bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
For a structured response to the psychosocial consequences of the restrictive measures imposed by the global COVID-19 health pandemic: The MAVIPAN longitudinal prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: LeBlanc Annie , Baron Marie , Blouin Patrick , Tarabulsy George , Routhier François , Mercier Catherine , Després Jean-Pierre , Hébert Marc , De Koninck Yves , Cellard Caroline , Collin-Vézina Delphine , Côté Nancy , Déry Marie-Pier , Dionne Émilie , Fleet Richard , Gagné Marie-Hélène , Isabelle Maripier , Lessard Lily , Menear Matthew , Mérette Chantal , Ouellet Marie-Christine , Roy Marc-André , Saint-Jacques Marie-Christine , Savard Claudia
Published: November 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and the isolation measures taken to control it has caused important disruptions in economies and labour markets, changed the way we work and socialize, forced schools to close and healthcare and social services to reorganize in order to redirect resources on the pandemic response. This unprecedented crisis forces individuals to make considerable efforts to adapt and can have serious psychological and social consequences that are likely to persist once the pandemic has been contained and restrictive measures lifted. These impacts will be significant for vulnerable individuals and will most likely exacerbate existing social and gender health and social inequalities. This crisis also puts a toll on the capacity of our healthcare and social services structures to provide timely and adequate care. In order to minimize these consequences, there is an urgent need for high-quality, real-time information on the psychosocial impacts of the pandemic. The MAVIPAN (Ma vie et la pandémie/My life with the pandemic) study aims to document how individuals, families, healthcare workers, and health organisations that provide services are affected by the pandemic and how they adapt.

Methods

The MAVIPAN study is a 5-year longitudinal prospective cohort study that was launched on April 29th, 2020 in the province of Quebec which, at that time, was the epicenter of the pandemic in Canada. Quantitative data is collected through online questionnaires approximately 5 times a year depending on the pandemic evolution. Questionnaires include measures of health, social, behavioral and individual determinants as well as psychosocial impacts. Qualitative data will be collected with individual and group interviews that seek to deepen our understanding of coping strategies.

Discussion

The MAVIPAN study will support the healthcare and social services system response by providing the evidence base needed to identify those who are most affected by the pandemic and by guiding public health authorities’ decision making regarding intervention and resource allocation to mitigate these impacts. It is also a unique opportunity to advance our knowledge on coping mechanisms and adjustment strategies.

Trial registration

NCT04575571 (retrospectively registered)
Reallocating time from device-measured sleep, sedentary behaviour or light physical activity to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Walmsley Rosemary , Chan Shing , Smith-Byrne Karl , Ramakrishnan Rema , Woodward Mark , Rahimi Kazem , Dwyer Terence , Bennett Derrick , Doherty Aiden
Published: November 2020

Background

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep have all been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Due to challenges in measuring and analysing movement behaviours, there is uncertainty about how the association with incident CVD varies with the time spent in these different movement behaviours.

Methods

We developed a machine-learning model (Random Forest smoothed by a Hidden Markov model) to classify sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity and MVPA from accelerometer data. The model was developed using data from a free-living study of 152 participants who wore an Axivity AX3 accelerometer on the wrist while also wearing a camera and completing a time use diary. Participants in UK Biobank, a prospective cohort study, were asked to wear an accelerometer (of the same type) for seven days, and we applied our machine-learning model to classify their movement behaviours. Using Compositional Data Analysis Cox regression, we investigated how reallocating time between movement behaviours was associated with CVD incidence.

Findings

We classified accelerometer data as sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity or MVPA with a mean accuracy of 88% (95% CI: 87, 89) and Cohen’s kappa of 0·80 (95% CI: 0·79, 0·82). Among 87,509 UK Biobank participants, there were 3,424 incident CVD events. Reallocating time from any behaviour to MVPA, or reallocating time from sedentary behaviour to any behaviour, was associated with a lower risk of CVD. For example, for a hypothetical average individual, reallocating 20 minutes/day to MVPA from all other behaviours proportionally was associated with 9% (7%, 10%) lower risk of incident CVD, while reallocating 1 hour/day to sedentary behaviour was associated with 5% (3%, 7%) higher risk.

Interpretation

Reallocating time from light physical activity, sedentary behaviour or sleep to MVPA, or reallocating time from sedentary behaviour to other behaviours, was associated with lower risk of incident CVD. Accurate classification of movement behaviours using machine-learning and statistical methods to address the compositional nature of movement behaviours enabled these insights. Public health interventions and guidelines should promote reallocating time to MVPA from other behaviours, as well as reallocating time from sedentary behaviour to light physical activity.

