bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A transcriptomic analysis of sugarcane response to Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli infection
Authors: Zhu Kai , Yang Li-Tao , Li Cheng-Xi , Lakshmanan Prakash , Xing Yong-Xiu , Li Yang-Rui
Published: February 2021

Sugarcane ratoon stunting disease (RSD) caused by Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx) is a common destructive disease that occurs around the world. Lxx is an obligate pathogen of sugarcane, and previous studies have reported some physiological responses of RSD-affected sugarcane. However, the molecular understanding of sugarcane response to Lxx infection remains unclear. In the present study, transcriptomes of healthy and Lxx-infected sugarcane stalks and leaves were studied to gain more insights into the gene activity in sugarcane in response to Lxx infection. RNA-Seq analysis of healthy and diseased plants transcriptomes identified 107,750 unigenes. Analysis of these unigenes showed a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) occurring mostly in leaves of infected plants. Sugarcane responds to Lxx infection mainly via alteration of metabolic pathways such as photosynthesis, phytohormone biosynthesis, phytohormone action-mediated regulation, and plant-pathogen interactions. It was also found that cell wall defense pathways and protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation pathways may play important roles in Lxx pathogeneis. In Lxx-infected plants, significant inhibition in photosynthetic processes through large number of differentially expressed genes involved in energy capture, energy metabolism and chloroplast structure. Also, Lxx infection caused down-regulation of gibberellin response through an increased activity of DELLA and down-regulation of GID1 proteins. This alteration in gibberellic acid response combined with the inhibition of photosynthetic processes may account for the majority of growth retardation occurring in RSD-affected plants. A number of genes associated with plant-pathogen interactions were also differentially expressed in Lxx-infected plants. These include those involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, cell wall biosynthesis, and phagosomes, implicating an active defense response to Lxx infection. Considering the fact that RSD occurs worldwide and a significant cause of sugarcane productivity, a better understanding of Lxx resistance-related processes may help develop tools and technologies for producing RSD-resistant sugarcane varieties through conventional and/or molecular breeding.
Motor function is the primary driver of the associations of sarcopenia and physical frailty with adverse health outcomes in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Buchman Aron S. , Leurgans Sue E. , Wang Tianhao , Schnaider-Beeri Michal , Agarwal Puja , Dawe Robert J. , Delbono Osvaldo , Bennett David A.
Published: February 2021

Background

This study tested the hypothesis that sarcopenia and its constituent components, reduced lean muscle mass and impaired motor function, are associated with reduced survival and increased risk of incident disabilities.

Methods

1466 community-dwelling older adults underwent assessment of muscle mass with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), grip strength, gait speed and other components of physical frailty and annual self-report assessments of disability. We used Cox proportional hazards models that controlled for age, sex, race, education and height to examine the associations of a continuous sarcopenia metric with the hazard of death and incident disabilities.

Results

Mean baseline age was about 80 years old and follow-up was 5.5 years. In a proportional hazards model controlling for age, sex, race, education and baseline sarcopenia, each 1-SD higher score on a continuous sarcopenia scale was associated with lower hazards of death (HR 0.70, 95%CI [0.62, 0.78]), incident IADL (HR 0.80,95%CI [0.70, 0.93]), incident ADL disability (HR 0.80 95%CI [71, 91]) and incident mobility disability (HR 0.81, 95%CI [0.70, 0.93]). Further analyses suggest that grip strength and gait speed rather than muscle mass drive the associations with all four adverse health outcomes. Similar findings were observed when controlling for additional measures used to assess physical frailty including BMI, fatigue and physical activity.

Conclusions

Motor function is the primary driver of the associations of sarcopenia and physical frailty with diverse adverse health outcomes. Further work is needed to identify other facets of muscle structure and motor function which together can identify adults at risk for specific adverse health outcomes.
HER2-intronic miR-4728-5p facilitates HER2 expression and accelerates cell proliferation and migration by targeting EBP1 in breast cancer
Authors: Zhou Yu , Yuan Yuan , Li Liuyi , Wang Xueliang , Quan Yimin , Liu Chunyu , Yu Mengchao , Hu Xiuting , Meng Xiangfeng , Zhou Zhen , Zhang Chen-Yu , Chen Xi , Liu Minghui , Wang Chen
Published: February 2021

HER2 amplification greatly contributes to the tumorigenesis of multiple cancers. Intronic miR-4728-5p is transcribed along with its host gene HER2. However, little is known about the role of miR-4728-5p in cancer. This study aims to elucidate the potential role of miR-4728-5p and the underlying mechanism in breast cancer. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that higher expression of HER2 led to worse survival outcomes in breast cancer patients. The TCGA dataset revealed that compared to normal breast tissues, HER2 and miR-4728-5p levels were significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues with a positive correlation. In functional assays, miR-4728-5p was confirmed to promote the proliferation and migration in breast cancer cell BT474. EBP1 was identified as a direct target of miR-4728-5p via bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays. miR-4728-5p was further demonstrated to increase HER2 expression and promote cell proliferation and migration by directly inhibiting EBP1 in breast cancer. Taken together, the HER2-intronic miR-4728-5p/EBP1/HER2 feedback loop plays an important role in promoting breast cancer cell proliferation and migration. Our study provides novel insights for targeted therapies of breast cancer.
Limitations in the implementation of control measures for bovine paratuberculosis in infected Swiss dairy and beef herds
Authors: Klopfstein Myriam , Leyer Alexandra , Berchtold Beat , Torgerson Paul Robert , Meylan Mireille
Published: February 2021

