bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostic using N gene target: insights about reinfection
Authors: Klein Raphael Contelli , Klein Mary Hellen Fabres , Barbosa Larissa Gomes , Knnup Lívia Vasconcelos Gonzaga , Venâncio Larissa Paola Rodrigues , Lima Jonilson Berlink , Araújo-Santos Théo
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 is a huge challenge to many countries around the world. The cost of tests to check infected people is inaccessible since specialized teams and equipment are not disposable in remote locations. Herein, we compared the fitness of two primers sets to the SARS-CoV-2 N gene in the molecular diagnosis of COVID-19.

Materials and Methods

The 1029 patient samples were tested to presense/abscence molecular test using in house US CDC protocol. We compared the fitness of two primers sets to two different regions of N gene targets.

Results

Both targets, N1 and N2 displayed similar fitness during testing with no differences between Ct or measurable viral genome copies. In addition, we verified security ranges Cts related to positive diagnostic with Ct above 35 value failuring in 66,6% after retesting of samples.

Main conclusion

Our data suggest that it is secure to use just one primer set to the N gene to identify SARS-CoV-2 in samples and the labs should be careful to set positive samples in high Ct values using high cutoffs.
The Testing Multiplier: Fear vs Containment
Authors: Furno Francesco
Published: December 2020

This paper studies the economic effects of testing during the outbreak of a novel epidemic disease. I propose a model where testing permits isolation of the infected and provides agents with information about the prevalence and lethality of the disease. Additional testing reduces the perceived lethality of the disease, but might increase the perceived risk of infection. As a result, more testing could increase the perceived risk of dying from the disease - i.e. “stoke fear” - and cause a fall in economic activity, despite improving health outcomes. Two main insights emerge. First, increased testing is beneficial to the economy and pays for itself if performed at a sufficiently large scale, but not necessarily otherwise. Second, heterogeneous risk perceptions across age-groups can have important aggregate consequences. For a SARS-CoV-2 calibration of the model, heterogeneous risk perceptions across young and old individuals mitigate GDP losses by 50% and reduce the death toll by 30% relative to a scenario in which all individuals have the same perceptions of risk.
Protective effects of saffron and its constituent crocetin to motor symptoms, short life span and rough-eyed phenotypes in the fly models of Parkinson’s diseasein vivo
Authors: Inoue Eiji , Suzuki Takahiro , Shimizu Yasuharu , Sudo Keiichi , Kawasaki Haruhisa , Ishida Norio
Published: December 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with motor symptoms linked to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. α-Synuclein is an aggregation-prone neural protein that plays a role in the pathogenesis of PD. In our previous paper, we found that saffron; the stigma ofCrocus sativusLinné (Iridaceae), and its constituents (crocin and crocetin) suppressed aggregation of α-synuclein and promoted the dissociation of α-synuclein fibrilsin vitro. In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary saffron and its constituent, crocetin,in vivoon a fly PD model overexpressing several mutant α-synuclein in a tissue-specific manner. Saffron and crocetin significantly suppressed the decrease of climbing ability in theDrosophilaoverexpressing A30P (A30P fly PD model) or G51D (G51D fly PD model) mutated α-synuclein in neurons. Saffron and crocetin extended the life span in the G51D fly PD model. Saffron suppressed the rough-eyed phenotype and the dispersion of the size histogram of the ocular long axis in A30P fly PD model in eye. Saffron had a cytoprotective effect on a human neuronal cell line with α-synuclein fibrils. These data showed that saffron and its constituent crocetin have protective effects on the progression of PD disease in animalsin vivoand suggest that saffron and crocetin can be used to treat PD.
No such thing as a free-rider? Understanding multicountry drivers of childhood and adult vaccination
Authors: Verelst Frederik , Kessels Roselinde , Willem Lander , Beutels Philippe
Published: December 2020

Background

Increased vaccine hesitancy and refusal negatively affects vaccine uptake leading to vaccine preventable disease reemergence. We aimed to quantify the relative importance of characteristics people consider when making vaccine decisions for themselves, or for their child, with specific attention for underlying motives arising from context, such as required effort (accessibility) and opportunism (free riding on herd immunity).

Methods

We documented attitudes towards vaccination and performed a discrete choice experiment in 4802 respondents in The United Kingdom, France and Belgium eliciting preferences for six attributes: (1) vaccine effectiveness, (2) vaccine preventable disease burden, (3) vaccine accessibility in terms of co-payment, vaccinator and administrative requirements, (4) frequency of mild vaccine-related side-effects, (5) vaccination coverage in the country’s population and (6) local vaccination coverage in personal networks. We distinguished adults deciding on vaccination for themselves (‘oneself’ group) from parents deciding for their youngest child (‘child’ group).

Results

While all six attributes were found to be significant, vaccine effectiveness and accessibility stand out in all (sub)samples, followed by vaccine preventable disease burden. We confirmed that people attach more value to severity of disease compared to its frequency and discovered that peer influence dominates free-rider motives, especially for the vaccination of children.

