bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans: A step towards controlling Buruli ulcer
Authors: Muleta Anthony J. , Lappan Rachael , Stinear Timothy P. , Greening Chris
Published: August 2021

Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, a rare but chronic debilitating skin and soft tissue disease found predominantly in West Africa and Southeast Australia. While a moderate body of research has examined the distribution of M. ulcerans, the specific route(s) of transmission of this bacterium remain unknown, hindering control efforts. M. ulcerans is considered an environmental pathogen given it is associated with lentic ecosystems and human-to-human spread is negligible. However, the pathogen is also carried by various mammals and invertebrates, which may serve as key reservoirs and mechanical vectors, respectively. Here, we examine and review recent evidence from these endemic regions on potential transmission pathways, noting differences in findings between Africa and Australia, and summarising the risk and protective factors associated with Buruli ulcer transmission. We also discuss evidence suggesting that environmental disturbance and human population changes precede outbreaks. We note five key research priorities, including adoption of One Health frameworks, to resolve transmission pathways and inform control strategies to reduce the spread of Buruli ulcer.
Automatic subject-specific spatiotemporal feature selection for subject-independent affective BCI
Authors: Almarri Badar , Rajasekaran Sanguthevar , Huang Chun-Hsi
Published: August 2021

The dimensionality of the spatially distributed channels and the temporal resolution of electroencephalogram (EEG) based brain-computer interfaces (BCI) undermine emotion recognition models. Thus, prior to modeling such data, as the final stage of the learning pipeline, adequate preprocessing, transforming, and extracting temporal (i.e., time-series signals) and spatial (i.e., electrode channels) features are essential phases to recognize underlying human emotions. Conventionally, inter-subject variations are dealt with by avoiding the sources of variation (e.g., outliers) or turning the problem into a subject-deponent. We address this issue by preserving and learning from individual particularities in response to affective stimuli. This paper investigates and proposes a subject-independent emotion recognition framework that mitigates the subject-to-subject variability in such systems. Using an unsupervised feature selection algorithm, we reduce the feature space that is extracted from time-series signals. For the spatial features, we propose a subject-specific unsupervised learning algorithm that learns from inter-channel co-activation online. We tested this framework on real EEG benchmarks, namely DEAP, MAHNOB-HCI, and DREAMER. We train and test the selection outcomes using nested cross-validation and a support vector machine (SVM). We compared our results with the state-of-the-art subject-independent algorithms. Our results show an enhanced performance by accurately classifying human affection (i.e., based on valence and arousal) by 16%–27% compared to other studies. This work not only outperforms other subject-independent studies reported in the literature but also proposes an online analysis solution to affection recognition.
An improved Wolf pack algorithm for optimization problems: Design and evaluation
Authors: Chen Xuan , Cheng Feng , Liu Cong , Cheng Long , Mao Yin
Published: August 2021

Wolf Pack Algorithm (WPA) is a swarm intelligence algorithm that simulates the food searching process of wolves. It is widely used in various engineering optimization problems due to its global convergence and computational robustness. However, the algorithm has some weaknesses such as low convergence speed and easily falling into local optimum. To tackle the problems, we introduce an improved approach called OGL-WPA in this work, based on the employments ofOpposition-based learning andGenetic algorithm withLevy’s flight. Specifically, in OGL-WPA, the population of wolves is initialized by opposition-based learning to maintain the diversity of the initial population during global search. Meanwhile, the leader wolf is selected by genetic algorithm to avoid falling into local optimum and the round-up behavior is optimized by Levy’s flight to coordinate the global exploration and local development capabilities. We present the detailed design of our algorithm and compare it with some other nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms using various classical test functions. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has better global and local search capability, especially in the presence of multi-peak and high-dimensional functions.
The cost of attributing moral blame: Defensiveness and resistance to change when raising awareness to animal suffering in factory farming
Authors: Shulman Deborah , Shnitzer-Akuka Mor , Reifen-Tagar Michal
Published: August 2021

Social change campaigns often entail raising awareness of harm caused by people’s behavior. For example, campaigns to reduce meat eating frequently highlight the suffering endured by animals. Such messages may simultaneously attribute moral blame to individuals for causing the harm described. Given people’s motivation to protect their moral self-image, we expected that information about the suffering of animals in the meat industry presented with a blaming (versus absolving) frame would generate greater defensiveness and correspondingly resistance to change in support of veg*nism (veganism/vegetarianism). We ran three studies to test this expectation. In two studies, we found that raising awareness of animal suffering using a blaming frame increased defensiveness, leading to lower veg*n-supporting attitudes and behavioral intentions. In one study, our hypothesis was not supported, however, a mini-meta analysis across the three studies suggests the overall pattern is robust. This work expands our understanding of the role of moral self-image preservation in defensiveness and resistance to change, and has applied relevance for the development of effective communication strategies in social and moral campaigns.
“When the Fun Stops, Stop”: An analysis of the provenance, framing and evidence of a ‘responsible gambling’ campaign
Authors: van Schalkwyk May CI , Maani Nason , McKee Martin , Thomas Samantha , Knai Cécile , Petticrew Mark
Published: August 2021

