bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Skip-Oviposition Behavior Among Container BreedingAedesspp. Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Reinbold-Wasson Drew David , Reiskind Michael Hay
Published: May 2021

Container Aedes mosquitoes are the most important vectors of human arboviruses (i.e., dengue, chikungunya, Zika, or yellow fever). Invasive and native container Aedes spp. potentially utilize natural and artificial containers in specific environments for oviposition. Several container Aedes spp. display ‘skip-oviposition’ behavior, which describes the distribution of eggs among multiple containers during a single gonotrophic cycle. In this study, we compared individual skip-oviposition behavior using identical eight-cup testing arenas with three container Aedes species: Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus), Aedes albopictus (Skuse), and Aedes triseriatus (Say). We applied the index of dispersion, an aggregation statistic, to individual mosquitoes’ oviposition patterns to assess skip-oviposition behavior. Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus utilized more cups and distributed eggs more evenly among cups than Ae. triseriatus under nutritionally enriched oviposition media (oak leaf infusion) conditions. When presented with a nutritionally unenriched (tap water) oviposition media, both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus increased egg spreading behavior. Aedes albopictus did not modify skip-oviposition behavior when reared and assessed under fall-like environmental conditions, which induce diapause egg production. This study indicates specific oviposition site conditions influence skip-oviposition behavior with ‘preferred’ sites receiving higher amounts of eggs from any given individual and ‘non-preferred’ sites receive a limited contribution of eggs. A further understanding of skip-oviposition behavior is needed to make the best use of autodissemination trap technology in which skip-ovipositing females spread a potent larvicide among oviposition sites within the environment.
“We Are Anxious Every Day”: COVID-19 Impacts on Youth with Spina Bifida
Authors: Stiles-Shields Colleen , Kritikos Tessa K , Ridosh Monique M , Starnes Meredith , Holmbeck Grayson N
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a national sample of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with spina bifida (SB) and parents of youth with SB.

Methods

AYA with SB (15–25; n = 298) and parents of children with SB (n = 200) were recruited to complete an anonymous, online survey in English or Spanish. Participants provided information about demographic and condition characteristics, as well as their technology access and use for behavioral health care. They also completed the COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Survey (CEFIS), which includes Exposure, Impact, and Distress subscales. Exploratory correlations and t-tests were used to examine potential associations between CEFIS scores and demographic, medical, and access characteristics. Qualitative data from the CEFIS were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Scores on the Exposure, Impact, and Distress subscales demonstrated significant variability. Demographic associations with Exposure differed for those with higher Impact and Distress (e.g., White, non-Hispanic/Latino AYA reported higher rates of exposure [p = .001]; AYA who identified with a minoritized racial/ethnic identity reported greater impact [p ≤ .03]). Impacts to mental and behavioral health (n = 44), interference with medical care (n = 28), and interpersonal challenges (n = 27) were the most commonly occurring qualitative themes.

Conclusions

The current findings implicate differential impacts to individuals with SB and their families based on demographic, medical, and systemic factors (e.g., minoritized status). Recommendations to support families with SB and other pediatric conditions are made.
Beyond the binary: Trans women’s video activism on YouTube
Authors: de Lima Lopes Rodrigo Esteves
Published: May 2021

This article aims to analyse aboutness in a corpus of videos posted by Brazilian female transsexual influencers. The analysis is based on Corpus Linguistics, machine learning techniques, and automated lexical mapping techniques, especially Topic Modelling. This technique served as a starting point for establishing four main topics: Relationship and Social Events, Gender, Beauty, and Transition. These topics had their statistically relevant lexis qualitatively analysed by concordance. This study used tools written in R and Python programming languages, made freely available to the community. The results show that the topics are qualitatively and quantitatively consistent, and the approach adopted was fruitful for text analysis.
Magneto-rotational instability in magnetically polarized discs
Authors: Pimentel Diaz Oscar M , Fragile P Chris , Lora-Clavijo F D , Ierace Bridget , Bollimpalli Deepika
Published: May 2021

The magneto-rotational instability (MRI) is the most likely mechanism for transportation of angular momentum and dissipation of energy within hot, ionized accretion discs. This instability is produced through the interactions of a differentially rotating plasma with an embedded magnetic field. Like all substances in nature, the plasma in an accretion disc has the potential to become magnetically polarized when it interacts with the magnetic field. In this paper we study the effect of this magnetic susceptibility, parameterized by χm, on the MRI, specifically within the context of black hole accretion. We find from a linear analysis within the Newtonian limit that the minimum wavelength of the first unstable mode and the wavelength of the fastest growing mode are shorter in paramagnetic (χm > 0) than in diamagnetic (χm < 0) discs, all other parameters being equal. Furthermore, the magnetization parameter (ratio of gas to magnetic pressure) in the saturated state should be smaller when the magnetic susceptibility is positive than when it is negative. We confirm this latter prediction through a set of numerical simulations of magnetically polarized black hole accretion discs. We additionally find that the vertically integrated stress and mass accretion rate are somewhat larger when the disc is paramagnetic than when it is diamagnetic. If astrophysical discs are able to become magnetically polarized to any significant degree, then our results would be relevant to properly interpreting observations.
Evolution of Wolf–Rayet stars as black hole progenitors
Authors: Higgins E R , Sander A A C , Vink J S , Hirschi R
Published: May 2021