Various measures have been advocated for the control of Johne’s disease (caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, MAP) in different countries. Farmers’ compliance has been reported to be variable depending on disease prevalence and incentives to participate in control programs. After the prevalence of MAP shedding and risk factors for within-herd spread of MAP were assessed in 17 Swiss cattle herds (10 dairy and 7 beef), general and herd-specific recommendations were given to the farmers to reduce MAP transmission within the herd. Participation in the study and implementation of control measures were voluntary, no financial incentives were provided for the realization of control measures. After a 3-year period of monitored observation including biannual farm visits and discussion of the situation, the implementation of the recommended control measures and their effect on prevalence of MAP shedding were evaluated. Implementation of recommended general and farm-specific control measures was only partially realized. Neither the number of animals tested positive (before or during the study) nor the farmers’ knowledge about paratuberculosis were significantly associated with their compliance for the implementation of management changes. The apparent within-herd prevalence remained constant despite limited implementation of control measures, and no particular group of control measures was found to be associated with changes in prevalence. Farmers’ compliance for the implementation of control measures to reduce the impact of Johne’s disease in infected farms was very limited under Swiss farming conditions in the frame of voluntary participation in a research project. These results indicate that the losses associated with paratuberculosis in Swiss dairy and beef operations are not estimated to be high enough by the farmers to justify important efforts for control measures, and that incentives may be necessary to achieve efficient implementation of such measures.
Dynamic academic networking concept and its links with English language skills and research productivity–non-Anglophone context
Authors: Wieczorek Anna L. , Mitręga Maciej , Spáčil Vojtěch
Published: February 2021

Although the Science of Team Science or SciTS has already provided substantial evidence for research collaboration positive links to scientific productivity, much less is known about such links with broadly defined academic networking, especially with regard to the dilemma about forms of academic networking that may help individual scholars in handling risks and dynamics inherent in academic connections. This study uses cross-disciplinary theoretical insights to conceptualize “dynamic academic networking” as a distinct collaboration-related phenomenon that is theoretically linked with research productivity on the one hand, and with English language skills on the other, especially in the context of non-Anglophone academic systems. The study combines survey-based data and Scopus-based data to test two main hypothesized connections while controlling for the potential effects of other factors, e.g. home faculty research connections and faculty-industry professional connections. The research results provide support for the structural model which is also interpreted in terms of dynamic networking being valid concept in relation to further development of SciTS.
The impact of Covid-19-related distress on general health, oral behaviour, psychosocial features, disability and pain intensity in a cohort of Italian patients with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Asquini Giacomo , Bianchi Andrea Edoardo , Borromeo Giulia , Locatelli Matteo , Falla Deborah
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 distress on psychological status, features of central sensitization and facial pain severity in people with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). In this prospective cohort study, 45 adults (19 chronic, 26 acute/subacute TMD) were recruited prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Baseline assessment took place before the outbreak while a follow-up was performed immediately after the lockdown period. Multiple variables were investigated including age, gender, perceived life quality, sleep quality, anxiety and depression, coping strategies, central sensitization, pain intensity, pain-related disability and oral behaviour. COVID Stress Scales (CSS) were applied at follow-up to measure the extent of COVID-related distress. CSS were significantly higher in those with chronic TMDs compared to those with acute/subacute TMDs (p<0.05). In people with chronic TMD, the variation in anxiety and depression from baseline to follow-up was significantly correlated with scores on the CSS (r = 0.72; p = 0.002). Variations of the central sensitization inventory (r = 0.57; p = 0.020) and graded chronic pain scale (r = 0.59; p = 0.017) were significantly correlated with scores on the CSS. These initial findings indicate that people with chronic TMD were more susceptible to COVID-19 distress with deterioration of psychological status, worsening features of central sensitization and increased chronic facial pain severity. These findings reinforce the role of stress as a possible amplifier of central sensitization, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and pain-related disability in people with TMDs.

Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT03990662.
Semi-Siamese U-Net for separation of lung and heart bioimpedance images: A simulation study of thorax EIT
Authors: Ko Yen-Fen , Cheng Kuo-Sheng
Published: February 2021

