bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autologous adoptive immune-cell therapy elicited a durable response with enhanced immune reaction signatures in patients with recurrent glioblastoma: An open label, phase I/IIa trial
Authors: Lim Jaejoon , Park YoungJoon , Ahn Ju Won , Sim JeongMin , Kang Su Jung , Hwang Sojung , Chun Jin , Choi Hyejeong , Kim Sang Heum , Chun Duk-Hee , Sung Kyoung Su , Kwack KyuBum , Cho Kyunggi
Published: March 2021

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive malignancy classified by the World Health Organization as a grade IV glioma. Despite the availability of aggressive standard therapies, most patients experience recurrence, for which there are currently no effective treatments. We aimed to conduct a phase I/IIa clinical trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of adoptive,ex-vivo-expanded, and activated natural killer cells and T lymphocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with recurrent GBM. This study was a single-arm, open-label, investigator-initiated trial on 14 patients recruited between 2013 and 2017. The immune cells were administered via intravenous injection 24 times at 2-week intervals after surgical resection or biopsy. The safety and clinical efficacy of this therapy was examined by assessing adverse events and comparing 2-year overall survival (OS). Transcriptomic analysis of tumor tissues was performed using NanoString to identify the mechanism of therapeutic efficacy. No grade 4 or 5 severe adverse events were observed. The most common treatment-related adverse events were grade 1 or 2 in severity. The most severe adverse event was grade 3 fever. Median OS was 22.5 months, and the median progression-free survival was 10 months. Five patients were alive for over 2 years and showed durable response with enhanced immune reaction transcriptomic signatures without clinical decline until the last follow-up after completion of the therapy. In conclusion, autologous adoptive immune-cell therapy was safe and showed durable response in patients with enhanced immune reaction signatures. This therapy may be effective for recurrent GBM patients with high immune response in their tumor microenvironments.Trial registration:The Korea Clinical Research Information Service database: KCT0003815, Registered 18 April 2019, retrospectively registered.
Large-scale outbreak of Chikungunya virus infection in Thailand, 2018–2019
Authors: Khongwichit Sarawut , Chansaenroj Jira , Thongmee Thanunrat , Benjamanukul Saovanee , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Chirathaworn Chintana , Poovorawan Yong
Published: March 2021

Between 2018 and 2019, the incidence of chikungunya was approximately 15,000 cases across 60 provinces in Thailand. Here, the clinical presentations in chikungunya, emergent pattern, and genomic diversity of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causing this massive outbreak were demonstrated. A total of 1,806 sera samples from suspected cases of chikungunya were collected from 13 provinces in Thailand, and samples were tested for the presence of CHIKV RNA, IgG, and IgM using real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), commercial immunoassay (rapid test). The phylogenetic tree of CHIKV whole-genome and CHIKV E1 were constructed using the maximum-likelihood method. CHIKV infection was confirmed in 547 (42.2%) male and 748 (57.8%) female patients by positive real-time PCR results and/or CHIKV IgM antibody titers. Unsurprisingly, CHIKV RNA was detected in >80% of confirmed cases between 1 and 5 days after symptom onset, whereas anti-CHIKV IgM was detectable in >90% of cases after day 6. Older age was clearly one of the risk factors for the development of arthralgia in infected patients. Although phylogenetic analysis revealed that the present CHIKV Thailand strain of 2018–2020 belongs to the East, Central, and Southern African (ECSA) genotype similar to the CHIKV strains that caused outbreaks during 2008–2009 and 2013, all present CHIKV Thailand strains were clustered within the recent CHIKV strain that caused an outbreak in South Asia. Interestingly, all present CHIKV Thailand strains possess two mutations, E1-K211E, and E2-V264A, in the background of E1-226A. These mutations are reported to be associated with virus-adaptedAedes aegypti. Taken together, it was likely that the present CHIKV outbreak in Thailand occurred as a result of the importation of the CHIKV strain from South Asia. Understanding with viral genetic diversity is essential for epidemiological study and may contribute to better disease management and preventive measures.
Insectivorous bats are less active near freeways
Authors: Bhardwaj Manisha , Soanes Kylie , Lahoz-Monfort José J. , Lumsden Linda F. , van der Ree Rodney
Published: March 2021

Traffic disturbances (i.e. pollution, light, noise, and vibrations) often extend into the area surrounding a road creating a ‘road-effect zone’. Habitat within the road-effect zone is degraded or, in severe cases, completely unsuitable for wildlife, resulting in indirect habitat loss. This can have a disproportionate impact on wildlife in highly modified landscapes, where remaining habitat is scarce or occurs predominantly along roadside reserves. In this study, we investigated the road-effect zone for insectivorous bats in highly cleared agricultural landscapes by quantifying the change in call activity with proximity to three major freeways. The activity of seven out of 10 species of bat significantly decreased with proximity to the freeway. We defined the road-effect zone to be the proximity at which call activity declined by at least 20% relative to the maximum detected activity. The overall road-effect zone for bats in this region was 307 m, varying between 123 and 890 m for individual species. Given that this road-effect zone exceeds the typical width of the roadside verges (<50 m), it is possible that much of the vegetation adjacent to freeways in this and similar landscapes provides low-quality habitat for bats. Without accounting for the road-effect zone, the amount of habitat lost or degraded due to roads is underestimated, potentially resulting in the loss of wildlife, ecosystem services and key ecosystem processes (e.g. predator-prey or plant-pollinator interactions) from the landscape. We suggest all future environmental impact assessments include quantifying the road-effect zone for sensitive wildlife, in order to best plan and mitigate the impact of roads on the environment. Mitigating the effects of new and existing roads on wildlife is essential to ensure enough high-quality habitat persists to maintain wildlife populations.
Using machine learning to improve risk prediction in durable left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Kilic Arman , Dochtermann Daniel , Padman Rema , Miller James K. , Dubrawski Artur
Published: March 2021

