bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections on 7 Years of Strategy Instruction
Authors: Graves Michael F. , Flynn Kylie , Ringstaff Cathy
Published: May 2020

Most investigations of literacy programs are relatively short-term endeavors. Here, we reflect on what we have learned in 7 years of studying a program to teach word-learning strategies. The program was developed with a 3-year Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant and is currently being studied in a 4-year IES Efficacy grant. Here, we describe our choice of a topic; describe the curriculum, instruction, and teacher preparation in the program; and reflect on positive aspects of the program and aspects of it that could be improved. We believe that much of what we discuss is relevant to various types of instruction.
STP at 75: Development of Teaching Resources
Authors: Beins Bernard C.
Published: May 2020

The Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP) is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a division of the American Psychological Association. During its history, it has served as a repository of materials for the teaching of psychology. This article highlights the discussion among longtime STP members and officers who played key roles in the evolution of the repository and provides some suggestions as to its future.
The influence of entrepreneurial personality on franchisee performance: A cross-cultural analysis
Authors: Watson Anna , Dada Olufunmilola (Lola) , López-Fernández Begoña , Perrigot Rozenn
Published: May 2020

Through a survey-based study of 761 franchisees from four countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Spain – this research examines how a franchisee’s entrepreneurial personality traits affects the financial and relational performance of franchise units. While there is consensus that franchisee characteristics are important for successful franchise networks, there is a long-standing debate within the franchise literature as to the status, and indeed desirability, of franchisees as entrepreneurs. First, we consider how the personality traits of proactivity, innovativeness and locus of control influence the manifestation of entrepreneurial behaviours within the franchise unit, and both the direct and indirect relationships with unit performance. Second, we explore these relationships in two contexts, one associated with high entrepreneurial values (the United States and the United Kingdom) and another with low entrepreneurial values (France and Spain) to determine if the results are consistent across cultures which value entrepreneurship differently. The results suggest that franchisee performance, in terms of both financial performance and relationship quality, are indirectly enhanced by a proactive disposition, mediated by entrepreneurial behaviours. A direct positive relationship was found between locus of control and performance outcomes, but interestingly, franchisees with more innovative personalities performed less well financially. The relationships between franchisee personality, entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance were found to be largely consistent across the two cultural groups.
Mental Health Among the Korean Older Population: How is it Related to Asset-based Welfare?
Authors: Park Gum-Ryeong , Seo Bo Kyong
Published: May 2020

Objective: This article aims to investigate how older adults’ income and housing tenure are concurrently associated with depression in Korea. Methods: Using the 2017 Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Korean Older Persons, logistic regression was implemented to examine the association of housing tenure and income status with depression among 6,624 older adults. Also, the older adults’ satisfaction with their economic conditions was added to examine its mediation effects on this association. Results: Homeownership lowered the likelihood of depression, whereas lower income increased the likelihood of depression among older adults. Also, lack of income security was associated with depression even among older homeowners, being partially mediated through their satisfaction with economic conditions. Conclusion: This study contributes to articulating the mechanisms linking housing tenure, income insecurity, and mental health of the older population in Korea. Future studies are needed to investigate the social determinants of health among older adults.
Synthesis and characterization of a polymeric network made of polyethylene glycol and chitosan as a treatment with antibacterial properties for skin wounds
Authors: Alonzo-de la Rosa Claudia M , Copes Francesco , Chevallier Pascale , Santillán-Benitez Jonnathan G , Carbajal-de la Torre Georgina , Mantovani Diego , Flores-Merino Miriam V
Published: May 2020

Polyethylene glycol has been widely investigated for wound healing and dressing applications. Despite its advantages (i.e. great biocompatibility), polyethylene glycol lacks antibacterial activity. For this reason, semi-interpenetrated polymeric networks were prepared by combining a chemically cross-linked polyethylene glycol network with chitosan. The aim of this work was to identify the best amount of chitosan able to improve the antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus. Briefly, the networks were synthesized by a sequential method, adding chitosan in different proportion to the polyethylene glycol. The antibacterial activity was tested following the MGA 0100 of the Pharmacopeia of the United States of Mexico. Fourier-transform infrared with attenuated total reflection spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and swelling behavior PBS at 37° C and room temperature were also performed to characterize the polymeric networks. The results showed that PC-2% was able to inhibit the bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus even more than Fosfomycin antibiotic. The networks showed cylindrical pores of different sizes (50–100 µm). The maximum swelling of all the networks was achieved in PBS at 37°C (>315%). Free hemoglobin and hemolysis assays were also evaluated to know the compatibility with erythrocytes. Human dermal fibroblasts were used to evaluate direct cytotoxicity. Therefore, the produced gels exerted interesting antibacterial activity and showed good biocompatibility properties.
Conceptualizing Fixed-Interval Praise Delivery
Authors: Floress Margaret T. , Cates Gary L. , Poirot Kelly E. , Estrada Nicole J.
Published: May 2020