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is widely used for bedside monitoring of lung ventilation status. Its goal is to reflect the internal conductivity changes and estimate the electrical properties of the tissues in the thorax. However, poor spatial resolution affects EIT image reconstruction to the extent that the heart and lung-related impedance images are barely distinguishable. Several studies have attempted to tackle this problem, and approaches based on decomposition of EIT images using linear transformations have been developed, and recently, U-Net has become a prominent architecture for semantic segmentation. In this paper, we propose a novel semi-Siamese U-Net specifically tailored for EIT application. It is based on the state-of-the-art U-Net, whose structure is modified and extended, forming shared encoder with parallel decoders and has multi-task weighted losses added to adapt to the individual separation tasks. The trained semi-Siamese U-Net model was evaluated with a test dataset, and the results were compared with those of the classical U-Net in terms of Dice similarity coefficient and mean absolute error. Results showed that compared with the classical U-Net, semi-Siamese U-Net exhibited performance improvements of 11.37% and 3.2% in Dice similarity coefficient, and 3.16% and 5.54% in mean absolute error, in terms of heart and lung-impedance image separation, respectively.
Size, not temperature, drives cyclopoid copepod predation of invasive mosquito larvae
Authors: Russell Marie C. , Qureshi Alima , Wilson Christopher G. , Cator Lauren J.
Published: February 2021

During range expansion, invasive species can experience new thermal regimes. Differences between the thermal performance of local and invasive species can alter species interactions, including predator-prey interactions. The Asian tiger mosquito,Aedes albopictus, is a known vector of several viral diseases of public health importance. It has successfully invaded many regions across the globe and currently threatens to invade regions of the UK where conditions would support seasonal activity. We assessed the functional response and predation efficiency (percentage of prey consumed) of the cyclopoid copepodsMacrocyclops albidusandMegacyclops viridisfrom South East England, UK against newly-hatched FrenchAe.albopictuslarvae across a relevant temperature range (15, 20, and 25°C). Predator-absent controls were included in all experiments to account for background prey mortality. We found that bothM.albidusandM.viridisdisplay type II functional response curves, and that both would therefore be suitable biocontrol agents in the event of anAe.albopictusinvasion in the UK. No significant effect of temperature on the predation interaction was detected by either type of analysis. However, the predation efficiency analysis did show differences due to predator species. The results suggest thatM.viridiswould be a superior predator against invasiveAe.albopictuslarvae due to the larger size of this copepod species, relative toM.albidus. Our work highlights the importance of size relationships in predicting interactions between invading prey and local predators.
Comparative evaluation of conventional and modified frontalis muscle flap advancement techniques in the treatment of severe congenital ptosis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhai Wenjuan , Yang Lihong , Sun Chunhua , Pan Ye , Zhao Hong
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To introduce a modified frontalis muscle (FM) flap for use in FM flap advancement surgery and compare it with the conventional flap for correcting severe congenital ptosis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 200 patients (278 eyes) with severe congenital ptosis treated with FM flap advancement at Tianjin Eye Hospital from April 2018 to October 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: 100 patients (138 eyes) in the conventional group and 100 patients (140 eyes) in the modified group. The success and complication rates were evaluated.

Results

The final success rate was 77.5% (107/138) in the conventional group and 90.0% (126/140) in the modified group (p = 0.005). Undercorrection was observed in 31 eyes (22.5%) in the conventional group and 14 eyes (10%) in the modified group (p = 0.005). In the conventional group, angular deformity of the upper eyelid was observed in 29 eyes (21.0%), FM paralysis in 11 (8.0%), frontal hypoesthesia in 10 (7.2%), severe hematoma in 12 (8.7%), and exposure keratitis in 8 (5.8%); these complications were not observed in the modified group (p <0.001, p <0.001, p = 0.004, p <0.001, p = 0.011, respectively). There were no cases of overcorrection, entropion or ectropion in either group.

Conclusion

Compared with the conventional FM flap, the modified FM flap in this study yielded a higher success rate with a clear field of vision, mild trauma, and few complications. This technique is simple and convenient for correcting severe congenital ptosis.
Economic evaluation of Health Extension Program packages in Ethiopia
Authors: Assebe Lelisa Fekadu , Belete Wondesen Nigatu , Alemayehu Senait , Asfaw Elias , Godana Kora Tushune , Alemayehu Yibeltal Kiflie , Teklu Alula M. , Yigezu Amanuel
Published: February 2021

Background

Ethiopia launched the Health Extension Program (HEP) in 2004, aimed at ensuring equitable community-level healthcare services through Health Extension Workers. Despite the program’s being a flagship initiative, there is limited evidence on whether investment in the program represents good value for money. This study assessed the cost and cost-effectiveness of HEP interventions to inform policy decisions for resource allocation and priority setting in Ethiopia.

Methods

Twenty-one health care interventions were selected under the hygiene and sanitation, family health services, and disease prevention and control sub-domains. The ingredient bottom-up and top-down costing method was employed. Cost and cost-effectiveness were assessed from the provider perspective. Health outcomes were measured using life years gained (LYG). Incremental cost per LYG in relation to the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Ethiopia (US$852.80) was used to ascertain the cost-effectiveness. All costs were collected in Ethiopian birr and converted to United States dollars (US$) using the average exchange rate for 2018 (US$1 = 27.67 birr). Both costs and health outcomes were discounted by 3%.

Result

The average unit cost of providing selected hygiene and sanitation, family health, and disease prevention and control services with the HEP was US$0.70, US$4.90, and US$7.40, respectively. The major cost driver was drugs and supplies, accounting for 53% and 68%, respectively, of the total cost. The average annual cost of delivering all the selected interventions was US$9,897. All interventions fall within 1 times GDP per capita per LYG, indicating that they are very cost-effective (ranges: US$22–$295 per LYG). Overall, the HEP is cost-effective by investing US$77.40 for every LYG.