When the Fun Stops,Stop, is a prominent ‘responsible gambling’ campaign in the UK, originally funded and delivered by the industry-initiated and funded Senet Group. Since the Senet Group’s dissolution in 2020, the campaign has been overseen by the Betting and Gambling Council (BGC), the main gambling industry trade body. There has been no prior analysis of the activities, ideas and framing adopted by the Senet Group, who claimed to be acting as an industry ‘watchdog’ and oversaw what they characterised as a major public education campaign. We collated written and image-based material related to the Senet Group and itsWhen the Fun Stops,Stopcampaign from multiple sources. Guided by Entman’s four functions of framing, we analysed the Senet Group’s framing of the issues it sought to address, particularly harmful gambling, as well as its causes, and the solutions, focusing on the group’s main activity: the delivery of theWhen the Fun Stops,Stopcampaign. We also critically appraised an evaluation of the campaign funded by the Senet Group, using the findings to interrogate the stated claims about the campaign’s effectiveness. The analysis showed that the Senet Group’s framing of the problem, its causes, and proposed responses resemble those adopted by other industries and industry-funded groups. This involves portraying any harms caused by their products as limited to an atypical minority, rejecting upstream determinants of harm, and promoting individually-targeted voluntary measures, all contrary to the evidence of what works in health promotion, and what would characterise a public health approach. Neither the existing evidence base nor the evidence presented by the Senet Group support their claims about the campaign’s effectiveness. These findings add to concerns about industry-funded campaigns in other areas. To minimise conflicts of interest, interventions intended to address gambling-related harms, such as public education campaigns, should be evidence-based and developed, implemented and evaluated completely independent of the industry and industry-funded organisations.
Behavioural economics in fisheries: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Wieczorek Alina M. , Schadeberg Amanda , Krogh Hallin Julie , van Putten Ingrid , Kraak Sarah B. M. , Richter Andries , Clay Patricia M. , Goti Aralucea Leyre , Pedreschi Debbi , Hamon Katell G. , Dankel Dorothy J. , Mackay Mary
Published: August 2021

Background

The field of behavioural economics holds several opportunities for integrated fisheries management and conservation and can help researchers and managers alike understand fisher behaviour and decision-making. As the study of the cognitive biases that influence decision-making processes, behavioural economics differentiates itself from the classical field of economics in that it does not assume strictly rational behaviour of its agents, but rather looks for all mechanisms that influence behaviour. This field offers potential applications for fisheries management, for example in relation to behavioural change, but such applications require evidence of these mechanisms applied in a fisheries context. Thus, we have developed a systematic literature review protocol focusing on the primary question: “Which behavioural economics mechanisms influence fisher behaviour?” The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of these different mechanisms and how they have been applied in the study of fisher behaviour.

Methods and expected outputs

The review protocol was developed in close collaboration with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Working Group on Maritime Systems (WGMARS). WGMARS members were therefore considered the key stakeholders for this study, and were consulted to develop a suitable systematic review question and methodology. Three academic databases will be searched using a customized Boolean keyword search string. Research articles deemed eligible for inclusion in the systematic review are those that studied the influence of behavioural-economics mechanisms on the behaviour of marine fishers in any location, and at any scale. Insights from this literature will be collated in order to provide an overview of the relevant behavioural-economics mechanisms and actions, how effective these mechanisms are and at what scale, geographic region and in which fisheries sector they have been applied. Any fisheries management implications identified by the studies under review will also be outlined. Finally, it will be recorded whether or not ethical considerations were made in the reviewed literature, so that in the discussion it will be possible to reflect on the ethics of conducting behavioural-economics research and policy actions in a fisheries context.
Measurement validity of an electronic training device to assess breathing characteristics during inspiratory muscle training in patients with weaning difficulties
Authors: Van Hollebeke Marine , Poddighe Diego , Gojevic Tin , Clerckx Beatrix , Muller Jan , Hermans Greet , Gosselink Rik , Langer Daniel
Published: August 2021

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) improves respiratory muscle function and might enhance weaning outcomes in patients with weaning difficulties. An electronic inspiratory loading device provides valid, automatically processed information on breathing characteristics during IMT sessions. Adherence to and quality of IMT, as reflected by work of breathing and power generated by inspiratory muscles, are related to improvements in inspiratory muscle function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of an electronic training device to assess and provide real-time feedback on breathing characteristics during inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patient with weaning difficulties. Patients with weaning difficulties performed daily IMT sessions against a tapered flow-resistive load of approximately 30 to 50% of the patient’s maximal inspiratory pressure. Airflow and airway pressure measurements were simultaneously collected with the training device (POWERbreatheKH2, POWERbreathe International Ltd, UK) and a portable spirometer (reference device, Pocket-Spiro USB/BT100, M.E.C, Belgium). Breath by breath analysis of 1002 breaths of 27 training sessions (n = 13) against a mean load of 46±16% of the patient’s maximal inspiratory pressure were performed. Good to excellent agreement (Intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.73–0.97) was observed for all breathing characteristics. When individual differences were plotted against mean values of breaths recorded by both devices, small average biases were observed for all breathing characteristics. To conclude, the training device provides valid assessments of breathing characteristics to quantify inspiratory muscle effort (e.g. work of breathing and peak power) during IMT in patients with weaning difficulties. Availability of valid real-time data of breathing responses provided to both the physical therapist and the patient, can be clinically usefull to optimize the training stimulus. By adapting the external load based on the visual feedback of the training device, respiratory muscle work and power generation during IMT can be maximized during the training.
Investigating the effect of positional variation on mid-lactation mammary gland transcriptomics in mice fed either a low-fat or high-fat diet
Authors: Cheng Adrienne A. , Li Wenli , Hernandez Laura L.
Published: August 2021

