bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban Sexualities
Authors: Hubbard Phil
Published: October 2020

Sex and related questions of sexual reproduction and coupling have been an important focus for the social sciences since the 1960s and 1970s when sociologists, gay activists, and feminists first began to argue that sexuality is socially constructed, and not innate. The discipline of urban studies adds to such accounts by demonstrating that sexuality is also spatially constructed, with peoples’ sexual identities and desires influenced in various ways their upbringing, surroundings, and neighbourhood of residence in the city. Additionally, it brings to the fore the idea that cities offer more freedom than traditional rural communities in terms of possible sexual lifestyles, with larger cities exhibiting a diverse range of sexualized spaces (e.g., adult entertainment centers, sex clubs, gay bars, brothels) which act as the focus for sometimes niche sexual practices and identities. The way these different sexualities are made visible (or not) in the cityscape is revealing of the way these sexualities are regarded as either ‘normal’ or in some way ‘deviant.’ This noted, the study of sexuality in urban studies has generally been eclipsed by more traditional preoccupations with class and race. However, there has been gradual—if sometimes grudging—acknowledgment that questions of sex and sexuality matter when addressing the complexity of urban processes. This is most obvious in those studies of lesbian, gay, and bisexual life which have honed in on the importance of specific neighborhoods in LGBTQ life. Here studies of LGBTQ residence in a range of Western cities (notably San Francisco, New York, Berlin, Sydney, and Amsterdam, but also some smaller cities and towns including Provincetown, US and Hebden Bridgem UK) highlighted the importance of neighborhood spaces in the social, economic, and political life of those whose lives fall outside the heterosexual ‘norm.’ In time, the realization that many of these spaces of residence were also key sites of gentrification helped to bring the investigation of sexuality into dialogue with unfolding debates in urban and regional studies about the role of culture and lifestyle in driving processes of capital accumulation. Beyond the explication of changing LGBTQ residential geographies, ‘queer theory’ has also contributed to urban studies by foregrounding the importance of LGBTQ sexual identities and practices in processes such as global city migration, city branding, and urban tourism, engaging with debates on urban encounter, race, and gender in the process. Although still small in number, studies have also begun to explore the way that different heterosexualities are distributed across the public and private city, from the quiet spaces of suburbia to the ‘hot’ adult entertainment districts where varied—and sometimes criminalized—sexual pleasures can be bought and sold. In all of this there is an increasing focus on the mediated nature of sexuality, based on the understanding that urban sexual encounters and relationships are often arranged or conducted in the online realm via dating apps and platform technologies.
Urban Soundscapes
Authors: Mansell James
Published: October 2020

The word “soundscape” is associated with composer and music scholar R. Murray Schafer and his World Soundscape Project at Simon Fraser University, Canada. Schafer describes the soundscape as “any acoustic field of study.” He argues that, “We may speak of a musical composition as a soundscape, or a radio program as a soundscape or an acoustic environment as a soundscape.” Despite this wide potential, the term has come to be used mostly in relation to the last of these categories, prompted by Schafer’s own explanation of the soundscape as the auditory equivalent of landscape. Schafer argued that modern industrial environments were increasingly polluted by noise, causing harm to human health, culture, and communication. He wanted more thoughtful planning of sound environments as well as the preservation of traditional and natural soundscapes, aims which crystallized in the “acoustic ecology” movement. Schafer provided categories for analyzing and planning soundscapes: “keynote” sounds, “the anchor or fundamental tone” in the background of a soundscape which we may not always notice; foreground “signals” which we listen to consciously; and “soundmarks” which, like landmarks, lend uniqueness to a soundscape. In an urban context, motor traffic might form the keynote (though according to Schafer, an unhealthy one), with sirens, alarms, and religious sounds functioning as signals. What counts as a soundmark is more varied, depending on the cultural listening practices of a community. A church or town hall bell might be a signal, but if it comes to take on special meaning to a community, as in the case of London’s Big Ben clock chimes, it becomes a soundmark and “deserves to be protected, for soundmarks make the acoustic life of the community unique.” Schafer’s way of thinking about sound as both a physical environment and a culture of listening has been influential, inspiring sound recordists, composers, and artists as much as acousticians, architects, and urban planners. It has also underpinned strands of thinking in the interdisciplinary field of sound studies as it has grown since 2000. Contributions to the study of urban soundscapes come from all these directions and more, making it a highly diverse area in disciplinary and methodological terms. Publications on urban sound inspired by these developments may make little reference to Schafer or even to the term soundscape, but are included here because they nevertheless contribute to what may be understood as the field of urban soundscape studies in its broadest sense.
Kyiv
Authors: Betlii Olena
Published: October 2020