Conclusion

The unit cost estimates of HEP interventions are crucial for priority-setting, resource mobilization, and program planning. This study found that the program is very cost-effective in delivering community health services.
Trajectory of smoking behavior change among Chinese immigrant smokers
Authors: Lei Fang , Lee Eunice , Zheng Ying
Published: February 2021

Background

The incidence and mortality rates of smoking-associated lung cancer are high among Chinese immigrant smokers. Coming from a country with different smoking policies, culture, and economic background than the U.S., Chinese smokers may change their smoking behaviors after immigrating to the U.S.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the trajectory of smoking behavior change among Chinese immigrant smokers migrating to the U.S.

Methods

This qualitative study was guided by the Grounded theory. Semi-structured intensive individual interviews were conducted among 10 eligible participants. A purposive theoretical sampling method was used to recruit participants through a website. Individual interviews were conducted online, via telephone, or in-person in Mandarin. Data were transcribed verbatim in Mandarin, translated into English, and triangulated with follow-up interviews and dialogues among authors to enhance trustworthiness and consistency of the study. Process coding and content analysis were used to analyze data.

Results

A total of 10 participants, 7 males and 3 females, were interviewed. Results showed the trajectory of smoking behavior change among Chinese immigrant smokers went through three phases: 1) Beginning to smoke, which included learning to smoke from others, trying to smoke and learning to smoke, and hiding their smoking behaviors from others; 2) maintaining smoking, which included setting boundary around smoking, smoking as a facilitator or barrier to social interaction, feeling pressures related to smoking behavior, and making others happy: Collective smoking and controlling smoking desire; and 3) changing smoking behaviors, which included experiencing life events that were triggers to changing smoking behavior, boredom as a reason for relapses, personal will as a key to quitting smoking, and quitting smoking for a loved one. Although some differences existed between male and female Chinese immigrant smokers’ smoking behaviors, their trajectories of smoking behavior change were generally similar.

Discussion

Findings from this study can help health care providers to extend their understanding toward smoking behavior change among Chinese immigrant smokers across different socio-cultural contexts.
Leptin improves the in vitro development of preimplantation rabbit embryos under oxidative stress of cryopreservation
Authors: Alshaheen Tarek A. , Awaad Mohamed H. H. , Mehaisen Gamal M. K.
Published: February 2021

Vitrification is an economically effective method for embryo cryopreservation in human and livestock animals; however, it carries the risk of damage by the exposure to severe oxidative stress. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of leptin at different levels on the in vitro development of fresh and vitrified preimplantation embryos in a rabbit model. Normal embryos at morulae stage were randomly cultured for 2 h with 0, 10, 20 or 100 ng/mL of leptin, then were cultured for further 48 h as freshly or after vitrification. Thereafter, developed blastocysts form the best leptin level in fresh and vitrified embryos along with their controls were allocated to analyze the pro-oxidant (malondialdehyde, MDA; nitric oxide, NO), antioxidant (total antioxidant capacity, TAC; superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GPx), apoptotic (Bcl-2 associated X protein, BAX; heat shock 60kD protein member 1, HSP60; tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNFα) and developmental (sex determining region Y box protein 2, SOX2; Nanog homeobox protein, NANOG; Octamer-binding protein 4, OCT4) biomarkers. Results indicate that expanding and hatching rates of embryos were significantly higher at 20 ng/mL leptin than the other levels, while vitrification had an independent suppression effect on the in vitro development rates. The MDA and NO were significantly higher, while TAC, SOD and GPx were significantly lower in the vitrified than fresh embryos. In contrast, leptin treatment significantly decreased the pro-oxidant biomarkers and increased the antioxidant biomarkers in both fresh and vitrified embryos. Vitrification significantly increased the antiapoptotic biomarkers, and decreased the developmental biomarkers in embryos. In contrast, leptin decreased the BAX and TNFα, increased the HSP60, and moreover, ameliorated the reduction of developmental biomarkers in the vitrified embryos. These results conclude that leptin could be used as antiapoptotic and antioxidant promotor to support the in vitro embryonic development, particularly under oxidative stress emerged from cryopreservation programs.
Changes in contraceptive and sexual behaviours among unmarried young people in Nigeria: Evidence from nationally representative surveys
Authors: Adedini Sunday A. , Mobolaji Jacob Wale , Alabi Matthew , Fatusi Adesegun O.
Published: February 2021

Context

Nigeria is a high-burden country in terms of young people’s health. Understanding changes in young people’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) behaviours and the associated factors is important for framing appropriate interventions.

Objective

This study assessed changes in SRH behaviours of unmarried young people aged 15–24 and associated factors over a ten-year period in Nigeria.

Data and method

We analysed datasets from Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys of 2008, 2013 and 2018 to assess changes in inconsistent condom use, non-use of modern contraceptives; multiple sexual partnership; and early sexual debut. Using binary logistic regression, we assessed the association of selected variables with the SRH behaviours.