Little attention has been given to the effect of positional variation of gene expression in the mammary gland. However, more research is shedding light regarding the physiological differences that mammary gland location can have on the murine mammary gland. Here we examined the differentially expressed genes between mammary gland positions under either a low-fat diet (LFD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) in the mid-lactation mammary gland (lactation day 11; L11). Three-week old WT C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to either a low-fat diet (LFD) or high fat diet (HFD) (n = 3/group) and either the right thoracic mammary gland (TMG) or inguinal mammary gland (IMG) was collected from each dam for a total of 12 unique glands. Within each diet, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were first filtered by adjusted p-value (cutoff ≤ 0.05) and fold-change (FC, cutoff ≥2). Genes were further filtered by mean normalized read count with a cutoff≥10. We observed that mammary gland position had a significant impact on mammary gland gene expression with either LFD or HFD diet, with 1264 DEGs in LFD dams and 777 DEGs in HFD dams. We found that genes related to snRNP binding and translation initiation were most significantly altered between the TMG and IMG. Although we were not able to discern a molecular mechanism, many small nuclear RNAs and small nucleolar RNAs were differentially expressed between the TMG and IMG responsible for cellular functions such as splicing and ribosome biogenesis, which provides and interesting avenue for future research. Our study supports the hypothesis that collection of the mammary gland from a particular location influences mammary gland gene expression, thereby highlighting the importance for researchers to be vigilant in documenting and reporting which mammary gland they are using for their studies.
Perceptions of surgeons on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use at an urban tertiary hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Mmari Elizabeth E. , Pallangyo Eunice S. , Ali Athar , Kaale Dereck A. , Mawalla Isaac H. , Abeid Muzdalifat S.
Published: August 2021

Background

Surgical Site Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among operated patients. In spite of the accessibility of universal and national guidelines for surgical prophylaxis, recent studies surveying the present routine of prophylaxis have demonstrated overutilization of a wide range antibacterial medication for a single patient. Few studies have shown qualitatively factors influencing this and perceptions of surgeons on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use. Unfortunately, none of these studies have been done in Tanzania.

Objective

To describe the perceptions of surgeons on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use at an urban tertiary hospital.

Methods

A qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with surgeons was conducted in English by the primary investigator. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Systematic text condensation by Malterud was used for data analysis.

Findings

Fourteen surgeons and obstetrics and gynaecologists participated. Their perceptions were summarized into three main categories: Inadequate data to support practice; one who sees the patient decides the antibiotic prophylaxis; prolonged antibiotic use for fear of unknown. The participants perceived that choice of antibiotic should be based on local hospital data for bacterial resistance pattern, however the hospital guidelines and data for surgical site infection rates are unknown. Fear of getting infection and anticipating complications led to prolonged antibiotics use.

Conclusion

The study provides an understanding of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use and its implementation challenges. This was partly expressed by unavailability of local data and guidelines to enhance practice. To improve this, there is a need of guidelines that incorporates local resistance surveillance data and enhanced antibiotic stewardship programmes. A strong consideration should be placed into ways to combat the fears of surgeons for complications, as these significantly affect the current practise with use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis.
Effect of TGF-β1 on eosinophils to induce cysteinyl leukotriene E4 production in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease
Authors: Choi Youngwoo , Sim Soyoon , Lee Dong-Hyun , Lee Hee-Ra , Ban Ga-Young , Shin Yoo Seob , Kim Yoon-Keun , Park Hae-Sim
Published: August 2021

Cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLT) overproduction and eosinophil activation are hallmarks of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). However, pathogenic mechanisms of AERD remain to be clarified. Here, we aimed to find the significance of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in association with cysteinyl leukotriene E4(LTE4) production, leading to eosinophil degranulation. To evaluate levels of serum TGF-β1, first cohort enrolled AERD (n = 336), ATA (n = 442) patients and healthy control subjects (HCs, n = 253). In addition, second cohort recruited AERD (n = 34) and ATA (n = 25) patients to investigate a relation between levels of serum TGF-β1 and urinary LTE4. The function of TGF-β1 in LTE4production was further demonstrated byex vivo(human peripheral eosinophils) orin vivo(BALB/c mice) experiment. As a result, the levels of serum TGF-β1 were significantly higher in AERD patients than in ATA patients or HCs (P= .001; respectively). Moreover, levels of serum TGF-β1 and urinary LTE4had a positive correlation (r= 0.273,P= .037). In the presence of TGF-β1, leukotriene C4synthase (LTC4S) expression was enhanced in peripheral eosinophils to produce LTE4, which sequentially induced eosinophil degranulation via the p38 pathway. When mice were treated with TGF-β1, significantly induced eosinophilia with increased LTE4production in the lung tissues were noted. These findings suggest that higher levels of TGF-β1 in AERD patients may contribute to LTE4production via enhancing LTC4S expression which induces eosinophil degranulation, accelerating airway inflammation.
Real-time measurement of intraocular pressure variation during automatic intravitreal injections: An ex-vivo experimental study using porcine eyes
Authors: Park Ikjong , Park Han Sang , Kim Hong Kyun , Chung Wan Kyun , Kim Keehoon
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To measure needle insertion force and change in intraocular pressure (IOP) in real-time during intravitreal injection (IVI). The effects of needle size, insertion speed, and injection rate to IOP change were investigated.

Methods

Needle insertion and fluid injection were performed on 90 porcine eyeballs using an automatic IVI device. The IVI conditions were divided according to needle sizes of 27-gauge (G), 30G, and 33G; insertion speeds of 1, 2, and 5 mm/s; and injection rates of 0.01, 0.02, and 0.05 mL/s. Insertion force and IOP were measured in real-time using a force sensor and a pressure transducer.

Results

The peak IOP was observed when the needle penetrated the sclera; the average IOP elevation was 96.3, 67.1, and 59.4 mmHg for 27G, 30G, and 33G needles, respectively. An increase in insertion speed caused IOP elevation at the moment of penetration, but this effect was reduced as needle size decreased: 109.8–85.9 mmHg in 27G for 5–1 mm/s (p = 0.0149) and 61.8–60.7 mmHg in 33G for 5–1 mm/s (p = 0.8979). Injection speed was also related to IOP elevation during the stage of drug injection: 16.65 and 11.78 mmHg for injection rates of 0.05 and 0.01 mL/s (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The presented data offers an understanding of IOP changes during each step of IVI. Slow needle insertion can reduce IOP elevation when using a 27G needle. Further, the injection rate must be kept low to avoid IOP elevations during the injection stage.
Subanesthetic ketamine rapidly alters medial prefrontal miRNAs involved in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis
Authors: Choi Yunjung , Kim Baeksun , Ham Suji , Chung Sooyoung , Maeng Sungho , Kim Hye-Sun , Im Heh-In
Published: August 2021

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic and a non-competitive NMDAR antagonist. At subanesthetic dose, ketamine can relieve pain and work as a fast-acting antidepressant, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the mode of action underlying the effects of acute subanesthetic ketamine treatment by bioinformatics analyses of miRNAs in the medial prefrontal cortex of male C57BL/6J mice. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses of the genes putatively targeted by ketamine-responsive prefrontal miRNAs revealed that acute subanesthetic ketamine modifies ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Validation analysis suggested that miR-148a-3p and miR-128-3p are the main players responsible for the subanesthetic ketamine-mediated alteration of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis through varied regulation of ubiquitin ligases E2 and E3. Collectively, our data imply that the prefrontal miRNA-dependent modulation of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis is at least partially involved in the mode of action by acute subanesthetic ketamine treatment.
The hunter and the hunted—A 3D analysis of predator-prey interactions between three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and larvae of different prey fishes
Authors: Lucas Jorrit , Ros Albert , Gugele Sarah , Dunst Julian , Geist Juergen , Brinker Alexander
Published: August 2021

Predator-prey interactions play a key life history role, as animals cope with changing predation risk and opportunities to hunt prey. It has recently been shown that the hunting success of sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) targeting fish larvae is dependent on both the size of the prey and the prior exposure of its species to stickleback predation. The purpose of the current study was to identify the behavioural predator-prey interactions explaining the success or failure of sticklebacks hunting larvae of three potential prey species [roach (Rutilus rutilus), perch (Perca fluviatilis) and whitefish (Coregonus wartmannii)] in a 3D environment. Trials were carried out for each prey species at four different size classes in a standardised laboratory setup and were recorded using a slow motion, stereo camera setup. 75 predator-prey interactions including both failed and successful hunts were subject to the analysis. 3D track analysis indicated that sticklebacks applied different strategies. Prey with less complex predator escape responses,i.e. whitefish larvae, were hunted using a direct but stealthy approach ending in a lunge, while the behaviourally more complex roach and perch larvae were hunted with a faster approach. A multivariate logistic regression identified that slow average speed and acceleration of the prey in the initial stages of the hunt increased the probability of stickleback success. Furthermore, predators adjusted their swimming direction more often when hunting larger whitefish compared to smaller whitefish. The results suggest that appropriate and adequately timed avoidance behaviours, which vary between prey species and ontogenetic stages, significantly increase the chances of outmanoeuvring and escaping stickleback predation. Small whitefish larvae can reach similar levels of swimming performance compared to older conspecifics, but display ineffective anti-predator behaviours, resulting in higher hunting success for sticklebacks. Thus, the development of appropriate anti-predator behaviours depending on size appears to be the crucial factor to escaping predation.
The convergence of financial inclusion across provinces in Vietnam: A novel approach
Authors: Nguyen Nhan Thien , Nguyen Ha Son , Ho Chi Minh , Vo Duc Hong
Published: August 2021

