bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threshold analyses on combinations of testing, population size, and vaccine coverage for COVID-19 control in a university setting
Authors: Zhao Xinmeng , Tatapudi Hanisha , Corey George , Gopalappa Chaitra
Published: August 2021

We simulated epidemic projections of a potential COVID-19 outbreak in a residential university population in the United States under varying combinations of asymptomatic tests (5% to 33% per day), transmission rates (2.5% to 14%), and contact rates (1 to 25), to identify the contact rate threshold that, if exceeded, would lead to exponential growth in infections. Using this, we extracted contact rate thresholds among non-essential workers, population size thresholds in the absence of vaccines, and vaccine coverage thresholds. We further stream-lined our analyses to transmission rates of 5 to 8%, to correspond to the reported levels of face-mask-use/physical-distancing during the 2020 pandemic. Our results suggest that, in the absence of vaccines, testing alone without reducing population size would not be sufficient to control an outbreak. If the population size is lowered to 34% (or 44%) of the actual population size to maintain contact rates at 4 (or 7) among non-essential workers, mass tests at 25% (or 33%) per day would help control an outbreak. With the availability of vaccines, the campus can be kept at full population provided at least 95% are vaccinated. If vaccines are partially available such that the coverage is lower than 95%, keeping at full population would require asymptomatic testing, either mass tests at 25% per day if vaccine coverage is at 63–79%, or mass tests at 33% per day if vaccine coverage is at 53–68%. If vaccine coverage is below 53%, to control an outbreak, in addition to mass tests at 33% per day, it would also require lowering the population size to 90%, 75%, and 60%, if vaccine coverage is at 38–53%, 23–38%, and below 23%, respectively. Threshold estimates from this study, interpolated over the range of transmission rates, can collectively help inform campus level preparedness plans for adoption of face mask/physical-distancing, testing, remote instructions, and personnel scheduling, during non-availability or partial-availability of vaccines, in the event of SARS-Cov2-type disease outbreaks.
Single-cell transcriptomic analyses of T cells in chronic HCV-infected patients dominated by DAA-induced interferon signaling changes
Authors: Burchill Matthew A. , Salomon Matthew P. , Golden-Mason Lucy , Wieland Amanda , Maretti-Mira Ana C. , Gale Michael , Rosen Hugo R.
Published: August 2021

Chronic infection with HCV is manifested by dysregulation of innate immune responses and impaired T cell function at multiple levels. These changes may impact susceptibility to other infections, responsiveness to antiviral therapies, vaccine responsiveness, and development of complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has revolutionized the management of chronic HCV, with expected cure rates exceeding 95%. DAA treatment represents a unique opportunity to investigate to what extent elimination of viral replication and chronic antigen stimulation can restore immunologic phenotype. In this study we interrogated the global transcriptional profile of isolated peripheral blood T cells before, during and after IFN-free DAA therapy using single-cell mRNA sequencing. Our results demonstrate that T cells mapped at single-cell resolution have dramatic transcriptomic changes early after initiation of DAA and many of these changes are sustained after completion of DAA therapy. Specifically, we see a significant reduction in transcripts associated with innate immune activation and interferon signaling such as ISG15, ISG20, IFIT3, OAS and MX1 in many different T cell subsets. Furthermore, we find an early upregulation of a gene involved in suppression of immune activation, DUSP1, in circulating T cells. Conclusion: This study provides the first in-depth transcriptomic analysis at the single-cell level of patients undergoing DAA therapy, demonstrating that IFN-free antiviral therapy in chronic HCV infection induces hitherto unrecognized shifts in innate immune and interferon signaling within T cell populations early, during, and long-term after treatment. The present study provides a rich data source to explore the effects of DAA treatment on bulk T cells.
Loss of Septation Initiation Network (SIN) kinases blocks tissue invasion and unlocks echinocandin cidal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Souza Ana Camila Oliveira , Martin-Vicente Adela , Nywening Ashley V. , Ge Wenbo , Lowes David J. , Peters Brian M. , Fortwendel Jarrod R.
Published: August 2021