Conclusions

These behavioral data are insightful for policy and are essential to parameterize dynamic vaccination behavior in simulation models. In contrast to what most game theoretical models assume, social norms dominate free-rider incentives. Therefore policy-makers and healthcare workers should actively communicate on high vaccination coverage, and draw attention to the effectiveness of vaccines, while optimizing their practical accessibility.
A Machine Learning Framework to Detect Syncope using the Active Stand
Authors: Carmody M. , Finucane C. , Nolan H. , O’Dwyer C. , Kwok M. , Kenny R. A. , Fan C.W.
Published: December 2020

Background

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common form of syncope, accounting for 50-60% of unexplained syncope. Currently diagnosis is achieved via clinical assessment combined with the Head-Up Tilt Test (HUT).

Aim

To examine the utility of the active stand test (AS) to identify those with a positive HUT or diagnosis of VVS.

Design

Retrospective study of hemodynamic responses to AS.

Methods

Continuous blood pressure responses to AS from 101 patients attending a Falls and Blackouts Unit were acquired, including: 37 controls (CON), 64 with a clinical diagnosis of VVS (VVS+) (34 tilt-positive (HUT+) and 30 tilt-negative (HUT-)) with a mean age of 25 ± 9 years. A total of 33 hemodynamic features were extracted with a subset of these entered into linear discriminant classifier. Classification accuracy was assessed using N-fold cross-validation.

Results

Results indicated that it was possible to classify the outcome of the HUT with sensitivity of 58.8%, specificity of 63.3% and an accuracy of 60.9%. Using a multivariate classifier it was possible to identify those with a positive diagnosis of VVS with a sensitivity of 84.3%, specificity of 72.9% and an accuracy of 80.2%.

Conclusion

This study highlights the existence of a unique AS hemodynamic response characterised by autonomic hypersensitivity exhibited by young patients prone to VVS which is detectable using a multi-parameter machine learning framework. With further verification, this approach may have applications in syncope and falls diagnosis, population studies and the tracking of treatment efficacy.
Early Assessment and Intervention for Families Experiencing Homelessness: A randomized trial comparing two parenting programs
Authors: Graziano Paulo , Spiegel Jamie , Arcia Emily , Foundation Sundari
Published: December 2020

Objective: As part of a larger community-based, service driven research project, the purpose of this study was to 1) document the clinical needs of sheltered children (i.e., externalizing behavior problems [EBP], trauma symptoms, and developmental status) and 2) examine the effectiveness of time-limited adaptations of Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP).
Method: One hundred and forty-four young children (Mage = 3.48, SD = 1.09; 56.9% male; 78.5% Black/African American) and their mothers were recruited from a women's homeless shelter and randomly assigned to a 12-week course of either PCIT or CPP delivered by shelter clinicians on site. Families completed pre and post intervention assessments including mother-reported measures of child EBP and trauma symptoms, and parenting stress. Observational data on maternal verbalizations during a child-led play session were also collected.
Results: High rates of clinically elevated EBP (36%), trauma symptoms (47%), and developmental delays (35%) were found. Time-limited PCIT resulted in greater reductions in maternal negative verbalizations and parenting stress, and greater increases in maternal positive verbalizations relative to time-limited CPP. As it relates to child outcomes, both time-limited PCIT and CPP resulted in similar decreases in children's post-traumatic stress symptoms; however, only time-limited PCIT resulted in significant improvements in EBP.
Conclusions: Young sheltered children evidenced high levels of EBP, trauma symptoms and developmental delays. Both time-limited PCIT and CPP offered effective trauma interventions. However, PCIT offered a more comprehensive intervention by more effectively targeting EBP and parenting. Implications of these findings for clinical practice are discussed.
Use of waggle dance information in honey bees is linked to gene expression in the antennae, but not in the brain
Authors: Kennedy Anissa , Peng Tianfei , Glaser Simone M. , Linn Melissa , Foitzik Susanne , Grüter Christoph
Published: December 2020

Communication is essential for social animals, but deciding how to utilize information provided by conspecifics is a complex process that depends on environmental and intrinsic factors. Honey bees use a unique form of communication, the waggle dance, to inform nestmates about the location of food sources. However, as in many other animals, experienced individuals often ignore this social information and prefer to rely on prior experiences, i.e. private information. The neurosensory factors that drive the decision to use social information are not yet understood. Here we test whether the decision to use social dance information or private information is linked to gene expression differences in different parts of the nervous system. We trained bees to collect food from sugar water feeders and observed whether they utilize social or private information when exposed to dances for a new food source. We performed transcriptome analysis of four brain parts critical for cognition: the subesophageal ganglion, the central brain, the mushroom bodies, and the antennal lobes but, unexpectedly, detected no differences between social or private information users. In contrast, we found 413 differentially expressed genes in the antennae, suggesting that variation in sensory perception mediate the decision to use social information. Social information users were characterized by the upregulation of dopamine and serotonin genes while private information users upregualted several genes coding for odor perception. These results highlight that decision making in honey bees might also depend on peripheral processes of perception rather than higher-order brain centers of information integration.
Perception of Non-Verbal Prosody in Children with ASD
Authors: Maslennikova Aleksandra V. , Portnova Galina V. , Martynova Olga V.
Published: December 2020

