bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viability of MS2 and Phi6 Bacteriophages on Carpet and Dust
Authors: Nastasi Nicholas , Renninger Nicole , Bope Ashleigh , Cochran Samuel J. , Greaves Justin , Haines Sarah R. , Balasubrahmaniam Neeraja , Stuart Katelyn , Panescu Jenny , Bibby Kyle , Hull Natalie M. , Dannemiller Karen C.
Published: May 2021

Respiratory viral illnesses are commonly spread in the indoor environment through multiple transmission routes, including droplets, aerosols, and direct/indirect contact. Indoors, resuspension of dust from flooring is a major source of human exposure. However, it is critical to determine viral persistence on dust and flooring to better characterize human exposure. The goal of this work is to determine viral viability on two carpet types (cut and looped) and house dust over time and after four different cleaning methods. MS2 and Phi6 bacteriophages were used to represent non-enveloped and enveloped viruses, respectively. These viral surrogates were placed in an artificial saliva solution and nebulized onto carpet or dust. Viability was measured at various time points (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 24, and 48 hours) and after cleaning (vacuuming, hot water extraction with stain remover, steam, and a disinfection spray). Viability decay was modeled as first-order. MS2 bacteriophages showed slower viability decay rates in dust (−0.11 hr-1), cut carpet (−0.20 hr-1), and looped carpet (−0.09 hr-1) compared to Phi6 (−3.36 hr-1, -1.57 hr-1, and - 0.20 hr-1respectively). The difference between phages was statistically significant in dust and cut carpet (p<0.05). Viral RNA demonstrated minimal degradation that in most cases was not statistically different from zero over the 48 hours measured (p>0.05). Viable viral concentrations were reduced to below the detection limit for steam and disinfection for both MS2 and Phi6 (p<0.05), while vacuuming and hot water extraction with stain remover showed no significant changes in concentration from uncleaned carpet (p>0.05). This study used viral surrogates and did not model risk of viral transmission via dust. Overall, these results demonstrate that MS2 and Phi6 bacteriophages can remain viable in carpet and dust for several hours to days, and cleaning techniques with heat and disinfectants may be more effective than standard vacuuming for viral removal. Future work should model risk from exposure via dust and flooring for various viruses such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV.

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Targeted redesign of suramin analogs for novel antimicrobial lead development
Authors: Dey Debayan , Ramakumar Suryanarayanarao , Conn Graeme L.
Published: May 2021

The emergence of new viral infections and drug resistant bacteria urgently necessitates expedient therapeutic development. Repurposing and redesign of existing drugs against different targets is one potential way in which to accelerate this process. Suramin was initially developed as a successful anti-parasitic drug but has also shown promising antiviral and antibacterial activities. However, due to its high conformational flexibility and negative charge, suramin is considered quite promiscuous towards positively charged sites within nucleic acid binding proteins. Although some suramin analogs have been developed against specific targets, only limited structure activity relationship (SAR) studies were performed, and virtual screening has yet to be used to identify more specific inhibitor(s) based on its scaffold. Using available structures, we investigated suramin’s target diversity, confirming that suramin preferentially binds to protein pockets which are both positively charged and enriched in aromatic or leucine residues. Further, suramin’s high conformational flexibility allows adaptation to structurally diverse binding surfaces. From this platform, we developed a framework for structure- and docking-guided elaboration of suramin analog scaffolds using virtual screening of suramin and heparin analogs against a panel of diverse therapeutically relevant viral and bacterial protein targets. Use of this new framework to design potentially specific suramin analogs is exemplified using the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and nucleocapsid protein, identifying leads that might inhibit a wide range of coronaviruses. The approach presented here establishes a computational framework for designing suramin analogs against different bacterial and viral targets and repurposing existing drugs for more specific inhibitory activity.

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Plastic mulches reduce adult and larval populations ofDrosophila suzukiiin fall-bearing raspberry
Authors: McIntosh Hanna , Atucha Amaya , Townsend Philip A , Hills W Beckett , Guédot Christelle
Published: May 2021

The invasive spotted-wing drosophila,Drosophila suzukii, is a major pest of fruit crops world-wide. Management ofD. suzukiirelies heavily on chemical control in both organic and conventional systems, and there is a need to develop more sustainable management practices. We evaluated the efficacy of three colors of plastic mulches at reducing populations ofD. suzukiiin fall-bearing raspberry and assessed the mulches’ impacts on canopy microclimate factors relevant toD. suzukii. Black, white, and metallic plastic mulches reduced adultD. suzukiipopulations by 42-51% and larval populations by 52-72% compared to the grower standard. The mulches did not change canopy temperature or relative humidity, but metallic mulches increased canopy light intensity compared to the black mulch. Radiance in the visible spectrum (401-680 nm) was higher for the white and metallic mulch plots, but the black mulch plots did not differ from the control. In the UV spectrum (380-400 nm), all three plastic mulches had higher radiance than the control plots. Future studies will determine whether changes in radiance are associated with the observed reduction inD. suzukiipopulations. Plastic mulches are a promising cultural practice for managingD. suzukiisince they can reduce adult and larval populations and could be incorporated into an integrated pest management program in both organic and conventional systems.
Sequence Determinants of Human Junctophilin-2 Protein Nuclear Localization and Phase Separation
Authors: Guo Ang , Fang Wenjuan , Gibson Savannah
Published: May 2021

