bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anonymous Linkage Between College Students and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Facilities: Systematic Evaluation of Urine Self-Collection for HIV Testing Initiative in China
Authors: Lv Yi , Li Guanqiao , Hu Maogui , Xu Chengdong , Lu Hongyan , Chen Lu , Xing Yan , Liang Shu , Ma Yanling , Liang Shujia , Zhuang Minghua , Li Yi , Huang Chun , Bai Yaqing , Jiang Yan , Zhang Linqi
Published: December 2020

Background

Identifying young individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who are unaware of their status is a major challenge for HIV control in China. To address this, an innovative, anonymous vending machine–based urine self-collection for HIV testing (USCT) program was implemented in 2016 in colleges across China.

Methods

From June 2016 to December 2019, 146 vending machines stocked with urine self-collection kits were distributed on 73 college campuses across 11 provinces of China. Urine samples were collected, delivered, and tested in an anonymous manner. We analyzed the returned rate, reactive rate (likelihood of HIV screening positive), testing effectiveness (the annual number of college students living with HIV screened by USCT or other testing methods), and the spatiotemporal relationship between USCT usage and student activity per college generated from the usage of a social networking application.

Results

Among the 5178 kits sold, 3109 (60%) samples were returned; of these, 2933 (94%) were eligible for testing. The HIV reactive rate was 2.3% (66 of 2933). The average effectiveness ratio among the 34 participating Beijing colleges was 0.39 (12:31) between USCT and conventional testing methods. A strong spatiotemporal correlation between USCT numbers and online student activity was observed during school semesters in Beijing.

Conclusions

USCT is a powerful complement to current interventions that target at-risk students and promote HIV testing. The social networking–based evaluation framework can be a guide in prioritizing at-risk target populations.
Panel kink threshold regression model with a covariate-dependent threshold
Authors: Yang Lixiong , Zhang Chunli , Lee Chingnun , Chen I-Po
Published: December 2020

This article extends the kink threshold regression model with a constant threshold to a panel data framework with a covariate-dependent threshold, where the threshold is modeled as a function of informative covariates. We suggest an estimator based on the within-group transformation and propose test statistics for kink threshold effect and threshold constancy. We establish the asymptotic joint normality of the slope and threshold estimators and derive the limiting distributions of the test statistics. Our asymptotic results show that the inclusion of a covariate-dependent threshold does not affect the asymptotic joint normality of the slope and threshold estimates in the kink threshold regression model. Monte Carlo simulations show that the finite-sample proprieties of the proposed estimator and test statistics are generally satisfactory.
Haplotyping the Potato Psyllid (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and the Associated Pathogenic Bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ in Non-crop Alternative Hosts in Southern Idaho
Authors: Dahan Jennifer , Wenninger Erik J , Thornton Michael , Corral César A Reyes , Olsen Nora , Karasev Alexander V
Published: December 2020

Zebra chip, is a potato disease associated with the bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) and vectored by the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Šulc. Potato psyllids are native to North America, where four haplotypes have been described. They are able to colonize a wide range of solanaceous species, crops, and weeds. The epidemiology of zebra chip disease is still poorly understood and might involve the different haplotypes of psyllids as well as two haplotypes of Lso. As several perennial weeds have been recognized as potential host for potato psyllids and Lso, a yearly monitoring of several patches of bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) located in the potato-growing region of southern Idaho was conducted from 2013 to 2017, to gain insight into psyllid dynamics in non-potato hosts and Lso presence in the fields. Potato psyllids caught on each host were individually tested for Lso, and a subset were haplotyped based on the CO1 gene, along with the haplotyping of Lso in positive samples. On bittersweet nightshade, the Northwestern haplotype was numerically dominant, with around 2.7% of psyllids found to be carrying either Lso haplotype A or B, suggesting a limited role in zebra chip persistence, which has infected Idaho fields at a low occurrence since the 2012 outbreak. Field bindweed was found to be a transient, non-overwintering host for potato psyllid of Northwestern, Western and Central haplotypes late in the season, suggesting minor, if any, role in persistence of Lso and field infestation by potato psyllids.
Acute, Exercise-Induced Alterations in Cytokines and Chemokines in the Blood Distinguish Physically Active and Sedentary Aging
Authors: MacNeil Lauren G , Tarnopolsky Mark A , Crane Justin D
Published: December 2020

