bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic background influences survival of infections with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in the Collaborative Cross
Authors: Scoggin Kristin , Lynch Rachel , Gupta Jyotsana , Nagarajan Aravindh , Sheffield Maxwell , Elsaadi Ahmed , Bowden Christopher , Aminian Manuchehr , Peterson Amy , Adams L. Garry , Kirby Michael , Threadgill David W. , Andrews-Polymenis Helene L.
Published: April 2022

Salmonella infections typically cause self-limiting gastroenteritis, but in some individuals these bacteria can spread systemically and cause disseminated disease. Salmonella Typhimurium (STm), which causes severe systemic disease in most inbred mice, has been used as a model for disseminated disease. To screen for new infection phenotypes across a range of host genetics, we orally infected 32 Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse strains with STm and monitored their disease progression for seven days by telemetry. Our data revealed a broad range of phenotypes across CC strains in many parameters including survival, bacterial colonization, tissue damage, complete blood counts (CBC), and serum cytokines. Eighteen CC strains survived to day 7, while fourteen susceptible strains succumbed to infection before day 7. Several CC strains had sex differences in survival and colonization. Surviving strains had lower pre-infection baseline temperatures and were less active during their daily active period. Core body temperature disruptions were detected earlier after STm infection than activity disruptions, making temperature a better detector of illness. All CC strains had STm in spleen and liver, but susceptible strains were more highly colonized. Tissue damage was weakly negatively correlated to survival. We identified loci associated with survival on Chromosomes (Chr) 1, 2, 4, 7. Polymorphisms in Ncf2 and Slc11a1, known to reduce survival in mice after STm infections, are located in the Chr 1 interval, and the Chr 7 association overlaps with a previously identified QTL peak called Ses2. We identified two new genetic regions on Chr 2 and 4 associated with susceptibility to STm infection. Our data reveal the diversity of responses to STm infection across a range of host genetics and identified new candidate regions for survival of STm infection.
Filling gaps in bacterial catabolic pathways with computation and high-throughput genetics
Authors: Price Morgan N. , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Arkin Adam P.
Published: April 2022

To discover novel catabolic enzymes and transporters, we combined high-throughput genetic data from 29 bacteria with an automated tool to find gaps in their catabolic pathways. GapMind for carbon sources automatically annotates the uptake and catabolism of 62 compounds in bacterial and archaeal genomes. For the compounds that are utilized by the 29 bacteria, we systematically examined the gaps in GapMind’s predicted pathways, and we used the mutant fitness data to find additional genes that were involved in their utilization. We identified novel pathways or enzymes for the utilization of glucosamine, citrulline, myo-inositol, lactose, and phenylacetate, and we annotated 299 diverged enzymes and transporters. We also curated 125 proteins from published reports. For the 29 bacteria with genetic data, GapMind finds high-confidence paths for 85% of utilized carbon sources. In diverse bacteria and archaea, 38% of utilized carbon sources have high-confidence paths, which was improved from 27% by incorporating the fitness-based annotations and our curation. GapMind for carbon sources is available as a web server (http://papers.genomics.lbl.gov/carbon) and takes just 30 seconds for the typical genome.
Analytical sensitivity and clinical performance of "COVID-19 RT-PCR Real TM FAST (CY5) (ATGen, Uruguay) and "ECUGEN SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR" (UDLA-STARNEWCORP, Ecuador)": High quality-low cost local SARS-CoV-2 tests for South America
Authors: Freire-Paspuel Byron , Morales-Jadan Diana , Zambrano-Mila Marlon , Perez Franklin , Garcia-Bereguiain Miguel Angel
Published: April 2022

Background

Dozens of commercial RT-qPCR kits for SARS-CoV-2 detection are available with or without Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by FDA or other regulatory agencies.

Objective

We evaluated the clinical performance of two SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kits designed and produced in South America, "COVID-19 RT-PCR Real TM FAST (CY5)" (ATGen, Uruguay) and "ECUGEN SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR" (UDLA-STARNEWCORP, Ecuador), for RT-qPCR SARS-CoV2 detection using "TaqMan 2019-nCoV Assay Kit v1" (Thermofisher, USA) as a gold standard technique.

Results

We report a great clinical performance and analytical sensitivity for the two South American kits with sensitivity values of 96.4 and 100%, specificity of 100% and limit of detection in the range of 10 copies/uL of RNA extraction.