Evolved Wolf–Rayet stars form a key aspect of massive star evolution, and their strong outflows determine their final fates. In this study, we calculate grids of stellar models for a wide range of initial masses at five metallicities (ranging from solar down to just 2 per cent solar). We compare a recent hydrodynamically consistent wind prescription with two earlier frequently used wind recipes in stellar evolution and population synthesis modelling, and we present the ranges of maximum final masses at core He-exhaustion for each wind prescription and metallicity Z. Our model grids reveal qualitative differences in mass-loss behaviour of the wind prescriptions in terms of ‘convergence’. Using the prescription from Nugis & Lamers the maximum stellar black hole is found to converge to a value of 20–30 M⊙, independent of host metallicity; however, when utilizing the new physically motivated prescription from Sander & Vink there is no convergence to a maximum black hole mass value. The final mass is simply larger for larger initial He-star mass, which implies that the upper black hole limit for He-stars below the pair-instability gap is set by prior evolution with mass loss, or the pair instability itself. Quantitatively, we find the critical Z for pair-instability (ZPI) to be as high as 50 per cent Z⊙, corresponding to the host metallicity of the Large Magellanic Cloud. Moreover, while the Nugis & Lamers prescription would not predict any black holes above the approx 130 M⊙ pair-instability limit, with Sander & Vink winds included, we demonstrate a potential channel for very massive helium stars to form such massive black holes at ∼2 per cent Z⊙ or below.
Catalogue ofin situobserved solar energetic electrons from ACE/EPAM instrument
Authors: Samwel Susan W , Miteva Rositsa
Published: May 2021

We present the first comprehensive catalogue of in situ observed solar energetic electron (SEE) events that covers solar cycles [SCs] 23 and 24 in the energy range 103–315 keV. The electron enhancements are detected by the Electron, Proton, and Alpha Monitor − Deflected Electrons instrument [EPAM-DE] aboard the ACE spacecraft. Onset time, peak time, background-subtracted peak electron intensity, and onset-to-peak fluence have been analysed for each event where possible. We describe the utilized procedure to identify the electron events and the criteria of their association to their solar origin: solar flares (SFs) and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). A statistical study between the peak electron intensity/fluence and the SF/CME properties, also with respect to the SC, is presented. In addition, we investigated the properties of the SEEs that are accompanied with solar energetic protons. Furthermore, the correlation between the intensity and fluence of the SEEs and those of the solar energetic protons are examined with respect to the SCs. The SEE catalogue is generated and posted on-line and will be updated whenever data are available. The purpose of this catalogue is to provide a publicly available service to solar and space physics communities. In addition, such catalogues are considered as a novel tool that can be used in real-time particle forecasting systems which are also relied upon to mitigate against harmful space weather effects due to particle events.
Probing the galaxy–halo connection with total satellite luminosity
Authors: Tinker Jeremy L , Cao Junzhi , Alpaslan Mehmet , DeRose Joseph , Mao Yao-Yuan , Wechsler Risa H
Published: May 2021

We demonstrate how the total luminosity in satellite galaxies is a powerful probe of dark matter haloes around central galaxies. The method cross-correlates central galaxies in spectroscopic galaxy samples with fainter galaxies detected in photometric surveys. Using models, we show that the total galaxy luminosity, Lsat, scales linearly with host halo mass, making Lsat an excellent proxy for Mh. Lsat is also sensitive to the formation time of the halo. We demonstrate that probes of galaxy large-scale environment can break this degeneracy. Although this is an indirect probe of the halo, it yields a high signal-to-noise ratio measurement for galaxies expected to occupy haloes at <1012 M⊙, where other methods suffer from larger errors. In this paper, we focus on observational and theoretical systematics in the Lsat method. We test the robustness of our method of finding central galaxies and our methods of estimating the number of background galaxies. We implement this method on galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data, with satellites identified in fainter imaging data. We find excellent agreement between our theoretical predictions and the observational measurements. Finally, we compare our Lsat measurements to weak lensing estimates of Mh for red and blue subsamples. In the stellar mass range where the measurements overlap, we find consistent results, where red galaxies live in larger haloes. However, the Lsat approach allows us to probe significantly lower mass galaxies. At these masses, the Lsat values are equivalent. This example shows the potential of Lsat as a probe of dark haloes.
TESS cycle 1 observations of roAp stars with 2-min cadence data
Authors: Holdsworth D L , Cunha M S , Kurtz D W , Antoci V , Hey D R , Bowman D M , Kobzar O , Buzasi D L , Kochukhov O , Niemczura E , Ozuyar D , Shi F , Szabó R , Samadi-Ghadim A , Bognár Zs , Fox-Machado L , Khalack V , Lares-Martiz M , Lovekin C C , Mikołajczyk P , Mkrtichian D , Pascual-Granado J , Paunzen E , Richey-Yowell T , Sódor Á , Sikora J , Yang T Z , Brunsden E , David-Uraz A , Derekas A , García Hernández A , Guzik J A , Hatamkhani N , Handberg R , Lambert T S , Lampens P , Murphy S J , Monier R , Pollard K R , Quitral-Manosalva P , Ramón-Ballesta A , Smalley B , Stateva I , Vanderspek R
Published: May 2021

