bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructive Optimism, Defensive Optimism, and Gender as Predictors of Autonomous Motivation to Follow Stay-at-Home Recommendations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gordeeva Tamara O. , Sychev Oleg A. , Semenov Yuri I.
Published: January 2021

Background. This study is based on self-determination theory and the research on dispositional optimism and unrealistic optimism. Dispositional optimism is known to be protective of well-being and is related to adaptive coping strategies. Investigations related to unrealistic optimism, on the other hand, revealed that it may have both positive and negative consequences. Objective. To investigate dispositional optimism and two kinds of specific optimism as predictors of autonomous motivation to follow stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of Russian young adults: constructive optimism, meaning belief in the role of effort; and defensive optimism, meaning unrealistic expectations and denial that a problem exists. Design. A correlational (cross-sectional) study was conducted to measure adherence to the recommendation to stay at home, autonomous motivation, dispositional optimism, constructive optimism, and defensive optimism. An online survey was completed by 1,403 young adults (68% women) during the first month of lockdown. Results. The findings demonstrate that constructive optimism and its underlying dispositional optimism predict both autonomous motivation and adherence to the recommendation to stay at home, while defensive optimism produces the opposite, undermining effects. Structural equation modeling revealed the effect of gender on adherence to the recommendation (higher in women), mediated by different types of optimism and autonomous motivation. Conclusion. Dispositional optimism together with situation-specific constructive and defensive types of optimism are essential for explaining the health-related behavior and its motivation. These results contribute to self-determination theory, considering the role of personality factors in determining motivation.
Work Alienation During COVID-19: Main Factors and Conditions (An Example of University Professors)
Authors: Kozhina Anastasiia A. , Vinokurov Leonid V.
Published: January 2021

Background. !e economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic pose a threat to psychological well-being in di"erent spheres of life. In accordance with Self-Determination !eory, it is assumed that working conditions during a pandemic frustrate the psychological needs of people in the workplace, thereby increasing their alienation. Objective. To study the in#uence of working conditions on work alienation among employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. As factors of working conditions, we studied workplace distancing (isolation), temporary #exibility of work, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), and job insecurity. Design. !e study had a correlation design, used a survey, and consisted of two parts. !e $rst part studied a sample of 62 university professors for dynamics of work alienation at three periods of time. !e second part studied 104 subjects for the e"ect of workplace distancing (isolation), temporary #exibility, ICT, and job insecurity on work alienation. Results. In the $rst part of the study, it was found that work alienation increased during the pandemic. !e second part showed that workplace distancing, temporary #exibility of work, ICTs, and job insecurity are signi$cant predictors of work alienation among university professors. Conclusion. Changes in working conditions during a pandemic have negative consequences for employees in the form of alienation from work. !is $nding can have practical application in recommendations for organizations planning structural changes or transfer of employees to telecommuting.
Copyright Dough
Authors: Pyman Hannah , Sundsbø Katrine
Published: January 2021

This project report describes a playful approach to teaching copyright through a newly developed game entitled Copyright Dough. As copyright literacy has become increasingly important in scholarly communication, this paper explores how a more engaging teaching method is essential for getting researchers, students, academics, and library staff to feel comfortable and confident in discussing copyright, a topic that is often met with anxiety. Drawing upon the existing literature on play, games, and active learning, this paper highlights how incorporating these concepts together can lead to a welcoming and safe space, bringing open and honest discussion. In achieving these goals, it is shown that not only is engagement with copyright increased, but learning objectives are also achieved in a meaningful and memorable way.
Evaluating confidence in information literacy
Authors: Bedford David
Published: January 2021

This paper reports an approach to addressing library anxiety by evaluating user confidence in information literacy using a red/amber/green “traffic light” tool. It discusses the development of the tool which takes elements of a more complex toolkit and adapts them for library use. It then outlines the learning from use of the tool, discusses potential pitfalls with its use and considers the benefits of adopting this innovation.
A flipped classroom approach to teaching search techniques for systematic reviews to encourage active learning
Authors: Poole Karen
Published: January 2021

This project report describes the rationale for moving a one-shot library teaching session on advanced searching for systematic reviews to a flipped classroom approach (e-learning ahead of face-to-face teaching) and the process this took. It examines the e-learning and active learning elements designed to support learners engage with challenging threshold concepts including subject headings. Learner feedback during, immediately at the end of each session, and in response to a follow-up impact survey is considered. Overall, learner feedback on the flipped classroom was very positive and teachers reported improved learner outcomes (formative in-class informal assessment). Areas identified for development are presented. The report extends the body of research on the use of the flipped classroom in information literacy and provides evidence that active learning techniques can be successful in increasing learner engagement and achievement even in a one-shot setting.
Taxonomic applications of the esophageal flapper valve in the Genus Neonesidea (Bairdioidea, Podocopida, Ostracoda), including descriptions of new and poorly known species from the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico
Authors: MADDOCKS ROSALIE F.
Published: January 2021

