bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phototropin Interactions with SUMO Proteins
Authors: Łabuz Justyna , Sztatelman Olga , Jagiełło-Flasińska Dominika , Hermanowicz Paweł , Bażant Aneta , Banaś Agnieszka Katarzyna , Bartnicki Filip , Giza Aleksandra , Kozłowska Anna , Lasok Hanna , Sitkiewicz Ewa , Krzeszowiec Weronika , Gabryś Halina , Strzałka Wojciech
Published: February 2021

The disruption of the sumoylation pathway affects processes controlled by the two phototropins (phots) of Arabidopsis thaliana, phot1 and phot2. Phots, plant UVA/blue light photoreceptors, regulate growth responses and fast movements aimed at optimizing photosynthesis, such as phototropism, chloroplast relocations and stomatal opening. Sumoylation is a posttranslational modification, consisting of the addition of a SUMO (SMALL UBIQUITIN-RELATED MODIFIER) protein to a lysine residue in the target protein. In addition to affecting the stability of proteins, it regulates their activity, interactions and subcellular localization. We examined physiological responses controlled by phots, phototropism and chloroplast movements, in sumoylation pathway mutants. Chloroplast accumulation in response to both continuous and pulse light was enhanced in the E3 ligase siz1 mutant, in a manner dependent on phot2. A significant decrease in phot2 protein abundance was observed in this mutant after blue light treatment both in seedlings and mature leaves. Using plant transient expression and yeast two-hybrid assays, we found that phots interacted with SUMO proteins mainly through their N-terminal parts, which contain the photosensory LOV domains. The covalent modification in phots by SUMO was verified using an Arabidopsis sumoylation system reconstituted in bacteria followed by the mass spectrometry analysis. Lys 297 was identified as the main target of SUMO3 in the phot2 molecule. Finally, sumoylation of phot2 was detected in Arabidopsis mature leaves upon light or heat stress treatment.
Gastrointestinal bleeding among hospitalizations for salicylate poisoning in the United States
Authors: Thongprayoon C , Lapumnuaypol K , Kaewput W , Petnak T , Qureshi F , Mao M A , Boonpheng B , Bathini T , Choudhury A , Vallabhajosyula S , Cheungpasitporn W
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aimed to determine the incidence, as well as evaluate risk factors, and impact of gastrointestinal bleeding on outcomes and resource use in patients admitted for salicylate poisoning.

Methods

We used the National Inpatient Sample to construct a cohort of patients hospitalized primarily for salicylate poisoning from 2003 to 2014. We compared clinical characteristics, in-hospital treatments, outcomes and resource use between salicylate poisoning patients with and without gastrointestinal bleeding.

Results

Of 13 805 hospital admissions for salicylate poisoning, gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 482 (3.5%) admissions. The risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding included older age, history of atrial fibrillation and cirrhosis. After adjusting for difference in baseline characteristics, patients with gastrointestinal bleeding required more gastric lavage, gastrointestinal endoscopy, invasive mechanical ventilation and red blood cell transfusion. Gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly associated with increased risk of anemia, circulatory, liver and hematological failure but was not significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality. The length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost was significantly higher in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Conclusion

Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in about 4% of patients admitted for salicylate poisoning. Gastrointestinal bleeding was associated with higher morbidity and resource use but not mortality.
Byron and His Twentieth-Century Poetic Legacy: Yeats, Auden, Berryman
Authors: Callaghan Madeleine
Published: February 2021

Throughout the twentieth century, Byron offers expressive opportunities for new generations of poets. However, critics have rarely chosen to explore the contours and content of this influence. This article understands Byron’s influence not as subconscious but as deliberately fashioned by his inheritors, where W. B. Yeats, W. H. Auden, and John Berryman choose the way in which Byron functions as a model in their poetry. Byron is neither forbidding ancestor nor kindly father. What Byron offers to his twentieth-century descendants would not be a shared manner or a collective talent for a well-placed echo or allusion to their precursor. Byron offers a multi-faceted example that his followers would explore and exploit. Focusing upon W. B. Yeats, W. H. Auden, and John Berryman, this article will explore how Byronic Romanticism becomes central to these twentieth-century poets. Byron’s cosmopolitanism offered each of his inheritors a version of an Anglophone poet far removed from the parochial model. Byron becomes an alternative version of Harold Bloom’s ‘exemplary Modern Poet’ especially adapted for twentieth-century purposes.
Septic Arthritis of Facet Joint in Children
Authors: Cabet Sara , Perge Kevin , Ouziel Antoine , Lacalm Audrey , Vandergugten Simon , Guibaud Laurent , Ferry Tristan , Gillet Yves , Ploin Dominique
Published: February 2021

Background:

Due to the low resolution of historical imaging technologies, descriptions of Septic Arthritis of Facet Joint (SAFJ) in children are scarce, though severe cases are known. We first aimed to estimate the incidence rate of SAFJ in children; we further aimed to specify SAFJ clinical, imaging and laboratory findings, and identify avenues for appropriate management.

