bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time use and social mixing during and around festive periods: Potential changes in the age distribution of COVID-19 cases from increased intergenerational interactions
Authors: van Leeuwen Edwin , Sandmann Frank G. , Eggo Rosalind M. ,   PHE Joint modelling group, White Peter J.
Published: December 2020

Rationale

Amid the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in which many countries have adopted physical distancing measures, tiered restrictions, and episodic “lockdowns,” the impact of potentially increased social mixing during festive holidays on the age distribution of new COVID-19 cases remains unclear.

Objective

We aimed to gain insights into possible changes in the age distribution of COVID-19 cases in the UK after temporarily increased intergenerational interactions in late December 2020.

Method

We modelled changes in time use and social mixing based on age-stratified contact rates using historical nationally-representative surveys and up-to-date Google mobility data from four weeks before and after the festive period. We explored changes in the effective reproduction number and the age distribution of cases, in four scenarios: (1) “normal”: time use and contact patterns as observed historically, (2) “pre-lockdown”: patterns as seen before the lockdown in November 2020, (3) “lockdown”: patterns restricted as in November 2020, and (4) “festive break”: similar to 3 but with social visits over the holiday period as in 1.

Results

Across ages, the estimated Reff decreases during the festive break in scenarios 1-3 and returns to pre-holiday levels in scenarios 2-3, while remaining relatively stable in scenario 4. Relative incidence is likely to decrease in children aged 0-15 but increase in other ages. Changes in age distribution were large during the holidays, and are likely to start before the holidays for individuals aged 16-24 years in scenarios 1-3.

Conclusions

Our modelling findings suggest that increased contacts during the festive period may shift the age distribution of COVID-19 cases from children towards adults. Given that COVID-19-related hospitalisations and deaths rise by age, more intergenerational mixing risks an increased burden in the period following the holidays.

Highlights

Home visits are associated with increased intergenerational mixing.

The effective reproduction number is likely to remain stable or even reduce slightly due to a reduction in contacts at work and school.

Relative incidence is likely to become lower in children, but higher in the

older (more vulnerable) age groups around the holiday period, which could lead to increased health care burden.
Emergence and rapid spread of a new severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineage with multiple spike mutations in South Africa
Authors: Tegally Houriiyah , Wilkinson Eduan , Giovanetti Marta , Iranzadeh Arash , Fonseca Vagner , Giandhari Jennifer , Doolabh Deelan , Pillay Sureshnee , San Emmanuel James , Msomi Nokukhanya , Mlisana Koleka , von Gottberg Anne , Walaza Sibongile , Allam Mushal , Ismail Arshad , Mohale Thabo , Glass Allison J , Engelbrecht Susan , Van Zyl Gert , Preiser Wolfgang , Petruccione Francesco , Sigal Alex , Hardie Diana , Marais Gert , Hsiao Marvin , Korsman Stephen , Davies Mary-Ann , Tyers Lynn , Mudau Innocent , York Denis , Maslo Caroline , Goedhals Dominique , Abrahams Shareef , Laguda-Akingba Oluwakemi , Alisoltani-Dehkordi Arghavan , Godzik Adam , Wibmer Constantinos Kurt , Sewell Bryan Trevor , Lourenço José , Alcantara Luiz Carlos Junior , Pond Sergei L Kosakovsky , Weaver Steven , Martin Darren , Lessells Richard J , Bhiman Jinal N , Williamson Carolyn , de Oliveira Tulio
Published: December 2020

Continued uncontrolled transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in many parts of the world is creating the conditions for significant virus evolution. Here, we describe a new SARS-CoV-2 lineage (501Y.V2) characterised by eight lineage-defining mutations in the spike protein, including three at important residues in the receptor-binding domain (K417N, E484K and N501Y) that may have functional significance. This lineage emerged in South Africa after the first epidemic wave in a severely affected metropolitan area, Nelson Mandela Bay, located on the coast of the Eastern Cape Province. This lineage spread rapidly, becoming within weeks the dominant lineage in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. Whilst the full significance of the mutations is yet to be determined, the genomic data, showing the rapid displacement of other lineages, suggest that this lineage may be associated with increased transmissibility.
Home confinement during COVID-19 pandemic reduced physical activity but not health-related quality of life in previously active older women
Authors: do Amaral Vanessa Teixeira , Marçal Isabela Roque , da Cruz Silva Thiago , Souza Fernanda Bianchi , Munhoz Yacco Volpato , Camprigher Witzler Pedro Henrique , Soares Correa Matheus Monge , Fernandes Bianca , Ciolac Emmanuel Gomes
Published: December 2020

Background

To investigate the effect of COVID-19 home confinement on levels of physical activity, sedentary behavior and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in older women previously participating in exercise and educational programs.