Conclusions

"COVID-19 RT-PCR Real TM FAST (CY5)" and "ECUGEN SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR" kits are reliable SARS-CoV-2 tests made in South America that have been extensively used in Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and Ecuador. These locally produced SARS-CoV-2 tests have contributed to overcome supply shortages and reduce diagnosis cost, while maintaining the high quality standards of FDA EUA commercially available kits. This approach could be extended for other diagnostic products to improve infectious diseases surveillance at middle and low income countries beyond COVID-19 pandemic.
Single cell genome sequencing of laboratory mouse microbiota improves taxonomic and functional resolution of this model microbial community
Authors: Lyalina Svetlana , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Wu Frank , Sanjabi Shomyseh , Pollard Katherine S.
Published: April 2022

Laboratory mice are widely studied as models of mammalian biology, including the microbiota. However, much of the taxonomic and functional diversity of the mouse gut microbiome is missed in current metagenomic studies, because genome databases have not achieved a balanced representation of the diverse members of this ecosystem. Towards solving this problem, we used flow cytometry and low-coverage sequencing to capture the genomes of 764 single cells from the stool of three laboratory mice. From these, we generated 298 high-coverage microbial genome assemblies, which we annotated for open reading frames and phylogenetic placement. These genomes increase the gene catalog and phylogenetic breadth of the mouse microbiota, adding 135 novel species with the greatest increase in diversity to theMuribaculaceaeandBacteroidaceaefamilies. This new diversity also improves the read mapping rate, taxonomic classifier performance, and gene detection rate of mouse stool metagenomes. The novel microbial functions revealed through our single-cell genomes highlight previously invisible pathways that may be important for life in the murine gastrointestinal tract.
Parallel operated hybrid Arithmetic-Salp swarm optimizer for optimal allocation of multiple distributed generation units in distribution networks
Authors: Anjum Zeeshan Memon , Said Dalila Mat , Hassan Mohammad Yusri , Leghari Zohaib Hussain , Sahar Gul
Published: April 2022

The installation of Distributed Generation (DG) units in the Radial Distribution Networks (RDNs) has significant potential to minimize active power losses in distribution networks. However, inaccurate size(s) and location(s) of DG units increase power losses and associated Annual Financial Losses (AFL). A comprehensive review of the literature reveals that existing analytical, metaheuristic and hybrid algorithms employed on DG allocation problems trap in local or global optima resulting in higher power losses. To address these limitations, this article develops a parallel hybrid Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm and Salp Swarm Algorithm (AOASSA) for the optimal sizing and placement of DGs in the RDNs. The proposed parallel hybrid AOASSA enables the mutual benefit of both algorithms, i.e., the exploration capability of the SSA and the exploitation capability of the AOA. The performance of the proposed algorithm has been analyzed against the hybrid Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm Particle Swarm Optimization (AOAPSO), Salp Swarm Algorithm Particle Swarm Optimization (SSAPSO), standard AOA, SSA, and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms. The results obtained reveals that the proposed algorithm produces quality solutions and minimum power losses in RDNs. The Power Loss Reduction (PLR) obtained with the proposed algorithm has also been validated against recent analytical, metaheuristic and hybrid optimization algorithms with the help of three cases based on the number of DG units allocated. Using the proposed algorithm, the PLR and associated AFL reduction of the 33-bus and 69-bus RDNs improved to 65.51% and 69.14%, respectively. This study will help the local distribution companies to minimize power losses and associated AFL in the long-term planning paradigm.
Contribution of cardio-vascular risk factors to depressive status in the PREDIMED-PLUS Trial. A cross-sectional and a 2-year longitudinal study
Authors: Martín-Peláez Sandra , Serra-Majem Lluis , Cano-Ibáñez Naomi , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Corella Dolores , Lassale Camille , Martínez Jose Alfredo , Alonso-Gómez Ángel M. , Wärnberg Julia , Vioque Jesús , Romaguera Dora , López-Miranda José , Estruch Ramón , Tinahones Francisco J. , Lapetra José , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Tur Josep A. , Martín Vicente , Pintó Xavier , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel , Matía Pilar , Vidal Josep , Vázquez Clotilde , Daimiel Lidia , Ros Emili , Toledo Estefanía , Nishi Stephanie K. , Sorli Jose V. , Malcampo Mireia , Zulet M. Ángeles , Moreno-Rodríguez Anaí , Cueto-Galán Raquel , Vivancos-Aparicio Diego , Colom Antoni , García-Ríos Antonio , Casas Rosa , Bernal-López M Rosa , Santos-Lozano Jose Manuel , Vázquez Zenaida , Gómez-Martínez Carlos , Ortega-Azorín Carolina , del Val Jose Luís , Abete Itziar , Goikoetxea-Bahon Amaia , Pascual Elena , Becerra-Tomás Nerea , Chillarón Juan J. , Sánchez-Villegas Almudena
Published: April 2022

Background

Cardio-vascular disease and depression are thought to be closely related, due to shared risk factors. The aim of the study was to determine the association between cardio-vascular risk (CVR) factors and depressive status in a population (55–75 years) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) from the PREDIMED-Plus trial.

Methods and findings

Participants were classified into three groups of CVR according to the Framingham-based REGICOR function: (1) low (LR), (2) medium (MR) or (3) high/very high (HR). The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was used to assess depressive symptoms at baseline and after 2 years. The association between CVR and depressive status at baseline (n = 6545), and their changes after 2 years (n = 4566) were evaluated through multivariable regression models (logistic and linear models). HR women showed higher odds of depressive status than LR [OR (95% CI) = 1.78 (1.26, 2.50)]. MR and HR participants with total cholesterol <160 mg/mL showed higher odds of depression than LR [OR (95% CI) = 1.77 (1.13, 2.77) and 2.83 (1.25, 6.42) respectively)] but those with total cholesterol ≥280 mg/mL showed lower odds of depression than LR [OR (95% CI) = 0.26 (0.07, 0.98) and 0.23 (0.05, 0.95), respectively]. All participants decreased their BDI-II score after 2 years, being the decrease smaller in MR and HR diabetic compared to LR [adjusted mean±SE = -0.52±0.20, -0.41±0.27 and -1.25±0.31 respectively). MR and HR participants with total cholesterol between 240–279 mg/mL showed greater decreases in the BDI-II score compared to LR (adjusted mean±SE = -0.83±0.37, -0.77±0.64 and 0.97±0.52 respectively).

