bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How local conditions affect global banking: the case of BBVA and Santander
Authors: Cuevas Joaquim , Martín-Aceña Pablo , Pons Maria A.
Published: March 2021

Este artículo explora por qué los bancos españoles se internacionalizan y por qué América Latina ha sido la región principal para la expansión internacional de BBVA y Santander. Se muestra que antes de 1986 la banca española tenía una presencia limitada en el exterior y se analizan los principales impulsores de esta expansión inicial (remesas y conexiones comerciales). Sin embargo, a partir de 1986 se produjo una confluencia de factores internos (liberalización bancaria española, creciente competencia y aumento de la IED española) y externos (cambios económicos y regulatorios en América Latina) que incentivaron las incursiones internacionales de BBVA y Santander.
Valladolid: ferrocarril e industria, 1850-1950
Authors: Alonso Villa Pablo , Ortúñez Goicolea Pedro Pablo , Zaparaín Hernández Fernando
Published: March 2021

Este trabajo pretende documentar y hacer visible la relacion que tuvo el suelo ferroviario con el industrial en una cabecera regional media como es la ciudad de Valladolid. Se sigue para ello el periodo que comprende el primer siglo de existencia de este medio de transporte y la primera industrializacion de la zona. Una epoca en que ambos sectores estuvieron mas vinculados al carbon, aproximadamente entre 1850 y 1950. A partir de ahi tambien se intenta cuantificar y evaluar el efecto de arrastre del ferrocarril sobre otras actividades.
Ultra-broadband supercontinuum generation in gas-filled photonic-crystal fibers: the epsilon-near-zero regime
Authors: Saleh Mohammed F. , Biancalana Fabio
Published: March 2021

In this Letter, we show theoretically that the nonlinear photoionization process of a noble gas inside a hollow-core photonic-crystal fiber can be exploited in obtaining broadband supercontinuum generation via pumping close to the mid-infrared regime. The interplay between the Kerr and photoionization nonlinearities is strongly enhanced in this regime. Photoionization continuously modifies the medium dispersion, in which the refractive index starts to significantly decrease and approach the epsilon-near-zero regime. Subsequently, the self-phase modulation induced by the Kerr effect is boosted because of the accompanied slow-light effect. As a result of this interplay, an output spectrum that comprises a broadband light with multiple dispersive wave emission is obtained.
Observation of topological valley Hall edge states in honeycomb lattices of superconducting microwave resonators
Authors: Morvan Alexis , Féchant Mathieu , Aiello Gianluca , Gabelli Julien , Estève Jérôme
Published: March 2021

We have designed honeycomb lattices for microwave photons with a frequency imbalance between the two sites in the unit cell. This imbalance is the equivalent of a mass term that breaks the lattice inversion symmetry. At the interface between two lattices with opposite imbalance, we observe topological valley edge states. By imaging the spatial dependence of the modes along the interface, we obtain their dispersion relation that we compare to the predictions of an ab initio tight-binding model describing our microwave photonic lattices.
Raman enhancement of large-area silver grating arrays based on self-assembled polystyrene microspheres
Authors: Junfan Chen , Cong Zhang , Jie Zhang , Yong Zhu
Published: March 2021

Two types of Ag grating arrays as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) were fabricated using the monolayer self-assembled polystyrene (PS) as a template, using the silver film and monocrystalline silicon wafer as the substrates, imprinting different thicknesses of silver (50 nm, 75 nm, 100 nm, 125 nm and 150 nm) on the template, then removing PS. Rhodamine 6G (R6G) was used as a probe to characterize the performance of Raman enhancement. Experimental results showed that two structures can obtain a Raman enhancement factor of more than 107 at arbitrary deposition thicknesses. The insensitivity of two arrays induced by incident polarization and the difference in near-field and far-field simulation were also compared. These novel SERS substrates can achieve considerable uniformity, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the characteristic peak calculated at 1650 cm−1 were about 9.2% and 9.5%, respectively.
Predicting recognition between T cell receptors and epitopes with TCRGP
Authors: Jokinen Emmi , Huuhtanen Jani , Mustjoki Satu , Heinonen Markus , Lähdesmäki Harri
Published: March 2021

Adaptive immune system uses T cell receptors (TCRs) to recognize pathogens and to consequently initiate immune responses. TCRs can be sequenced from individuals and methods analyzing the specificity of the TCRs can help us better understand individuals’ immune status in different disorders. For this task, we have developed TCRGP, a novel Gaussian process method that predicts if TCRs recognize specified epitopes. TCRGP can utilize the amino acid sequences of the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) from TCRα and TCRβ chains and learn which CDRs are important in recognizing different epitopes. Our comprehensive evaluation with epitope-specific TCR sequencing data shows that TCRGP achieves on average higher prediction accuracy in terms of AUROC score than existing state-of-the-art methods in epitope-specificity predictions. We also propose a novel analysis approach for combined single-cell RNA and TCRαβ (scRNA+TCRαβ) sequencing data by quantifying epitope-specific TCRs with TCRGP and identify HBV-epitope specific T cells and their transcriptomic states in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
Modelling distributions of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus using climate, host density and interspecies competition
Authors: Yang Bingyi , Borgert Brooke A. , Alto Barry W. , Boohene Carl K. , Brew Joe , Deutsch Kelly , DeValerio James T. , Dinglasan Rhoel R. , Dixon Daniel , Faella Joseph M. , Fisher-Grainger Sandra L. , Glass Gregory E. , Hayes Reginald , Hoel David F. , Horton Austin , Janusauskaite Agne , Kellner Bill , Kraemer Moritz U. G. , Lucas Keira J. , Medina Johana , Morreale Rachel , Petrie William , Reiner Robert C. , Riles Michael T. , Salje Henrik , Smith David L. , Smith John P. , Solis Amy , Stuck Jason , Vasquez Chalmers , Williams Katie F. , Xue Rui-De , Cummings Derek A. T.
Published: March 2021