Funding

Medical Research Council.
Two-step strategy for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern 202012/01 and other variants with spike deletion H69-V70, France, August to December 2020
Authors: Bal Antonin , Destras Gregory , Gaymard Alexandre , Stefic Karl , Marlet Julien , Eymieux Sébastien , Regue Hadrien , Semanas Quentin , d’Aubarede Constance , Billaud Geneviève , Laurent Frédéric , Gonzalez Claudia , Mekki Yahia , Valette Martine , Bouscambert Maude , Gaudy-Graffin Catherine , Lina Bruno , Morfin Florence , Josset Laurence ,   COVID-Diagnosis HCL Study Group
Published: November 2020

We report the implementation of a two-step strategy for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying the spike deletion H69-V70 (ΔH69/ΔV70). This spike deletion resulted in a S-gene target failure (SGTF) of a three-target RT-PCR assay (TaqPath kit). Whole genome sequencing performed on 37 samples with SGTF revealed several receptor-binding domain mutations co-occurring with ΔH69/ΔV70. More importantly, this strategy enabled the first detection of the variant of concern 202012/01 in France on December 21th 2020.

Since September a SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) deletion H69-V70 (ΔH69/ΔV70) has attracted increasing attention. This deletion was detected in the cluster-5 variant identified both in minks and humans in Denmark. This cluster-5 variant carries a receptor binding domain (RBD) mutation Y453F and was associated with reduced susceptibility to neutralizing antibodies to sera from recovered COVID-19 patients [1–3]. The ΔH69/ΔV70 has also co-occurred with two other RBD mutations of increasing interest [4]: N439K that is currently spreading in Europe and might also have reduced susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies [5]; and N501Y that is part of the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) 202012/01 recently detected in England [6]. Although the impact of ΔH69/ΔV70 on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis is not clear, enhanced surveillance is urgently needed. Herein we report the implementation of a two-step strategy enabling a rapid detection of VOC 202012/01 or other variants carrying ΔH69/ΔV70.
Parents’ Likelihood to Vaccinate Their Children and Themselves Against COVID-19
Authors: Davis Matthew M. , Zickafoose Joseph S. , Halvorson Alese E. , Patrick Stephen W.
Published: November 2020

Background

Vaccination against COVID-19 will likely involve children in order to mitigate transmission risks in community settings. Successful implementation of COVID-19 immunization in the United States may hinge on factors associated with parents’ likelihood of immunizing their children and themselves.

Methods

We fielded a national household survey in English and Spanish from June 5-10, 2020 (n=1,008). Parents were asked about their likelihood of immunizing their children and themselves against COVID-19. We fit separate regression models of parents’ likelihood to vaccinate themselves and their children against COVID-19, using bivariate and multivariable approaches in analyses weighted to be nationally representative.

Results

Overall, 63% of parents (95% CI: 59%, 66%) were likely to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, and 60% (57%, 64%) were likely to get a vaccine themselves. These responses were highly correlated (Pearson’s r=0.89). Parent age, sex, marital status, education level, and income were all associated with parents’ likelihood to vaccinate their children and themselves in bivariate analyses; race/ethnicity was significantly associated with parents’ likelihood to vaccinate their children. In multivariable analyses, younger parents were significantly less likely than older parents to vaccinate their children and themselves against COVID-19, as were parents with high school or less education compared with parents with bachelor’s degrees and non-Hispanic White parents compared with Hispanic parents (all p<.05).

Conclusion

In this national survey, only approximately 60% of U.S. parents stated that they are likely to vaccinate their children or themselves against COVID-19. Addressing parents’ hesitancy to vaccinate themselves and their children against COVID-19 will be instrumental to achieving herd immunity in the US.
Non-COVID-19 patients in times of pandemic: decreased emergency department visits and increased out-of-hospital mortality in Northern Italy
Authors: Santi Luca , Golinelli Davide , Tampieri Andrea , Farina Gabriele , Greco Manfredi , Rosa Simona , Beleffi Michelle , Biavati Bianca , Campinoti Francesca , Guerrini Stefania , Ferrari Rodolfo , Rucci Paola , Fantini Maria Pia , Giostra Fabrizio
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aim of this was to assess the short-term impact of the pandemic on non-COVID-19 patients living in a one-million inhabitants area in Northern Italy (Bologna Metropolitan Area-BMA), analyzing time trends of Emergency Department (ED) visits, hospitalizations and mortality.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study using data extracted from BMA healthcare informative systems. Weekly trends of ED visits, hospitalizations, in- and out-of-hospital, all-cause and cause-specific mortality between December 1st, 2019 to May 31st, 2020, were compared with those of the same period of the previous year, using Joinpoint regression models and incidence rate ratios.

Results

Non-COVID-19 ED visits and hospitalizations showed a stable trend until the first Italian case of COVID-19 has been recorded, on February 19th, 2020, when they dropped simultaneously. The reduction of ED visits was observed in all age groups and across all severity and diagnosis groups. In the lockdown period a significant increase was found in overall out-of-hospital mortality (43.2%) and cause-specific out-of-hospital mortality related to neoplasms (76.7%), endocrine, nutritional and metabolic (79.5%) as well as cardiovascular (32.7%) diseases.