Species and genera of Bairdiidae can be difficult to discriminate, because of the somewhat limited morphological range of the carapace and limbs and the prevalence of homeomorphy. Attention to the esophageal flapper valve, an uncalcified but relatively well sclerotized structure, may contribute to more reliable identifications. Living species of Neonesidea exhibit sufficient variability in the architecture of this structure to suggest that it may have taxonomic value. Twelve named and three new species are examined to test this premise: N. bacata, N. caraionae n. sp., N. decipiens, N. credibilis n. sp., N. forea n. sp., N. edentulata, N. gerda, N. holdeni, N. longisetosa, N. manningi, N. mediterranea, N. omnivaga, N. plumulosa, N. schulzi, N. tenera. The geographic range of N. gerda is extended across the Gulf of Mexico, while the ranges of N. longisetosa and N. dinochelata are restricted. This supplemental information helps to clarify the relationships of several poorly known species from carbonate environments of Bermuda, the Bahamas, Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Description and distribution of Erebussau nom. nov. pro Erebus Bussau, 1993 nec Erebus Latreille, 1810 with description of a new specie, and of Odetenema gesarae gen. nov., sp. nov. (Nematoda: Desmoscolecida) from nodule-bearing abyssal sediments in the Pacific
Authors: BEZERRA TANIA NARA , PAPE ELLEN , HAUQUIER FREIJA , VANREUSEL ANN
Published: January 2021

Erebusssau nom. nov. was originally described by Bussau, (1993) in his PhD thesis “Taxonomische und ökologische Untersuchungen an Nematoden des Peru-Beckens” but the name assigned was already in use, becoming an invalid name. Based on male specimens recovered from the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, we propose a new replacement nomen for the genus and describe a new species, also adding information about juveniles. Erebussau nom. nov. differs from all other Meyliidae genera by its peculiar offset head. Erebussau profundus sp. nov. differs from Erebussau tenebricosus nom. nov., comb. nov. by its larger size, the presence of pre- and post-cloacal supplements and the shape of the spicules. We also describe a new genus of the family Desmoscolecidae, Odetenema gesarae gen. nov., sp. nov. with an updated key to the genera of the subfamily Tricominae. Odetenema gen. nov. differs from the described Desmoscolecidae genera mainly in terms of the cuticle annulation pattern and the unique end ring with two tubular outlets. Erebussau tenebricosus, E. profundus sp. nov. and Odetenema gesarae gen. nov., sp. nov. have so far only been reported from deep-sea areas where polymetallic nodules are present.
Contribution to the genus Anomala Samouelle, 1819 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) of China and adjacent regions. Part I: descriptions of two new species and remarks on four species
Authors: ZHAO MING-ZHI
Published: January 2021

Two new species of the genus Anomala Samouelle, 1819 are described: A. dianopicta Zhao, new species from Yunnan and A. huangyuzhoui Zhao, new species from Hunan. New distributional records for Anomala bella Arrow, 1917, A. blaisei Ohaus, 1914, A. cyanipennis Lin, 1999 and A. granuliformis Lin, 1996 are presented.
Genus Lepidozonates Park (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae) from China, with description of a new species
Authors: YU SHUAI , WANG SHUXIA
Published: January 2021

Four species of the genus Lepidozonates Park, 2013 are reviewed in China. Lepidozonates semiovatus sp. nov. is described as new; L. prominens Park, 2013 and L. tenebrosellus Park, 2013 are newly recorded in China; Philharmonia adusta Park, 2000 is transferred to the genus Lepidozonates as L. adusta comb. nov.; and L. viciniolus Park, 2013 syn. nov. is proposed as a new synonym of P. adusta. The female of L. tenebrosellus is described for the first time. Images of adults and genitalia of the Chinese species are provided, along with a key to all the five species of Lepidozonates.
Contrasting Interannual Prediction between January and February Temperature in Southern China in the NCEP Climate Forecast System
Authors: Qiao Shaobo , Zou Meng , Cheung Ho Nam , Liu Jieyu , Zuo Jinqing , Li Qingxiang , Feng Guolin , Dong Wenjie
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the prediction of southern China surface air temperature (SAT) in January and February using hindcast and forecast dataset from the second version of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System, version 2 (NCEP CFSv2), for the period of 1983–2017. The observed January and February SAT in southern China is teleconnected with the Euro-Atlantic dipole (EAD) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), respectively. The February SAT is also teleconnected with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) via the bridge with the Philippine Sea anticyclone. The CFSv2 better predicts southern China SAT in February than January, where the temporal correlation coefficients between the observed and predicted regional-mean SAT in February and January are +0.81 and +0.27 (+0.32 and +0.04), respectively, for the one-month (two month) ahead prediction. The better prediction in February coincides with 1) accurate responses of the Eurasian circulation and the Philippine Sea anticyclone to the NAO and the ENSO, respectively, and 2) a strong ENSO–NAO linkage. The poorer prediction in January is related to a stronger linkage of the predicted January SAT with the NAO rather than the EAD, as well as a weak ENSO–EAD linkage. These results advance our understanding of the subseasonal prediction of the winter temperature in southern China.
Quantifying Flow Speeds by Using Microstructure Shear and Temperature Spectral Analysis
Authors: Guo Shuang-Xi , Cen Xian-Rong , Qu Ling , Lu Yuan-Zheng , Huang Peng-Qi , Zhou Sheng-Qi
Published: January 2021