Although considered effective treatment for many yeast fungi, the therapeutic efficacy of the echinocandin class of antifungals for invasive aspergillosis (IA) is limited. Recent studies suggest intense kinase- and phosphatase-mediated echinocandin adaptation in A. fumigatus. To identify A. fumigatus protein kinases required for survival under echinocandin stress, we employed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting to generate a protein kinase disruption mutant library in a wild type genetic background. Cell wall and echinocandin stress screening of the 118 disruption mutants comprising the library identified only five protein kinase disruption mutants displaying greater than 4-fold decreased echinocandin minimum effective concentrations (MEC) compared to the parental strain. Two of these mutated genes, the previously uncharacterized A. fumigatus sepL and sidB genes, were predicted to encode protein kinases functioning as core components of the Septation Initiation Network (SIN), a tripartite kinase cascade that is necessary for septation in fungi. As the A. fumigatus SIN is completely uncharacterized, we sought to explore these network components as effectors of echinocandin stress survival. Our data show that mutation of any single SIN kinase gene caused complete loss of hyphal septation and increased susceptibility to cell wall stress, as well as widespread hyphal damage and loss of viability in response to echinocandin stress. Strikingly, mutation of each SIN kinase gene also resulted in a profound loss of virulence characterized by lack of tissue invasive growth. Through the deletion of multiple novel regulators of hyphal septation, we show that the non-invasive growth phenotype is not SIN-kinase dependent, but likely due to hyphal septation deficiency. Finally, we also find that echinocandin therapy is highly effective at eliminating residual tissue burden in mice infected with an aseptate strain of A. fumigatus. Together, our findings suggest that inhibitors of septation could enhance echinocandin-mediated killing while simultaneously limiting the invasive potential of A. fumigatus hyphae.
Cytomegalovirus immediate-early 1 proteins form a structurally distinct protein class with adaptations determining cross-species barriers
Authors: Schweininger Johannes , Scherer Myriam , Rothemund Franziska , Schilling Eva-Maria , Wörz Sonja , Stamminger Thomas , Muller Yves A.
Published: August 2021

Restriction factors are potent antiviral proteins that constitute a first line of intracellular defense by blocking viral replication and spread. During co-evolution, however, viruses have developed antagonistic proteins to modulate or degrade the restriction factors of their host. To ensure the success of lytic replication, the herpesvirus human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) expresses the immediate-early protein IE1, which acts as an antagonist of antiviral, subnuclear structures termed PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs). IE1 interacts directly with PML, the key protein of PML-NBs, through its core domain and disrupts the dot-like multiprotein complexes thereby abrogating the antiviral effects. Here we present the crystal structures of the human and rat cytomegalovirus core domain (IE1CORE). We found that IE1CORE domains, also including the previously characterized IE1CORE of rhesus CMV, form a distinct class of proteins that are characterized by a highly similar and unique tertiary fold and quaternary assembly. This contrasts to a marked amino acid sequence diversity suggesting that strong positive selection evolved a conserved fold, while immune selection pressure may have fostered sequence divergence of IE1. At the same time, we detected specific differences in the helix arrangements of primate versus rodent IE1CORE structures. Functional characterization revealed a conserved mechanism of PML-NB disruption, however, primate and rodent IE1 proteins were only effective in cells of the natural host species but not during cross-species infection. Remarkably, we observed that expression of HCMV IE1 allows rat cytomegalovirus replication in human cells. We conclude that cytomegaloviruses have evolved a distinct protein tertiary structure of IE1 to effectively bind and inactivate an important cellular restriction factor. Furthermore, our data show that the IE1 fold has been adapted to maximize the efficacy of PML targeting in a species-specific manner and support the concept that the PML-NBs-based intrinsic defense constitutes a barrier to cross-species transmission of HCMV.
Online Education Practices and Teaching Team Compositions in Australian Preservice Primary Science Education
Authors:   Charles Stuart University, Deehan James
Published: August 2021

