bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eimeria proteins: order amidst disorder
Authors: Olajide Joshua Seun , Qu Zigang , Yang Shunli , Oyelade Oyeseyi Joshua , Cai Jianping
Published: January 2022

Apicomplexans are important pathogens that cause severe infections in humans and animals. The biology and pathogeneses of these parasites have shown that proteins are intrinsically modulated during developmental transitions, physiological processes and disease progression. Also, proteins are integral components of parasite structural elements and organelles. Among apicomplexan parasites, Eimeria species are an important disease aetiology for economically important animals wherein identification and characterisation of proteins have been long-winded. Nonetheless, this review seeks to give a comprehensive overview of constitutively expressed Eimeria proteins. These molecules are discussed across developmental stages, organelles and sub-cellular components vis-à-vis their biological functions. In addition, hindsight and suggestions are offered with intention to summarise the existing trend of eimerian protein characterisation and to provide a baseline for future studies.

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Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, primary varicella zoster virus coinfection, and a polymicrobial ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis in an adult immunocompetent male: a case report
Authors: Bruno Jowita , Ragozzino Silvio , Quitt Jonas , Siegemund Martin , Labhardt Niklaus
Published: January 2022

Background

The spectrum of clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis associated with coronavirus disease 2019 is broad, ranging from fever and cutaneous eruptions to respiratory distress or even neurological disorders. Coexisting multipathogen infections significantly increase the complexity of the proper diagnostic and therapeutic approach and correlate with the rate of intensive care unit admissions and in-hospital mortality.

Case presentation

We present a case of multipathogen respiratory infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, varicella zoster virus, and polymicrobial tracheobronchitis in a 48-year-old Caucasian male hospitalized after traumatic brain injury. The patient tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection upon admission. During his stay in the intensive care unit, the patient developed a vesicular exanthema along with respiratory failure and signs of septic shock.

Conclusion

This case of an adult presenting with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and simultaneous primary varicella zoster virus infection illustrates the importance of considering coinfections in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 with unusual clinical manifestations.
Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy in children: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhuang Xiamei , Jin Ke , Li Xiaoming , Li Junwei
Published: January 2022

Objective

To describe the clinical features of autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy in children.

Method

Data from 11 pediatric patients with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

All of the patients showed encephalitis and meningoencephalitis or meningoencephalomyelitis with or without myelitis. 45.4% of the patients had fever, 27.3% headaches, 18.2% dizziness, 18.2% drowsiness, and 18.2% mental disorders. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was detected in all patients. The white blood cell counts (WBC) (90.9%), lactic dehydrogenase levels (72.7%), protein level (36.4%), and adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) level (27.3%) were elevated, and the CSF glucose levels (72.7%) were slightly reduced. Nine patients (90%) were found to have brain abnormalities, of which five (50.0%) patients had abnormal symmetrical laminar patterns or line patterns hyperintensity lesions on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images in the basal ganglia, hypothalamus, subcortical white matter and periventricular white matter. The linear radial enhancement pattern of the cerebral white matter was only seen in two patients, with the most common being abnormal enhancement of leptomeninges (50%). Five patients had longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions.

Conclusion

The findings of pediatric patients with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy are different from previous reports.
The establishment, development and future of the Chinese environmental mutagen society
Authors: Cao Jia
Published: January 2022

It has been 40 years since the Chinese Environmental Mutagen Society (CEMS) was established in 1981. Now, it has grown a first-level national society in China, which has 15 professional committees and more than 5000 members. Over the past 40 years, the CEMS has been making many contributions to advance the research of environmental mutagens in China and cultivate professional talents in this field. In the twenty-first century, looking back on what the CEMS has gone through and accomplished, and in light of the major changes in our tasks and mission in the new era, we must plan well for the future, to overcome our shortcomings, to embrace greater development of the CEMS.
Developing a simulation safety policy for translational simulation programs in healthcare
Authors: Brazil Victoria , Scott Clare , Matulich Jack , Shanahan Brenton
Published: January 2022

Healthcare simulation may present risks to safety, especially when delivered ‘in situ’—in real clinical environments—when lines between simulated and real practice may be blurred. We felt compelled to develop a simulation safety policy (SSP) after reading reports of adverse events in the healthcare simulation literature, editorials highlighting these safety risks, and reflecting on our own experience as a busy translational simulation service in a large healthcare institution.