Urban studies is still an undeveloped field in Ukraine, partly as a result of a lack of field institutionalization at Ukrainian universities. On the other hand, only in the early 21st century, urban challenges became a subject of interest of urban activists who started raising questions regarding strategic developments of Ukrainian cities. Thanks to that, the urban agenda has become visible and discussible on some independent research institutions or media platforms. Scholarship on Kyiv is a good illustration of this situation. There are not that many scholarly works dedicated exclusively to Kyiv. Ukrainian historians quite often address Kyiv issues in their research on a more general Ukrainian context. Western historians, focusing on the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union, mention Kyiv in their work but rarely choose this city as a main subject of examination. This article will introduce the reader to themes examined by scholars who have studied the history or current development of Kyiv. The majority of these studies are written in Ukrainian and have never been translated into English. Considering the emerging status of Kyiv studies, this article attempts to strike a balance between being inclusive and, at the same time, selective. A number of the sources cited here are the only existing examinations of a certain topic. Most of the citations refer to books, with just a handful of articles listed in this article. Papers written by Ukrainian historians are typically very short and do not analyze their topics deeply enough to be mentioned in a citation. Western scholars usually finalize their research in book-length publications, and their research on Kyiv is cited in this article. This article is divided into several topical sections, within which citations are organized chronologically, covering the time period from the medieval history of Kyiv to the present day. This article demonstrates that the late imperial history of Kyiv has been researched the best. There will likely be even more scholarship on this period due to the fact that Kyiv archives are rich and open to researchers, and their records have even been published online. In contrast, the Soviet period is barely touched by urban scholars. It is still uncertain to what degree the current challenges of Kyiv’s development will be reflected in scholarship in the near future. In order to get any further updates on the topic, one might consult the publisher Varto, which specializes in Kyiv literature.
Doctors’ attitudes to patient occupation information in four hospital specialties
Authors: Bayliss C , Champion A , Nwokedi E , Thanikasalam R
Published: October 2020

Background

Although we do not know how often doctors enquire about their patients’ work, evidence suggests that occupation is often not recorded in clinical notes. There is a lack of research into doctors’ views on the importance of patient occupation or their educational needs in this area.

Aims

To assess doctors’ attitudes to using patient occupation information for care-planning and to determine doctors’ need for specific training in occupational health.

Methods

We undertook a cross-sectional survey of doctors in cardiology, obstetrics and gynaecology, oncology and orthopaedics. Our questionnaire explored attitudes of the doctors to asking patients about their occupational status, their training and competency to do so, and their training needs in occupational health.

Results

The response rate was 42/46 (91%). Obstetrics and gynaecology 6/9 (67%) and oncology doctors 3/6 (50%) reported enquiring about the nature of patients’ occupations’ ‘most of the time’/‘always’ and that it rarely influenced clinical decisions. This contrasted with orthopaedic doctors 12/12 (100%) and cardiology doctors 14/15 (93%). Although 19/42 (45%) participants felt it was important to ask patients their occupation, only 10/42 (24%) ‘always’ asked patients about their work. The majority of participants 29/41 (71%) reported receiving no training in occupational health, but 37/42 (88%) considered that some training would be useful.

Conclusions

Training on the importance of occupation and its’ role as a clinical outcome in care-planning, might help doctors feel more competent in discussing the impact of health on work with patients.
Elasticities of taxable income and adjustment costs: bunching evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Alinaghi Nazila , Creedy John , Gemmell Norman
Published: October 2020

This article obtains elasticity of taxable income (ETI) estimates using data for NZ over the period, 2001–2017, and using the connection between the ETI and excess bunching at income tax thresholds. Results are reported for the top two thresholds in the tax schedule and for various taxpayer types. Adjustments to tax changes are investigated by comparing ETIs obtained from persistent bunching at thresholds when the tax regime is unchanged, with transitory values associated with specific tax reforms. Results suggest substantial bunching around both tax kinks, with ETIs of around 0.2–0.3 across all taxpayers. Evidence suggests large responses by the self-employed, with ETIs of around 0.8–1.0. No significant differences between males and females were found. Adjustment costs and/or inattention biases associated with a shift in a tax threshold were equivalent initially to around 18% (declining to 6%) of the observed excess mass at the post-reform threshold.
Phosphatidylserine Synthase from Salicornia europaea Is Involved in Plant Salt Tolerance by Regulating Plasma Membrane Stability
Authors: Lv Sulian , Tai Fang , Guo Jie , Jiang Ping , Lin Kangqi , Wang Duoliya , Zhang Xuan , Li Yinxin
Published: October 2020

Salinity-induced lipid alterations have been reported in many plant species; however, how lipid biosynthesis and metabolism are regulated and how lipids work in plant salt tolerance are much less studied. Here, a constitutively much higher phosphatidylserine (PS) content in the plasma membrane (PM) was found in the euhalophyte Salicornia europaea than in Arabidopsis. A gene encoding PS synthase (PSS) was subsequently isolated from S. europaea, named SePSS, which was induced by salinity. Multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis suggested that SePSS belongs to a base exchange-type PSS, which localises to the endoplasmic reticulum. Knockdown of SePSS in S. europaea suspension cells resulted in reduced PS content, decreased cell survival rate, and increased PM depolarization and K+ efflux under 400 or 800 mM NaCl. By contrast, the upregulation of SePSS leads to increased PS and phosphatidylethanolamine levels and enhanced salt tolerance in Arabidopsis, along with a lower accumulation of reactive oxygen species, less membrane injury, less PM depolarization and higher K+/Na+ in the transgenic lines than in wild-type (WT). These results suggest a positive correlation between PS levels and plant salt tolerance, and that SePSS participates in plant salt tolerance by regulating PS levels, hence PM potential and permeability, which help maintain ion homeostasis. Our work provides a potential strategy for improving plant growth under multiple stresses.
Health Care Provider Utilization of Prescription Monitoring Programs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Robinson Alysia , Wilson Maria N , Hayden Jill A , Rhodes Emily , Campbell Samuel , MacDougall Peter , Asbridge Mark
Published: October 2020

Objective

To synthesize the literature on the proportion of health care providers who access and use prescription monitoring program data in their practice, as well as associated barriers to the use of such data.