Results

Over four-fifths of unmarried young people (15–24) in Nigeria engaged in at least one risky sexual behaviour in each survey year. The pattern of changes in the four risky SRH behaviours was consistent over the 10-year period, with the highest rates of each behaviour occurring in 2018 while the lowest rates were in 2013, thus indicating an increase in the proportion of respondents engaging in risky sexual behaviours over the study period. Comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge, male gender, older age category (20–24), residence in south-west Nigeria, urban residence, higher socio-economic status, secondary/higher education were mostly protective against the four SRH variables analysed across the different data waves.

Conclusion

Addressing the high and increasing level of risky SRH behaviours among young people in Nigeria is imperative to improve overall national health status and to ensure progress towards achieving SDG target 3.7 focusing on SRH.
Nutritional status and activities of daily living in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Nagano Tomohiko , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Umezu Yuichi , Yanagawa Takashi
Published: February 2021

Patients with Parkinson’s disease are often frail and likely to be malnourished. Several studies have reported the adverse effects of malnutrition on functional outcomes; however, the association between nutritional status and activities of daily living is unclear among patients with Parkinson’s disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional status and activities of daily living in patients with Parkinson’s disease. We conducted a retrospective cohort study with the data of 124 patients who were consecutively admitted to a rehabilitation hospital in Japan, among whom the data of 61 patients were included in the analyses. The Controlling Nutritional Status score was used to measure the nutritional status of the participants, and the motor subdomain of the Functional Independence Measure was used to assess the activities of daily living. Piecewise linear mixed-effects models were fitted to the data after adjusting for confounding factors. A poor nutritional status (i.e., Controlling Nutritional Status score >3) was significantly associated with a poor Functional Independence Measure gain, which was defined as difference in the score values of the Functional Independence Measures between discharge and admission. Our findings could aid in developing nutritional intervention programs for patients with Parkinson’s disease by employing the Controlling Nutritional Status score to improve their activities of daily living.
Development and performance evaluation of a rapid in-house ELISA for retrospective serosurveillance of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sil Bijon Kumar , Jahan Nowshin , Haq Md. Ahsanul , Oishee Mumtarin Jannat , Ali Tamanna , Khandker Shahad Saif , Kobatake Eiry , Mie Masayasu , Khondoker Mohib Ullah , Jamiruddin Mohd. Raeed , Adnan Nihad
Published: February 2021

Background

In the ongoing pandemic situation of COVID-19, serological tests can complement the molecular diagnostic methods, and can be one of the important tools of sero-surveillance and vaccine evaluation.

Aim

To develop and evaluate a rapid SARS-CoV-2 specific ELISA for detection of anti-SARS-CoV2 IgG from patients’ biological samples.

Methods

In order to develop this ELISA, three panels of samples (n = 184) have been used: panel 1 (n = 19) and panel 2 (n = 60) were collected from RT-PCR positive patients within 14 and after 14 days of onset of clinical symptoms, respectively; whereas panel 3 consisted of negative samples (n = 105) collected either from healthy donors or pre-pandemic dengue patients. As a capturing agent full-length SARS-CoV2 specific recombinant nucleocapsid was immobilized. Commercial SARS-CoV2 IgG kit based on chemiluminescent assay was used for the selection of samples and optimization of the assay. The threshold cut-off point, inter-assay and intra-assay variations were determined.

Results

The incubation/reaction time was set at a total of 30 minutes with the sensitivity of 84% (95% confidence interval, CI, 60.4%, 96.6%) and 98% (95% CI, 91.1%, 100.0%), for panel 1 and 2, respectively; with overall 94.9% sensitivity (95% CI 87.5%, 98.6%). Moreover, the clinical specificity was 97.1% (95% CI, 91.9%, 99.4%) with no cross reaction with dengue samples. The overall positive and negative predictive values are 96.2% (95% CI 89.2%, 99.2%) and 96.2% (95% CI, 90.6% 99.0%), respectively. In-house ELISA demonstrated 100% positive and negative percent agreement with Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2, with Cohen’s kappa value of 1.00 (very strong agreement), while comparing 13 positive and 17 negative confirmed cases.

Conclusion

The assay is rapid and can be applied as one of the early and retrospective sero-monitoring tools in all over the affected areas.
Can respondent driven sampling be used to recruit new mothers? A mixed methods study in metropolitan Washington DC
Authors: Carlin Rebecca F. , Cornwell Benjamin , Wang Jichuan , Cheng Yao , Mathews Anita , Oden Rosalind P. , Fu Linda Y. , Moon Rachel Y.
Published: February 2021

Background

Respondent driven sampling (RDS) is employed to recruit populations that are hard-to-reach, “hidden,” or without a sampling frame. For new mothers (those with infants <6 months) in countries without national health care systems or registries, there is no sampling frame, and random samples may only be attained through costly strategies, e.g., random-dial calling.

Objective

To assess the feasibility of RDS to recruit new mothers.