Junctophilin-2 (JPH2) was conventionally considered as a structural membrane binding protein. Recently, it was shown that proteolytically truncated mouse JPH2 variants are imported into nucleus to exert alternative functions. However, the intranuclear behaviors of human JPH2 (hJPH2) and underlying molecular determinants have not been explored. Here, we demonstrate that full-length hJPH2 is imported into nucleus in human cells by two nuclear localization signals (NLSs), including a newly discovered one at the C-terminus. Importantly, unlike the JPH2 N-terminal truncation which diffuses throughout the nucleus, full-length hJPH2 forms nuclear bodies behaving like liquid-liquid phase separated droplets that are separated from chromatin. The C-terminal transmembrane domain is required for the formation of hJPH2 droplets. Oxidation mimicking substitution of residues C678 and M679 augments the formation of hJPH2 nuclear droplets, suggesting nuclear hJPH2 liquid-liquid phase separation could be modulated by oxidative stress. Mutation A405D, which introduces a negatively charged residue into an intrinsic disordered region (IDR) of hJPH2, turns liquid-like droplets into amyloid-like aggregates. Depletion of an Alanine Rich Region in the IDR recapitulates the liquid-amyloid phase transition. The MORN repeat regions of hJPH2 encodes intrinsic tendency to form amyloid-like structure. Together, these data for the first time revealed the novel intrinsic properties of hJPH2 to form nuclear liquid droplets, and identified critical functional domains and residues encoding these properties. We propose that hJPH2 droplets could function as membrane-less organelles participating in nuclear regulatory processes.
Categorical edge-based analyses of phylogenomic data reveal conflicting signals for difficult relationships in the avian tree
Authors: Wang Ning , Braun Edward L. , Liang Bin , Cracraft Joel , Smith Stephen A.
Published: May 2021

Phylogenetic analyses fail to yield a satisfactory resolution of some relationships in the tree of life even with genome-scale datasets, so the failure is unlikely to reflect limitations in the amount of data. Gene tree conflicts are particularly notable in studies focused on these contentious nodes, and taxon sampling, different analytical methods, and/or data type effects can further confound analyses. Although many efforts have been made to incorporate biological conflicts, few studies have curated individual genes for their efficiency in phylogenomic studies. Here, we conduct an edge-based analysis of Neoavian evolution, examining the phylogenetic efficacy of two recent phylogenomic bird datasets and three datatypes (ultraconserved elements [UCEs], introns, and coding regions). We assess the potential causes for biases in signal-resolution for three difficult nodes: the earliest divergence of Neoaves, the position of the enigmatic Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), and the position of owls (Strigiformes). We observed extensive conflict among genes for all data types and datasets even after meticulous curation. Edge-based analyses (EBA) increased congruence and provided information about the impact of data type, GC content variation (GCCV), and outlier genes on each of nodes we examined. First, outlier gene signals appeared to drive different patterns of support for the relationships among the earliest diverging Neoaves. Second, the placement of Hoatzin was highly variable, although our EBA did reveal a previously unappreciated data type effect with an impact on its position. It also revealed that the resolution with the most support here was Hoatzin + shorebirds. Finally, GCCV, rather than data type (i.e., coding vs non-coding)per se, was correlated with a signal that supports monophyly of owls + Accipitriformes (hawks, eagles, and New World vultures). Eliminating high GCCV loci increased the signal for owls + mousebirds. Categorical EBA was able to reveal the nature of each edge and provide a way to highlight especially problematic branches that warrant a further examination. The current study increases our understanding about the contentious parts of the avian tree, which show even greater conflicts than appreciated previously.
The effect of knowledge type and culture on arts audiences’ propensity for experience-sharing
Authors: Chieffi Verdiana , Pichierri Marco , Peluso Alessandro M. , Collu Cristiana , Guido Gianluigi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study examines the effect of both objective knowledge (i.e., what arts audience members actually know about art) and subjective knowledge (i.e., what arts audiences members think they know about art) on their propensity for experience-sharing (i.e., the tendency to share art-related experiences with other individuals). In addition, the study examines the role of culture (i.e., whether arts audiences belong to an individualistic or collectivistic culture) on the above-mentioned relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through a field survey at a large contemporary art museum in Italy, conducted via a structured questionnaire and analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that both subjective and objective knowledge positively affect arts audiences’ propensity for experience-sharing, such as talking to others about a visit to an art gallery. Moreover, such effects appear to vary depending on culture: objective knowledge seems to positively influence experience-sharing when audiences belong to collectivistic cultures, whereas subjective knowledge seems to positively influence experience-sharing when they belong to individualistic cultures.