Conclusions

Improving cardiovascular health could prevent the onset of depression in the elderly. Diabetes and total cholesterol in individuals at high CVR, may play a specific role in the precise response. International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial (ISRCTN89898870).
Pandemic and prejudice: Results from a national survey experiment
Authors: Kaushal Neeraj , Lu Yao , Huang Xiaoning
Published: April 2022

Do health and economic shocks exacerbate prejudice towards racial/ethnic minority groups? We investigate this question in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic by collecting nationally representative survey data with an embedded experiment. Results show that priming COVID-19 salience has an immediate impact: compared to the control group, respondents in the treatment group reported increased prejudice towards East Asian and Hispanic colleagues. East Asians in the treatment group faced higher prejudicial responses from Americans living in counties with higher COVID-19 infections and those who lost jobs due to COVID-19, and fewer prejudicial responses in counties with a higher concentration of Asians. These results point to the salience of COVID-19 fueled health and economic insecurities in shaping prejudicial attitudes, specifically towards East Asians. County-level socioeconomic factors did not moderate the increased prejudicial attitudes toward Hispanics in the workplace. These findings highlight a dimension of prejudice, intensified during the pandemic, which has been largely underreported and therefore missing from the current discourse on this important topic.
Successful implementation of parenting support at preschool: An evaluation of Triple P in Sweden
Authors: Dahlberg Anton , Salari Raziye , Fängström Karin , Fabian Helena , Sarkadi Anna
Published: April 2022

Although emotional and behavioural problems among young children are common and, if unaddressed, can lead to multi-facetted problems later in life, there is little research investigating the implementation of parenting programs that target these problems. In this study, the RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate the implementation of the Triple P parenting program in a preschool setting at a medium-sized municipality in Sweden. Reach increased over time, showing an overall increase in participating fathers and parents with lower education. Effectiveness outcomes showed an improvement in emotional and behavioural problems in children and less mental health-related symptoms and higher self-efficacy in parents. Adoption rate was 93.3%. To ensure staff “buy-in”, designated coordinators made changes in recruitment procedures, and provided supervision and training to all Triple P practitioners. Implementation adaptations were made, such as minor revisions of parenting strategies and other program content, as well as providing child care during seminars and groups, and setting up weekend-groups. Maintenance assessed through 12 month follow-up data suggested that several child and parent outcomes were maintained over time. Uppsala municipality continues to offer Triple P to parents. The reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance of the program were all satisfactory and demonstrated the suitability of delivering evidence-based parenting support using preschools as an arena.
Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health
Authors: Knight Andrew , Huang Eason , Rai Nicholas , Brown Hazel
Published: April 2022

Alternative pet foods may offer benefits concerning environmental sustainability and the welfare of animals processed into pet foods. However, some worry these may compromise the welfare of pets. We asked 2,639 dog guardians about one dog living with them, for at least one year. Among 2,596 involved in pet diet decision-making, pet health was a key factor when choosing diets. 2,536 provided information relating to a single dog, fed a conventional meat (1,370 = 54%), raw meat (830 = 33%) or vegan (336 = 13%) diet for at least one year. We examined seven general indicators of ill health: unusual numbers of veterinary visits, medication use, progression onto a therapeutic diet after initial maintenance on a vegan or meat-based diet, guardian opinion and predicted veterinary opinion of health status, percentage of unwell dogs and number of health disorders per unwell dog. Dogs fed conventional diets appeared to fare worse than those fed either of the other two diets. Dogs fed raw meat appeared to fare marginally better than those fed vegan diets. However, there were statistically significant differences in average ages. Dogs fed raw meat were younger, which has been demonstrated to be associated with improved health outcomes. Additionally, non-health related factors may have improved apparent outcomes for dogs fed raw meat, for three of seven general health indicators. We also considered the prevalence of 22 specific health disorders, based on predicted veterinary assessments. Percentages of dogs in each dietary group considered to have suffered from health disorders were 49% (conventional meat), 43% (raw meat) and 36% (vegan). Significant evidence indicates that raw meat diets are often associated with dietary hazards, including nutritional deficiencies and imbalances, and pathogens. Accordingly, the pooled evidence to date indicates that the healthiest and least hazardous dietary choices for dogs, are nutritionally sound vegan diets.
Cumulative advantage and citation performance of repeat authors in scholarly journals
Authors: Siler Kyle , Vincent-Lamarre Philippe , Sugimoto Cassidy R. , Larivière Vincent
Published: April 2022