Florida faces the challenge of repeated introduction and autochthonous transmission of arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Empirically-based predictive models of the spatial distribution of these species would aid surveillance and vector control efforts. To predict the occurrence and abundance of these species, we fit a mixed-effects zero-inflated negative binomial regression to a mosquito surveillance dataset with records from more than 200,000 trap days, representative of 53% of the land area and ranging from 2004 to 2018 in Florida. We found an asymmetrical competitive interaction between adult populations of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus for the sampled sites. Wind speed was negatively associated with the occurrence and abundance of both vectors. Our model predictions show high accuracy (72.9% to 94.5%) in validation tests leaving out a random 10% subset of sites and data since 2017, suggesting a potential for predicting the distribution of the two Aedes vectors.
Suitability of current typing procedures to identify epidemiologically linked human Giardia duodenalis isolates
Authors: Woschke Andreas , Faber Mirko , Stark Klaus , Holtfreter Martha , Mockenhaupt Frank , Richter Joachim , Regnath Thomas , Sobottka Ingo , Reiter-Owona Ingrid , Diefenbach Andreas , Gosten-Heinrich Petra , Friesen Johannes , Ignatius Ralf , Aebischer Toni , Klotz Christian
Published: March 2021

Background

Giardia duodenalis is a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. Humans are mainly infected by two different subtypes, i.e., assemblage A and B. Genotyping is hampered by allelic sequence heterozygosity (ASH) mainly in assemblage B, and by occurrence of mixed infections. Here we assessed the suitability of current genotyping protocols of G. duodenalis for epidemiological applications such as molecular tracing of transmission chains.

Methodology/Principal findings

Two G. duodenalis isolate collections, from an outpatient tropical medicine clinic and from several primary care laboratories, were characterized by assemblage-specific qPCR (TIF, CATH gene loci) and a common multi locus sequence typing (MLST; TPI, BG, GDH gene loci). Assemblage A isolates were further typed at additional loci (HCMP22547, CID1, RHP26, HCMP6372, DIS3, NEK15411).

Of 175/202 (86.6%) patients the G. duodenalis assemblage could be identified: Assemblages A 25/175 (14.3%), B 115/175 (65.7%) and A+B mixed 35/175 (20.0%). By incorporating allelic sequence heterozygosity in the analysis, the three marker MLST correctly identified 6/9 (66,7%) and 4/5 (80.0%) consecutive samples from chronic assemblage B infections in the two collections, respectively, and identified a cluster of five independent patients carrying assemblage B parasites of identical MLST type. Extended MLST for assemblage A altogether identified 5/6 (83,3%) consecutive samples from chronic assemblage A infections and 15 novel genotypes. Based on the observed A+B mixed infections it is estimated that only 75% and 50% of assemblage A or B only cases represent single strain infections, respectively. We demonstrate that typing results are consistent with this prediction.

Conclusions/Significance

Typing of assemblage A and B isolates with resolution for epidemiological applications is possible but requires separate genotyping protocols. The high frequency of multiple infections and their impact on typing results are findings with immediate consequences for result interpretation in this field.
Morphometric and molecular discrimination of the sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari, (Zehntner, 1897) and the sorghum aphid Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald, 1904)
Authors: Nibouche Samuel , Costet Laurent , Medina Raul F. , Holt Jocelyn R. , Sadeyen Joëlle , Zoogones Anne-Sophie , Brown Paul , Blackman Roger L.
Published: March 2021

Melanaphis sacchari(Zehntner, 1897) andMelanaphis sorghi(Theobald, 1904) are major worldwide crop pests causing direct feeding damage on sorghum and transmitting viruses to sugarcane. It is common in the scientific literature to consider these two species as synonyms, referred to as the ‘sugarcane aphid’, although no formal study has validated this synonymy. In this study, based on the comparison of samples collected from their whole distribution area, we use both morphometric and molecular data to better characterize the discrimination betweenM.sacchariandM.sorghi. An unsupervised multivariate analysis of morphometric data clearly confirmed the separation of the two species. The best discriminating characters separating these species were length of the antenna processus terminalis relative to length of hind tibia, siphunculus or cauda. However, those criteria sometimes do not allow an unambiguous identification. Bayesian clustering based on microsatellite data delimited two clusters, which corresponded to the morphological species separation. The DNA sequencing of three nuclear and three mitochondrial regions revealed slight divergence between species. In particular, the COI barcode region proved to be uninformative for species separation because one haplotype is shared by both species. In contrast, one SNP located on the nuclear EF1-α gene was diagnostic for species separation. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, the invasive genotype damaging to sorghum in the US, Mexico and the Caribbean since 2013 is found to beM.sorghi.
Phylogenetic and phenotypic characterization of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum isolates from Florida-grown watermelon
Authors: Fulton James C. , Amaradasa B. Sajeewa , Ertek Tülin S. , Iriarte Fanny B. , Sanchez Tatiana , Ji Pingsheng , Paret Mathews L. , Hudson Owen , Ali Md. Emran , Dufault Nicholas S.
Published: March 2021