Methods

64 older women (age = 72±5 ys) who participated in a physical exercise/educational program and adhered to government home confinement recommendations have their levels of physical activity, sedentary behavior and HRQL assessed before and during (11 to 13 weeks after introduction of government recommendations to reduce virus transmission) COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

There were significant reductions in total physical activity (−259 METs/week, P = 0.02), as a result of a ∼17.0 % reduction in walking (−30.8 min/week, P = 0.004) and ∼41.8 % reduction in vigorous-intensity activity (−29.6 min/week, P < 0.001). Sedentary behavior also increased (2.24 h/week, P < 0.001; 1.07 h/week days, P < 0.001; and 1.54 h/weekend days, P < 0.001). However, no significant change occurred in moderate-intensity physical activity, and HRQL domains and facets, except for an improvement in environment domain.

Conclusion

Home confinement due to COVID-19 pandemic decreased levels of physical activity and increased levels of sedentary behavior in previously active older women who participated in an educational program. However, there were no significant changes in HRQL. These results suggest that educational programs promoting healthy behaviors may attenuate the impact of home confinement in older women.
Thromboembolic risk in lung cancer patients receiving systemic therapy
Authors: Madison Cecelia J. , Melson Ryan A. , Conlin Michael J. , Gundle Kenneth R. , Thompson Reid F. , Calverley David C.
Published: December 2020

In this retrospective study, we investigated the influence of chemotherapy and immunotherapy on thromboembolic risk among US Veterans with lung cancer during their first six months of systemic therapy. Patients in the study cohort received treatment with common frontline agents that were divided into four groups: chemotherapy alone, immunotherapy alone, combination of chemo- and immunotherapies, and molecularly targeted therapies. The latter served as a control group of systemically treated lung cancer patients who received neither chemotherapy nor immunotherapy. The cohort experienced a 6.8% overall incidence of thromboembolic events with a median time to event of 49 days, but the analysis demonstrated significantly different rates among the different treatment groups. We explored models incorporating multiple confounding variables as well as the competing risk of death, and these results indicated that both chemotherapy and immunotherapy were associated with an increased incidence of thrombosis, either when given alone or combined, compared with the control group (6.91%, 9.09%, and 7.47% respectively versus 3.68%, p < 0.024). Both the Khorana score assessing thrombosis risk for cancer patients and the Charlson comorbidity score were found to be associated with increased risk of thrombosis in our analyses. Paradoxically, we found an association between risk of thrombosis and the use of prophylactic anticoagulation or aspirin during the first month of systemic treatment, accounting for several confounding variables including a patient’s prior history of thrombosis. Additionally, our data suggest that thromboembolic events may occur more commonly in lung cancer patients treated with immunotherapy compared with chemotherapy. Further study is warranted to better determine the drivers of thromboembolic risk and to identify ways to mitigate this risk for patients.
Analyzing the vast coronavirus literature with CoronaCentral
Authors: Lever Jake , Altman Russ B.
Published: December 2020

The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused a surge in research exploring all aspects of the virus and its effects on human health. The overwhelming rate of publications means that human researchers are unable to keep abreast of the research.

To ameliorate this, we present the CoronaCentral resource which uses machine learning to process the research literature on SARS-CoV-2 along with articles on SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. We break the literature down into useful categories and enable analysis of the contents, pace, and emphasis of research during the crisis. These categories cover therapeutics, forecasting as well as growing areas such as “Long Covid” and studies of inequality and misinformation. Using this data, we compare topics that appear in original research articles compared to commentaries and other article types. Finally, using Altmetric data, we identify the topics that have gained the most media attention.

This resource, available athttps://coronacentral.ai, is updated multiple times per day and provides an easy-to-navigate system to find papers in different categories, focussing on different aspects of the virus along with currently trending articles.
In Vitro Safety “Clinical Trial” of the Cardiac Liability of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin as COVID19 Polytherapy
Authors: Charrez Bérénice , Charwat Verena , Siemons Brian , Finsberg Henrik , Miller Evan , Edwards Andrew G. , Healy Kevin E.
Published: December 2020

Despite global efforts, there are no effective FDA-approved medicines for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Potential therapeutics focus on repurposed drugs, some with cardiac liabilities. Here we report on a preclinical drug screening platform, a cardiac microphysiological system (MPS), to assess cardiotoxicity associated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and azithromycin (AZM) polytherapy in a mock clinical trial. The MPS contained human heart muscle derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells. The effect of drug response was measured using outputs that correlate with clinical measurements such as QT interval (action potential duration) and drug-biomarker pairing.

Chronic exposure to HCQ alone elicited early afterdepolarizations (EADs) and increased QT interval from day 6 onwards. AZM alone elicited an increase in QT interval from day 7 onwards and arrhythmias were observed at days 8 and 10. Monotherapy results closely mimicked clinical trial outcomes. Upon chronic exposure to HCQ and AZM polytherapy, we observed an increase in QT interval on days 4-8.. Interestingly, a decrease in arrhythmias and instabilities was observed in polytherapy relative to monotherapy, in concordance with published clinical trials. Furthermore, biomarkers, most of them measurable in patients’ serum, were identified for negative effects of single drug or polytherapy on tissue contractile function, morphology, and antioxidant protection.