Risk models have historically displayed only moderate predictive performance in estimating mortality risk in left ventricular assist device therapy. This study evaluated whether machine learning can improve risk prediction for left ventricular assist devices. Primary durable left ventricular assist devices reported in the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support between March 1, 2006 and December 31, 2016 were included. The study cohort was randomly divided 3:1 into training and testing sets. Logistic regression and machine learning models (extreme gradient boosting) were created in the training set for 90-day and 1-year mortality and their performance was evaluated after bootstrapping with 1000 replications in the testing set. Differences in model performance were also evaluated in cases of concordance versus discordance in predicted risk between logistic regression and extreme gradient boosting as defined by equal size patient tertiles. A total of 16,120 patients were included. Calibration metrics were comparable between logistic regression and extreme gradient boosting. C-index was improved with extreme gradient boosting (90-day: 0.707 [0.683–0.730] versus 0.740 [0.717–0.762] and 1-year: 0.691 [0.673–0.710] versus 0.714 [0.695–0.734]; each p<0.001). Net reclassification index analysis similarly demonstrated an improvement of 48.8% and 36.9% for 90-day and 1-year mortality, respectively, with extreme gradient boosting (each p<0.001). Concordance in predicted risk between logistic regression and extreme gradient boosting resulted in substantially improved c-index for both logistic regression and extreme gradient boosting (90-day logistic regression 0.536 versus 0.752, 1-year logistic regression 0.555 versus 0.726, 90-day extreme gradient boosting 0.623 versus 0.772, 1-year extreme gradient boosting 0.613 versus 0.742, each p<0.001). These results demonstrate that machine learning can improve risk model performance for durable left ventricular assist devices, both independently and as an adjunct to logistic regression.
24.0 kyr cal BP stone artefact from Vale da Pedra Furada, Piauí, Brazil: Techno-functional analysis
Authors: Boëda Eric , Ramos Marcos , Pérez Antonio , Hatté Christine , Lahaye Christelle , Pino Mario , Hérisson David , Clemente-Conte Ignacio , Fontugne Michel , Guérin Guillaume , Villagran Ximena , Santos Janaina C. , Costa Lucas , Germond Lucie , Ahmed-Delacroix Nelson Eric , Da Costa Amelie , Borges Carolina , Hoeltz Sirley , Felice Gisele , Gluchy María , van Havre Grégoire , Griggo Christophe , Lucas Livia , de Souza Iderlan , Viana Sibeli , Strauss André , Kerner Jennifer , Guidon Niède
Published: March 2021

Current archaeological paradigm proposes that the first peopling of the Americas does not exceed the Last Glacial Maximum period. In this context, the acceptance of the anthropogenic character of the earliest stone artefacts generally rests on the presence of projectile points considered no more as typocentric but as typognomonic, since it allows, by itself, to certify the human character of the other associated artefacts. In other words, without this presence, nothing is certain. Archaeological research at Piauí (Brazil) attests to a Pleistocene human presence between 41 and 14 cal kyr BP, without any record of lithic projectile points. Here, we report the discovery and interpretation of an unusual stone artefact in the Vale da Pedra Furada site, in a context dating back to 24 cal kyr BP. The knapping stigmata and macroscopic use-wear traces reveal a conception centred on the configuration of double bevels and the production in the same specimen of at least two successive artefacts with probably different functions. This piece unambiguously presents an anthropic character and reveals a technical novelty during the Pleistocene occupation of South America.
Dental microwear of a basal ankylosaurine dinosaur, Jinyunpelta and its implication on evolution of chewing mechanism in ankylosaurs
Authors: Kubo Tai , Zheng Wenjie , Kubo Mugino O. , Jin Xingsheng
Published: March 2021