Design

We performed a systematic review using a standard systematic review method with meta-analysis and qualitative meta-summary. We included full-published peer-reviewed reports of study data, as well as theses and dissertations.

Methods

We identified relevant quantitative and qualitative studies. We synthesized outcomes related to prescription monitoring program data use (i.e., ever used, frequency of use). We pooled the proportion of health care providers who had ever used prescription monitoring program data by using random effects models, and we used meta-summary methodology to identify prescription monitoring program use barriers.

Results

Fifty-three studies were included in our review, all from the United States. Of these, 46 reported on prescription monitoring program use and 32 reported on barriers. The pooled proportion of health care providers who had ever used prescription monitoring program data was 0.57 (95% confidence interval: 0.48–0.66). Common barriers to prescription monitoring program data use included time constraints and administrative burdens, low perceived value of prescription monitoring program data, and problems with prescription monitoring program system usability.

Conclusions

Our study found that health care providers underutilize prescription monitoring program data and that many barriers exist to prescription monitoring program data use.
Promoter engineering for microbial bio-alkane gas production
Authors: Trisrivirat Duangthip , Hughes John M X , Hoeven Robin , Faulkner Matthew , Toogood Helen , Chaiyen Pimchai , Scrutton Nigel S
Published: October 2020

Successful industrial biotechnological solutions to biofuels and other chemicals production rely on effective competition with existing lower-cost natural sources and synthetic chemistry approaches enabled by adopting low-cost bioreactors and processes. This is achievable by mobilizing Halomonas as a next generation industrial chassis, which can be cultivated under non-sterile conditions. To increase the cost effectiveness of an existing sustainable low carbon bio-propane production strategy, we designed and screened a constitutive promoter library based on the known strong porin promoter from Halomonas. Comparative studies were performed between Escherichia coli and Halomonas using the reporter gene red fluorescent protein (RFP). Later studies with a fatty acid photodecarboxylase-RFP fusion protein demonstrated tuneable propane production in Halomonas and E. coli, with an ∼8-fold improvement in yield over comparable isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside-inducible systems. This novel set of promoters is a useful addition to the synthetic biology toolbox for future engineering of Halomonas to make chemicals and fuels.
The impact of cow size on cow-calf and postweaning progeny performance in the Nebraska Sandhills
Authors: Ziegler Robert L , Musgrave Jacki A , Meyer Tanya L , Funston Rick N , Dennis Elliott J , Hanford Kathryn J , MacDonald James C , Mulliniks J Travis
Published: October 2020

Optimizing beef production system efficiency requires an understanding of genetic potential suitable for a given production environment. Therefore, the objective of this retrospective analysis was to determine the influence of cow body weight (BW) adjusted to a common body condition score (BCS) of 5 at weaning-influenced cow-calf performance and postweaning steer and heifer progeny performance. Data were collected at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, Whitman, NE, on crossbred, mature cows (n = 1,607) from 2005 to 2017. Cow BCS at calving, prebreeding, and weaning were positively associated (P < 0.01) with greater cow BW. Increasing cow BW was positively associated (P < 0.01) with the percentage of cows that conceived during a 45-d breeding season. For every additional 100-kg increase in cow BW, calf BW increased (P < 0.01) at birth by 2.70 kg and adjusted 205-d weaning BW by 14.76 kg. Calf preweaning average daily gain (ADG) increased (P < 0.01) 0.06 kg/d for every additional 100-kg increase in cow BW. Heifer progeny BW increased (P < 0.01) postweaning with every additional 100-kg increase in dam BW. Dam BW did not influence (P ≥ 0.11) heifer puberty status prior to breeding, overall pregnancy rates, or the percentage of heifers calving in the first 21 d of the calving season. Steer initial feedlot BW increased by 7.20 kg, reimplant BW increased by 10.47 kg, and final BW increased by 10.29 kg (P ≤ 0.01) for every additional 100-kg increase in dam BW. However, steer feedlot ADG was not influenced (P > 0.67) by dam BW. Hot carcass weights of steers were increased (P = 0.01) by 6.48 kg with every additional 100-kg increase in cow BW. In a hypothetical model using the regression coefficients from this study, regardless of pricing method, cow-calf producers maximize the highest amount of profit by selecting smaller cows. Overall, larger-sized cows within this herd and production system of the current study had increased reproductive performance and offspring BW; however, total production output and economic returns would be potentially greater when utilizing smaller-sized cows.
Toxoplasma oocysts in the soil of public places worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Maleki Bahman , Ahmadi Nayebali , Olfatifar Meysam , Gorgipour Mohammad , Taghipour Ali , Abdoli Amir , Khorshidi Ali , Foroutan Masoud , Mirzapour Aliyar
Published: October 2020