Conclusions

The pandemic caused a sudden drop of ED visits and hospitalizations of non-COVID-19 patients during the lockdown period, and a concurrent increase in out-of-hospital mortality mainly driven by deaths for neoplasms, cardiovascular and endocrine diseases. The findings of this study might be useful to understand both the population reaction and the healthcare system response at the early phases of the pandemic in terms of reduced demand of care and systems capability in intercepting it.
Physiology of cardiomyocyte injury in COVID-19
Authors: Siddiq Mustafa M. , Chan Angel T. , Miorin Lisa , Yadaw Arjun S. , Beaumont Kristin G. , Kehrer Thomas , White Kris M. , Cupic Anastasija , Tolentino Rosa E. , Hu Bin , Stern Alan D. , Tavassoly Iman , Hansen Jens , Martinez Pedro , Dubois Nicole , Schaniel Christoph , Iyengar-Kapuganti Rupa , Kukar Nina , Giustino Gennaro , Sud Karan , Nirenberg Sharon , Kovatch Patricia , Goldfarb Joseph , Croft Lori , McLaughlin Maryann A. , Argulian Edgar , Lerakis Stamatios , Narula Jagat , García-Sastre Adolfo , Iyengar Ravi
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 affects multiple organs. Clinical data from the Mount Sinai Health System shows that substantial numbers of COVID-19 patients without prior heart disease develop cardiac dysfunction. How COVID-19 patients develop cardiac disease is not known. We integrate cell biological and physiological analyses of human cardiomyocytes differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of interleukins, with clinical findings, to investigate plausible mechanisms of cardiac disease in COVID-19 patients. We infected hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, from healthy human subjects, with SARS-CoV-2 in the absence and presence of interleukins. We find that interleukin treatment and infection results in disorganization of myofibrils, extracellular release of troponin-I, and reduced and erratic beating. Although interleukins do not increase the extent, they increase the severity of viral infection of cardiomyocytes resulting in cessation of beating. Clinical data from hospitalized patients from the Mount Sinai Health system show that a significant portion of COVID-19 patients without prior history of heart disease, have elevated troponin and interleukin levels. A substantial subset of these patients showed reduced left ventricular function by echocardiography. Our laboratory observations, combined with the clinical data, indicate that direct effects on cardiomyocytes by interleukins and SARS-CoV-2 infection can underlie the heart disease in COVID-19 patients.

One Sentence Summary

Cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells treated with interleukins and infected with SARS- CoV- 2 in cultures, show increased release of troponin, disorganization of myofibrils, and changes in beating mirroring specific pathologies in some COVID-19 patients.
Validation of a Computerized Cognitive Test Battery for Detection of Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Ye Siao , Sun Kevin , Huynh Duong , Phi Huy Q. , Ko Brian , Huang Bin , Ghomi Reza Hosseini
Published: November 2020

Background

Early detection of dementia is critical for intervention and care planning but remains difficult. Computerized cognitive testing provides an accessible and promising solution to address these current challenges. This study evaluated a computerized cognitive testing battery (BrainCheck) for its diagnostic accuracy and ability to distinguish the severity of cognitive impairment.

Methods

99 participants diagnosed with Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), or Normal Cognition (NC) completed the BrainCheck battery. Statistical analyses compared participant performances on BrainCheck based on their diagnostic group.

Results

BrainCheck battery performance showed significant differences between the NC, MCI, and Dementia groups, achieving ≥88% sensitivity/specificity for separating NC from Dementia, and ≥77% sensitivity/specificity in separating the MCI group from NC/Dementia groups. Three-group classification found true positive rates ≥80% for the NC and Dementia groups and ≥64% for the MCI group.

Conclusions

BrainCheck was able to distinguish between diagnoses of Dementia, MCI, and NC, providing a potentially reliable tool for early detection of cognitive impairment.
Application of transformers for predicting epilepsy treatment response
Authors: Choong Jiun , Hakeem Haris , Chen Zhibin , Brodie Martin , Lawn Nicholas , Drummond Tom , Kwan Patrick , Ge Zongyuan
Published: November 2020

There is growing interest in machine learning based approaches to assist clinicians in treatment selection. In the treatment of epilepsy, a common neurological disorder that affects 70 million people worldwide, previous research has employed scoring methods generated from traditional machine learning methods based on pre-treatment patient characteristics to classify those with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). In this study, we used an attention-based approach in predicting the response to different antiseizure medications (ASMs) in individuals with newly diagnosed epilepsy. By applying a conventional transformer to model the patient’s response, we can use the predicted probability to determine the success rate of specific ASMs. Applying the transformer allowed the model to place attention on patient information and past treatments to model future drug responses. We trained a conventional transformer model based on one cohort of 1536 patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy, compared its performance with other trained models using RNN and LSTM, and applied it to a validation cohort of 736 patients. In the development cohort, the transformer model showed the highest accuracy (81%) and AUC (0.85), and maintained similar accuracy and AUC (74% and 0.79, respectively) in the validation cohort.
Children with familial hypercholesterolemia display changes in LDL and HDL function: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Christensen Jacob J. , Narverud Ingunn , Ruuth Maija , Heier Martin , Jauhiainen Matti , Ulven Stine M. , Bogsrud Martin P. , Kovanen Petri T. , Halvorsen Bente , Oda Michael N. , Wium Cecilie , Retterstøl Kjetil , Öörni Katariina , Holven Kirsten B.
Published: November 2020

Background

The functional status of lipoprotein particles contributes to atherogenesis. The tendency of plasma LDL particles to aggregate and the ability of HDL particles to induce and mediate reverse cholesterol transport associate with high and low risk for cardiovascular disease in adult patients, respectively. However, it is unknown whether children with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) display lipoprotein function alterations.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that FH children had disrupted lipoprotein function.