Fusarium wilt of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), has become an increasing concern of farmers in the southeastern USA, especially in Florida. Management of this disease, most often through the use of resistant cultivars and crop rotation, requires an accurate understanding of an area’s pathogen population structure and phenotypic characteristics. This study improved the understanding of the state’s pathogen population by completing multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of two housekeeping genes (BT and TEF) and two loci (ITS and IGS), aggressiveness and race-determining bioassays on 72 isolates collected between 2011 and 2015 from major watermelon production areas in North, Central, and South Florida. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) failed to group race 3 isolates into a single large clade; moreover, clade membership was not apparently correlated with aggressiveness (which varied both within and between clades), and only slightly with sampling location. The failure of multilocus sequence analysis using four highly conserved housekeeping genes and loci to clearly group and delineate known Fon races provides justification for future whole genome sequencing efforts whose more robust genomic comparisons will provide higher resolution of intra-species genetic distinctions. Consequently, these results suggest that identification of Fon isolates by race determination alone may fail to detect economically important phenotypic characteristics such as aggressiveness leading to inaccurate risk assessment.
Enteral nutrition modulation with n-3 PUFAs directs microbiome and lipid metabolism in mice
Authors: Tao Fuzheng , Xing Xi , Wu Jiannong , Jiang Ronglin
Published: March 2021

Nutritional support using exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) has been studied as primary therapy for the management of liver diseases, Crohn’s disease, and cancers. EEN can also increase the number of beneficial microbiotas in the gut, improve bile acid and lipid metabolism, and decrease the number of harmful dietary micro-particles, possibly by influencing disease occurrence and increasing immunity. This study investigated the effects of EEN-n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (3PUFAs) (EEN-3PUFAs) on the gut microbiome, intestinal barrier, and lipid or bile acid metabolism in mice. Metagenomic sequencing technology was used to analyze the effects of EEN-3PUFAs on the composition of gut microbiome signatures. The contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids in the feces and liver of the mice were assayed by gas chromatography and ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography/high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D-lactic acid in the blood were used to assess intestinal permeability. The results indicated that EEN-3PUFAs could improve the composition of gut microbiome signatures and increase the abundance ofBarnesiellaandLactobacillus(genus),Porphyromonadaceae, andBacteroidia(species), andBacteroidetes(phylum) after EEN-3PUFAs initiation. In addition, EEN-3PUFAs induced the formation of SCFAs (mainly including acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid) and increased the intestinal wall compared to the control group. In conclusion, EEN-3PUFAs modulate the alterations in gut microbiome signatures, enhanced intestinal barrier, and regulated the fatty acid composition and lipid metabolism shifts and the putative mechanisms underlying these effects.
The association of novel inflammatory marker GlycA and incident atrial fibrillation in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Jang Sunyoung , Ogunmoroti Oluseye , Zhao Di , Fashanu Oluwaseun E. , Tibuakuu Martin , Benson Eve-Marie , Norby Faye , Otvos James D. , Heckbert Susan R. , Szklo Moyses , Michos Erin D.
Published: March 2021

Background

Emerging evidence has implicated that inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). GlycA is a novel marker of systemic inflammation with low intra-individual variability and high analytic precision. GlycA has been associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of other inflammatory markers. However, whether GlycA is associated with AF, specifically, has yet to be established. We examined the association between GlycA and AF in a multi-ethnic cohort.

Methods

We studied 6,602 MESA participants aged 45–85, with no clinical CVD at baseline, with data on GlycA and incident AF. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox models to evaluate the association between GlycA and incident AF. We also examined other inflammatory markers [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL6) and fibrinogen] and incident AF for comparison.

Results

The mean (SD) age was 62 (10) years, 53% women. The mean plasma GlycA was 381 (62) μmol/L. Over median follow-up of 12.9 years, 869 participants experienced AF. There was no statistically significant association between GlycA and incident AF after adjusting for sociodemographics, CVD risk factors, and other inflammatory markers [Hazard Ratio (95% CI) per 1 SD increment in GlycA: 0.97 (0.88–1.06)]. Neither hsCRP nor fibrinogen was associated with incident AF in same model. In contrast, IL-6 was independently associated with incident AF [HR 1.12 per 1 SD increment (1.05–1.19)].