The cardiac MPS can predict clinical arrhythmias associated with QT prolongation and rhythm instabilities. This high content system can help clinicians design their trials, rapidly project cardiac outcomes, and define new monitoring biomarkers to accelerate access of patients to safe COVID-19 therapeutics.
Exogenous phosphatidic acid reduces acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice by activating hepatic interleukin-6 signaling through inter-organ crosstalk
Authors: Clemens Melissa M. , Kennon-McGill Stefanie , Vazquez Joel H. , Stephens Owen W. , Peterson Erich A. , Johann Donald J. , Allard Felicia D. , Yee Eric U. , McCullough Sandra S. , James Laura P. , Finck Brian N. , McGill Mitchell R.
Published: December 2020

We previously demonstrated that endogenous phosphatidic acid (PA) promotes liver regeneration after acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity in mice. Based on that, we hypothesized that exogenous PA is also beneficial. To test that, we treated mice with a toxic APAP dose at 0 h, followed by PA or vehicle at multiple timepoints. We then collected blood and liver at 6, 24, and 52 h. Post-treatment with PA protected against liver injury at 6 h, and the combination of PA and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) further reduced injury compared to NAC alone. Interestingly, PA had no effect on major early mechanisms of APAP toxicity, including APAP bioactivation, oxidative stress, JNK activation, and mitochondrial damage. However, transcriptomics revealed that PA activated interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling in the liver, and IL-6 was increased in serum from PA-treated mice. Furthermore, PA did not protect against APAP in IL-6-deficient mice. In addition, IL-6 expression increased 18-fold in adipose tissue after PA, indicating that adipose tissue is a likely source of the increased IL-6 due to PA treatment. Surprisingly, however, exogenous PA did not alter regeneration, despite the widely accepted role of IL-6 in liver repair. These data reinforce the protective role of IL-6 in APAP hepatotoxicity, provide new insight into the role of IL-6 in liver regeneration, and indicate that exogenous PA or PA derivatives may one day be a useful adjunct treatment for APAP overdose with NAC.
Frequency-dependent competition between strains imparts resilience to perturbations in a model ofPlasmodium falciparummalaria transmission
Authors: He Qixin , Pilosof Shai , Tiedje Kathryn E. , Day Karen P. , Pascual Mercedes
Published: December 2020

In high-transmission endemic regions, local populations ofPlasmodium falciparumexhibit vast diversity of thevargenes encoding its major surface antigen, with each parasite comprising multiple copies from this diverse gene pool. This strategy to evade the immune system through large combinatorial antigenic diversity is common to other hyperdiverse pathogens. It underlies a series of fundamental epidemiological characteristics, including large reservoirs of transmission from high prevalence of asymptomatics and long-lasting infections. Previous theory has shown that negative frequency-dependent selection (NFDS) mediated by the acquisition of specific immunity by hosts structures the diversity ofvargene repertoires (strains), in a pattern of limiting similarity that is both non-random and non-neutral. A combination of stochastic agent-based models and network analyses has enabled the development and testing of theory in these complex adaptive systems, where assembly of local parasite diversity occurs under frequency-dependent selection and large pools of variation. We show here the application of these approaches to theory comparing the resilience of the malaria transmission system to intervention when strain diversity is assembled under (competition-based) selection vs. a form of neutrality, where immunity depends only on the number but not the genetic identity of previous infections. The transmission system is considerably more resilient under NFDS, exhibiting a lower extinction probability despite comparable prevalence during intervention. We explain this pattern on the basis of the structure of strain diversity, in particular the more pronounced fraction of highly dissimilar parasites. For simulations that survive intervention, prevalence under specific immunity is lower than under neutrality, because the recovery of diversity is considerably slower than that of prevalence and decreasedvargene diversity reduces parasite transmission. A Principal Component Analysis of network features describing parasite similarity reveals that despite lower overall diversity, NFDS is quickly restored after intervention constraining strain structure and maintaining patterns of limiting similarity important to parasite persistence. Given the resulting resilience to perturbations, intervention efforts will likely require longer times than the usual practice to eliminateP. falciparumpopulations. We discuss implications of our findings and potential analogies for ecological communities with non-neutral assembly processes involving frequency-dependence.
In vivo-mimicking 3D cultures secrete distinct extracellular vesicles upon cancer cell invasion
Authors: Luoto Jens C. , Coelho-Rato Leila S. , Bengs Sara H. , Roininen Jannica , Eriksson John E. , Sistonen Lea , Henriksson Eva
Published: December 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) loaded with biomolecules are important in intercellular communication and mediate local and long-range signals in cancer metastasis. However, it is currently unknown how the development of the primary tumor and onset of invasion affect the secretion and characteristics of EVs. In this study, we developed an EV production method utilizingin vivo-mimicking extracellular matrix-based 3D cultures, which allows tracking of EVs over the course of invasive development of tumor organoids. Using this method, combined with proteomic profiling, we show that PC3 human prostate cancer organoids secrete EVs with previously undefined protein cargo, which substantially differs from EV cargo of 2D cultured cells. Intriguingly, an increase in EV amounts and extensive changes in EV protein composition were detected upon invasive transition of the organoids. These results reveal that EV secretion and cargo loading are highly dependent on the developmental status of the tumor organoid, emphasizing the necessity ofin vivo-mimicking conditions for discovery of novel cancer-derived EV components, applicable as diagnostic markers for cancer.
Response of benthic macroinvertebrates to dam removal in the restoration of the Boardman River, Michigan, USA
Authors: Mahan David C. , Betts Joel T. , Nord Eric , Van Dyke Fred , Outcalt Jessica M.
Published: December 2020