Paralinguistic features of the speaker, such as prosody, temp, loudness, and dynamics, are an important marker of a person’s emotional state. The deficit of processing of emotional prosody could be preferably associated with the impairments in individuals with ASD’s social behavior. The following two groups of children participated in our study: 30 preschoolers from 4 to 6 years old in the target group (39.1 ± 6.4 scores by Childhood Autism Rating Scale), 24 preschoolers of the control group from 4 to 6 years in the control group. The prosody stimuli were the combination of syllables, said with intonations of “joy,” “angry,” “sadness,” “fear,” and “calm.” Fast Fourier transform (FFT) is used to analyze power spectrum density (PSD). The resulting normalized spectrum was integrated over unit width intervals in the range of interest (2 to 20 Hz with a step in 1Hz). Children with ASD, similarly to TD children, showed the most pronounced differenced of EEG in response to prosodics of fear and anger. The significant groups’ differences in PSD were detected for sad and joy intonations. Indexes of EEG differences between pleasure and painful intonations were significantly higher in the control group than children with ASD and between sadness and calm or joy and calm intonations. This paper makes up two main contributions: In general, we obtained that children with ASD have less response to a human voice’s emotional intonation. The physical characteristics of stimuli are more critical than a sign of emotions. The effect of EEG spectral power has hemisphere specialization in the healthy control group, but not in ASD children. Since spectral power for negative emotions in the target group is higher, we proposed that ASD children worse recognize positive emotions than negative emotions.
Intraspecific variation in thermal tolerance differs between tropical and temperate fishes
Authors: Nati J.J.H. , Svendsen M.B.S. , Marras S. , Killen S.S. , Steffensen J.F. , McKenzie D.J. , Domenici P.
Published: December 2020

How ectothermic animals will cope with global warming, especially more frequent and intense heatwaves, is a critical determinant of the ecological impacts of climate change. There has been extensive study of upper thermal tolerance limits among fish species but how intraspecific variation in tolerance may be affected by habitat characteristics and evolutionary history has not been considered. Intraspecific variation is a primary determinant of species vulnerability to climate change, with implications for global patterns of impacts of ongoing warming. Using published critical thermal maximum (CTmax) data on 203 marine and freshwater fish species, we found that intraspecific vsariation in upper thermal tolerance varies according to a species’ latitude and evolutionary history. Notably, freshwater tropical species have lower variation in tolerance than temperate species in the northern hemisphere, which implies increased vulnerability to impacts of thermal stress. The extent of variation in CTmaxamong fish species has a strong phylogenetic signal, which may indicate a constraint on evolvability to rising temperatures in tropical fishes. That is, in addition to living closer to their upper thermal limits, tropical species may have higher sensitivity and lower adaptability to global warming compared to temperate counterparts. This is evidence that tropical fish communities, worldwide, are especially vulnerable to ongoing climate change.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Endothelial Cell Transcriptome Heterogeneity under Homeostatic Laminar Flow
Authors: Liu Ziqing , Ruter Dana L , Quigley Kaitlyn , Jiang Yuchao , Bautch Victoria L
Published: December 2020

Objective

Endothelial cells that form the innermost layer of all vessels exhibit heterogeneous cell behaviors and responses to pro-angiogenic signals that are critical for vascular sprouting and angiogenesis. Once vessels form, remodeling and blood flow lead to endothelial cell quiescence, and homogeneity in cell behaviors and signaling responses. These changes are important for the function of mature vessels, but whether and at what level endothelial cells regulate overall expression heterogeneity during this transition is poorly understood. Here we profiled endothelial cell transcriptomic heterogeneity, and expression heterogeneity of selected proteins, under homeostatic laminar flow.

Approach and Results

Single-cell RNA sequencing and fluorescence microscopy were used to characterize heterogeneity in RNA and protein gene expression levels of human endothelial cells under homeostatic laminar flow compared to non-flow conditions. Analysis of transcriptome variance, Gini coefficient, and coefficient of variation showed that more genes increased RNA heterogeneity under laminar flow relative to genes whose expression became more homogeneous. Analysis of a subset of genes for relative protein expression revealed that most protein profiles showed decreased heterogeneity under flow. In contrast, the magnitude of expression level changes in RNA and protein was coordinated among endothelial cells in flow vs. non-flow conditions.

Conclusions

Endothelial cells exposed to homeostatic laminar flow showed increased cohort heterogeneity in RNA expression levels, while cohort expression heterogeneity of selected cognate proteins decreased under laminar flow. These findings suggest that EC homeostasis is imposed at the level of protein translation and/or stability rather than transcriptionally.
Repurposing potential of FDA‐approved and investigational drugs for COVID‐19 targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 spike and main protease and validation by machine learning algorithm
Authors: Verma Akalesh Kumar , Aggarwal Rohit
Published: December 2020