We present the results of a systematic search for new rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars using the 2-min cadence data collected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) during its Cycle 1 observations. We identify 12 new roAp stars. Amongst these stars we discover the roAp star with the longest pulsation period, another with the shortest rotation period, and six with multiperiodic variability. In addition to these new roAp stars, we present an analysis of 44 known roAp stars observed by TESS during Cycle 1, providing the first high-precision and homogeneous sample of a significant fraction of the known roAp stars. The TESS observations have shown that almost 60 per cent (33) of our sample of stars are multiperiodic, providing excellent cases to test models of roAp pulsations, and from which the most rewarding asteroseismic results can be gleaned. We report four cases of the occurrence of rotationally split frequency multiplets that imply different mode geometries for the same degree modes in the same star. This provides a conundrum in applying the oblique pulsator model to the roAp stars. Finally, we report the discovery of non-linear mode interactions in α Cir (TIC 402546736, HD 128898) around the harmonic of the principal mode – this is only the second case of such a phenomenon.
miRNA-149 targets PARP-2 in endometrial epithelial and stromal cells to regulate the trophoblast attachment process
Authors: Soni Upendra Kumar , Chadchan Sangappa Basanna , Gupta Rakesh Kumar , Kumar Vijay , Kumar Jha Rajesh
Published: May 2021

Embryo implantation is a highly complex process involving many regulatory factors, including several micro RNAs (miRNAs/miRs). One miRNA present in the stromal cells of normal endometrium is miR-149, which targets poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 2 (PARP-2), a gene involved in endometrial receptivity for trophoblast implantation. However, the precise role of miR-149 in the endometrial receptivity during blastocyst implantation is still unknown. We studied miR-149-dependent PARP-2 regulation during trophoblast attachment to endometrial epithelial cells. Using FISH, we found that miR-149 is expressed in mouse endometrial epithelial and stromal cells at implantation and inter-implantation sites. Endometrial receptivity for embryo implantation and attachment is inhibited by the upregulation of miR-149 in the endometrium. Our RT-PCR analysis revealed downregulation of miR-149 in the implantation region of the uterus during the receptive stage (Day 5, 0500 h, p.c.) in the mouse. Under in-vitro conditions, miR-149 overexpression in human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) abrogated the human trophoblastic cells spheroid and mouse blastocyst attachment. Subsequently, miR-149 also regulates transformed human endometrial stromal cell (T-hESCs) decidualization by downregulating PARP-2 and upregulating caspase-8 proteins. Overexpression of miR-149 in hEECs and downregulated PARP-2 protein expression, reconfirming that PARP-2 is a downstream target of miR-149 in endometrial cells as well. miR-149 is also able to alter the expression of caspase-8, another PARP-2 regulator. In conclusion, our data indicate that miR-149 is one of the regulators of endometrial receptivity and decidualization for trophoblast implantation, and it exerts the effects by acting on the downstream targets PARP-2 and caspase-8.
Identification of a novel endogenous long non-coding RNA that inhibits selenoprotein P translation
Authors: Mita Yuichiro , Uchida Risa , Yasuhara Sayuri , Kishi Kohei , Hoshi Takayuki , Matsuo Yoshitaka , Yokooji Tadashi , Shirakawa Yoshino , Toyama Takashi , Urano Yasuomi , Inada Toshifumi , Noguchi Noriko , Saito Yoshiro
Published: May 2021

Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is a major plasma selenoprotein that contains 10 Sec residues, which is encoded by the UGA stop codon. The mRNA for SELENOP has the unique property of containing two Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) elements, which is located in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR). Here, we coincidentally identified a novel gene, CCDC152, by sequence analysis. This gene was located in the antisense region of the SELENOP gene, including the 3′UTR region in the genome. We demonstrated that this novel gene functioned as a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that decreased SELENOP protein levels via translational rather than transcriptional, regulation. We found that the CCDC152 RNA interacted specifically and directly with the SELENOP mRNA and inhibited its binding to the SECIS-binding protein 2, resulting in the decrease of ribosome binding. We termed this novel gene product lncRNA inhibitor of SELENOP translation (L-IST). Finally, we found that epigallocatechin gallate upregulated L-IST in vitro and in vivo, to suppress SELENOP protein levels. Here, we provide a new regulatory mechanism of SELENOP translation by an endogenous long antisense ncRNA.
A new assay capturing chromosome fusions shows a protection trade-off at telomeres and NHEJ vulnerability to low-density ionizing radiation
Authors: Pobiega Sabrina , Alibert Olivier , Marcand Stéphane
Published: May 2021