Dam removal is an increasingly important method of stream restoration, but most removal efforts are under-studied in their effects. In order to better understand the effects of such removals on the stream ecosystem, we examined changes in stream macroinvertebrate communities from 2011-2016 above, below, and before and after the October 2012 removal of the Brown Bridge Dam on the Boardman River in Michigan (USA), and to new channel sites created in its former reservoir (2013-2015). Using linear mixed-effect models on the percent abundance of ecologically sensitive taxa (% Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT)), total density of all macroinvertebrates, and overall taxa richness, along with multivariate analyses on the community matrix, we examined differences in community composition among sites and years. EPT declined downstream of the dam immediately after dam removal, but recovered in the second year, becoming dominant within 2-4 years. Downstream sites before removal had different community composition than upstream sites and downstream sites after removal (p<0.001), while upstream and downstream sites after removal converged towards similarity. New channel (restored) %EPT, density, and taxa richness were not different from upstream sites in any year following removal, but new channel sites were the most distinct in community composition, possessing multiple indicator taxa characteristic of unique new conditions. The invasive New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) was absent from all sites prior to dam removal, but appeared at low densities in upstream sites in 2013, had spread to all sites by 2015, and showed large increases at all sites by 2016. Managers employing dam removal for stream restoration should include post-removal monitoring for multiple years following removal and conduct risk analysis regarding potential effects on colonization of invasive invertebrate species.
Fish-released kairomones affectCuliseta longiareolataoviposition and larval life history
Authors: Silberbush Alon
Published: December 2020

Several species of mosquitoes respond to the presence of kairomones released by larval predators during oviposition habitat selection and larval development. These responses may differ among mosquito species and do not always correlate with larval survival. This study examined the responses of the mosquitoCuliseta longiareolataMacquart to kairomones released by three species of fish during oviposition,Gambusia affinisBaird and Girard,Aphanius mentoHeckel andGarra rufaHeckel. In addition, the study examined the effects of kairomones released byG. affinison larval development. Results show that ovipositing female avoided cues from larvivorous, but not algivorous fish. In addition, developing larvae metamorphosed slower and showed increased mortality when exposed to fish-released kairomones. Results suggest that the responses of this mosquito species to fish-released kairomones may be explained by its competitive ability.
The transcription factor FoxO1 is required for the establishment of the human definitive endoderm
Authors: Nord Joshua , Schill Daniel , Pulakanti Kirthi , Rao Sridhar , Cirillo Lisa Ann
Published: December 2020

The transcription factor FoxO1 has been shown to dynamically regulate cell fate across diverse cell types. Here, we employ a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-to-hepatocyte differentiation system that recapitulates the process of hepatocyte specification and differentiation in the human embryo to investigate FoxO1 as a participant in the molecular events required to execute the initial stages of liver development. We demonstrate that FoxO1 is expressed in hiPSC and at all stages of hepatocyte differentiation: definitive endoderm, specified hepatocytes, immature hepatoblasts, and mature hepatocyte-like cells. Disruption of FoxO1 activity by addition of the small molecule inhibitor AS1842856 at the beginning of the differentiation protocol abolishes the formation of definitive endoderm, as indicated by the loss of endoderm gene expression and the gain in expression of multiple mesoderm genes. Moreover, we show that FoxO1 binds to the promoters of two genes with important roles in endoderm differentiation whose expression is significantly downregulated in AS1842856 treated versus untreated cells. These findings reveal a new role for FoxO1 as an essential transcriptional regulator for the establishment of definitive endoderm in humans.
Protein substrates engage the lumen of O-GlcNac transferase’s tetratricopeptide repeat domain in different ways
Authors: Joiner Cassandra M. , Hammel Forrest A. , Janetzko John , Walker Suzanne
Published: December 2020

Glycosylation of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins is an essential post-translational modification in mammals. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), the sole enzyme responsible for this modification, glycosylates over a thousand unique nuclear and cytoplasmic substrates. How OGT selects its substrates is a fundamental question that must be answered to understand OGT’s unusual biology. OGT contains a long tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain that has been implicated in substrate selection, but there is almost no information about how changes to this domain affect glycosylation of individual substrates. Here, we used proteome-wide glycosylation profiling and probed glycosylation of selected purified substrates to show that asparagine and aspartate ladders that extend the full length of OGT’s TPR lumen control substrate glycosylation. We also found that substrates with glycosylation sites close to the C-terminus bypass lumenal binding. Our findings demonstrate that substrates can engage OGT in a variety of different ways for glycosylation.
Grammatical category and the neural processing of phrases
Authors: Burroughs Amelia , Kazanina Nina , Houghton Conor
Published: December 2020