Methods

We analyzed LDL aggregation susceptibility and HDL-apoA-I exchange to apoA-I ratio (HAE/apoA-I ratio), and activity of four proteins that regulate lipoprotein metabolism (CETP, LCAT, PLTP and PON1) in plasma samples derived from children with FH (n = 47) and from healthy children (n = 56). Potential biological mechanisms behind any variation in lipoprotein functionalities were explored using an NMR-based metabolomics profiling approach.

Results

LDL aggregation was higher and HAE/apoA-I ratio was lower in FH children than in healthy children. LDL aggregation associated positively with LDL-C and negatively with triglycerides, and HAE/apoA-I ratio associated negatively with LDL-C. Generally, the metabolomic profile for LDL aggregation was a mirror image of that for HAE/apoA-I ratio.

Conclusions

FH children displayed increased atherogenicity of LDL and disrupted HDL function. These newly observed functional alterations in LDL and HDL may increase the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in FH children.
Gender- and age-related differences in misuse of face masks in COVID-19 prevention in central European cities
Authors: Eckl Linda , Hansch Stefan
Published: November 2020

1

Objective

Correct use of face masks is required for their efficacy in preventing possible droplet infections with SARS-CoV-2. We tried to provide information about differences in the distribution of gender and age groups wearing face masks incorrectly.

Design

Pilot field study

Methods

Visual observation of mask use in public, not age- and gender-related places in central European large cities regarding incorrect mask-wearing (n=523); statistical analysis (nominal scale) in terms of gender and estimated age group using the total numbers, binomial test and chi-square test.

Results

There is no significant difference (binomial test: p-value = 0.43) in mask misuse between the genders (female: 271 (51.8%), male: 252 (48.2%) and 0 non-binary individuals (0%)). There is a significant difference (chi-square test: p-value < 2.2e-16) in age group distribution (170 young 10-29 years (32.5%), 261 middle-aged 30-59 years (49.9%), 92 older adults ≥ 60 years (17.6%)). In total numbers, the highest counts were observed in middle-aged persons with 261 counts (49.9%).

Conclusion

Our study shows an uneven age-distribution of people wearing the face mask in public improperly.
A systematic review of mask disinfection and reuse for SARS-CoV-2 (through July 10, 2020)
Authors: Rothe Miguel , Rohm Elsa , Mitchell Elizabeth , Bedrosian Noah , Kelly Christine , String Gabrielle , Lantagne Daniele
Published: November 2020

We conducted a systematic review of hygiene intervention effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, including developing inclusion criteria, conducting the search, selecting articles for inclusion, and summarizing included articles. We reviewed 104,735 articles, and 109 articles meeting inclusion criteria were identified, with 33 additional articles identified from reference chaining. Herein, we describe results from 58 mask disinfection and reuse studies, where the majority of data were collected using N95 masks. Please note, no disinfection method consistently removed >3 log of virus irrespective of concentration, contact time, temperature, and humidity. However, results show it is possible to achieve >3 log reduction of SARS-CoV-2 using appropriate concentrations and contact times of chemical (ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid), radiation (PX-UV, UVGI), and thermal (autoclaving, heat) disinfection on N95 masks. N95 mask reuse and failure data indicate that hydrogen peroxide, heat, and UV-GI are promising for mask reuse, peracetic acid and PX-UV need more data, and autoclaving and ethanol lead to mask durability failures. Data on other mask types is limited. We thus recommend focusing guidelines and further research on the use of heat, hydrogen peroxide, and UVGI for N95 mask disinfection/reuse. All of these disinfection options could be investigated for use in LMIC and humanitarian contexts.

TOC Art

Synopsis

In resource-limited contexts, N95s are reused. We recommend using heat, hydrogen peroxide, or UVGI to disinfect and reuse N95 masks.
Comparative analysis of three point-of-care lateral flow immunoassays for detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: data from 100 healthcare workers in Brazil
Authors: Conte Danielle Dias , Almeida Carvalho Joseane Mayara , de Souza Luna Luciano Kleber , Faíco-Filho Klinger Soares , Perosa Ana Helena , Bellei Nancy
Published: November 2020