Chromosome fusions threaten genome integrity and promote cancer by engaging catastrophic mutational processes, namely chromosome breakage–fusion–bridge cycles and chromothripsis. Chromosome fusions are frequent in cells incurring telomere dysfunctions or those exposed to DNA breakage. Their occurrence and therefore their contribution to genome instability in unchallenged cells is unknown. To address this issue, we constructed a genetic assay able to capture and quantify rare chromosome fusions in budding yeast. This chromosome fusion capture (CFC) assay relies on the controlled inactivation of one centromere to rescue unstable dicentric chromosome fusions. It is sensitive enough to quantify the basal rate of end-to-end chromosome fusions occurring in wild-type cells. These fusions depend on canonical nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). Our results show that chromosome end protection results from a trade-off at telomeres between positive effectors (Rif2, Sir4, telomerase) and a negative effector partially antagonizing them (Rif1). The CFC assay also captures NHEJ-dependent chromosome fusions induced by ionizing radiation. It provides evidence for chromosomal rearrangements stemming from a single photon–matter interaction.
Near-reef zooplankton differs across depths in a subtropical seascape
Authors: Sponaugle S , Goldstein E , Ivory J , Doering K , D’Alessandro E , Guigand C , Cowen R K
Published: May 2021

Our knowledge of zooplankton in proximity to benthic marine habitats is hampered by challenges sampling near complex substrates. To address this, we deployed light traps near the benthos of four depth-specific coral reef ecosystems to measure nocturnal zooplankton abundance and assemblage composition. Replicate light traps at shallow shelf (SS10, <10 m) and deep shelf (DS30, 20–30 m) habitats in the Florida Keys and at mesophotic depths at the Dry Tortugas (DT60, 40–60 m) and Pulley Ridge (PR70, 60–70 m) on the west Florida shelf revealed zooplankton assemblages that differed in both magnitude and composition. SS10 and DS30 were dominated by meroplankton, in contrast to the deeper sites where holoplankton were most abundant. Meroplankton and demersal plankton were significantly more abundant at SS10 and DS30 than at DT60 or PR70. Zooplankton assemblage composition overlapped between SS10 and DS30 depths, but shifted beyond those depths such that PR70 zooplankton assemblages were entirely distinct. DT60 assemblages were intermediate and included taxa with both shallow and deep affinities. Reflecting proximity to adult spawning populations and potentially different zooplankton prey with depth, such depth-related differences in zooplankton assemblages likely impact food availability for benthic organisms with consequences to community composition, habitat quality and population connectivity.
Barley Viridis-k links an evolutionarily conserved C-type ferredoxin to chlorophyll biosynthesis
Authors: Stuart David , Sandström Malin , Youssef Helmy M. , Zakhrabekova Shakhira , Jensen Poul Erik , Bollivar David , Hansson Mats
Published: May 2021

Ferredoxins are single-electron carrier proteins involved in various cellular reactions. In chloroplasts, the most abundant ferredoxin accepts electrons from photosystem I and shuttles electrons via ferredoxin NADP+ oxidoreductase to generate NADPH or directly to ferredoxin dependent enzymes. In addition, plants contain other isoforms of ferredoxins. Two of these, named FdC1 and FdC2 in Arabidopsis thaliana, have C-terminal extensions and functions that are poorly understood. Here we identified disruption of the orthologous FdC2 gene in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) mutants at the Viridis-k locus; these mutants are deficient in the aerobic cyclase reaction of chlorophyll biosynthesis. The magnesium-protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester cyclase is one of the least characterized enzymes of the chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway and its electron donor has long been sought. Agroinfiltrations showed that the viridis-k phenotype could be complemented in vivo by Viridis-k but not by canonical ferredoxin. VirK could drive the cyclase reaction in vitro and analysis of cyclase mutants showed that in vivo accumulation of VirK is dependent on cyclase enzyme levels. The chlorophyll deficient phenotype of viridis-k mutants suggests that VirK plays an essential role in chlorophyll biosynthesis that cannot be replaced by other ferredoxins, thus assigning a specific function to this isoform of C-type ferredoxins.
Governing in a Polarized Era: Federalism and the Response of U.S. State and Federal Governments to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Birkland Thomas A , Taylor Kristin , Crow Deserai A , DeLeo Rob
Published: May 2021

How does the state of American federalism explain responses to COVID-19? State-by-state variations to the COVID-19 pandemic illustrate the political dynamics of “kaleidoscopic federalism,” under which there is no single prevailing principle of federalism. In the COVID-19 pandemic, features of kaleidoscopic federalism combined with shortcomings in the public health system under the Trump administration, leading to fragmented responses to the pandemic among the states. Federalism alone does not explain the shortcomings of the United States’ response to the pandemic. Rather, the fragmented response was driven by state partisanship, which shaped state public health interventions and resulted in differences in public health outcomes. This has sobering implications for American federalism because state-level partisan differences yield different and unequal responses to the pandemic.
HepCCATT: a multilevel intervention for hepatitis C among vulnerable populations in Chicago
Authors: Tilmon Sandra , Aronsohn A , Boodram B , Canary L , Goel S , Hamlish T , Kemble S , Lauderdale D S , Layden J , Lee K , Millman A J , Nelson N , Ritger K , Rodriguez I , Shurupova N , Wolf J , Johnson D
Published: May 2021

Background

Hepatitis C infection could be eliminated. Underdiagnosis and lack of treatment are the barriers to cure, especially for vulnerable populations (i.e. unable to pay for health care).