The process for development of a comprehensive SSP for translational simulation programs is unclear. Personal correspondence with leaders of simulation programs like our own revealed a piecemeal approach in most institutions. In this article, we describe the process we used to develop the simulation safety policy at our health service, and crystalize principles that may provide guidance to simulation programs with similar challenges.
Societal perspectives on disease and treatment attributes characterizing rare diseases: a qualitative study from the United States
Authors: Szabo Shelagh M. , Audhya Ivana F. , Feeny David , Neumann Peter , Malone Daniel C. , Gooch Katherine L.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Under a societal perspective, disease and treatment attributes that the general public deem important should be considered within value frameworks. The objective was to investigate how members of the general public value attributes beyond health gains and healthcare system expenditures; and better understand their perspectives regarding the importance of attributes typically characterizing rare genetic diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted to elicit feedback on the importance of disease and treatment attributes from general public participants from three US cities. Participants ranked attributes (scale, 1–10) in terms of importance for future research, reported their rationale for ranking, and provided feedback specific to rare diseases. Interview transcripts were coded using NVivo for thematic analysis.

Results

The 33 participants (median age, 51 years; 48.5% male) ranked disease severity (mean [median] ranking, 8.7 [9.0]), treatment availability (8.7 [9.0]), and impact on life expectancy (8.4 [9.0]), as most important. The impact on the family, need for equity, and intrinsic value of life were frequently provided rationales. While rare disease as an attribute received a relatively low ranking (6.1 [7.0]), 88% of participants prioritized disease profiles including attributes of severity, health related quality of life (HRQoL) impact, limited lifespan and young age at onset.

Conclusion

Attributes including disease severity, impact on life expectancy and HRQoL, and treatment availability were all highly important to members of the general public. These findings support the growing evidence regarding the importance of expanding value assessments to include attributes considered important from a societal perspective.
#AşağıBakmayacağız (“We Will Not Look Down”)
Authors: Tekay Cihan
Published: January 2022

This essay provides an analysis of international initiatives organized in solidarity with the protests at Boğaziçi University that erupted shortly after the appointment of a new rector on January 1, 2021. It provides an overview of these initiatives by using data from anonymous interviewees who have participated in solidarity initiatives in Germany and the United States, as well as from personal accounts, interviews, and news articles published online. It also draws on the author’s personal, professional and political experiences during the past decade in Turkey, Europe, and the United States to speculate on the sociological background of these actions. It argues that the breadth of protests in solidarity with the resisting students and faculty at Boğaziçi is in part due to the de facto exile of young university graduates and academics from Turkey across Europe and North America. The essay claims that this generation of migrants from Turkey, together with their counterparts from previous generations, have provided a broad base for the support that current Boğaziçi students and faculty have received during their quest to preserve a democratically run university. It also explores the reasons that the solidarity initiatives have received support from academics and students who are not in Turkey, citing the resonance of the demands for a democratically organized university and academic freedom under neoliberal and authoritarian conditions across the globe.
Theoretical Investigation on Electron Transport Capabilities of Helically Twisted Molecules Based on Decay Constants of Exchange Interaction
Authors: Nakakuki Yusuke , Hirose Takshi , Matsuda Kenji
Published: January 2022

The electron transport capabilities of helically twisted molecules were theoretically evaluated based on the decay constant of the exchange interaction (βJ) between terminal nitronyl nitroxide radicals using broken-symmetry unrestricted density functional theory (UDFT) calculations. A small βJ value (βJ = 0.16 Å−1) was estimated for a homogeneously π-extended helicene consisting of a helically fused oligo-phenanthrenes, which is less than half that of the original carbohelicene (βJ = 0.39 Å−1) and comparable to that of rylene (βJ = 0.13 Å−1). The excellent electron transport capability suggested by the small βJ of the π-extended helicene can be attributed to the olefinic electronic nature found inside the helical framework.
2-Germaazulene: Synthesis and Properties of 2-Heteraazulene Containing a Germanium Atom as a Skeletal Element
Authors: Oshiro Taku , Mizuhata Yoshiyuki , Tokitoh Norihiro
Published: January 2022

We have succeeded in the synthesis of a 2-germaazulene stable in solution, in which the carbon atom at the 2-position of azulene is replaced by a germanium atom, the fourth period element in Group 14. The properties of the obtained 2-germaazulene were verified both experimentally and theoretically, indicating its sufficient aromaticity. In comparison with the parent azulene, significant differences were found in its orbital levels, charge distribution, and the resulting properties.
Barriers to access and utilization of healthcare by children with neurological impairments and disability in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Mwangi Lucy W. , Abuga Jonathan A. , Cottrell Emma , Kariuki Symon M. , Kinyanjui Samson M. , Newton Charles RJC.
Published: January 2022

Background: Neurological impairments (NI) and disability are common among older children in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). We conducted a systematic review to examine the barriers limiting access and utilization of biomedical and rehabilitative care by children and adolescents with NI in LMICs.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Latin America and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Global Index Medicus, and Google Scholar for studies published between 01/01/1990 and 14/11/2019 to identify relevant studies. We included all studies reporting on barriers limiting access and utilization of preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care for children aged 0-19 years with NI in five domains: epilepsy, and cognitive, auditory, visual, and motor function impairment. Data from primary studies were synthesized using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Results: Our literature searches identified 3,258 reports of which 20 were included in the final analysis. Fifteen studies (75.0%) originated from diverse settings in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Factors limiting access and utilization of healthcare services in >50% of the studies were: financial constraints (N=17, 85.0%), geographical and physical inaccessibility (N=14, 70.0%), inadequate healthcare resources (N=14, 70.0%), prohibitive culture and beliefs (N=12, 60.0%), and inadequate education/awareness (N=11, 55.0%). Factors reported in <50% of the studies included competing domestic roles (N=4, 20%) and a lack of confidentiality for personal information (N=2, 10.0%). Very few reports were identified from outside Africa preventing a statistical analysis by continent and economic level.