Methods:

A 10-year consecutive SAFJ case series using our imaging center database combined with a 50-year systematic review of literature cases.

Results:

The mean ± SD incidence of pediatric SAFJ was 0.23 ± 0.4/100,000 children-years. The key symptoms were potty refusal (in toddlers) or painful sitting (78%) and lateralized signs (paravertebral tenderness and/or swelling, 88%). SAFJ diagnosis and extension were obtained using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (94%), and found an epidural extension in 8/16 cases. The mean duration of antibiotic treatment was 5.1 weeks. The compliance with guidelines was 79% for empiric and 62% for targeted antibiotic therapies.

Conclusions:

SAFJ incidence in children is much greater than expected from the literature. Half of cases were complicated by an epidural infection. Simple clinical symptoms detected as early as the bedside allow a strong suspicion of SAFJ, justifying the use of a first-line MRI to confirm the diagnosis and precisely describe the extension. Focusing on simple clinical signs is key to justify the transfer of a child or the shortening of the delay to obtain an MRI. However, as MRI availability increases in most Western countries, and the capacity for diagnosis increases, the awareness of SAFJ must be spread to avoid missed cases.
Improving Methods to Classify Perinatal versus Nonperinatal HIV Acquisition in Young Adolescents 10–14 Years of Age
Authors: Tsondai Priscilla Ruvimbo , Davies Mary-Ann , Singtoroj Thida , Maxwell Nicola , McGowan Catherine C. , Songtaweesin Wipaporn N. , Technau Karl-Günter , Kariminia Azar , Chimbetete Cleophas , Succi Regina C. M. , Pinto Jorge , Rouzier Vanessa , Luque Marco Tulio , Sohn Annette H.
Published: February 2021

Mode of HIV acquisition for adolescents with HIV is often not recorded within routine healthcare databases. Hence, age at enrollment in HIV care is often used as a proxy for perinatal versus nonperinatal infection. Using routine cohort data from adolescents presenting for HIV care 10–14 years of age, we developed logistic regression models to predict likely mode of infection.
Endophthalmitis after pediatric cataract surgery in the United States: report using an insurance claims database
Authors: Nguyen Angeline M. , Roberts Tawna L. , Ryu Won Yeol , Lambert Scott R.
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

To describe the characteristics and incidence of children developing endophthalmitis within the first 90 days following pediatric cataract surgery.

Setting:

Deidentified commercial and Medicare Advantage health claims across the United States.

Design:

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

In a retrospective review of approximately 58 million charts in Optum's deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database, patients aged <13 years who underwent cataract surgery in one or both eyes with or without primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation between 2003 and 2017 were identified. Excluded were patients with traumatic cataract, <90 days of continuous insurance coverage, a prior diagnosis of endophthalmitis, and a diagnosis of endophthalmitis occurring after 90 days of cataract surgery. The main outcome measure was the incidence of endophthalmitis occurring within the first 90 days of cataract surgery and the odds ratio for developing endophthalmitis according to demographic and intraoperative factors.

Results:

Cataract surgery was performed on 789 eyes (52.6% male), with a median age of 4 (interquartile range 1-8) years. The rate of IOL implantation at the time of cataract surgery was 66.8%. Endophthalmitis was diagnosed in 4 of 789 eyes (0.51%). The median time to diagnosis of endophthalmitis was 6.5 days (range: 5-44 days). There was no significant association between endophthalmitis and age, sex, or primary IOL implantation.

Conclusions:

In this large insurance claims database, the incidence of endophthalmitis following pediatric cataract surgery reported was more than the rate previously reported by any study with patients of a similar age.
i-PDEK: Microscope-integrated OCT–assisted pre-Descemet endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Sharma Namrata , Devi Chandra , Agarwal Rinky , Bafna Rahul Kumar , Agarwal Amar
Published: February 2021

