bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fear Avoidance Beliefs Are Associated With Perceived Disability in Persons With Vestibular Disorders
Authors: Dunlap Pamela M , Sparto Patrick J , Marchetti Gregory F , Furman Joseph M , Staab Jeffrey P , Delitto Anthony , Klatt Brooke N , Whitney Susan L
Published: June 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between fear-avoidance beliefs and disability in 3 months in people with vestibular disorders while accounting for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included people aged 18 to 100 years who reported dizziness. Participants were recruited from a balance disorders clinic and outpatient physical therapy clinics. All participants completed the Vestibular Activities Avoidance Instrument (VAAI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and the Vestibular Activities and Participation measure (VAP), dizziness Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and 12-item Short Form Health Questionnaire at baseline and 3-month follow-up. A modified version of the VAAI included 9 items abstracted from the 81-item VAAI. The relationships between 9-item VAAI scores and follow-up measures of disability were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficients. Linear regression models were analyzed to determine the effect of fear-avoidance beliefs on follow-up VAP score while accounting for baseline outcome measures.

Results

All participants (n = 404) completed the baseline assessment (mean age = 54 years), and 286 (71%) completed the 3-month assessment. The mean 9-item VAAI score was 25 (SD = 14) at baseline and was significantly associated with VAP (ρ = 0.54), 12-item Short Form Health Questionnaire component scores (ρ = −0.53; −0.44), and dizziness VAS at follow-up (ρ = 0.37). Approximately 38% of the variation in VAP score at follow-up was predicted by age, number of medications, 9-item VAAI score, dizziness VAS, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-depression score when considered together (R2 = 0.38).

Conclusion

Fear-avoidance beliefs are associated with measures of disability at 3 months and are predictive of activity limitations and participation restrictions at 3 months when controlling for age, medications, baseline dizziness, and depression symptom severity in people with vestibular disorders.

Impact

Measurement of fear-avoidance beliefs may provide important prognostic information, suggesting that an assessment of fear-avoidance beliefs could be used by clinicians to identify individuals at greater risk of disability after a vestibular disorder.

Lay Summary

Fear-avoidance beliefs in people who have vestibular disorders are associated with disability at 3 months and predict limitations in daily activities at 3 months.
Fraud, specialization, and efficiency in peer review
Authors: Garcia J A , Rodriguez-Sanchez Rosa , Fdez-Valdivia J
Published: June 2021

Reviewers are humans and might be affected by cognitive biases when information overload comes into play. In fact, no amount of scientific training will completely mask the human impulses to partisanship. And the consequence is that authors may receive incorrect editorial decisions in their submissions to peer-reviewed journals. For instance, the journal editor issues a substantial revision when in fact a moderate one would suffice. This would be over-revision in peer review. In this situation, there exists a fraud cost if the journal editor tries to request the author to make a substantial revision when in fact a moderate one would be sufficient. Thus, in this article, we identify a set of conditions under which the peer review process involves equilibrium fraud and over-revision. An equilibrium in peer review is efficient if the first peer-reviewed journal to which the author submits their research paper makes a truthful editorial decision, which the author accepts. When the fraud cost is sufficiently high, there exists an efficient equilibrium. Otherwise, when the fraud cost cannot sustain an efficient equilibrium, it may arise a specialization equilibrium in which the author first submits the manuscript to a top journal which makes a truthful editorial decision. This specialization equilibrium may explain why academic journals with higher quality standards more often attract authors who write articles of higher quality. Finally, when the fraud cost is not too large, we show that a new type of equilibrium emerges in our model, equilibria involving costly fraud, in which the first peer-reviewed journal to which the research paper is submitted always requests substantial revisions. If the review time and the probability of very serious concerns from reviewers were large, the author would prefer to send the research paper to one single peer-reviewed journal even if that would involve over-revision. In the fraud equilibrium, the author’s revision cost is high and independent of the true quality of the manuscript.
The different responses of universities to introduction of performance-based research funding
Authors: Abramo Giovanni , D’Angelo Ciriaco Andrea
Published: June 2021

Governments and organizations design performance-based research funding systems (PBRFS) for strategic aims, such as to selectively allocate scarce resources and stimulate research efficiency. In this work, we analyze the relative change in research productivity of Italian universities after the introduction of such a system, featuring financial and reputational incentives. Using a bibliometric approach, we compare the relative research performance of universities before and after the introduction of PBRFS, at the overall, discipline and field levels. The findings show convergence in the universities’ performance, due above all to the remarkable improvement of the lowest performers. Geographically, the universities of the south (vs central and northern Italy) achieved the greatest improvement in relative performance. The methodology, and results, should be of use to university management and policy-makers.
New developments in Sjogren’s syndrome
Authors: Thalayasingam Nishanthi , Baldwin Kelly , Judd Claire , Ng Wan-Fai
Published: June 2021