This article provides a conceptual framework for using fixed-interval praise delivery in the educational setting. Fixed-interval praise delivery can be conceptualized as an antecedent-based strategy that disrupts the natural behavior to contingency relationship in a four-term contingency model (Establishing operation–Antecedent–Behavior–Consequence). Historically, teachers are trained to deliver praise as a consequence-based practice (i.e., contingently). This article describes how teachers can also use praise on a fixed interval as an antecedent-based practice. When praise is delivered on a fixed-interval schedule, educators directly manipulate the level of praise delivered to maintain or increase appropriate student behavior. Using praise as an antecedent-based strategy has the potential to establish and maintain high-quality student–teacher relationships, which positively impacts student behavior. Practical, applied examples and discussion of fixed-interval praise delivery are provided.
Living Histories, Local Stories, of Race, Place, and Education: A Qualitative Study From the CSRA Oral History Project in Readers Theater
Authors: Quinn Molly , Linville Darla , Christodoulou Niki
Published: May 2020

This readers theater presentation of research undertaken through the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) Oral History Project explores the curricular contours of race and place as articulated through the collected stories of inhabitants of the CSRA who have made educational contributions there, of segregation, desegregation, and their enduring influence. Via heretofore undocumented accounts, we seek to illumine something of the educational necessities and narratives—deferred and hoped-for dreams, accomplishments, and curricular possibilities—their stories articulate. In our manner of presentation, we pursue alternative epistemological frames and forms of expression, embracing a multitude of ways of knowing and coming to know in research and education.
Likely striping in stochastic nematic elastomers
Authors: Mihai L Angela , Goriely Alain
Published: May 2020

For monodomain nematic elastomers, we construct generalised elastic–nematic constitutive models combining purely elastic and neoclassical-type strain energy densities. Inspired by recent developments in stochastic elasticity, we extend these models to stochastic–elastic–nematic forms, where the model parameters are defined by spatially independent probability density functions at a continuum level. To investigate the behaviour of these systems and demonstrate the effects of the probabilistic parameters, we focus on the classical problem of shear striping in a stretched nematic elastomer for which the solution is given explicitly. We find that, unlike the neoclassical case, where the inhomogeneous deformation occurs within a universal interval that is independent of the elastic modulus, for the elastic–nematic models, the critical interval depends on the material parameters. For the stochastic extension, the bounds of this interval are probabilistic, and the homogeneous and inhomogeneous states compete, in the sense that both have a a given probability to occur. We refer to the inhomogeneous pattern within this interval as ‘likely striping’.
Responsive versus responsible? Party democracy in times of crisis
Authors: Karremans Johannes , Lefkofridi Zoe
Published: May 2020

This essay introduces a collection of papers dealing with the responsive–responsible dilemma of party government. The political developments surrounding the Eurozone crisis attest that the duties of government and the demands of political representation may at times be in sharp contrast with one another. In such contexts, it becomes hard for parties in government to combine responsiveness with responsible policy-making. Late Peter Mair theorized this phenomenon as the increasing bifurcation between the growing complexity of governing in a world of interdependence and the need to respond to often polarizing electoral demands. The key question is whether and how in such contexts parties find the balance between their representative and governing duties. The papers included in this special issue deal with this question in the context of the Eurozone crisis and present evidence about parties’ behavior, rhetoric, and policy outputs. In introducing the contributions here, we illustrate how this collective endeavor helps advance the debate on the major challenges to contemporary representative democracy. More specifically, we first discuss how the framework of the responsive–responsible dilemma helps understanding contemporary political developments. We then critically reflect on the distinction between responsiveness and responsibility. Finally, we present how each individual contribution approaches the question of how parties manage the tension between electoral incentives and governmental duties.
Enhancing the legitimacy of sentences in the minds of the public: Evidence from a public opinion survey in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheng Kevin Kwok-Yin , Pushkarna Natasha , Ri Sayaka
Published: May 2020

Legal and criminology scholars have devoted a great deal of attention towards measuring public confidence in the courts and sentencing. However, little is known about how attitudes toward sentencing relate to the more complex concept of legitimacy. Departing from conventional measurements of the public’s confidence in the courts and their support for various sentence outcomes, this study centres on the process of sentencing and its relation to ‘sentence legitimacy’. The central question posed in this article is what makes sentence outcomes legitimate? Survey responses from the Hong Kong public revealed that the public viewed court sentences as legitimate through the courts’ overall adherence to procedural justice when making sentencing decisions and the perceived effectiveness of those sentences. Distributive justice of sentencing decisions was not found to influence sentence legitimacy. This article concludes with implications for the courts when delivering sentences.
Evaluating voluntary sector involvement in mass incarceration: The case of Samaritan prisoner volunteers
Authors: Tomczak Philippa , Bennett Christopher
Published: May 2020