Conclusions

Although GlycA has been associated with other CVD types, we found that GlycA was not associated with AF. More research will be required to understand why IL-6 was associated with AF but not GlycA.

Clinical trial registration

MESA is not a clinical trial. However, the cohort is registered at: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00005487 Unique identifier: NCT00005487.
Characteristics and relationship between hyperphagia, anxiety, behavioral challenges and caregiver burden in Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Kayadjanian Nathalie , Vrana-Diaz Caroline , Bohonowych Jessica , Strong Theresa V. , Morin Josée , Potvin Diane , Schwartz Lauren
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by maladaptive behaviors, amongst which hyperphagia is a life-long concern for individuals with PWS and their caregivers. The current study examined the contribution of hyperphagia and other factors to caregiver burden across lifespan, in 204 caregivers of individuals with PWS living in the US, using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the hyperphagia questionnaire (HQ-CT).

Results

We found a strong relationship between ZBI and HQ-CT especially in individuals with PWS older than 4 y and showed that HQ-CT scores of individuals with PWS is positively correlated with ZBI scores of their caregivers. The weight status of individuals with PWS was not associated with HQ-CT and ZBI scores, except for obese individuals who had significantly higher HQ-CT scores when compared to normal weight PWS individuals. We looked at PWS symptoms and care-related issues that impacted individuals and caregivers the most. We found that care-related tasks had the biggest negative impact on caregivers of children aged 0–4 y, whereas anxiety, temper tantrums, and oppositional behaviors of older individuals with PWS had the biggest impact on their caregivers concomitant with their high caregiver burden. Finally, we assessed the variability of HQ-CT and ZBI over 6 months in a subgroup of 83 participants. Overall, neither measure differed between 6 months and baseline. Most individual’s absolute HQ-CT score changes were between 0–2 units, whereas absolute ZBI score changes were between 0–6 points. Changes in the caregiver’s or individual’s life had little or no effect on HQ-CT and ZBI scores.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a relationship between hyperphagia and caregiver burden and sheds light on predominant symptoms in children and adolescents that likely underly PWS caregiver burden. The stability and relationship between HQ-CT and ZBI support ZBI as an additional outcome measure in PWS clinical trials.
Costs and cost-effectiveness of cervical cancer screening strategies in women living with HIV in Burkina Faso: The HPV in Africa Research Partnership (HARP) study
Authors: Devine Angela , Vahanian Alice , Sawadogo Bernard , Zan Souleymane , Bocoum Fadima Yaya , Kelly Helen , Gilham Clare , Nagot Nicolas , Ong Jason J. , Legood Rosa , Meda Nicolas , Miners Alec , Mayaud Philippe ,   on behalf of the HARP Consortium
Published: March 2021

Introduction

This study estimated the costs and incremental cost per case detected of screening strategies for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) in women living with HIV (WLHIV) attending HIV clinics in Burkina Faso.

Methods

The direct healthcare provider costs of screening tests (visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), VIA combined visual inspection with Lugol’s iodine (VIA/VILI), cytology and a rapid HPV DNA test (careHPV)) and confirmatory tests (colposcopy, directed biopsy and systematic four-quadrant (4Q) biopsy) were collected alongside the HPV in Africa Research Partnership (HARP) study. A model was developed for a hypothetical cohort of 1000 WLHIV using data on CIN2+ prevalence and the sensitivity of the screening tests. Costs are reported in USD (2019).

Results

The study enrolled 554 WLHIV with median age 36 years (inter-quartile range, 31–41) and CIN2+ prevalence of 5.8%. The average cost per screening test ranged from US$3.2 for VIA to US$24.8 for cytology. Compared to VIA alone, the incremental cost per CIN2+ case detected was US$48 for VIA/VILI and US$814 for careHPV. Despite higher costs, careHPV was more sensitive for CIN2+ cases detected compared to VIA/VILI (97% and 56%, respectively). The cost of colposcopy was US$6.6 per person while directed biopsy was US$33.0 and 4Q biopsy was US$48.0.

Conclusion

Depending on the willingness to pay for the detection of a case of cervical cancer, decision makers in Burkina Faso can consider a variety of cervical cancer screening strategies for WLHIV. While careHPV is more costly, it has the potential to be cost-effective depending on the willingness to pay threshold. Future research should explore the lifetime costs and benefits of cervical cancer screening to enable comparisons with interventions for other diseases.
Endurance and avoidance response patterns in pain patients: Application of action control theory in pain research
Authors: Buchmann Jana , Baumann Nicola , Meng Karin , Semrau Jana , Kuhl Julius , Pfeifer Klaus , Kazén Miguel , Vogel Heiner , Faller Hermann
Published: March 2021

Background

Identifying pain-related response patterns and understanding functional mechanisms of symptom formation and recovery are important for improving treatment.

Objectives

We aimed to replicate pain-related avoidance-endurance response patterns associated with the Fear-Avoidance Model, and its extension, the Avoidance-Endurance Model, and examined their differences in secondary measures of stress, action control (i.e., dispositional action vs. state orientation), coping, and health.