The present study aimed to assess the repurposing potential of existing antiviral drug candidates (FDA‐approved and investigational) against SARS‐CoV‐2 target proteins that facilitates viral entry and replication into the host body. To evaluate molecular affinities between antiviral drug candidates and SARS‐CoV‐2 associated target proteins such as spike protein (S) and main protease (Mpro), a molecular interaction simulation was performed by docking software (MVD) and subsequently the applicability score was calculated by machine learning algorithm. Furthermore, the STITCH algorithm was used to predict the pharmacology network involving multiple pathways of active drug candidate(s). Pharmacophore features of active drug(s) molecule was also determined to predict structure–activity relationship (SAR). The molecular interaction analysis showed that cordycepin has strong binding affinities with S protein (−180) and Mpro proteins (−205) which were relatively highest among other drug candidates used. Interestingly, compounds with low IC50 showed high binding energy. Furthermore, machine learning algorithm also revealed high applicability scores (0.42–0.47) of cordycepin. It is worth mentioning that the pharmacology network depicted the involvement of cordycepin in different pathways associated with bacterial and viral diseases including tuberculosis, hepatitis B, influenza A, viral myocarditis, and herpes simplex infection. The embedded pharmacophore features with cordycepin also suggested strong SAR. Cordycepin's anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 activity indicated 65% (E‐gene) and 42% (N‐gene) viral replication inhibition after 48h of treatment. Since, cordycepin has both preclinical and clinical evidences on antiviral activity, in addition the present findings further validate and suggest repurposing potential of cordycepin against COVID‐19.
Low pup survival rate is associated with maternal Naq3 genotype and hypothalamic Vps8 expression levels in mice
Authors: Suto Jun‐ichi , Kojima Misaki
Published: December 2020

Pups born from females of the inbred mouse strain RR/Sgn tend to have low survival rates during rearing. We have previously identified Naq3, a quantitative trait locus underlying this low pup survival rate. In the present study, we confirmed the effect of Naq3 in congenic mice and investigated whether Vps8 is a candidate gene for Naq3. The survival rate of pups on the twelfth postpartum day was significantly decreased for mothers homozygous for the Naq3 allele. Hypothalamic expression of Vps8 was induced by nurturing in wild‐type mice, and was significantly lower in Naq3 congenic mice than in wild‐type mice. Thus, Vps8 is suggested to be involved in maternal nurturing, and therefore, as a plausible candidate gene for Naq3.
Fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Canadian agricultural economics profession
Authors: Yiridoe Emmanuel K.
Published: December 2020

The Canadian agricultural economics profession, like much of society, is faced with the important challenge of how to effectively achieve aspirational goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). I argue that the Canadian agricultural economics society (CAES) will benefit from integrating EDI into our core mission and key activities. I focus on a select set of issues that I believe will further this effort. Given the critical role of scholarly merit and merit‐based systems and processes in the CAES mandate and activities, I also explore how meritocracy and scholarly merit can be aligned with EDI principles. The paper concludes with suggestions and recommendations for consideration by the CAES.
Utilizing left atrial strain to identify patients at risk for atrial fibrillation on ibrutinib
Authors: Singh Arushi , El Hangouche Nadia , McGee Katherine , Gong Fei‐Fei , Lentz Robert , Feinglass Joseph , Akhter Nausheen
Published: December 2020

Background

Ibrutinib is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), though echocardiographic predictors of AF have not been studied in this population. We sought to determine whether left atrial (LA) strain on transthoracic echocardiography could identify patients at risk for developing ibrutinib‐related atrial fibrillation (IRAF).

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 66 patients who had an echocardiogram prior to ibrutinib treatment. LA strain was measured with TOMTEC Imaging Systems, obtaining peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and peak atrial contraction strain (PACS) on 4‐chamber and 2‐chamber views. Statistical analysis was performed with chi‐square analysis, t test, or binomial regression analysis, with a P‐value < .05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Twenty‐two patients developed IRAF (33%). Age at initiation of ibrutinib was significantly associated with IRAF (65.1 years vs 74.1 years, P = .002). Mean ibrutinib dose was lower among patients who developed IRAF (388.2 ± 121.7 vs 448.6 ± 88.4, P = .025). E/e′ was significantly higher among patients who developed IRAF (11.5 vs 9.3, P = .04). PALS was significantly lower in patients who developed AF (30.3% vs 36.3%, P = .01). On multivariate regression analysis, age, PALS, and PACS were significantly associated with IRAF. On multivariate regression analysis, only PACS remained significantly associated with IRAF while accounting for age.

Conclusions

Age, ibrutinib dose, E/e′, and PALS on pre‐treatment echocardiogram were significantly associated with development of IRAF. On multivariate regression analyses, age, PALS, and PACS remained significantly associated with IRAF. Impaired LA mechanics add to the assessment of patients at risk for IRAF.
Landholder perceptions of revegetation on the Atherton Tablelands, far North Queensland
Authors: Vos Amy , Davies Kayt
Published: December 2020

The need to expand areas of native vegetation is clear to ecologists and governments; however, the privately owned nature of most cleared land means landholder support is critical. To improve landholder engagement in revegetation programmes, insight is needed into the information and attitudes being shared in landholder communities, especially by landholders with experience of participation in revegetation initiatives. Using a grounded theory framework, a content analysis was conducted on data gathered from semi‐structured interviews with 20 landholders who have undertaken revegetation on their properties. Three dominant themes emerged from the analysis of reasons for engaging with revegetation programmes, relating to perceived ‘environmental’, ‘personal’ or ‘agricultural’ benefits. Some unexpected impacts of the planting were also identified, both positive and negative. Suggested ways to improve landholder participation included increased funding and support; improved information regarding funding already available; and clearer communication about vegetation management laws.
Effects of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen on hatching behavior and hatching time in the katydid, Eobiana engelhardti subtropica Bey‐Bienko (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Arai Tetsuo
Published: December 2020