Since the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Brazil has the third-highest number of confirmed cases and the second-highest number of recovered patients. SARS-CoV-2 detection by real-time RT-PCR is the gold standard but requires a certified laboratory infrastructure with high-cost equipment and trained personnel. However, for large-scale testing, diagnostics should be fast, cost-effective, widely available, and deployed for the community, such as serological tests based on lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for IgM/IgG detection. We evaluated three different commercial point-of-care (POC) LFIAs for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG detection in capillary whole blood of 100 healthcare workers (HCW) from São Paulo university hospital previously tested by RT-PCR: 1) COVID-19 IgG/IgM BIO (Bioclin, Brazil), 2) Diagnostic kit for IgM/IgG Antibody to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) (Livzon, China); and 3) SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test (Wondfo, China). A total of 84 positives and 16 negatives HCW were tested. The data was also analyzed by the number of days post symptoms (DPS) in three groups: <30 (n=26), 30-59 (n=42), and >59 (n=16). The observed sensibility was 85.71%, 47.62%, and 44.05% for Bioclin, Wondfo, and Livzon, respectively, with a specificity of 100% for all LFIA. Bioclin was more sensitive (p<0.01), regardless of the DPS. Thus, the Bioclin may be used as a POC test to monitor SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion in HCW.
CV-α: designing validations sets to increase the precision and enable multiple comparison tests in genomic prediction
Authors: Yassue Rafael Massahiro , Sabadin José Felipe Gonzaga , Galli Giovanni , Alves Filipe Couto , Fritsche-Neto Roberto
Published: November 2020

Usually, the comparison among genomic prediction models is based on validation schemes as Repeated Random Subsampling (RRS) or K-fold cross-validation. Nevertheless, the design of training and validation sets has a high effect on the way and subjectiveness that we compare models. Those procedures cited above have an overlap across replicates that might cause an overestimated estimate and lack of residuals independence due to resampling issues and might cause less accurate results. Furthermore, posthoc tests, such as ANOVA, are not recommended due to assumption unfulfilled regarding residuals independence. Thus, we propose a new way to sample observations to build training and validation sets based on cross-validation alpha-based design (CV-α). The CV-α was meant to create several scenarios of validation (replicates x folds), regardless of the number of treatments. Using CV-α, the number of genotypes in the same fold across replicates was much lower than K-fold, indicating higher residual independence. Therefore, based on the CV-α results, as proof of concept, via ANOVA, we could compare the proposed methodology to RRS and K-fold, applying four genomic prediction models with a simulated and real dataset. Concerning the predictive ability and bias, all validation methods showed similar performance. However, regarding the mean squared error and coefficient of variation, the CV-α method presented the best performance under the evaluated scenarios. Moreover, as it has no additional cost nor complexity, it is more reliable and allows the use of non-subjective methods to compare models and factors. Therefore, CV-α can be considered a more precise validation methodology for model selection.
Alternate without alternative: Neither preference nor simple learning behaviour shown by C57BL/6J mice in the T-maze
Authors: Habedank Anne , Kahnau Pia , Lewejohann Lars
Published: November 2020

In rodents, the T-maze test is commonly used to investigate spontaneous alternating behaviour but it can also be used to investigate memory, stimuli discrimination or preference between goods. However, especially regarding T-maze preference tests there is no recommended protocol and researchers frequently report reproduction difficulties of this test using mice.

Here, we aimed to develop an efficient protocol with female C57BL/6J mice, conducting two preference tests with different design: In a first test, on two consecutive days with five trials, thirteen mice had to choose between two fluids. In a second preference test, on five consecutive days with two (week 1) or three (week 2) trials, twelve mice had to choose between one arm containing bedding mixed with millet and one containing only bedding. This test design resembled a simple learning test (learn where to find the rewarded and the unrewarded arm on the basis of spatial, olfactory and visual cues).

In both experiments, mice took only a few seconds per trial to run the maze and make their choice. However, in both experiments mice failed to show any preference for one of the arms. Instead, they alternated choices. We therefore believe the T-maze test to be rather unsuitable to test preference or learning behaviour with C57BL/6J mice.
KNOX HOMOLOGS SHOOT MERISTEMLESS(STM) andKNAT6are epistatic toCLAVATA3(CLV3) during embryonic meristem development inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Nidhi Sharma , Tie Liu
Published: November 2020

InArabidopsis, the genesSHOOT MERISTEMLESS(STM) andCLAVATA3(CLV3) antagonistically regulate shoot meristem development.STMis essential for both development and maintenance of the meristem, asstmmutants fail to develop a shoot meristem during embryogenesis.CLV3, on the other hand, negatively regulates meristem proliferation, andclv3mutants possess an enlarged shoot meristem. Genetic interaction studies revealed thatstmandclv3dominantly suppress each other’s phenotypes.STMworks in conjunction with its closely related homologueKNOTTED1-LIKE HOMEOBOX GENE 6 (KNAT6)to promote meristem development and organ separation, asstm knat6double mutants fail to form a meristem and produce a fused cotyledon. In this study, we show thatclv3fails to promote post-embryonic meristem formation instm-1background if we also removeKNAT6. stm-1 knat6 clv3triple mutants result in early meristem termination and produce fused cotyledons similar tostm knat6double mutant. Notably, thestm-1 knat6andstm-1 knat6 clv3alleles lack tissue in the presumed region of SAM.stm knat6 clv3also showed reduced inflorescence size and shoot apex size as compared toclv3single orstm clv3double mutants. In contrast to previously published data, these data suggest thatstmis epistatic toclv3in postembryonic meristem development.