Conclusions: Financial constraints, geographic and physical inaccessibility, and inadequate healthcare resources were the most common barriers limiting access and utilization of healthcare services by children with NI in LMICs.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42020165296 (28/04/2020)
THE UTILIZATION OF NON-ORGANIC WASTE TOWARDS KAMPUNG SAYUR TO EMPOWER THE WASTE BANK IN KAMULYAN
Authors: Primasari Isana Arum , Mukti Asih Hayati
Published: January 2022

Waste is a problem in environment and society that has never been resolved. One of the triggers for waste is the use of disposable product packaging. Reducing single-use waste by reusing it will impact reducing waste generation so that the city becomes clean. Reuse of waste by making it the basic material for an innovative product will add value to waste to no longer pollute the environment. The existence of the Kampung Sayur program in Brontokusuman has made waste no longer underestimated. The location of Brontokusuman in the middle of a densely populated city is an obstacle in implementing “the vegetable village” program so that the need for community empowerment in managing waste wisely. The community empowerment program implemented in Brontokusuman aims to provide education to the community in managing waste. organic and non-organic wisely.Therefore, the training of vertical garden was conducted to support that program
IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTHY AND CLEAN LIFESTYLES (PHBS) THROUGH THE ERGONOMIC HANDS WASHER AND SANITIZER
Authors: Herawati Dheasy , Aziza Nurul , Setyawan Setyawan
Published: January 2022

As a form of community service during this current Covid-19 pandemic, Universitas Maarif Hasyim Latif appointed several UMAHA Task Forces in collaboration with NU MWC Task Forces in Sidoarjo area as a form of concern to participate in the Clean and Healthy Lifestyle (PHBS) movement by providing counseling and assistance with ergonomic handwashing tools. This handwashing tool is designed without touching the water faucet and soap holder as a medium that is suspected of spreading the virus. As the result, the counseling and distributing pamphlets affected on the residents' understanding towards PHBS of around 46.7%. At the same time, user satisfaction with the ease of the tool is 46.2%. Simultaneous counseling needs to be done to slowly change the local community ways of thinking and behavior. While in terms of design, hand washing equipment still requires to be developed more with the addition of sensors.
Manifestasi Gastrointestinal dan Peran Swab Anal pada COVID-19: Laporan Kasus dari Rumah Sakit Rujukan Tersier, Jakarta
Authors: Fadhillah Muhamad Rizqy , Zaini Jamal , Putra Andika Chandra , Isbaniah Fathiyah , Ananta Muammar Emir , Sabila Ginindha Izzati
Published: January 2022

Introduksi: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) merupakan penyakit infeksius yang masih menjadi permasalahan serius di dunia. Meskipun presentasi klinis utama COVID-19 adalah gejala respirasi, manifestasi gastrointestinal seperti nyeri perut dan diare dapat ditemukan sebagai satu-satunya presentasi dari penyakit ini. Swab anal dapat dilakukan untuk penegakkan diagnosis COVID-19 dengan presentasi gastrointestinal. Namun perananya dalam diagnosis COVID-19 masih belum diketahui secara pasti.

Laporan kasus: Laporan kasus ini membahas seorang pasien dewasa yang datang dengan keluhan gastrointestinal tanpa adanya gejala respirasi. Pasien ini kemudian terkonfirmasi COVID-19 melalui pemeriksaan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) pada sampel swab nasofaring dan swab anal.

Diskusi: COVID-19 dapat ditandai dengan berbagai gejala dari organ tubuh manapun, salah satunya adalah gejala gastrointestinal. Swab anal menjadi sampel yang cukup representatif dalam membantu penegakkan diagnosis COVID-19 dengan gejala gastrointestinal. 