SS is a chronic, autoimmune condition characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands and B-cell dysfunction. Current treatment strategies are largely empirical and offer only symptomatic relief for patients. There are no proven treatments that alter disease progression or treat the systemic manifestations of disease. B-cell depletion is used in patients with systemic disease but its overall clinical efficacy has not been demonstrated in two large randomized controlled trials. Studies are now focussing on alternative strategies to target B-cells, including co-stimulation targets, with promising data. It is increasingly clear that clinical trials in SS will require patient stratification and relevant and sensitive outcome measures to identify successful treatment modalities.
Effects of mid-gestational l-citrulline supplementation to twin-bearing ewes on umbilical blood flow, placental development, and lamb production traits
Authors: Kott Michelle L , Pancini Stefania , Speckhart Savannah L , Kimble Lauren N , White Robin R , Stewart Jamie L , Johnson Sally E , Ealy Alan D
Published: June 2021

The objective of the study was to examine how l-citrulline supplementation to ewes during mid-gestation influences placental activity, placental blood flow, lamb body weight, and carcass characteristics. Two studies were completed. A pharmacokinetic study to compare circulating plasma amino acid concentrations after a single intravenous injection of 155 µmol/kg BW l-citrulline or after an isonitrogenous amount of l-alanine (control; 465 µmol/kg BW). Increases (P < 0.05) in circulating citrulline concentrations were detected for 8 h after l-citrulline injection versus the control. Similarly, increases (P < 0.05) in circulating arginine concentrations were detected for 24 h after l-citrulline treatment. The second study used 12 ewes with twin pregnancies. Daily intravenous injections of either l-citrulline or l-alanine were administered for 39 d from d 42–45 to 81–84 of gestation. Ewes were limit-fed at 85% daily energy requirements during the injection period. A decrease (P < 0.0001) in body weight was observed in both treatment groups during this period. No treatment differences were observed in circulating pregnancy-specific protein B concentrations or placental blood flow during the treatment and post-treatment gestational period. No treatment differences were observed in lamb survival nor in lamb birth, weaning and slaughter weights. Treatment did not influence lamb carcass composition or organ weights. However, there was a tendency (P = 0.10) for an increase in antral follicle numbers in ovaries from ewe lambs derived from ewes treated with l-citrulline. In summary, a daily l-citrulline injection increased both circulating citrulline and arginine concentrations in ewes, but daily l-citrulline injections during mid-gestation did not produce any detectable changes in placental activity and blood flow, neonatal and postnatal lamb development, and lamb carcass composition at slaughter. In conclusion, no benefits in placental function and lamb development were observed after providing l-citrulline during mid-gestation in ewes exposed to a mild energy restriction, but there was an indication that follicle numbers in ewe lambs were positively influenced by l-citrulline treatment during fetal development.
The Relationship Between the Grading of Reflective Journals and Student Honesty in Reflective Journal Writing
Authors: Genua Jo Anne
Published: June 2021

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine the existence of a relationship between the grading of reflective journals and student honesty in reflective journal writing.

BACKGROUND

Journal writing is often used to gauge skills and knowledge. However, disagreement exists as to whether journals should be graded as students may embellish experiences or write what the instructor wants to read. If students are not engaged in honest reflection, the benefit of reflective practice is reduced.

METHOD

Data were collected using an anonymous online survey. The nonprobability sampling technique was used to examine the existence of a relationship between the grading of reflective journals and student honesty in reflective journal writing.

RESULTS

Findings indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between grading of reflective journals and student honesty.

CONCLUSION

Instead of grading the written component, the process of reflective practice should be assessed, possibly changing to a grade of complete/incomplete.
Assessing Student Performance in a Dedicated Education Unit: Validity of the Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument
Authors: Manz Julie A. , Iverson Lindsay M. , Hawkins Kimberly , Tracy Mary E. , Hercinger Maribeth , Todd Martha
Published: June 2021

In dedicated education units (DEUs), nurses serving as clinical teaching partners (CTPs) provide formative feedback about student performance. The Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument (C-CEI) has demonstrated validity and reliability by faculty in both the simulated and clinical environments. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the content validity of the C-CEI in the direct patient care environment when used by staff nurses functioning as CTPs in the DEU setting. Results indicate that the items of the C-CEI demonstrated necessity, fittingness, and understanding. CTPs reported the C-CEI is a valid instrument for use in the DEU setting.
Effects of gestational exposures to chemical mixtures on birth weight using Bayesian factor analysis in the Health Outcome and Measures of Environment (HOME) Study
Authors: Zhuang Liheng H. , Chen Aimin , Braun Joseph M. , Lanphear Bruce P. , Hu Janice M. Y. , Yolton Kimberly , McCandless Lawrence C.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Studying the effects of gestational exposures to chemical mixtures on infant birth weight is inconclusive due to several challenges. One of the challenges is which statistical methods to rely on. Bayesian factor analysis (BFA), which has not been utilized for chemical mixtures, has advantages in variance reduction and model interpretation.

Methods:

We analyzed data from a cohort of 384 pregnant women and their newborns using urinary biomarkers of phthalates, phenols, and organophosphate pesticides (OPs) and serum biomarkers of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). We examined the association between exposure to chemical mixtures and birth weight using BFA and compared with multiple linear regression (MLR) and Bayesian kernel regression models (BKMR).

