Data have been standardised and all available metadata included. We have lodged this dataset with the Australian Ocean Data Network, allowing full public access. The Australian Zooplankton Biomass Database will be valuable for global change studies, research assessing trophic linkages, and for initialising and assessing biogeochemical and ecosystem models of lower trophic levels.
A dataset of clinically recorded radar vital signs with synchronised reference sensor signals
Authors: Schellenberger Sven , Shi Kilin , Steigleder Tobias , Malessa Anke , Michler Fabian , Hameyer Laura , Neumann Nina , Lurz Fabian , Weigel Robert , Ostgathe Christoph , Koelpin Alexander
Published: September 2020

Using Radar it is possible to measure vital signs through clothing or a mattress from the distance. This allows for a very comfortable way of continuous monitoring in hospitals or home environments. The dataset presented in this article consists of 24 h of synchronised data from a radar and a reference device. The implemented continuous wave radar system is based on the Six-Port technology and operates at 24 GHz in the ISM band. The reference device simultaneously measures electrocardiogram, impedance cardiogram and non-invasive continuous blood pressure. 30 healthy subjects were measured by physicians according to a predefined protocol. The radar was focused on the chest while the subjects were lying on a tilt table wired to the reference monitoring device. In this manner five scenarios were conducted, the majority of them aimed to trigger hemodynamics and the autonomic nervous system of the subjects. Using the database, algorithms for respiratory or cardiovascular analysis can be developed and a better understanding of the characteristics of the radar-recorded vital signs can be gained.
Cross-sectional study of human coding- and non-coding RNAs in progressive stages of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Lario Sergio , Ramírez-Lázaro María J. , González-Lahera Aintzane , Lavín José L. , Vila-Casadesús Maria , Quílez María E. , Brunet-Vega Anna , Lozano Juan J. , Aransay Ana M. , Calvet Xavier
Published: September 2020

Helicobacter pylori infects 4.4 billion individuals worldwide and is considered the most important etiologic agent for peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Individual response to H. pylori infection is complex and depends on complex interactions between host and environmental factors. The pathway towards gastric cancer is a sequence of events known as Correa’s model of gastric carcinogenesis, a stepwise inflammatory process from normal mucosa to chronic-active gastritis, atrophy, metaplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma. This study examines gastric clinical specimens representing different steps of the Correa pathway with the aim of identifying the expression profiles of coding- and non-coding RNAs that may have a role in Correa’s model of gastric carcinogenesis. We screened for differentially expressed genes in gastric biopsies by employing RNAseq, microarrays and qRT-PCR. Here we provide a detailed description of the experiments, methods and results generated. The datasets may help other scientists and clinicians to find new clues to the pathogenesis of H. pylori and the mechanisms of progression of the infection to more severe gastric diseases. Data is available via ArrayExpress.
AiiDA 1.0, a scalable computational infrastructure for automated reproducible workflows and data provenance
Authors: Huber Sebastiaan P. , Zoupanos Spyros , Uhrin Martin , Talirz Leopold , Kahle Leonid , Häuselmann Rico , Gresch Dominik , Müller Tiziano , Yakutovich Aliaksandr V. , Andersen Casper W. , Ramirez Francisco F. , Adorf Carl S. , Gargiulo Fernando , Kumbhar Snehal , Passaro Elsa , Johnston Conrad , Merkys Andrius , Cepellotti Andrea , Mounet Nicolas , Marzari Nicola , Kozinsky Boris , Pizzi Giovanni
Published: September 2020

The ever-growing availability of computing power and the sustained development of advanced computational methods have contributed much to recent scientific progress. These developments present new challenges driven by the sheer amount of calculations and data to manage. Next-generation exascale supercomputers will harden these challenges, such that automated and scalable solutions become crucial. In recent years, we have been developing AiiDA (aiida.net), a robust open-source high-throughput infrastructure addressing the challenges arising from the needs of automated workflow management and data provenance recording. Here, we introduce developments and capabilities required to reach sustained performance, with AiiDA supporting throughputs of tens of thousands processes/hour, while automatically preserving and storing the full data provenance in a relational database making it queryable and traversable, thus enabling high-performance data analytics. AiiDA’s workflow language provides advanced automation, error handling features and a flexible plugin model to allow interfacing with external simulation software. The associated plugin registry enables seamless sharing of extensions, empowering a vibrant user community dedicated to making simulations more robust, user-friendly and reproducible.
Assessing the role of inter-facility patient transfer in the spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: the case of France between 2012 and 2015
Authors: Nekkab Narimane , Crépey Pascal , Astagneau Pascal , Opatowski Lulla , Temime Laura
Published: September 2020

The spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in healthcare settings is a major public health threat that has been associated with cross-border and local patient transfers between healthcare facilities. Since the impact of transfers on spread may vary, our study aimed to assess the contribution of a patient transfer network on CPE incidence and spread at a countrywide level, with a case study of France from 2012 to 2015. Our results suggest a transition in 2013 from a CPE epidemic sustained by internationally imported episodes to an epidemic sustained by local transmission events through patient transfers. Incident episodes tend to occur within close spatial distance of their potential infector. We also observe an increasing frequency of multiple spreading events, originating from a limited number of regional hubs. Consequently, coordinated prevention and infection control strategies should focus on transfers of carriers of CPE to reduce regional and inter-regional transmission.
Ethnic variation of oral microbiota in children
Authors: Premaraj Thyagaseely S. , Vella Raven , Chung Jennifer , Lin Qingqi , Hunter Panier , Underwood Kori , Premaraj Sundaralingam , Zhou Yanjiao
Published: September 2020

Despite widely used preventive measures such as sealant programs to control caries prevalence, disparities are seen among ethnic groups. Supragingival plaque harbors hundreds of bacterial species, playing a significant role in oral health and disease. It is unknown whether the ethnic variation influences the supragingival microbiota in children. In our study, variations in microbiota of the supragingival plaque was investigated from 96 children between 6 and 11 years old in four ethnic groups (African American, Burmese, Caucasian, and Hispanic) from the same geographic location by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that the microbial alpha and beta diversity of supragingival microbiota significantly differed between ethnic groups. The supragingival plaque microbiota had the most complex microbial community in Burmese children. Within-group microbiota similarity in Burmese or Caucasian children was significantly higher than between-groups similarity. We identified seven ethnic group-specific bacterial taxa after adjusting for dental plaque index, decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) and the frequency of brushing. Children with high plaque index and high DMFT values were more similar to each other in the overall microbial community, compared to low plaque index or low DMFT groups in which inter-subject variation is high. Several bacterial taxa associated with high plaque index or high DMFT were ethnic group-specific. These results demonstrated that supragingival microbiota differed among ethnicity groups in children.
Exact quasi-relativistic wavefunctions of Hydrogen-like atoms
Authors: Grave de Peralta Luis
Published: September 2020

Exact solutions of a novel quasi-relativistic quantum mechanical wave equation are found for Hydrogen-like atoms. This includes both, an exact analytical expression for the energies of the bound states, and exact analytical expressions for the wavefunctions, which successfully describe quantum particles with mass and spin-0 up to energies comparable to the energy associated to the mass of the particle. These quasi-relativistic atomic orbitals may be used for improving ab-initio software packages dedicated to numerical simulations in physical-chemistry and atomic and solid-state physics.
Near wall Prandtl number effects on velocity gradient invariants and flow topologies in turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Yigit Sahin , Hasslberger Josef , Klein Markus , Chakraborty Nilanjan
Published: September 2020

The statistical behaviours of the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor and flow topologies for Rayleigh–Bénard convection of Newtonian fluids in cubic enclosures have been analysed using Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) for a range of different values of Rayleigh (i.e. $$Ra=10^7-10^9$$

R
a
=

10
7

-

10
9

) and Prandtl (i.e. $$Pr=1$$

P
r
=
1

and 320) numbers. The behaviours of second and third invariants of the velocity gradient tensor suggest that the bulk region of the flow at the core of the domain is vorticity-dominated whereas the regions in the vicinity of cold and hot walls, in particular in the boundary layers, are found to be strain rate-dominated and this behaviour has been found to be independent of the choice of Ra and Pr values within the range considered here. Accordingly, it has been found that the focal topologies S1 and S4 remain predominant in the bulk region of the flow and the volume fraction of nodal topologies increases in the vicinity of the active hot and cold walls for all cases considered here. However, remarkable differences in the behaviours of the joint probability density functions (PDFs) between second and third invariants of the velocity gradient tensor (i.e. Q and R) have been found in response to the variations of Pr. The classical teardrop shape of the joint PDF between Q and R has been observed away from active walls for all values of Pr, but this behavior changes close to the heated and cooled walls for high values of Pr (e.g. $$Pr=320$$