Practical implications

The study’s findings could motivate arts managers to emphasize the implementation of international communication strategies aimed at reinforcing arts audiences’ subjective and objective knowledge since these variables are positively associated with their propensity for experience-sharing with others.

Originality/value

This is the first study to assess the effects of objective and subjective knowledge, alongside the cultural dimensions of individualism and collectivism, on arts audiences’ propensity for experience-sharing.
Students' readiness for e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in a South-East Asian university: a Rasch analysis
Authors: Adams Donnie , Chuah Kee Man , Sumintono Bambang , Mohamed Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Universities have shifted from face-to-face learning environments to e-learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sudden change to online teaching has raised concerns among lecturers about students' readiness for e-learning. This study investigates students' readiness for e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and specifically assesses any significant differences between students' gender, age, ethnicity, level of education, field of study and their readiness for an e-learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a non-experimental quantitative research design. Data were gathered from a sample of 298 undergraduate and 101 postgraduate students. WINSTEPS Rasch model measurement software was used to determine the reliability and validity of the research instrument. Descriptive, inferential statistics and differential item functioning (DIF) test were used to assess students' readiness for an e-learning mode of instruction with the latter specifically analysing students' demographic factors and their readiness for an e-learning environment.

Findings

Findings identified that most students are ready for an e-learning mode of instruction. Further analysis indicated that there were differences in students' readiness for e-learning based on their demographic profiles.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides insights on students' readiness towards e-learning, discusses implications for e-learning practices in higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers recommendations for future research.

Originality/value

This study provides evidences of students' readiness for e-learning in respect to their gender, age, ethnicity, level of education and field of study. This information could help lecturers to reflect on their own teaching practices, adjust their teaching approaches and subsequently, develop appropriate e-learning methods that best suit the student diversity in their classrooms.
Microfoundations of SME open innovation: the role of help, knowledge sharing and hiding
Authors: Aleksić Darija , Rangus Kaja , Slavec Gomezel Alenka
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to better understand the human aspects of open innovation in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by exploring how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation influence enjoyment in helping others, knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding and consequently firms' open innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected data with a survey among CEOs in 140 SMEs and performed confirmatory factor analysis applying structural equation modeling in IBM SPSS AMOS (v. 26).

Findings

Results reveal that intrinsic motivation is positively associated with helping behavior and knowledge sharing and negatively associated with knowledge hiding. We also confirm the positive relationship between extrinsic motivation and knowledge sharing. Moreover, we find that knowledge sharing increases and knowledge hiding decreases the firm-level open innovation. Especially in high-tech industry, knowledge sharing is a vital determinant of open innovation.

Originality/value

Responding to the calls for a deeper understanding of the individual-level factors that determine organization-level open innovation, in this research we focus on the human aspect of open innovation in SMEs. Open innovation is a widely recognized and implemented concept among large corporations and facilitates better understanding of new technological and market developments both within and outside of organizations. However, understanding of the microfoundations of open innovation in smaller firms is still limited, but this steam of research is growing rapidly.
From theory to practice: Jewish and Arabs students in academia practice multicultural education
Authors: Masry-Herzallah Asmahan , Amzalag Meital
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The research examined factors of academic studies as perceived by Jewish and Arab students in Israel, and changes in their implementation of activities in a multicultural context in the field of education, comparing between undergraduates studying for a BA in education and graduate students for MA in education and attending a course titled “Multiculturalism in the Global Era”.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are derived from a questionnaire distributed to Arab and Jewish students (N = 434), studying together in the Faculty of Education of one academic college in Israel. In total, 251 of them were graduate students, and 183 who were undergraduates.

Findings

It was found that insofar as the students from either programme acquired knowledge and tools regarding multiculturalism, they reported (1) more positive attitudes regarding the “Other” group and regarding multiculturalism, (2) implementation of a larger number of activities relating to multiculturalism in the field of education, (3) Arab students performed more activities in multicultural contexts and (4) older students performed a larger number of activities in multicultural contexts. The research findings also indicated a direct relation between participation in the course and activities conducted in the field of education. In addition, students' acquiring of knowledge on multiculturalism mediated the relation between participation in the course and implementation of multicultural activities in the field of education.

Originality/value

The research stresses the importance of higher education institutions in promoting knowledge and practice of multiculturalism in Israeli society.
Rasch calibration and optimal categorization of the sport fandom questionnaire
Authors: Kim Han Soo , Kang Minsoo , Kim Minjung
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the category function of the sport fandom questionnaire (SFQ), determine the optimal categorization of the SFQ and calibrate the measurement qualities of the newly modified rating scale option using Rasch analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper relies on the Rasch analysis to validate the SFQ. A series of studies are performed based on analysis procedures for the responses from 244 (study 1) and 477 (study 2) participants.