Jinyunpelta sinensis is a basal ankylosaurine dinosaur excavated from the mid Cretaceous Liangtoutang Formation of Jinyun County, Zhejiang Province, China. In the present study, its dental microwear was observed using a confocal laser microscope. Jinyunpelta had steep wear facets that covered most of buccal surfaces of posterior dentary teeth. Observation of dental microwear on the wear facet revealed that scratch orientation varied according to its location within the wear facet: vertically (i.e. apicobasally) oriented scratches were dominant in the upper half of the wear facet, and horizontally (i.e. mesiolaterally) oriented ones were in the bottom of the facet. These findings indicated that Jinyunpelta adopted precise tooth occlusion and biphasal jaw movement (orthal closure and palinal lower jaw movement). The biphasal jaw movement was widely observed among nodosaurids, among ankylosaurids, it was previously only known from the Late Cretaceous North American taxa, and not known among Asian ankylosaurids. The finding of biphasal jaw movement in Jinyunpelta showed sophisticate feeding adaptations emerged among ankylosaurids much earlier (during Albian or Cenomanian) than previously thought (during Campanian). The Evolution of the biphasal jaw mechanism that contemporaneously occurred among two lineages of ankylosaurs, ankylosaurids and nodosaurids, showed high evolutionary plasticity of ankylosaur jaw mechanics.
Cell-free microRNA-1246 in different body fluids as a diagnostic biomarker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hoshino Isamu , Ishige Fumitaka , Iwatate Yosuke , Gunji Hisashi , Kuwayama Naoki , Nabeya Yoshihiro , Yokota Hajime , Takeshita Nobuyoshi , Iida Keiko , Nagase Hiroki , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: March 2021

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor with unfavorable prognosis. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of microRNA (miR)-1246 detection in various body fluids as a biomarker for this disease. A total of 72 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled, and their blood, urine, and saliva samples were collected prior to treatment. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction of miR-1246 was performed, and pre- and postoperative and intraday fluctuations in its expression were examined. The expression of miR-1246 in the blood and urine was significantly higher in the patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma than in 50 healthy control subjects. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the area under the curve values were 0.91 (sensitivity 91.7%, specificity 76.0%), 0.82 (sensitivity 90.3%, specificity 62.0%), and 0.80 (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 66.0%) in the serum, urine, and saliva, respectively. A relatively high diagnostic performance of miR-1246 was observed in all samples, which was better than that of the existing biomarkers squamous cell carcinoma antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, and cytokeratin 19 fragment. No clear correlation was observed in the levels of miR-1246 expression among the three body fluids. Postoperatively, serum samples displayed significantly decreased miR-1246 levels. Although not significant, changes in the miR-1246 levels were observed at all collection times, with large fluctuations in the saliva. Meanwhile, serum miR-1246 expression was found to be associated with the disease prognosis. The results indicate that the levels of miR-1246 in the urine, saliva, and serum are a useful biomarker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and support the use of urine samples instead of blood samples for noninvasive diagnosis.
Helicobacter pylori infection rates in dyspeptic Serbian HIV-infected patients compared to HIV-negative controls
Authors: Spurnic Aleksandra Radovanovic , Bukumiric Zoran , Jevtovic Djordje , Brmbolic Branko , Pekmezovic Tatijana , Salemovic Dubravka , Pesic Pavlovic Ivana , Milosevic Ivana , Ranin Jovan , Korac Milos
Published: March 2021

Helicobacter pyloriinfection does not belong to the spectrum of opportunistic infections in people living with HIV (PLHIV). To evaluate theHelicobacter pyloriinfection prevalence rate trends in HIV co-infected individuals in comparison to the HIV-negative population, we compared histopathological findings ofH.pyloripositive gastritis (gastritis topography and histopathology) between 303 PLHIV and 2642 HIV-negative patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) between 1993 and 2014 due to dyspeptic symptoms. The prevalence ofH.pyloriinfection was significantly higher in HIV-negative controls than in PLHIV (50.2% vs. 28.1%). A significantly positive linear trend ofH.pylorico-infection in PLHIV was revealed in the observed period (b = 0.030, SE = 0.011, p = 0.013), while this trend was significantly negative in HIV-negative patients (b = - 0.027, SE = 0.003, p < 0.001). Patients with HIV/H.pylorico-infection had significantly higher CD4+T cell counts and more often had undetectable HIV viremia, due to successful anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Stomach histopathological findings differed between HIV co-infected andH.pylorimono-infected patients. Our findings confirm that the ART has changed the progression of HIV infection, leading to a significant increase in the prevalence ofH.pyloriinfection in dyspeptic PLHIV over time. Our data also suggests that a functional immune system may be needed forH.pylori-induced human gastric mucosa inflammation.
How work and family caregiving responsibilities interplay and affect registered dietitian nutritionists and their work: A national survey
Authors: Williams Karla , Eggett Dennis , Patten Emily Vaterlaus
Published: March 2021

Healthcare professionals provide paid care at work and potentially have caregiving responsibilities outside of work; work responsibilities in addition to child and/or elder care is considered double- or triple-duty care. Employees may experience conflict and/or enrichment as their work and family responsibilities interface. This study’s purpose is to explore the work and family interface of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), determine the prevalence of work-family conflict and enrichment, and identify characteristics associated with higher work-family conflict and enrichment scores. A survey instrument assessing caregiving responsibilities and work-family conflict and enrichment was distributed electronically to 4,900 RDNs throughout the United States. Frequencies, means, correlative relationships, and ANCOVA were calculated using SAS software 9.04. Of 1,233 usable responses, nearly two-thirds of RDNs (65.5%) reported providing either double-duty or triple-duty care. About half of RDNs (47.2%) reported work-family conflict and fewer (14.8%) reported family-work conflict. Additionally, most RDNs (79.4%) reported work-family enrichment and even more (85.2%) reported family-work enrichment. Higher work-family conflict scores had correlative relationships with higher levels of burnout, lower life satisfaction, and higher intent to quit. Higher work-family enrichment scores had correlative relationships with lower burnout, higher job satisfaction, higher career satisfaction, higher life satisfaction, and lower intent to quit. Understanding the unpaid caregiving responsibilities of RDNs and the interface of work/family responsibilities may provide insight into career planning for RDNs and guide managers of RDNs in efforts to amplify the contribution of RDNs.
Relationships between migration and the fiscal sustainability of the pension system in China
Authors: Hu Haoyu , Wang Wei , Feng Dawei , Yang Hualei
Published: March 2021