Financial inclusion has generally been considered an effective mechanism to support economic growth and reduce Vietnam’s poverty for the last decade. While the importance of financial inclusion to economic growth or macroeconomic stability has been widely examined, it appears that the degree of financial inclusion across Vietnam has not attracted attention from academics and policymakers. In particular, a convergence of financial inclusion across provinces in Vietnam has never been examined. This paper is conducted to examine the static and dynamic distributions of financial inclusion across provinces in Vietnam. The latest three biennial surveys from 2014 to 2018 and a novel approach known as the dynamic kernel density function are used in this study. Our results indicate that Vietnam’s economic growth and development over the 2014–2018 period is relatively inclusive. The evidence also demonstrates that households provided with access to multiple sources of finance depend significantly on the provincial level of income. We also find that provinces located in the national key economic regions, including (i) the Northern region and (ii) the Southern region, appear to achieve a higher degree of financial inclusiveness. Our findings also confirm the catching-up from the financially disadvantaged provinces to financially advantaged provinces locating within the key economic regions. We argue that understanding the asymmetric effect of economic growth on financial inclusion will be helpful for the Vietnamese government in formulating and implementing economic policies promptly to secure the sustainable and inclusive goals of economic growth and development in the future.
An investigation of the diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic impacts of three colonic biopsy grading systems for acute graft versus host disease
Authors: Kreft Andreas , Hippe Katrin , Wagner-Drouet Eva Maria , Ries Isabelle , Kandulski Arne , Büttner-Herold Maike , Neumann Helmut , Weber Daniela , Holler Ernst , Schindeldecker Mario
Published: August 2021

Acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) is an important, life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). To investigate the value of multiple simultaneous colon biopsies in improving diagnostic accuracy in patients with aGvHD, we retrospectively analyzed 157 patients after alloHSCT. The biopsies were evaluated individually using three established histological grading systems (Lerner, Sale, and Melson). The maximum, minimum, median, and mean histological aGvHD grades were calculated for each patient, and the results were correlated with the Glucksberg grade of clinical manifestation of GvHD, steroid therapy status, and outcome. We found that multiple colon biopsies enhanced diagnostic sensitivity. Moreover, higher histological grades correlated with steroid therapy initiation and refractoriness; the latter particularly occurred when advanced damage was present in all samples and healthy colon mucosa was reduced or absent. On multivariate analysis, the minimal Lerner and Glucksberg grades for intestinal aGvHD were significantly associated with steroid treatment failure. Ninety-nine patients died. The median survival was 285 days after the biopsies were taken. Fifteen patients died from relapse of their underling disorder and 84 from other causes, mostly infection (53 patients) and GvHD (14 patients). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between none-relapse mortality and the mean Lerner grade, minimum Melson grade, Glucksberg organ stage, and platelet counts. Thus, we found the Lerner system to be superior to the other grading methods in most instances and histologic evaluation of multiple simultaneously obtained biopsies from the colon to result in a higher diagnostic yield, which helps plan systemic steroid treatment while predicting treatment response and outcome.
COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Pomej Katharina , Scheiner Bernhard , Hartl Lukas , Balcar Lorenz , Meischl Tobias , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas , Müller Christian , Trauner Michael , Pinter Matthias
Published: August 2021

Background

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represent a vulnerable population potentially negatively affected by COVID-19-associated reallocation of healthcare resources. Here, we report the impact of COVID-19 on the management of HCC patients in a large tertiary care hospital.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of HCC patients who presented at the Vienna General Hospital, between 01/DEC/2019 and 30/JUN/2020. We compared patient care before (period 1) and after (period 2) implementation of COVID-19-associated healthcare restrictions on 16/MAR/2020.

Results

Of 126 patients, majority was male (n = 104, 83%) with a mean age of 66±11 years. Half of patients (n = 57, 45%) had impaired liver function (Child-Pugh stage B/C) and 91 (72%) had intermediate-advanced stage HCC (BCLC B-D). New treatment, was initiated in 68 (54%) patients. Number of new HCC diagnoses did not differ between the two periods (n = 14 vs. 14). While personal visits were reduced, an increase in teleconsultation was observed (period 2). Number of patients with visit delays (n = 31 (30%) vs. n = 10 (10%); p = 0.001) and imaging delays (n = 25 (25%) vs. n = 7 (7%); p = 0.001) was higher in period 2. Accordingly, a reduced number of patients was discussed in interdisciplinary tumor boards (lowest number in April (n = 24), compared to a median number of 57 patients during period 1). Median number of elective/non-elective admissions was not different between the periods. One patient contracted COVID-19 with lethal outcome.