Methods

Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted on self-report data from 536 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain at the beginning of an inpatient rehabilitation program. Measures of stress (i.e., pain, life stress) and action control were analyzed as covariates regarding their influence on the formation of different pain response profiles. Measures of coping and health were examined as dependent variables.

Results

Partially in line with our assumptions, we found three pain response profiles of distress-avoidance, eustress-endurance, and low-endurance responses that are depending on the level of perceived stress and action control. Distress-avoidance responders emerged as the most burdened, dysfunctional patient group concerning measures of stress, action control, maladaptive coping, and health. Eustress-endurance responders showed one of the highest levels of action versus state orientation, as well as the highest levels of adaptive coping and physical activity. Low-endurance responders reported lower levels of stress as well as equal levels of action versus state orientation, maladaptive coping, and health compared to eustress-endurance responders; however, equally low levels of adaptive coping and physical activity compared to distress-avoidance responders.

Conclusions

Apart from the partially supported assumptions of the Fear-Avoidance and Avoidance-Endurance Model, perceived stress and dispositional action versus state orientation may play a crucial role in the formation of pain-related avoidance-endurance response patterns that vary in degree of adaptiveness. Results suggest tailoring interventions based on behavioral and functional analysis of pain responses in order to more effectively improve patients quality of life.
Possible favorable lifestyle changes owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among middle-aged Japanese women: An ancillary survey of the TRF-Japan study using the original “Taberhythm” smartphone app
Authors: Azuma Koichiro , Nojiri Tetsuya , Kawashima Motoko , Hanai Akiyoshi , Ayaki Masahiko , Tsubota Kazuo ,   on behalf of the TRF-Japan Study Group
Published: March 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a global effect on people’s lifestyles. Many people have become physically inactive and developed irregular eating patterns, which leads to unhealthier lifestyles and aggravation of lifestyle-related diseases; these in turn increase the severity of COVID-19. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a smartphone application called “Taberhythm” to investigate eating patterns, physical activity, and subjective feelings of happiness. We aimed to compare lifestyle data before and during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to objectively assess lifestyle changes during quarantine. A total of 464 smartphone users (346 women, 35 ± 12 years old, body mass index [BMI] 23.4 ± 4.5) participated in Period A (January 7 to April 28, 2019) and 622 smartphone users (533 women, 32 ± 11 years old, BMI 23.3 ± 4.0) participated in Period B (January 6 to April 26, 2020). Compared with Period A, there was a sharp decline in physical activity during Period B (4642 ± 3513 vs. 3814 ± 3529 steps/day, p<0.001), especially during the final 9 weeks in both periods (4907 ± 3908 vs. 3528 ± 3397 steps/day, p<0.001); however, there were large variations in physical activity among participants. We found a surprising trend during Period B toward increased happiness among women aged 30–50 years, the group most affected by stay-at-home policies that led to working from home and school closure. Moreover, daily eating duration declined in this population. Additionally, there was a positive association of happiness with steps per day in Period B (ρ = 0.38, p = 0.02). Despite the many negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, subjective feelings of happiness among middle-aged Japanese women tended to increase, which indicates that some favorable lifestyle changes that could be adopted during quarantine in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards people living with HIV/AIDS in Lebanon
Authors: Youssef Lara , Hallit Souheil , Sacre Hala , Salameh Pascale , Cherfan Michelle , Akel Marwan , Hleyhel Mira
Published: March 2021

Background

Up till today, studies carried in Lebanon have focused more on the prevalence of HIV and behaviors and quality of life of infected individuals, however, none of these studies discussed the degree of stigma towards these populations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to measure the rate of stigma in terms of knowledge, attitude and practice towards patients living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) and examine the factors associated with this stigma.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey, enrolling 862 participants, was carried across the five governorates in Lebanon: Beirut, Mount Lebanon, North, South and Bekaa. The survey was a self-administered questionnaire which covered information about participants’ general demographics, their knowledge, attitudes, practices and awareness towards HIV/AIDS in Lebanon., attitudes towards PLWHA, practices related to HIV/AIDS and awareness regarding HIV/AIDS situation in Lebanon.

Results

The response rate to the survey was 78.36% (862 participants). Being Muslim (Beta = -2.56) or Druze (Beta = -2.64) compared to Christians were significantly associated with lower knowledge towards HIV/AIDS, whereas having a secondary (Beta = 2.71) and a university (Beta = 3.04) levels of education compared to illiteracy and higher age (Beta = 0.05) were significantly associated with higher knowledge. Higher knowledge (Beta = 0.66) was significantly associated with better attitude, whereas higher age (Beta = -0.14) and being Muslim compared to Christian (Beta = -3.44) were significantly associated with worse attitude. Better attitude (Beta = 0.02) was significantly associated with better practice, whereas females compared to males (Beta = -0.39), having a secondary level of education compared to illiteracy (Beta = -0.88) and being Muslim compared to Christian (Beta = -0.32) were significantly associated with worse practice.