Findings

The results revealed that the original SFQ consisting of the eight-category rating scale is flagged due to irregular observation distribution and disordering of thresholds, whereas both six-category and seven-category rating scales meet the guidelines for the optimal categorization. However, only the seven-category rating scale showed desirable model-data fit indices. Furthermore, the results of the Rasch calibration model showed that all items of the SFQ have large variability, and a person's ability level varied moderately along the continuum.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, examining the psychometric properties of the SFQ, the current study provides information about the optimal categorization and presents a novel reconstruction category in measuring individuals' sport fandom level. In measuring the level of sport fandom, the authors suggest the use of a seven-category rating scale that the current study found to exhibit reliability and construct validity.
To post or not to post? Exploring the motivations behind brand-related engagement types on social networking sites
Authors: Yesiloglu Sevil , Memery Juliet , Chapleo Chris
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate consumer motivations behind brand-related engagement on social media by exploring three different engagement types: consuming, contributing (to) and creating. Previous research suggests that many brands seek to engage with consumers via communications on social networking sites; however, most focus on quantitative metrics and measurement tools to evaluate such behaviour and so offer limited understanding and guidance. To address this gap, the current study utilises a mixed-method approach to investigate the motivations behind each brand-related engagement type to provide deeper insight into what motivates consumers to engage with brand-related posts on social networking sites. This study also aims to investigate whether the motivations between different engagement types exist and whether these vary between brands and other people's brand-related posts.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-phase integrated qualitative–quantitative research design was utilised. Twelve semi-structured interviews explored the range of consumers' brand engagement motivations before an online survey (N = 225) identified and confirmed the motivational similarities and differences between the three brand-related engagement types.

Findings

Different motives influence each brand-related engagement type, bar the “enjoyment” motive, which triggers all three engagement types. Of particular interest is the identification of a new motive for engagement-seeking compensation that influences negative brand-related engagement.

Practical implications

Through understanding what motivates consumers to consume, contribute and create, brands can tailor their marketing messages to each different brand-related engagement type. This will increase their engagement with consumers on social networking sites, as specific segments can be created by the brand to enhance their targeting strategies based on consumers' differing motivations within social media channels.

Originality/value

This study contributes a much-needed framework of motivations for brand-related engagement on social media, recognising variations in motivations by type of engagement (consume, contribute (to), create).
Successful treatment of BRAF/MEK inhibitor‐resistant advanced cutaneous melanoma with nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy followed by intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Okuma Takami , Furudate Sadanori , Kambayashi Yumi , Hashimoto Akira , Aiba Setsuya , Fujimura Taku
Published: May 2021

BRAF kinase inhibitors in combination with MEK kinase inhibitors are among the most promising chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of advanced BRAF‐mutant melanoma. Although the NCCN guideline for cutaneous melanoma recommended BRAF/MEK inhibitors as first‐line therapies for unresectable BRAF‐mutated melanoma, resistance to these drugs should be taken into account in real‐world practice. Therefore, development of a protocol for BRAF/MEK inhibitor‐resistant advanced melanoma is needed. In this report, a case of BRAF/MEK inhibitor‐resistant advanced cutaneous melanoma that was successfully treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy followed by intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is reported. In the present case, not only the locally irradiated lesion, but remote metastases including inguinal lymph nodes decreased after ipilimumab plus nivolumab followed by IMRT treatment leading to complete remission, suggesting that IMRT triggered an abscopal response. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis showed increased CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells after radio‐immunotherapy (RIT). This case suggests that RIT might break the tolerance in the tumor microenvironment and induce a systemic anti‐melanoma immune response.
Current situation of viral hepatitis in Egypt
Authors: Elbahrawy Ashraf , Ibrahim Marwa K. , Eliwa Ahmed , Alboraie Mohamed , Madian Ali , Aly Hussein Hassan
Published: May 2021

An estimated 8–10 million people suffer from viral hepatitis in Egypt. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are the major causes of viral hepatitis in Egypt as 50% or more of the Egyptian population are already exposed to HAV infection by the age of 15. In addition, over 60% of the Egyptian population test seropositive for anti‐HEV in the first decade of life. HEV mainly causes self‐limiting hepatitis; however, cases of fulminant hepatitis and liver failure were reported in Egypt. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) are the main causes of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) in Egypt. Globally, Egypt had the highest age‐standardized death rate due to cirrhosis from 1990 to 2017. The prevalence rate of HBV (1.3%–1.5%) has declined after national infantile immunization. Coinfection of HBV patients with HDV is common in Egypt because HDV antibodies (IgG) vary in range from 8.3% to 43% among total HBV patients. After the conduction of multiple national programs to control HCV infection, a lower rate of HCV prevalence (4.6%) was recently reported. Data about the incidence of HCV after treatment with direct antiviral agents (DAAs) are lacking. An HCC incidence of 29/1000/year in cirrhotic patients after DAA treatment is reported. A higher rate of infiltrative pattern among HCC patients after DAA treatment is also recognized. Viral hepatitis is one of the major public health concerns in Egypt that needs more attention and funding from health policymakers.
Characteristics of emergency patients admitted to hospital with asthma: A population‐based cohort study in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Simunovic Marko , Erbas Bircan , Boyle Justin , Baker Philip , Davies Janet M
Published: May 2021