The trigger for the hatching behavior and determination of hatching time of the katydids, Eobiana engelhardti subtropica (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) have been shown to be influenced by light–dark signals or temperature. In this study, I investigated the effects of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen on the hatching behavior and hatching time of the katydid. Eggs rarely hatched under a constant temperature of 25°C and hatched sporadically at a constant temperature of 15°C under continuous light in the air. However, when eggs were exposed to 100% oxygen or a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen (2:1 or 1:1), hatching occurred within a few seconds. Hatching behavior was directly triggered by high concentrations of oxygen. It was inhibited by exposure to 100% carbon dioxide, 100% nitrogen, or a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen (1:2). The hatching time, determined by the temperature fall (transfer from 25°C to 15°C), was delayed by these gases, and was reset by the transfer back of eggs to the air. This suggests the existence of a time‐measuring mechanism that is triggered by the transfer of eggs to the air. These results, indicating that hatching behavior was directly triggered by high concentrations of oxygen and that hatching time was set by the transfer from carbon dioxide or nitrogen to the air, are new findings to the best of my knowledge.
Age and associated stress field of middle Miocene back‐arc basalt magmatism in Northeast Japan
Authors: Hosoi Jun , Yamaji Atsushi , Iwano Hideki , Danhara Tohru , Hirata Takafumi
Published: December 2020

A large volume of middle Miocene basaltic rocks is widely distributed across the back‐arc region of Northeast Japan, including around the Dewa Mountains. Petrological research has shown that basaltic rocks of the Aosawa Formation around the Dewa Mountains were generated as a result of the opening of the Sea of Japan. To determine the precise ages of the middle Miocene basaltic magmatism, we conducted U–Pb and fission‐track (FT) dating of a rhyolite lava that constitutes the uppermost part of the Aosawa Formation. In addition, we estimated the paleostress field of the volcanism using data from a basaltic dike swarm in the same formation. The rhyolite lava yields a U–Pb age of 10.73 ±0.22 Ma (2σ) and a FT age of 10.6 ±1.6 Ma (2σ), and the paleostress analysis suggests a normal‐faulting stress regime with a NW–SE‐trending σ3‐axis, a relatively high stress ratio, and a relatively high magma pressure. Our results show that the late Aosawa magmatism occurred under NW–SE extensional stress and ended at ~ 11 Ma.
Ranking nomination rules on the basis of nominating power distributions
Authors: Iwata Yukinori
Published: December 2020

In this study, we explore a method of ranking nomination rules as a collective decision‐making procedure. Nomination rules determine which alternatives are eligible for collective decision‐making by aggregating the opinions of nominators, which are expressed positively or negatively. It is possible to compare nomination rules based on their “nominating power” distributions because they can be seen as multiple simple games. Our nomination rules ranking has a two‐step aggregation representation. In the first step, the distribution of nominating power with regard to each issue is aggregated into an indicator based on the sign inversion of the inequality measure of voting power in simple games, as proposed by Laruelle and Valenciano (2004). Subsequently, in the second step, the aggregator sums the indicator on each issue. We add a separability axiom to the set of Laruelle and Valenciano's axioms to characterize our nomination rules ranking that has the two‐step aggregation representation.
The impact of an additional nurse assistant during evening shifts on nurses’ perceptions of job demands, job resources and well‐being
Authors: Scheepers Renée A. , Smeulders Ilse‐Marita , van den Broek Thijs
Published: December 2020

Aim

Workloads and other job demands jeopardize nurses’ well‐being, especially during evening shifts when there are less resources than during the day. The current study aims to shed light on how the addition of a nurse assistant to ward staffing during evening shifts has an impact on nurses’ perceptions of job demands, job resources, and well‐being.

Design

We performed a pre‐post pilot study, whereby we compared nurses’ perceptions of job demands, job resources, and well‐being before and after the addition of a nurse assistant to ward staffing during evening shifts.

Methods

All nurses at the ward of a top‐clinical hospital (N = 28) completed a baseline and follow‐up survey including validated measures on job demands (workload and physical demands), job resources (autonomy and task clarity), and well‐being (recovery from work and sleep problems).

Results

Compared with baseline, nurses reported fewer job demands (lower workloads and fewer physical demands) and sleep problems at follow‐up. No statistically significant changes in job resources (autonomy and task clarity) and recovery difficulties were found.

Conclusions

We found preliminary evidence that the addition of a nurse assistant during evening shifts could reduce workloads, physical demands, and sleep problems among nurses.

Impact

This study highlighted that heavy job demands and sleep problems associated with evening shifts may be addressed by adding a nurse assistant to the nursing team. Future studies with larger samples and a control group are needed to provide better estimates of the magnitude of the beneficial effects and of the cost‐effectiveness of an intervention of this kind.
Digital thermal monitoring techniques to assess vascular reactivity following finger and brachial occlusions
Authors: Heath Melanie , Gourley Drew , Naghavi Morteza , Klies Stanley , Tanaka Hirofumi
Published: December 2020