Results:

For BFA, a 10-fold increase in the concentrations of PCB and PFAS mixtures was associated with an 81 g (95% confidence intervals [CI] = −132 to −31 g) and 57 g (95% CI = −105 to −10 g) reduction in birth weight, respectively. BKMR results confirmed the direction of effect. However, the 95% credible intervals all contained the null. For single-pollutant MLR, a 10-fold increases in the concentrations of multiple chemicals were associated with reduced birth weight, yet the 95% CI all contained the null. Variance inflation from MLR was apparent for models that adjusted for copollutants, resulting in less precise confidence intervals.

Conclusion:

We demonstrated the merits of BFA on mixture analysis in terms of precision and interpretation compared with MLR and BKMR. We also identified the association between exposure to PCBs and PFAS and lower birth weight.
Trends of complications in patients with Parkinson’s disease in seven major cities of China from 2016 to 2019
Authors: Li Liu-Cheng , Chen Jie , Zhu Xiao-Bin , Guo Meng , Chen Qin , Fang Hong-Mei , Kan Lian-Di
Published: June 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder involving both motor and nonmotor symptoms. Multimorbidity acts synergistically to heighten the risk of adverse outcomes for patients with PD. Its complications have a major impact on the clinical management of PD. The present retrospective and multicenter study was first performed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of PD patients and assess the incidence of complications. The outpatient prescriptions for PD therapy were collected from hospitals in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhengzhou of China over a 40-day period per year, from the first half of 2016 to that of 2019. The survey covered the characteristics and representative complications of the study population. A total of 103 674 outpatient prescriptions for PD treatment from different graded hospitals of China were collected for final data analysis. It showed that 78.15% of PD patients were prescribed in the neurology department. 95.05% of the outpatient prescriptions were from general hospitals. We found that the overall PD prevalence was 0.47%, among which 52.96% of them were men. In addition, 82.10% of PD suffers were older than 60 years and 83.70% of them had complications. The top five highest frequencies of nonmotor complications in PD patients were sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, lower urinary tract symptoms and constipation, with the proportions of 6.79, 3.87, 3.72, 3.32 and 2.40%, respectively. Meanwhile, the proportions of sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and constipation were gradually increasing from 2016 to 2019. The characteristics of PD patients and the incidence of its complications were evaluated in the present prescription survey. These updated data provide evidence for further implementation of PD management.
Diffusion of strontium implanted in glassy carbon
Authors: Malherbe Johan B. , Odutemowo Opeyemi S. , Theron Chris C. , Wendler Elke
Published: June 2021

Glassy carbon has properties making it attractive as a containment material for radioactive waste. In this study, the diffusivity of the radiological important fission product, strontium, is measured. Two hundred kiloelectronvolt strontium ions were implanted at room temperature. The implanted samples were either annealed isochronally for 1 h up to 900°C or by increasing the temperature linearly up to 648°C. The Sr profiles were determined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). The isochronally annealed samples showed Fickian diffusion at 300°C (
D
 = 6.7 × 10
−19
 m
2
 s
−1
) with segregation occurring at the higher temperatures. Raman spectroscopy indicated a link between damage annealing and the onset of segregation. During increasing temperature, the system is dynamic with diffusion taking place. An equation to determine diffusion coefficients for ramped heating was derived. Fickian diffusion occurred with an activation energy of 1.97 eV for 414–454°C, and from 458 to 558°C, it was 0.184 eV. At higher temperatures, a segregation of the strontium towards the surface was observed. A calculation of the heat of segregation of Sr in carbon supports this segregation. The results show that the
in situ
RBS measurements with a linear increase in temperature give additional information compared with the conventional isochronal annealing.
Probabilistic quantification of tsunami current hazard using statistical emulation
Authors: Gopinathan Devaraj , Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Guillas Serge
Published: June 2021

In this paper, statistical emulation is shown to be an essential tool for the end-to-end physical and numerical modelling of local tsunami impact, i.e. from the earthquake source to tsunami velocities and heights. In order to surmount the prohibitive computational cost of running a large number of simulations, the emulator, constructed using 300 training simulations from a validated tsunami code, yields 1 million predictions. This constitutes a record for any realistic tsunami code to date, and is a leap in tsunami science since high risk but low probability hazard thresholds can be quantified. For illustrating the efficacy of emulation, we map probabilistic representations of maximum tsunami velocities and heights at around 200 locations about Karachi port. The 1 million predictions comprehensively sweep through a range of possible future tsunamis originating from the Makran Subduction Zone (MSZ). We rigorously model each step in the tsunami life cycle: first use of the three-dimensional subduction geometry Slab2 in MSZ, most refined fault segmentation in MSZ, first sediment enhancements of seabed deformation (up to 60% locally) and bespoke unstructured meshing algorithm. Owing to the synthesis of emulation and meticulous numerical modelling, we also discover substantial local variations of currents and heights.
Mapping brain structural differences and neuroreceptor correlates in Parkinson’s disease visual hallucinations: a mega-analysis
Authors: Vignando Miriam , ffytche Dominic , Lewis Simon , Lee Phil Hyu , Chung Seok Jong , Weil Rimona S. , Hu Michele T. , Mackay Clare E. , Griffanti Ludovica , Pins Delphine , Dujardin Kathy , Jardri Renaud , Taylor John-Paul , Firbank Michael , McAlonan Grainne , Mak Henry Ka-Fung , Ho Shu Leong , Mehta Mitul A
Published: June 2021