Objective

Patient characteristics with exacerbation of asthma accessing care in the ED who are at risk of hospital admission have not been determined in subtropical climates. The objective of the study was to investigate the spatiotemporal burden of asthma hospital admissions across Queensland (QLD) and model risk factors for asthma hospital admission following an ED visit.

Methods

Six years of routinely collected data (2012–2017) from 28 QLD public hospitals were extracted from Queensland Health's Emergency Data Collection. The dataset contained individual, episode‐level ED presentations having asthma‐like diagnoses, and an indicator of hospital admission, including to short‐stay unit (SSU). A generalised additive model was used to examine the risk of asthma hospital admission.

Results

Asthma hospital admissions increased from a weekly median of 79 (interquartile range [IQR] 66–99) in 2012 to 104 (IQR 81–135) in 2017. A higher incidence of asthma hospital admission was observed among males (median age 9, IQR 5–32) in childhood and females in adulthood (median age 32, IQR 11–51). Compared to the state capital Brisbane, the odds of asthma hospital admission ranged from 0.48 (95% CI 0.42–0.54) to 1.34 (95%CI 1.21–1.48) in other regions of QLD.

Conclusion

Asthma hospital admissions appear to be increasing in QLD, largely driven by utilisation of the SSU admissions for asthma. With large variation in both incidence and proportion admitted across different regions, routinely collected data can in part be used to understand risk factors for asthma‐related hospital admission following an ED presentation and further inform public health policy development.
Action of alkyl glycerol ethers and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids diet on hematological parameters of blood and liver plasmalogen level in aged rats
Authors: Sultanov Ruslan , Ermolenko Ekaterina , Poleschuk Tatiana , Denisenko Yulia , Kasyanov Sergey
Published: May 2021

One of the ways to reduce age‐related changes can be a diet correction by adding biologically active substances. We studied the effect of a diet including alkyl glycerol ethers (AGs) and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrate isolated from the hepatopancreas of Berrytheuthis magister squid on hematological parameters and plasmalogens level in the liver of elderly rats. The senile animals showed decrease in hemoglobin, a three‐fold decrease in leukocytes, a three‐fold increase in platelet count, and a double decrease of blood coagulation time in the peripheral blood. Age‐related changes in rats were characterized by the development of anemia, hypercoagulation, and a decrease in the number of immunocompetent cells. AGs, both separately and in combination with n‐3 PUFAs, induced an increase in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, a decrease in the number of platelets, and an immunostimulating activity. Under the action of AGs and n‐3 PUFAs, the concentration of plasmalogens and docosahexaenoic acid in the rat liver increased 2‐ and 1.5 folds, respectively.

Practical Application

This study showed that the combined use of AGs and n‐3 PUFAs improves the rheological properties of the blood and the state of the immune system during aging. The enrichment of diet with dietary supplements, whose structure contains AGs and n‐3 PUFAs can increase the content of plasmalogens in the body.
IFN‐alpha receptor deficiency enhances host resistance to oral Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection during murine pregnancy
Authors: Agbayani Gerard , Clark Kristina , Sandhu Jagdeep K. , Hewitt Melissa , Sad Subash , Murphy Shawn P. , Krishnan Lakshmi
Published: May 2021

Problem

Maternal tolerance during pregnancy increases the risk of infection with certain intracellular pathogens. Systemic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S.Tm) infection during pregnancy in normally resistant 129X1/SvJ mice leads to severe placental infection, as well as fetal and maternal deaths. However, the effect of oral infection with S.Tm in pregnant mice and the roles of infection‐induced inflammation and cell death pathways in contributing to susceptibility to infection are unclear.

Method of Study

Non‐pregnant and pregnant C57BL/6J wild‐type (WT) and cell death pathway‐altered mice (IFNAR1−/−, Caspase‐1, 11−/−, RIP3−/−) were infected orally with S.Tm. Host survival and fetal resorption were determined. Bacterial burden in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), spleen, liver, and placentas was enumerated at various time points post‐infection. Serum cytokine expression was measured through cytometric bead array.