Four patients with pseudophakic corneal edema were subjected to pre-Descemet endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) under the direct guidance of microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (i-OCT). i-OCT facilitated successful type 1 big bubble formation during donor preparation, debridement of the hypertrophic epithelium, planning and placement of surgical wounds, descemetorrhexis with removal of remnant Descemet membrane tags, and identification of correct donor orientation and interface details. It was also possible to discern the stability of intraocular lens, flat iris configuration, adequate stromal hydration, and wound apposition on i-OCT. Preoperative visual acuity was counting fingers (50%), 0.78 logMAR (25%), and 1.48 logMAR (25%), whereas postoperative visual acuity was 0.6 logMAR (50%) and 0.3 logMAR (50%). At 6-months of follow-up, all grafts were clear and well attached, the mean central corneal thickness, graft size, graft thickness, and endothelial cell loss were 557.25 ± 13.45 μm, 7.75 ± 0.20 mm, 25.5 ± 2.64 μm, and 21.6 ± 0.02%, respectively. To conclude, i-OCT helped during various surgical steps of PDEK.
Laser refractive surgery in pregnant or breastfeeding patients
Authors: Zamorano-Martín Francisco , Sánchez-González José-María , García-Lorente María , Rachwani-Anil Rahul , Peraza-Nieves Jorge , Rodríguez-Calvo-de-Mora Marina , Borroni Davide , Rocha-de-Lossada Carlos
Published: February 2021

This systematic review reported the outcomes of laser corneal refractive surgery in pregnant or breastfeeding patients. This study was performed by searching in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, on June 15, 2020. Included were 128 eyes from a total of 64 patients, with the mean maximum follow-up was 39.2 ± 36.14 months. Time from surgery to complication ranged from 1 to 67 months, with a mean value of 23.42 ± 22.23 months. Photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis surgery seem to be stable procedures that are not modified during pregnancy and safe to complete during breastfeeding. Nevertheless, the lack of weight prospective research avoids having a greater certainty on this matter, and because of transitory nature of pregnancy and breastfeeding, it could still be contemplated that surgery risk outweigh the benefits. Additional investigation will be necessary to clarify these issues.
Population-Level Effectiveness of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among MSM and Transgender Persons With Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Pagkas-Bather Jade , Khosropour Christine M. , Golden Matthew R. , Thibault Christina , Dombrowski Julia C.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly efficacious, but its effectiveness may be limited by poor adherence or discontinuation. Our objective was to estimate the effectiveness of real-world PrEP use in a population at increased risk of HIV infection.

Setting:

King County, Washington.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using sexually transmitted infection (STI) partner services (PS) interview data collected January 2014–August 2018 in King County, Washington, USA. During PS interviews, men who have sex with men and transgender persons who have sex with men were asked if they were taking PrEP. We linked STI PS data to HIV surveillance data to estimate HIV incidence among self-reported PrEP users vs. nonusers using Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and calendar year.

Results:

Among 4368 individuals, 1206 (28%) were taking PrEP at the time of the PS interview. The median observation time was 14 months (interquartile range 6–23 months). Five (0.4%) of 1206 PrEP users and 97 (3%) of 2162 PrEP nonusers were subsequently diagnosed with HIV (P < 0.001). HIV incidence was lower among PrEP users than nonusers [0.17 vs. 1.86 cases per 100 person-years, adjusted hazards ratio 0.21 (95% confidence interval: 0.08 to 0.58)]. Latinx ethnicity, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander ethnicity, gonorrhea, and syphilis were also independently associated with higher HIV risk.

Conclusions:

Self-reported PrEP use was associated with a 79% reduction in HIV incidence among men who have sex with men and transgender persons who have sex with men with STIs in King County.
The Interchondral Joints of Thorax in Microtia Surgery
Authors: Kim Ara , Moon Jeehyun , Lim So Young , Oh Kap Sung
Published: February 2021

Background

The interchondral joint between the sixth and seventh costal cartilages, called synchondrosis, assists in harvesting and fabricating the microtia framework. However, its looseness often complicates the microtia surgery. We aimed to classify the interchondral joints based on looseness and identify predictors for each subtype.

Methods

Electronic chart and intraoperative photographs were reviewed for consecutive microtia patients who underwent costal cartilage graft for ear reconstruction from June 2001 to February 2020. The sixth and seventh costal interchondral joint was classified in the ascending order of looseness—direct cartilaginous fusion (class I), synovial joint (class II), and loose tissue (class III)—with a minor modification from the cadaveric study of Dr. Briscoe in 1925. χ2 Tests compared the incidence of each subtype in terms of patient variables including age, sex, chest laterality, and radiologic chest deformity. Multivariate logistic regression was used for identifying independent predictors for each subtype.