Mass incarceration and supervision operate through a mixed economy. Using the case study of Samaritans’ emotional support for prisoners in distress in England and Wales, we present an original framework of five normative criteria to facilitate nuanced assessment of voluntary sector criminal justice participation. This is an urgent, significant task for theory and practice: we need to find forms of public input that can deconstruct bloated penal systems. Whilst citizen involvement can be a positive form of ‘people power’, our assessment of Samaritans’ ostensibly welcome humanitarian intervention reveals how it deflects attention from severe shortcomings of the penal system. In the context of mass incarceration, we conclude that voluntary sector and citizen involvement in individualised service delivery alone risks obscuring deep problems and delaying much-needed change. This topic is particularly timely, given increasing non-state involvement in criminal justice and the global problem of prison suicide.
Expression and Regulatory Network Analysis of MiR-139-3p, a New Potential Serum Biomarker for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Yonghong , Fang Qimei , Tian Liru , Yuan Zhongzhen , Tian Lizhen , Zhou Zhongli
Published: May 2020

Background:

In recent studies, microRNAs have been demonstrated as stable detectable biomarkers in blood for cancer. In addition, computer-aided biomarker discovery has now become an attractive paradigm for precision diagnosis.

Methods:

In this study, we identified and evaluated miR-139-3p as a biomarker for screening of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus database analyses. We identified possible miR-139-3p target genes through the predicted database and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma upregulated genes from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine key miR-139-3p targets and pathways associated with esophageal carcinoma. Finally, the expression and expected significance of hub genes were evaluated via the Genotype-Tissue Expression project.

Results:

MiR-139-3p was significantly downregulated in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma/esophageal carcinoma. In GSE 122497, the area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic value, sensitivity, and specificity for serum miR-139-3p were 0.754, 67.49%, and 80.00%, respectively. The pattern specification process, skeletal system development, and regionalization process were the most enriched interactions in esophageal carcinoma. In addition, Epstein-Barr virus infection, human T-cell leukemia virus 1 infection, and human cytomegalovirus infection were identified as crucial pathways. Six hub genes (CD1A, FCGR2A, ANPEP, CD1B, membrane metalloendopeptidase, and TWIST1) were found, and FCGR2A and membrane metalloendopeptidase were further confirmed by genotype-tissue expression. High expression of membrane metalloendopeptidase correlated with a better overall survival but not with disease-free survival of patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Conclusions:

MiR-139-3p was identified as a candidate biomarker for predicting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on network analysis. MiR-139-3p acted as a tumor suppressor by targeting membrane metalloendopeptidase in esophageal carcinoma, and low expression of membrane metalloendopeptidase may indicate a better prognosis of patients with esophageal carcinoma.
Young Children With Hearing Impairment and Other Diagnoses: Effects of Sound-Field Amplification
Authors: Furno Lois , Demchak MaryAnn , Bingham Ann
Published: May 2020

This study examined the effects of sound-field amplification (SFA) use for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) with additional diagnosed conditions enrolled in preschool and first and second grades in a rural district. Four focus children who are DHH with additional diagnoses were matched with hearing peers and observed for attending behaviors and latency in compliance to following routine directions with introduction of SFA. The study used a single-case multiple probe across participants design. All participants demonstrated improved attending behaviors and compliance to directions with SFA, with the focus children who are DHH with additional diagnoses showing stronger results than their hearing peers. Teachers indicated SFA was beneficial to the children who are DHH and they would use it again. SFA is an effective strategy to improve access to educational opportunities by increasing attending behaviors and promoting participation for children who are DHH with other diagnoses in special and general education preschool and first and second grades.
Test Pattern Design for Plasma Induced Damage on Inter-Metal Dielectric in FinFET Cu BEOL Processes
Authors: Su Chi , Tsai Yi-Pei , Lin Chrong-Jung , King Ya-Chin
Published: May 2020

High-density interconnects, enabled by advanced CMOS Cu BEOL technologies, lead to closely placed metals layers. High-aspect ratio metal lines require extensive plasma etching processes, which may cause reliability concerns on inter metal dielectric (IMD) layers. This study presents newly proposed test patterns for evaluating the effect of plasma-induced charging effect on the integrity of IMD between closely placed metal lines. Strong correlations between the plasma charging intensities and damages found in IMD layers are found and analyzed comprehensively.
Association between IL28B Polymorphisms and Outcomes of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Jingyu , Zhang Xinyue , Fang Liwei , Pan Hong , Shi Jun
Published: May 2020

Background

Interleukin (IL)28Bpolymorphisms encoding pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines trigger diverse clinical outcome of hepatitis virus infection. However, there is controversy concerning the association ofIL28Bpolymorphisms with the outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with several studies obtaining inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the role of 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs12979860, rs12980275 and rs8099917 in the progression of HBV infection, overall and by ethnicity.