Highlight

STMandKNAT6genes determine post-embryonic meristem formation and activity in Arabidopsis.clv3mutation is unable to rescue thestm knat6meristemless phenotype.
Multi-Modal Profiling of Human Fetal Liver-Derived Hematopoietic Stem Cells Reveals the Molecular Signature of Engraftment Potential
Authors: Vanuytsel Kim , Villacorta-Martin Carlos , Lindstrom-Vautrin Jonathan , Wang Zhe , Garcia-Beltran Wilfredo F. , Vrbanac Vladimir , Matte Taylor M. , Dowrey Todd W. , Kumar Sara S. , Li Mengze , Dries Ruben , Campbell Joshua D. , Belkina Anna C. , Balazs Alejandro B. , Murphy George J.
Published: November 2020

The human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) harbors remarkable regenerative potential that can be harnessed therapeutically. During early development, HSCs in the fetal liver (FL) undergo active expansion while simultaneously retaining robust engraftment capacity, yet the underlying molecular program responsible for their efficient engraftment remains unclear. We profiled 26,407 FL cells at both transcriptional and protein levels including over 7,000 highly enriched and functional FL HSCs to establish a detailed molecular signature of engraftment potential. Integration of transcript and linked cell surface marker expression revealed a generalizable signature defining functional FL HSCs and allowed for the stratification of enrichment strategies with high translational potential. This comprehensive, multi-modal profiling of engraftment capacity connects a critical biological function at a key developmental timepoint with its underlying molecular drivers, serving as a useful resource for the field.
Structure of the molecular bushing of the bacterial flagellar motor
Authors: Yamaguchi Tomoko , Makino Fumiaki , Miyata Tomoko , Minamino Tohru , Kato Takayuki , Namba Keiichi
Published: November 2020

The bacterial flagellum is a motility organelle, consisting of the basal body acting as a rotary motor, the filament as a helical propeller and the hook connecting these two as a universal joint1,2. The basal body contains three rings: the MS ring as the transmembrane core of the rotor; the C ring essential for torque generation and switching regulation; and the LP ring as a bushing supporting the distal rod for its rapid, stable rotation without much friction. The negatively charged surface of the distal rod suggested electrostatic repulsive force in supporting high-speed rotation of the rod as a drive shaft3, but the LP ring structure was needed to see the actual mechanisms of its bushing function and assembly against the repulsive force. Here we report the LP ring structure by electron cryomicroscopy at 3.5 Å resolution, showing 26-fold rotational symmetry and intricate intersubunit interactions of each subunit with up to six partners that explains the structural stability. The inner surface is charged both positively and negatively, and positive charges on the P ring presumably play important roles in its initial assembly around the rod in the peptidoglycan layer followed by the L ring assembly in the outer membrane.
Loss of CDC50A function drives Aβ/p3 production via increased β/α-secretase processing of APP
Authors: Tambini Marc D. , D’Adamio Luciano
Published: November 2020

The Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) undergoes extensive proteolytic processing to produce several biologically active metabolites which affect Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Sequential cleavage of APP by β- and γ-secretases results in Aβ, while cleavage by α- and γ-secretases produces the smaller p3 peptide. Here we report that in cells in which the P4-ATPase flippase subunit CDC50A has been knocked out, large increases in the products of β- and α-secretase cleavage of APP (sAPPβ/βCTF and sAPPα/αCTF, respectively) and the downstream metabolites Aβ and p3 are seen. These data indicate that APP cleavage by β/α-secretase are increased and suggest that phospholipid asymmetry plays an important role in APP metabolism and Aβ production.
A ‘How-to’ Guide for Interpreting Parameters in Habitat-Selection Analyses
Authors: Fieberg John , Signer Johannes , Smith Brian , Avgar Tal
Published: November 2020

Habitat-selection analyses allow researchers to link animals to their environment via habitat-selection or step-selection functions, and are commonly used to address questions related to wildlife management and conservation efforts. Habitat-selection analyses that incorporate movement characteristics, referred to asintegrated step-selection analyses, are particularly appealing because they allow modeling of both movement and habitat-selection processes.

Despite their popularity, many users struggle with interpreting parameters in habitat-selection and step-selection functions. Integrated step-selection analyses also require several additional steps to translate model parameters into a full-fledged movement model, and the mathematics supporting this approach can be challenging for many to understand.

Using simple examples, we demonstrate how weighted distribution theory and the inhomogeneous Poisson point-process can facilitate parameter interpretation in habitat-selection analyses. Further, we provide a “how to” guide illustrating the steps required to implement integrated step-selection analyses using the amt package.