Australian Initial Teacher Education (ITE) has long been marred by instability, scrutiny and high academic workloads. University wide workforce changes and the proliferation of online education require ongoing consideration as these factors have the potential to both enrich ITE and exacerbate existing issues. As subsect of ITE, preservice primary science education faces unique hurdles as establish student-centred, authentic practices have historically been delivered by tenured staff in traditional face-to-face settings. This paper aims to explore online teaching practices and teaching team composition in Australian preservice primary science education via interview and survey data collected from 17 academics in a Type II case study. Results showed varied, often asynchronous approaches to online education; punctuated by elements of academic resistance. Teaching teams were increasingly dependent on sessional staff, which has resulted in complex benefits and detriments. Researchers and administrators need to work proactively to determine how both online practices should be utilised and teaching teams should be structured to deliver high quality ITE.
Morbidity and Mortality Profile of Late Preterm Neonates as Compared to Term Neonates from a Tertiary Care Centre in Silchar
Authors: Saji Pranav N. , Deka Anupama
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Late preterm infants are less mature physiologically and have poor compensatory responses when compared to term infants. Recent studies have implied increased morbidities in late preterm infants and higher rate of hospital admission during neonatal period. Multiple maternal risk factors lead to the increasing incidence of late preterm births. We wanted to study the morbidity and mortality profile of late preterm infants compared to term infants. METHODS The study was conducted in the special newborn care unit (SCNU) of Silchar Medical College and Hospital. The study population comprised of 175 late preterm and 175 term babies admitted in SCNU. It was a cross sectional study. RESULTS In this study 175 late preterm neonates were compared with 175 term neonates. Late preterm babies were at increased risk of hypoglycemia (P value = 0.0130), neonatal jaundice (P = 0.021), culture positive sepsis (P = 0.001), respiratory distress (P = 0.000), hypocalcaemia (P = 0.030), difficulty in feeding (P = 0.000) and birth asphyxia (P = 0.013), longer hospital stay and mortality (P = 0.009) when compared to term babies. In babies of mothers with oligohydramnios and pregnancy induced hypertension, preterm babies had significant morbidity compared to term babies. CONCLUSIONS Late preterm babies have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality when compared to term neonates and need special care. Premature rupture of membranes, antepartum hemorrhage and pre-eclampsia are the main maternal complications leading to premature delivery of the baby. KEY WORDS Late Preterm, Preeclampsia, Oligohydramnios, Morbidity
A Study of Serum Levels of Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, and Homocysteine in Vitiligo Patients and Controls Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bengaluru – An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sundar Priya Kootelu , Chavala Bindu Mohan , Nagaraj Shanmukha Miyatura , Reddy Harshitha Kotla
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Vitiligo is a hypopigmentary disease of the skin which is associated with impaired quality of life and depression. In our present study, we evaluated the serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid in patients with vitiligo and controls in a tertiary care centre and also their association with the extent and activity of vitiligo. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 patients with vitiligo and 40 controls visiting a tertiary care centre for a period of one year. Detailed history regarding demographic data, history of disease, family history, duration of the disease etc. was recorded. Vitiligo Disease Activity Score (VIDA SCORE) and vitiligo area scoring index (VASI) of each body region was calculated. After explaining the procedure, fasting (5 ml) blood sample was drawn and the levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid were measured. Data was analysed using SPSS software and P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS There was statistical significance between vitiligo patients and controls of serum vitamin B12, homocysteine and folic acid (P < 0.05) and there was significant association for males in cases and controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Vitiligo is associated with elevated levels of serum homocysteine and decreased levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid. KEY WORDS Vitiligo, Homocysteine, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Depigmentation
Relationship of Malocclusion with Self-Esteem & Quality of Life of Adult Saudi Female Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Marusamy Kavitha Odathurai , Marghalani Ahmed , Aljuhani Lujain Khaled , Alhelali Shahd Nabil , Ramasamy Saravanan , Nayak Ullal Anand
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Self-satisfaction can be influenced by malocclusion resulting in impairment of psychology, associated with low self-esteem (SE) and quality of life issues (QOL). Certain malocclusions and orthodontic treatment needs are related to QOL and they can affect the psychological development and social skills of adolescents and young adults, who are the most common orthodontic patients. This study was done to assess the self-esteem and Orthognathic Quality of Life (OQL) among female participants with different types of malocclusion in private orthodontic clinics in Jeddah. METHODS This questionnaire-based study evaluated the effect of orthodontic malocclusion on SE and QOL in female orthodontic patients with Class I, Class II, Class III malocclusion, crowded anterior teeth, proclined anterior teeth, open bite, and deep bite patients. Patients were evaluated before starting orthodontic treatment with Rosenberg’s SelfEsteem Scale and the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) to find any correlation with malocclusion severity. RESULTS The results indicated that females who had Class II proclination and Class II deep bite type of malocclusion had significantly higher negative SE compared to other types. In the oral function component of the OQLQ, Class II malocclusion had statistically significant higher OQLQ scores than Class I Open bite (mean difference = 6.11, P = 0.004) and Class II Deep bite (mean difference = 4.88, P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that female orthodontic patients with severe Class II and / or severely protrusive lip profile, deep bite may have lower SE and QOL than those with crowding, open bite, and Class III malocclusion. KEY WORDS Self-esteem, Orthodontic Malocclusion, Female Adult Orthodontic Patients, Quality of Life
“The New Pandemic Challenge in Dentistry” Ozone in Aerosol Free Dental Procedures Post COVID 19 - A Review Article
Authors: Sadasivam Sahana , IB Geeta
Published: August 2021

The world health organization declared the outbreak of Corona virus as a public health emergency of international concern on 30th January 2020. The disease is transmitted by inhalation or contact with infected droplets and the incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days. This mode of transmission has led to a concern for dentists worldwide. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners. Various modifications in treatment options have been investigated to reduce the release of aerosols and minimize patient and dentist exposure. These modifications in the dental set up are incorporated to protect the practitioner and the patient from cross contamination. One such treatment modality in reducing aerosol production is the use of Ozone. Ozone is an allotropic form of oxygen and has been used successfully in the treatment of various diseases for over a hundred years. It has a high oxidation potential and is 1.5 times greater than chlorine when it is used as an antimicrobial agent. It has also shown to stimulate remineralization and has hence led to its increasing popularity and demand in the dental field. Its unique properties include analgesic, antimicrobial and antihypnotic actions. Its atraumatic, painless, non-invasive, and relative absence of discomfort and side effects has led to its use in dentistry with increased patient’s acceptability and compliance thus making it an ideal choice for various treatment options in dentistry which would eventually lead to reduced aerosol exposure. This review is an attempt to highlight various treatment modalities of Ozone therapy during post Covid-19 scenario in dental practices and its possible clinical applications in future. KEY WORDS Covid-19, Ozone Therapy, Dental Practice
A Discalculia e sua Influência na Aprendizagem da Química: Um Estudo de Caso em duas Escolas de Ensino Médio no Distrito Federal - DF
Authors: Sousa José Francisco de
Published: August 2021