Cumulative advantage–commonly known as the Matthew Effect–influences academic output and careers. Given the challenge and uncertainty of gauging the quality of academic research, gatekeepers often possess incentives to prefer the work of established academics. Such preferences breach scientific norms of universalism and can stifle innovation. This article analyzes repeat authors within academic journals as a possible exemplar of the Matthew Effect. Using publication data for 347 economics journals from 1980–2017, as well as from three major generalist science journals, we analyze how articles written by repeat authors fare vis-à-vis less-experienced authors. Results show that articles written by repeat authors steadily decline in citation impact with each additional repeat authorship. Despite these declines, repeat authors also tend to garner more citations than debut authors. These contrasting results suggest both benefits and drawbacks associated with repeat authorships. Journals appear to respond to feedback from previous publications, as more-cited authors in a journal are more likely to be selected for repeat authorships. Institutional characteristics of journals also affect the likelihood of repeat authorship, as well as citation outcomes. Repeat authorships–particularly in leading academic journals–reflect innovative incentives and professional reward structures, while also influencing the intellectual content of science.
Elevation, disturbance, and forest type drive the occurrence of a specialist arboreal folivore
Authors: Lindenmayer David B. , McBurney Lachlan , Blanchard Wade , Marsh Karen , Bowd Elle , Watchorn Darcy , Taylor Chris , Youngentob Kara
Published: April 2022

Quantifying the factors associated with the presence and abundance of species is critical for conservation. Here, we quantify the factors associated with the occurrence of the Southern Greater Glider in the forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria, south-eastern Australia. We gathered counts of animals along transects and constructed models of the probability of absence, and then the abundance if animals were present (conditional abundance), based on species’ associations with forest type, forest age, the abundance of denning sites in large old hollow-bearing trees, climatic conditions, and vegetation density. We found evidence of forest type effects, with animals being extremely uncommon in Alpine Ash and Shining Gum forest. In Mountain Ash forest, we found a negative relationship between the abundance of hollow-bearing trees and the probability of Southern Greater Glider absence. We also found a forest age effect, with the Southern Greater Glider completely absent from the youngest sites that were subject to a high-severity, stand-replacing wildfire in 2009. The best fitting conditional abundance model for the Southern Greater Glider included a strong positive effect of elevation; the species was more abundant in Mountain Ash forests at higher elevations. Our study highlights the importance of sites with large old hollow-bearing trees for the Southern Greater Glider, although such trees are in rapid decline in Mountain Ash forests. The influence of elevation on conditional abundance suggests that areas at higher elevations will be increasingly important for the conservation of the species, except where Mountain Ash forest is replaced by different tree species that may be unsuitable for the Southern Greater Glider.
Does it matter in what family constellations adolescents live? Reconsidering the relationship between family structure and delinquent behaviour
Authors: Svensson Robert , Johnson Björn
Published: April 2022

Objectives

This study examines the associations between ten family structure types and delinquency, including four groups of symmetrical and asymmetrical living arrangements. We also adjust for attachment to parents and parental monitoring.

Methods

Data are drawn from four cross-sectional surveys conducted between 2016 and 2019 in southern Sweden. The sample consists of 3,838 adolescents, aged 14–15. Negative binomial models were used to calculate the associations between family structure and delinquency.

Results

The results show that those living in single-father, single-mother, father-stepmother, mother-stepfather families report significantly more delinquency than adolescents living with both their parents. Adolescents living in “symmetrical” family arrangements, i.e. both parents are single or have a new partner, reported lower levels of delinquency, whereas adolescents living in “asymmetrical” family arrangements, i.e. where either the mother or the father, but not both, have a new partner, reported higher levels of delinquency. Most of the associations between family structure and delinquency decline when adjusted for attachment to parents and parental monitoring.

Discussion

This study shows that it is important to move on to the use of more detailed categorisations of family structure in relation to delinquency. We need to increase our knowledge about the group of adolescents that moves between parents and especially about the different constellations of asymmetrical and symmetrical living arrangements.
Health and science-related disinformation on COVID-19: A content analysis of hoaxes identified by fact-checkers in Spain
Authors: León Bienvenido , Martínez-Costa María-Pilar , Salaverría Ramón , López-Goñi Ignacio
Published: April 2022