Methods

A multilevel intervention from September 2014 to September 2019 focused on the providers and organizations in ‘the safety net’ (providing health care to populations unable to pay), including: (i) public education, (ii) training for primary care providers (PCPs) and case managers, (iii) case management for high-risk populations, (iv) policy advice and (v) a registry (Registry) for 13 health centers contributing data. The project tracked the number of PCPs trained and, among Registry sites, the number of people screened, engaged in care (i.e. clinical follow-up after diagnosis), treated and/or cured.

Results

In Chicago, 215 prescribing PCPs and 56 other health professionals, 86% of whom work in the safety net, were trained to manage hepatitis C. Among Registry sites, there was a 137% increase in antibody screening and a 32% increase in current hepatitis C diagnoses. Engagement in care rose by 18%.

Conclusions

Hepatitis C Community Alliance to Test and Treat (HepCCATT) successfully targeted safety net providers and organizations with a comprehensive care approach. While there were challenges, HepCCATT observed increased hepatitis C screening, diagnosis and engagement in care in the Chicago community.
Use and benefits associated with state marketing programs
Authors: Chakrabarti Anwesha , Campbell Benjamin , Rabinowitz Adam N , Brewer Brady
Published: May 2021

Many states devote to state-based marketing programs with goals of increasing demand for local products. Utilizing data from a survey of northeastern U.S. producers, we evaluate producer and farm characteristics that affect awareness and participation in state-based marketing programs. Increased sales were the main reason for program participation by producers. Main nonuser barriers to Buy Local participation is small production and believing there is no benefit in the program for both Buy Local and Farmers’ Market participation. Furthermore, agricultural activities as well as farm characteristics are significant determinants of marketing program participation. Notably, business type and type of operation were consistently significant indicators of awareness and participation across marketing program. States that are wanting to increase local food consumption need to increase awareness of these programs, clarify the benefit to the farmers, and be more targeted to the farmers that the program may benefit.
Systematic review of context-aware digital behavior change interventions to improve health
Authors: Thomas Craig Kelly J , Morgan Laura C , Chen Ching-Hua , Michie Susan , Fusco Nicole , Snowdon Jane L , Scheufele Elisabeth , Gagliardi Thomas , Sill Stewart
Published: May 2021

Health risk behaviors are leading contributors to morbidity, premature mortality associated with chronic diseases, and escalating health costs. However, traditional interventions to change health behaviors often have modest effects, and limited applicability and scale. To better support health improvement goals across the care continuum, new approaches incorporating various smart technologies are being utilized to create more individualized digital behavior change interventions (DBCIs). The purpose of this study is to identify context-aware DBCIs that provide individualized interventions to improve health. A systematic review of published literature (2013–2020) was conducted from multiple databases and manual searches. All included DBCIs were context-aware, automated digital health technologies, whereby user input, activity, or location influenced the intervention. Included studies addressed explicit health behaviors and reported data of behavior change outcomes. Data extracted from studies included study design, type of intervention, including its functions and technologies used, behavior change techniques, and target health behavior and outcomes data. Thirty-three articles were included, comprising mobile health (mHealth) applications, Internet of Things wearables/sensors, and internet-based web applications. The most frequently adopted behavior change techniques were in the groupings of feedback and monitoring, shaping knowledge, associations, and goals and planning. Technologies used to apply these in a context-aware, automated fashion included analytic and artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning and symbolic reasoning) methods requiring various degrees of access to data. Studies demonstrated improvements in physical activity, dietary behaviors, medication adherence, and sun protection practices. Context-aware DBCIs effectively supported behavior change to improve users’ health behaviors.
Blood cancer caregiving during COVID-19: understanding caregivers’ needs
Authors: Fisher Carla L , Wright Kevin B , Hampton Chelsea N , Vasquez Taylor S , Kastrinos Amanda , Applebaum Allison J , Sae-Hau Maria , Weiss Elisa S , Lincoln Greg , Bylund Carma L
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic likely exacerbated caregiving challenges for caregivers of parents diagnosed with a blood cancer. Providing care during a public health crisis presents a complex web of uncertainties regarding cancer care, personal health, and COVID-19 risk. Identifying caregivers’ uncertainty experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic can be a first step in learning where to direct resources or alter policies to ensure that they can not only perform their caregiver role but also cope in health-promoting ways. Using uncertainty management theory, this study explored how the pandemic has impacted adult child caregivers’ experiences caring for a parent diagnosed with a blood cancer, as well as their experiences of uncertainty and uncertainty management. As part of a larger study on blood cancer caregivers’ needs, a survey was administered from March 30 to June 1, 2020, to recruit caregivers through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A qualitative and quantitative content analysis was conducted on open-ended responses from 84 caregivers. Caregivers described changes illustrating the complexity of providing care during a pandemic: (a) increased fears and uncertainty-related distress, b) reduced in-person care opportunities, (c) increased isolation, and (d) enhanced family communication. Caregivers with parents diagnosed with acute blood cancers used significantly more uncertainty management strategies and had more sources of uncertainty than caregivers with parents living with chronic blood cancer types. Findings highlight the need for supportive services to help caregivers manage uncertainty and improve their capacity to provide care in an unpredictable global health crisis. Such support may reduce poor psychosocial outcomes.
Organochlorine Pesticide Dieldrin Suppresses Cellular Interferon-Related Antiviral Gene Expression
Authors: Russo Max , Humes Sara T , Figueroa Ariana M , Tagmount Abderrahmane , Zhang Ping , Loguinov Alex , Lednicky John A , Sabo-Attwood Tara , Vulpe Chris D , Liu Bin
Published: May 2021