Digital thermal monitoring (DTM) is an alternative, noninvasive, methodology to evaluate endothelial function using temperature change on finger as a surrogate measure of the magnitude of vascular reactivity index (VRI). A most recent modification to the technique includes the application of occlusion cuff at the base of a finger. We evaluated the validity of DTM compared with the standard flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) protocol. Thirty‐eight (22 males; 38 ± 15 years) participants were studied. Occlusion cuff was placed over the right antecubital fossa or at the base of the right index finger. Temperature monitors were placed on bilateral index fingers to assess change in temperature throughout 5‐min occlusion and recovery phases. VRI values obtained with the finger occlusion (1.58 ± 0.29 AU) were not significantly different from VRI measured with the brachial artery occlusion (1.55 ± 0.26 AU; p = .47), and the agreement of VRI values was confirmed in the Bland‐Altman plot with a mean difference of −0.03 ± 0.34 (95% confidence interval: −0.15 to 0.09). Shear rateAUCI was significantly correlated with VRI obtained from brachial occlusion (r = .34) and finger occlusion VRI (r = .54; all p < .05). Moreover, brachial FMD was significantly correlated with brachial occlusion VRI (r = .69; p < .05) and finger occlusion VRI (r = .53; p < .05). Therefore, finger‐based VRI may be a valid and novel alternative measure of endothelial function that is more suitable than the standard FMD or hyperemic shear rate for the assessment of endothelial function in the routine clinical setting.
Dysregulated YY1/PRMT5 axis promotes the progression and metastasis of laryngeal cancer by targeting Hippo pathway
Authors: Wang Nan , Wu Di , Long Qian , Yan Yue , Chen Xiaoqi , Zhao Zheng , Yan Honghong , Zhang Xinrui , Xu Meilan , Deng Wuguo , Liu Xuekui
Published: December 2020

Metastases lead to high mortality in laryngeal cancer, but the regulation of its underlying mechanisms remains elusive. We identified Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) was significantly up‐regulated in laryngeal cancer tissues, which predicts poor patient prognosis. Functional assays demonstrated that PRMT5 overexpression promoted the invasive capacity and lymph node metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic experiments suggested that LATS2 was a downstream target of PRMT5. PRMT5 inhibition increased the expression of LATS2 and YAP phosphorylation in laryngeal cancer cells, thereby promoting laryngeal cancer metastasis. Furthermore, informatics and experimental data confirmed that PRMT5 gene was transcriptionally activated by YY1. Collectively, our results unravelled the important role of PRMT5 in laryngeal cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. The dysregulation YY1/PRMT5/LATS2/YAP axis may contribute to laryngeal cancer progression; thus, PRMT5 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with laryngeal cancer.
ICS II protects against cardiac hypertrophy by regulating metabolic remodelling, not by inhibiting autophagy
Authors: Han Dongjian , Wang Bo , Cui Xinyue , He Weiwei , zhang Yi , Jiang Qingjiao , Wang Fuhang , Liu Zhiyu , Shen Deliang
Published: December 2020

Cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by a shift in metabolic substrate utilization. Therefore, the regulation of ketone body uptake and metabolism may have beneficial effects on heart injuries that induce cardiac remodelling. In this study, we investigated whether icariside II (ICS II) protects against cardiac hypertrophy in mice and cardiomyocytes. To create cardiac hypertrophy animal and cell models, mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC), and embryonic rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2) were stimulated with angiotensin II, a neurohumoral stressor. Both the in vivo and in vitro results suggest that ICS II treatment ameliorated pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy and preserved heart function. In addition, apoptosis and oxidative stress were reduced in the presence of ICS II. Moreover, ICS II inhibited excess autophagy in TAC‐induced hearts and angiotensin II–stimulated cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, we found that ICS II administration regulated SIRT3 expression in cardiac remodelling. SIRT3 activation increased ketone body transportation and utilization. Collectively, our data show that ICS II attenuated cardiac hypertrophy by modulating ketone body and fatty acid metabolism, and that this was likely due to the activation of the SIRT3‐AMPK pathway. ICS II treatment may provide a new therapeutic strategy for improving myocardial metabolism in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Induction of jasmonic acid biosynthetic genes inhibits Arabidopsis growth in response to low boron
Authors: Huang Yupu , Wang Sheliang , Wang Chuang , Ding Guangda , Cai Hongmei , Shi Lei , Xu Fangsen
Published: December 2020

The essential micronutrient boron (B) has key roles in cell wall integrity and B deficiency inhibits plant growth. The role of jasmonic acid (JA) in plant growth inhibition under B deficiency remains unclear. Here, we report that low B elevates JA biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana by inducing the expression of JA biosynthesis genes. Treatment with JA inhibited plant growth and, a JA biosynthesis inhibitor enhanced plant growth, indicating that the JA induced by B deficiency affects plant growth. Furthermore, examination of the JA signaling mutants jasmonate resistant1, coronatine insensitive1‐2, and myc2 showed that JA signaling negatively regulates plant growth under B deficiency. We identified a low‐B responsive transcription factor, ERF018, and used yeast one‐hybrid assays and transient activation assays in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells to demonstrate that ERF018 activates the expression of JA biosynthesis genes. ERF018 overexpression (OE) lines displayed stunted growth and up‐regulation of JA biosynthesis genes under normal B conditions, compared to Col‐0 and the difference between ERF018 OE lines and Col‐0 diminished under low B. These results suggest that ERF018 enhances JA biosynthesis and thus negatively regulates plant growth. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of JA in the effect of low B on plant growth.
BRITTLE PLANT1 is required for normal cell wall composition and mechanical strength in rice
Authors: Zhang Yuanyan , Wang Yihua , Wang Chunming , Rautengarten Carsten , Duan Erchao , Zhu Jianping , Zhu Xiaopin , Lei Jie , Peng Chao , Wang Yunlong , Teng Xuan , Tian Yunlu , Liu Xi , Heazlewood Joshua L. , Wu Aimin , Wan Jianmin
Published: December 2020