By providing clear examples with open-source code, we hope to make habitat-selection analyses more understandable and accessible to end users.
Combinedin silicodocking and in vitro antiviral testing for drug repurposing identified lurasidone and elbasvir as SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 inhibitors
Authors: Milani Mario , Donalisio Manuela , Bonotto Rafaela Milan , Schneider Edoardo , Arduino Irene , Boni Francesco , Lembo David , Marcello Alessandro , Mastrangelo Eloise
Published: November 2020

The current emergency of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 urged the need for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs as the first line of treatment. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that already challenged humanity in at least two other previous outbreaks and are likely to be a constant threat for the future. In this work we developed a pipeline based onin silicodocking of known drugs on SARS-CoV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase combined with in vitro antiviral assays on both SARS-CoV-2 and the common cold human coronavirus HCoV-OC43. Results showed that certain drugs displayed activity for both viruses at a similar inhibitory concentration, while others were specific. In particular, the antipsychotic drug lurasidone and the antiviral drug elbasvir showed promising activity in the low micromolar range against both viruses with good selective index.
Effects of additional load at different heights on gait initiation: a statistical parametric mapping of center of pressure and center of mass behavior
Authors: Vieira Marcus Fraga , Rodrigues Fábio Barbosa , de Oliveira Assis Alfredo , de Mendonça Mesquita Eduardo , Lemes Thiago Santana , De Villa Guilherme Augusto Gomes , Baptista Rafael Reimann , de Oliveira Andrade Adriano , da Costa Paula Hentschel Lobo
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different vertical positions of an asymmetrical load on the anticipatory postural adjustments phase of gait initiation. Sixty-eight college students (32 males, 36 females; age: 23.65 ± 3.21 years old; weight: 69.98 ± 8.15 kg; height: 1.74 ± 0.08 m) were enrolled in the study. Ground reaction forces and moments were collected using two force platforms. The participants completed three trials under each of the following random conditions: no-load (NL), waist uniformly distributed load (WUD), shoulder uniformly distributed load (SUD), waist stance foot load (WST), shoulder stance foot load (SST), waist swing foot load (WSW), and shoulder swing foot load (SSW). The paired Hotelling’s T-square test was used to compare the experimental conditions. The center of pressure (COP) time series were significantly different for the SUD vs. NL, SST vs. NL, WST vs. NL, and WSW vs. NL comparisons. Significant differences in COP time series were observed for all comparisons between waist vs. shoulder conditions. Overall, these differences were greater when the load was positioned at the shoulders. For the center of mass (COM) time series, significant differences were found for the WUD vs. NL and WSW vs. NL conditions. However, no differences were observed with the load positioned at the shoulders. In conclusion, only asymmetrical loading at the waist produced significant differences, and the higher the extra load, the greater the effects on COP behavior. By contrast, only minor changes were observed in COM behavior, suggesting that the changes in COP (the controller) behavior are adjustments to maintain the COM (controlled object) unaltered.
Interface modification of Cr/Ti multilayers with C barrier layer for enhanced reflectivity in the water window regime
Authors: Sarkar P. , Biswas A. , Abharana N. , Rai S. , Modi M. H. , Bhattacharyya D.
Published: November 2020

The influence of a carbon barrier layer to improve the reflectivity of Cr/Ti multilayers, intended to be used in the water window wavelength regime, is investigated. Specular grazing-incidence X-ray reflectivity results of Cr/Ti multilayers with 10 bilayers show that interface widths are reduced to ∼0.24 nm upon introduction of a ∼0.3 nm C barrier layer at each Cr-on-Ti interface. As the number of bilayers increases to 75, a multilayer with C barrier layers maintains almost the same interface widths with no cumulative increase in interface imperfections. Using such interface-engineered Cr/C/Ti multilayers, a remarkably high soft X-ray reflectivity of ∼31.6% is achieved at a wavelength of 2.77 nm and at a grazing angle of incidence of 16.2°, which is the highest reflectivity reported so far in the literature in this wavelength regime. Further investigation of the multilayers by diffused grazing-incidence X-ray reflectivity and grazing-incidence extended X-ray absorption fine-structure measurements using synchrotron radiation suggests that the improvement in interface microstructure can be attributed to significant suppression of inter-diffusion at Cr/Ti interfaces by the introduction of C barrier layers and also due to the smoothing effect of the C layer promoting two-dimensional growth of the multilayer.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld analysis of di-tert-butyl 2,2′-[(ethylazanediyl)bis(methylene)]bis(1H-pyrrole-1-carboxylate)
Authors: Kvyatkovskaya Elizaveta A. , Atioğlu Zeliha , Akkurt Mehmet , Epifanova Polina P. , Valchuk Karina S. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: November 2020

The title compound, C22H33N3O4, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P\overline{1} with two molecules in a unit cell. The two pyrrole rings are essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.002 Å) and they form a dihedral angle of 81.24 (10)° with each other. The crystal packing is stabilized by C—H...π interactions and π–π stacking interactions, forming a three-dimensional network. The Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots reveal that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H...H (74.3%), C...H/H...C (11.5%) and O...H/H...O (9.1%) contacts.
catena-Poly[barium(II)-μ2-(dimethyl sulfoxide)-κ2
O:O-bis(μ2-2,4,6-trinitrophenolato-κ4
O
2,O
1:O
1,O
6)]
Authors: Srinivasan Bikshandarkoil R. , Parsekar Neha U. , Narvekar Kedar U.
Published: November 2020