Flow speed past the measuring probe is definitely needed for the estimation of the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rates ε and temperature dissipation rates χ based on the Taylor frozen hypothesis. This speed is usually measured with current instruments. Occasional failed work of these instruments may lead to unsuccessful speed measurement. For example, low concentration of suspended particles in water could make the observed speed invalid when using acoustic measuring instruments. In this study, we propose an alternative approach for quantifying the flow speeds by only using the microstructure shear or temperature data, according to the spectral theories of the inertial and dissipation subranges. A dataset of the microstructure profiler, vertical microstructure profiler (VMP), collected in the South China Sea (SCS) during 2017, is used to describe this approach, and the inferred speeds are compared with the actual passing-probe speeds, i.e., the falling speeds of the VMP. Probability density functions (PDFs) of the speed ratios, i.e., the ratios of the speeds respectively inferred from the inertial and dissipation subranges of the shear and temperature spectra to the actual speeds, follow the lognormal distribution, with corresponding mean values of 1.32, 1.03, 1.56, and 1.43, respectively. This result indicates that the present approach for quantifying the flow speeds is valid, and the speeds inferred from the dissipation subrange of shear spectrum agree much better with the actual ones than those from the inertial subrange of shear spectrum and the inertial and dissipation subranges of temperature spectrum. The present approach may be complementary and useful in the evaluation of turbulent mixing when the directly observed speeds are unavailable.
Verifying and Redefining the Weather Prediction Center’s Excessive Rainfall Outlook Forecast Product
Authors: Erickson Michael J. , Albright Benjamin , Nelson James A.
Published: January 2021

The Weather Prediction Center’s Excessive Rainfall Outlook (ERO) forecasts the probability of rainfall exceeding flash flood guidance within 40 km of a point. This study presents a comprehensive ERO verification between 2015 and 2019 using a combination of flooding observations and proxies. ERO spatial issuance frequency plots are developed to provide situational awareness for forecasters. Reliability of the ERO is assessed by computing fractional coverage of the verification within each probabilistic category. Probabilistic forecast skill is evaluated using the Brier skill score (BSS) and area under the relative operating characteristic (AUC). A “probabilistic observation” called practically perfect (PP) is developed and compared to the ERO as an additional measure of skill. The areal issuance frequency of the ERO varies spatially with the most abundant issuances spanning from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest and the Appalachians. ERO issuances occur most often in the summer and are associated with the Southwestern monsoon, mesoscale convective systems, and tropical cyclones. The ERO exhibits good reliability on average, although more recent trends suggest some ERO-defined probabilistic categories should be issued more frequently. AUC and BSS are useful bulk skill metrics, while verification against PP is useful in bulk and for shorter-term ERO evaluation. ERO forecasts are generally more skillful at shorter lead times in terms of AUC and BSS. There is no trend in ERO area size over 5 years, although ERO forecasts may be getting slightly more skillful in terms of critical success index when verified against the PP.
Research on Key Issues of Consistency Analysis of Vehicle Steering Characteristics
Authors: Liu Yanhua , Guan Xin , Lu Pingping , Guo Rui
Published: January 2021

Given the global lack of effective analysis methods for the impact of design parameter tolerance on performance deviation in the vehicle proof-of-concept stage, it is difficult to decompose performance tolerance to design parameter tolerance. This study proposes a set of consistency analysis methods for vehicle steering performance. The process of consistency analysis and control of automotive performance in the conceptual design phase is proposed for the first time. A vehicle dynamics model is constructed, and the multi-objective optimization software Isight is used to optimize the steering performance of the car. Sensitivity analysis is used to optimize the design performance value. The tolerance interval of the performance is obtained by comparing the original car performance value with the optimized value. With the help of layer-by-layer decomposition theory and interval mathematics, automotive performance tolerance has been decomposed into design parameter tolerance. Through simulation and real vehicle experiments, the validity of the consistency analysis and control method presented in this paper are verified. The decomposition from parameter tolerance to performance tolerance can be achieved at the conceptual design stage.
Awareness and implementation of lonizing radiation safety measures among urology community in Egypt: nationwide survey
Authors: Omar Mohamed , Desoky Esam E. A. , Elmohamady Basheer , El-Shaer Alaa , Noureldin Yasser A.
Published: January 2021

Background

To assess awareness of ionizing radiation safety measures among Egyptian Urology Trainees and Urologists and see the effect of radiation safety courses on the adoption of these measures.