There are a few existing studies on whether domestic migration improves China’s pension system’s fiscal sustainability in the context of rapid urbanization and industrialization. In this paper, we systematically investigate the impact of migration on the solvency of the worker’s old-age insurance for urban employees by constructing actuarial and econometric models. We use panel data from 2002 to 2018, collected from 31 provinces in China. The results show that the association between migration and the solvency of pensions is an inverted-U shape along the urbanization process. Further regional comparison showed that the above-stated inverted-U curve is more pronounced in the central and western regions. We also established that the number of participants and the contribution base are the main contributors to these results. Our conclusions are important for future population policies and public pension systems in China.
Development of a novel in vitro assay to screen for neuroprotective drugs against iatrogenic neurite shortening
Authors: Martínez Antón L. , Brea José , Barro Mateo , Monroy Xavier , Merlos Manuel , Burgueño Javier , Loza María Isabel
Published: March 2021

This work tries to help overcome the lack of relevant translational screening assays, as a limitation for the identification of novel analgesics for neuropathic pain. Hyperexcitability and neurite shortening are common adverse effects of antiviral and antitumor drugs, leading to neuropathic pain. Now, as seen in the drug screening that we developed here, a high-content microscopy-based assay with immortalized dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons (differentiated F11 cells) allowed to identify drugs able to protect against the iatrogenic neurite shortening induced by the antitumor drug vincristine and the antiviral drug rilpivirine. We observed that vincristine and rilpivirine induced a significant reduction in the neurite length, which was reverted by α-lipoic acid. We had also evidenced protective effects of pregabalin and melatonin, acting through the α2δ-2 subunit of the voltage-dependent calcium channels and the MT1receptor, respectively. Additionally, two hits originated from a previous primary screening aimed to detect inhibitors of hyperexcitability to inflammatory mediators in DRG neurons (nitrendipine and felodipine) also prevented neurite shortening in our model. In summary, in this work we developed a novel secondary assay for identifying hits with neuroprotective effect against iatrogenic neurite shortening, consistent with the anti-hyperexcitability action previously tested: highlighting nitrendipine and felodipine against iatrogenic damage in DRG neurons.
Frequency division denoising algorithm based on VIF adaptive 2D-VMD ultrasound image
Authors: Yan Hongbo , Zhao Pengbo , Du Zhuang , Xu Yang , Liu Pei
Published: March 2021

Ultrasound imaging has developed into an indispensable imaging technology in medical diagnosis and treatment applications due to its unique advantages, such as safety, affordability, and convenience. With the development of data information acquisition technology, ultrasound imaging is increasingly susceptible to speckle noise, which leads to defects, such as low resolution, poor contrast, spots, and shadows, which affect the accuracy of physician analysis and diagnosis. To solve this problem, we proposed a frequency division denoising algorithm combining transform domain and spatial domain. First, the ultrasound image was decomposed into a series of sub-modal images using 2D variational mode decomposition (2D-VMD), and adaptively determined 2D-VMD parameter K value based on visual information fidelity (VIF) criterion. Then, an anisotropic diffusion filter was used to denoise low-frequency sub-modal images, and a 3D block matching algorithm (BM3D) was used to reduce noise for high-frequency images with high noise. Finally, each sub-modal image was reconstructed after processing to obtain the denoised ultrasound image. In the comparative experiments of synthetic, simulation, and real images, the performance of this method was quantitatively evaluated. Various results show that the ability of this algorithm in denoising and maintaining structural details is significantly better than that of other algorithms.
Impact of ceftriaxone and temocillin on fecal abundance of extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in a mouse model
Authors: Chenouard Rachel , Mahieu Rafael , Luque Paz David , Marion Estelle , Eveillard Matthieu , Dubée Vincent
Published: March 2021

Background

Gut colonization by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) is widespread and is promoted by antibiotic exposure. Higher fecal abundance of ESBL-PE promotes the dissemination of the bacteria in the environment and is associated with increased risk of infection. Ceftriaxone and temocillin are commonly used antibiotics with a different activity on gut flora. Their impact on fecal abundance of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae has not been studied. The objective of this study was to compare the propensity of ceftriaxone and temocillin to modify the abundance of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in feces of colonized mice.

Methods

Mice received broad-spectrum antibiotics in order to disrupt their normal gut flora. A CTX-M-type ESBL-producing E. coli clinical isolate was then administered orally, leading to durable colonization. Thirty days later, mice received either temocillin or ceftriaxone with drinking water at a concentration simulating human intestinal exposure. Third-generation-cephalosporin resistant (3GCR) E. coli were enumerated in feces on selective medium before, 2 days and 10 days after the end of antibiotic exposure. The experiment was performed with two E. coli isolates with different temocillin minimum inhibitory concentrations.