Methods

Searched PubMed, Embase and Wiley Online Library electronic databases using ‘interleukin 28B’, ‘IL 28B’, ‘IL 28B polymorphism’, ‘hepatitis B virus’, ‘HBV’, and performed meta- analysis for rs12979860, rs12980275 and rs8099917 in Asian and Caucasian populations under the dominant recessive and allele model.

Results

Eighteen studies were found in total and used for this meta-analysis, including 5587 cases and 4295 controls. TheIL28Bpolymorphism rs12979860 had no association with HBV persistence (CC vs CT + TT: OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.76–1.00; TT vs CT + CC: OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.76–1.70; T vs C: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.94–1.13). Similarly, neither rs12980275 nor rs8099917 had associations with HBV persistence (rs12980275 in AA vs AG + AA: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.96–1.38; rs8099917 in TT vs GT + GG: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.96–1.39). There was also no significant association ofIL28Bpolymorphisms with persistent HBV infection in Asians or Chinese. There was no evidence of an association of rs12979860 with the HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility (T vs C: OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 0.96–2.43).

Conclusion

IL28Bpolymorphisms had no association with the outcome of HBV infection overall, nor in the Asians and the Chinese. These 3 SNPs might not be relevant to the development of HBV infection.
Lenticular fungal infection caused by Aspergillus in a patient with traumatic corneal laceration: a case report
Authors: Hwang Hyun Ji , Lee Yong Woo , Koh Kyung Min , Hwang Kyu Yeon , Kwon Young A , Song Sang Wroul , Kim Byoung Yeop , Kim Kook Young
Published: May 2020

Background

To report a case of lenticular infection caused by Aspergillus, which was diagnosed 13 weeks after traumatic corneal laceration.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old woman presented with traumatic corneal laceration including anterior lens capsule rupture and traumatic cataract after being hit with a chestnut in the right eye. There were multiple injuries due to tiny thorns of the chestnut, including the conjunctiva, sclera, cornea, and anterior lens capsule. But no visible foreign body was detected by slit-lamp examination. Topical corticosteroid was prescribed to resolve the conjunctival inflammation induced by the thorns of chestnut, which could have caused persistent irritation. As conjunctival injection and edema being decreased during outpatient clinical follow-up, embedded conjunctival foreign body was detected and surgically removed (1st surgery). Approximately 10 weeks after the trauma, severe inflammation of the anterior segment accompanied with hypopyon developed suddenly and at the same time embedded scleral foreign body was revealed. After removal of scleral foreign body (2nd surgery), unspecified mold species was cultured from the scleral foreign body in SDA (Sabouraud dextrose agar) plate. Suspicious corneal foreign body was removed as 3rd surgery and phacoemulsification of traumatic cataract was planned as 4th surgery. Aspergillus was finally detected from removed anterior capsule and fibrotic membrane during the operation. Fungal infection resolved successfully after administration of topical (1% voriconazole and 5% natamycin) and systemic (fluconazole) antifungal agents and phacoemulsification of traumatic cataract.

Conclusion

Chestnut thorns can damage multiple ocular tissues simultaneously. Lens capsular rupture could result in fungal inoculation and lead to delayed lenticular fungal infection with complicated cataract formation. In cases of ocular trauma due to organic substances such as thorns and branches, the possibility of fungal infection should be considered.
Anxiety symptoms and burnout among Chinese medical staff of intensive care unit: the moderating effect of social support
Authors: Zhang Hui , Ye ZhiHong , Tang Leiwen , Zou Ping , Du Chunxue , Shao Jing , Wang Xiyi , Chen Dandan , Qiao Guojing , Mu Shao Yu
Published: May 2020

Background

Social support can be a critical resource to help medical staff cope with stressful events; however, the moderating effect of social support on the relationship between burnout and anxiety symptoms has not yet been explored.

Methods

The final sample was comprised of 514 intensive care unit physicians and nurses in this cross-sectional study. Questionnaires were used to collect data. A moderated model was used to test the effect of social support.

Results

The moderating effect of social support was found to be significant (b = − 0.06,p = 0.04, 95%CI [− 0.12, − 0.01]). The Johnson-Neyman technique indicated that when social support scores were above 4.26 among intensive care unit medical staff, burnout was not related to anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

This is the first study to test the moderating effect of social support on the relationship between burnout and anxiety symptoms among intensive care unit staff.
The social value of investing in public health across the life course: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Ashton Kathryn , Schröder-Bäck Peter , Clemens Timo , Dyakova Mariana , Stielke Anna , Bellis Mark A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Making the case for investing in public health by illustrating the social, economic and environmental value of public health interventions is imperative. Economic methodologies to help capture the social value of public health interventions such as Social Return on Investment (SROI) and Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA) have been developed over past decades. The life course approach in public health reinforces the importance of investment to ensure a good start in life to safeguarding a safe, healthy and active older age. This novel review maps an overview of the application of SROI and SCBA in the existing literature to identify the social value of public health interventions at individual stages of the life course.