Methods

This Internet-based survey was conducted via https://www.surveymonkey.com/ after approval by the Egyptian Urological Association (EUA). It was sent to all EUA members via email during December 2019. Participation was voluntary and questions included participants’ demographics such as age, gender, years of experience, level of training and type of practice. Other questions assessed some domains such as whether the participant had radiation safety courses, and the extent to which she/he is adopting these measures during daily practice.

Results

A total of 142 Egyptian urology trainees and urologists responded to this electronic survey. The mean hours of fluoroscopy-guided endourologic procedures per week were 4.3 ± 2.1 h, and only 23% reported that they always wear protective lead aprons. In terms of the thyroid shield, X-ray protective gloves, eye googles, a total of 70% and 89% and 89% reported that they never wore it, respectively. The ALARA principle was known by only 24% of respondents. About 94% denied receiving any radiation safety courses. Participants who received radiation safety course reported significantly shorter FT during URS (p = 0.04), PCNL (p = 0.03) and JJ insertion (p = 0.04) and were significantly more compliant (p = 0.02). In addition, the number of years of experience (< 5y,5-10y,10-15y, > 15y) and the current job level (resident, specialist, consultant, professor) was significantly associated with higher compliance with lead aprons (p = 0.006, p < 0.001, respectively). On regression analysis, previous radiation safety awareness courses were the only predictor of good compliance with radiation safety measures (OR = 2 ± 0.73, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

There was a lack of awareness and implementation of radiation safety measures among all participants. Receiving radiation safety courses was the only predictor of good compliance with radiation safety measures.
Glucocorticoid resistance syndrome: let’s give it a thought
Authors: Sharma Sonu , Sabale Vilas , Satav Vikram , Rollands Rakesh , Mulay Abhirudra , Mhaske Sunil , Mane Deepak
Published: January 2021

Background

Generalized glucocorticoid resistance syndrome has a tremendously heterogenous and very broad clinical spectrum. This syndrome is caused by loss of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function due to mutation leading impairment in GR signalling. It presents with hypercortisolism, hypertension, enlarged adrenal glands but no Cushingoid features. Extensive endocrinologic investigations and genetic analysis can determine this disease and help in managing the sequalae of this syndrome. We report this case after looking into its rarity and presentation which would give an insight about this disease.

Case presentation

A 26-year-old female presented with, hirsutism, acne, deep voice (which was patients main concern), hypercortisolism, raised testosterone, without features of Cushing’s. On examination she was normotensive, hirsutism and poorly developed breast with ambiguous genitalia. On investigation, she was found to have left adrenal mass, hypercortisolism and had resistance to dexamethasone suppression test. She underwent left open adrenalectomy followed by continued medication with dexamethasone.

Conclusion

This syndrome should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with hypercortisolism but without any features of Cushing’s syndrome. It is a difficult diagnosis for a urologist, endocrinologist help should be sought for better outcomes and adherence on long-term hormonal treatment.
State aid, EU maritime transport policies and competitiveness of EU country fleets
Authors: Bilbao-Ubillos Javier , Fernández-Sainz Ana , Payán-Azkue Rosa
Published: January 2021

Aim and purposes

This study conducts an across-the-board comparative analysis of the impact of the main measures used by the 10 leading maritime nations of the EU on the relative competitiveness of the fleets that they control, covering the period from 1996 to 2011. We propose two models to compare the relative effectiveness of the maritime policy measures implemented: one for the full set of countries and measures and the other specifically for each maritime nation.

Findings

The estimation results make us conclude that generally the measures adopted in national-level maritime policies (tonnage tax, second register and other measures) seem to have been effective in that they have had a positive effect on the competitiveness of controlled fleets, but with uneven impact on the fleets of each country.
Impact of explicit area scaling on kinetic models involving multiple compartments
Authors: Holzheu Pascal , Großeholz Ruth , Kummer Ursula
Published: January 2021

Background

Computational modelling of cell biological processes is a frequently used technique to analyse the underlying mechanisms and to generally understand the behaviour of these processes in the context of a pathway, network or even the whole cell. The most common technique in this context is the usage of ordinary differential equations that describe the kinetics of the relevant processes in mechanistic detail. Here, it is usually assumed that the content of the cell is well-stirred and thus homogeneous - which is of course an over-simplification, but often worked in the past. However, many processes happen at membranes and thus not in 3D, but in 2D. The scaling of the rates of these processes poses a special problem, if volumes of compartments are changed. They will typically scale with an area, but not with the volume of the involved compartment. However, commonly, this is neglected when setting up models and/or volume scaling also sometimes automatically happens when using modelling software in the field.