Results

Exposure to ceftriaxone induced an increase in the fecal abundance of 3GCR E. coli. In contrast, temocillin had no effect or transiently decreased the number of 3GCR E. coli. Results obtained with the two strains were similar.

Conclusion

Contrary to ceftriaxone, temocillin does not promote expansion of ESBL-producing E. coli in feces of colonized mice. Thus temocillin may be a therapeutic of choice when a temocillin-susceptible strain infection is suspected or proven to prevent the expansion of ESBL-PE in a previously colonized patient.
Identifying with all humanity predicts cooperative health behaviors and helpful responding during COVID-19
Authors: Barragan Rodolfo C. , Oliveira Nigini , Khalvati Koosha , Brooks Rechele , Reinecke Katharina , Rao Rajesh P. N. , Meltzoff Andrew N.
Published: March 2021

In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, public health experts have produced guidelines to limit the spread of the coronavirus, but individuals do not always comply with experts’ recommendations. Here, we tested whether a specific psychological belief—identification with all humanity—predicts cooperation with public health guidelines as well as helpful behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that peoples’ endorsement of this belief—their relative perception of a connection and moral commitment to other humans—would predict their tendencies to adopt World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and to help others. To assess this, we conducted a global online study (N= 2537 participants) of four WHO-recommended health behaviors and four pandemic-related moral dilemmas that we constructed to be relevant to helping others at a potential cost to oneself. We used generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) that included 10 predictor variables (demographic, contextual, and psychological) for each of five outcome measures (a WHO cooperative health behavior score, plus responses to each of our four moral, helping dilemmas). Identification with all humanity was the most consistent and consequential predictor of individuals’ cooperative health behavior and helpful responding. Analyses showed that the identification with all humanity significantly predicted each of the five outcomes while controlling for the other variables (Prange < 10−22to < 0.009). The mean effect size of the identification with all humanity predictor on these outcomes was more than twice as large as the effect sizes of other predictors. Identification with all humanity is a psychological construct that, through targeted interventions, may help scientists and policymakers to better understand and promote cooperative health behavior and help-oriented concern for others during the current pandemic as well as in future humanitarian crises.
Development and content validation of a measure to assess evidence-informed decision-making competence in public health nursing
Authors: Belita Emily , Yost Jennifer , Squires Janet E. , Ganann Rebecca , Dobbins Maureen
Published: March 2021

There are professional expectations for public health nurses to develop competencies in evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) due to its potential for improved client outcomes. Robust tools to assess EIDM competence can encourage increased EIDM engagement and uptake. This study aimed to develop and validate the content of a measure to assess EIDM competence among public health nurses. A four-stage process, based on measure development principles and the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, was used to develop and refine items for a new EIDM competence measure: a) content coverage assessment of existing measures; b) identification of existing measures for use and development of items; c) validity assessment based on content; d) validity assessment based on response process. An EIDM competence measurement tool consisting of EIDM knowledge, skills, attitudes/beliefs, and behaviour items was developed using conceptual literature and existing measures (Evidence-Based Practice Competency Tool and Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs Scale) to address limitations of existing EIDM tools identified from the content coverage assessment. Item content validity index ratings ranged from 0.64–1.00. Qualitative themes from validity assessment based on content and response process included word changes to improve clarity, reducing item redundancy, separating multi-component items, and ensuring items reflect nursing role expectations. Upon determining its reliability and validity, there is potential for the EIDM competence measure to be used in: public health nursing practice to identify competence gaps and strengths to facilitate professional development activities; in research to support development of strategies to build EIDM capacity; and for curriculum planning and development across nursing education programs.
Trust predicts COVID-19 prescribed and discretionary behavioral intentions in 23 countries
Authors: Pagliaro Stefano , Sacchi Simona , Pacilli Maria Giuseppina , Brambilla Marco , Lionetti Francesca , Bettache Karim , Bianchi Mauro , Biella Marco , Bonnot Virginie , Boza Mihaela , Butera Fabrizio , Ceylan-Batur Suzan , Chong Kristy , Chopova Tatiana , Crimston Charlie R. , Álvarez Belén , Cuadrado Isabel , Ellemers Naomi , Formanowicz Magdalena , Graupmann Verena , Gkinopoulos Theofilos , Kyung Jeong Evelyn Hye , Jasinskaja-Lahti Inga , Jetten Jolanda , Muhib Bin Kabir , Mao Yanhui , McCoy Christine , Mehnaz Farah , Minescu Anca , Sirlopú David , Simić Andrej , Travaglino Giovanni , Uskul Ayse K. , Zanetti Cinzia , Zinn Anna , Zubieta Elena
Published: March 2021