The interlocking roles of lexical, syntactic and semantic processing in language comprehension has been the subject of longstanding debate. Recently, the cortical response to a frequency-tagged linguistic stimulus has been shown to track the rate of phrase and sentence, as well as syllable, presentation. This could be interpreted as evidence for the hierarchical processing of speech, or as a response to the repetition of grammatical category. To examine the extent to which hierarchical structure plays a role in language processing we recorded EEG from human participants as they listen to isochronous streams of monosyllabic words. Comparing responses to sequences in which grammatical category is strictly alternating and chosen such that two-word phrases can be grammatically constructed —cold food loud room— or is absent —rough give ill tell— showed cortical entrainment at the two-word phrase rate was only present in the grammatical condition. Thus, grammatical category repetition alone does not yield entertainment at higher level than a word. On the other hand, cortical entrainment was reduced for the mixed-phrase condition that contained two-word phrases but no grammatical category repetition —that word send less— which is not what would be expected if the measured entrainment reflected purely abstract hierarchical syntactic units. Our results support a model in which word-level grammatical category information is required to build larger units.
Sustained expression ofunc-4/Hoxandunc-37/Grouchoin postmitotic neurons specifies the spatial organization of the cholinergic synapses inC. elegans
Authors: Kurashina Mizuki , Wang Jane , Lee Kathy Kyungeun , Johal Arpun , Mizumoto Kota
Published: December 2020

Neuronal cell fate determinants establish the identities of neurons by controlling gene expression to regulate neuronal morphology and synaptic connectivity. However, it is not understood if neuronal cell fate determinants have postmitotic functions in synapse pattern formation. Here we identify a novel role for UNC-4 homeobox protein and its corepressor UNC-37/Groucho, in tiled synaptic patterning of the cholinergic motor neurons inCaenorhabditis elegans. We show thatunc-4is not required during neurogenesis but is required in the postmitotic neurons for proper synapse patterning. In contrast,unc-37is required in both developing and postmitotic neurons. The synaptic tiling defects ofunc-4mutants are suppressed bybar-1/β-cateninmutation, which positively regulates the expression ofceh-12/Hb9. Ectopicceh-12expression partly underlies the synaptic tiling defects ofunc-4andunc-37mutants. Our results reveal a novel postmitotic role of neuronal cell fate determinants in synapse pattern formation through inhibiting the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
15-PGDH Regulates Hematopoietic and Gastrointestinal Fitness During Aging
Authors: Ho Won Jin , Smith Julianne N.P. , Park Young Soo , Hadiono Matthew , Christo Kelsey , Jogasuria Alvin , Zhang Yongyou , Broncano Alyssia V. , Kasturi Lakshmi , Dawson Dawn M. , Gerson Stanton L. , Markowitz Sanford D. , Desai Amar B.
Published: December 2020

Emerging evidence implicates the eicosanoid molecule prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in conferring a regenerative phenotype to multiple organ systems following tissue injury. As aging is in part characterized by loss of tissue stem cells’ regenerative capacity, we tested the hypothesis that the prostaglandin-degrading enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) contributes to the diminished organ fitness of aged mice. Here we demonstrate that genetic loss of 15-PGDH (Hpgd) confers a protective effect on aging of murine hematopoietic and gastrointestinal (GI) tissues. Aged mice lacking 15-PGDH display increased hematopoietic output as assessed by peripheral blood cell counts, bone marrow and splenic stem cell compartments, and accelerated post-transplantation recovery compared to their WT counterparts. Loss ofHpgdexpression also resulted in enhanced GI fitness and reduced local inflammation in response to colitis. Together these results suggest that 15-PGDH negatively regulates aged tissue regeneration, and that 15-PGDH inhibition may be a viable therapeutic strategy to ameliorate age-associated loss of organ fitness.

ARTICLE SUMMARY

15-PGDH as a Driver of Age-Related Tissue Dysfunction
Precise Regulation and Site-specifically Covalent Labeling of NSUN2 Enable by Genetic Encoding Expansion
Authors: Zhao Jizhong , Hu Hongmei , Wang Sheng , Wang Li , Wang Rui
Published: December 2020

RNA plays a critical role in gene expression regulation, cell migration, differentiation, cell death in living organism. 5-Methylcytosine is a post transcriptional RNA modification identified across wide ranges of RNA species including message RNAs. It is reported the addition of m5C to RNA cytosines is enabled by use of NSUN family enzyme, NSUN2 is identified as a critical RNA methyltransferase for adding m5C to mRNA. We demonstrated here that natural lysines modified with special groups were synthesized via chemical synthesis. Through two rounds of positive screening and one round of negative screening, MbPylRS-tRNAcua unnatural lysine substitution system which can specifically recognize lysine with defined group was evaluated and identified. Non-natural lysine substitution at C271 of NSUN2 active site and subsequently fluorescent labeling was realized via so-called click reaction. The function of NSUN2 mutant and its upregulated CDK1 gene and its effect on cell proliferation were also evaluated.
In Silico Design and Analysis of Genetic Circuit-Based Whole-Cell Biosensors for Detecting Groundwater Contaminants
Authors: Fajemilua Samuel , Bada Solomon , Islam M. Ahsanul
Published: December 2020

Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) such as tetracycline, erythromycin, and salicylic acid in groundwater can seriously endanger the environment and human health due to their widespread and everlasting harmful effects. Thus, continuous monitoring of various CEC concentrations in groundwater is essential to ensure the safety, security, and biodiversity of natural habitats. CECs can be detected using whole-cell biosensors for environmental surveillance and monitoring purposes, as they provide a cheaper and more robust alternative to traditional and expensive analytical techniques. In this study, various genetic circuit designs are considered to model three biosensors using the genetic design automation (GDA) software, iBioSim. The genetic circuits were designed to detect multiple CECs, including atrazine, salicylic acid, and tetracycline simultaneously to produce quantitative fluorescent outputs. The biosensor responses and the viability of the genetic circuit designs were further analysed using ODE-based mathematical simulations in iBioSim. The designed circuits and subsequent biosensor modelling presented here, thus, not only show the usefulness and importance of GDA tools, but also highlight their limitations and shortcomings that need to overcome in the future; thereby, providing a practical guidance for further improvement of such tools, so that they can be more effectively and routinely used in synthetic biology research.
Investigating stewardship behavior in megaprojects: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Ma Tianyu , Wang Zhuofu , Skibniewski Miroslaw Jan , Ding Jiyong , Wang Ge , He Qinghua
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This research aims to analyzes how megaproject top managers engaged in stewardship behaviors. Studying megaprojects from the micro-foundations rooted in individual action and interaction, this research examines the gaps between literature and top managers' positive behavior to challenge the current theoretical underpinnings of megaproject governance research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review was performed in the initial phase. Then, a case study of South-to-North Water Diversion project was conducted based on following this project and on access to its top executives. Data was collected from multiple sources and analyzed by Nvivo (version 12). Further analysis was then carried out in two stages to identify megaproject stewardship behavior and related governance patterns.

Findings

Results show that stewardship behavior is prevalently existing and is possibly to be identified through psychological, situational, relational dimensions. Also, 16 factors have been found to describe the precise nature of megaproject stewardship behavior. Further explorative findings were discussed from three perspectives: possible theoretical development, self-actualization motivation and temporalities of megaprojects.

Originality/value

Building upon the ideas on how to extend steward theory towards project field, this research conducts a first exploration of stewardship behavior in megaprojects. This study contributes to complement the research into top-level organizational behavior in megaprojects, and it provides helpful implications for how to govern top managers in the following megaprojects with the cooperative spirit that can be valued by megaproject stakeholders.
Analysing reader behaviours in self-service library stations using a bibliomining approach
Authors: Tu Yun-Fang , Chang Shao-Chen , Hwang Gwo-Jen
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The present study aims, by adopting bibliomining, to analyse the borrowing and collection records in self-service libraries at mass rapid transit stations in northern Taiwan to discover reader borrowing preferences and patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study used data mining to analyse two years of book-borrowing information from self-service library stations; it made use of an association rule mining model and the bibliomining process to identify readers’ preferred books and to explore reader borrowing behaviours. In addition, the librarians’ perceptions of the proposed approach were also investigated.

Findings

The findings indicated that readers often borrowed books in the bibliographical classifications of Home economics; Medical sciences; Psychology; Commerce: administration and management; and Education in the self-service library stations. Based on the bibliomining results, 23 reader borrowing patterns as well as potential books favoured by readers were uncovered. In addition, the challenges of bibliomining and data mining applied to library operations are reported.

Originality/value

Among the studies on the application of self-service technologies in libraries, most examined the integration of the self-service system and investigated users’ opinions. The present study used borrowing records and collection records in self-service library stations to conduct bibliomining and to explore reader borrowing preferences and behaviours as references for collection development and book recommendation services.
Some like it hot? Elite female athlete perspectives on competing in extreme climatic conditions at world championship sports events
Authors: Zeiler Pauline , Shipway Richard
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper explores perspectives of elite female athletes competing at world championship sports events, hosted in extreme climatic conditions. From the athlete perspective, it examines the implications of decisions by global sports federations when selecting host cities and the subsequent impacts upon elite athletes competing in unfavourable climates.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an exploratory case study approach at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, this paper explores insider perspectives of four elite female participants competing in the Marathon. Adopting the “elite interviewing” technique, and based on event participant experiences, the paper prioritises the perspective and “voice” of the athlete.

Findings

Four key themes emerged from the data. These were (1) the importance of training and preparation; (2) unique challenges of competition day; (3) elite athlete retrospection; and (4) prioritising the perspectives of elite athletes at international sports events. The findings highlight the challenges of managing athlete preparation and performance at world championship events hosted in extreme climatic conditions.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size for this study whilst relatively small is unique. This reflects challenges accessing elite athletes, their reluctance to be interviewed, and the small pool of elite athlete talent available. Given these practical barriers, this represents a good sample size.