Methods

In the initial study, we recruited 30 new mothers (“seeds”) from a single birth hospital; each was given 3 referral coupons to give to other mothers (“referrals”). When our sample did not self-perpetuate with referrals, additional seeds were recruited. Demographics of seeds and referrals were compared. A subset of mothers participated in focus groups and were asked about their experience with RDS. We also conducted a second survey of new mothers to further assess feasibility of RDS in this population.

Results

Of the 402 mothers recruited in the initial study, 305 were seeds and only 97 were referrals. Referrals were more likely to be White, highly educated, older, and privately insured (all p≤0.001). Focus group participants indicated that the time required to meet other mothers was an important barrier. In the second survey we recruited 201 mothers; only 53.7% knew ≥1 mother whom they could invite to the study.

Conclusions

New mothers are not easily recruited using RDS because they have a limited number of contacts who are also new mothers. Those recruited through RDS are more likely to be older, Caucasian and of high socioeconomic status, indicating it is not an effective way to recruit a representative sample of new mothers.
Dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation and their stoichiometry along a chronosequence of forest primary succession in the Hailuogou Glacier retreat area, eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yang Danli , Luo Ji , Peng Peihao , Li Wei , Shi Wenbo , Jia Longyu , He Yongmei
Published: February 2021

As the two limiting nutrients for plants in most terrestrial ecosystems, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential for the development of succession forests. Vegetation N:P stoichiometry is a useful tool for detecting nutrient limitation. In the present work, chronosequence analysis was employed to research N and P accumulation dynamics and their stoichiometry during forest primary succession in a glacier retreat area on the Tibetan Plateau. Our results showed that: (1) total ecosystem N and P pools increased from 97 kg hm−2 to 7186 kg hm−2 and 25 kg hm−2 to 487 kg hm−2, respectively, with increasing glacier retreat year; (2) the proportion of the organic soil N pool to total ecosystem N sharply increased with increasing glacier retreat year, but the proportion of the organic soil and the vegetation P pools to the total ecosystem P was equivalent after 125 y of recession; (3) the N:P ratio for tree leaves ranged from 10.1 to 14.3, whereas the N:P ratio for total vegetation decreased form 13.3 to 8.4 and remained constant after 35 y of recession, and the N:P ratio for organic soil increased from 0.2 to 23.1 with increasing glacier retreat. These results suggested that organic soil N increased with increasing years of glacier retreat, which may be the main sink for atmospheric N, whereas increased P accumulation in vegetation after 125 y of recession suggested that much of the soil P was transformed into the biomass P pool. As the N:P ratio for vegetation maintained a low level for 35–125 y of recession, we suggested that N might be the main limiting element for plant growth in the development of this ecosystem.
Shiga toxin remodels the intestinal epithelial transcriptional response to Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Warr Alyson R. , Kuehl Carole J. , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: February 2021

EnterohemorrhagicEscherichia coli(EHEC) is a food-borne pathogen that causes diarrheal disease and the potentially lethal hemolytic uremic syndrome. We used an infant rabbit model of EHEC infection that recapitulates many aspects of human intestinal disease to comprehensively assess colonic transcriptional responses to this pathogen. Cellular compartment-specific RNA-sequencing of intestinal tissue from animals infected with EHEC strains containing or lacking Shiga toxins (Stx) revealed that EHEC infection elicits a robust response that is dramatically shaped by Stx, particularly in epithelial cells. Many of the differences in the transcriptional responses elicited by these strains were in genes involved in immune signaling pathways, such asIL23A, and coagulation, includingF3, the gene encoding Tissue Factor. RNA FISH confirmed that these elevated transcripts were found almost exclusively in epithelial cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that Stx potently remodels the host innate immune response to EHEC.
Viral growth factor- and STAT3 signaling-dependent elevation of the TCA cycle intermediate levels during vaccinia virus infection
Authors: Pant Anil , Dsouza Lara , Cao Shuai , Peng Chen , Yang Zhilong
Published: February 2021

Metabolism is a crucial frontier of host-virus interaction as viruses rely on their host cells to provide nutrients and energy for propagation. Vaccinia virus (VACV) is the prototype poxvirus. It makes intensive demands for energy and macromolecules in order to build hundreds and thousands of viral particles in a single cell within hours of infection. Our comprehensive metabolic profiling reveals profound reprogramming of cellular metabolism by VACV infection, including increased levels of the intermediates of the tri-carboxylic acid (TCA) cycle independent of glutaminolysis. By investigating the level of citrate, the first metabolite of the TCA cycle, we demonstrate that the elevation of citrate depends on VACV-encoded viral growth factor (VGF), a viral homolog of cellular epidermal growth factor. Further, the upregulation of citrate is dependent on STAT3 signaling, which is activated non-canonically at the serine727 upon VACV infection. The STAT3 activation is dependent on VGF, and VGF-dependent EGFR and MAPK signaling. Together, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which VACV manipulates cellular metabolism through a specific viral factor and by selectively activating a series of cellular signaling pathways.
COVID-19. Clinical Guidelines Dentistry
Authors: Guerra Fernando , Mata António Duarte , Vinagre Alexandra , Costa Ana Luísa , Vieira Andreia Luís , Falcão Carlos , Chaves Catarina , Herrera David , Baptista Isabel Poiares , Toro Ivan , Braga João , Ramos João Carlos , Santos João Miguel , Silveira João Miguel , Tondela João Paulo , Palma Paulo , Nicolau Pedro , Gomes Pedro Sousa , Dias Ricardo , Rocha Salomão , Matos Sérgio
Published: February 2021