Conclusion

Our results stress the need for educational programs, advocacy campaigns and policies to help reduce HIV stigma. This will then help start developing interventions and strategies for a possible reduction in the stigmatization level.
Multiple probabilistic traveling salesman problem in the coordination of drug transportation—In the context of sustainability goals and Industry 4.0
Authors: Twaróg Sebastian , Szwarc Krzysztof , Wronka-Pośpiech Martyna , Dobrowolska Małgorzata , Urbanek Anna
Published: March 2021

Improving the effectiveness of route planning, especially in road transport deliveries is a challenge we need to face in the context of advancing climate change and the sustainable development goals. The main aim of the paper is to demonstrate the above average and utilitarian significance of the multiple probabilistic traveling salesman problem (MPTSP) in the coordination and modeling of sustainable product transportation, which is a novelty at the theoretical, conceptual, methodological and empirical level. We propose a new, hybrid algorithm of solving MPTSP instances (it connects harmony search, k-means and 2-opt), which can be successfully used in economic practice for coordination and modeling of Industry 4.0. The effectiveness of proposed approach is tested using a case study of drugs distribution services and datasets obtained from the transportation enterprise located in Poland. The study focuses on the issue of planning routes, with particular emphasis on the changing demand of customers. It should be stressed that this work may be of interest to researchers but also to management practitioners. The value added of this research lies in the innovative modeling the coordination of sustainable drug transportation as an instance of MPTSP and proposing an effective method to solve it. The main research results confirm that proposed method contributes to overall sustainability of studied supply chain.
Common pathways to Dean of Medicine at U.S. medical schools
Authors: Jacobson Clare E. , Beeler Whitney H. , Griffith Kent A. , Flotte Terence R. , Byington Carrie L. , Jagsi Reshma
Published: March 2021

Purpose

We sought to evaluate common leadership experiences and academic achievements obtained by current U.S. Medical School Deans of Medicine (DOMs) prior to their first appointment as Dean in order to elucidate a common pathway for promotion.

Methods

In April-June 2019 the authors requested a curriculum vitae from each of the 153 LCME-accredited U.S. Medical School DOMs. The authors abstracted data on prior appointments, demographics, and achievements from CVs and online databases. Differences by gender and institutional rank were then evaluated by the Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

Results

CVs were obtained for 62% of DOMs (95 of 153), with women comprising 16% of the responding cohort (15/95). Prior to appointment as DOM, 34% of respondents had served as both permanent Department Chair and Associate Dean, 39% as permanent Department Chair but not Associate Dean, and 17% as Associate Deans but not permanent Department Chair. There was a non-significant trend for men to have been more likely to have been a permanent Department Chair (76% vs 53%, p = 0.11) and less likely to have been an Associate Dean (48% vs 67%, p = 0.26) compared to women. Responding DOMs at Top-25 research institutions were mostly male (15/16), more likely to have been appointed before 2010 (38% vs 14%, p = 0.025), and had higher H-indices (mean (SD): 73.1 (32.3) vs 33.5 (22.5), p<0.01) than non-Top-25 Deans.

Conclusions

The most common pathway to DOM in this study cohort was prior service as Department Chair. This suggests that diversification among Department Chair positions or expansion of search criteria to seek leaders from pools other than Department Chairs may facilitate increased diversity, equity, and inclusion among DOM overall.
Reliability of qualitative occlusal tooth wear evaluation using an intraoral scanner: A pilot study
Authors: Travassos da Rosa Moreira Bastos Renata , Teixeira da Silva Priscila , Normando David
Published: March 2021

Dental wear analysis through the use of an intraoral scanner is a reality of modern dentistry. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of qualitative tooth wear evaluation through three-dimensional images captured with an intraoral scanner and compared to clinical and photographic examinations. Eighteen adult volunteers of both genders (18 to 55 years old) were submitted to clinical exams, intraoral photographs and intraoral scanning protocol using an optical scanner (TRIOS® Pod, 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark). Occlusal tooth wear, from second to second premolars, was measured by two evaluators and reevaluated after 30 days, according to a slight modification of the method described by Mockers et al. Weighted Kappa was used to measure intra and inter-examiner agreement. The Friedman test was used to verify the differences among methods. Random and systematic errors were assessed using Bland-Altman plots. All statistical analysis was performed with p<0.05. There was a substantive agreement for clinical (K = 0.75) and photographic exams (K = 0.79) and a moderate agreement for intraoral scanner analysis (K = 0.60) for inter-examiner evaluation. A substantial intra-examiner agreement was obtained for both evaluators. No significant difference between the methods was observed (p = 0.7343 for examiner 1 and 0.8007 for examiner 2). The Bland-Altman plot confirmed no systematic errors between the methods and a random error of 0.25 with the scanner method when compared to clinical assessment. All three methods showed reliability in qualitative occlusal tooth wear evaluation. Intraoral scanning seems to be a sound and reliable tool to evaluate tooth wear when compared to traditional methods, considering the lower inter-examiner agreement and the inherent limitations of this pilot study. Further research will be necessary in order to achieve more robust evidence.
Ethnically biased microsatellites contribute to differential gene expression and glutathione metabolism in Africans and Europeans
Authors: Kinney Nick , Kang Lin , Bains Harpal , Lawson Elizabeth , Husain Mesam , Husain Kumayl , Sandhu Inderjit , Shin Yongdeok , Carter Javan K. , Anandakrishnan Ramu , Michalak Pawel , Garner Harold
Published: March 2021