Results

Oral infection of WT mice with S.Tm on days 9–10 of gestation resulted in systemic dissemination of the bacteria, substantial placental colonization, and fetal loss 5 days post‐infection. Histopathological examination of the placentas indicated that infection‐induced widespread focal necrosis and neutrophil infiltration throughout the spongiotrophoblast (SpT) layer. In the non‐pregnant state, IFNAR1−/− mice exhibited increased survival following oral S.Tm infection relative to Caspase‐1, 11−/−, RIP3−/−, and WT mice. The increased resistance to S.Tm infection in IFNAR1−/− mice was seen during pregnancy as well, with decreased bacterial burden within MLNs, spleen, and placenta, which correlated with the decreased resorptions relative to WT and Caspase‐1, 11−/− mice.

Conclusion

Oral S.Tm exposure leads to placental infection, inflammation, and resorption, whereas IFNAR1 deficiency enhances host resistance both in the non‐pregnant and pregnant states.
Detection of oedema on optical coherence tomography images using deep learning model trained on noisy clinical data
Authors: Potapenko Ivan , Kristensen Mads , Thiesson Bo , Ilginis Tomas , Lykke Sørensen Torben , Nouri Hajari Javad , Fuchs Josefine , Hamann Steffen , la Cour Morten
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To meet the demands imposed by the continuing growth of the Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) patient population, automation of follow‐ups by detecting retinal oedema using deep learning might be a viable approach. However, preparing and labelling data for training is time consuming. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of training a convolutional neural network (CNN) to accurately detect retinal oedema on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of AMD patients with labels derived directly from clinical treatment decisions, without extensive preprocessing or relabelling.

Methods

A total of 50 439 OCT images with associated treatment information were retrieved from databases at the Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark between 01.06.2007 and 01.06.2018. A CNN was trained on the retrieved data with the recorded treatment decisions as labels and validated on a subset of the data relabelled by three ophthalmologists to denote presence of oedema.

Results

Moderate inter‐grader agreement on presence of oedema in the relabelled data was found (76.4%). Despite different training and validation labels, the CNN performed on par with inter‐grader agreement in detecting oedema on OCT images (AUC 0.97, accuracy 90.9%) and previously published models based on relabelled datasets.

Conclusion

The level of performance shown by the current model might make it valuable in detecting disease activity in automated AMD patient follow‐up systems. Our approach demonstrates that high accuracy is not necessarily constrained by incongruent training and validation labels. These results might encourage the use of existing clinical databases for development of deep learning based algorithms without labour‐intensive preprocessing in the future.
Real‐life study on the pharmacokinetic of remdesivir in ICU patients admitted for severe COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Corcione Silvia , De Nicolò Amedeo , Montrucchio Giorgia , Scabini Silvia , Avataneo Valeria , Bonetto Chiara , Mornese Pinna Simone , Cusato Jessica , Canta Francesca , Urbino Rosario , Di Perri Giovanni , Brazzi Luca , De Rosa Francesco Giuseppe , D'Avolio Antonio
Published: May 2021

Remdesivir is one of the most encouraging treatments against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. After intravenous infusion, RDV is rapidly metabolized (t1/2 = 1 h) within the cells to its active adenosine triphosphate analogue form (GS‐443902) and then it can be found in plasma in its nucleoside analogue form (GS‐441524). In this real‐life study, we describe the remdesivir and GS‐441524 concentrations at three time points in nine ICU patients, through a validated ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method. The observed data confirmed the very rapid conversion of RDV to its metabolite and the quite long half‐life of GS‐441524. The mean Cmin, Cmax and AUC0–24, were < 0.24 ng/mL and 122.3 ng/mL, 2637.3 ng/mL and 157.8 ng/mL, and 5171.2 ng*h/mL and 3676.5 ng*h/ml, respectively, for RDV and GS‐441524. Three out of nine patients achieved a Cmax > 2610 ng/mL and 140 ng/mL and AUC0–24 > 1560 ng*h/mL and 2230 ng*h/mL for RDV and GS‐441524, respectively. The mean t1/2 value for GS‐441524 was 26.3 h. Despite the low number of patients, these data can represent an interesting preliminary report on the variability of RDV and GS‐441524 concentrations in a real‐life ICU setting.
Direct comparison of risankizumab and fumaric acid esters in systemic therapy–naïve patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thaçi D. , Eyerich K. , Pinter A. , Sebastian M. , Unnebrink K. , Rubant S. , Williams D. A. , Weisenseel P.
Published: May 2021

Background

Fumaric acid esters (FAEs; Fumaderm®) are the most frequently prescribed first-line systemic treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Germany. Risankizumab (Skyrizi®) is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to the p19 subunit of interleukin 23.

Objectives

To compare risankizumab treatment to FAEs in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

This phase III randomized, active-controlled, open-label study with blinded assessment of efficacy was conducted in Germany. Patients were randomized (1 : 1) to subcutaneous risankizumab 150 mg (weeks 0, 4 and 16) or oral FAEs at increasing doses from 30 mg daily (week 0) up to 720 mg daily (weeks 8–24). Enrolled patients were adults naïve to and candidates for systemic therapy, with chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Phototherapy was not allowed within 14 days before or during the study.