A massive “infodemic” developed in parallel with the global COVID-19 pandemic and contributed to public misinformation at a time when access to quality information was crucial. This research aimed to analyze the science and health-related hoaxes that were spread during the pandemic with the objectives of (1) identifying the characteristics of the form and content of such false information, and the platforms used to spread them, and (2) formulating a typology that can be used to classify the different types of hoaxes according to their connection with scientific information. The study was conducted by analyzing the content of hoaxes which were debunked by the three main fact-checking organizations in Spain in the three months following WHO’s announcement of the pandemic (N = 533). The results indicated that science and health content played a prominent role in shaping the spread of these hoaxes during the pandemic. The most common hoaxes on science and health involved information on scientific research or health management, used text, were based on deception, used real sources, were international in scope, and were spread through social networks. Based on the analysis, we proposed a system for classifying science and health-related hoaxes, and identified four types according to their connection to scientific knowledge: “hasty” science, decontextualized science, badly interpreted science, and falsehood without a scientific basis. The rampant propagation and widespread availability of disinformation point to the need to foster media and scientific caution and literacy among the public and increase awareness of the importance of timing and substantiation of scientific research. The results can be useful in improving media literacy to face disinformation, and the typology we formulate can help develop future systems for automated detection of health and science-related hoaxes.
Using machine learning to understand age and gender classification based on infant temperament
Authors: Gartstein Maria A. , Seamon D. Erich , Mattera Jennifer A. , Bosquet Enlow Michelle , Wright Rosalind J. , Perez-Edgar Koraly , Buss Kristin A. , LoBue Vanessa , Bell Martha Ann , Goodman Sherryl H. , Spieker Susan , Bridgett David J. , Salisbury Amy L. , Gunnar Megan R. , Mliner Shanna B. , Muzik Maria , Stifter Cynthia A. , Planalp Elizabeth M. , Mehr Samuel A. , Spelke Elizabeth S. , Lukowski Angela F. , Groh Ashley M. , Lickenbrock Diane M. , Santelli Rebecca , Du Rocher Schudlich Tina , Anzman-Frasca Stephanie , Thrasher Catherine , Diaz Anjolii , Dayton Carolyn , Moding Kameron J. , Jordan Evan M.
Published: April 2022

Age and gender differences are prominent in the temperament literature, with the former particularly salient in infancy and the latter noted as early as the first year of life. This study represents a meta-analysis utilizing Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R) data collected across multiple laboratories (N = 4438) to overcome limitations of smaller samples in elucidating links among temperament, age, and gender in early childhood. Algorithmic modeling techniques were leveraged to discern the extent to which the 14 IBQ-R subscale scores accurately classified participating children as boys (n = 2,298) and girls (n = 2,093), and into three age groups: youngest (< 24 weeks; n = 1,102), mid-range (24 to 48 weeks; n = 2,557), and oldest (> 48 weeks; n = 779). Additionally, simultaneous classification into age and gender categories was performed, providing an opportunity to consider the extent to which gender differences in temperament are informed by infant age. Results indicated that overall age group classification was more accurate than child gender models, suggesting that age-related changes are more salient than gender differences in early childhood with respect to temperament attributes. However, gender-based classification was superior in the oldest age group, suggesting temperament differences between boys and girls are accentuated with development. Fear emerged as the subscale contributing to accurate classifications most notably overall. This study leads infancy research and meta-analytic investigations more broadly in a new direction as a methodological demonstration, and also provides most optimal comparative data for the IBQ-R based on the largest and most representative dataset to date.
Facemasks: Perceptions and use in an ED population during COVID-19
Authors: Eswaran Vidya , Chang Anna Marie , Wilkerson R. Gentry , O’Laughlin Kelli N. , Chinnock Brian , Eucker Stephanie A. , Baumann Brigitte M. , Anaya Nancy , Miller Daniel G. , Haggins Adrianne N. , Torres Jesus R. , Anderson Erik S. , Lim Stephen C. , Caldwell Martina T. , Raja Ali S. , Rodriguez Robert M. ,   The REVVED-UP Investigators
Published: April 2022

Study objective

Facemask use is associated with reduced transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Most surveys assessing perceptions and practices of mask use miss the most vulnerable racial, ethnic, and socio-economic populations. These same populations have suffered disproportionate impacts from the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to assess beliefs, access, and practices of mask wearing across 15 urban emergency department (ED) populations.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study of ED patients from December 2020 to March 2021 at 15 geographically diverse, safety net EDs across the US. The primary outcome was frequency of mask use outside the home and around others. Other outcome measures included having enough masks and difficulty obtaining them.

Results

Of 2,575 patients approached, 2,301 (89%) agreed to participate; nine had missing data pertaining to the primary outcome, leaving 2,292 included in the final analysis. A total of 79% of respondents reported wearing masks “all of the time” and 96% reported wearing masks over half the time. Subjects with PCPs were more likely to report wearing masks over half the time compared to those without PCPs (97% vs 92%). Individuals experiencing homelessness were less likely to wear a mask over half the time compared to those who were housed (81% vs 96%).

Conclusions

Study participants reported high rates of facemask use. Respondents who did not have PCPs and those who were homeless were less likely to report wearing a mask over half the time and more likely to report barriers in obtaining masks. The ED may serve a critical role in education regarding, and provision of, masks for vulnerable populations.
A systematic review: Role of dietary supplements on markers of exercise-associated gut damage and permeability
Authors: Chantler Sarah , Griffiths Alex , Matu Jamie , Davison Glen , Holliday Adrian , Jones Ben
Published: April 2022