Originality/value

This paper secures unique insider access to elite level female endurance athletes competing at world championship events. The study makes a contribution to knowledge in event studies by introducing concepts of “elite event interviewing” and the “athlete-event paradox”.
Assessing the telemedicine acceptance for adults in Brazil
Authors: Serrano Karina M. , Mendes Glauco H.S. , Lizarelli Fabiane L. , Ganga Gilberto M.D.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to find factors influencing the acceptance of telemedicine for adults in Brazil. Moreover, it investigates the moderating role of disease complexity and the generational digital divide phenomenon on the intention to use the telemedicine service.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experiment was employed. Primary data were collected using a survey research method considering two different scenarios based on disease complexity and symptom severity. A total of 248 responses were collected using a structured questionnaire. The authors also tested these two scenarios in three generations (X, Y and Z) of adults. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the collected data and test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicated that performance expectancy and perceived security and reliability are two predictors of the behavioral intention to use telemedicine, whereas effort expectancy and social influence showed no statistical significance. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that adults tend to adopt telemedicine regardless of the level of disease complexity. Finally, this study does not support the existence of a digital divide in the three generations.

Originality/value

The study applies the UTAUT model to assess the telemedicine acceptance for younger generations. It examines patient risk perception (security and reliability) as one antecedent of telemedicine acceptance.
Home Care Providers in Queensland: Exploratory Data Analysis Using My Aged Care Platform
Authors: (Michelle) Tran My , Gannon Brenda
Published: December 2020

The My Aged Care website, established by the Australian Government, is the starting point for aged care consumers and carers to find information on aged care providers. Using information published on this platform, we compile a unique dataset of 588 approved home care providers in Queensland. This article presents a brief introduction to this dataset, including how they are extracted and what variables are available. We propose some current and future applications of this data with a focus on how it can contribute to evidence‐based policymaking in Australia.
Debt and Deficits—A Modern Monetary Theory Perspective
Authors: Mitchell William F.
Published: December 2020

COVID‐19 has triggered the most severe economic crisis since the 1930s. The resulting policy shift is diametric to what mainstream macroeconomists have been advocating for decades. We argue that their framework underestimates the fiscal space available to governments and cannot provide an understanding of the consequences of these policy extremes. We introduce modern monetary theory (MMT), which disabuses us of the claims that deficits and debt are to be avoided. MMT defines fiscal space in functional terms, in relation to available real resources that can be brought back into productive use, rather than focusing on irrelevant questions of government insolvency.
Accounting for individual differences in speed in the discretized signed residual time model
Authors: Tijmstra Jesper , Bolsinova Maria
Published: December 2020

With advances in computerized tests, it has become commonplace to register not just the accuracy of the responses provided to the items, but also the response time. The idea that for each response both response accuracy and response time are indicative of ability has explicitly been incorporated in the signed residual time (SRT) model (Maris & van der Maas, 2012, Psychometrika, 77, 615–633), which assumes that fast correct responses are indicative of a higher level of ability than slow correct responses. While the SRT model allows one to gain more information about ability than is possible based on considering only response accuracy, measurement may be confounded if persons show differences in their response speed that cannot be explained by ability, for example due to differences in response caution. In this paper we propose an adapted version of the SRT model that makes it possible to model person differences in overall speed, while maintaining the idea of the SRT model that the speed at which individual responses are given may be indicative of ability. We propose a two‐dimensional SRT model that considers dichotomized response time, which allows one to model differences between fast and slow responses. The model includes both an ability and a speed parameter, and allows one to correct the estimates of ability for possible differences in overall speed. The performance of the model is evaluated through simulation, and the relevance of including the speed parameter is studied in the context of an empirical example from formative educational assessment.
Ethical and professionalism issues in dermatopathology: A cross‐sectional survey of American Society of Dermatopathology Members
Authors: Brahmbhatt Meera , Yeung Howa , Vong Gerard , Allbritton Jill , Amin Bijal , Dulaney Eugene D. , Fullen Douglas R. , LeBlanc Robert E. , Ruben Beth S. , Seykora John T. , Vyas Nikki S. , Stoff Benjamin K.
Published: December 2020

Background

Data regarding ethical/professional issues affecting dermatopathologists are lacking despite their importance in establishing policy priorities and educational content for dermatopathology.

Methods

A 14‐item cross‐sectional survey about ethical/professional issues in dermatopathology was distributed over e‐mail to members of the American Society of Dermatopathology from June to September 2019.

Results

Two hundred sixteen surveys were completed, with a response rate of 15.3%. Respondents ranked appropriate and fair utilization of healthcare resources (n = 83 or 38.6%) as the most often encountered ethical/professional issue. Conflict of interest was ranked as the most urgent or important ethical/professional issue (n = 83 or 39.3%). One hundred thirty‐three (61.6%) respondents felt “somewhat” or “not at all” well equipped to handle ethical dilemmas in practice and 47 (22.8%) respondents identified a major or extreme burden (eg, have considered resigning/retiring) due to ethical challenges.