Results

Seven hundred thirty-three graft specimens were enrolled (mean age 12.1 years). Class I joint was seen in 137 (18.7%) grafts, class II in 544 (74.2%), and class III in 52 (7.1%). Female predilection was found for cartilaginous fusion (class I) (adjusted odds ratio, 1.691; P = 0.007). The incidence of loose joint (class III) was comparable, ranging from 4.6% to 12.5%, in terms of all the patient variables.

Conclusions

Loose interchondral joints were not uncommon in microtia surgery. Patient variables were less likely to predict this anatomical variation, necessitating some knowledge of managing the framework instability. Female patients were more likely to enable easy fabrication with directly fused costal cartilages.
Elevated CO
2
modulates airway contractility
Authors: Shigemura Masahiko , Sznajder Jacob I.
Published: February 2021

Carbon dioxide (CO
2
), a primary product of oxidative metabolism, can be sensed by eukaryotic cells eliciting unique responses via specific signalling pathways. Severe lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are associated with hypoventilation that can lead to the elevation of CO
2
levels in lung tissues and the bloodstream (hypercapnia). However, the pathophysiological effects of hypercapnia on the lungs and specific lung cells are incompletely understood. We have recently reported using combined unbiased molecular approaches with studies in mice and cell culture systems on the mechanisms by which hypercapnia alters airway smooth muscle contractility. In this review, we provide a pathophysiological and mechanistic perspective on the effects of hypercapnia on the lung airways and discuss the recent understanding of high CO
2
modulation of the airway contractility.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among medical students in Copenhagen
Authors: Madsen Johannes R. , Nielsen Jacob P. S. , Fogh Kamille , Hansen Cecilie B. , Nielsen Pernille B. , Lange Theis , Hasselbalch Rasmus B. , Garred Peter , Iversen Kasper
Published: February 2021

Background

Healthcare workers are at a higher risk of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 than the general population. However, detailed knowledge about medical students and exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is lacking. Thus, we measured the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a cohort of Danish medical students.

Methods

We invited all medical students at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) to participate. A venous blood sample was drawn along with completing a self-report questionnaire. Blood samples were analyzed for total antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and related to symptomatology, social behaviour, and work-life. Seropositive samples were screened for IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies.

Results

Between October 19thand 26th1,120 students participated in questionnaire, of these 1,096 were included in the study. Of all included 379 (34.58%) of the participants were seropositive. The risk of seropositivity was significantly increased for participants attending two parties at UCPH, on February the 29th and March 6th2020 (OR 5.96 (95% CI 4.34-8.24, p<0.001). Further, 461 students (42.06%) worked with COVID-19 patients, which was significantly associated with risk of seropositivity (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.03-1.85, p=0.033). The symptom most substantially associated with seropositivity was loss of smell and/or taste (n=183 of all, 31.35%) with an OR of 24.48 (95% CI 15.49-40.60, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Medical students have the highest reported seropositivity in the Danish healthcare system. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission amongst the students appear to be partly related to working with COVID-19 infected patients, but to a greater extent, their social behaviour.

Mainpoints

Medical students have the highest reported seropositivity in the Danish healthcare system. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission amongst the students appear to be partly related to working with COVID-19 infected patients, but to a greater extent, their social behaviour.
A Comparative Analysis of COVID-19 Physical Distancing Policies in Botswana, India, Jamaica, Mozambique, Namibia, Ukraine, and the United States
Authors: Lane Jeff , Means Arianna , Bardosh Kevin , Shapoval Anna , Vio Ferruccio , Anderson Clive , Cushnie Anya , Forster Norbert , Ledikwe Jenny , O’Malley Gabrielle , Mawandia Shreshth , Parvez Anwar , Perrone Lucy , Mudender Florindo
Published: February 2021

Background

Understanding the differences in timing and composition of physical distancing policies is important to evaluate the early global response to COVID-19. A physical distancing intensity framework comprising 16 domains was recently published to compare physical distancing approaches between U.S. States. We applied this framework to a diverse set of low and middle-income countries (LMICs) (Botswana, India, Jamaica, Mozambique, Namibia, and Ukraine) to test the appropriateness of this framework in the global context and to compare the policy responses in this set of LMICs and with a sample of U.S. States during the first 100-days of the epidemic.