Em Dezembro de 2019, o mundo assistiu à emergência de uma zoonose provocada por um novo tipo de Corona vírus o SARS CoV 2. Esta infeção rapidamente evoluiu para uma disseminação pandémica com consequências pesadas em todos os planos civilizacionais. O SARS CoV 2 e a Covid 19 persistem presentemente sem previsões para a sua eliminação, com grande incerteza sobre a sua evolução e extensão quer das consequências sanitárias quer do impacto económico. Desta forma importa desenvolver estratégias que possibilitem o funcionamento das estruturas produtivas, combatendo o congelamento económico e social enquanto consequências absolutamente nefastas no contexto pandémico. A Medicina Dentária, pela sua natureza, nomeadamente a produção de aerossóis, foi classificada como sendo uma atividade no topo do risco de aquisição/disseminação da doença por parte dos profissionais que a exercem. Muitos países suspenderam o exercício de Medicina Dentária como medida preventiva. Importa, pois, agora e na perspetiva de regresso criar mecanismos que permitam o exercício profissional em segurança. No entanto existe uma lacuna extensa sobre a própria definição de segurança no exercício profissional em Medicina Dentária no contexto SARS CoV 2 /Covid 19. O objetivo destas Normas de Orientação Clínica (NOC) foi compilar de forma sistematizada a evidência existente sobre esta temática e conferir a maior robustez possível à decisão clínica no pré per e pós consulta.
Perfil Geoecológico do Parque Nacional da Serra do Gandarela, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Santos Darcy José dos , Ruchkys Úrsula , Travassos Luiz Eduardo Panisset
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho apresenta uma leitura geossistêmica do Parque Nacional da Serra do Gandarela. Esta unidade de conservação está inserida no contexto do Quadrilátero Ferrífero, em Minas Gerais, onde afloram unidades litoestratigráficas dos supergrupos Rio das Velhas e Minas, de idade pré-cambriana. Para realizar esta leitura foi elaborado um perfil geoecológico. Este método consiste na representação cartográfica de transectos sobre a área de interesse, o que favorece a realização de leituras horizontais ao longo de cada elemento representado e, também, leituras verticais, onde podem ser interpretadas correlações entre os diversos elementos presentes. Os compartimentos dos domínios morfoestruturais elaborados para o Projeto APA Sul da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte foram utilizados como unidades de análise para interpretação deste perfil geoecológico. O perfil geoecológico construído permitiu uma compreensão mais holística da área de estudo, o que poderá contribuir para a gestão desta unidade de conservação.
Recupero de costos en un hospital militar de Argentina
Authors: Glerean Carlos Atilio , Geri Milva , Elorza María Eugenia
Published: February 2021

El recupero de costos de la seguridad social constituye una fuente de financiamiento de los hospitales públicos argentinos. Los hospitales militares también pueden recuperar los costos aunque mediante un proceso con diferente con limitaciones. Se propuso evaluar la factibilidad de mejorarlo a partir de: i) describir el proceso de recupero, ii) cuantificar y caracterizar los costos no recuperados e iii) identificar los problemas e indagar alternativas de mejora. Se revisó la normativa sobre recupero de costos y se caracterizó la facturación por internaciones de pacientes no beneficiarios de la aseguradora militar durante 2016–2018. Se describieron las dificultades y propusieron mejoras que surgen de entrevistas a los actores claves. Se comprobó un alto índice de incobrabilidad y demora en la cadena de pago y una baja incidencia de los recursos recuperados en el financiamiento del hospital. Se evidenció la necesidad de establecer acuerdos formales entre el hospital y las entidades proveedoras y financiadoras de la región. Estos posibilitarían el aprovechamiento regional de la capacidad instalada ociosa en una institución hospitalaria de alta complejidad.
The Map of Jihad Meaning Among Junior High School Students in Padang
Authors: Wendry Novizal , Sefriyono Sefriyono , Yusuf M
Published: February 2021