Aging results in a chronic, proinflammatory state which can promote and exacerbate age-associated diseases. In contrast, physical activity in older adults improves whole body health, protects against disease, and reduces inflammation, but the elderly are less active making it difficult to disentangle the effects of aging from a sedentary lifestyle. To interrogate this interaction, we analyzed peripheral blood collected at rest and postexercise from 68 healthy younger and older donors that were either physically active aerobic exercisers or chronically sedentary. Subjects were profiled for 44 low-abundance cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in peripheral blood. At rest, we found that regular physical activity had no impact on the age-related elevation in circulating IL-18, eotaxin, GRO, IL-8, IP-10, PDGF-AA, or RANTES. Similarly, there was no impact of physical activity on the age-related reduction in VEGF, EGF, or IL-12 (p70). However, older exercisers had lower resting plasma fractalkine, IL-3, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to sedentary older adults. In contrast to our resting characterization, blood responses following acute exercise produced more striking difference between groups. Physically active younger and older subjects increased over 50% of the analyzed factors in their blood which resulted in both unique and overlapping exercise signatures. However, sedentary individuals, particularly the elderly, had few detectable changes in response to exercise. Overall, we show that long-term physical activity has a limited effect on age-associated changes in basal cytokines and chemokines in the healthy elderly, yet physically active individuals exhibit a broader induction of factors postexercise irrespective of age.
Attempts at Redress Through the Lens of Social Identity: Housing, Land and Property of the Displaced in Cyprus
Authors: de Waardt Mijke , Georgiou Dora , Celal Evren
Published: December 2020

Transitional justice measures, particularly reparations, have started to address housing, land and property (HLP) issues in relation to internally displaced persons (IDPs), but HLP grievances have not decreased. Because it is difficult to meaningfully engage IDPs in reparations and redress, contextualized approaches are suggested for remedies to become effective. We propose a lens of social identity theory (SIT) to illuminate the potential for HLP attempts for redress to be expanded to groups in intractable conflict. Based on research in Cyprus, we argue that SIT enables the scrutiny of whether and how legal decisions and administrative remedy mechanisms meaningfully relate to IDPs’ notions of victimhood and (in)justice. We show that attempts for redress may act to maintain competitive narratives and exclusionary social identities in Cyprus. An inclusive victimhood narrative may shift categories available for an intergroup social identity for Cypriots, making it more likely for actual progress on the HLP issue.
On the behavior of 1-Laplacian ratio cuts on nearly rectangular domains
Authors: Hamilton Wesley , Marzuola Jeremy L , Wu Hau-tieng
Published: December 2020

The $p$-Laplacian has attracted more and more attention in data analysis disciplines in the past decade. However, there is still a knowledge gap about its behavior, which limits its practical application. In this paper, we are interested in its iterative behavior in domains contained in two-dimensional Euclidean space. Given a connected set $\varOmega _0 \subset \mathbb{R}^2$, define a sequence of sets $(\varOmega _n)_{n=0}^{\infty }$ where $\varOmega _{n+1}$ is the subset of $\varOmega _n$ where the first eigenfunction of the (properly normalized) Neumann $p$-Laplacian $ -\varDelta ^{(p)} \phi = \lambda _1 |\phi |^{p-2} \phi $ is positive (or negative). For $p=1$, this is also referred to as the ratio cut of the domain. We conjecture that these sets converge to the set of rectangles with eccentricity bounded by 2 in the Gromov–Hausdorff distance as long as they have a certain distance to the boundary $\partial \varOmega _0$. We establish some aspects of this conjecture for $p=1$ where we prove that (1) the 1-Laplacian spectral cut of domains sufficiently close to rectangles is a circular arc that is closer to flat than the original domain (leading eventually to quadrilaterals) and (2) quadrilaterals close to a rectangle of aspect ratio $2$ stay close to quadrilaterals and move closer to rectangles in a suitable metric. We also discuss some numerical aspects and pose many open questions.
The Politicization of Objects: Meaning and Materiality in The U.S. Cannabis Market
Authors: Huff Aimee Dinnin , Humphreys Ashlee , Wilner Sarah J.S.
Published: December 2020

In this article, we theorize how marketplace objects and their properties facilitate market legitimacy. Adopting assemblage theory, we examine a politically contested market—the U.S. recreational cannabis market—using retail sales data, public opinion polls and surveys, mainstream media coverage, and interviews with producers and consumers. We find that objects convey meaning in the market by creating sensory or discursive alignment between new or contested products and products from existing, legitimate markets, and by creating sensory or discursive distancing between new products and products in existing, illegitimate markets. We further find that different types of consumers play different roles in the overall legitimation process because they perceive alignments and misalignments differently. We present a conceptual model that links object meaning with the market and broader, cultural, and societal levels, demonstrating how materiality contributes to the overall legitimation of a politically contested market.
Altering Planting Date to Manage Melanaphis sacchari (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Populations in Sweet Sorghum
Authors: Mercer Nathan H , Obrycki John J , Bessin Ricardo T
Published: December 2020

Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner is a new pest of sweet sorghum in the United States, with the potential to cause complete crop failure. In Kentucky, sweet sorghum is normally planted in early May and harvested in late August or September. Planting sweet sorghum earlier in the season may avoid damaging levels of M. sacchari that develop in late summer. In a 2-yr field study, three different planting dates separated by a month (April, May, and June) were tested for their effect on M. sacchari densities and sweet sorghum yield. April (early) planted sweet sorghum was grown in greenhouses and transplanted to the field. May (mid) and June (late) planted sweet sorghum were direct seeded in the field. Melanaphis sacchari population densities were evaluated weekly starting in June. Sweet sorghum was harvested at the onset of the hard dough stage. Plots were split into two subplots, insecticide or noninsecticide, in the second year to control for planting date effect on yield. Early-planted sweet sorghum had lower aphid densities, but had lower yield relative to mid-planting date, which had the highest yield. Insecticide drenches in 2019 reduced cumulative aphid days in mid-plantings and late plantings, but did not significantly affect yield within planting dates. Seeding sweet sorghum earlier can reduce M. sacchari densities; however, this method alone may not provide the highest yields. We documented that the recommended planting date (May) for Kentucky produced the highest yield.
The development of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and their common features
Authors: Liu Liu Daisy , Lian Chaoyang , Yeap Leng-Siew , Meng Fei-Long
Published: December 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a worldwide severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic since December 2019. There is a great demand for effective therapies for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Developing therapeutic neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), which could block viral infection, is such a promising approach, as NAbs have been successfully applied to the treatment of other viral infections. The recent advances of antibody technology have greatly accelerated the discovery of SARS-CoV-2 NAbs, and many of which are now actively tested in clinical trials. Here, we review the approaches applied for SARS-CoV-2 NAb development, and discuss the emerging technologies underlining the antibody discovery. We further summarize the common features of these antibodies including the shared neutralizing epitopes and sequence features.
Collection and DNA Detection of Dirofilaria immitis (Rhabditida Onchocercidae), Using a Novel Primer Set, in Wild-Caught Mosquitoes From Gainesville, FL
Authors: Holderman Chris , Abruzzo Nicole O , Abdelsamad Noor A , Kaufman Phillip E , DiGennaro Peter M
Published: December 2020

Dirofilaria immitis, the causative agent of dog heartworm disease, is an important cause of canine morbidity and mortality, expensive to treat, and severe infections are often fatal. Much is known about the pathogen in the canine host, yet little is known on the basic ecology of the nematode in the mosquito vector. Thus, to evaluate the effectiveness of collection techniques on ability to capture dog heartworm-infected mosquitoes (Diptera Culicidae), we conducted a field study spanning 111 wk. Four methods were used: two aspirators types, sweep netting, and a CDC trap. All sites had canines present in either residential yards (n = 4) or dog kennel facilities (n = 3). Collected mosquitoes were sorted by site, trap, species, and date, then pooled into groups of up to 25 individuals. Mosquito head and thorax pools were extracted for DNA, that was screened using currently available protocols. These protocols were found unreliable; thus, we developed a novel qPCR primer and probe set. Using this method, the original samples were re-assayed and provided 494 positive pools. Approximately 10% of positive samples were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Twenty-two mosquito species tested positive for dog heartworm DNA, including a new association with Wyeomyia mitchellii (Theobald). Although Aedes atlanticus (Dyar and Knab), Anopheles crucians Wiedemann, and Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) composed nearly 36% of the total collection, these species represented 42% of the qPCR positive pools. Infection rates within commonly collected mosquitoes ranged up to 2.5%, with more rarely collected species ranging up to 14%. The CDC trap was the most effective collection method at trapping infected mosquitoes.
Dental Disease Nonbattle Injury Rates of Deployed NATO Militaries in the Middle East Region: A Scoping Review
Authors: Vaughan Matthew , McGowan Troy , Mahoney Greg
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The occurrence of dental emergencies, now termed as dental disease nonbattle injuries (D-DNBIs), has long been an impacting factor on militaries’ operational effectiveness. Owing to D-DNBIs contributing to low morale, the removal of personnel from duty, causing logistical hardships, and requiring deployable dental teams to operate in theater, there remains a significant benefit in the reduction in the occurrence of D-DNBIs. No study to date has reviewed D-DNBI rates specific to a modern military, and insight into whether militaries are seeing improvements in their dental preparedness remains to be gained.

Materials and Methods

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines set out by Joanna Briggs Institute. Databases searched included SCOPUS, PubMed, OVID, and DOSS. Six hundred and one articles were initially screened, and six articles were included in the final review.

Results

A D-DNBI rate of 172 per 1,000 members per year was reported across the coalition, with the U.S., UK, and French militaries reporting on their dental experience. Both the French data and one UK study reported significantly higher D-DNBIs than their U.S. counterparts, who described 124 D-DNBIs per 1,000 members per year. A significant proportion of these D-DNBIs were reported to be “preventable,” which raises questions on the efficacy of garrison healthcare services. Dental disease nonbattle injury rates appear to be largely consistent with what was first reported decades ago, and there remains ongoing and significant value in expeditionary dental services providing supportive healthcare for any deployed military personnel.