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic and cosmopolitan infection. Although a few studies have evaluated the prevalence of Toxoplasma oocysts in the soil of public places, the present study was conducted to provide insights into environmental contamination levels and its potential transmission to humans on a global scale. A systematic search was conducted using bibliographic databases through 30 August 2020. A random effects model was utilized to estimate pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis and meta-regressions were also performed on the geographical and environmental parameters. Finally, 22 articles, wherein 15 420 soil samples were examined, met the systematic review and meta-analysis requirements. The mean pooled prevalence of Toxoplasma oocysts was estimated at 16% (95% CI 10 to 26) in public places. The estimated prevalences in Europe, South America, Asia and North America were 23% (95% CI 4 to 65), 22% (95% CI 18 to 26), 15% (95% CI 0.06 to 33) and 8% (95% CI 0.00 to 97), respectively. An increasing trend was observed in the prevalence of Toxoplasma oocysts with increasing latitude (41–56°), decreasing longitude (0–40°) and increasing relative humidity (≥76%). Loop-mediated isothermal amplification and polymerase chain reaction methods revealed the highest and lowest prevalence rates, respectively, in the detection of Toxoplasma oocysts. Awareness of the health authorities and people about Toxoplasma prevalence in the soil of public places and its risk factors is of great importance to developing effective strategies to prevent infection.
Novel Disease Host Resistances in the World Core Collection of Trifolium subterraneum
Authors: You Ming Pei , Nichols Phillip G. H. , Katusiime Roseline , Barbetti Martin J.
Published: October 2020

Glasshouse and field investigations of the phenotypic expressions of resistance of a 97-member World Core Collection of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) collected from its native Mediterranean habitat and representing approximately 80% of the total genetic diversity within the known 10,000 accessions of the species against the most important damping-off and root rot (Phytophthora clandestina, and Pythium irregulare) and foliar (Kabatiella caulivora, Uromyces trifolii-repentis, and Erysiphe trifoliorum) pathogens were performed. An additional 28 diverse cultivars were also included. Associations of these genotypes among 18 disease parameters and 17 morphological traits, and among these disease parameters and 24 climatic and eco-geographic variables from their collection sites, were examined. Many genotypes showed strong phenotypic expression of novel host disease resistance against one or more pathogens, enabling their potential deployment as disease-resistant parents in subterranean clover breeding programs. These new sources of resistance enable future “pyramiding” of different resistance genes to improve resistance against these pathogens. Of particular value were genotypes with multiple disease-resistance across soilborne and/or foliar diseases, because many of these pathogens co-occur. All diseases had some parameters significantly correlated with one or more morphological traits and with one or more sites of origin variables. In particular, there were significant negative correlations between damping-off (i.e., germination) and 8 of the 17 morphological characters. The outcomes of these studies provide crucial information to subterranean clover breeding programs, enabling them to simultaneously select genotypes with multiple resistance to co-occurring soilborne and foliar diseases and desirable traits to offer renewed hope for re-establishing a more productive subterranean clover livestock feedbase despite multiple diseases prevailing widely.
The Impact of Boost Methodology on Nurse Knowledge Retention
Authors: Phillips Jessica M. , Feldman Kathleen , Miller Pamela S. , Galuska Lee
Published: October 2020

Boost methods for reinforcing educational content have been found to train the brain to designate information as important. A longitudinal, quasi-experimental study design evaluated the effect of an interprofessional simulated patient sepsis video with educational boosts on knowledge retention among acute care nurses at a large academic health system using linear mixed-effects modeling. Findings suggest that boost methods may impact nurse knowledge retention, potentially eliminating the need to repeat costly, traditional educational efforts.
Using Learning Style Assessments to Effectively Match Preceptors and Orientees
Authors: Pena Heather , Kester Kelly , O’Brien Stacey
Published: October 2020

Ineffective pairings between preceptors and orientees can lead to decreased job satisfaction and burnout. This article describes the results of a study using a learning style assessment tool to pair preceptors and orientees in an intensive care unit for newly hired registered nurses between February 2017 and December 2019 (n = 173).
Small Fiber Polyneuropathy Is Associated With Non–Bladder-Centric Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Patients
Authors: Overholt Tyler L. , Matthews Catherine A. , Evans Robert J. , Badlani Gopal , Ahn Christine , Simon Trang , Walker Stephen J.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) comprises at least 2 phenotypes. Bladder centric patients typically demonstrate low bladder capacity (BC), often with Hunner lesion (HL), whereas non–bladder-centric patients typically have normal cystoscopic findings and more co-occurring nonurologic symptoms/syndromes (NUS), contributing to widespread pain beyond the bladder. Small fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) is significantly associated with fibromyalgia, a frequent IC/BPS codiagnosis and may play an etiologic role in IC/BPS. We assessed SFPN status in bladder-centric versus non–bladder-centric IC/BPS patients.