Parkinson’s psychosis (PDP) describes a spectrum of symptoms that may arise in Parkinson’s disease (PD) including visual hallucinations (VH). Imaging studies investigating the neural correlates of PDP have been inconsistent in their findings, due to differences in study design and limitations of scale. Here we use empirical Bayes harmonisation to pool together structural imaging data from multiple research groups into a large-scale mega-analysis, allowing us to apply new methodological approaches to identify cortical regions and networks involved in VH and their relation to receptor binding. Differences of cortical thickness and surface area show a wider cortical involvement underlying VH than previously recognised, including primary visual cortex and its surrounds, and the hippocampus, independent of its role in cognitive decline. Structural covariance analyses point to a strong involvement of the attentional control networks in PD-VH, while associations with receptor density maps suggest neurotransmitter loss may drive the cortical changes.
Incidence and outcome of cancer in 16- to 17-year-old adolescents in a tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Ventelä Julia , Nikkilä Atte , Jukkola Arja , Lohi Olli
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Adolescents have a unique cancer profile that includes typical childhood cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and adult-type cancers like melanoma and thyroid cancer. In Finland, adolescents above 16 years have been largely treated in adult oncology centers in contrast to many Western countries in which the minimum admittance age is 18 years. The aim of this study was to investigate characteristics, therapy and outcome of cancer in adolescents aged 16 to 17 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included adolescents aged 16 to under 18 years at the time of cancer diagnosis between 2000 and 2019 in Tampere University Hospital, a regional tertiary referral center. Clinical data were retrieved from hospital medical records and included diagnosis, clinical and laboratory parameters, therapy and outcome. In addition to standard descriptive statistical analyses, the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression modelling were applied to study the outcome and associated factors.

RESULTS

A total of 93 patients were diagnosed with a malignant tumor at the age of 16 or 17 years. Males were more often diagnosed with a cancer (62%), while non-CNS (non-central nervous system) solid cancers were the most common entities (76%) and Hodgkin lymphoma was the most common cancer diagnosis (31%). Seventy patients completed their therapy in the referral center and were followed up for a median of 5.4 years. The majority of patients were treated in the adult department (69%). Complete remission was achieved for 89% of patients, while 21% experienced tumor recurrence. The 5-year event-free survival was 65% (95% CI, 54% to 79%) and overall survival 82% (95% CI, 73% to 93%).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of cancers in adolescents of 16 to 17 years of age are solid cancers. Patient outcome in our cohort was favorable and is in line with previously published data.
Breast and prostate cancer risk: the interplay of polygenic risk, high-impact monogenic variants, and family history
Authors: Hassanin Emadeldin , May Patrick , Aldisi Rana , Spier Isabel , Forstner Andreas J. , Nöthen Markus M. , Aretz Stefan , Krawitz Peter , Bobbili Dheeraj Reddy , Maj Carlo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Investigate to which extent polygenic risk scores (PRS), high-impact monogenic variants, and family history affect breast and prostate cancer risk by assessing cancer prevalence and cancer cumulative lifetime incidence.

Methods

200,643 individuals from the UK Biobank were stratified as follows: 1. carriers or non-carriers of high impact constitutive, monogenic variants in cancer susceptibility genes, 2. high or non-high PRS (90th percentile threshold), 3. with or without a family history of cancer.

Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the odds ratio (OR) across the different groups while Cox proportional hazards models were used to compute the cumulative incidence through life.

Results

Breast and prostate cancer cumulative incidence by age 70 is 7% and 5% for non-carriers with non-high PRS and reaches 37% and 32% among carriers of high-impact variants in cancer susceptibility genes with high PRS.

The additional presence of family history is associated with a further increase of the risk of developing cancer reaching an OR of 14 and 21 for breast and prostate cancer, respectively.

Conclusion

High PRS confers a cancer risk comparable to high-impact monogenic variants. Family history, monogenic variants, and PRS contribute additively to breast and prostate cancer risk.
Assessing the role of polygenic background on the penetrance of monogenic forms in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hassanin Emadeldin , May Patrick , Aldisi Rana , Krawitz Peter , Maj Carlo , Bobbili Dheeraj Reddy
Published: June 2021

Background

Several rare and common variants are associated with Parkinson’s disease. However, there is still an incomplete penetrance in the carriers of rare variants associated with Parkinson’s disease. To address this issue, we investigated whether a PRS calculated from significant GWAS SNPs affects the penetrance of Parkinson’s disease among carriers of rare monogenic variants in known Parkinson’s disease genes and those with a family history.

Methods

We calculated the PRS based on common variants and selected the carriers of rare monogenic variants by using the exome data from UK Biobank. Individuals were divided into three risk categories based on PRS: low (<10%), intermediate (10%-90%), and high (>90%) risk groups. We then compared how PRS affects Parkinson’s disease risk among carriers of rare monogenic variants and those with family-history.