Kesimpulan: Di tengah pandemi ini, presentasi gastrointestinal tanpa gejala respirasi perlu dipertimbangkan sebagai presentasi klinis atipikal dari COVID-19. Hal ini menuntut kehati-hatian tenaga kesehatan untuk menghindari misdiagnosis COVID-19 dengan menggunakan pengambilan sampel dari organ lain seperti swab anal.
Nonreciprocal optical–microwave entanglement in a spinning magnetic resonator
Authors: Ren Ya-long
Published: January 2022

We propose a nonreciprocal optical–microwave entanglement in a hybrid system composed of a spinning magnetic resonator and a microwave resonator. The optical Sagnac effect caused by the spinning of the magnetic resonator leads to a significant difference in the quantum entanglement for driving the magnetic resonator from opposite directions, which results in the nonreciprocal optical–microwave entanglement. Remarkably, the nonreciprocal optical–microwave entanglement determined by the spinning speed, driving direction, and driving frequency has a high tunability, so it can be turned on or off on demand. Our work opens up a new, to the best of our knowledge, route to achieve nonreciprocal entanglement between microwave and optical domains, which may have potential applications in chiral quantum networking.
Measurements and analysis of response function of cold atoms in optical molasses
Authors: Bhar Subhajit , Swar Maheswar , Satpathi Urbashi , Sinha Supurna , Sorkin Rafael , Chaudhuri Saptarishi , Roy Sanjukta
Published: January 2022

We report our experimental measurements and theoretical analysis of the position response function of cold atoms in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) by applying a transient homogeneous magnetic field as a perturbing force. We observe a transition from a damped oscillatory motion to an over-damped relaxation, stemming from a competition between the viscous drag provided by the optical molasses and the restoring force of the MOT. Our observations are in agreement with the predictions of our model based on the Langevin equation. We also study the diffusion of the atomic cloud in the optical molasses and find the measured value of diffusion coefficient matching with the prediction of our theoretical model.
Endogenously produced catecholamines improve the regulatory function of TLR9-activated B cells
Authors: Honke Nadine , Lowin Torsten , Opgenoorth Birgit , Shaabani Namir , Lautwein Alexander , Teijaro John R. , Schneider Matthias , Pongratz Georg
Published: January 2022

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) contributes to immune balance by promoting anti-inflammatory B cells. However, whether B cells possess a self-regulating mechanism by which they modulate regulatory B cell (Breg) function is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the ability of B cells to synthesize their own catecholamines upon stimulation with different B cell activators and found that expression of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), required to generate catecholamines, is up-regulated by Toll-like receptor (TLR)9. This TLR9-dependent expression of TH correlated with up-regulation of adrenergic receptors (ADRs), enhanced interleukin (IL)-10 production, and overexpression of the co-inhibitory ligands programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and Fas ligand (FasL). Moreover, concomitant stimulation of ß1-3-ADRs together with a B cell receptor (BCR)/TLR9 stimulus clearly enhances the anti-inflammatory potential of Bregs to suppress CD4 T cells, a crucial population in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Furthermore, TH up-regulation was also demonstrated in B cells during the course of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a mouse model for the investigation of RA. In conclusion, our data show that B cells possess an autonomous mechanism to modulate their regulatory function in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner. These findings help to better understand the function of B cells in the regulation of autoimmune diseases and the interplay of SNS.
Paving the way for human vaccination against Rift Valley fever virus: A systematic literature review of RVFV epidemiology from 1999 to 2021
Authors: Gerken Keli N. , LaBeaud A. Desirée , Mandi Henshaw , L’Azou Jackson Maïna , Breugelmans J. Gabrielle , King Charles H.
Published: January 2022

Background

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a lethal threat to humans and livestock in many parts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian Ocean. This systematic review’s objective was to consolidate understanding of RVFV epidemiology during 1999–2021 and highlight knowledge gaps relevant to plans for human vaccine trials.

Methodology/Principal findings

The review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020221622). Reports of RVFV infection or exposure among humans, animals, and/or vectors in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian Ocean during the period January 1999 to June 2021 were eligible for inclusion. Online databases were searched for publications, and supplemental materials were recovered from official reports and research colleagues. Exposures were classified into five groups: 1) acute human RVF cases, 2) acute animal cases, 3) human RVFV sero-surveys, 4) animal sero-surveys, and 5) arthropod infections. Human risk factors, circulating RVFV lineages, and surveillance methods were also tabulated. In meta-analysis of risks, summary odds ratios were computed using random-effects modeling. 1104 unique human or animal RVFV transmission events were reported in 39 countries during 1999–2021. Outbreaks among humans or animals occurred at rates of 5.8/year and 12.4/year, respectively, with Mauritania, Madagascar, Kenya, South Africa, and Sudan having the most human outbreak years. Men had greater odds of RVFV infection than women, and animal contact, butchering, milking, and handling aborted material were significantly associated with greater odds of exposure. Animal infection risk was linked to location, proximity to water, and exposure to other herds or wildlife. RVFV was detected in a variety of mosquito vectors during interepidemic periods, confirming ongoing transmission.