Conclusions

Changes in patient care included reduced personal contacts but increased telephone visits, and delays in diagnostic procedures. The effects on long-term outcome need to be determined.
Associations between relative grip strength and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The Yangpyeong cohort of the Korean genome and epidemiology study
Authors: Kim Geon Hui , Song Bong Kil , Kim Jung Woon , Lefferts Elizabeth C. , Brellenthin Angelique G. , Lee Duck-chul , Kim Yu-Mi , Kim Mi Kyung , Choi Bo Youl , Kim Yeon Soo
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the association between relative grip strength and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) independently and in combination with body mass index (BMI) in Korean adults.

Methods

The cross-sectional study includes 2,811 men and women (age 40 to 92 years old) with no history of heart disease, stroke, or cancer. Relative grip strength was measured by a handheld dynamometer and calculated by dividing absolute grip strength by body weight. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of T2DM by sex-specific quintiles of relative grip strength. In a joint analysis, participants were classified into 4 groups: “weak (lowest 20% quintile one) and normal weight (BMI <25.0 kg/m2)”, “weak and overweight/obese (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2)”, “strong (upper 80% four quintiles) and normal weight” or “strong and overweight/obese”.

Results

Among the 2,811 participants, 371 were identified as having T2DM. Compared with the lowest quintile of relative grip strength (weakest), the ORs (95% CIs) of T2DM were 0.73 (0.53–1.02), 0.68 (0.48–0.97), 0.72 (0.50–1.03), and 0.48 (0.32–0.74) in upper quintiles two, three, four, and five, respectively, after adjusting for BMI and other potential confounders. In the joint analysis, compared with the “weak and overweight/obese” reference group, the odds of T2DM [ORs (95% CIs)] was lower in the “strong and overweight/obese” group [0.65 (0.46–0.92)] and the “strong and normal weight” group [0.49 (0.35–0.67)], after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusion

In this cross-sectional study, greater relative grip strength was associated with a lower prevalence of T2DM independent of BMI in Korean adults. Additional prospective studies are needed to determine whether a causal association exists between relative grip strength and T2DM prevalence considering BMI.
Collective action or individual choice: Spontaneity and individuality contribute to decision-making in Drosophila
Authors: Steymans Isabelle , Pujol-Lereis Luciana M. , Brembs Björn , Gorostiza E. Axel
Published: August 2021

Our own unique character traits make our behavior consistent and define our individuality. Yet, this consistency does not entail that we behave repetitively like machines. Like humans, animals also combine personality traits with spontaneity to produce adaptive behavior: consistent, but not fully predictable. Here, we study an iconically rigid behavioral trait, insect phototaxis, that nevertheless also contains both components of individuality and spontaneity. In a light/dark T-maze, approximately 70% of a group of Drosophila fruit flies choose the bright arm of the T-Maze, while the remaining 30% walk into the dark. Taking the photopositive and the photonegative subgroups and re-testing them reveals the spontaneous component: a similar 70–30 distribution emerges in each of the two subgroups. Increasing the number of choices to ten choices, reveals the individuality component: flies with an extremely negative series of first choices were more likely to show photonegative behavior in subsequent choices and vice versa. General behavioral traits, independent of light/dark preference, contributed to the development of this individuality. The interaction of individuality and spontaneity together explains why group averages, even for such seemingly stereotypical behaviors, are poor predictors of individual choices.
Improved mitochondrial function corrects immunodeficiency and impaired respiration in neonicotinoid exposed bumblebees
Authors: Powner Michael Barry , Priestley Graham , Hogg Chris , Jeffery Glen
Published: August 2021

Neonicotinoid pesticides undermine pollinating insects including bumblebees. However, we have previously shown that mitochondrial damage induced by neonicotinoids can be corrected by 670nm light exposure. But we do not know if this protection extends to immunity or what the minimum effective level of 670nm light exposure is necessary for protection. We use whole body bee respirationin vivoas a metric of neonicotinoid damage and assess the amount of light exposure needed to correct it. We reveal that only 1 min of 670nm exposure is sufficient to correct respiratory deficits induced by pesticide and that this also completely repairs damaged immunocompetence measured by haemocyte counts and the antibacterial action of hemolymph. Further, this single 1 min exposure remains effective for 3–6 days. Longer exposures were not more effective. Such data are key for development of protective light strategies that can be delivered by relatively small economic devices placed in hives.
Impact of thermogenesis induced by chronic β3-adrenergic receptor agonist treatment on inflammatory and infectious response during bacteremia in mice
Authors: Munro Patrick , Rekima Samah , Loubat Agnès , Duranton Christophe , Pisani Didier F. , Boyer Laurent
Published: August 2021