Results

Here, we investigate generic as well as specific, realistic cases to find out, how strong the impact of the wrong scaling is for the outcome of simulations. We show that the importance of correct area scaling depends on the architecture of the reaction site and its changes upon volume alterations and it is hard to foresee, if it has a significant impact or not just by looking at the original model set-up. Moreover, scaled rates might exhibit more or less control over the behaviour of the system and therefore, accordingly, incorrect scaling will have more or less influence.

Conclusions

Working with multi-compartment reactions requires a careful consideration of the correct scaling of the rates when changing the volumes of the involved compartments. The error following incorrect scaling - often done by scaling with the volume of the respective compartments can lead to significant aberrations of model behaviour.
The skeletome of the red coral Corallium rubrum indicates an independent evolution of biomineralization process in octocorals
Authors: Le Roy Nathalie , Ganot Philippe , Aranda Manuel , Allemand Denis , Tambutté Sylvie
Published: January 2021

Background

The process of calcium carbonate biomineralization has arisen multiple times during metazoan evolution. In the phylum Cnidaria, biomineralization has mostly been studied in the subclass Hexacorallia (i.e. stony corals) in comparison to the subclass Octocorallia (i.e. red corals); the two diverged approximately 600 million years ago. The precious Mediterranean red coral, Corallium rubrum, is an octocorallian species, which produces two distinct high-magnesium calcite biominerals, the axial skeleton and the sclerites. In order to gain insight into the red coral biomineralization process and cnidarian biomineralization evolution, we studied the protein repertoire forming the organic matrix (OM) of its two biominerals.

Results

We combined High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and transcriptome analysis to study the OM composition of the axial skeleton and the sclerites. We identified a total of 102 OM proteins, 52 are found in the two red coral biominerals with scleritin being the most abundant protein in each fraction. Contrary to reef building corals, the red coral organic matrix possesses a large number of collagen-like proteins. Agrin-like glycoproteins and proteins with sugar-binding domains are also predominant. Twenty-seven and 23 proteins were uniquely assigned to the axial skeleton and the sclerites, respectively. The inferred regulatory function of these OM proteins suggests that the difference between the two biominerals is due to the modeling of the matrix network, rather than the presence of specific structural components. At least one OM component could have been horizontally transferred from prokaryotes early during Octocorallia evolution.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that calcification of the red coral axial skeleton likely represents a secondary calcification of an ancestral gorgonian horny axis. In addition, the comparison with stony coral skeletomes highlighted the low proportion of similar proteins between the biomineral OMs of hexacorallian and octocorallian corals, suggesting an independent acquisition of calcification in anthozoans.
JOINT for large-scale single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis via soft-clustering and parallel computing
Authors: Cui Tao , Wang Tingting
Published: January 2021

Background

Single-cell RNA-Sequencing (scRNA-Seq) has provided single-cell level insights into complex biological processes. However, the high frequency of gene expression detection failures in scRNA-Seq data make it challenging to achieve reliable identification of cell-types and Differentially Expressed Genes (DEG). Moreover, with the explosive growth of single-cell data using 10x genomics protocol, existing methods will soon reach the computation limit due to scalability issues. The single-cell transcriptomics field desperately need new tools and framework to facilitate large-scale single-cell analysis.

Results

In order to improve the accuracy, robustness, and speed of scRNA-Seq data processing, we propose a generalized zero-inflated negative binomial mixture model, “JOINT,” that can perform probability-based cell-type discovery and DEG analysis simultaneously without the need for imputation. JOINT performs soft-clustering for cell-type identification by computing the probability of individual cells, i.e. each cell can belong to multiple cell types with different probabilities. This is drastically different from existing hard-clustering methods where each cell can only belong to one cell type. The soft-clustering component of the algorithm significantly facilitates the accuracy and robustness of single-cell analysis, especially when the scRNA-Seq datasets are noisy and contain a large number of dropout events. Moreover, JOINT is able to determine the optimal number of cell-types automatically rather than specifying it empirically. The proposed model is an unsupervised learning problem which is solved by using the Expectation and Maximization (EM) algorithm. The EM algorithm is implemented using the TensorFlow deep learning framework, dramatically accelerating the speed for data analysis through parallel GPU computing.