Conclusions/Significance

With broad variability in surveillance, case finding, survey design, and RVFV case confirmation, combined with uncertainty about populations-at-risk, there were inconsistent results from location to location. However, it was evident that RVFV transmission is expanding its range and frequency. Gaps assessment indicated the need to harmonize human and animal surveillance and improve diagnostics and genotyping. Given the frequency of RVFV outbreaks, human vaccination has strong potential to mitigate the impact of this now widely endemic disease.
Survival rate, blood feeding habits and sibling species composition of Aedes simpsoni complex: Implications for arbovirus transmission risk in East Africa
Authors: Kamau Winnie W. , Sang Rosemary , Ogola Edwin O. , Rotich Gilbert , Getugi Caroline , Agha Sheila B. , Menza Nelson , Torto Baldwyn , Tchouassi David P.
Published: January 2022

Aedes simpsoni complex has a wide distribution in Africa and comprises at least three described sub-species including the yellow fever virus (YFV) vector Ae. bromeliae. To date, the distribution and relative contributions of the sub-species and/or subpopulations including bionomic characteristics in relation to YF transmission dynamics remain poorly studied. In this study conducted in two areas with divergent ecosystems: peri-urban (coastal Rabai) and rural (Rift Valley Kerio Valley) in Kenya, survival rate was estimated by parity in Ae. simpsoni s.l. mosquitoes sampled using CO2-baited BG Sentinel traps. We then applied PCR targeting the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), region followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analytics to identify the sibling species in the Ae. simpsoni complex among parous and blood fed cohorts. Our results show that Ae. bromeliae was the most dominant sub-species in both areas, exhibiting high survival rates, human blood-feeding, and potentially, high vectorial capacity for pathogen transmission. We document for the first time the presence of Ae. lilii in Kenya and potentially yet-to-be described species in the complex displaying human feeding tendencies. We also infer a wide host feeding range on rodents, reptile, and domestic livestock besides humans especially for Ae. bromeliae. This feeding trend could likely expose humans to various zoonotic pathogens. Taken together, we highlight the utility of genotype-based analyses to generate precision surveillance data of vector populations for enhanced disease risk prediction and to guide cost-effective interventions (e.g. YF vaccinations).
How can the education sector support children’s mental health? Views of Australian healthcare clinicians
Authors: Paton Kate , Gillam Lynn , Warren Hayley , Mulraney Melissa , Coghill David , Efron Daryl , Sawyer Michael , Hiscock Harriet
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Policy makers in developed countries have long considered the education system an avenue for supporting mental health care for children. Whilst educators have identified many challenges to providing this support (e.g. non-core role, stigma, overcrowded curriculum), understanding clinicians’ views on the role of educators and schools and how clinicians and schools could work together to achieve good mental health outcomes are important questions. However, clinician voices in how schools and health should work together for children’s mental health care are frequently missing from the debate. We aimed to report clinicians’ views about how the education system could support student’s mental health and improve access to mental health care for children and adolescents.

Methods

143 clinicians (approximately 35 each of child and adolescent psychiatrists, pediatricians, child psychologists and general practitioners (GPs)) from the states of Victoria and South Australia participated in semi-structured phone interviews between March 2018 and February 2019. Inductive content analysis was applied to address the broad study aims.

Findings

Key themes emerged: (1) The role of schools in supporting individual children; (2) School based programs to support children and families; and (3) Challenges of implementing these suggestions. Clinicians across all professional groups suggested the education system could play an important role in improving access to mental health services through harnessing existing staff or co-locating mental health clinicians. They also suggested schools could identify at risk children and implement coping and social skills programs.

Conclusions

Schools and educators could play a key role in prevention and early intervention of children’s mental health problems. However, before recommending exactly how to do this, key evidence gaps need to be addressed.
Functional analysis of the nonstructural protein NSs of tomato zonate spot virus
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Si , Qiu Run-Shuang , Zhang Li-Zhen , Chen Yue , Zheng Xue , Li Ting-Ting , Zhao Li-Hua , Zhang Zhong-Kai
Published: January 2022

Tomato zonate spot virus (TZSV), a member of the genusorthotospovirus, causes severe damage to vegetables and ornamental crops in southwest China. The NSs protein is an RNA silencing suppressor in variousorthotospoviruslike TZSV, but its mechanism and role in virus infection are poorly understood. Here, we observed that an NSs-GFP fusion protein was transiently expressed on the plasma membrane and Golgi bodies inNicotiana benthamianaplants. The TZSVNSsgene was silenced and infiltrated intoN.benthamianaandN.tabacumcv. K326. RT-qPCR and Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ID-ELISA) showed that the transcription and the protein expression of theNSsgene were inhibited by more than 90.00%, and the symptoms on silenced plants were alleviated. We also found that the expression of theZingipain-2-likegene significantly decreased when theNSsgene was silenced, resulting in co-localization of the NSs-GFP and the Zingipain-2-like-mCherry fusion protein. The findings of this study provide new insights into the mechanism of silencing suppression by NSs, as well as its effect on systemic virus infection, and also support the theory of disease resistance breeding and control and prevention of TZSV in the field.
Estimating population size when individuals are asynchronous: A model illustrated with northern elephant seal breeding colonies
Authors: Condit Richard , Allen Sarah G. , Costa Daniel P. , Codde Sarah , Goley P. Dawn , Le Boeuf Burney J. , Lowry Mark S. , Morris Patricia
Published: January 2022