Conclusion

Rates of D-DNBIs appear to be stable with what was historically reported when an international coalition is considered, with national variation. There remains a significant number of D- DNBIs which require dental treatment within the operational theater, and further efficiencies can be gained from predeployment treatment of “preventable” D-DNBIs.
Competing Demands: Scheduling Challenges in Being Veteran-centric in the Setting of Health System Initiatives to Improve Access
Authors: Moldestad Megan , Stryczek Krysttel C , Haverhals Leah , Kenney Rachael , Lee Marcie , Ball Sherry , Au David , Kirsh Susan , Sayre George , Young Jessica
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) history of enhancing Veterans’ healthcare access continued in 2016 with the launch of ChooseVA (née: MyVA Access). This initiative was designed to transform the VHA and rapidly increase Veteran’s access to care across all the VHA facilities. Relevant to this article include mandates to improve patient-centered scheduling. In prioritizing patient-centered scheduling, the VHA and other large healthcare systems have the paradoxical task of providing health care that meets not only the needs of individual patients but also the collective needs of the population served. To our knowledge, meeting these competing needs has not been explored through the perspectives and experiences of providers and staff implementing patient-centered scheduling practices.

Materials and Methods

This was a qualitative exploratory study and was sanctioned as quality improvement (and thus exempt from Institutional Review Board review). We conducted visits at 25 VHA facilities. Sites were selected based on rurality, region, and facility access performance ratings. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Key informant participants included local leadership, administrators, providers, and support staff across primary care, specialty care, and mental health service lines. We analyzed transcribed audio recordings using inductive content analysis to identify barriers, facilitators, and contextual factors affecting the implementation of patient-centered scheduling.

Results

We conducted 208 individual interviews and focus groups between July and November 2017. Participants expressed dedication to patient-centered approaches to improve access to care for Veterans, stating efforts and challenges to meeting Veterans’ needs and preferences. Being Veteran-centric meant accommodating Veterans, with a tension between meeting the needs of one Veteran versus all Veterans, managing expectations of same-day access, and potential hits to performance metrics. Strategies focused on engaging Veterans through education and establishing new expectations while recognizing the differing needs among subgroups receiving VHA care.

Conclusions

Veterans Health Administration staff employed a mission-driven, culturally sensitive approach to meeting the diverse scheduling needs of the Veteran population. While potentially unique to the VHA, it may inform patient-centered scheduling practices for other culturally specific populations in other healthcare systems. Continued efforts to put Veterans at the center of VHA healthcare delivery by engaging them in meaningful ways while honoring their distinct needs are essential. Data are forthcoming on Veterans’ perspectives of access, which we hope will further contribute to unfolding understandings of access within the VHA.
Placing the Blame for Covid-19 in and on Ultra-Orthodox Communities
Authors: Gilman Sander L
Published: December 2020

The new coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19, has resurrected a number of historical and sociological problems associated with blaming collectives for the origin or transmission of infectious disease. The default example of the false accusation has been the case of the fourteenth century charge of well poisoning against the Jews of Western Europe causing the pandemic of the Black Death. Yet querying group actions in times of pandemics is not solely one of rebutting false attributions. What happens when a collective is at fault and how does the collective respond to the simultaneous burden of both false, stereotypical accusations and appropriate charges of culpability? The case study here is of Haredi communities and the 2020 outbreak of COVID-19.
The Correlation Between Impact Crater Ages and Chronostratigraphic Boundary Dates
Authors: Firestone R B
Published: December 2020

The accurately measured ages of 89 large impact craters and layers were compared with the boundary dates for Periods, Epochs and Ages of the Geological Time Scale by a weighted least squares fit. They are highly correlated with a χ2/f=0.63. A Monte Carlo simulation of randomly chosen crater ages gives a >99.8% probability that this result is not random. No craters are found in the oceans or, until recently, in ice which collectively cover 80% of Earth’s surface indicating that far more impacts have occurred than are known. Multiple impacts cluster near the times of boundary dates so, based on the observed cluster sizes assuming a binomial distribution, it was determined that the average cluster multiplicity is five. Comparison of the impact ages with the dates of the great extinctions revealed a strong correlation with χ2/f=0.36 and a multiplicity of 8-9 impacts. It is shown that volcanism, although correlated with boundary dates, is a continuous process unrelated to sudden extinctions. During the past 125 Ma the rate of global change and the impact rate have increased dramatically as the Earth passes near the OB star association. Multiple impacts 12.9 ka ago ended the Pleistocene epoch at the onset of the Younger Dryas (YD) causing worldwide extinctions. The date and extent of the YD impact may be consistent with a 62 Ma cycle of major impact events. During the Holocene 20 crater, airburst, and impact tsunami chevron ages correspond to dates of global cooling with a χ2/f=0.75 and >99% probability. Future impacts could reverse global warming or even induce next ice age.
HCGrid: a convolution-based gridding framework for radio astronomy in hybrid computing environments
Authors: Wang Hao , Yu Ce , Zhang Bo , Xiao Jian , Luo Qi
Published: December 2020