The worldwide spread of a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) since December 2019 has posed a severe threat to individuals’ well-being. While the world at large is waiting that the released vaccines immunize most citizens, public health experts suggest that, in the meantime, it is only through behavior change that the spread of COVID-19 can be controlled. Importantly, the required behaviors are aimed not only at safeguarding one’s own health. Instead, individuals are asked to adapt their behaviors to protect the community at large. This raises the question of which social concerns and moral principles make people willing to do so. We considered in 23 countries (N= 6948) individuals’ willingness to engage in prescribed and discretionary behaviors, as well as country-level and individual-level factors that might drive such behavioral intentions. Results from multilevel multiple regressions, with country as the nesting variable, showed that publicized number of infections were not significantly related to individual intentions to comply with the prescribed measures and intentions to engage in discretionary prosocial behaviors. Instead, psychological differences in terms of trust in government, citizens, and in particular toward science predicted individuals’ behavioral intentions across countries. The more people endorsed moral principles of fairness and care (vs. loyalty and authority), the more they were inclined to report trust in science, which, in turn, statistically predicted prescribed and discretionary behavioral intentions. Results have implications for the type of intervention and public communication strategies that should be most effective to induce the behavioral changes that are needed to control the COVID-19 outbreak.
Predicted reproductive longevity and women’s facial attractiveness
Authors: Żelaźniewicz Agnieszka , Nowak-Kornicka Judyta , Zbyrowska Klaudia , Pawłowski Bogusław
Published: March 2021

Physical attractiveness has been shown to reflect women’s current fecundity level, allowing a man to choose a potentially more fertile partner in mate choice context. However, women vary not only in terms of fecundity level at reproductive age but also in reproductive longevity, both influencing a couple’s long-term reproductive success. Thus, men should choose their potential partner not only based on cues of current fecundity but also on cues of reproductive longevity, and both may be reflected in women’s appearance. In this study, we investigated if a woman’s facial attractiveness at reproductive age reflects anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, a hormone predictor of age at menopause, similarly as it reflects current fecundity level, estimated with estradiol level (E2). Face photographs of 183 healthy women (Mage= 28.49, SDage= 2.38), recruited between 2nd- 4thday of the menstrual cycle, were assessed by men in terms of attractiveness. Women’s health status was evaluated based on C-reactive protein level and biochemical blood test. Serum AMH and E2 were measured. The results showed that facial attractiveness was negatively correlated with AMH level, a hormone indicator of expected age at menopause, and positively with E2, indicator of current fecundity level, also when controlled for potential covariates (testosterone, BMI, age). This might result from biological trade-off between high fecundity and the length of reproductive lifespan in women and greater adaptive importance of high fecundity at reproductive age compared to the length of reproductive lifespan.
Establishment of a well-characterized SARS-CoV-2 lentiviral pseudovirus neutralization assay using 293T cells with stable expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2
Authors: Neerukonda Sabari Nath , Vassell Russell , Herrup Rachel , Liu Shufeng , Wang Tony , Takeda Kazuyo , Yang Ye , Lin Tsai-Lien , Wang Wei , Weiss Carol D.
Published: March 2021

Pseudoviruses are useful surrogates for highly pathogenic viruses because of their safety, genetic stability, and scalability for screening assays. Many different pseudovirus platforms exist, each with different advantages and limitations. Here we report our efforts to optimize and characterize an HIV-based lentiviral pseudovirus assay for screening neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 using a stable 293T cell line expressing human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). We assessed different target cells, established conditions that generate readouts over at least a two-log range, and confirmed consistent neutralization titers over a range of pseudovirus input. Using reference sera and plasma panels, we evaluated assay precision and showed that our neutralization titers correlate well with results reported in other assays. Overall, our lentiviral assay is relatively simple, scalable, and suitable for a variety of SARS-CoV-2 entry and neutralization screening assays.
Challenging drug-resistant TB treatment journey for children, adolescents and their care-givers: A qualitative study
Authors: Das Mrinalini , Mathur Taanya , Ravi Shilpa , Meneguim Augusto C. , Iyer Aparna , Mansoor Homa , Kalon Stobdan , Hossain Farah Naz , Acharya Shrikala , Ferlazzo Gabriella , Isaakidis Petros , Thakur Harshad P.
Published: March 2021

Background

Childhood multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) still affects around 25000 children every year across the globe. Though the treatment success rates for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) in children are better than adults, children and adolescents face unique hurdles during DR-TB (MDR-TB, Pre-XDR TB and XDR-TB) treatment. This study aimed to understand the patients, guardians and healthcare providers’ perspectives about DR-TB treatment journey of patients and caregivers.

Methods

This is a qualitative study involving in depth-interviews of purposively selected adolescents (n = 6), patients guardians (for children and adolescents, n = 5) and health care providers (n = 8) of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) clinic, Mumbai, India. In-depth face to face interviews were conducted in English or Hindi language using interview guides during September-November 2019. The interviews were audio-recorded after consent. Thematic network analysis was used to summarize textual data. ATLAS.ti (version 7) was used for analysis.

Result

The age of adolescent patients ranged from 15–19 years and four were female. Five guardians (of three child and two adolescent patients) and eight healthcare providers (including clinicians- 2, DOT providers-2, counselors-2 and programme managers-2) were interviewed. The overarching theme of the analysis was: Challenging DR-TB treatment journey which consisted of four sub-themes: 1) physical-trauma, 2) emotional-trauma, 3) unavailable social-support and 4) non-adapted healthcare services. Difficulties in compounding of drugs were noted for children while adolescents shared experiences around disruption in social life due to disease and treatment. Most of the patients and caregivers experienced treatment fatigue and burnout during the DR-TB treatment. Participants during interviews gave recommendations to improve care.