Results

Key efficacy endpoints were met at week 24 for risankizumab (n = 60) vs. FAEs (n = 60) (P < 0·001): achievement of a ≥ 90% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI; primary endpoint 83·3% vs. 10·0%), ≥ 100% improvement in PASI (50·0% vs. 5·0%), ≥ 75% improvement in PASI (98·3% vs. 33·3%), ≥ 50% improvement in PASI (100% vs. 53·3%) and a Static Physician’s Global Assessment of clear/almost clear (93·3% vs. 38·3%). The rates of gastrointestinal disorders, flushing, lymphopenia and headache were higher in the FAE group. One patient receiving risankizumab reported a serious infection (influenza, which required hospitalization). There were no malignancies, tuberculosis or opportunistic infections in either treatment arm.

Conclusions

Risankizumab was found to be superior to FAEs, providing earlier and greater improvement in psoriasis outcomes that persisted with continued treatment, and more favourable safety results, which is consistent with the known safety profile. No new safety signals for risankizumab or FAEs were observed.
Well‐being warriors: A randomized controlled trial examining the effects of martial arts training on secondary students’ resilience
Authors: Moore Brian , Woodcock Stuart , Dudley Dean
Published: May 2021

Background

Mental health problems are a growing and significant issue in the Australian education system. Research has suggested that resilience can be learned and that schools can play an important role in developing resilient skills among youth; however, rigorous evaluation of interventions promoting resilience is limited.

Aims

As martial arts training has been found to have psychological benefits such as increased confidence and self‐esteem, this study investigated whether a 10‐week martial arts training programme was an efficacious sports‐based mental health intervention that promoted resilience in secondary school students.

Sample

Two hundred and eighty‐three secondary school students (age range 12–14 years) participated in the study.

Methods

The study examined the effects of martial arts training on participants’ resilience by delivering a 10‐week martial arts‐based intervention in secondary school settings. The intervention was evaluated using quantitative methodology and an experimental research design using a randomized controlled trial which measured participant responses at baseline, post‐intervention, and follow‐up.

Results

The study found that the martial arts‐based intervention had a significantly positive effect on developing students’ resilience. This was especially apparent when the intervention and control group’s mean resilience outcomes were compared. Resilience outcomes appeared to be stronger immediately following the intervention compared with 12‐week follow‐up.

Conclusions

Given the prevalence of mental illness among Australian youth, the current study provides robust evidence that students’ resilience can be improved using martial arts‐based interventions delivered in school settings.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12618001405202. Registered 21 August 2018.
Maternal Judgments of Child Numeracy and Reading Ability Predict Gains in Academic Achievement and Interest
Authors: Parker Philip D. , Sanders Taren , Anders Jake , Parker Rhiannon B. , Duineveld Jasper J.
Published: May 2021

In a representative longitudinal sample of 2,602 Australian children (52% boys; 2% Indigenous; 13% language other than English background; 22% of Mothers born overseas; and 65% Urban) and their mothers (first surveyed in 2003), this article examined if maternal judgments of numeracy and reading ability varied by child demographics and influenced achievement and interest gains. We linked survey data to administrative data of national standardized tests in Year 3, 5, and 7 and found that maternal judgments followed gender stereotype patterns, favoring girls in reading and boys in numeracy. Maternal judgments were more positive for children from non‐English speaking backgrounds. Maternal judgments predicted gains in children’s achievement (consistently) and academic interest (generally) including during the transition to high school.
Predicting targets and costs for feral‐cat reduction on large islands using stochastic population models
Authors: Venning Kathryn R. W. , Saltré Frédérik , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: May 2021

Feral cats are some of the most destructive invasive predators worldwide, particularly in insular environments; hence, density‐reduction campaigns are often applied to alleviate the predation mortality they add to native fauna. Density‐reduction and eradication efforts are costly procedures with important outcomes for native fauna recovery, so they require adequate planning to be successful. These plans should include empirical density‐reduction models that can guide yearly culling quotas, and resource roll‐out for the duration of the culling period. This ensures densities are reduced over the long term and that resources are not wasted. We constructed a stochastic population model with cost estimates to test the relative effectiveness and cost‐efficiency of two main culling scenarios for a 10‐year eradication campaign of cats on Kangaroo Island, Australia: (a) constant proportional annual cull (one‐phase), and (b) high initial culling followed by a constant proportional maintenance cull (two‐phase). A one‐phase cull of at least 0.35 of the annual population size would reduce the final population to 0.1 of its original size, while a two‐phase cull with an initial cull of minimum 0.6 and minimum 0.5 maintenance cull would reduce the final population to 0.01 of its initial size within the 10‐year time frame. Cost estimates varied widely depending on the methods applied (shooting, trapping, aerial poison baits, Felixer™ poison‐delivery system), but using baiting, trapping and Felixers with additional shooting to meet culling quotas was the most cost‐effective combination (minimum cost: AU$19.56 million; range: AU$16.87 million–AU$20.69 million). Our model provides an adaptable and general assessment tool for cat reductions in Australia and potentially elsewhere, and provides relative culling costs for the Kangaroo Island campaign specifically.
Documenting the conservation value of easements
Authors: Kareiva Peter , Bailey Mark , Brown Dottie , Dinkins Barbara , Sauls Lane , Todia Gena
Published: May 2021