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent pollutants linked to diverse adverse health outcomes. Environmental exposure to OCPs has been suggested to negatively impact the immune system but their effects on cellular antiviral responses remain unknown. Transcriptomic analysis of N27 rat dopaminergic neuronal cells unexpectedly detected high level expression of genes in the interferon (IFN)-related antiviral response pathways including the IFN-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 and 2 (Ifit1/2) and the MX Dynamin Like GTPases Mx1 and Mx2. Interestingly, treatment of N27 cells with dieldrin markedly downregulated the expression of many of these genes. Dieldrin exterted a similar effect in inhibiting IFIT2 and MX1 gene expression in human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells induced by an RNA viral mimic, polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) and IFIT2/3 gene expression in human pulmonary epithelial cells exposed to human influenza H1N1 virus. Mechanistically, dieldrin induced a rapid rise in levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) and a decrease in intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels in SH-SY5Y cells. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant and GSH biosynthesis precursor, effectively blocked both dieldrin-induced increases in iROS and its inhibition of poly I:C-induced upregulation of IFIT and MX gene expression, suggesting a role for intracellular oxidative status in dieldrin’s modulation of antiviral gene expression. This study demonstrates that dieldrin modulates key genes of the cellular innate immune responses that are normally involved in the host’s cellular defense against viral infections. Our findings have potential relevance to understanding the organismal effects of environmentally persistent organochlorine contaminants on the mammalian cellular immune system.
HbLFG1, a Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis) Lifeguard Protein, Can Facilitate Powdery Mildew Infection by Suppressing Plant Immunity
Authors: Li Xiao , Li Sipeng , Liu Yuhan , He Qiguang , Liu Wenbo , Lin Chunhua , Miao Weiguo
Published: May 2021

Powdery mildew causes substantial losses in crop and economic plant yields worldwide. Although powdery mildew infection of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis), caused by the biotrophic fungus Erysiphe quercicola, severely threatens natural rubber production, little is known about the mechanism by which E. quercicola adapts to H. brasiliensis to invade the host plant. In barley and Arabidopsis thaliana, lifeguard (LFG) proteins, which have topological similarity to BAX INHIBITOR-1, are involved in host plant susceptibility to powdery mildew infection. In this study, we characterized an H. brasiliensis LFG protein (HbLFG1) with a focus on its function in regulating defense against powdery mildew. HbLFG1 gene expression was found to be upregulated during E. quercicola infection. HbLFG1 showed conserved functions in cell death inhibition and membrane localization. Expression of HbLFG1 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and A. thaliana Col-0 was demonstrated to significantly suppress callose deposition induced by conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns chitin and flg22. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of HbLFG1 in H. brasiliensis mesophyll protoplasts significantly suppressed the chitin-induced burst of reactive oxygen species. Although A. thaliana Col-0 and E. quercicola displayed an incompatible interaction, Col-0 transformants overexpressing HbLFG1 were shown to be susceptible to E. quercicola. Collectively, the findings of this study provide evidence that HbLFG1 acts as a negative regulator of plant immunity that facilitates E. quercicola infection in H. brasiliensis.
Risk Factors for Corneal Striae in Eyes After Glaucoma Surgery
Authors: Birnbaum Faith A. , Mirzania Delaram , Swaminathan Swarup S. , Davis Andrew R. , Perez Victor L. , Herndon Leon W.
Published: May 2021

Précis:

Eyes with corneal striae had steeper cornea, induced astigmatism, and higher corneal hysteresis (CH), which implies a relationship between striae, corneal shape, and the cornea’s resistance to deformation at low intraocular pressures (IOPs).

Background:

Anterior corneal striae (ACS) are associated with low IOP. However, the clinical significance of ACS is unclear. Here, we aim to evaluate differences in eyes with striae compared with eyes without striae.

Methods:

Adults with ACS (cases) and without ACS (controls) ≥8 weeks after glaucoma surgery with an IOP ≤10 mm Hg were enrolled. Optical coherence tomography and optical biometry were performed. CH, defined as the difference in pressure between corneal indentation and reformation in response to an air jet, was obtained by the ocular response analyzer. Hypotony maculopathy (HM) was defined as optic disc swelling, vascular tortuosity attributed to hypotony, or clinical presence of chorioretinal folds confirmed on OCT.

Results:

One hundred sixteen eyes (76 cases, 40 controls) were included. Cases had a lower IOP compared with controls (6.5±2.3 vs. 8.5±1, P<0.0001). A 1 mm Hg increase in CH increased ACS odds [odds ratio (OR)=1.51, P=0.01]. A 1 D increase in the flattest presurgical and postsurgical corneal power increased ACS odds by 1.83 (P=0.01) and 1.41 (P=0.02), respectively. Astigmatism increased in eyes with ACS by 1.11 D (P<0.001). ACS odds were increased with every 1 minute increase in mitomycin-C duration (OR=1.58, P=0.047) and decreased with the use of topical glaucoma medication (OR=0.62, P=0.03). Visual acuity decreased from logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution 0.22 (20/33 Snellen) presurgery to 0.28 (20/38) postsurgery (P=0.008), independent of ACS. HM occurred in 19% of cases (P=0.05). A higher postsurgical CH increased HM odds (OR=1.8, P=0.003). HM predicted a 0.41 mm decrease in axial length (P<0.0001), independent of IOP.