Results

We observed a two-fold higher odds ratio for a carrier of a monogenic variant that had a high PRS (OR 4.07,95% CI, 1.72-8.08) compared to carriers with a low PRS (OR 1.91, 95% CI, 0.31-6.05). In the same line, carriers with a first-degree family history and with >90% PRS have even a higher risk of developing PD (OR 23.53, 95%CI 5.39-71.54) compared to those with <90% PRS (OR 9.54, 95% CI 3.32-21.65).

Conclusions

Our results show that PRS, carrier status, and family history contribute independently and additively to the Parkinson’s disease risk.
Functional dependence of COVID-19 growth rate on lockdown conditions and rate of vaccination
Authors: Mairanowski F. , Below D.
Published: June 2021

It is shown that derived from the solution of differential equations analytical model adequately describes development epidemics with changes in both lockdown conditions and the effective rate of mass vaccination of the population. As in previous studies, the control calculations are in good agreement with observations at all stages of epidemic growth. One of the two model coefficients is uniquely related to the lockdown efficiency parameter. We obtained an approximate correlation between this parameter and the main conditions of lockdown, in particular, physical distancing, reduction in social contacts and strictness of the mask regime.

The calculation of the incident over a seven-day period using the proposed model is in good agreement with the observational data. Analysis of both curves shows that a better agreement can be obtained by taking into account the lag time of the epidemic response of about 10 days.

From the reverse calculation a time-varying curve of the infection rate associated with the “new” virus strain under mutation conditions is obtained, which is qualitatively confirmed by the sequencing data.

Based on these studies, it is possible to conclude that the ASILV analytical model developed here can be used to reliably and promptly predict epidemic development under conditions of lockdown and mass vaccination without the use of numerical methods.

The functional relationships identified allow us to conduct a rapid analysis of the impact of each of the model parameters on the overall process of the epidemic.

In contrast to previous studies, the calculations of the proposed model were performed using EXCEL, rather than a standard calculator. This is due to the need to account for multiple changes in lockdown conditions and vaccination rates.
Testing for SARS-CoV-2 among cruise ship travelers repatriated to the United States, February–March 2020
Authors: Waltenburg Michelle A. , Pomeroy Mary A. , Hughes Laura , Gold Jeremy A.W. , Mayer Oren , Vang Arnold , Hallowell Benjamin D. , Foster Loretta , Xu Kerui , Espinoza Rita , Hsieh Kristina , Pieracci Emily G. , Wuyke Gabriella , Da Silva Juliana , McClung R. Paul , Steinberg Jonathan , Westercamp Matthew , Vallabhaneni Snigdha , Li Jessica , Valderrama Amy L. , Grimes George R. , Harvey R. Reid , Nett Randall J. , Stokes Kindra , Lindstrom Stephen , Miller Allison D. , Griggs Eric P. , Milucky Jennifer L. , Bjork Adam , Albrecht Valerie , Kuhnert Wendi L. , Gould Carolyn V. , Knight Nancy W. , Nelson Noele P. , Honein Margaret A. , Behravesh Casey Barton ,   CDC COVID-19 Investigation Team, Dubray Christine L. , Marx Grace E.
Published: June 2021

Background

In early 2020, an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 occurred among passengers and crew of the Diamond Princess cruise ship. During February 16–17, some US citizens, residents, and their partners voluntarily repatriated to the US from Japan.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal evaluation of repatriated travelers where the outcome of interest was a positive test for SARS-CoV-2. Travelers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were isolated in hospitals or at home under county isolation orders and underwent serial testing by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) approximately every other day, as contemporaneous US guidance required two consecutive negative tests collected ≥24 hours apart and symptom improvement before release from isolation.

Results

Among quarantined repatriated travelers, 14% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. One-fifth of infected travelers initially tested negative but were identified on subsequent testing. All infected travelers remained asymptomatic or developed mild symptoms during isolation. Many travelers remained in prolonged isolation because of persistent viral detection based on contemporaneous policies.

Conclusion

Our findings support testing within 3-5 days after possible SARS-CoV-2 exposure to comprehensively identify infections and mitigate transmission and lend support to symptom- and time-based isolation recommendations, rather than test-based criteria.
Single-dose mRNA vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, including P.1 and B.1.1.7 variants: a test-negative design in adults 70 years and older in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Skowronski Danuta M , Setayeshgar Solmaz , Zou Macy , Prystajecky Natalie , Tyson John R , Galanis Eleni , Naus Monika , Patrick David M , Sbihi Hind , Adam Shiraz El , Henry Bonnie , Hoang Linda M N , Sadarangani Manish , Jassem Agatha N , Krajden Mel
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Randomized-controlled trials of mRNA vaccine protection against SARS-CoV-2 included relatively few elderly participants. We assess singe-dose mRNA vaccine effectiveness (VE) in adults ≥70-years-old in British Columbia (BC), Canada where the second dose was deferred by up to 16 weeks and where a spring 2021 wave uniquely included co-dominant circulation of B.1.1.7 and P.1 variants of concern (VOC).