This present research aims to explore the meaning of jihad among Muslim youths in the context of junior high school students in Padang. Muslim youths at this level are considered to have unique characteristics in expressing diversity, including in the interpretation of jihad. As a qualitative research, it gathered the relevant data through series of survey of the perception of students on jihad and its rationale, as well as their sources of knowledge on the issue. The interlocutors include students in several junior high school in Padang, including Thawalib Boarding School, MTsN 5, SMP 24, MTSs Tarbiyah Islamiyah, MTSs Bustanul Ulum, and SLTP Muhammadiyah 7. This research discovered that there were five types of definitions of the meaning of jihad proposed by the respondents of the research. First, jihad was seen as earnest in worship, secondly; jihad was meant as being committed to work, third; jihad was interpreted as devotion to parents, fourth; jihad was interpreted as an effort to spread Islamic teachings and the fifth; Jihad was defined as a war against infidels. There were several sources which affected the way respondents interpreted the meaning of jihad, for instance, Islamic teacher (ustāż) around 85%, Quran teacher 73%, parents 59%, religion teacher in elementary school 54%, and junior high school teacher for 51%.
Integration of Eco-Feminism and Islamic Values: A Case Study of Pesantren Ath-Thaariq Garut, West Java
Authors: Millah Ahmad Sihabul , Suharko Suharko , Ikhwan Hakimul
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to study the integration of eco-feminism and Islam conducted by women activist of pesantren Ath-Thariq, Garut, West Java, in their attempt to conserve the nature. They are highly concerned with this issue as a response towards environmental crisis in Indonesia, especially in Garut. Additionally, there are only a few Muslimah activists that have so far been involved in such a movement. Against this backdrop, this study portrays the ways and results of the integration of eco-feminism and Islam as conducted by women activists of the respective pesantren. In doing so, this qualitative study employs feminism method. The subject of research includes women activists of pesantren Ath-Tariq. It finds the following. Through ontology, the women activist of the pesantren believe that there is no dualism of human being and nature. They protect, preserve, and love nature with a concept of rahmatan li al-‘ālamīn. Through epistemological approach, they integrate local knowledge and Islam to interact with nature. They also implement the principles of heterogenity, human-nature inter-dependability, and the holiness of nature. They believe that caring for nature is a form of religious piety and an alm. Thus, the novelty of this research is a new model of integration between Islam and eco-femism through ontological and epistemological approaches based on empirical experiences of women. It is hoped that women activists could apply this model in protecting and conserving the environment in other places.
TimeFun-InSAR algorithm to investigate physical changes at Bromo volcano by using ALOS/PALSAR data sets
Authors: Arbad Arliandy Pratama , Takeuchi Wataru , Aoki Yosuke
Published: February 2021

Mt. Bromo is geographically located in eastern of Java Island at 112°57'30'' longitude and 7°56' latitude, with a large area of caldera ~10 Km2. The land over the volcano is a perfect area for farming, one of the important factor affects the level of soil fertility is the most mineral rich soils. Volcanic activities at Mt. Bromo has been recorded in 1775 which characterized by small eruptions with cycles ranging from one to five years. Regarding this evidence, we tried to investigate the surface changes over the Mt. Bromo by using Time-Series InSAR with TimeFun algorithm. TimeFun is an extension of SBAS to allow incorporating various functions such as seasonal oscillations, polynomials, and step functions as generally it estimates DEM errors as well and allows missing observation. The maximum allowed baseline value is defined and used to constrain the interferogram pair by selecting manual after differential InSAR processing in single face working. The proposed analysis is based on 27 SAR data sets acquired by the ALOS/PALSAR sensors during the 2007–2017 time interval. The result shows us deformation occurred up to ~10 cm at summit of Mt. Bromo during the eruption period. Time-series monitoring of surface deformation to infer volume changes, geometries and locations of sources of deformation involved in the future eruption
Population estimation using geographic information system and remote sensing for unorganized areas
Authors: Allaw Kamel , Adjizian Gerard Jocelyne , Chehayeb Makram Zouheir , Badaro Saliba Nada
Published: February 2021

Population estimation using remotely sensed data has been largely discussed in the literature relative to human geography. However, the previously established models can be applied on organized areas (mainly urban areas) but they are not suitable for unorganized areas which already suffer from a lack of population data. So, the aim of this study is the establish a statistical model for population estimation based on remote sensing data and suitable for unorganized areas. To do so, the morphological characteristics have been studied and a bivariate analysis was carried out to determine factors having a strong relationship with population data as a first step. Second, factors with strongest correlations have been chosen to establish the required model. As a result, an equation has been generated which relates the population data to building volume, density of roads, number of nodes, actual urban areas, and urban trend.
Social Capital in Community-Based Waste Bank Management
Authors: Amalia Shafiera
Published: February 2021

The waste bank is an innovative method to increase knowledge and behaviour to manage household waste. As a collective action at the community level, social capital has a vital role in the management of the waste bank. This study aims to identify and analyse how the level of trust, network, and social norms play a role in creating a sustainable, community-based waste bank management. This research used the qualitative approach and descriptive method. The data collection techniques were carried out using observations, literature studies, and in-depth interviews. The data were analysed using a qualitative-descriptive technique. The study shows that The Lintas Winongo Waste Bank is a community-based waste bank because it was established and managed by community members in RW 11, Bumijo Urban Village, Yogyakarta City. The manager of Lintas Winongo Waste Bank collaborates with several actors to support the management of the waste bank. The Lintas Winongo Waste bank management requires trust between the actors because it is related to the flow of money. The trust between the actors is built through the transparency of the waste bank management process. The network has a role in exchanging information and providing access to various resources required. The strategies to build networking with the actors are communication, shared understanding regarding the purpose of the waste bank, and a shared commitment to support the waste bank management. The social norms are required to maintain the transparency process and trust between the actors. Moreover, the social norm can build awareness of the citizens to manage domestic waste.