Gridding operation, which is to map non-uniform data samples on to a uniformly distributed grid, is one of the key steps in radio astronomical data reduction process. One of the main bottlenecks of gridding is the poor computing performance, and a typical solution for such performance issue is the implementation of multicore CPU platforms. Although such a method could usually achieve good results, in many cases, the performance of gridding is still restricted to an extent due to the limitations of CPU, since the main workload of gridding is a combination of a large number of single instruction, multidata stream operations, which is more suitable for GPU, rather than CPU implementations. To meet the challenge of massive data gridding for the modern large single-dish radio telescopes, e.g. the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope, inspired by existing multicore CPU gridding algorithms such as Cygrid, here we present an easy-to-install, high-performance, and open-source convolutional gridding framework, HCGrid, in CPU-GPU heterogeneous platforms. It optimizes data search by employing multithreading on CPU, and accelerates the convolution process by utilizing massive parallelization of GPU. In order to make HCGrid a more adaptive solution, we also propose the strategies of thread organization and coarsening, as well as optimal parameter settings under various GPU architectures. A thorough analysis of computing time and performance gain with several GPU parallel optimization strategies show that it can lead to excellent performance in hybrid computing environments.
Physician deaths from COVID-19 have been lower than expected
Authors: Kaplan R M
Published: December 2020

Background

More than 100 US physicians have died from COVID-19. I considered the number of US physician deaths in comparison to the expected COVID death rate in the general population.

Aims

To estimate the whether US physicians are at increased risk of death from COVID-19 due to occupational exposures.

Methods

COVID-related physician deaths were identified through searches using Medscape In Memoriam, and multiple internet searches using Google and Facebook. An obituary or death notice was obtained in all but one case. Death rates among physicians were compared to the expected rate based on COVID deaths in the US population.

Results

Up to 7 October 2020, there were 108 deaths among US physicians. Physicians make up about 0.33% of the US population. By 1 October 2020, there were 210 000 COVID deaths in the US population with 693 expected physician deaths. Observed deaths were 16% of expected. Seventy-five per cent of the deaths occurred among physicians older than age 60 and about half appeared to be among those retired from clinical practice.

Conclusions

Observed physician deaths were significantly below expected based on deaths the general population. Prudent use of personal protective equipment may explain the lower-than-expected death rates.
Seroprevalence and Correlates of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Health Care Workers in Chicago
Authors: Wilkins John T , Gray Elizabeth L , Wallia Amisha , Hirschhorn Lisa R , Zembower Teresa R , Ho Joyce , Kalume Naomi , Agbo Ojoma , Zhu Alex , Rasmussen-Torvik Laura J , Khan Sadiya S , Carnethon Mercedes , Huffman Mark , Evans Charlesnika T
Published: December 2020

Background

Identifying factors associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among health care workers (HCWs) may help health systems optimize SARS-CoV-2 infection control strategies.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Northwestern HCW SARS-CoV-2 Serology Cohort Study. We used the Abbott Architect Nucleocapsid IgG assay to determine seropositivity. Logistic regression models (adjusted for demographics and self-reported community exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) were fit to quantify the associations between occupation group, health care delivery tasks, and community exposure and seropositive status.

Results

A total of 6510 HCWs, including 1794 nurses and 904 non-patient-facing administrators, participated. The majority were women (79.6%), 74.9% were White, 9.7% were Asian, 7.3% were Hispanic, and 3.1% were non-Hispanic Black. The crude prevalence of seropositivity was 4.8% (95% CI, 4.6%–5.2%). Seropositivity varied by race/ethnicity as well as age, ranging from 4.2% to 9.6%. Out-of-hospital exposure to COVID-19 occurred in 9.3% of HCWs, 15.0% (95% CI, 12.2%–18.1%) of whom were seropositive; those with family members diagnosed with COVID-19 had a seropositivity rate of 54% (95% CI, 44.2%–65.2%). Support service workers (10.4%; 95% CI, 4.6%–19.4%), medical assistants (10.1%; 95% CI, 5.5%–16.6%), and nurses (7.6%; 95% CI, 6.4%–9.0%) had significantly higher seropositivity rates than administrators (referent; 3.3%; 95% CI, 2.3%–4.4%). However, after adjustment, nursing was the only occupation group with a significantly higher odds (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3–2.9) of seropositivity. Exposure to patients receiving high-flow oxygen therapy and hemodialysis was significantly associated with 45% and 57% higher odds for seropositive status, respectively.