Approximately three percent of the human genome is occupied by microsatellites: a type of short tandem repeat (STR). Microsatellites have well established effects on (a) the genetic structure of diverse human populations and (b) expression of nearby genes. These lines of inquiry have uncovered 3,984 ethnically biased microsatellite loci (EBML) and 28,375 expression STRs (eSTRs), respectively. We hypothesize that a combination of EBML, eSTRs, and gene expression data (RNA-seq) can be used to show that microsatellites contribute to differential gene expression and phenotype in human populations. In fact, our previous study demonstrated a degree of mutual overlap between EBML and eSTRs but fell short of quantifying effects on gene expression. The present work aims to narrow the gap. First, we identify 313 overlapping EBML/eSTRs and recapitulate their mutual overlap. The 313 EBML/eSTRs are then characterized across ethnicity and tissue type. We use RNA-seq data to pursue validation of 49 regions that affect whole blood gene expression; 32 out of 54 affected genes are differentially expressed in Africans and Europeans. We quantify the relative contribution of these 32 genes to differential expression; fold change tends to be less than other differentially expressed genes. Repeat length correlates with expression for 15 of the 32 genes; two are conspicuously involved in glutathione metabolism. Finally, we repurpose a mathematical model of glutathione metabolism to investigate how a single polymorphic microsatellite affects phenotype. We conclude with a testable prediction that microsatellite polymorphisms affect GPX7 expression and oxidative stress in Africans and Europeans.
Slowpoke functions in circadian output cells to regulate rest:activity rhythms
Authors: Ruiz Daniela , Bajwa Saffia T. , Vanani Naisarg , Bajwa Tanvir A. , Cavanaugh Daniel J.
Published: March 2021

The circadian system produces ~24-hr oscillations in behavioral and physiological processes to ensure that they occur at optimal times of day and in the correct temporal order. At its core, the circadian system is composed of dedicated central clock neurons that keep time through a cell-autonomous molecular clock. To produce rhythmic behaviors, time-of-day information generated by clock neurons must be transmitted across output pathways to regulate the downstream neuronal populations that control the relevant behaviors. An understanding of the manner through which the circadian system enacts behavioral rhythms therefore requires the identification of the cells and molecules that make up the output pathways. To that end, we recently characterized theDrosophilapars intercerebralis (PI) as a major circadian output center that lies downstream of central clock neurons in a circuit controlling rest:activity rhythms. We have conducted single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to identify potential circadian output genes expressed by PI cells, and used cell-specific RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down expression of ~40 of these candidate genes selectively within subsets of PI cells. We demonstrate that knockdown of theslowpoke(slo) potassium channel in PI cells reliably decreases circadian rest:activity rhythm strength. Interestingly,slomutants have previously been shown to have aberrant rest:activity rhythms, in part due to a necessary function ofslowithin central clock cells. However, rescue ofsloin all clock cells does not fully reestablish behavioral rhythms, indicating that expression in non-clock neurons is also necessary. Our results demonstrate thatsloexerts its effects in multiple components of the circadian circuit, including PI output cells in addition to clock neurons, and we hypothesize that it does so by contributing to the generation of daily neuronal activity rhythms that allow for the propagation of circadian information throughout output circuits.
Remote assessment in adults with Autism or ADHD: A service user satisfaction survey
Authors: Adamou Marios , Jones Sarah L. , Fullen Tim , Galab Nazmeen , Abbott Karl , Yasmeen Salma
Published: March 2021

Advances in digital health have enabled clinicians to move away from a reliance on face to face consultation methods towards making use of modern video and web-based conferencing technology. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote telecommunication methods have become much more common place in mental health settings. The current study sought to investigate whether remote telecommunication methods are preferable to face to face consultations for adults referred to an Autism and ADHD Service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, whether there are any differences in preferred consultation methods between adults who were referred for an assessment of Autism as opposed to ADHD. 117 service users who undertook assessment by the ADHD and Autism Service at South West Yorkshire NHS Partnership Foundation Trust from April to September 2020 completed an adapted version of the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). Results demonstrated that service users found remote telecommunication to be useful, effective, reliable and satisfactory. Despite this, almost half of service users stated a general preference for face to face consultations. There was no difference in the choice of methods of contact between Autism and ADHD pathways. Remote telecommunication methods were found to be an acceptable medium of contact for adults who undertook an assessment of Autism and ADHD at an NHS Service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Luanda, Angola
Authors: Sebastião Cruz S. , Neto Zoraima , Martinez Pedro , Jandondo Domingos , Antonio Janete , Galangue Manuela , de Carvalho Marcia , David Kumbelembe , Miranda Julio , Afonso Pedro , Inglês Luzia , Carrelero Raisa Rivas , de Vasconcelos Jocelyne Neto , Morais Joana
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics related to SARS-CoV-2 in Luanda, Angola. A total of 622 individuals were screened for SARS-CoV-2 from January to September 2020. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to identify the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and SARS-CoV-2. Of the 622 tested, 14.3% tested positive. The infection rate was the same for both genders (14.3%). Individuals ≥40 years old, from non-urbanized areas, and healthcare professionals had a higher frequency of infection. The risk of infection was very high in individuals ≥60 years old (AOR: 23.3, 95% CI: 4.83–112), in women (AOR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.76–2.04), in Luanda (AOR: 7.40, 95% CI: 1.64–33.4), and healthcare professionals (AOR: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.60–2.71), whereas a low risk was observed in individuals from urbanized areas (AOR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.26–0.75). Our results suggest that Angolan authorities should implement a greater effort in non-urbanized areas and among healthcare professionals since when these individuals presented any indication for a COVID-19 test, such as fever/cough/myalgia, they were more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than having some other cause for symptoms.
Information-seeking behaviors and barriers to the incorporation of scientific evidence into clinical practice: A survey with Brazilian dentists
Authors: Oliveira Branca Heloisa , Hyppolito Izabel Monteiro D. , Malheiros Zilson , Stewart Bernal , Pannuti Claudio Mendes
Published: March 2021