Methods

A systematic scoping review was conducted on peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify SROI and SCBA studies of public health interventions published between January 1996 and June 2019. All primary research articles published in the English language from high-income countries that presented SROI and SCBA outputs were included. Studies were mapped into stages of the life course, and data on the characteristics of the studies were extracted to help understand the application of social value methodology to assess the value of public health interventions.

Results

Overall 40 SROI studies were included in the final data extraction, of which 37 were published in the grey literature. No SCBA studies were identified in the search. Evidence was detected at each stage of the life course which included; the birth, neonatal period, postnatal period and infancy (n = 2); childhood and adolescence (n = 17); adulthood (main employment and reproductive years) (n = 8); and older adulthood (n = 6). In addition, 7 studies were identified as cross-cutting across the life course in their aims.

Conclusion

This review contributes to the growing evidence base that demonstrates the use of social value methodologies within the field of public health. By mapping evidence across stages of the life course, this study can be used as a starting point by public health professionals and institutions to take forward current thinking about moving away from traditional economic measures, to capturing social value when investing in interventions across the life course.
A rapid assessment of the implementation of integrated disease surveillance and response system in Northeast Nigeria, 2017
Authors: Ibrahim Luka Mangveep , Stephen Mary , Okudo Ifeanyi , Kitgakka Samuel Mutbam , Mamadu Ibrahim Njida , Njai Isha Fatma , Oladele Saliu , Garba Sadiq , Ojo Olubunmi , Ihekweazu Chikwe , Lasuba Clement Lugala Peter , Yahaya Ali Ahmed , Nsubuga Peter , Alemu Wondimagegnehu
Published: May 2020

Background

Integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) is the strategy adopted for public health surveillance in Nigeria. IDSR has been operational in Nigeria since 2001 but the functionality varies from state to state. The outbreaks of cerebrospinal meningitis and cholera in 2017 indicated weakness in the functionality of the system. A rapid assessment of the IDSR was conducted in three northeastern states to identify and address gaps to strengthen the system.

Method

The survey was conducted at the state and local government areas using standard IDSR assessment tools which were adapted to the Nigerian context. Checklists were used to extract data from reports and records on resources and tools for implementation of IDSR. Questionnaires were used to interview respondents on their capacities to implement IDSR. Quantitative data were entered into an MS Excel spreadsheet, analysed and presented in proportions. Qualitative data were summarised and reported by thematic area.

Results

A total of 34 respondents participated in the rapid survey from six health facilities and six local government areas (LGAs). Of the 2598 health facilities in the three states, only 606 (23%) were involved in reporting IDSR. The standard case definitions were available in all state and LGA offices and health facilities visited. Only 41 (63%) and 31 (47.7%) of the LGAs in the three states had rapid response teams and epidemic preparedness and response committees respectively. The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and clinicians’ knowledge were limited to only timeliness and completeness among over 10 core indicators for IDSR. Review of the facility registers revealed many missing variables; the commonly missed variables were patients’ age, sex, diagnosis and laboratory results.

Conclusions

The major gaps were poor documentation of patients’ data in the facility registers, inadequate reporting tools, limited participation of health facilities in IDSR and limited capacities of personnel to identify, report IDSR priority diseases, analyze and interpret IDSR data for decision making. Training of surveillance focal persons, provision of IDSR reporting tools and effective supportive supervisions will strengthen the system in the country.
Outcomes after aortic aneurysm repair in patients with history of cancer: a nationwide dataset analysis
Authors: Ahn Sanghyun , Min Jin-Young , Kim Hyunyoung G. , Mo Hyejin , Min Seung-Kee , Min Sangil , Ha Jongwon , Min Kyoung-Bok
Published: May 2020

Background

Synchronous cancer in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) increases morbidity and mortality after AAA repair. However, little is known about the impact of the history of cancer on mortality after AAA repair.

Methods

Patients with intact AAA who were treated with endovascular aneurysm repair or open surgical repair were selected from the Health Insurance and Review Assessment data in South Korea between 2007 and 2016. Primary endpoints included the 30- and 90-day mortality and long-term mortality after AAA repair. The Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to evaluate independent predictors of mortality.

Results

A total of 1999 patients (17.0%, 1999/11785) were diagnosed with cancer prior to the AAA repair. History of cancer generally had no effect in short-term mortality at 30 and 90 days. However, short-term mortality rate of patients with a history of lung cancer was more than twice that of patients without it (3.07% vs. 1.06%, P = 0.0038, 6.14% vs. 2.69%, P = 0.0016). Furthermore, the mortality rate at the end of the study period was significantly higher in AAA patients with a history of cancer than in those without a history of cancer (21.21% vs. 17.08%, P < .0001, HR, 1.31, 95% CI, 1.17–1.46).