Resumo. À partir do surgimento das neurociências descobriu-se como o funcionamento do cérebro influencia a educação, e consequentemente, a aprendizagem e com isso auxiliar professores e pesquisadores. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a relação entre os distúrbios de aprendizagem matemática e sua consequente influência no entendimento da Química e sua aprendizagem uma vez que esta área do conhecimento necessita para o seu entendimento de cálculos, sendo esta a hipótese de pesquisa. Trata-se de uma estudo descritivo, quantitativo, realizado com dados de 400 alunos estudantes do ensino médio de ambas as séries de duas escolas públicas do DF, localizadas no Plano Piloto de Brasília. Os resultados  mostraram que mesmo com problemas neurológicos, dependendo o tamanho do comprometimento, a aprendizagem da Química é possível, e até agradável, não necessariamente lúdico, mas que permita uma melhor compreensão do que seja a Química, seu objeto de estudo e como ela está presente no cotidiano, assim como a matemática e demais ciências e áreas do conhecimento.
A Gilded Cage? Nnamdi Azikiwes Pan-Africanism as Governor-General of Nigeria, 1960–63
Authors: Reeves Mark
Published: August 2021

Historians have wrongly ignored the period when Nnamdi Azikiwe served as governor-general of Nigeria, just after its independence (1960-63). Archival materials in Britain, the United States, and Azikiwe’s own papers in Nigeria reveal that he played a dynamic role in Nigeria’s new government, struggling against the constitutional limits of his chosen position, especially concerning Nigeria’s role in convening pan-African conferences that would lead to the creation of the Organization of African Unity in 1963. Despite being on the margins of official policymaking, Azikiwe used his reputation as Nigeria’s preeminent pan-Africanist since the 1930s to shape the role Nigeria would play in Africa’s new age of independence.

La période durant laquelle Nnamdi Azikiwe était gouverneur général du Nigéria juste après son indépendance (1960-63) a été ignorée, à tort, par les historiens. En effet, des documents d’archives en Grande-Bretagne, aux États-Unis et les propres documents d’Azikiwe au Nigéria révèlent qu’il a joué un rôle dynamique dans le nouveau gouvernement du Nigéria. Effectivement, Azikiwe a lutté contre les limites constitutionnelles de sa position de gouverneur, en particulier en ce qui concernait le rôle du Nigéria dans la convocation de conférences panafricaines qui conduiraient à la création de l’Organisation de l’unité africaine en 1963. Bien qu‘étant en marge de l‘élaboration des politiques officielles, Azikiwe a utilisé sa réputation de panafricaniste par excellence du Nigéria depuis les années 1930 pour façonner le rôle que le Nigéria jouerait dans le nouvel âge de l’indépendance de l’Afrique.
Insulin resistance is positively associated with plasma cathepsin D activity in NAFLD patients
Authors: Ding Lingling , De Munck Toon. J. I. , Oligschlaeger Yvonne , Verbeek Jef , Koek Ger. H. , Houben Tom , Shiri-Sverdlov Ronit
Published: August 2021

Previous studies associated plasma cathepsin D (CTSD) activity with hepatic insulin resistance in overweight and obese humans. Insulin resistance is a major feature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is one of the multiple hits determining the progression towards non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In line, we have previously demonstrated that plasma CTSD levels are increased in NASH patients. However, it is not known whether insulin resistance associates with plasma CTSD activity in NAFLD. To increase our understanding regarding the mechanisms by which insulin resistance mediates NAFLD, fifty-five liver biopsy or MRI-proven NAFLD patients (BMI>25kg/m2) were included to investigate the link between plasma CTSD activity to insulin resistance in NAFLD. We concluded that HOMA-IR and plasma insulin levels are independently associated with plasma CTSD activity in NAFLD patients (standardized coefficient β: 0.412, 95% Cl: 0.142~0.679, p=0.004 and standardized coefficient β: 0.495, 95% Cl: 0.236~0.758, p=0.000, respectively). Together with previous studies, these data suggest that insulin resistance may link to NAFLD via elevation of CTSD activity in plasma. As such, these data pave the way for testing CTSD inhibitors as a pharmacological treatment of NAFLD.
A cohort-based emergency plan to maintain functionality in a clinical laboratory during the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic outbreak
Authors: Pütz Gerhard , Müller Manuela , Winkler Karl
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Clinical laboratory analyses are essential part of critical care. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-confirmed cases were doubling in Germany every 3 days during March 2020. Health care systems are preparing for an epidemic crisis.

Methods

We outline a cohort-based emergency planning. The plan is based on three independent self-sufficient cohorts that maintain duty for 7 days, followed by quarantine-like rest for 14 days. COVID-19-infected and otherwise ill personnel will be replaced by a tactical reserve, which is again replaced by recovered staff.