Methods

Distal leg biopsies were obtained from 11 IC/BPS patients after therapeutic hydrodistention. Specimens were embedded/sectioned per standard protocol and stained for protein gene product 9.5, an intraepidermal nerve fiber marker. To determine SFPN status, intraepidermal nerve fiber density was calculated and compared with normative reference values stratified by age/sex. The SFPN prevalence and reported comorbidities were compared between low BC and/or HL-positive (bladder-centric) versus non–low BC, HL (non–bladder-centric) patients.

Results

Seven patients (63.6%) were SFPN positive. Non–bladder-centric patients demonstrated significantly more SFPN (6/7, 85.7%) compared with bladder-centric patients (1/4, 25.0%; P = 0.027). Non–bladder-centric patients also reported more comorbid NUS overall (1.25 ± 0.83 vs 5.86 ± 2.47; P = 0.003), including fibromyalgia (P = 0.010), migraines (P = 0.035), anxiety/panic disorder (P = 0.035), allergies (P = 0.027), and asthma (P = 0.035).

Conclusions

In this pilot study, SFPN was significantly more common in non–bladder-centric IC/BPS, that is, those patients who also reported greater prevalence of NUS, including fibromyalgia, migraines, anxiety/panic disorders, allergies, and asthma. These findings suggest that SFPN may have an etiologic role in a larger, systemic pain syndrome and should be explored further.
Engineered phage endolysin eliminates Gardnerella in bacterial vaginosis without damaging the healthy vaginal microbiome
Authors: Landlinger Christine , Tisakova Lenka , Oberbauer Vera , Schwebs Timo , Latka Agnieszka , Van Simaey Leen , Vaneechoutte Mario , Guschin Alexander , Swidsinski Sonja , Swidsinski Alexander , Corsini Lorenzo
Published: October 2020

Background

Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by an imbalance of the vaginal microbiome in which the normally predominant lactobacilli are replaced by other bacterial species. Initiated by strains of the bacterium Gardnerella, a characteristic biofilm forms on the vaginal epithelium, explaining the typical presence of clue cells. This biofilm contributes to the resilience of the bacteria to antibiotic treatment, which may explain the frequent recurrence of BV.

Objective

In this study, we investigate whether a therapy based on bacteriophage endolysins which specifically lyse Gardnerella, in particular the drug candidate PM-477, might be a promising alternative to broad-spectrum antibiotics and antiseptics.

Study design

To identify Gardnerella specific endolysins, we searched for endolysin-encoding sequences in regions of Gardnerella genomes that are of prophage origin. This search identified fourteen homologous genes predicted to encode 1,4-beta-N-acetylmuramidase-type endolysins. When expressed in Escherichia coli and purified, the recombinant proteins demonstrated strong bactericidal activity against four different Gardnerella species. By shuffling the N-terminal catalytic domains and C-terminal cell wall-binding domains between the homologues, we produced 81 chimeric endolysins. These endolysins were tested for their activity and specificity in vitro and ex-vivo on vaginal samples from fifteen BV positive patients. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used for visualization.

Results

Several engineered endolysins were 10-fold more active than the most active wild-type enzymes. When tested against a panel of 20 Gardnerella strains, the most active endolysin, called PM-477, showed minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.13–8 µg/ml. PM-477 had no effect on Lactobacillus strains or other species of vaginal bacteria. Furthermore, the efficacy of PM-477 was tested on vaginal samples from fifteen patients with either first time or recurring bacterial vaginosis. In fourteen cases, PM-477 killed the Gardnerella bacteria and physically dissolved the biofilms without affecting the remaining vaginal microbiome.

Conclusion

The high selectivity and effectiveness in eliminating Gardnerella, both in cultures of isolated strains as well as in clinically derived samples of natural polymicrobial biofilms, makes PM-477 a promising drug candidate and an alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, especially in patients with frequent recurrence.
Brain Network Connectivity in Adolescents At Risk for Alcohol Use Problems
Authors: Baker Simon T. E. , Yücel Murat , Fornito Alex , Zalesky Andrew , Whittle Sarah , Allen Nicholas B. , Lubman Dan I.
Published: October 2020

Imaging studies of young people with a family history of alcohol use disorder (AUD) have found structural and/or functional differences within and between anatomically distributed and functionally specialised systems throughout the brain. Differences in brain connectivity among adolescents with a family history of AUD may account for the increased risk of later alcohol use problems; however, to date, no prospective studies have directly examined this hypothesis across the entire connectome in a regionally unbiased way. Our analysis included 52 adolescents (Mage = 16.5 years ± 0.6 SD) assessed with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, of whom 20 had a family history of AUD and 32 did not. All participants were followed-up 2.3 years later and completed a questionnaire measuring past year alcohol use and alcohol-related harms. Subject-specific connectomic maps of structural connectivity were constructed using two parcellation schemes (82-node anatomical and 530-node random) and five measures of connectivity weight (streamline count, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity), and a connectome-wide network-based statistic analysis was used to compare group differences at each and every connection between adolescents with and without a family history of AUD. Baseline connectivity measures did not differentiate these groups, and we did not find an association between baseline connectivity measures and alcohol outcomes at follow-up. These findings suggest that atypical inter-regional structural connectivity may not contribute to the risk of developing alcohol use problems in this particular age group, or during this particular period of development.
Analytical and clinical evaluation of four anti-SARS-CoV-2 serologic (IgM, IgG, and total) immunoassays
Authors: Higgins Victoria , Fabros Anselmo , Wang Xiao Yan , Bhandari Maria , Daghfal David J. , Kulasingam Vathany
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is diagnosed by molecular-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Serologic testing detects antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 and IgM specifically may serve as an adjunct test to PCR early in disease. We evaluated the Abbott anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG assays along with DiaSorin anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and Roche anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total.