Conclusions

HCWs are at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection from longer-duration exposures to people infected with SARS-CoV-2 within health care settings and their communities of residence.
Are Sink Drainage Systems a Reservoir for Hospital-Acquired Gammaproteobacteria Colonization and Infection? A Systematic Review
Authors: Volling Cheryl , Ahangari Narges , Bartoszko Jessica J , Coleman Brenda L , Garcia-Jeldes Felipe , Jamal Alainna J , Johnstone Jennie , Kandel Christopher , Kohler Philipp , Maltezou Helena C , Maze dit Mieusement Lorraine , McKenzie Nneka , Mertz Dominik , Monod Adam , Saeed Salman , Shea Barbara , Stuart Rhonda L , Thomas Sera , Uleryk Elizabeth , McGeer Allison
Published: December 2020

Increasing rates of antimicrobial-resistant organisms have focused attention on sink drainage systems as reservoirs for hospital-acquired Gammaproteobacteria colonization and infection. We aimed to assess the quality of evidence for transmission from this reservoir. We searched 8 databases and identified 52 studies implicating sink drainage systems in acute care hospitals as a reservoir for Gammaproteobacterial colonization/infection. We used a causality tool to summarize the quality of evidence. Included studies provided evidence of co-occurrence of contaminated sink drainage systems and colonization/infection, temporal sequencing compatible with sink drainage reservoirs, some steps in potential causal pathways, and relatedness between bacteria from sink drainage systems and patients. Some studies provided convincing evidence of reduced risk of organism acquisition following interventions. No single study provided convincing evidence across all causality domains, and the attributable fraction of infections related to sink drainage systems remains unknown. These results may help to guide conduct and reporting in future studies.
Microsurgical Resection of an Intramedullary Spinal Cord Hemangioblastoma Through an Anterior Cervical Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: McCormick Kyle Lindsey , Alexiades Nikita , McCormick Paul C
Published: December 2020

This video demonstrates the microsurgical removal of an intramedullary spinal cord hemangioblastoma through an anterior cervical approach. While most spinal hemangioblastomas arise from the dorsal or dorsolateral pial surface and can be safely resected through a posterior approach,
1,2
ventral tumors can present a significant challenge to safe surgical removal.
3-5
This patient presented with a progressively symptomatic ventral pial based hemangioblastoma at the C5-6 level with large polar cysts extending from C3 to T1. The tumor was approached through a standard anterior cervical exposure with a C5 and C6 corpectomy. Following midline durotomy, the tumor was identified and complete microsurgical resection was achieved. The principles and techniques of tumor resection are illustrated and described in the video. Following tumor resection and dural closure, a fibular allograft was inserted into the corpectomy defect and a C4-C7 fixation plate was placed. The patient was maintained in a supine position for 36 h. He was discharged home on postoperative day 3 in a cervical collar. The patient did well with near-complete recovery of neurological function. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging at 6 wk showed a substantial resolution of the polar cysts and no evidence of residual tumor. The patient featured in this video consented to the procedure.
Calvarial Reconstruction Following Massive Tissue Loss: A Feasible Treatment Strategy and Surgical Technique
Authors: Hofmann Luzie , Rafizadeh Rashid Masood , Ludtka Christopher , Schwan Stefan , Mendel Thomas , Sanchin Lhagva , Goehre Felix
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Severe cranial injuries require reconstructive surgeries to protect the underlying brain and to restore cranial contour and scalp integrity, as well as avoid complications such as neurocognitive decline. In cases of full-thickness cranial tissue damage, adept surgical skill in both bone and soft tissue reconstruction is critical for a minimally invasive surgery and successful bone integration without endangering previous soft tissue efforts. Different surgical techniques and materials are beset with various problems.

OBJECTIVE

To present a surgical procedure intended for the reconstruction of complex calvarial and associated tissue defects with reduced invasiveness and improved soft tissue healing compared to the existing gold standard. Both soft tissue and bone reconstruction techniques are described in detail due to their intertwined importance for successful full thickness skull and scalp reconstruction.

METHODS

During initial medical care, aseptic wound treatment and temporary wound closure are performed. Two weeks postinjury, extensive necrotic tissue debridement and soft tissue reconstruction lay the foundation for well-vascularized tissue regeneration. Soft tissue healing is followed by minimally invasive cranioplasty using autologous split-rib transplants after approximately 6 mo.

RESULTS

With consideration of the established gold standards for treatment, soft tissue regenerated without complications. The minimally invasive insertion of autologous rib grafts underneath the healed soft tissue allowed for quick recovery without requiring further follow-up treatments.

CONCLUSION

We optimized initial scalp wound healing and bone regeneration by making use of minimally invasive procedures and autologous materials, offering a viable treatment alternative to existing methods for treating large cranial bone injuries.
Innate immunology in COVID-19—a living review. Part I: viral entry, sensing and evasion
Authors: Coveney Clarissa , Tellier Michel , Lu Fangfang , Maleki-Toyserkani Shayda , Jones Ruth , Bart Valentina M T , Pring Ellie , Alrubayyi Aljawharah , Richter Felix C , Scourfield D Oliver , Rehwinkel Jan , Rodrigues Patrícia R S , Davies Luke C , Gea-Mallorquí Ester ,   The Oxford-Cardiff COVID19 Literature Consortium
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a world health concern and can cause severe disease and high mortality in susceptible groups. While vaccines offer a chance to treat disease, prophylactic and anti-viral treatments are still of vital importance, especially in context of the mutative ability of this group of viruses. Therefore, it is essential to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of viral entry, innate sensing and immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2, which control the triggers of the subsequent excessive inflammatory response. Viral evasion strategies directly target anti-viral immunity, counteracting host restriction factors and hijacking signalling pathways to interfere with interferon production. In Part I of this review, we examine SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and the described immune evasion mechanisms to provide a perspective on how the failure in initial viral sensing by infected cells can lead to immune dysregulation causing fatal COVID-19, discussed in Part II.
Ignorance is Bliss? Age, Misinformation, and Support for Women’s Representation
Authors: Burden Barry C , Ono Yoshikuni
Published: December 2020