Conclusions

Areas of priority in ethics and professionalism issues can guide future policy and educational content in dermatopathology.
Different pre‐analytical techniques and the results of 50 g oral glucose challenge tests
Authors: Eldem Sinem , Oskovi‐Kaplan Z. Asli , Engin‐Ustun Yaprak , Yilmaz Canan , Caglar Ali Turhan , Ozgu‐Erdinc A. Seval
Published: December 2020

Objective

We aimed to analyse the pre‐analytical process and its effect of 50 g of oral glucose challenge test results for screening gestational diabetes mellitus.

Research Design and Methods

The 50 g oral glucose challenge test was performed to 30 pregnant women, and the blood was collected as two samples for three tubes containing; serum separating jell (SSJ), sodium fluoride‐potassium oxalate (NaF – KOx) and sodium citrate‐containing tube. The first samples of the three tubes were centrifuged within 30 minutes, and second samples were centrifuged after 60 minutes and were analysed. One sample in SSJ tube and was analysed in the same day according to hospitals routine practice. The results were compared.

Results

Among the 30 samples, the mean decrease in glucose levels was highest in the SSJ tube (0.38 mmol/L), followed by 0.16 mmol/L in Na citrate tube and 0.14 mmol/L in NaF‐KOx tube. The hospital routine assessment with SSJ was 6.36 ± 1.90 mmol/L. The <30 and >60 minutes glucose results were 6.80 ± 1.88 mmol/L vs 6.42 ± 1.97 mmol/L for SSJ, 5.95 ± 1.60 mmol/L vs 5.78 ± 1.51 mmol/L for Na Citrate and 6.90 ± 1.86 mmol/L vs 6.75 ± 1.90 mmol/L for NaF‐KOx mg/dL groups, respectively, and both the changes within time and the results between the tubes showed a statistically significant difference (P < .001).

Conclusion

In cases with longer assessment time and with different blood sample tubes, the clinician should also keep in mind that, especially with results under but close to the cut‐off levels, an underdiagnosed gestational diabetes might be present.
Bloodmeal‐stealing in wild‐caught Mepraia spinolai (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), a sylvatic vector of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Garrido Rubén , Campos‐Soto Ricardo , Quiroga Nicol , Botto‐Mahan Carezza
Published: December 2020

1. Blood‐feeding bugs in the Triatominae are the vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Mepraia is a sylvatic genus endemic to Chile that transmits T. cruzi in the wild cycle.

2. Bloodmeal‐stealing (or ‘cleptohaematophagy’) is the stealing of a bloodmeal from one bug's gut by another, usually conspecific bug. Bloodmeal‐stealing can result in horizontal transmission of T. cruzi between triatomines; so far, it has been reported only in laboratory‐reared bugs.

3. We performed short laboratory experiments to test whether bloodmeal‐stealing occurs between wild‐caught Mepraia spinolai nymphs. Successful bloodmeal‐stealing was observed in one out of 17 trials (2/102 bugs). Even though bloodmeal‐stealing was not frequent in wild‐caught M. spinolai, this behaviour might contribute to explaining the maintenance of wild T. cruzi cycles.
The natural persistence and distribution of the proposed biological control agent Verticillium nonalfalfae on Ailanthus altissima in Virginia, USA
Authors: Brooks Rachel K. , Baudoin Anton , Salom Scott M.
Published: December 2020

Reports of Ailanthus altissima stand declines in south‐central Pennsylvania resulted in the identification of the causal agent, a vascular wilt fungus, Verticillium nonalfalfae. Additional surveys throughout North America and Europe found that this disease outbreak was not an isolated event. One of these surveys identified and monitored six naturally diseased A. altissima stands in Virginia, USA, between 2009 and 2012. To help predict the long‐term outcome of infested stands, these naturally infested sites were monitored again from 2017 to 2018. While A. altissima were still present at all six sites, a reduction in the number of living A. altissima per hectare (from 604 to 66 overall) and A. altissima basal area per hectare (from 16.1 to 2.9 m2/ha overall) was consistently seen. At all but one of these sites, V. nonalfalfae was still causing disease on the remaining A. altissima. This reduction in A. altissima and persistence of V. nonalfalfae highlight the effectiveness of the pathogen at controlling this tree over long periods of time. A walking survey looking closely at all A. altissima stands along roads within 1 km of these sites found additional V. nonalfalfae infections around four sites. Since no correlation existed between tree infection status and distance from the known site, the patchy disease occurrence may indicate this pathogen is able to spread over longer distances or is more abundant than the previous survey suggested. Soil collected at these sites did not infect any A. altissima seedlings in a greenhouse study, suggesting that soil inoculum may not play an important role in V. nonalfalfae persistence. This research further supports the use of V. nonalfalfae as an effective biopesticide that can reduce A. altissima numbers consistently over many years.