Conclusions

The history of cancer in AAA patients increases long-term mortality but does not affect short-term mortality after AAA repair. However, AAA repair could increase both short- and long-term mortality in patients with lung cancer history, and those cases should be more carefully selected.
Extracellular vesicles from mast cells induce mesenchymal transition in airway epithelial cells
Authors: Yin Yanan , Shelke Ganesh Vilas , Lässer Cecilia , Brismar Hjalmar , Lötvall Jan
Published: May 2020

Background

In the airways, mast cells are present in close vicinity to epithelial cells, and they can interact with each other via multiple factors, including extracellular vesicles (EVs). Mast cell-derived EVs have a large repertoire of cargos, including proteins and RNA, as well as surface DNA. In this study, we hypothesized that these EVs can induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in airway epithelial cells.

Methods

In this in-vitro study we systematically determined the effects of mast cell-derived EVs on epithelial A549 cells. We determined the changes that are induced by EVs on A549 cells at both the RNA and protein levels. Moreover, we also analyzed the rapid changes in phosphorylation events in EV-recipient A549 cells using a phosphorylated protein microarray. Some of the phosphorylation-associated events associated with EMT were validated using immunoblotting.

Results

Morphological and transcript analysis of epithelial A549 cells indicated that an EMT-like phenotype was induced by the EVs. Transcript analysis indicated the upregulation of genes involved in EMT, includingTWIST1,MMP9,TGFB1, andBMP-7. This was accompanied by downregulation of proteins such as E-cadherin and upregulation of Slug-Snail and matrix metalloproteinases. Additionally, our phosphorylated-protein microarray analysis revealed proteins associated with the EMT cascade that were upregulated after EV treatment. We also found that transforming growth factor beta-1, a well-known EMT inducer, is associated with EVs and mediates the EMT cascade induced in the A549 cells.

Conclusion

Mast cell-derived EVs mediate the induction of EMT in epithelial cells, and our evidence suggests that this is triggered through the induction of protein phosphorylation cascades.
Shifting transmission risk for malaria in Africa with climate change: a framework for planning and intervention
Authors: Ryan Sadie J. , Lippi Catherine A. , Zermoglio Fernanda
Published: May 2020

Background

Malaria continues to be a disease of massive burden in Africa, and the public health resources targeted at surveillance, prevention, control, and intervention comprise large outlays of expense. Malaria transmission is largely constrained by the suitability of the climate for Anopheles mosquitoes and Plasmodium parasite development. Thus, as climate changes, shifts in geographic locations suitable for transmission, and differing lengths of seasons of suitability will occur, which will require changes in the types and amounts of resources.

Methods

The shifting geographic risk of malaria transmission was mapped, in context of changing seasonality (i.e. endemic to epidemic, and vice versa), and the number of people affected. A published temperature-dependent model of malaria transmission suitability was applied to continental gridded climate data for multiple future AR5 climate model projections. The resulting outcomes were aligned with programmatic needs to provide summaries at national and regional scales for the African continent. Model outcomes were combined with population projections to estimate the population at risk at three points in the future, 2030, 2050, and 2080, under two scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5).

Results

Estimated geographic shifts in endemic and seasonal suitability for malaria transmission were observed across all future scenarios of climate change. The worst-case regional scenario (RCP8.5) of climate change predicted an additional 75.9 million people at risk from endemic (10-12 months) exposure to malaria transmission in Eastern and Southern Africa by the year 2080, with the greatest population at risk in Eastern Africa. Despite a predominance of reduction in season length, a net gain of 51.3 million additional people is predicted be put at some level of risk in Western Africa by midcentury.

Conclusions

This study provides an updated view of potential malaria geographic shifts in Africa under climate change for the more recent climate model projections (AR5), and a tool for aligning findings with programmatic needs at key scales for decision-makers. In describing shifting seasonality, it was possible to capture transitions between endemic and epidemic risk areas, to facilitate the planning for interventions aimed at year-round risk versus anticipatory surveillance and rapid response to potential outbreak locations.
Measuring antibody avidity to Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigens using a multiplex immunoassay approach
Authors: Taylor Diane Wallace , Bobbili Naveen , Kayatani Alex , Tassi Yunga Samuel , Kidima Winifrida , Leke Rose F. G.
Published: May 2020

Background

Antibodies (Ab) play a significant role in immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Usually, following repeated exposure to pathogens, affinity maturation and clonal selection take place, resulting in increased antibody avidity. However, some studies suggest affinity maturation may not occur to malaria antigens in endemic areas. Information on development of antibody avidity is confusing and conflicting, in part, because different techniques have been used to measure avidity. Today, bead-based multiplex immunoassays (MIA) are routinely used to simultaneously quantitate antibody levels to multiple antigens. This study evaluated the feasibility of developing an avidity MIA with 5 merozoite antigens (AMA1, EBA-175, MSP1-42, MSP2, MSP3) that uses a single chaotropic concentration.