Discussion

The TB programmes must consider the patient and family as one unit when designing the package of care for paediatric DR-TB. Child and adolescent friendly services (paediatric-formulations, age-specific counselling tools and regular interaction with patients and caregivers) will help minimizing burnout in patients and caregivers.
Clinical prediction rule for SARS-CoV-2 infection from 116 U.S. emergency departments 2-22-2021
Authors: Kline Jeffrey A. , Camargo Carlos A. , Courtney D. Mark , Kabrhel Christopher , Nordenholz Kristen E. , Aufderheide Thomas , Baugh Joshua J. , Beiser David G. , Bennett Christopher L. , Bledsoe Joseph , Castillo Edward , Chisolm-Straker Makini , Goldberg Elizabeth M. , House Hans , House Stacey , Jang Timothy , Lim Stephen C. , Madsen Troy E. , McCarthy Danielle M. , Meltzer Andrew , Moore Stephen , Newgard Craig , Pagenhardt Justine , Pettit Katherine L. , Pulia Michael S. , Puskarich Michael A. , Southerland Lauren T. , Sparks Scott , Turner-Lawrence Danielle , Vrablik Marie , Wang Alfred , Weekes Anthony J. , Westafer Lauren , Wilburn John
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Accurate and reliable criteria to rapidly estimate the probability of infection with the novel coronavirus-2 that causes the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) and associated disease (COVID-19) remain an urgent unmet need, especially in emergency care. The objective was to derive and validate a clinical prediction score for SARS-CoV-2 infection that uses simple criteria widely available at the point of care.

Methods

Data came from the registry data from the national REgistry of suspected COVID-19 in EmeRgency care (RECOVER network) comprising 116 hospitals from 25 states in the US. Clinical variables and 30-day outcomes were abstracted from medical records of 19,850 emergency department (ED) patients tested for SARS-CoV-2. The criterion standard for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 required a positive molecular test from a swabbed sample or positive antibody testing within 30 days. The prediction score was derived from a 50% random sample (n = 9,925) using unadjusted analysis of 107 candidate variables as a screening step, followed by stepwise forward logistic regression on 72 variables.

Results

Multivariable regression yielded a 13-variable score, which was simplified to a 13-point score: +1 point each for age>50 years, measured temperature>37.5°C, oxygen saturation<95%, Black race, Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, household contact with known or suspected COVID-19, patient reported history of dry cough, anosmia/dysgeusia, myalgias or fever; and -1 point each for White race, no direct contact with infected person, or smoking. In the validation sample (n = 9,975), the probability from logistic regression score produced an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.79–0.81), and this level of accuracy was retained across patients enrolled from the early spring to summer of 2020. In the simplified score, a score of zero produced a sensitivity of 95.6% (94.8–96.3%), specificity of 20.0% (19.0–21.0%), negative likelihood ratio of 0.22 (0.19–0.26). Increasing points on the simplified score predicted higher probability of infection (e.g., >75% probability with +5 or more points).

Conclusion

Criteria that are available at the point of care can accurately predict the probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These criteria could assist with decisions about isolation and testing at high throughput checkpoints.
Monocyte subset redistribution from blood to kidneys in patients with Puumala virus caused hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
Authors: Vangeti Sindhu , Strandin Tomas , Liu Sang , Tauriainen Johanna , Räisänen-Sokolowski Anne , Cabrera Luz , Hassinen Antti , Mäkelä Satu , Mustonen Jukka , Vaheri Antti , Vapalahti Olli , Klingström Jonas , Smed-Sörensen Anna
Published: March 2021

Innate immune cells like monocytes patrol the vasculature and mucosal surfaces, recognize pathogens, rapidly redistribute to affected tissues and cause inflammation by secretion of cytokines. We previously showed that monocytes are reduced in blood but accumulate in the airways of patients with Puumala virus (PUUV) caused hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). However, the dynamics of monocyte infiltration to the kidneys during HFRS, and its impact on disease severity are currently unknown. Here, we examined longitudinal peripheral blood samples and renal biopsies from HFRS patients and performed in vitro experiments to investigate the fate of monocytes during HFRS. During the early stages of HFRS, circulating CD14–CD16+ nonclassical monocytes (NCMs) that patrol the vasculature were reduced in most patients. Instead, CD14+CD16– classical (CMs) and CD14+CD16+ intermediate monocytes (IMs) were increased in blood, in particular in HFRS patients with more severe disease. Blood monocytes from patients with acute HFRS expressed higher levels of HLA-DR, the endothelial adhesion marker CD62L and the chemokine receptors CCR7 and CCR2, as compared to convalescence, suggesting monocyte activation and migration to peripheral tissues during acute HFRS. Supporting this hypothesis, increased numbers of HLA-DR+, CD14+, CD16+ and CD68+ cells were observed in the renal tissues of acute HFRS patients compared to controls. In vitro, blood CD16+ monocytes upregulated CD62L after direct exposure to PUUV whereas CD16– monocytes upregulated CCR7 after contact with PUUV-infected endothelial cells, suggesting differential mechanisms of activation and response between monocyte subsets. Together, our findings suggest that NCMs are reduced in blood, potentially via CD62L-mediated attachment to endothelial cells and monocytes are recruited to the kidneys during HFRS. Monocyte mobilization, activation and functional impairment together may influence the severity of disease in acute PUUV-HFRS.
Coordination between terminal variation of the viral genome and insect microRNAs regulates rice stripe virus replication in insect vectors
Authors: Zhao Wan , Yu Jinting , Jiang Feng , Wang Wei , Kang Le , Cui Feng
Published: March 2021