Most people overestimate how many women have been elected to Congress and state legislatures, but this misinformation reduces with age. Multivariate analysis of our original survey data confirms that young people are prone to overestimating how many seats are held by women, and this pattern is especially sharp among male respondents. In addition, a memory of being represented by a woman in the past tends to inflate overestimates further. Erroneous thinking among the young may produce an “ignorance is bliss” effect by reducing the apparent need to elect more women to office and raising levels of trust in government. In contrast, more realistic beliefs among older people make the dominance of men in public office more apparent and actionable.
Post-lockdown depression and anxiety in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Khubchandani Jagdish , Sharma Sushil , Webb Fern J , Wiblishauser Michael J , Bowman Sharon L
Published: December 2020

Background

The mental health impact of the pandemic after the initial lockdowns has not been well studied in the USA. Thus, the purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive and systematic national assessment of the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the adult US population.

Methods

A multi-item, valid and reliable questionnaire was deployed online via mTurk and social media sites to recruit adult US participants in the general population across the USA. A total of 1978 individuals participated in the study, where the majority were: females (51%), whites (74%), non-Hispanic (81%), married (56%), employed full time (68%) and with a bachelor’s degree or higher (78%).

Results

The prevalence of depression (39%), anxiety (42%) and psychological distress (39%) were computed from the PHQ-4 scale. In multiple regression analyses, depression, anxiety and psychological distress burden (assessed by PHQ-4 scale) was predicted significantly based on race, ethnicity, age, having children at home, employment as a healthcare worker, annual household income and area of residence. Males were more likely to have depression, and females were more likely to have anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Given the high prevalence of depression and anxiety, interdisciplinary and multisectoral approaches are recommended in the USA along with population-based interventions on mental health improvement.
Multilevel analysis of research management professionals and external funding at universities: Empirical evidence from Japan
Authors: Ito Shin , Watanabe Toshiya
Published: December 2020

This study examines the relationships between a collaborative climate for research management professionals and external funding at universities. University research management is becoming increasingly important in efforts to develop innovation. By combining data from an original questionnaire survey and a public dataset, this study employed multilevel structural equation modelling. The sample comprised 292 research management professionals at 76 Japanese universities and research institutions. The results indicate that the whole hypothetical model of the two-level structure fitted the data well. At the organisational level, the knowledge-sharing environment had a significant positive relation with external research funding. Supportive supervision was also positively and significantly related to the knowledge-sharing environment at the individual and organisational levels. The findings show that a more collaborative climate for research management professionals can lead to more external funding of the entire university; they provide a new contribution to the theory and practice of university research management.
Proliferation of Punishment: The Centrality of Legal Fines and Fees in the Landscape of Contemporary Penology
Authors: Slavinski Ilya , Pettit Becky
Published: December 2020

Decades of significant crime declines and recent reductions in the number of people confined in prisons and jails in the United States have been accompanied by the emergence of new, and the resurgence of old, forms of punishment. One of these resurgent forms is the assessment of fines, fees, and costs to those who encounter the criminal legal system. Legal financial obligations (LFOs) have become widespread across the United States and are levied for offenses from alleged traffic violations in some states to felony convictions in others. Their emergence has been heralded by some as a less punitive alternative to spending time in prison or jail but recognized by others as uniquely consequential for people without the means to pay. Drawing on data from 254 counties in Texas, this article explores the emergence and enforcement of LFOs in Texas, where LFOs play a particularly prominent role in sanctions for alleged misdemeanor offenses and serve as an important source of revenue. Enforcement of LFOs varies geographically and is related to conservative politics and racial threat. We argue that LFOs are a defining feature of a contemporary punishment regime where racial injustice is fueled by economic inequality.
Transmission of Faith in Families: The Influence of Religious Ideology
Authors: Smith Jesse
Published: December 2020

The family and denominational factors influencing intergenerational religious transmission have been examined in a substantial body of work. Despite research identifying religious ideology as a salient aspect of American religion, however, its role in religious transmission remains unexplored. In this study, I use the National Study of Youth and Religion to test whether children’s worship attendance and centrality of faith in young adulthood differ based on whether their parents identify as religiously liberal, moderate, conservative, or none of these. I further test whether the strength of the relationship between parent and child religiosity differs between ideological groups. The primary finding is that religious transmission is stronger among children of religious conservatives than for any other group, while the other groups do not differ significantly from one another. These differences in transmission are largely explained by religious conservative parenting approaches, congregational involvement, and most importantly, more intensive religious socialization.
Severely stigmatised skin neglected tropical diseases: a protocol for social science engagement
Authors: Zaman Shahaduz , Nahar Papreen , MacGregor Hayley , Barker Tom , Bayisenge Jeannette , Callow Clare , Fairhead James , Fahal Ahmed , Hounsome Natalia , Roemer-Mahler Anne , Mugume Peter , Tadele Getnet , Davey Gail
Published: December 2020