Methods

The most common ELISA protocols that used the chaotropic reagents guanidine HCl (GdHCl), urea, and ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) were adapted to a multiplex MIA format. Then, different concentrations of chaotropes and incubation times were compared and results were expressed as an Avidity Index (AI), i.e., percentage of antibody remaining bound in the presence of chaotrope. Experiments were conducted to (i) identify the assay with the widest range of AI (discriminatory power), (ii) determine the amount of chaotrope needed to release 50% of bound Ab using plasma from adults and infants, and (iii) evaluate assay repeatability.

Results

Overall, 4 M GdHCl and 8 M urea were weaker chaotropes than 3 M NH4SCN. For example, they failed to release significant amounts of Ab bound to MSP1-42 in adult plasma samples; whereas, a range of AI values was obtained with NH4SCN. Titration of NH4SCN revealed that 2 M NH4SCN gave the widest range of AI for the 5 antigens. Binding studies using plasma from 40 adults and 57 1-year old infants in Cameroon showed that 2.1 M ± 0.32 (mean ± SD) NH4SCN (adults) and 1.8 M ± 0.23 M (infants) released 50% of bound Ab from the merozoite antigens.

Conclusions

An avidity MIA is feasible for the 5 merozoite antigens that uses a single concentration (2 M) of NH4SCN. The assay provides a simple method to quickly obtain information about Ab quantity and quality in the acquisition of immunity to malaria in endemic populations.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of case-crossover and time-series studies of short term outdoor nitrogen dioxide exposure and ischemic heart disease morbidity
Authors: Stieb David M. , Zheng Carine , Salama Dina , Berjawi Rania , Emode Monica , Hocking Robyn , Lyrette Ninon , Matz Carlyn , Lavigne Eric , Shin Hwashin H.
Published: May 2020

Background

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a pervasive urban pollutant originating primarily from vehicle emissions. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is associated with a considerable public health burden worldwide, but whether NO2 exposure is causally related to IHD morbidity remains in question. Our objective was to determine whether short term exposure to outdoor NO2 is causally associated with IHD-related morbidity based on a synthesis of findings from case-crossover and time-series studies.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Global Health and Toxline databases were searched using terms developed by a librarian. Screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were completed independently by two reviewers. Conflicts between reviewers were resolved through consensus and/or involvement of a third reviewer. Pooling of results across studies was conducted using random effects models, heterogeneity among included studies was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I2 measures, and sources of heterogeneity were evaluated using meta-regression. Sensitivity of pooled estimates to individual studies was examined using Leave One Out analysis and publication bias was evaluated using Funnel plots, Begg’s and Egger’s tests, and trim and fill.

Results

Thirty-eight case-crossover studies and 48 time-series studies were included in our analysis. NO2 was significantly associated with IHD morbidity (pooled odds ratio from case-crossover studies: 1.074 95% CI 1.052–1.097; pooled relative risk from time-series studies: 1.022 95% CI 1.016–1.029 per 10 ppb). Pooled estimates for case-crossover studies from Europe and North America were significantly lower than for studies conducted elsewhere. The high degree of heterogeneity among studies was only partially accounted for in meta-regression. There was evidence of publication bias, particularly for case-crossover studies. For both case-crossover and time-series studies, pooled estimates based on multi-pollutant models were smaller than those from single pollutant models, and those based on older populations were larger than those based on younger populations, but these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

We concluded that there is a likely causal relationship between short term NO2 exposure and IHD-related morbidity, but important uncertainties remain, particularly related to the contribution of co-pollutants or other concomitant exposures, and the lack of supporting evidence from toxicological and controlled human studies.
MiR-363 suppresses cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of osteosarcoma by binding to NOB1
Authors: Zhang Yongtao , Wang Fang , Wang Lina , Zhang Quanbin
Published: May 2020

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumor with a high rate of metastasis and a short 5-year survival rate. MiR-363 was downregulated in a variety of tumors and played a role in suppressing tumors. However, the roles of miR-363 in osteosarcoma remain unknown; thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the functions of miR-363 in osteosarcoma.

Methods

CCK-8 and transwell assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of MG63 cells. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis-associated proteins were measured by using Western blot assay. Luciferase reporter assay was utilized to verify whether miR-363 directly bound to the 3′-UTR of NOB1 mRNA.

Results

MiR-363 was downregulated while NOB1 was upregulated in osteosarcoma clinical tissue specimens and cell lines as compared with the adjacent normal tissue specimens and normal cell line. The miR-363 is reversely correlated with the expression of NOB1 in osteosarcoma tissues. Overexpression of miR-363 suppressed the ability of cell migration, invasion, and EMT, whereas low expression of miR-363 promoted this ability. In addition, miR-363 inhibited osteosarcoma proliferation both in vitro and in vivo and inhibited the apoptosis in MG63 cells. Interference of NOB1 could inhibit the migration, invasion, and EMT of osteosarcoma cell line MG63. NOB1 was verified to be a direct target of miR-363 and its expression was mediated by miR-363. Re-expression of NOB1 could partially reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-363 on cell migration and invasion. In addition, low expression of miR-363 or overexpression of NOB1 predicted poor prognosis of osteosarcoma patients.