A series of nucleotide sugar interconversion enzymes (NSEs) generate the activated sugar donors required for biosynthesis of cell wall matrix polysaccharides and glycoproteins. UDP‐glucose 4‐epimerases (UGEs) are NSEs that function in the interconversion of UDP‐glucose (UDP‐Glc) and UDP‐galactose (UDP‐Gal). The roles of UDP‐glucose 4‐epimerases in monocots remain unclear due to redundancy in the pathways. Here, we report a brittle plant (bp1) rice mutant that exhibits brittle leaves and culms at all growth stages. The mutant culms had reduced levels of rhamnogalacturonan I, homogalacturonan, and arabinogalactan proteins. Moreover, the mutant had altered contents of uronic acids, neutral noncellulosic monosaccharides, and cellulose. Map‐based cloning demonstrated that OsBP1 encodes a UDP‐glucose 4‐epimerase (OsUGE2), a cytosolic protein. We also show that BP1 can form homo‐ and hetero‐protein complexes with other UGE family members and with UDP‐galactose transporters 2 (OsUGT2) and 3 (OsUGT3), which may facilitate the channeling of Gal to polysaccharides and proteoglycans. Our results demonstrate that BP1 participates in regulating the sugar composition and structure of rice cell walls.
Tenosynovial complications identify TTR cardiac amyloidosis among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype
Authors: Cappelli F. , Zampieri M. , Fumagalli C. , Nardi G. , Del Monaco G. , Matucci Cerinic M. , Allinovi M. , Taborchi G. , Martone R. , Gabriele M. , Ungar A. , Moggi Pignone A. , Marchionni N. , Di Mario C. , Olivotto I. , Perfetto F.
Published: December 2020

Recent evidence suggests that carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and brachial biceps tendon rupture (BBTR) represent red flags for ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CA). The prevalence of upper limb tenosynovial complications in conditions entering differential diagnosis with CA, such as HCM or Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD), and hence their predictive accuracy in this setting, still remains unresolved. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of CTS and BBTR in a consecutive cohort of ATTR‐CA patients, compared with patients with HCM or AFD and with individuals without cardiac disease history. Participants: Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of ATTR‐CA, HCM and AFD were evaluated. A control group of consecutive patients was recruited among subjects hospitalized for noncardiac reasons and no cardiac disease history. The presence of BBTR, CTS or prior surgery related to these conditions was ascertained. Results: 342 patients were prospectively enrolled, including 168 ATTR‐CA (141 ATTRwt, 27 ATTRm), 81 with HCM/AFD (N = 72 and 9, respectively) and 93 controls. CTS was present in 75% ATTR‐CA patients, compared with 13% and 10% of HCM/AFD and controls (P = 0.0001 for both comparisons). Bilateral CTS was present in 60% of ATTR‐CA patients, while it was rare (2%) in the other groups. BBTR was present in 44% of ATTR‐CA patients, 8% of controls and 1% in HCM/AFD. Conclusions: CTS and BBTR are fivefold more prevalent in ATTR‐CA patients compared with cardiac patients with other hypertrophic phenotypes. Positive predictive accuracy for ATTR‐CA is highest when involvement is bilateral. Upper limb assessment of patients with HCM phenotypes is a simple and effective way to raise suspicion of ATTR‐CA.
“Hood feminism”: Whiteness and segregated (premodern) scholarly discourse in the post‐postracial era
Authors: Brown David Sterling
Published: December 2020

Homing in on the segregated culture of early modern English domestic criticism as its primary example, this article explores how white voices and “white logic” have dominated reading practices in early modern English studies, and academia in general, for some time—often without critique. In different ways, those voices and viewpoints have left little to no room at the metaphorical scholarly table for influencers of a different hue, thus rendering visible in the field and profession the existence of the “color line,” as W. E. B. Du Bois called it. With an antiracist agenda that embraces the goals of Black feminism, Brown thinks through the continued disconnect between domestic criticism and premodern critical race studies, a disconnect that denotes a representative pattern. Specifically, Brown highlights how whiteness goes unexamined critically, a fact that is surprising since the domestic sphere is, and was, a formative space where processes of racialization occur, processes informing the centuries‐old racism that persists in the post‐Obama era, or the post‐postracial era: a time where anti‐blackness and related violence (physical, verbal/rhetorical, psychological, emotional) is hypervisible. Encouraging readers to be(come) “accomplice feminists,” Brown calls for the decentering of whiteness and the desegregation of scholarly discourse and citational practices.
Horizontal chromosome transfer and independent evolution drive diversification inFusarium oxysporumf. sp.fragariae
Authors: Henry Peter M. , Pincot Dominique D.A. , Jenner Bradley N. , Borrero Celia , Aviles Manuel , Nam Myeong‐Hyeon , Epstein Lynn , Knapp Steven J. , Gordon Thomas R.
Published: December 2020

The genes required for host‐specific pathogenicity inFusarium oxysporumcan be acquired through horizontal chromosome transfer (HCT). However, it is unknown if HCT commonly contributes to the diversification of pathotypes.