More than one billion people are affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and many of these diseases are preventable. While the grouping of these conditions as NTDs has generated vast mapping, mass drug administration and surveillance programmes, there is growing evidence of gaps and weaknesses in purely biomedical approaches, and the need for responses that also recognise the social determinants of health. In order to unpack the social and political determinants of NTDs, it is important to view the problem from a social science perspective. Given this background, the Social Sciences for Severe Stigmatizing Skin Diseases (5S) Foundation has recently been established by the Centre for Global Health Research at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. The broad aim of the 5S Foundation is to incorporate social science perspectives in understanding and addressing the problems around three NTDs, namely, podoconiosis, mycetoma and scabies. This protocol paper sets out the aims and approaches of the 5S Foundation while activities such as research, public engagement, training and capacity building get underway.
Panniculitis in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma on a tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Nafissi Nellie N. , Karlin Nina , Pittelkow Mark R. , Dicaudo David J. , Mangold Aaron R.
Published: December 2020

A 71-year-old female was diagnosed with localized renal cell carcinoma in July 2008 with subsequent metastasis in 2012 to the right adrenal gland, lungs, and brain. Due to disease progression, she was started on pazopanib 800 mg daily in October 2012. In November 2016, the patient developed an ill-defined, red, 10 × 15 cm indurated plaque on the left lateral upper thigh with a discrete 3 cm firm tender tumor without ulceration. An incisional biopsy was performed and showed panniculitis with features resembling sclerosing lipogranuloma. Alternative causes including rheumatologic disease and trauma were ruled out. We report the first case of pazopanib-induced panniculitis. Key clinical and histopathological features include tender subcutaneous nodules, exclusion of other causes, and fatty microcysts within a densely sclerotic background on pathology. As targeted therapies are becoming increasingly common in the field of oncology, prompt identification and reporting of adverse reactions is critical for proper management.
Efficacy and safety of anlotinib in patients with unresectable or metastatic well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcoma: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Li Zhi-Ke , Liu Jie , Deng Yao-Tiao , Jiang Yu
Published: December 2020

Treatment options for unresectable local recurrence or metastatic well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcoma (WDLS/DDLS) remain limited. Different liposarcoma subtypes have varying clinical features and sensitivities to treatment regimens. The multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as pazopanib and regorafenib, have been approved for use in nonadipocytic soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Anlotinib, another TKI, has been approved in China for treating metastatic STS that has progressed after the use of anthracycline-based regimens. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of anlotinib in the treatment of local recurrence or metastatic WDLS/DDLS. From August 2018 to June 2020, 17 patients with unresectable local recurrence or metastatic WDLS/DDLS treated with anlotinib in our center were included. The follow-up cutoff time was set as 20 October 2020. Baseline and observation indicators were collected and analyzed. Estimated median progression-free survival (PFS) was 27.9 weeks, the PFS rate at 24 weeks was 58.8%, overall survival (OS) was 56.6 weeks, the disease control rate was 64.7% and no complete response or partial response was detected. Grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in four cases and could be managed. Anlotinib is a potential treatment option for unresectable local recurrence or metastatic WDLS/DDLS.
The interesting relationship between APOBEC3 deoxycytidine deaminases and cancer: a long road ahead
Authors: Granadillo Rodríguez Milaid , Flath Ben , Chelico Linda
Published: December 2020

Cancer is considered a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells and is propelled by somatic mutations. Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3 (APOBEC3) family of enzymes are endogenous sources of somatic mutations found in multiple human cancers. While these enzymes normally act as an intrinsic immune defence against viruses, they can also catalyse ‘off-target’ cytidine deamination in genomic single-stranded DNA intermediates. The deamination of cytosine forms uracil, which is promutagenic in DNA. Key factors to trigger the APOBEC ‘off-target’ activity are overexpression in a non-normal cell type, nuclear localization and replication stress. The resulting uracil-induced mutations contribute to genomic variation, which may result in neutral, beneficial or harmful consequences for the cancer. This review summarizes the functional and biochemical basis of the APOBEC3 enzyme activity and highlights their relationship with the most well-studied cancers in this particular context such as breast, lung, bladder, and human papillomavirus-associated cancers. We focus on APOBEC3A, APOBEC3B and APOBEC3H haplotype I because they are the leading candidates as sources of somatic mutations in these and other cancers. Also, we discuss the prognostic value of the APOBEC3 expression in drug resistance and response to therapies.