Our aim was to develop a method for estimating the number of animals using a single site in an asynchronous species, meaning that not all animals are present at once so that no one count captures the entire population. This is a common problem in seasonal breeders, and in northern elephant seals, we have a model for quantifying asynchrony at the Año Nuevo colony. Here we test the model at several additional colonies having many years of observations and demonstrate how it can account for animals not present on any one day. This leads to correction factors that yield total population from any single count throughout a season. At seven colonies in California for which we had many years of counts of northern elephant seals, we found that female arrival date varied < 2 days between years within sites and by < 5 days between sites. As a result, the correction factor for any one day was consistent, and at each colony, multiplying a female count between 26 and 30 Jan by 1.15 yielded an estimate of total population size that minimized error. This provides a method for estimating the female population size at colonies not yet studied. Our method can produce population estimates with minimal expenditure of time and resources and will be applicable to many seasonal species with asynchronous breeding phenology, particularly colonial birds and other pinnipeds. In elephant seals, it will facilitate monitoring the population over its entire range.
Propensity score methods for comparative-effectiveness analysis: A case study of direct oral anticoagulants in the atrial fibrillation population
Authors: Ciminata Giorgio , Geue Claudia , Wu Olivia , Deidda Manuela , Kreif Noemi , Langhorne Peter
Published: January 2022

Objective

To explore methodological challenges when using real-world evidence (RWE) to estimate comparative-effectiveness in the context of Health Technology Assessment of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in Scotland.

Methods

We used linkage data from the Prescribing Information System (PIS), Scottish Morbidity Records (SMR) and mortality records for newly anticoagulated patients to explore methodological challenges in the use of Propensity score (PS) matching, Inverse Probability Weighting (IPW) and covariate adjustment with PS. Model performance was assessed by standardised difference. Clinical outcomes (stroke and major bleeding) and mortality were compared for all DOACs (including apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban) versus warfarin. Patients were followed for 2 years from first oral anticoagulant prescription to first clinical event or death. Censoring was applied for treatment switching or discontinuation.

Results

Overall, a good balance of patients’ covariates was obtained with every PS model tested. IPW was found to be the best performing method in assessing covariate balance when applied to subgroups with relatively large sample sizes (combined-DOACs versus warfarin).

With the IPTW-IPCW approach, the treatment effect tends to be larger, but still in line with the treatment effect estimated using other PS methods. Covariate adjustment with PS in the outcome model performed well when applied to subgroups with smaller sample sizes (dabigatran versus warfarin), as this method does not require further reduction of sample size, and trimming or truncation of extreme weights.

Conclusion

The choice of adequate PS methods may vary according to the characteristics of the data. If assumptions of unobserved confounding hold, multiple approaches should be identified and tested. PS based methods can be implemented using routinely collected linked data, thus supporting Health Technology decision-making.
Psychosocial and behavioral correlates with HIV testing among men who have sex with men during the COVID‐19 pandemic in China
Authors: Shi Lingen , Liu Guangxia , Fu Gengfeng , Zaller Nick , Wei Chongyi , Yang Cui , Yan Hongjing
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Some of community mitigation efforts on COVID-19 created challenges to ongoing public health programs, including HIV care and prevention services among men who have sex with men (MSM). The goal of the current study was to explore sociodemographic factors and the impact of COVID-19 on HIV testing among Chinese MSM during state-enforced quarantine.

Methods

We conducted a community based survey between May 1st to June 30th, 2020 on COVID-19 related impacts on HIV testing among 436 China MSM during the COVID-19 state-enforced quarantine.

Results

One-third (33.7%) of MSM received HIV testing during the quarantine period. Few participants reported difficulty accessing facility-based testing (n = 13, 3.0%) or obtaining HIV self-test kit online (n = 22, 5.0%). However, 12.1% of participants reported being afraid of getting facility-based HIV test due to concerns about the risk of COVID-19. In the multivariate logistic regression model, participants who were married (aOR: 1.89, 95%CI: 1.19–3.01), reported increased quality of sleep (aOR: 2.07, 95%CI: 1.11–3.86), and increased difficulty in accessing health care (aOR: 2.34, 95%CI: 1.37–3.99) were more likely to get an HIV test during the state-enforced quarantine.