Conclusion:

ACS were associated with a steeper cornea, induced astigmatism, and higher CH, suggesting a relationship between striae, corneal shape, and the cornea’s ability to resist deformations at lower IOP. CH, HM, and axial length shortening were associated independently of IOP.
A Comparison of Patient Acceptance of 3 Eye Drop Instillation Aids
Authors: Zhu Catherine Q. , Sadlak Natalie , Fiorello Marissa G. , Lee Deborah , Desai Manishi
Published: May 2021

Precis:

Patients can be quite amenable to using eye drop instillation aids. We should consider recommending these devices to patients who otherwise struggle with drop instillation and medication adherence.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare patient acceptance of 3 commercially available eye drop instillation aids in a diverse tertiary care population.

Methods:

In this prospective, randomized controlled study, 39 patients being treated with topical antihypertensives were assigned to Arm A (no intervention) or Arm B (AutoDrop, AutoSqueeze, or SimplyTouch). Subjects in Arm B were instructed to administer their eye drop with the assigned drop aid at every use for ~6 weeks. Satisfaction surveys were administered at 3 and 6 weeks, where patients also reported the number of drops missed.

Results:

Thirty-two of 39 subjects completed study participation and full data analysis. Within this total group, 24 subjects were randomized to drop aids (AutoDrop N=10, AutoSqueeze N=8, SimplyTouch N=6), and 8 were randomized to no drop aid. At the 3 and 6-week timepoints, patients found instillation easier with AutoDrop (70.0%, 60.0%) followed by the AutoSqueeze (62.5%, 75.0%), and lastly SimplyTouch (33.3%, 33.3%). For the AutoSqueeze, the mean number of drops missed with and without the drop aid were significantly different (P=0.015 at 3 wk, P=0.008 at 6 wk). There was no difference in the mean number of drops missed with the AutoDrop and SimplyTouch at either timepoint.

Conclusions:

For the AutoDrop and AutoSqueeze groups, over 60% of the patients found the devices helpful and would consider using them long-term. Our results suggest that patients would be amenable to using eye drop instillation aids, although more objective data is needed to determine whether these devices would improve medication compliance and clinical outcomes.
A Review of Unintended Pregnancy in Opioid-Using Women
Authors: Auerbach Samantha L. , Agbemenu Kafuli , Ely Gretchen E. , Lorenz Rebecca
Published: May 2021

Background

Opioid use among reproductive-age women has greatly increased, resulting in high rates of opioid-exposed pregnancies, which are associated with negative outcomes, such as neonatal abstinence syndrome. Prevention of unintended pregnancy among opioid users is a critical pathway to reducing opioid-exposed pregnancies; however, little is known about pregnancy intention in this group. This article estimates the prevalence of unintended pregnancy among opioid-using women, thereby supporting efforts to develop interventions to reduce unintended pregnancy.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses framework. Reference lists of articles were searched. Eligibility criteria included reported unintended pregnancy rates within a population of opioid-using women of reproductive age. The search was completed in July 2018 and updated in October 2019.

Results

We identified 115 citations, screened 64 titles/abstracts, reviewed 31 full-text articles, and included 12 articles for this review. Rates of unintended pregnancy in opioid users were estimated in two ways, across the lifetime and for a current pregnancy, depending on study samples. Rates for both groups were high, with rates among currently pregnant opioid-using women (85%) compared with 45% among the general population.

Conclusions and Implications

Unintended pregnancy rates in opioid-using women were strikingly high, indicating a critical need for intervention. Routine inclusion of pregnancy planning in opioid treatment care is indicated. Education regarding contraception and opioid treatment services is essential for nurses in these settings. Family planning and opioid treatment efforts can be optimized by care coordination, with focus on nurse training for screening and patient education.
Motivational Interviewing Training for Advanced Practice Nursing Students to Address Prescription Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: McMorrow Madeline C. , Chang Yu-Ping
Published: May 2021

Prescription opioid use disorder in the United States has increased to epidemic proportions and poses a challenging problem to health care providers. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a patient-centered counseling style that can effectively reduce substance abuse, but MI training has not been well incorporated into advanced practice nursing curricula. Standardized patient (SP) simulation is an educational tool that is growing in popularity because of its success in improving nursing skills. Medical students and residents who underwent a formalized MI training with an SP simulation showed positive results. This study aimed to determine whether an MI training with an SP simulation improved NP students' knowledge, confidence, and skills in MI. A one-group pretest–posttest repeated measures design was used. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results indicated that the MI training showed a significant impact on students' confidence in MI and promising impacts on students' MI knowledge and skills. Students valued the training, favoring the SP component, and plan to use MI in future practice. An MI training can be effectively incorporated into an advanced practice nursing program and would better prepare students to address prescription opioid use disorder and effectively encourage behavior change among their patients.
An Opioid Education Program for Baccalaureate Nursing Students
Authors: Hines Cheryl B. , Cody Shameka L. , Eyer Joshua C. , Coupe Landry
Published: May 2021

Background

Unintentional drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Previous research identified training health caregivers in the rescue medication naloxone as a strategy to prevent death from opioid overdose. Existing research on naloxone training with nursing students is limited. This educational research project investigated whether training on opioids, opioid toxicity, and overdose response could impact student knowledge, skills, and confidence responding to overdoses.