Nutrition strategies and supplements may have a role to play in diminishing exercise associated gastrointestinal cell damage and permeability. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the influence of dietary supplements on markers of exercise-induced gut endothelial cell damage and/or permeability. Five databases were searched through to February 2021. Studies were selected that evaluated indirect markers of gut endothelial cell damage and permeability in response to exercise with and without a specified supplement, including with and without water. Acute and chronic supplementation protocols were included. Twenty-seven studies were included. The studies investigated a wide range of supplements including bovine colostrum, glutamine, probiotics, supplemental carbohydrate and protein, nitrate or nitrate precursors and water across a variety of endurance exercise protocols. The majority of studies using bovine colostrum and glutamine demonstrated a reduction in selected markers of gut cell damage and permeability compared to placebo conditions. Carbohydrate intake before and during exercise and maintaining euhydration may partially mitigate gut damage and permeability but coincide with other performance nutrition strategies. Single strain probiotic strains showed some positive findings, but the results are likely strain, dosage and duration specific. Bovine colostrum, glutamine, carbohydrate supplementation and maintaining euhydration may reduce exercise-associated endothelial damage and improve gut permeability. In spite of a large heterogeneity across the selected studies, appropriate inclusion of different nutrition strategies could mitigate the initial phases of gastrointestinal cell disturbances in athletes associated with exercise. However, research is needed to clarify if this will contribute to improved athlete gastrointestinal and performance outcomes.
COVID-19 community spread and consequences for prison case rates
Authors: LeMasters Katherine , Ranapurwala Shabbar , Maner Morgan , Nowotny Kathryn M. , Peterson Meghan , Brinkley-Rubinstein Lauren
Published: April 2022

Background

COVID-19 and mass incarceration are closely intertwined with prisons having COVID-19 case rates much higher than the general population. COVID-19 has highlighted the relationship between incarceration and health, but prior work has not explored how COVID-19 spread in communities have influenced case rates in prisons. Our objective was to understand the relationship between COVID-19 case rates in the general population and prisons located in the same county.

Methods

Using North Carolina’s (NC) Department of Health and Human Services data, this analysis examines all COVID-19 tests conducted in NC from June-August 2020. Using interrupted time series analysis, we assessed the relationship between substantial community spread (50/100,000 detected in the last seven days) and active COVID-19 case rates (cases detected in the past 14 days/100,000) within prisons.

Results

From June-August 2020, NC ordered 29,605 tests from prisons and detected 1,639 cases. The mean case rates were 215 and 427 per 100,000 in the general and incarcerated population, respectively. Once counties reached substantial COVID-19 spread, the COVID-19 prison case rate increased by 118.55 cases per 100,000 (95% CI: -3.71, 240.81).

Conclusions

Community COVID-19 spread contributes to COVID-19 case rates in prisons. In counties with prisons, community spread should be closely monitored. Stringent measures within prisons (e.g., vaccination) and decarceration should be prioritized to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks.
The effect of metabolic health and obesity on lung function: A cross sectional study of 114,143 participants from Kangbuk Samsung Health Study
Authors: Lee Jonghoo , Park Hye Kyeong , Kwon Min-Jung , Ham Soo-Youn , Lim Si-Young , Song Jae-Uk
Published: April 2022

Objective

Although the role of obesity-induced metabolic abnormalities in impaired lung function is well-established, the risk of impaired lung function among obese individuals without metabolic abnormalities, referred to metabolically-healthy obesity (MHO), is largely unexplored. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of MHO on lung function in a large health-screening cohort.

Methods

114,143 subjects (65,342 men, mean age and BMI: 39.6 years and 23.6) with health examinations in 2019 were divided into four groups as follows: metabolically healthy non-obese (MHNO), MHO, metabolically unhealthy non-obese (MUHNO), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO). Metabolic health was defined as fewer than two metabolic syndrome components. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs), using MHNO as a reference, were calculated to determine lung function impairment.

Results

Approximately one-third (30.6%) of the study subjects were obese. The prevalence of MHO was 15.1%. Subjects with MHO had the highest FEV1% and FVC% values but the lowest FEV1/FVC ratio (p<0.001). These results persisted after controlling for covariates. Compared with MHNO, the aORs (95% confidence interval) for FEV1% < 80% in MHO, MUHNO and MUHO were 0.871 (0.775–0.978), 1.274 (1.114–1.456), and 1.176 (1.102–1.366), respectively (P for trend = 0.014). Similarly, the aORs in MHO, MUHNO, and MUHO were 0.704 (0.615–0.805), 1.241 (1.075–1.432), and 1.226 (1.043–1.441), respectively, for FVC% < 80% (p for trend = 0.013). However, the aORs for FEV1/FVC<0.7 were not significantly different between groups (p for trend = 0.173).

Conclusions

The MHO group had better lung function than other groups. However, longitudinal follow-up studies are required to validate our findings.
The effect of transverse ocular magnification adjustment on macular thickness profile in different refractive errors in community-based adults
Authors: Niyazmand Hamed , Lingham Gareth , Sanfilippo Paul G. , Blaszkowska Magdalena , Franchina Maria , Yazar Seyhan , Alonso-Caneiro David , Mackey David A. , Lee Samantha Sze-Yee
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Changes in retinal thickness are common in various ocular diseases. Transverse magnification due to differing ocular biometrics, in particular axial length, affects measurement of retinal thickness in different regions. This study evaluated the effect of axial length and refractive error on measured macular thickness in two community-based cohorts of healthy young adults.