Conclusion

MiR-363 inhibited osteosarcoma the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT and induced the apoptosis by directly targeting NOB1 in MG63 cells. The newly identified miR-363/NOB1 axis provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma.
Retinoic acid inducible gene-I mediated detection of bacterial nucleic acids in human microglial cells
Authors: Johnson M. Brittany , Halman Justin R. , Burmeister Amanda R. , Currin Saralynn , Khisamutdinov Emil F. , Afonin Kirill A. , Marriott Ian
Published: May 2020

Background

Bacterial meningitis and meningoencephalitis are associated with devastating neuroinflammation. We and others have demonstrated the importance of glial cells in the initiation of immune responses to pathogens invading the central nervous system (CNS). These cells use a variety of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to identify common pathogen motifs and the cytosolic sensor retinoic acid inducible gene-1 (RIG-I) is known to serve as a viral PRR and initiator of interferon (IFN) responses. Intriguingly, recent evidence indicates that RIG-I also has an important role in the detection of bacterial nucleic acids, but such a role has not been investigated in glia.

Methods

In this study, we have assessed whether primary or immortalized human and murine glia express RIG-I either constitutively or following stimulation with bacteria or their products by immunoblot analysis. We have used capture ELISAs and immunoblot analysis to assess human microglial interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation and IFN production elicited by bacterial nucleic acids and novel engineered nucleic acid nanoparticles. Furthermore, we have utilized a pharmacological inhibitor of RIG-I signaling and siRNA-mediated knockdown approaches to assess the relative importance of RIG-I in such responses.

Results

We demonstrate that RIG-I is constitutively expressed by human and murine microglia and astrocytes, and is elevated following bacterial infection in a pathogen and cell type-specific manner. Additionally, surface and cytosolic PRR ligands are also sufficient to enhance RIG-I expression. Importantly, our data demonstrate that bacterial RNA and DNA both trigger RIG-I-dependent IRF3 phosphorylation and subsequent type I IFN production in human microglia. This ability has been confirmed using our nucleic acid nanoparticles where we demonstrate that both RNA- and DNA-based nanoparticles can stimulate RIG-I-dependent IFN responses in these cells.

Conclusions

The constitutive and bacteria-induced expression of RIG-I by human glia and its ability to mediate IFN responses to bacterial RNA and DNA and nucleic acid nanoparticles raises the intriguing possibility that RIG-I may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention during bacterial infections of the CNS, and that the use of engineered nucleic acid nanoparticles that engage this sensor might be a method to achieve this goal.
DiSCount: computer vision for automated quantification of Striga seed germination
Authors: Masteling Raul , Voorhoeve Lodewijk , IJsselmuiden Joris , Dini-Andreote Francisco , de Boer Wietse , Raaijmakers Jos M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Plant parasitic weeds belonging to the genus Striga are a major threat for food production in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. The parasite’s life cycle starts with the induction of seed germination by host plant-derived signals, followed by parasite attachment, infection, outgrowth, flowering, reproduction, seed set and dispersal. Given the small seed size of the parasite (< 200 μm), quantification of the impact of new control measures that interfere with seed germination relies on manual, labour-intensive counting of seed batches under the microscope. Hence, there is a need for high-throughput assays that allow for large-scale screening of compounds or microorganisms that adversely affect Striga seed germination.

Results

Here, we introduce DiSCount (Digital Striga Counter): a computer vision tool for automated quantification of total and germinated Striga seed numbers in standard glass fibre filter assays. We developed the software using a machine learning approach trained with a dataset of 98 manually annotated images. Then, we validated and tested the model against a total dataset of 188 manually counted images. The results showed that DiSCount has an average error of 3.38 percentage points per image compared to the manually counted dataset. Most importantly, DiSCount achieves a 100 to 3000-fold speed increase in image analysis when compared to manual analysis, with an inference time of approximately 3 s per image on a single CPU and 0.1 s on a GPU.

Conclusions

DiSCount is accurate and efficient in quantifying total and germinated Striga seeds in a standardized germination assay. This automated computer vision tool enables for high-throughput, large-scale screening of chemical compound libraries and biological control agents of this devastating parasitic weed. The complete software and manual are hosted at https://gitlab.com/lodewijk-track32/discount_paper and the archived version is available at Zenodo with the DOI 10.5281/zenodo.3627138. The dataset used for testing is available at Zenodo with the DOI 10.5281/zenodo.3403956.