Using comparative genomics and pathogenicity phenotyping, we explored the role of HCT in the evolution ofF. oxysporumf. sp.fragariae, the cause ofFusariumwilt of strawberry, with isolates from four continents.

We observed two distinct syndromes: one included chlorosis (‘yellows‐fragariae’) and the other did not (‘wilt‐fragariae’). All yellows‐fragariaeisolates carried a predicted pathogenicity chromosome, ‘chrY‐frag’, that was horizontally transferred at least four times. chrY‐fragwas associated with virulence on specific cultivars and encoded predicted effectors that were highly upregulated during infection. chrY‐fragwas not present in wilt‐fragariae; isolates causing this syndrome evolved pathogenicity independently. All origins ofF. oxysporumf. sp.fragariaeoccurred outside of the host’s native range.

Our data support the conclusion that HCT is widespread inF. oxysporum, but pathogenicity can also evolve independently. The absence of chrY‐fragin wilt‐fragariaesuggests that multiple, distinct pathogenicity chromosomes can confer the same host specificity. The wild progenitors of cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) did not co‐evolve with this pathogen, yet we discovered several sources of genetic resistance.
Sensitive magnetometry in challenging environments
Authors: Fu Kai-Mei C. , Iwata Geoffrey Z. , Wickenbrock Arne , Budker Dmitry
Published: December 2020

State-of-the-art magnetic field measurements performed in shielded environments under carefully controlled conditions rarely reflect the realities of those applications envisioned in the introductions of peer-reviewed publications. Nevertheless, significant advances in magnetometer sensitivity have been accompanied by serious attempts to bring these magnetometers into the challenging working environments in which they are often required. This review discusses the ways in which various (predominantly optically pumped) magnetometer technologies have been adapted for use in a wide range of noisy and physically demanding environments.
A Novel Method to Characterize the Pacing Profile of Elite Male 1500-m Freestyle Swimmers
Authors: McGibbon Katie E. , Pyne David B. , Heidenreich Laine E. , Pla Robin
Published: December 2020

Purpose:Pacing, or the distribution of energy expenditure, is particularly important in swimming; however, there is limited research examining pacing profiles in long-distance freestyle events. This study aimed to characterize the pacing profiles of elite male 1500-m freestyle swimmers using a novel method to provide a detailed analysis of different race segments.Methods:The race data for 327 male 1500-m freestyle long-course races between 2010 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The raw 50-m split times for each lap were converted to a percentage of overall race time. The races were classified as a fast-, average-, or slow-start strategy (laps 1–2); as an even, negative, or positive pacing strategy (laps 3–28); and as a fast-, average-, or slow-finish strategy (laps 29–30) to give an overall pacing profile.Results:Slow- and average-start strategies were associated with faster overall 1500-m times than a fast-start strategy (mean = −21.2 s; 90% confidence interval, −11.4 to −32.3 s,P = .00). An even pacing strategy in laps 3 to 28 yielded faster overall 1500-m times than a positive pacing strategy (−8.4 s, −3.9 to −13.0 s,P = .00). The overall 1500-m times did not differ substantially across the finish strategies (P = .99). The start strategy differed across age groups and nationalities, where younger swimmers and swimmers from Australia and Great Britain typically spent a lower percentage of race time in laps 1 to 2 (faster start strategy; −0.10%, −0.01% to −0.23%,P ≤ .02).Conclusion:Adopting a relatively slower start strategy helps conserve energy for the latter stages of a 1500-m freestyle race.
The Effect of Hip Joint Mobilizations Using a Mobilization Belt on Hip Range of Motion and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Brun Alex , Sandrey Michelle A.
Published: December 2020

Context: Joint mobilizations have been studied extensively in the literature for the glenohumeral joint and talocrural joint (ankle). Consequently, joint mobilizations have been established as an effective means of improving range of motion (ROM) within these joints. However, there is a lack of extant research to suggest these effects may apply within another critical joint in the body, the hip. Objective: To examine the immediate effects of hip joint mobilizations on hip ROM and functional outcomes. Secondarily, this study sought to examine the efficacy of a novel hip mobilization protocol. Design: A prospective exploratory study. Setting: Two research labs. Patients or Other Participants: The study included 19 active male (n = 8) and female (n = 11) college students (20.56 [1.5] y, 171.70 [8.6] cm, 72.23 [12.9] kg). Interventions: Bilateral hip mobilizations were administered with the use of a mobilization belt. Each participant received hip joint mobilization treatments once during 3 weekly sessions followed immediately by preintervention and postintervention testing/measurements. Testing for each participant occurred once per week, at the same time of day, for 3 consecutive weeks. Hip ROM was the first week, followed by modified Star Excursion Balance Test the second week and agility T test during the third week. Main Outcomes Measures: Pretest and posttest measurements included hip ROM for hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation, as well as scores on the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial directions) and agility T test. Results: A significant effect for time was found for hip adduction, internal and external rotation ROM, as well as the posterolateral and posteromedial directions of the modified Star Excursion Balance Test. A separate main effect for both limbs was found for adduction and internal rotation ROM. Conclusion: Isolated immediate changes in ROM and functional outcomes were evident. Further evaluation is needed.