Maintenance of a balance between the levels of viral replication and selective pressure from the immune systems of insect vectors is one of the prerequisites for efficient transmission of insect-borne propagative phytoviruses. The mechanism regulating the adaptation of RNA viruses to insect vectors by genomic variation remains unknown. Our previous study demonstrated an extension of the 3’-untranslated terminal region (UTR) of two genomic segments of rice stripe virus (RSV). In the present study, a reverse genetic system for RSV in human cells and an insect vector, the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus, was used to demonstrate that the 3’-terminal extensions suppressed viral replication in vector insects by inhibiting promoter activity due to structural interference with the panhandle structure formed by viral 3’- and 5’-UTRs. The extension sequence in the viral RNA1 segment was targeted by an endogenous insect microRNA, miR-263a, which decreased the inhibitory effect of the extension sequence on viral promoter activity. Surprisingly, the expression of miR-263a was negatively regulated by RSV infection. This elaborate coordination between terminal variation of the viral genome and endogenous insect microRNAs controls RSV replication in planthopper, thus reflecting a distinct strategy of adaptation of phytoviruses to insect vectors.
A felsőoktatás versenyképességéről
Authors: Barakonyi Károly
Published: March 2021

A tanulmány áttekinti a versenyképességről más területeken kialakult nézeteket, majd kísérletet tesz a felsőoktatási versenyképesség fogalmának tisztázására, az azt befolyásoló tényezők körvonalazására. A Világgazdasági Fórum versenyképességi modelljének mintáját követve felvázolja a felsőoktatási versenyképesség pilléreit, majd a hazai versenyképesség formálásával kapcsolatos feladatokat összegzi. Ezt követően egy rendszermodellben mutatja be a versenyképesség, a felsőoktatási célok, a felsőoktatási stratégia és annak megvalósításának összefüggéseit, feladatait. A rendszerszemléletű problémakezelés, a felsőoktatás jövőjének stratégiai szemléletű megtervezése elengedhetetlen versenyképességünk javításához. Ha nem ezt tesszük, döntéseink csak sodródást eredményeznek, de semmiképpen sem fogják felsőoktatásunk felemelkedését, sikerét biztosítani a globalizálódó nemzetközi felsőoktatási környezetben, az élesedő tudáspiaci verseny feltételei közepette. A probléma megoldása nemcsak fontos, de sürgető is. Mulasztásunk e téren a rendszerváltás óta áll fenn.
Rise of the machines? The evolving role of AI technologies in high-stakes assessment
Authors: Richardson Mary , Clesham Rose
Published: March 2021

Our world has been transformed by technologies incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) within mass communication, employment, entertainment and many other aspects of our daily lives. However, within the domain of education, it seems that our ways of working and, particularly, assessing have hardly changed at all. We continue to prize examinations and summative testing as the most reliable way to assess educational achievements, and we continue to rely on paper-based test delivery as our modus operandi. Inertia, tradition and aversion to perceived risk have resulted in a lack of innovation (James, 2006), particularly so in the area of high-stakes assessment. The summer of 2020 brought this deficit into very sharp focus with the A-level debacle in England, where grades were awarded, challenged, rescinded and reset. These events are potentially catastrophic in terms of how we trust national examinations, and the problems arise from using just one way to define academic success and one way to operationalize that approach to assessment. While sophisticated digital learning platforms, multimedia technologies and wireless communication are transforming what, when and how learning can take place, transformation in national and international assessment thinking and practice trails behind. In this article, we present some of the current research and advances in AI and how these can be applied to the context of high-stakes assessment. Our discussion focuses not on the question of whether we should be using technologies, but on how we can use them effectively to better support practice. An example from one testing agency in England using a globally popular test of English that assesses oral, aural, reading and written skills is described to explain and propose just how well new technologies can augment assessment theory and practice.
Macronutrient uptake, transport and use efficiency in seedlings of Pochota fendleri produced in different substrates and crushed Brazil nut capsules
Authors: Souza Aline das Graças , Smiderle Oscar José , Menegatti Renata Diane , Dias Thiago Jardelino
Published: March 2021

Seedlings produced in containers can be influenced by the materials used in the substrate, which affects the robustness of the plants and, indirectly, the time required for transplanting and for the plants to become established in the field. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical properties of different materials and on the absorption of macronutrients in Pochota fendleri seedlings (cedro-doce). The treatments were: sand (Sa), soil (So), sand+soil (Sa+So), and sand+soil+crushed Brazil nut capsules (Sa+So+CNC). The growth and macronutrient content were evaluated at 60 days after thinning. The amount of macronutrients in the substrate increased with the addition of crushed Brazil nut capsules. The use of different materials for the substrate, particularly Sa+So+CNC, had a positive influence on the morphological characteristics of seedlings, which ensuring high rates of establishment and survival after outplanting, making commercial reforestation with Pochota fendleri attractive.