Results

We switched to the outlined system when incidence of confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassed 50/100,000 residents. Our parameter spectrum was reduced to the essential analyses in agreement with our clinical colleagues. So far the system works well. In model calculations, the system is robust to maintain essential laboratory functionality even when incidence of COVID-19 is higher than that currently observed in the most severely hit countries.

Conclusions

We outline a cohort-based emergency planning to maintain essential functionality of a clinical laboratory while minimizing the risk of spreading infection with COVID-19 among our workforce during the COVID-19 epidemic faced in 2020.
Bacterial profile and multi-drug resistance pattern of bacterial isolates among septicemia suspected cases: a meta-analysis report in Ethiopia
Authors: Abayneh Mengistu , HaileMariam Shewangizaw , Asnake Molla
Published: August 2021

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are one of the most common infections seen in all age groups and in all locations. The current knowledge on the patterns of bacterial profile, and its antibiotic resistance are essential to design and implement appropriate interventions. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and multi-drug resistance pattern of bacterial isolates among septicemia and/or bacteremia suspected cases in Ethiopia.

Methods

Searching was conducted in databases of PubMed, Research Gate, Scopus and Google Scholar. In addition, manual searching is also conducted in bibliographies of included studies and in other meta-analysis studies. Required data were extracted from articles published up to 2020 on the bacterial profile of septicemia in Ethiopia, and analyzed using comprehensive meta-analysis version 3.3.0 software.

Results

A total of 5,823 septicemia suspected cases were extracted from 18 included studies and the overall blood culture positive rate of 31.9% (95% CI: 0.261–0.382). Of these, the overall Gram positive and Gram negative isolates was 57.8% (95% CI: 0.534–0.584) and 42.2% (95% CI: 0.416–0.466), respectively. Among Gram positives, predominantly reported isolates was Staphylococcus
 aureus (47.9%: 480 of 1,003), followed by Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus (42.7%: 428 of 1,003), whereas among Gram negatives, the most frequently reported isolates was Klebsiella species (29.8%: 218 of 731), followed by Escherichia
 coli (23.1%: 169 of 731). Significant levels of resistance was reported against ampicillin, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, co-trimoxazole and tetracycline with a pooled resistance range of 40.6–55.3% in Gram positive and 52.8–85.7% in Gram negative isolates. The pooled estimates of multi-drugs resistance (MDR) was (66.8%) among Gram positives and (80.5%) among Gram negatives, with the overall MDR rate of (74.2%).

Conclusions

The reported blood culture positive rates among septicemia cases were relatively high. Second, the level of drug and multi-drug resistant isolates against commonly prescribed antibiotics was significant. However, the scarcity of data on culture confirmed septicemia cases as well as patterns of antimicrobial resistance may overshadow the problem.
Functional reference limits: a case study of serum ferritin
Authors: Sezgin Gorkem , Loh Tze Ping , Markus Corey
Published: August 2021

Reference intervals depend on the distribution of results within a reference population and can be influenced by subclinical disease. Functional reference limits present an opportunity to derive clinically relevant reference limits from routinely collected data sources, which consist of mixed populations of unhealthy and healthy groups. Serum ferritin is a good example of the utility of functional reference limits. Several studies have identified clinically relevant reference limits through examining the relationship between serum ferritin and erythrocyte parameters. These ferritin functional limits often represent the inflection point at which erythrocyte parameters change significantly. Comparison of ferritin functional reference limits with those based on population distributional reference limits reveals that the lower reference limit may fall below the point at which patients become clinically unwell. Functional reference limits may be considered for any biomarker that exhibits a correlated relationship with other biomarkers.
Molecular (real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections: complexity and challenges
Authors: Sethi Shneh , Chakraborty Trinad
Published: August 2021

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first recorded in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization initially classified COVID-19 as a public health emergency and subsequently declared the disease a global pandemic. COVID-19 can take at least three distinct forms: severe acute distress syndrome with a potentially fatal outcome, mild respiratory illness (pneumonia with eventual recovery) and asymptomatic infection. All three disease forms have the potential to transmit the infection to healthy contacts. At present, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the only available laboratory tool to confirm the presence of viral RNA in patient specimens. These assays are designed to detect one or more (at least 2) SARS-CoV-2 RNA gene targets allowing the detection of the virus. Commercially available RT-PCR assays employ various gene targets of the viral genome in their assay systems. Additionally, there are differences in primer selection for the same gene region of SARS-CoV-2. At present, it is unclear whether the results from different RT-PCR assays are comparable in detecting the spectrum of COVID-19 manifestations. The purpose of the present article is twofold: first, to briefly focus on the findings of these reports; and second, to emphasize the various challenges and flaws that can potentially impact the diagnostic accuracy of RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2.
The influence of sampling time on indirect reference limits, decision limits, and the estimation of biological variation of random plasma glucose concentrations
Authors: Özcürümez Mustafa , Arzideh Farhad , Torge Antje , Figge Anja , Haeckel Rainer , Streichert Thomas
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Plasma glucose concentrations exhibit a pronounced daytime-dependent variation. The oscillations responsible for this are currently not considered in the determination of reference limits (RL) and decision limits.