P
r
=
320

) where the joint PDF exhibits a shape mirrored at the vertical Q-axis. It has been demonstrated that the junctions at the edges of convection cells are responsible for this behaviour for $$Pr=320$$

P
r
=
320

, which also increases the probability of finding S3 topologies with large negative magnitudes of Q and R. By contrast, this behaviour is not observed in the $$Pr=1$$

P
r
=
1

case and these differences between flow topology distributions in Rayleigh–Bénard convection in response to Pr suggest that the modelling strategy for turbulent natural convection of gaseous fluids may not be equally well suited for simulations of turbulent natural convection of liquids with high values of Pr.
Development of a probabilistic early health warning system based on meteorological parameters
Authors: Sahai A. K. , Mandal Raju , Joseph Susmitha , Saha Shubhayu , Awate Pradip , Dutta Somenath , Dey Avijit , Chattopadhyay Rajib , Phani R. , Pattanaik D. R. , Despande Sunil
Published: September 2020

Among the other diseases, malaria and diarrhoea have a large disease burden in India, especially among children. Changes in rainfall and temperature patterns likely play a major role in the increased incidence of these diseases across geographical locations. This study proposes a method for probabilistic forecasting of the disease incidences in extended range time scale (2–3 weeks in advance) over India based on an unsupervised pattern recognition technique that uses meteorological parameters as inputs and which can be applied to any geographical location over India. To verify the robustness of this newly developed early warning system, detailed analysis has been made in the incidence of malaria and diarrhoea over two districts of the State of Maharashtra. It is found that the increased probabilities of high (less) rainfall, high (low) minimum temperature and low (moderate) maximum temperature are more (less) conducive for both diseases over these locations, but have different thresholds. With the categorical probabilistic forecasts of disease incidences, this early health warning system is found to be a useful tool with reasonable skill to provide the climate-health outlook about possible disease incidence at least 2 weeks in advance for any location or grid over India.
Deficiency of the SMOC2 matricellular protein impairs bone healing and produces age-dependent bone loss
Authors: Morkmued Supawich , Clauss François , Schuhbaur Brigitte , Fraulob Valérie , Mathieu Eric , Hemmerlé Joseph , Clevers Hans , Koo Bon-Kyoung , Dollé Pascal , Bloch-Zupan Agnès , Niederreither Karen
Published: September 2020

Secreted extracellular matrix components which regulate craniofacial development could be reactivated and play roles in adult wound healing. We report a patient with a loss-of-function of the secreted matricellular protein SMOC2 (SPARC related modular calcium binding 2) presenting severe oligodontia, microdontia, tooth root deficiencies, alveolar bone hypoplasia, and a range of skeletal malformations. Turning to a mouse model, Smoc2-GFP reporter expression indicates SMOC2 dynamically marks a range of dental and bone progenitors. While germline Smoc2 homozygous mutants are viable, tooth number anomalies, reduced tooth size, altered enamel prism patterning, and spontaneous age-induced periodontal bone and root loss are observed in this mouse model. Whole-genome RNA-sequencing analysis of embryonic day (E) 14.5 cap stage molars revealed reductions in early expressed enamel matrix components (Odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein) and dentin dysplasia targets (Dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1). We tested if like other matricellular proteins SMOC2 was required for regenerative repair. We found that the Smoc2-GFP reporter was reactivated in adjacent periodontal tissues 4 days after tooth avulsion injury. Following maxillary tooth injury, Smoc2−/− mutants had increased osteoclast activity and bone resorption surrounding the extracted molar. Interestingly, a 10-day treatment with the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) inhibitor ibuprofen (30 mg/kg body weight) blocked tooth injury-induced bone loss in Smoc2−/− mutants, reducing matrix metalloprotease (Mmp)9. Collectively, our results indicate that endogenous SMOC2 blocks injury-induced jaw bone osteonecrosis and offsets age-induced periodontal decay.