Conclusion

The mitigation measures of COVID-19 have created various barriers to access HIV related prevention services in China, including HIV testing. To mitigate these impacts on HIV prevention and care services, future programs need to address barriers to HIV-related services, such as providing high-quality HIV self-testing. Meanwhile, psychological services or other social services are needed to those experiencing mental distress.
Percent framing attenuates the magnitude effect in a preference-matching task of intertemporal choice
Authors: Anvari Farid , Verdeș Dorina-Diana , Marchiori Davide
Published: January 2022

Research in intertemporal decisions shows that people value future gains less than equivalent but immediate gains by a factor known as the discount rate (i.e., people want a premium for waiting to receive a reward). A robust phenomenon in intertemporal decisions is the finding that the discount rate is larger for small gains than for large gains, termed the magnitude effect. However, the psychological underpinnings of this effect are not yet fully understood. One explanation proposes that intertemporal choices are driven by comparisons of features of the present and future choice options (e.g., information on rewards). According to this explanation, the hypothesis is that the magnitude effect is stronger when the absolute difference between present and future rewards is emphasized, compared to when their relative difference is emphasized. However, this hypothesis has only been tested using one task (the two-choice paradigm) and only for gains (i.e., not losses). It’s therefore unclear whether the findings that support the hypothesis can be generalized to different methodological paradigms (e.g., preference matching) and to the domain of losses. To address this question, we conducted experiments using the preference-matching method whereby the premium amounts that people could ask for were framed in terms of either currencies (emphasizing absolute differences) or percentages (emphasizing relative differences). We thus tested the robustness of the evidence in support of the hypothesis that percent framing, relative to currency framing, attenuates the magnitude effect in the domain of gains (Studies 1, 2, and 3) and in the domain of losses (Study 1, 3, and 4). The data were heavily skewed and the assumption of equal variances was violated. Therefore, in place of parametric statistical tests, we calculated and interpreted parametric and nonparametric standardized and unstandardized effect size estimates and their confidence intervals. Overall, the results support the hypothesis.
Early cerebral hypoxia in extremely preterm infants and neurodevelopmental impairment at 2 year of age: A post hoc analysis of the SafeBoosC II trial
Authors: Plomgaard Anne Mette , Schwarz Christoph E. , Claris Olivier , Dempsey Eugene M. , Fumagalli Monica , Hyttel-Sorensen Simon , Lemmers Petra , Pellicer Adelina , Pichler Gerhard , Greisen Gorm
Published: January 2022

Background

The SafeBoosC II, randomised clinical trial, showed that the burden of cerebral hypoxia was reduced with the combination of near infrared spectroscopy and a treatment guideline in extremely preterm infants during the first 72 hours after birth. We have previously reported that a high burden of cerebral hypoxia was associated with cerebral haemorrhage and EEG suppression towards the end of the 72-hour intervention period, regardless of allocation. In this study we describe the associations between the burden of cerebral hypoxia and the 2-year outcome.

Methods

Cerebral oxygenation was continuously monitored from 3 to 72 hours after birth in 166 extremely preterm infants. At 2 years of age 114 of 133 surviving children participated in the follow-up program: medical examination, Bayley II or III test and the parental Ages and Stages Questionnaire. The infants were classified according to the burden of hypoxia: within the first three quartiles (n = 86, low burden) or within in the 4th quartile (n = 28, high burden). All analyses were conducted post hoc.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the quantitative assessments of neurodevelopment in the groups of infants with the low burden of cerebral hypoxia versus the group of infants with the high burden of cerebral hypoxia. The infants in the high hypoxia burden group had a higher–though again not statistically significant—rate of cerebral palsy (OR 2.14 (0.33–13.78)) and severe developmental impairment (OR 4.74 (0.74–30.49).

Conclusions

The burden of cerebral hypoxia was not significantly associated with impaired 2-year neurodevelopmental outcome in this post-hoc analysis of a feasibility trial.
Interventions to reduce pedestrian road traffic injuries: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials, cluster randomized controlled trials, interrupted time-series, and controlled before-after studies
Authors: Namatovu Stellah , Balugaba Bonny Enock , Muni Kennedy , Ningwa Albert , Nsabagwa Linda , Oporia Fredrick , Kiconco Arthur , Kyamanywa Patrick , Mutto Milton , Osuret Jimmy , Rehfuess Eva A. , Burns Jacob , Kobusingye Olive
Published: January 2022

Background

Road traffic injuries are among the top ten causes of death globally, with the highest burden in low and middle-income countries, where over a third of deaths occur among pedestrians and cyclists. Several interventions to mitigate the burden among pedestrians have been widely implemented, however, the effectiveness has not been systematically examined.

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of interventions to reduce road traffic crashes, injuries, hospitalizations and deaths among pedestrians.

Methods

We considered studies that evaluated interventions to reduce road traffic crashes, injuries, hospitalizations and/or deaths among pedestrians. We considered randomized controlled trials, interrupted time-series studies, and controlled before-after studies. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, WHO Global Health Index, Health Evidence, Transport Research International Documentation and ClinicalTrials.gov through 31 August 2020, and the reference lists of all included studies. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and full texts, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. We summarized findings narratively with text and tables.