White adipocytes store energy differently than brown and brite adipocytes which dissipate energy under the form of heat. Studies have shown that adipocytes are able to respond to bacteria thanks to the presence of Toll-like receptors at their surface. Despite this, little is known about the involvement of each class of adipocytes in the infectious response. We treated mice for one week with a β3-adrenergic receptor agonist to induce activation of brown adipose tissue and brite adipocytes within white adipose tissue. Mice were then injected intraperitoneally withE.colito generate acute infection. The metabolic, infectious and inflammatory parameters of the mice were analysed during 48 hours after infection. Our results shown that in response to bacteria, thermogenic activity promoted a discrete and local anti-inflammatory environment in white adipose tissue characterized by the increase of the IL-1RA secretion. More generally, activation of brown and brite adipocytes did not modify the host response to infection including no additive effect with fever and an equivalent bacteria clearance and inflammatory response. In conclusion, these results suggest an IL-1RA-mediated immunomodulatory activity of thermogenic adipocytes in response to acute bacterial infection and open a way to characterize their effect along more chronic infection as septicaemia.
Role of nearshore benthic algae in the Lake Michigan silica cycle
Authors: Berges John A. , Driskill Allison M. , Guinn Emily J. , Pokrzywinski Kaytee , Quinlan Jessica , von Korff Benjamin , Young Erica B.
Published: August 2021

Si cycling is linked with processes from global carbon sequestration to community composition and is especially important in aquatic ecosystems. Lake Michigan has seen dramatic fluctuations in dissolved silica (dSi) over several decades, which have been examined in the context of planktonic processes (diatom blooms), but the role of benthic organisms (macroalgae and their epiphytes) in Si cycling have not been explored. To assess significance of nearshore benthic algae in Si dynamics, we assembled dSi data from an offshore site sampled since the late 1980’s, and sampled off three Milwaukee beaches during 2005–19. Using colorimetric assays and alkaline digestion, we measured dSi, biogenic silica in particulate suspended material (pSi) and biogenic silica in benthic macroalgae (Cladophora) and epiphytic diatoms (bSi). Offshore, dSi increased about 1 μM per year from 25 μM in the late 1980’s to nearly 40 μM in 2019. Nearshore dSi fluctuated dramatically annually, from near zero to concentrations similar to offshore. Both Cladophora and its epiphytes contained significant bSi, reaching up to 30% of dry mass (300 mg Si g dry mass-1) of the assemblage in summer. Microscopic analyses including localization with a Si-specific-stain and X-ray microanalysis showed bSi in epiphytic diatom cells walls, but the nature and localization of Si in macroalgae remained unclear. A simple model was developed estimating Si demand of algae using the areal macroalgal biomass, growth rates inferred from P-content, and bSi content, and comparing Si demand with dSi available in the water column. This indicated that 7–70% of the dSi in water overlying nearshore benthic algal beds could be removed per day. Key elements of the Si cycle, including which organisms sequester bSi and how rapidly Si is recycled, remain unclear. This work has implications for coastal marine waters where large macroalgal biomass accumulates but bSi content is virtually unknown.
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) evolves faster in cell culture than HSV-1 by generating greater genetic diversity
Authors: López-Muñoz Alberto Domingo , Rastrojo Alberto , Martín Rocío , Alcamí Antonio
Published: August 2021

Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively) are prevalent human pathogens of clinical relevance that establish long-life latency in the nervous system. They have been considered, along with the Herpesviridae family, to exhibit a low level of genetic diversity during viral replication. However, the high ability shown by these viruses to rapidly evolve under different selective pressures does not correlates with that presumed genetic stability. High-throughput sequencing has revealed that heterogeneous or plaque-purified populations of both serotypes contain a broad range of genetic diversity, in terms of number and frequency of minor genetic variants, both in vivo and in vitro. This is reminiscent of the quasispecies phenomenon traditionally associated with RNA viruses. Here, by plaque-purification of two selected viral clones of each viral subtype, we reduced the high level of genetic variability found in the original viral stocks, to more genetically homogeneous populations. After having deeply characterized the genetic diversity present in the purified viral clones as a high confidence baseline, we examined the generation of de novo genetic diversity under culture conditions. We found that both serotypes gradually increased the number of de novo minor variants, as well as their frequency, in two different cell types after just five and ten passages. Remarkably, HSV-2 populations displayed a much higher raise of nonconservative de novo minor variants than the HSV-1 counterparts. Most of these minor variants exhibited a very low frequency in the population, increasing their frequency over sequential passages. These new appeared minor variants largely impacted the coding diversity of HSV-2, and we found some genes more prone to harbor higher variability. These data show that herpesviruses generate de novo genetic diversity differentially under equal in vitro culture conditions. This might have contributed to the evolutionary divergence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 adapting to different anatomical niche, boosted by selective pressures found at each epithelial and neuronal tissue.
SARS-CoV-2 suppresses IFNβ production mediated by NSP1, 5, 6, 15, ORF6 and ORF7b but does not suppress the effects of added interferon
Authors: Shemesh Maya , Aktepe Turgut E. , Deerain Joshua M. , McAuley Julie L. , Audsley Michelle D. , David Cassandra T. , Purcell Damian F. J. , Urin Victoria , Hartmann Rune , Moseley Gregory W. , Mackenzie Jason M. , Schreiber Gideon , Harari Daniel
Published: August 2021