Conclusions

Taken together, the JOINT algorithm is accurate and efficient for large-scale scRNA-Seq data analysis via parallel computing. The Python package that we have developed can be readily applied to aid future advances in parallel computing-based single-cell algorithms and research in various biological and biomedical fields.
Adaptive immune responses mediated age-related Plasmodium yoelii 17XL and 17XNL infections in 4 and 8-week-old BALB/c mice
Authors: Wang Qiu-bo , Du Yun-ting , Liu Fei , Sun Xiao-dan , Sun Xun , Chen Guang , Pang Wei , Cao Ya-Ming
Published: January 2021

Backgroud

It is important to expound the opposite clinical outcomes between children and adulthood for eradicate malaria. There remains unknown about the correlation between adaptive immune response and age-related in malaria.

Methods

4 and 8-week-old mice were used to mimic children and adulthood, respectively. Parasitemia and the survival rate were monitored. The proportion and function of Th1 and Th2 cells were detected by FACS. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a andPlasmodium yoeliiMSP-1-specific IgG were measured by ELISA.

Results

The adult group showed greater resistance toP. yoelii 17XLinfection, with lower parasitemia. Compared with 4-week-old mice, the percentage of CD4+T-bet+IFN-γ+Th1 cells as well as IFN-γ production were significantly increased on day 5 p.i. in the 8-week-old mice afterP. yoelii 17XNLinfection. The percentage of CD4+GATA3+IL-4+Th2 cells and CD4+CXCR5+Tfh cells, and IL-4 production in the 8-week-old mice significantly increased on day 5 and day 10 afterP. yoelii 17XNLinfection. Notably, the levels of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a andP. yoeliiMSP-1-specific IgG were also significantly increased in the 8-week-old mice. PD-1, a marker of exhaustion, was up-regulated on CD4+or activated CD4+T cells in the 8-week-old mice as compared to the 4-week-old group.

Conclusions

Thus, we consider that enhanced cellular and humoral adaptive immunity might contribute to rapid clearance of malaria among adults, likely in a PD-1-dependent manner due to induction of CD4+T cells exhaustion inP. yoelii 17XNLinfected 8-week-old mice.
Development of a real-time quantitative PCR method for detection and quantification of Prevotella copri
Authors: Verbrugghe Phebe , Van Aken Olivier , Hållenius Frida , Nilsson Anne
Published: January 2021

Background

Since its discovery in 2007, the importance of the human gut bacterium Prevotella copri (P. copri) has been widely recognized with its links to diet and health status and potential as next generation probiotic. Therefore, precise, convenient and cost-effective diagnostic tools for the detection and quantification of P. copri from clinical and environmental samples are needed.

Results

In this study, a Sybr Green qPCR protocol for P. copri detection and quantification was developed and tested on P. copri-spiked murine faeces samples targeting both the 16S rRNA gene and P. copri genome specific genes. The use of one 16S rRNA primer pair and 2 genome specific primer pairs resulted in at least 10x higher specificity and sensitivity than the primer-only PCR currently cited in the literature, reaching a sensitivity of 103 CFU/mL. Furthermore, we showed that the new 16S rRNA primer set provided the best balance of detection of a wide range of P. copri strains, while avoiding off-target detection of other Prevotella genus species. The quantification of P. copri in human stool samples using the new 16S rRNA primers also correlated well with 16S rRNA high throughput MiSeq sequencing data (r2 = 0.6604, p = 0.0074). The two genome specific primer pairs on the other hand uniquely detect the DSM18205 reference strain, allowing differential detection of indigenous and experimentally administered P. copri populations. Finally, it was shown that SYBR green qPCR mixes have an influence on sensitivity and specificity, with Biorad SsoAdvanced Universal SYBR Green Supermix performing the best under our test conditions of six commercially available SYBR green master mixes.

Conclusions

This improved qPCR-based method will allow accurate P. copri identification and quantification. Moreover, this methodology can also be applied to identify other bacterial species in complex samples.
Broad-range and effective detection of human noroviruses by colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay based on the shell domain of the major capsid protein
Authors: Xu Meng , Lu Feifeng , Lyu Chenang , Wu Qingping , Zhang Jumei , Tian Peng , Xue Liang , Xu Ting , Wang Dapeng
Published: January 2021

Background

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are a major cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis in all age groups worldwide. HuNoVs can be detected in vitro using molecular assays such as RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. However, these molecular-based techniques require special equipment, unique reagents, experienced personnel, and extended time to obtain results. Besides, the diversity of viral genotypes is high. Therefore, methods that are rapid, broad-range and effective in the detection of HuNoVs are desiderated for screening the feces or vomit of infected people during outbreaks.