Methods

A total of 2160 eyes of 1247 community-based participants (18–30 years; 23.4% myopes, mean axial length = 23.6mm) were included in this analysis. Macular thickness measurements were obtained using a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (which assumes an axial length of 24.385mm). Using a custom program, retinal thickness data were extracted at the 9 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) regions with and without correction for transverse magnificent effects, with the corrected measurements adjusting according to the participant’s axial length. Linear mixed models were used to analyse the effect of correction and its interaction with axial length or refractive group on retinal thickness.

Results

The raw measures (uncorrected for axial length) underestimated the true retinal thickness at the central macula, while overestimating at most non-central macular regions. There was an axial length by correction interaction effect in all but the nasal regions (all p<0.05). For each 1mm increase in axial length, the central macular thickness is overestimated by 2.7–2.9μm while thicknesses at other regions were underestimated by 0.2–4.1μm. Based on the raw thickness measurements, myopes have thinner retinas than non-myopes at most non-central macular. However, this difference was no longer significant when the corrected data was used.

Conclusion

In a community-based sample, the raw measurements underestimate the retinal thickness at the central macula and overestimate the retinal thickness at non-central regions of the ETDRS grid. The effect of axial length and refractive error on retinal thickness is reduced after correcting for transverse magnification effects resulting from axial length differences.
Retinoid-X receptor agonists increase thyroid hormone competence in lower jaw remodeling of pre-metamorphic Xenopus laevis tadpoles
Authors: Mengeling Brenda J. , Vetter Lara F. , Furlow J. David
Published: April 2022

Thyroid hormone (TH) signaling plays critical roles during vertebrate development, including regulation of skeletal and cartilage growth. TH acts through its receptors (TRs), nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) that heterodimerize with Retinoid-X receptors (RXRs), to regulate gene expression. A defining difference between NR signaling during development compared to in adult tissues, is competence, the ability of the organism to respond to an endocrine signal. Amphibian metamorphosis, especially in Xenopus laevis, the African clawed frog, is a well-established in vivo model for studying the mechanisms of TH action during development. Previously, we’ve used one-week post-fertilization X. laevis tadpoles, which are only partially competent to TH, to show that in the tail, which is naturally refractive to exogenous T3 at this stage, RXR agonists increase TH competence, and that RXR antagonism inhibits the TH response. Here, we focused on the jaw that undergoes dramatic TH-mediated remodeling during metamorphosis in order to support new feeding and breathing styles. We used a battery of approaches in one-week-old tadpoles, including quantitative morphology, differential gene expression and whole mount cell proliferation assays, to show that both pharmacologic (bexarotene) and environmental (tributyltin) RXR agonists potentiated TH-induced responses but were inactive in the absence of TH; and the RXR antagonist UVI 3003 inhibited TH action. Bex and TBT significantly potentiated cellular proliferation and the TH induction of runx2, a transcription factor critical for developing cartilage and bone. Prominent targets of RXR-mediated TH potentiation were members of the matrix metalloprotease family, suggesting that RXR potentiation may emphasize pathways responsible for rapid changes during development.
Host diversity and behavior determine patterns of interspecies transmission and geographic diffusion of avian influenza A subtypes among North American wild reservoir species
Authors: Hicks Joseph T. , Edwards Kimberly , Qiu Xueting , Kim Do-Kyun , Hixson James E. , Krauss Scott , Webby Richard J. , Webster Robert G. , Bahl Justin
Published: April 2022

Wild birds can carry avian influenza viruses (AIV), including those with pandemic or panzootic potential, long distances. Even though AIV has a broad host range, few studies account for host diversity when estimating AIV spread. We analyzed AIV genomic sequences from North American wild birds, including 303 newly sequenced isolates, to estimate interspecies and geographic viral transition patterns among multiple co-circulating subtypes. Our results show high transition rates within Anseriformes and Charadriiformes, but limited transitions between these orders. Patterns of transition between species were positively associated with breeding habitat range overlap, and negatively associated with host genetic distance. Distance between regions (negative correlation) and summer temperature at origin (positive correlation) were strong predictors of transition between locations. Taken together, this study demonstrates that host diversity and ecology can determine evolutionary processes that underlie AIV natural history and spread. Understanding these processes can provide important insights for effective control of AIV.
The Professional Profile of Teachers Working with Roma Students based on their Perceptions of Cultural Diversity. A Study in Compulsory Education
Authors:   Universidad de Granada, Spain, Lopez-Lopez Maria Carmen , Rodrguez-Sabiote Clemente ,   Universidad de Granada, Spain, La Malfa Stefania ,   Universidad de Granada, Spain
Published: April 2022

Encouraging inclusive and intercultural education has become one of the key objectives for a number of international organisations and educational systems. However, moving towards this goal is impossible without the collaboration of teachers as their perceptions influence the way they organise and carry out their professional activities. The aim of this paper is to define the professional profile of compulsory education teachers working with Roma students in the Italian city of Messina. It is based on a study of their perceptions of cultural diversity and involves 182 teachers responsible for teaching students in the first cycle of compulsory education (6-14 year olds). A quantitative design using descriptive statistics resulted in the identification of two types of teacher profile, one with positions favourable to cultural diversity and the other with views and practices not favourable to it.
“Why I Don’t Teach As I was Trained”: Vietnamese Early Career ESOL Teachers’ Experience of Reality Shock
Authors:   Phu Hoa High School, Tran-Than Vu
Published: April 2022