Results

A total of 69123 unique records were identified through the searches, with 26 of these meeting our eligibility criteria. All except two of these were conducted in high-income countries and most were from urban settings. The majority of studies observed either a clear effect favoring the intervention or an unclear effect potentially favoring the intervention and these included: changes to the road environment (19/27); changes to legislation and enforcement (12/12); and road user behavior/education combined with either changes to the road environment (3/3) or with legislation and enforcement (1/1). A small number of studies observed either a null effect or an effect favoring the control.

Conclusions

Although the highest burden of road traffic injuries exists in LMICs, very few studies have examined the effectiveness of available interventions in these settings. Studies indicate that road environment, legislation and enforcement interventions alone produce positive effects on pedestrian safety. In combination with or with road user behavior/education interventions they are particularly effective in improving pedestrian safety.
Sex-specific difference of in-hospital mortality from COVID-19 in South Korea
Authors: Her Ae-Young , Bhak Youngjune , Jun Eun Jung , Yuan Song Lin , Garg Scot , Lee Semin , Bhak Jong , Shin Eun-Seok
Published: January 2022

We sought to assess the impact of sex on in-hospital mortality of patients with COVID-19 infection in South Korea. The study recruited 5,628 prospective consecutive patients who were hospitalized in South Korea with COVID-19 infection, and enrolled in the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) dataset between January 20, 2020, and April 30, 2020. The primary endpoint was in-hospital death from COVID-19. The cohort comprised of 3,308 women (59%) and 2,320 men (41%). In-hospital death was significantly lower in women than men (3.5% vs. 5.5%, hazard ratio (HR): 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47 to 0.79, p <0.001). Results were consistent after multivariable regression (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.85, p = 0.023) and propensity score matching (HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.86, p = 0.012). In South Korea, women had a significantly lower risk of in-hospital death amongst those patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection.
Effects of women’s footwear on the mechanical function of heel-height accommodating prosthetic feet
Authors: Major Matthew J. , Quinlan Julia , Hansen Andrew H. , Russell Esposito Elizabeth
Published: January 2022

The loaded mechanical function of transtibial prostheses that result from the clinical assembly, tuning, and alignment of modular prosthetic components can directly influence an end user’s biomechanics and overall mobility. Footwear is known to affect prosthesis mechanical properties, and while the options of footwear are limited for most commercial feet due to their fixed geometry, there exists a selection of commercial prosthetic feet that can accommodate a moderate rise in heel height. These feet are particularly relevant to women prosthesis users who often desire to don footwear spanning a range of heel heights. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of adding women’s footwear (flat, trainer, 5.08 cm heel) on the mechanical properties (deformation and energy efficiency) of four models of heel-height accommodating prosthetic feet. Properties were measured through loading-unloading at simulated initial contact, midstance and terminal stance orientations with a universal materials test system, and statistically compared to a barefoot condition. Results suggest that the addition of footwear can alter the level of foot deformation under load, which may be a function of the shoe and alignment. Moreover, while each foot displayed different amounts of energy storage and return, the addition of footwear yielded similar levels of energy efficiency across foot models. Overall, prosthesis users who don shoes of varying heel heights onto adjustable prosthetic feet and their treating clinicians should be aware of the potential changes in mechanical function that could affect the user experience.
Review of guidance papers on regression modeling in statistical series of medical journals
Authors: Wallisch Christine , Bach Paul , Hafermann Lorena , Klein Nadja , Sauerbrei Willi , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Heinze Georg , Rauch Geraldine ,   on behalf of topic group 2 of the STRATOS initiative
Published: January 2022

Although regression models play a central role in the analysis of medical research projects, there still exist many misconceptions on various aspects of modeling leading to faulty analyses. Indeed, the rapidly developing statistical methodology and its recent advances in regression modeling do not seem to be adequately reflected in many medical publications. This problem of knowledge transfer from statistical research to application was identified by some medical journals, which have published series of statistical tutorials and (shorter) papers mainly addressing medical researchers. The aim of this review was to assess the current level of knowledge with regard to regression modeling contained in such statistical papers. We searched for target series by a request to international statistical experts. We identified 23 series including 57 topic-relevant articles. Within each article, two independent raters analyzed the content by investigating 44 predefined aspects on regression modeling. We assessed to what extent the aspects were explained and if examples, software advices, and recommendations for or against specific methods were given. Most series (21/23) included at least one article on multivariable regression. Logistic regression was the most frequently described regression type (19/23), followed by linear regression (18/23), Cox regression and survival models (12/23) and Poisson regression (3/23). Most general aspects on regression modeling, e.g. model assumptions, reporting and interpretation of regression results, were covered. We did not find many misconceptions or misleading recommendations, but we identified relevant gaps, in particular with respect to addressing nonlinear effects of continuous predictors, model specification and variable selection. Specific recommendations on software were rarely given. Statistical guidance should be developed for nonlinear effects, model specification and variable selection to better support medical researchers who perform or interpret regression analyses.