Methods

We characterized the daily variation inherent in large-scale laboratory data from two different university hospitals (site 1 n=513,682, site 2 n=204,001). Continuous and distinct RL for daytime and night were estimated. Diurnal characteristics of glucose concentrations were further investigated by quantile regression analyses introducing age and cosinor-functions as predictors in the model.

Results

Diurnal variations expressed as amplitude/Midline Estimating Statistic of Rhythm (MESOR) ratio, averaged 7.7% (range 5.9–9.3%). The amplitude of glucose levels decreased with increasing concentrations. Between 06:00 and 10:00 h an average decrease of 4% has to be considered. Nocturnal glucose samples accounted for only 5% of the total amount but contributed to 19.5% of all findings over 11.1 mmol/L. Partitioning of RL between day and night is merely justified for the upper reference limit. The nocturnal upper RLs for both genders differed from those obtained during the day by 11.0 and 10.6% at site 1 and by 7.6 and 7.5% at site 2.

Conclusions

We conclude that indirect approaches to estimate upper RL of random plasma glucose concentrations require stratification concerning the time of sample collection.
Rational clinical use of near-patient analytical systems for molecular detection of infectious agents
Authors: Luppa Peter B. , Rabenau Holger F. , Gässler Norbert , Huzly Daniela , Nauck Matthias , Reischl Udo , Schoerner Christoph , Zeichhardt Heinz
Published: August 2021

Background

Tests for diagnosing infectious diseases (ID-POCT) play a special role among the available point-of-care testing (POCT) methods.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed. Based on this literature review and our own experience, aspects associated with using molecular biological methods in the diagnostic amplification of pathogen DNA/RNA (nucleic acid testing = NAT) and/or signal amplification were discussed in an interdisciplinary manner. This resulted in the following recommendations for the near-patient use of NAT methods.

Results

Due to the current rise in the use of near-patient NAT testing (e.g., using disposable cartridges), recommendations are made for their implementation and appropriate clinical use in the hospital setting. Particular emphasis is placed on the analytical quality of the results. Furthermore, internal best-practice rules and selection criteria are proposed to ensure rapid diagnosis. Equally important are a medically valid interpretation of results and compliance with hygiene requirements. These recommendations emphasize that near-patient NAT should always be procured in conjunction with a (preferably) multidisciplinary institution responsible for POCT and knowledge of the test specifications and risks, as well as quality assurance need to be in place before they are carried out.

Conclusions

These recommendations are intended to improve patient safety and to avoid economically questionable expenditures.
miR-128-3p reduced acute lung injury induced by sepsis via targeting PEL12
Authors: Liu Shinan , Gao Shuai , Yang Zhaoyu , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2021

Objective

Acute lung injury (ALI) caused by sepsis is clinically a syndrome, which is featured by damage to the alveolar epithelium and endothelium. In this study, we employed mice models of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and primary mice pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (MPVECs) in vitro to investigate the effect of miR-128-3p in ALI caused by sepsis.

Methods

miR-128-3p agomir or randomized control were injected into adult male C57BL/6 mice 1 week before the CLP surgery. We used miR-128-3p agomir or scrambled control to transfect MPVECs and then employed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation on the cells. Pellino homolog 2 (PELI2) was predicted to be a direct target of miR-128-3p via luciferase reporter assay. MPVECs were cotransfected with lentiviral vector that expressed PELI2 (or empty vector) as well as miR-128-3p-mimics 1 day before LPS stimulation in rescue experiment. Transcriptional activity of caspase-3, cell apoptosis rate, and the expression levels of miR-128-3p, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and PELI2 were analyzed.

Results

Compared with the sham group, the lung of mice in the CLP group showed pulmonary morphological abnormalities, and the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β, caspase-3 activity, and apoptosis rate were significantly upregulated in the CLP group. Inflammatory factor levels and apoptosis rate were also significantly induced by LPS stimulation on MPVECs. Upregulation of miR-128-3p effectively inhibited sepsis-induced ALI, apoptosis as well as inflammation. miR-128-3p also played a role in antiapoptosis and anti-inflammation in MPVECs with LPS treatment. PEL12 upregulation in MPVECs alleviated miR-128-3p-induced caspase-3 activity inhibition and pro-inflammatory factor production.