Trained intensively in teaching English for communication, beginning Vietnamese ESOL teachers still follow the traditional approach in their classroom, i.e., teaching for grammar-and-vocabulary exams. This contrast in pedagogical practices is caused by “reality shock”, which happens for most teachers during the first few years into teaching. The current study aims to explore how reality shock influences and transforms early career ESOL teachers’ teaching methodologies. It employs an interpretative case study research design to outline both external and internal factors that characterize reality shock. The results show that besides English education policy, students’ cooperativeness and professional support, the participants were also affected by their own pedagogical competence, beliefs, and attitudes. Recommendations for assessment policies, professional development and further research have also been put forward.
The Role of the Teacher as Assessor: Developing Student Teachers’ Assessment Identity
Authors:   Dublin City University, Doyle Audrey , Johnson Marie Conroy , Donlon Enda ,   Dublin City University, McDonald Elaine ,   Dublin City University, Sexton PJ ,   Dublin City University
Published: April 2022

The closure of schools across the globe due to the Covid-19 pandemic had the potential to have a catastrophic impact on a fundamental pillar of initial teacher education: school placement. This paper maps a new “site” of professional practice for “school placement” called “Teacher Online Programme” (TOP) using Xu and Brown’s (2016) conceptual framework of teacher assessment literacy in practice. Its main focus lies in the integration of the assessment baseline knowledge into the programme under the seven elements proposed by the framework. A case study methodology informed the approach taken. Data was collected and analysed in three phases: the Teaching Online Programme Year 3 (TOP3) initiative; Student-teacher and Tutor Questionnaires and Student-teacher and Tutor focus group interviews. The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted process of building teacher assessment identity which nests in the larger purposes for education. They encourage an emergentist and collaborative approach to assessment knowledge and view working in communities of practice as a threshold for creativity and innovation.
New records and deletions of Cruciferae for Russia and some neighbouring countries
Authors: German Dmitry A.
Published: April 2022

Based on the study of collections of LE, RV and RWBG, information on occurrence (or absence) of certain Cruciferae (Brassicaceae) species in Russia and some neighbouring states is updated. Camelina hispida is first recorded from Russia, Camelina sativa from Turkmenistan and Goldbachia torulosa from Ukraine as alien species apparently not naturalized in relevant countries. In contrast, Isatis armena, a novelty for the flora of both Russia and Europe, along with Plagioloba persica for the first time recorded from Kyrgyzstan, appears to be aboriginal elements in the newly revealed localities. At the same time, occurrence of Isatis cardiocarpa in Europe, as well as an introduction ofGoldbachia laevigata in Ukraine does not get support. In addition, the combination Plagioloba perfoliata is validated.
Taxonomic and ecological significance of seed morphology and ultrastructure in species of Lotus formerly classified in Dorycnium (Leguminosae – Loteae)
Authors: Kramina Tatyana E. , Polevova Svetlana V.
Published: April 2022

Seed morphology and ultrastructure of Lotus species from sections Dorycnium (L. dorycnium and L. graecus), Bonjeanea (L. rectus, L. hirsutusand L. strictus) and Lotus (L. corniculatus) have been studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The seeds of studied species have a conservative structure typical for most Papilionoideae. Seed size, shape and color only partially allow distinguishing species in the studied group. The most morphologically distinguishable seeds are those of members of the polyphyletic section Bonjeanea, with L. rectus having the smallest and L. strictus the largest seeds. Seed size ranges in the species of the section Dorycnium overlap both between the members of the section and with seeds of L. hirsutus (section Bonjeanea). Seed surface ultrastructure around the hilum is very stable among studied species, whereas that on the lateral seed side is more variable. The types of surface sculpture on the lateral seed side do not strongly correlate with taxonomic position of species, but some correlations with eco-geographical patterns can be traced. The type of seed surface micromorphology with inconspicuous primary sculpture and thick secondary cuticular deposits was revealed in taxa, which distribution is connected with the Mediterranean region (L. hirsutus, L. dorycnium subsp. gracilis and partially L. rectus). Foveolate-papillose primary sculpture with thin secondary cuticular deposits is typical for species occurring in milder climate (L. corniculatus, L. strictus, L. graecus). Studied species can be subdivided into two groups by endosperm thickness. We believe that thin endosperm revealed in L. strictus and L. corniculatus may be a trait connected with the acceleration of development when spreading from the Mediterranean to the temperate climatic zone.
Kovalevskaya Svetlana Sigizmundovna (1929–1987)
Authors: Cherneva Olga V. , Khassanov Furkat O. , Turdiboev Obidjon Abdumalik ugli
Published: April 2022

The article is dedicated to the memory of the excellent researcher of the flora of Central Asia Svetlana Sigizmundovna Kovalevskaya. All her life she was working in the lab of vascular plants in Institute of Botany (Tashkent, Uzbekistan).