Methods

Analyses included community-dwelling adults ≥70-years-old with specimen collection between April 4 (epidemiological week 14) and May 1 (week 17). Adjusted VE was estimated by test-negative design through provincial laboratory and immunization data linkage. Cases were RT-PCR test-positive for SARS-CoV-2 and controls were test-negative. Vaccine status was defined by receipt of a single-dose ≥21 days before specimen collection, but a range of intervals was assessed. In variant-specific analyses, test-positive cases were restricted to those genetically-characterized as B.1.1.7, P.1 or non-VOC.

Results

VE analyses included 16,993 specimens: 1,226 (7.2%) test-positive cases and 15,767 test-negative controls. Of 1,131 (92%) viruses genetically categorized, 509 (45%), 314 (28%) and 276 (24%) were B.1.1.7, P.1 and non-VOC lineages, respectively. VE was negligible at 14% (95% CI 0-26) during the period 0-13 days post-vaccination but increased from 43% (95% CI 30-53) at 14-20 days to 75% (95% CI 63-83) at 35-41 days post-vaccination. VE at ≥21 days was 65% (95% CI 58-71) overall: 72% (95% CI 58-81), 67% (95% CI 57-75) and 61% (95% CI 45-72) for non-VOC, B.1.1.7 and P.1, respectively.

Conclusions

A single dose of mRNA vaccine reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 in adults ≥70-years-old by about two-thirds, with protection only minimally reduced against B.1.1.7 and P.1 variants. Substantial single-dose protection in older adults reinforces the option to defer the second dose when vaccine supply is scarce and broader first-dose coverage is needed.
Poor antibody response to BioNTech/Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination in SARS-CoV-2 naïve residents of nursing homes
Authors: Pannus Pieter , Neven Kristof Y , De Craeye Stéphane , Heyndrickx Leo , Kerckhove Sara Vande , Georges Daphnée , Michiels Johan , Francotte Antoine , Van Den Bulcke Marc , Zrein Maan , Van Gucht Steven , Schmickler Marie-Noëlle , Verbrugghe Mathieu , Matagne André , Thomas Isabelle , Dierick Katelijne , Weiner Joshua A. , Ackerman Margaret E. , Goriely Stanislas , Goossens Maria E , Ariën Kevin K. , Desombere Isabelle , Marchant Arnaud
Published: June 2021

Background

Residents of nursing homes (NH) are at high risk of COVID-19 related morbidity and death and may respond poorly to vaccination because of old age and frequent comorbidities.

Methods

Forty residents and forty staff members either naïve or previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recruited in two NH in Belgium before immunization with two doses of 30µg BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine at day 0 and day 21. Binding antibodies (Ab) to SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD), spike domains S1 and S2, RBD Ab avidity, and neutralizing Ab against SARS-CoV-2 wild type and B.1.351 variant were assessed at days 0, 21, 28, and 49.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 naïve residents had lower Ab responses to BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination than naïve staff. These poor responses involved lower levels of IgG to all domains of the vaccine antigen, lower avidity of RBD IgG, and lower levels of Ab neutralizing the vaccine strain. No naïve resident had detectable neutralizing Ab to the B.1.351 variant. High and comparable Ab responses were observed in residents and staff previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Clustering analysis revealed that poor vaccine responders not only included naïve residents but also naïve staff, emphasizing the heterogeneity of responses to mRNA vaccination in the general population.

Conclusions

The poor Ab responses to mRNA vaccination observed in infection naïve residents and in some naïve staff members of NH suggest suboptimal protection against breakthrough infection, especially with variants of concern. Adapted vaccination regimens may be needed to provide optimal protection against COVID-19 to vulnerable populations.

Poor antibody responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination were observed in SARS-CoV-2 infection naïve residents and some naïve staff members of nursing homes. This suggests suboptimal protection against breakthrough infection, especially with variants of concern, and the need for adapted vaccination regimens.
The influence of sex, gender, age, and ethnicity on psychosocial factors and substance use throughout phases of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Brotto Lori A. , Chankasingh Kyle , Baaske Alexandra , Albert Arianne , Booth Amy , Kaida Angela , Smith Laurie W. , Racey Sarai , Gottschlich Anna , Murray Melanie C.M. , Sadarangani Manish , Ogilvie Gina S. , Galea Liisa
Published: June 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has had profound physical and mental health effects on populations around the world. Limited empirical research has used a gender-based lens to evaluate the mental health impacts of the pandemic, overlooking the impact of public health measures on marginalized groups, such as women, and the gender diverse community. This study used a gender-based analysis to determine the prevalence of psychosocial symptoms and substance use by age, ethnicity, income, rurality, education level, Indigenous status, and sexual orientation.

Participants in the study were recruited from previously established cohorts as a part of the COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Study of a Provincial Population-Based Cohort for Gender and Sex (RESPPONSE) study. Those who agreed to participate were asked to self-report symptoms of depression, anxiety, pandemic stress, loneliness, alcohol use, and cannabis use across five phases of the pandemic as well as retrospectively before the pandemic.