The asymmetric unit of the title barium coordination polymer, [Ba(C6H2N3O7)2(C2H6OS)]
n
, consists of a barium cation (site symmetry m) and a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) ligand (point group symmetry m) and a 2,4,6-trinitrophenolate anion located in general positions. The S atom and the methyl group of DMSO are disordered over two sets of sites. The DMSO ligand bridges a pair of BaII atoms resulting in a chain extending parallel to the a axis. The unique 2,4,6-trinitrophenolate anion also bridges a pair of BaII ions via the phenolic oxygen atom, with each BaII being additionally bonded to an oxygen atom of an adjacent nitro group. The μ
2-monoatomic bridging binding mode of both types of ligands results in the formation of an infinite chain of face-sharing {BaO10} polyhedra flanked by the remaining parts of the 2,4,6-trinitrophenolato and DMSO ligands. In the one-dimensional coordination polymer, parallel chains are interlinked with the aid of C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Study of three types of wave leading edge on the performance of industrial turbine blade cascade
Authors: Ghandi Hamed , Aghaei Togh Reza , Mesgarpoor Tousi Abolghasem
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The blade profile and its geometrical features play an important role in the separation of the boundary layer on the blade. Modifying the blade geometry, which might lead to the delay or elimination of the flow separation, can be considered as a passive flow control methodology. This study aims to find a novel and inexpensive way to reduce loss with appropriate modifications on the leading edge of the turbine blade.

Design/methodology/approach

Three types of wave leading edges were designed with different wavelengths and amplitudes. The selected numbers for the wave characteristics were based on the best results of previous studies. Models with appropriate and independent meshing have been simulated and studied by a commercial software. The distribution of the loss at different planes and mid-plane velocity vectors were shown. The mass flow average of loss at different incidence angles was calculated for the reference blade and modified ones for the sake of comparison.

Findings

The results show that in all three types of modified blades compared to the reference blade, the elimination of flow separation is observed and therefore the reduction of loss at the critical incidence angle of I = –15°. As the amplitude of the wave increased, the amount of loss growing up, while the increase in wavelength caused the loss to decrease.

Originality/value

The results of the present numerical analysis were validated by the laboratory results of the reference blade. The experimental study of modified blades can be used to quantify numerical solutions.
Teachers' multicultural sensitivity predicts developmentally appropriate beliefs and practices in the classroom
Authors: Leung Chi Hung
Published: November 2020

Purpose

In the current study, the author tests a conceptual model in which teachers' knowledge and skills of multiculturalism and teaching relationship (cultural harmony) are associated with developmentally appropriate practices (DAPs), developmentally appropriate (DABs), developmentally inappropriate beliefs and developmentally inappropriate practices (DIPs) in the classroom.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 347 preschool teachers from 12 preschools including 342 women ( 98.6%) and five men (1.4%) aged 24–45 years located across all five districts of Hong Kong. The hypothesized model of multicultural teaching competency as a predictor of DABs and DAPs is confirmed in the present study.

Findings

Multicultural teaching knowledge can enhance developmentally appropriate teaching beliefs and practices and reduce DIPs. It is highly recommended that multicultural education can be embedded in early childhood education (ECE) programs for both in-service and preservice teachers.

Originality/value

A new conceptual model of teachers' knowledge and skills of multiculturalism and teaching relationship (cultural harmony) associated with DABs, developmentally inappropriate beliefs and DAPs in the classroom was firstly examined.
Factors affecting the purchase of private label food products
Authors: Sansone Marcello , Musso Fabio , Colamatteo Annarita , Pagnanelli Maria Anna
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This research paper aims to understand which factors influence the purchase of private label food products, by measuring the importance of 14 variables for purchasing frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through questionnaires to a sample of consumers. They have been analysed according to the extra tree classifier methodology, which allows providing a more reliable classification – compared to previous studies – of factors affecting consumers' choices of private label products.

Findings

Results show that consumers' choices related to private label food products are influenced by groups of heterogeneous variables related to their perception on products, satisfaction of post-consumption, store's role and trust built over time by retailers.

Research limitations/implications

Data have been collected through an online survey, which could generate the bias of self-selection; the sampling method is non-probabilistic.

Practical implications

The study provides useful indications on the role of private labels in retailer management policies and on marketing competences and skills that are necessary for managing retailers' assortments.

Originality/value

The existing literature lacks clarity on the factors that influence the frequency of purchasing private label food products. By considering a higher number of variables than previous studies, it has been possible to classify and measure the importance of each variable included in the analysis framework adopted, also in case of correlation between variables.
The role of identity and gender in seafood cooking skills
Authors: Wien Anders , Alm Siril , Altintzoglou Themistoklis
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore whether consumers' confidence in cooking skills related to seafood differed across genders, and if such difference could be explained by the identity-relevance of seafood cooking for men.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data was collected from a balanced sample of 515 Norwegian consumers.

Findings

The results showed that men (versus women) with high confidence in their seafood cooking skills have a lower preference for convenient seafood solutions, indicating that these men may be more reluctant to use food products that could hinder the cooking outcome being attributed to their cooking skills.

Originality/value

This study adds nuance to the understanding of male consumers as highly reliant on convenience products when cooking. More specifically, this study provides novel insight into how men function differently than women in relation to preparing seafood, suggesting that some men resist using convenient seafood solutions in order to express an identity as skillful in the kitchen.