Methods

Specimens from 175 PCR-positive patients and 107 control specimens were analyzed using Abbott IgM and IgG, DiaSorin IgG, and Roche Total (IgA, IgG, IgM) assays. Sensitivity, specificity, cross-reactivity, concordance between assays, trends over time, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined.

Results

Abbott IgM sensitivity was 63.6% at 0 days post-PCR positivity, 76.5% at 1-5d, 76.3% at 6-14d, 85.2% at 15-30d, and 63.6% at >30d. All assays exhibited highest sensitivity 15-30d post-PCR positivity (83.3-85.2%). Combining Abbott IgM and IgG improved sensitivity by 22.7% compared to IgG alone when tested 0d post-PCR positivity. All assays had a specificity of 100% and only Abbott IgG exhibited cross-reactivity (anti-dsDNA). Cohen’s kappa varied between 0.86-0.93. Time to seroconversion from PCR positivity was lowest for Abbott IgM and highest for Abbott IgG. NPV was highest for Abbott IgM <14 days post-PCR positivity and Abbott IgG ≥14 days.

Conclusion

The Abbott IgM assay exhibited the earliest response and greatest signal in most patients evaluated for serial sampling and had the highest NPV <14 days post-PCR positivity, suggesting its potential utility as an adjunct test to PCR early in disease course.
Standard Blood Laboratory as a Clinical Support Tool to Distinguish between SARS-CoV-2 Positive and Negative Patients
Authors: Thell Rainer , Zimmermann Jascha , Szell Marton , Tomez Sabine , Eisenburger Philip , Haugk Moritz , Kreil Anna , Spiel Alexander , Blaschke Amelie , Klicpera Anna , Janata Oskar , Krugluger Walter , Sebesta Christian , Herkner Harald , Laky Brenda
Published: October 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is current pandemic disease. Acute polymerase-chain-reaction is the gold standard test for this disease, is not available everywhere. Standard blood laboratory parameters may have diagnostic potential.

Methods

We evaluated standard blood laboratory parameters of 655 COVID-19 patients suspected to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, who underwent PCR testing in one of five hospitals in Vienna, Austria. Additionally, clinical characteristics and 28-day outcome were obtained from medical records. We compared standard blood laboratory parameters, clinical characteristics, and outcomes between positive and negative PCR-tested patients and evaluated the ability of those parameters to distinguish between groups.

Results

Of the 590 study patients including 276 females and 314 males, aged between 20 and 100 years, 208 were tested positive by means of PCR. Patients with positive compared to negative PCR-tests had significantly lower levels of leukocytes, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and thrombocytes; while significantly higher levels were detected with hemoglobin, C-reactive-protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), activated-partial-thromboplastin-time (aPTT), creatine-kinase (CK), lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), and lipase. Our multivariate model correctly classified 83.9% of cases with a sensitivity of 78.4%, specificity of 87.3%, positive predictive value of 79.5%, and negative predictive value of 86.6%. Decreasing leucocytes and eosinophils and increasing hemoglobin and CRP were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of being COVID-19 positive tested.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that especially leucocytes, eosinophils, hemoglobin, and CRP are helpful to distinguish between COVID-19 positive and negative tested patients and that a certain blood pattern is able to predict PCR-results.

Decreasing leucocytes and eosinophils and increasing hemoglobin and CRP were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of being COVID-19 positive tested. Each single parameter showed either a high sensitivity (leucocytes, eosinophils, CRP, monocytes, thrombocytes) or specificity (NLR, CK, ALT, lipase), or a sensitivity and specificity around 60% (Hb, LDH, AST).
Characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients in Georgia
Authors: Tsertsvadze Tengiz , Ezugbaia Marina , Endeladze Marina , Ratiani Levani , Javakhishvili Neli , Mumladze Lika , Khotchava Manana , Janashia Maiko , Zviadadze Diana , Gopodze Levan , Gokhelashvili Alex , Metchurchtlishvili Revaz , Abutidze Akaki , Chkhartishvili Nikoloz
Published: October 2020

Objective

Describe presenting characteristics of hospitalized patients and explore factors associated with in-hospital mortality during the first wave of pandemic in Georgia.

Methods

This retrospective study included 582 adult patients admitted to 9 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals as of July 30, 2020 (72% of all hospitalizations). Data were abstracted from medical charts. Factors associated with mortality were evaluated in multivariable Poisson regression analysis.