Placing conservation easements on private lands could contribute greatly to biodiversity protection in the United States. However, a paucity of data prevents us from knowing to what extent this potential is met. We discuss best practices for baseline documentation reports and biodiversity surveys of properties that could help mitigate this data shortage and contribute to a national database on private land biodiversity. We then examine 49 private properties totaling 3,048 ha in Alabama and tally high priority (i.e., at‐risk) species that are recorded within this portfolio of land parcels protected by conservation easements. The number is 116 species in total, or 38 high‐priority species per 1,000 ha. Not only is the number of these documented at‐risk species per unit area high compared to the number documented from nearby Conecuh National Forest (~38 vs. ~5 per 1,000 ha), 92 of the species recorded from the private lands have not been recorded from the much larger Conecuh National Forest (33,993 ha). This emphasizes the opportunity for well‐positioned easements to complement and be a valuable addition to large networks of public lands.
Efficacy of ultra‐low volume (≤1 L) bowel preparation fluids: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van Riswijk Milou L. M. , van Keulen Kelly E. , Siersema Peter D.
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

High‐quality bowel preparation is paramount for the diagnostic accuracy and safety of colonoscopy; however, it is often difficult for patients to adhere to high‐volume laxatives, which may contribute to poor bowel preparation. This review aims to assess the efficacy of bowel preparation fluids of 1 L or less (≤1 L).

Methods

We performed a systematic review including all relevant randomized controlled trials on ultra‐low volume (≤1 L) bowel preparation fluids for colonoscopy published since 2015. Primary endpoint was the percentage of adequately prepared patients. Secondary endpoints included adenoma detection rate (ADR) and safety.

Results

Bowel preparation with sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate (SPMC; 19 trials, n = 10,287), 1L‐polyethylene glycol with ascorbate (PEGA; 10 trials, n = 1717), sodium phosphate (NaP; 2 trials, n = 621), and oral sulfate solution (OSS; 3 trials, n = 597) was adequate in 75.2%, 82.9%, 81.9%, and 92.1%, respectively, of patients; however, heterogeneity between studies was considerable (I2 range: 86–98%). Pooled ADRs were 31.1% with SPMC, 32.3% with 1L‐PEGA, 30.4% with NaP, and 40.9% with OSS. Temporary electrolyte changes were seen with all ultra‐low volume bowel preparation fluid solutions but without sustained effects in most patients.

Conclusion

Ultra‐low volume bowel preparation fluids do not always meet the 90% quality standard for adequate bowel preparation as defined by current guidelines. Nonetheless, they may be considered in patients intolerant for higher‐volume laxatives and without risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation or dehydration‐related complications.
Sleep problems in children with cerebral palsy and their parents
Authors: Hulst Raquel Y , Gorter Jan Willem , Voorman Jeanine M , Kolk Eveline , Van Der Vossen Sanne , Visser‐Meily Johanna M A , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Pillen Sigrid , Verschuren Olaf
Published: May 2021

Aim

To describe: (1) the frequency and types of sleep problems, (2) parent‐rated satisfaction with their child’s and their own sleep, and (3) child factors related to the occurrence of sleep problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their parents. The secondary objective was to compare the sleep outcomes of children with CP with those from typically developing children and their parents.

Method

The Sleep section of the 24‐hour activity checklist was used to assess the sleep of children with CP and their parents and the sleep of typically developing children and their parents.

Results

The sleep outcomes of 90 children with CP (median age 5y, range 0–11y, 53 males, 37 females, 84.4% ambulatory) and 157 typically developing peers (median age 5y, range 0–12y; 79 males, 78 females) and their parents were collected. Children with CP were more likely to have a sleep problem than typically developing children. Non‐ambulatory children with CP were more severely affected by sleep problems than ambulatory children. The parents of non‐ambulatory children were less satisfied about their child’s and their own sleep. Waking up during the night, pain/discomfort in bed, and daytime fatigue were more common in children with CP and more prevalent in children who were non‐ambulatory.

Interpretation

These findings highlight the need to integrate sleep assessment into routine paediatric health care practice.

What this paper adds

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are more likely to have a sleep problem than typically developing peers.

Non‐ambulatory children with CP are more severely affected by sleep problems.

One‐third of parents of children with CP report feeling sleep‐deprived often or always compared to a quarter of parents of typically developing children.