Type I Interferons (IFN-Is) are a family of cytokines which play a major role in inhibiting viral infection. Resultantly, many viruses have evolved mechanisms in which to evade the IFN-I response. Here we tested the impact of expression of 27 different SARS-CoV-2 genes in relation to their effect on IFN production and activity using three independent experimental methods. We identified six gene products; NSP6, ORF6, ORF7b, NSP1, NSP5 and NSP15, which strongly (>10-fold) blocked MAVS-induced (but not TRIF-induced) IFNβ production. Expression of the first three of these SARS-CoV-2 genes specifically blocked MAVS-induced IFNβ-promoter activity, whereas all six genes induced a collapse in IFNβ mRNA levels, corresponding with suppressed IFNβ protein secretion. Five of these six genes furthermore suppressed MAVS-induced activation of IFNλs, however with no effect on IFNα or IFNγ production. In sharp contrast, SARS-CoV-2 infected cells remained extremely sensitive to anti-viral activity exerted by added IFN-Is. None of the SARS-CoV-2 genes were able to block IFN-I signaling, as demonstrated by robust activation of Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISGs) by added interferon. This, despite the reduced levels of STAT1 and phospho-STAT1, was likely caused by broad translation inhibition mediated by NSP1. Finally, we found that a truncated ORF7b variant that has arisen from a mutant SARS-CoV-2 strain harboring a 382-nucleotide deletion associating with mild disease (Δ382 strain identified in Singapore & Taiwan in 2020) lost its ability to suppress type I and type III IFN production. In summary, our findings support a multi-gene process in which SARS-CoV-2 blocks IFN-production, with ORF7b as a major player, presumably facilitating evasion of host detection during early infection. However, SARS-CoV-2 fails to suppress IFN-I signaling thus providing an opportunity to exploit IFN-Is as potential therapeutic antiviral drugs.
Airbus: Egy nemzetközi légiipari stratégiai szövetség fejlődése I. rész
Authors: Tari Ernő
Published: August 2021

A szerző dolgozata első részében az európai légiipar legnagyobb vállalatának létrejöttét mutatja be. Olyan stratégiai szövetség kialakulásáról van szó, amely méltó versenytársa tud lenni az amerikai légiipari óriásoknak.
Projektfinanszírozás
Authors: Madácsi Roland
Published: August 2021

A „projektfinanszírozás” kifejezést napjainkban előszeretettel használják az új beruházások, projektek pénzügyeinek intézésére. Ez azonban a legtöbb esetben helytelen, állítja a PhD hallgató szerző, aki a „valódi” projektfinanszírozást kívánja bemutatni.
Az üzleti angyal hálózatok szerepe a nem intézményesült kockázatitőke-piac fejlesztésében
Authors: Kosztopulosz Andreász , Makra Zsolt
Published: August 2021

A nem intézményesült (informális) kockázatitőke-piacon a magas keresési költségek és az információs aszimmetriák okozta hatékonyság-veszteséget éppen a piac bizonyos mértékű intézményesedése - közvetítő szervezetek létrehozása - ellensúlyozhatja. A kockázati tőke iránti kereslet és kínálat összepárosítására „szakosodott” üzleti angyal hálózatok katalizátor szerepet töltenek be a befektetések létrejöttében: a potenciális befektetők felkutatásával finanszírozási forrásokhoz juttathatják a tőkét kereső, növekedni képes kis- és középvállalatokat. Dolgozatukban a szerzők bemutatják, hogy a szakirodalomban üzleti angyal hálózatoknak nevezett közvetítő intézmények miként járulhatnak hozzá az informális kockázatitőke-piac és ezen keresztül a gazdaság számára oly fontos kisvállalati szektor élénkítéséhez. A különböző típusú szervezetek esetében egyenként kitérnek a finanszírozás és a szolgáltatások kérdéskörére. Ezt követően áttekintik a hálózatokat érintő kormányzati beavatkozás lehetséges formáit. Végül megvizsgáljuk, hogy Magyarországon milyen formában lenne célszerű egy közvetítő intézményt létrehozni és működtetni.
Az információtechnológia vállalati értékteremtésének elméletei, szemléletmódjai és módszerei
Authors: Nemeslaki András , Aranyossy Márta
Published: August 2021

A szerzők cikkükben a vezetéstudomány számára használható, áttekintő modellt javasolnak az IT beruházások értékteremtésének értelmezésére. Ismertetik azokat a közgazdasági elméleteket, amelyek meghatározzák, hogyan épülnek fel a konkrét módszerek, majd az elméletekből szemléletmódokat vezetnek le, amelyek kijelölik a vizsgálatok mélységét és értelmezési tartományát. Vezetők számára a három legtöbbet hivatkozott és használt pénzügyi értékelési módszert nyolc kritérium alapján hasonlították össze azért, hogy az alkalmazásuk során kialakult eredmények a vezetői szempontú mérlegeléshez iránymutatást adjanak.