Results

Among 582 adults included in this analysis 14.9% were 65+ years old, 49.1% were women, 59.3% had uni- or bi-lateral lung involvement on chest computed tomography, 27.1% had any co-morbidity, 13.2% patients had lymphopenia, 4.1% had neutophilosis, 4.8% had low platelet count, 37.6% had d-dimer levels of >0.5 mcg/l. Overall mortality was 2.1% (12/582). After excluding mild infections, mortality among patients with moderate-to-critical disease was 3.0% (12/399), while among patients with severe-to-critical disease mortality was 12.7% (8/63). Baseline characteristics associated with increased risk of mortality in multivariate regression analysis included: age ≥65 years (RR: 10.38, 95% CI: 1.30-82.75), presence of any chronic co-morbidity (RR: 20.71, 95% CI: 1.58-270.99), lymphopenia (RR: 4.76, 95% CI: 1.52-14.93), neutrophilosis (RR: 7.22, 95% CI: 1.27-41.12), low platelet count (RR: 6.92, 95% CI: 1.18-40.54), elevated d-dimer (RR: 4.45, 95% CI: 1.48-13.35), elevated AST (RR: 6.33, 95% CI: 1.18-33.98).

Conclusion

In-hospital mortality during the first wave of pandemic in Georgia was low. We identified several risk factors (older age, co-morbidities and laboratory abnormalities) associated with poor outcome that should provide guidance for planning health sector response as pandemic continues to evolve.
Mitochondrial genome copy number measured by DNA sequencing in human blood is strongly associated with metabolic traits via cell-type composition differences
Authors: Ganel Liron , Chen Lei , Christ Ryan , Vangipurapu Jagadish , Young Erica , Das Indraniel , Kanchi Krishna , Larson David , Regier Allison , Abel Haley , Kang Chul Joo , Scott Alexandra , Havulinna Aki , Chiang Charleston W. K. , Service Susan , Freimer Nelson , Palotie Aarno , Ripatti Samuli , Kuusisto Johanna , Boehnke Michael , Laakso Markku , Locke Adam , Stitziel Nathan O. , Hall Ira M.
Published: October 2020

Mitochondrial genome copy number (MT-CN) varies among humans and across tissues and is highly heritable, but its causes and consequences are not well understood. When measured by bulk DNA sequencing in blood, MT-CN may reflect a combination of the number of mitochondria per cell and cell type composition. Here, we studied MT-CN variation in blood-derived DNA from 19,184 Finnish individuals using a combination of genome (N = 4,163) and exome sequencing (N = 19,034) data as well as imputed genotypes (N = 17,718). We identified two loci significantly associated with MT-CN variation: a common variant at the MYB-HBS1L locus (P = 1.6×10−8), which has previously been associated with numerous hematological parameters; and a burden of rare variants in the TMBIM1 gene (P = 3.0×10−8), which has been reported to protect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We also found that MT-CN is strongly associated with insulin levels (P = 2.0×10−21) and other metabolic syndrome (metS) related traits. Using a Mendelian randomization framework, we show evidence that MT-CN measured in blood is causally related to insulin levels. We then applied an MT-CN polygenic risk score (PRS) derived from Finnish data to the UK Biobank, where the association between the PRS and metS traits was replicated. Adjusting for cell counts largely eliminated these signals, suggesting that MT-CN affects metS via cell type composition. These results suggest that measurements of MT-CN in blood-derived DNA partially reflect differences in cell-type composition and that these differences are causally linked to insulin and related traits.
A Randomised, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis for Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Mosley Philip E. , Windels François , Morris John , Coyne Terry , Marsh Rodney , Giorni Andrea , Mohan Adith , Sachdev Perminder , O’Leary Emily , Boschen Mark , Sah Pankaj , Silburn Peter A.
Published: October 2020

1

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising treatment for severe, treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here, nine participants (four females, mean age 47.9 ±10.7 years) were implanted with DBS electrodes bilaterally in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Following a one-month postoperative recovery phase, participants entered a three-month randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled phase before a twelve-month period of open-label stimulation incorporating a course of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The primary outcome measure was OCD symptoms as rated with the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). In the blinded phase, there was a significant benefit of active stimulation over sham (p = 0.025, mean difference 4.9 points). After the open phase, the mean reduction in YBOCS was 16.6 ±1.9 points (Χ2 (11) = 39.8, p = 3.8 × 10−5), with seven participants classified as responders. CBT resulted in an additive YBOCS reduction of 4.8 ±3.9 points (p = 0.011). There were two serious adverse events related to the DBS device, the most severe of which was an infection during the open phase necessitating device explantation. There were no psychiatric adverse events related to stimulation. An analysis of the structural connectivity of each participant’s individualised stimulation field isolated right-hemispheric fibres associated with YBOCS reduction. These included subcortical tracts incorporating the amygdala, hippocampus and stria terminalis, in addition to cortical regions in the ventrolateral and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, parahippocampal, parietal and extrastriate visual cortex. In conclusion, this study provides further evidence supporting the efficacy and tolerability of DBS for individuals with otherwise treatment-refractory OCD and identifies a connectivity fingerprint associated with clinical benefit.
Increasing SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR testing capacity by sample pooling
Authors: Alcoba-Florez Julia , Gil-Campesino Helena , de Artola Diego García-Martínez , Díez-Gil Oscar , Valenzuela-Fernández Agustín , González-Montelongo Rafaela , Ciuffreda Laura , Flores Carlos
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Limited testing capacity has characterized the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, hampering a timely control of outbreaks and the possibilities to reduce the escalation of community transmissions. Here we investigated the potential of using pooling of samples followed by one-step retrotranscription and quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to increase SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity.