Method

Data were collected from baccalaureate nursing students using three sources: the Brief Opioid Overdose Knowledge questionnaire, a rubric based on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration opioid overdose prevention toolkit, and a researcher-developed evaluation.

Results

Planned repeated-measures analyses of variance conducted on data from 284 baccalaureate students indicated high uptake of knowledge and skills for opioid toxicity and naloxone administration. Results were maintained with slight enhancement at 1 week, and training was highly rated. Cohort analysis suggests efficacy across semesters.

Conclusion

Education improved student opioid knowledge, skills, and confidence and was relevant across undergraduate nursing curricula.
Comparable HIV suppression by pegylated-IFN-α2a or pegylated-IFN-α2b during a 4-week analytical treatment interruption
Authors: Papasavvas Emmanouil , Azzoni Livio , Ross Brian N. , Fair Matthew , Howell Bonnie J. , Hazuda Daria J. , Mounzer Karam , Kostman Jay R. , Tebas Pablo , Montaner Luis J.
Published: May 2021

We report on the post-hoc analysis of three clinical studies (NCT01935089, NCT00594880 and NCT00051818) with chronically HIV-infected, immune-reconstituted individuals with similar entry criteria, and demographics interrupting antiretroviral therapy (ART) without or with 5 weeks of weekly pegylated (Peg)-IFN-α2b or Peg-IFN-α2a immunotherapy added onto ART. Results show similar rates of viral suppression between both immunotherapies when continued during a 4-week ART interruption, despite Peg-IFN-α2a maintaining significantly higher trough blood levels.
Assessing comorbidities and survival in HIV-infected and uninfected matched Medicare enrollees
Authors: Yu Xiaoying , Westra Jordan R. , Giordano Thomas P. , Berenson Abbey B. , Baillargeon Jacques G. , Kuo Yong-Fang
Published: May 2021

Objective:

People with HIV infection experience excessive mortality compared with their noninfected counterparts. It is unclear whether the impact of HIV infection on mortality varies by comorbidities or whether sex difference exists in this relationship. This study assessed the effect of newly diagnosed HIV infection on overall mortality among Medicare beneficiaries for both disabled and older adults (≥65 years old) based on their original entitlement.

Methods:

We constructed a retrospective matched cohort using a 5% nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries between 1996 and 2015. People with incident HIV diagnoses were individually matched to up to three controls based on demographics. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for baseline demographics and comorbidities were used to assess the effect of HIV status on survival among four disabled groups by sex strata. Within each stratum, interactions between comorbidity variables and HIV status were examined.

Results:

People with HIV, especially older women, had a higher prevalence of baseline comorbidities than controls. HIV--mortality association varied according to sex in older adults (P = 0.004). Comorbidity--HIV interactions were more pronounced in disabled groups (P < 0.0001). People with HIV with more chronic conditions had a less pronounced increase in the risk of death than those with fewer conditions, compared with uninfected controls.

Conclusion:

Medicare enrollees with newly diagnosed HIV had more prevalent baseline comorbidities and were at higher risk of death than people without HIV. HIV infection has a more pronounced effect among those with fewer comorbidities. Sex differences in HIV--mortality association exist among older Medicare enrollees.
Donor Warm Ischemia Time in DCD Liver Transplantation—Working Group Report From the ILTS DCD, Liver Preservation, and Machine Perfusion Consensus Conference
Authors: Kalisvaart Marit , Croome Kristopher P. , Hernandez-Alejandro Roberto , Pirenne Jacques , Cortés-Cerisuelo Miriam , Miñambres Eduardo , Abt Peter L.
Published: May 2021

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) grafts are commonly used in liver transplantation. Attributable to the additional ischemic event during the donor warm ischemia time (DWIT), DCD grafts carry an increased risk for severe ischemia/reperfusion injury and postoperative complications, such as ischemic cholangiopathy. The actual ischemia during DWIT depends on the course of vital parameters after withdrawal of life support and varies widely between donors. The ischemic period (functional DWIT) starts when either Spo
2 or blood pressure drop below a certain point and lasts until the start of cold perfusion during organ retrieval. Over the years, multiple definitions and thresholds of functional DWIT duration have been used. The International Liver Transplantation Society organized a Consensus Conference on DCD, Liver Preservation, and Machine Perfusion on January 31, 2020 in Venice, Italy. The aim of this conference was to reach consensus about various aspects of DCD liver transplantation in context of currently available evidence. Here we present the recommendations with regards to the definitions used for DWIT and functional DWIT, the importance of vital parameters after withdrawal of life support, and acceptable thresholds of duration of functional DWIT to proceed with liver transplantation.