For all psychosocial outcomes, there was a significant effect of time with all five phases of the pandemic being associated with more psychosocial symptoms relative to pre-COVID levels (p < .0001). Gender was significantly associated with all outcomes (p < .0001) with men exhibiting lower scores (i.e., less symptoms) than women and gender diverse participants, and women exhibiting lower scores than the gender diverse group. Other significant predictors were age (younger populations experiencing more symptoms, p < .0001), ethnicity (Chinese/Taiwanese individuals experiencing less symptoms, p = .005), and Indigenous status (Indigenous individuals experiencing more symptoms, p < .0001). Alcohol use and cannabis use increased relative to pre-pandemic levels, and women reported a greater increase in cannabis use than men (p < .0001). Our findings highlight the need for policy makers and leaders to proactively consider gender when tailoring public health measures for future pandemics.
Liana optical traits increase tropical forest albedo and reduce ecosystem productivity
Authors: Meunier Félicien , Visser Marco D. , Shiklomanov Alexey , Dietze Michael C. , Guzmán Q. J. Antonio , Sanchez-Azofeifa Arturo , De Deurwaerder Hannes P. T. , Krishna Moorthy Sruthi M. , Schnitzer Stefan A. , Marvin David C. , Longo Marcos , Chang Liu , Broadbent Eben N. , Almeyda Zambrano Angelica M. , Muller-Landau Helene , Detto Matteo , Verbeeck Hans
Published: June 2021

Lianas are a key growth form in tropical forests. Their lack of self-supporting tissues and their vertical position on top of the canopy make them strong competitors of resources. A few pioneer studies have shown that liana optical traits differ on average from those of colocated tree. Those trait discrepancies were hypothesized to be responsible for the competitive advantage of lianas over trees. Yet, in the absence of reliable modelling tools, it is impossible to unravel their impact on the forest energy balance, light competition and on the liana success in Neotropical forests. To bridge this gap, we performed a meta-analysis of the literature to gather all published liana leaf optical spectra, as well as all canopy spectra measured over different levels of liana infestation. We then used a Bayesian data assimilation framework applied to two radiative transfer models (RTMs) covering the leaf and canopy scales to derive tropical tree and liana trait distributions, which finally informed a full dynamic vegetation model. According to the RTMs inversion, lianas grew thinner, more horizontal leaves with lower pigment concentrations. Those traits made the lianas particularly efficient at light interception and completely modified the forest energy balance and its carbon cycle. While forest albedo increased by 14% in the shortwave, light availability was dramatically reduced in the understory (−30% of the PAR radiation) and soil temperature decreased by 0.5°C. Those liana-specific traits were also responsible for a significant reduction of tree (−19%) and ecosystem (−7%) gross primary productivity (GPP) while lianas benefited from them (their GPP increased by +27%). This study provides a novel mechanistic explanation to the increase in liana abundance, new evidence of the impact of structural parasitism on forest functioning, and paves the way for the evaluation of the large-scale impacts of woody vines on forest biogeochemical cycles.
Population structure analysis and laboratory monitoring of Shigella with a standardised core-genome multilocus sequence typing scheme
Authors: Yassine Iman , Lefèvre Sophie , Hansen Elisabeth E. , Ruckly Corinne , Carle Isabelle , Lejay-Collin Monique , Fabre Laëtitia , Rafei Rayane , Clermont Dominique , de la Gandara Maria Pardos , Dabboussi Fouad , Thomson Nicholas R. , Weill François-Xavier
Published: June 2021

The laboratory surveillance of bacillary dysentery is based on a standardised Shigella typing scheme that classifies Shigella strains into four serogroups and more than 50 serotypes on the basis of biochemical tests and lipopolysaccharide O-antigen serotyping. Real-time genomic surveillance of Shigella infections has been implemented in several countries, but without the use of a standardised typing scheme. We studied over 4,000 reference strains and clinical isolates of Shigella, covering all serotypes, with both the current serotyping scheme and the standardised EnteroBase core-genome multilocus sequence typing scheme (cgMLST). The Shigella genomes were grouped into eight phylogenetically distinct clusters, within the E. coli species. The cgMLST hierarchical clustering (HC) analysis at different levels of resolution (HC2000 to HC400) recognised the natural groupings for Shigella. By contrast, the serotyping scheme was affected by horizontal gene transfer, leading to a conflation of genetically unrelated Shigella strains and a separation of genetically related strains. The use of this cgMLST scheme will enhance the laboratory surveillance of Shigella infections.
Simulation of foraging behavior using a decision-making agent with Bayesian and inverse Bayesian inference: Temporal correlations and power laws in displacement patterns
Authors: Shinohara Shuji , Okamoto Hiroshi , Manome Nobuhito , Gunji Pegio-Yukio , Nakajima Yoshihiro , Moriyama Toru , Chung Ung-il
Published: June 2021