Conclusions

miR-128-3p enabled to alleviate sepsis-induced ALI by inhibiting PEL12 expression, indicating a novel treatment strategy of miR-128-3p for sepsis-induced ALI.
A Rapid Review of Disparities in HIV Prevention and Care Outcomes Among Hispanic/Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States
Authors: Crepaz Nicole , Mullins Mary M. , Higa Darrel , Gunn Jayleen K. L. , Salabarría-Peña Yamir
Published: August 2021

In the United States, Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (HLMSM) are disproportionally affected by HIV. We conducted a rapid review of national surveillance data to examine disparities in HIV prevention and care outcomes among HLMSM. Thirteen reports provided relevant data from 2011 to 2018. Compared to White MSM, a higher percentage of HIV-negative HLMSM reported not taking PrEP and engaging in condomless sex; a lower percentage of HIV-negative HLMSM at risk for HIV reported PrEP awareness and use; and a lower percentage of HIV-positive HLMSM were aware of their status, linked to HIV care, and virally suppressed. Viral suppression rates in HLMSM were better among Ryan White clients than the national rates, suggesting that access to comprehensive care/services reduces disparities. Findings also call for identifying individual, social, and structural factors contributing to condomless sex without PrEP use and HIV status unawareness and identifying best approaches for scaling up comprehensive care/services.
Environmental and Economic Transformation of an Old Industrial Area
Authors: Gao Yu , Wadley David
Published: August 2021

Since the national reform and opening policy of 1978, textile manufacturing has played a vital role in China’s advance. Confronted with the global importance of sustainable development, the industry faces a range of environmental and economic challenges. This inquiry addresses the issues created in an old industrial area and outlines ways in which textile production can be updated. Xiangyang City is taken as the case study, with the focus on three aspects: the use of renewable energy, energy recycling, and industrial tourism initiatives. This study summarizes the current situation and main environmental challenges in China’s textile production and can assist researchers by suggesting development directions and strategies for industrial upgrading and land uses.
THRAP3 depletion reduces PPARγ mRNA and anti-inflammatory action in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Authors: Lu Juu-Chin , Lu Chia-Yun , Wu Ying-Yu
Published: August 2021

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is the master transcriptional regulator of adipocytes and the cellular target of thiazolidinedione (TZD) drugs. Suppression of pro-inflammatory actions, including pro-inflammatory gene expression and lipolysis in adipocytes, contributes to PPARγ-mediated anti-diabetic effects of TZDs. However, adverse side effects largely limited the clinical use of TZDs, despite their potent insulin-sensitizing effects. Therefore, it is important to understand how PPARγ is regulated. Thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein 3 (THRAP3) was previously reported to promote diabetic gene expression by acting as a transcriptional coregulator of PPARγ in adipocytes. Therefore, we tested if THRAP3 modulated anti-inflammatory functions of PPARγ in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. THRAP3 depletion increased basal and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced lipolysis, pro-inflammatory gene expression, and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), suggesting elevated pro-inflammatory response after THRAP3 depletion in adipocytes. Moreover, TZD-mediated suppression of TNFα-induced lipolysis, pro-inflammatory gene expression, and ERK phosphorylation was attenuated or alleviated after THRAP3 depletion. Interestingly, the mRNA and protein levels of PPARγ were greatly reduced in THRAP3-depleted adipocytes. Actinomycin D treatment revealed that the stability of PPARγ mRNA was greatly reduced by THRAP3 depletion in adipocytes. Thus, in addition to modulating PPARγ function, THRAP3 may directly regulate the transcript of PPARγ in differentiated adipocytes.
Adrenomedullin: new inhibitory regulator for cortisol synthesis and secretion
Authors: Travers Simon , Martinerie Laetitia , Xue Qiong-Yao , Perrot Julie , Viengchareun Say , Caron Kathleen M , Blakeney Elizabeth S , Boileau Pascal , Lombès Marc , Pussard Eric
Published: August 2021

Preterm birth is associated with immaturity of several crucial physiological functions notably those prevailing in the lung and kidney. Recently, a steroid secretion deficiency was identified in very preterm neonates, associated with a partial yet transient deficiency in 11β-hydroxylase activity, sustaining cortisol synthesis. However, the P450c11β enzyme is expressed in preterm adrenal glands, we hypothesized an inhibition of cortisol production by adrenomedullin (ADM), a peptide highly produced in neonates and whose effect on steroidogenesis remains poorly known. We studied the effects of ADM on three models: 104 cord-blood samples of the PREMALDO neonate cohort, genetically targeted mice overexpressing ADM, and two human adrenocortical cell lines (H295R and HAC15 cells). Mid-regional-proADM (MR-proADM) quantification in cord-blood samples showed strong negative correlation with gestational age (P = 0.0004), cortisol production (P < 0.0001), and 11β-hydroxylase activity index (P < 0.0001). Mean MR-proADM was higher in very preterm than in term neonates (1.12 vs 0.60 nmol/L, P < 0.0001). ADM-overexpression mice revealed a lower 11β-hydroxylase activity index (P < 0.05). Otherwise, aldosterone levels measured by LC-MS/MS were higher in ADM-overexpression mice (0.83 vs 0.46 ng/mL, P < 0.05). More importantly, the negative relationship between adrenal ADM expression and aldosterone production found in control was lacking in the ADM-overexpression mice. Finally, LC-MS/MS and gene expression studies on H295R and HAC15 cells revealed an ADM-induced inhibition of both cortisol secretion in cell supernatants and CYP11B1 expression. Collectively, our results converge toward an inhibitory effect of ADM on glucocorticoid synthesis in humans and should be considered to explain the steroid secretion deficiency observed at birth in premature newborns.
ACMLA Membership 2021 List
Authors: Dodsworth Eva
Published: August 2021