Results

In this study, a colloidal-gold-based immunochromatographic assay (ICA) was developed for effective detection of HuNoVs in clinical samples. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the shell (S) domain in the major capsid protein of HuNoVs were used in the ICA. The limitations of detection for HuNoVs in clinical samples were 1.2 × 106 genomic copies per gram of stool sample (gc/g) and 4.4 × 105 gc/g for genogroup I and II (GI and GII) HuNoVs, respectively. A total of 122 clinical samples were tested for HuNoVs by ICA and compared against RT-qPCR. The relative sensitivity, specificity and agreement of ICA was 84.2% (95% CI: 83.6–84.8%), 100.0% (95% CI: 98.5–100.0%) and 87.7% (95% CI: 85.6–89.8%), respectively. No cross-reaction with other common enteric viruses or bacteria was observed. The ICA detected a broad range of genotypes, including GI.1, GI.3, GI.4, GI.6, GI.14, GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.6, GII.13, and GII.17 HuNoVs.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that ICA targeting the S domain of VP1 is a promising candidate for effectively identifying the different genotypes of HuNoVs in clinical samples with high sensitivity and specificity.
Transgenic chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) harbouring AtDREB1a are physiologically better adapted to water deficit
Authors: Das Alok , Basu Partha Sarathi , Kumar Manoj , Ansari Jamal , Shukla Alok , Thakur Shallu , Singh Parul , Datta Subhojit , Chaturvedi Sushil Kumar , Sheshshayee M S , Bansal Kailash Chandra , Singh Narendra Pratap
Published: January 2021

Background

Chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.) is the second most widely grown pulse and drought (limiting water) is one of the major constraints leading to about 40–50% yield losses annually. Dehydration responsive element binding proteins (DREBs) are important plant transcription factors that regulate the expression of many stress-inducible genes and play a critical role in improving the abiotic stress tolerance. Transgenic chickpea lines harbouring transcription factor, Dehydration Responsive Element-Binding protein 1A fromArabidopsis thaliana(AtDREB1agene) driven by stress inducible promoterrd29awere developed, with the intent of enhancing drought tolerance in chickpea.Performance of the progenies of one transgenic event and control were assessed based on key physiological traits imparting drought tolerance such as plant water relation characteristics, chlorophyll retention, photosynthesis, membrane stability and water use efficiency under water stressed conditions.

Results

Four transgenic chickpea lines harbouring stress inducibleAtDREB1awere generated with transformation efficiency of 0.1%. The integration, transmission and regulated expression were confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Southern Blot hybridization and Reverse Transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. Transgenic chickpea lines exhibitedhigherrelative water content,longerchlorophyll retention capacity andhigherosmotic adjustment under severe drought stress (stress level 4), as compared to control. The enhanced drought tolerance in transgenic chickpea lines were also manifested by undeterred photosynthesis involving enhanced quantum yield of PSII, electron transport rate at saturated irradiance levels and maintaining higher relative water content in leaves under relatively severe soil water deficit. Further, lower values of carbon isotope discrimination in some transgenic chickpea lines indicated higher water use efficiency. Transgenic chickpea lines exhibiting better OA resulted in higher seed yield, with progressive increase in water stress, as compared to control.

Conclusions

Based on precise phenotyping, involving non-invasive chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, carbon isotope discrimination, osmotic adjustment, higher chlorophyll retention and membrane stability index, it can be concluded thatAtDREB1atransgenic chickpea lines were better adapted to water deficit by modifying important physiological traits. The selected transgenic chickpea event would be a valuable resource that can be used in pre-breeding or directly in varietal development programs for enhanced drought tolerance under parched conditions.
The safety of early administration of oral fluid following general anesthesia in children undergoing tonsillectomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Meng-Hang , Liu Chang-qing , Zeng Xiao-qi , Jia An-na , Yin Xiao-rong
Published: January 2021

Background

The feasibility and safety of administrating a small amount of oral fluid to children in the early recovery period following tonsillectomy under general anesthesia to reduce the thirst and its associated restlessness remain unknown.

Methods

This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee and adhered to the CONSORT guidelines. Pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of our study were randomized into the study and control groups. In the study group, patients were given a small amount of water instantly after recovering from general anesthesia, which included the recovery of the cough and deglutition reflex, and attaining grade V of muscle strength. The control group was given a small amount of water at 4 to 6 h after the operation. The incidence of nausea and vomiting and the degree of thirst relief were measured and compared between the two groups.

Results

Three hundred patients were randomized into each group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting at 20 min after drinking water between the two groups (P > 0.05). The thirst score of children over 5 years old in the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Early administration of a small amount of oral fluid to children following tonsillectomy and recovering from general anesthesia is not only safe but also effective in reducing postoperative thirst.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ChiCTR1800020058, 12-12-2018.
McGRATH MAC video laryngoscope assistance during transesophageal echocardiography may reduce the risk of complications: a manikin study
Authors: Kumamoto Taisuke , Tashima Koichiro , Hiraoka Chieko , Ikuta Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Tatsuo
Published: January 2021

Background

Although transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered a relatively safe diagnostic monitoring method, blind probe insertion is associated with pharyngeal trauma. Through visual observation of the esophageal inlet with the McGRATH video laryngoscope, it may be possible to insert the TEE probe at an appropriate angle and prevent pharyngeal trauma. We conducted a manikin study to investigate whether the use of the McGRATH video laryngoscope for TEE probe insertion reduced the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall.