Methods

We first evaluated different sample pooling (1:5, 1:10 and 1:15) prior to RNA extractions followed by standard RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 diagnosis. The pool size achieving reproducible results in independent tests was then used for assessing nasopharyngeal samples in a tertiary hospital during August 2020.

Results

We found that pool size of five samples achieved the highest sensitivity compared to pool sizes of 10 and 15, showing a mean (± SD) Ct shift of 3.5 ± 2.2 between the pooled test and positive samples in the pool. We then used a pool size of five to test a total of 895 pools (4,475 prospective samples) using two different RT-qPCR kits available at that time. The Real Accurate Quadruplex corona-plus PCR Kit (PathoFinder) reported the lowest mean Ct (± SD) shift (2.2 ± 2.4) among the pool and the individual samples. The strategy allows detecting individual samples in the positive pools with Cts in the range of 16.7-39.4.

Conclusions

We found that pools of five samples combined with RT-qPCR solutions helped to increase SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity with minimal loss of sensitivity compared to that resulting from testing the samples independently.
Burden and Predictors of Underweight among Preschool Orphan Children in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Adane , Wete Andnet Tadesse , Negassa Belay , Chane Yawkal , Ejajo Tekle , Molla Abebaw , Mingude Alemu Basazin , Getacher Lemma
Published: October 2020

Background

Underweight is one of the public health problems in Ethiopia. Underweight children had lower resistance to diseases, lower school performance, and poor quality of life. In Ethiopia, most of the available evidences are related to the general community children, which had different risks and severity level than orphan children. Even though under-five orphan children had a higher risk of underweight, they are the most neglected population. Therefore, the aim of the study to determine the burden and predictors of underweight among preschool orphan children in Dilla Town, Southern Ethiopia.

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 367 orphans from December 5, 2017 to January 30, 2018. The survey data were entered into EPi-info version 3.5.4 software and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. The burden of underweight was assessed by calculating the percentages using ENA SMART software was used for anthropometric data management using WHO standard cutoff point below-2 S.D using z-scores. All variables with a p-value of < 0.25 during bivariate logistic regression analysis were entered into a multivariate analysis to identify predictors variables independently associated with underweight at a p-value of 0.05 with 95% CI.

Results

In this study, the burden of underweight among orphan children was 27.4%. The main predictors of underweight were sex of child (AOR = 5.29, 95% CI (2.83-9.92)), type of first complementary food (AOR = 2.47; 95% CI (1.24-4.94)), household food security (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI (1.23-3.21)) and age of child (AOR = 7.19; 95% CI (3.81-13.60)).

Conclusion

Underweight is a public health problem in the study area. Sex of a child, type of first complimentary food, household food security status, and child age were the predictors of underweight. Therefore, dietary appropriate intervention, nutrition education of mothers, and increase food security status of orphan children are highly recommended.
High seroprevalence but short-lived immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Paris
Authors: Anna François , Goyard Sophie , Lalanne Ana Ines , Nevo Fabien , Gransagne Marion , Souque Philippe , Louis Delphine , Gillon Véronique , Turbiez Isabelle , Bidard François-Clément , Gobillion Aline , Savignoni Alexia , Guillot-Delost Maude , Dejardin François , Dufour Evelyne , Petres Stéphane , Goff Odile Richard-Le , Choucha Zaineb , Helynck Olivier , Janin Yves L. , Escriou Nicolas , Charneau Pierre , Perez Franck , Rose Thierry , Lantz Olivier
Published: October 2020

Although the COVID-19 pandemic peaked in March/April 2020 in France, the prevalence of infection is barely known. Herein, we assessed using high-throughput methods the serological response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus of 1847 participants working in one institution in Paris.

In May-July 2020, 11% (95% CI: 9.7-12.6) of serums were positive for IgG against the SARS-CoV-2 N and S proteins and 9.5% (CI:8.2-11.0) were pseudo-neutralizer. The prevalence of immunization was 11.6% (CI:10.2-13.2) considering positivity in at least one assays. In 5% (CI:3.9-7.1) of RT-qPCR positive individuals, no systemic IgGs were detected. Among immune individuals, 21% had been asymptomatic. Anosmia and ageusia occurred in 52% of the IgG-positive individuals and in 3% of the negative ones. In contrast, 30% of the anosmia-ageusia cases were seronegative suggesting that the true prevalence of infection may reach 16.6%. In sera obtained 4-8 weeks after the first sampling anti-N and anti-S IgG titers and pseudo-neutralization activity declined by 31%, 17% and 53%, respectively with half-life of 35, 87 and 28 days, respectively.

The population studied is representative of active workers in Paris. The short lifespan of the serological systemic responses suggests an underestimation the true prevalence of infection.