It has been stated that in human migratory behavior, the step length series may have temporal correlation and that there is some relationship between this time dependency and the fact that the frequency distribution of step length follows a power-law distribution. Furthermore, the frequency of occurrence of the step length in some large marine organisms has been found to switch between power-law and exponential distributions, depending on the difficulty of prey acquisition. However, to date it has not been clarified how the aforementioned three phenomena arise: the positive correlation created in the step length series, the relation between the positive correlation of the step length series and the form of an individual’s step length distribution, and the switching between power-law and exponential distributions depending on the abundance of prey. This study simulated foraging behavior using the Bayesian decision-making agent simultaneously performing both knowledge learning and knowledge-based inference to analyze how the aforementioned three phenomena arise. In the agent with learning and inference, past experiences were stored as hypotheses (knowledge) and they were used in current foraging behavior; at the same time, the hypothesis continued to be updated based on new experiences. The simulation results show that the agent with both learning and inference has a mechanism that simultaneously causes all the phenomena.
TissueGrinder, a novel technology for rapid generation of patient-derived single cell suspensions from solid tumors by mechanical tissue dissociation
Authors: Scheuermann Stefan , Lehmann Jonas M. , Mohan Ramkumar Ramani , Reißfelder Christoph , Rückert Felix , Langejürgen Jens , Pallavi Prama
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Recent advances hold promise of making personalized medicine a step closer to implementation in clinical settings. However, traditional sample preparation methods are not robust and reproducible. In this study, the TissueGrinder, a novel mechanical semi-automated benchtop device, which can isolate cells from tissue in a very fast and enzyme-free way is tested for cell isolation from surgically resected tumor tissues.

Methods

33 surgically resected tumor tissues from various but mainly pancreatic, liver or colorectal origins were processed by both novel TissueGrinder and explant method. An optimized processing program for tumors from pancreatic, liver or colorectal cancer was developed. The viability and morphological characteristics of the isolated cells were evaluated microscopically. Expression of pancreatic cancer markers was evaluated in cells isolated from pancreatic tumors. Finally, the effect of mechanical stress on the cells was evaluated by assessing apoptosis markers via western blotting.

Results

TissueGinder was more efficient in isolating cells from tumor tissue with a success rate of 75% when compared to explant method 45% in terms of cell outgrowth six weeks after processing. Cells isolated with TissueGinder had a higher abundance and were more heterogeneous in composition as compared to explant method. Mechanical processing of the cells with TissueGrinder does not lead to apoptosis but causes slight stress to the cells.

Discussion

Our results show that TissueGrinder can process solid tumor tissues more rapidly and efficiently and with higher success rate compared to the conventionally used explant method. The results of the study suggest that the TissueGrinder might be a suitable method for obtaining cells, which is important for its application in individualized therapy. Due to the great variance in different tumor entities and the associated individual tissue characteristics, a further development of the dissociation protocol for other types of tumors and normal will be targeted.
Single domain shark VNAR antibodies neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro
Authors: Gauhar Aziz , Privezentzev Cyril V , Demydchuk Mykhaylo , Gerlza Tanja , Rieger Julia , Kungl Andreas J , Walsh Frank S , Lynn Rutkowski J , Stocki Pawel
Published: June 2021

Single domain shark VNAR antibodies can offer a viable alternative to conventional Ig-based monoclonal antibodies in treating COVID-19 disease during the current pandemic. Here we report the identification of neutralizing single domain VNAR antibodies selected against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein derived from the Wuhan variant using phage display. We identified 56 unique binding clones that exhibited high affinity and specificity to the spike protein. Of those, 10 showed an ability to block both the spike protein receptor binding domain from the Wuhan variant and the N501Y mutant from interacting with recombinant ACE2 receptor in vitro. In addition, 3 antibody clones retained in vitro blocking activity when the E484K spike protein mutant was used. The inhibitory property of the VNAR antibodies was further confirmed for all 10 antibody clones using ACE2 expressing cells with spike protein from the Wuhan variant. The viral neutralizing potential of the VNAR clones was also confirmed for the 10 antibodies tested using live Wuhan variant virus in in vitro cell infectivity assays. Single domain VNAR antibodies due to their low complexity, small size, unique epitope recognition and formatting flexibility should be a useful adjunct to existing antibody approaches to treat COVID-19.
It happened again: convergent evolution of acylglucose specialized metabolism in black nightshade and wild tomato
Authors: Lou Yann-Ru , Anthony Thilani M. , Fiesel Paul D. , Arking Rachel E. , Christensen Elizabeth M. , Jones A. Daniel , Last Robert L.
Published: June 2021

Plants synthesize myriad phylogenetically-restricted specialized (aka ‘secondary’) metabolites with diverse structures. Metabolism of acylated sugar esters in epidermal glandular secreting trichomes across the Solanaceae (nightshade) family are ideal for investigating the mechanisms of evolutionary metabolic diversification. We developed methods to structurally analyze acylhexose mixtures by 2D NMR, which led to the insight that the Old World species black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) accumulates acylglucoses and acylinositols in the same tissue. Detailed in vitro biochemistry – cross validated by in vivo virus induced gene silencing – revealed two unique features of the four-step acylglucose biosynthetic pathway: a trichome-expressed, neofunctionalized invertase-like enzyme, SnASFF1, converts BAHD-produced acylsucroses to acylglucoses, which in turn are substrates for the first-reported acylglucose acyltransferase, SnAGAT1. This biosynthetic pathway evolved independently from that recently described in the wild tomato S. pennellii, reinforcing that acylsugar biosynthesis is evolutionarily dynamic with independent examples of primary metabolic enzyme cooption and additional variation in BAHD acyltransferases.

Teaser

Analysis of plant protective surface hair chemistry revealed evolutionary mechanisms leading to metabolic innovation.