Methods

Twenty-seven junior (inexperienced group) and 10 senior (experienced group) anesthesiologists participated in this study. The TEE probe was inserted into an airway manikin in a blind fashion (blind group) or under visualization with the McGRATH (McGRATH group) video laryngoscope (three times each). A sealed bag filled with normal saline was placed on the back of the posterior pharyngeal wall of the manikin and connected to a patient monitoring system via a pressure transducer. We measured the internal bag pressure and approximated this value to the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall.

Results

The pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall was significantly lower in the McGRATH group than in the blind group (p < 0.001) and was significantly reduced when the McGRATH was employed in both the inexperienced (p < 0.001) and experienced (p < 0.001) groups.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that TEE probe insertion under the assistance of the McGRATH video laryngoscope can reduce the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall, regardless of the clinician’s experience, and may inform clinical practice with the potential to reduce probe insertion-associated complication rates.
Short-term real-time prediction of total number of reported COVID-19 cases and deaths in South Africa: a data driven approach
Authors: Reddy Tarylee , Shkedy Ziv , Janse van Rensburg Charl , Mwambi Henry , Debba Pravesh , Zuma Khangelani , Manda Samuel
Published: January 2021

Background

The rising burden of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa has motivated the application of modeling strategies to predict the COVID-19 cases and deaths. Reliable and accurate short and long-term forecasts of COVID-19 cases and deaths, both at the national and provincial level, are a key aspect of the strategy to handle the COVID-19 epidemic in the country.

Methods

In this paper we apply the previously validated approach of phenomenological models, fitting several non-linear growth curves (Richards, 3 and 4 parameter logistic, Weibull and Gompertz), to produce short term forecasts of COVID-19 cases and deaths at the national level as well as the provincial level. Using publicly available daily reported cumulative case and death data up until 22 June 2020, we report 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30-day ahead forecasts of cumulative cases and deaths. All predictions are compared to the actual observed values in the forecasting period.

Results

We observed that all models for cases provided accurate and similar short-term forecasts for a period of 5 days ahead at the national level, and that the three and four parameter logistic growth models provided more accurate forecasts than that obtained from the Richards model 10 days ahead. However, beyond 10 days all models underestimated the cumulative cases. Our forecasts across the models predict an additional 23,551–26,702 cases in 5 days and an additional 47,449–57,358 cases in 10 days. While the three parameter logistic growth model provided the most accurate forecasts of cumulative deaths within the 10 day period, the Gompertz model was able to better capture the changes in cumulative deaths beyond this period. Our forecasts across the models predict an additional 145–437 COVID-19 deaths in 5 days and an additional 243–947 deaths in 10 days.

Conclusions

By comparing both the predictions of deaths and cases to the observed data in the forecasting period, we found that this modeling approach provides reliable and accurate forecasts for a maximum period of 10 days ahead.
Fitting a shared frailty illness-death model to left-truncated semi-competing risks data to examine the impact of education level on incident dementia
Authors: Lee Catherine , Gilsanz Paola , Haneuse Sebastien
Published: January 2021

Background

Semi-competing risks arise when interest lies in the time-to-event for some non-terminal event, the observation of which is subject to some terminal event. One approach to assessing the impact of covariates on semi-competing risks data is through the illness-death model with shared frailty, where hazard regression models are used to model the effect of covariates on the endpoints. The shared frailty term, which can be viewed as an individual-specific random effect, acknowledges dependence between the events that is not accounted for by covariates. Although methods exist for fitting such a model to right-censored semi-competing risks data, there is currently a gap in the literature for fitting such models when a flexible baseline hazard specification is desired and the data are left-truncated, for example when time is on the age scale. We provide a modeling framework and openly available code for implementation.

Methods

We specified the model and the likelihood function that accounts for left-truncated data, and provided an approach to estimation and inference via maximum likelihood. Our model was fully parametric, specifying baseline hazards via Weibull or B-splines. Using simulated data we examined the operating characteristics of the implementation in terms of bias and coverage. We applied our methods to a dataset of 33,117 Kaiser Permanente Northern California members aged 65 or older examining the relationship between educational level (categorized as: high school or less; trade school, some college or college graduate; post-graduate) and incident dementia and death.

Results

A simulation study showed that our implementation provided regression parameter estimates with negligible bias and good coverage. In our data application, we found higher levels of education are associated with a lower risk of incident dementia, after adjusting for sex and race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

As illustrated by our analysis of Kaiser data, our proposed modeling framework allows the analyst to assess the impact of covariates on semi-competing risks data, such as incident dementia and death, while accounting for dependence between the outcomes when data are left-truncated, as is common in studies of aging and dementia.