List of members of the ACMLA, 2021
Enhancing the co-ensiling performance of corn stover and cabbage waste via the addition of cellulase
Authors: Ren Haiwei , Wang Li , Sun Yanan , Zhao Quanlin , Sun Yongming , Li Jinping , Zhang Bingyun
Published: August 2021

Effects of cellulase addition were assessed relative to the co-ensiling performance of air-dried corn stover (DCS) and cabbage waste (CW). The DCS and CW mixtures were co-ensiled with 0 to 0.3% of cellulase addition, and changes in composition, intermediates, and biological activity were characterized. The results showed that the addition of cellulase enhanced the decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose by 2.51 to 6.93% and 3.41%, based on different dosages and compared with the control. Thus, the content of water-soluble carbohydrates increased. The acid content also increased from 5.8% for the control to the range 5.16 to 8.51% for the samples containing cellulase. Moreover, there was a shift from homolactic to heterolactic fermentation with prolonged ensiling time, coupled with the dominant lactic acid bacteria shifting from Paralactobacillus and Lactobacillus to more of Lactobacillus. Thus, the addition of cellulase improved the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. An assessment of fermentation quality, therefore, suggested that cellulase addition can improve the silage quality of DCS/CW during co-ensiling.
Displacement of cultural and information-communicative orders under the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors:   Institute of Sociology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 12, Shovkovychna Str., Kyiv, 01021, Ukraine, Kostenko N. V. , Skokova L. G. ,   Institute of Sociology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 12, Shovkovychna Str., Kyiv, 01021, Ukraine, Naumova M. Yu. ,   Institute of Sociology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 12, Shovkovychna Str., Kyiv, 01021, Ukraine
Published: August 2021

The article summarizes the authors’ last year discussion of the research experience of studying the states of “emergencies” uncertainty and risks in sociology and their applicability to the study of social and sociocultural pandemic processes unfolding in Ukrainian society. It is emphasized that culture in its value-meaning and information-participatory dimensions remains on the margins of public attention under the pandemic, although its influence and consequences are significant and need close attention. There are three relevant areas of analysis: the value mentality of society, the information sphere of media and social networks, and the cultural participation of the population. To highlight the features of the current cultural and information-communication orders, the data of the monitoring study “Ukrainian Society – 2020” of the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and survey data of other domestic sociological centres were used. The tension and contradiction between the preferences of citizens for the values of “freedom”, “trust”, and “security”, as well as manifestations of imbalance in the value dichotomy of “public vs private”, are disclosed. The paper considers the phenomenon of infodemia, its factors and manifestations in Ukrainian society. The authors prove that the persistent scepticism of media audiences remains a hallmark of the information climate. Indicators of uncertainty about information sources are increasingly becoming markers of attitudes towards traditional and new media. Vagueness and ambiguity as characteristics of the trust phenomenon in the media correspond to the coronavirus pandemic’s new cultural and information-communicative orders. Changing the contexts of everyday life in the conditions of quarantine restrictions complicates the realization of professional and educational responsibilities and worsens the possibilities of cultural participation and recreation, which resonates with socio-economic, political, and technological limitations.
Sovereign democracy in Ukrainian online media: qualitative content analysis of the discourse of 2020
Authors:   Faculty of Sociology Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv 4-d, Hlushkova Prosp., Kyiv, 03022, Ukraine, Yuzva L. L.
Published: August 2021

In contrast to the idea of universalism, which appeared after 1945, a trend towards sovereignty is developing in the modern world. Subject to international norms and laws, this trend towards the supremacy of the interests of individual states and governments is coherent in a world of “clear identities”. However, it has led to the social sciences discussion of the peculiarities of Russian, Eastern European, and Eurasian sovereignty in terms of discourses. However, in the 21st century, not (only) expert discussions have influence, particularly in scientific circles, but also discussions broadcasted by the media. So, recently, through media channels, the idea of the possibility of the “sovereign democracy” existence is being promoted (while experts are still arguing about the possibility of the existence of such a form of government). Since this discourse is directly related to the Russian context, and in the Ukrainian information field, various influences are recorded through Russian narratives, the thought appeared to track whether the idea of sovereign democracy is broadcasted through the Ukrainian media space and with the kind of semantic load. An empirical sociological study analysed reports by Ukrainian online media during 2020, which addressed various aspects of sovereignty and democracy, in particular, “sovereign democracy”. With qualitative content analysis, eight contexts of application of these concepts have been identified. Among them are the following: “American issue”, “Belarusian issue,” and others. All contexts are illustrated with examples of the real discourse of the Ukrainian media. Among the main conclusions of the research is that the presentation of the substantive characteristics of the sovereign democracy concept in the Ukrainian media corresponds to its interpretation by Russian ideologues and has a different content, which is often detached from its conceptual understanding. Coverage outside the interpretation of “sovereign democracy” in the style of Russian ideologues revolves around the synonymous use of the terms sovereignty and democracy.