The aim of this online cross-sectional study is to identify the sources of scientific information used by Brazilian dentists in clinical decision-making and the barriers that they perceive as important to the incorporation of scientific evidence into clinical practice. A pretested questionnaire created in Google Forms which was made available to participants through links sent by e-mail or shared on Facebook® and Instagram® was used to collect the data between October 2018 and May 2019. Only dentists who were involved in direct or indirect care of patients (i.e. clinicians who performed dental procedures or dental educators who participated in the clinical training of graduate or postgraduate dental students) were asked to complete the questionnaire. The sample was comprised of 528 dentists (the response rate from the alumni database was 6.9%); their mean age was 45.2 years (±12.5) and 30.9% had an academic position. The majority were women (68.0%) and lived in Southern or Southeastern Brazil (96.0%). The sources of scientific information more frequently used by them in clinical decision-making were clinical guidelines (65.1%; 95% CI: 60.9, 69.2), scientific articles (56.8%; 95%CI: 52.5, 61.1) and bibliographic databases (48.3%; 95% CI: 43.9, 52.6). The information resource less frequently used was social media. The most important barriers to the clinical use of scientific evidence were: difficulty in determining whether scientific contents found on the Internet were reliable or not (41.8%; 95% CI: 37.6, 46.2), high cost of access to scientific papers (37.7%; 95% CI: 33.5, 41.9), and lack of time for reading scientific articles (32.4%; 95% CI: 28.4, 36.6). Although Brazilian dentists show a positive attitude towards obtaining scientific evidence from reliable sources, there still remain important barriers to the translation of evidence into practice. This can have significant implications for quality of care and should be further investigated.
Inactivated rabies virus vectored SARS-CoV-2 vaccine prevents disease in a Syrian hamster model
Authors: Kurup Drishya , Malherbe Delphine C. , Wirblich Christoph , Lambert Rachael , Ronk Adam J. , Zabihi Diba Leila , Bukreyev Alexander , Schnell Matthias J.
Published: March 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emergent coronavirus that has caused a worldwide pandemic. Although human disease is often asymptomatic, some develop severe illnesses such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death. There is an urgent need for a vaccine to prevent its rapid spread as asymptomatic infections accounting for up to 40% of transmission events. Here we further evaluated an inactivated rabies vectored SARS-CoV-2 S1 vaccine CORAVAX in a Syrian hamster model. CORAVAX adjuvanted with MPLA-AddaVax, a TRL4 agonist, induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies and generated a strong Th1-biased immune response. Vaccinated hamsters were protected from weight loss and viral replication in the lungs and nasal turbinates three days after challenge with SARS-CoV-2. CORAVAX also prevented lung disease, as indicated by the significant reduction in lung pathology. This study highlights CORAVAX as a safe, immunogenic, and efficacious vaccine that warrants further assessment in human trials.
Nationwide Multicentric Retrospective and Prospective Epidemiologic Survey of Bisphosphonate-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws
Authors: Vereb Tamás
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is considered to be a rare but severe complication of bisphosphonate therapy. The presumably multifactorial pathomechanisms of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws have not been fully elucidated so far. To understand this condition better data collection is essential. Although the number of scientific papers about this subject is large, only a few multicenter reports have been published. Management of this serious side effect is a real challenge and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Material and methods: We present a novel cloud-based data collection system for the evaluation of the risk factors of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Web-based questionnaire and database have been set up and made available to voluntary researchers and clinicians in oral and maxillofacial surgery in Hungary and Slovakia. Results: To date, fifteen colleagues from eight maxillofacial units have joined the study. Data of 180 patients have been recorded. Collected data were statistically analysed and evaluated from an epidemiological point of view. Discussions: Authors consider cloud-based multicenter data collection a useful tool that allows for real-time collaboration between users, facilitates fast data entry and analysis, and thus considerably contributes to widening our knowledge of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Conclusions: Although several issues are still open regarding the management of the disorder, this study may help to develop evidence-based, individualized, stage-adapted therapeutic strategies that will replace the previous empirical treatment.