Results

All six of the LMICs in our sample adopted wide ranging physical distancing policies. The highest peak daily physical distancing intensity in each country was: Botswana (4.60); India (4.40); Ukraine (4.40); Namibia (4.20); and Jamaica (3.80). The number of days each country stayed at peak intensity ranged from 12-days (Jamaica) to more than 67-days (Mozambique). We found some key similarities and differences, including substantial differences in whether and how countries expressly required certain groups to stay at home. We also found that the LMICs generally implemented physical distancing policies when there were few confirmed cases and the easing of physical distancing policies did not discernably correlate with change in COVID-19 incidence. The physical distancing responses in the LMIC sample were generally more intense than in a sample of U.S. States, but results vary depending on the U.S. State. For example, California had a peak intensity of 4.29, which would place California below the peak intensity for Botswana, India, and Ukraine but above Mozambique, Namibia and Jamaica. The U.S. State of Georgia had a peak intensity of 3.07, which would place it lower than all of the LMICs in this sample. The peak intensity for the U.S. 12-state average was 3.84, which would place it lower than every LMIC in this sample except Jamaica.

Conclusion

This analysis helps to highlight the differing paths taken by the countries in this sample and may provide lessons to other countries regarding options for structuring physical distancing policies in response to COVID-19 and future outbreaks.
Association between genes regulating neural pathways for quantitative traits of speech and language disorders
Authors: Benchek Penelope , Igo Robert P , Voss-Hoynes Heather , Wren Yvonne , Miller Gabrielle , Truitt Barbara , Zhang Wen , Osterman Michael , Freebairn Lisa , Tag Jessica , Taylor H. Gerry , Chan E. Ricky , Roussos Panos , Lewis Barbara , Stein Catherine M. , Iyengar Sudha K.
Published: February 2021

Speech sound disorders (SSD) manifest as difficulties in phonological memory and awareness, oral motor function, language, vocabulary, reading and spelling. Families enriched for SSD are rare, and typically display a cluster of deficits. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 435 children from 148 families in the Cleveland Family Speech and Reading study (CFSRS), examining 16 variables representing 6 domains. Replication was conducted using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). We identified 18 significant loci (combined p<10−8) that we pursued bioinformatically. We prioritized 5 novel gene regions with likely functional repercussions on neural pathways, some which colocalized with differentially methylated regions in our sample. Polygenic risk scores for receptive language, expressive vocabulary, phonological awareness, phonological memory, spelling, and reading decoding associated with increasing clinical severity. In summary, neural genetic influence on SSD is primarily multigenic and acts on genomic regulatory elements, similar to other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Identification of CRYAB+KCNN3+SOX9+astro-like and EGFR+PDGFRA+OLIG1+oligo-like tumoral cells in diffuse low-grade gliomas and implication of Notch1 signalling in their genesis
Authors: Augustus Meera , Pineau Donovan , Aimond Franck , Azar Safa , Lecca David , Leventoux Nicolas , Scamps Frédérique , Muxel Sophie , Darlix Amélie , Ritchie William , Gozé Catherine , Rigau Valérie , Duffau Hugues , Hugnot Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2021

IDH1-mutated gliomas are slow growing brain tumours, which progress into high-grade gliomas. They present intra-tumoural cell heterogeneity, but no good markers are available to distinguish the different cell subtypes. The molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of this cell diversity is also ill defined. Here we report that the SOX9 and OLIG1 transcription factors, which specifically label astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the normal brain, reveal the presence of two largely non-overlapping tumoural populations in IDH1-mutated oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas. Astro-like SOX9+cells additionally stain for APOE, CRYAB, ID4, KCNN3, while oligo-like OLIG1+cells stain for ASCL1, EGFR, IDH1, PDGFRA, PTPRZ1, SOX4, and SOX8. GPR17, an oligodendrocytic marker, was expressed by both cells. These two sub-populations appear to have distinct BMP, NOTCH1, and MAPK active pathways as stainings for BMP4, HEY1, HEY2, p-SMAD1/5 and p-ERK were higher in SOX9+cells. We used primary cultures and a new cell line to explore the influence of NOTCH1 activation and BMP treatment on low-grade glioma cell phenotype. This revealed that NOTCH1 globally reduced oligodendrocytic markers and IDH1 expression while upregulatingAPOE, CRYAB, HEY1/2and an electrophysiologically Ca2+-activated apamin-sensitive K+channel (KCNN3/SK3). This was accompanied by reduction in proliferation. Similar effects of NOTCH1 activation were observed in non-tumoural human oligodendrocytic cells, which additionally induced strong SOX9 expression. BMP treatment reduced OLIG1/2 expression and strongly upregulated CRYAB and NOGGIN, a negative regulator of BMP. The presence of astro-like SOX9+and oligo-like OLIG1+cells in diffuse low-grade gliomas raise new questions about their role in the pathology.
Scoping into Non Iron Deficiency Anemia: Reflection from the Rural India
Authors: Saha Somen , Puwar Tapasvi , Saxena Deepak , Shah Komal , Pandya Apurva kumar , Vadsariya Nikita , Desai Bharat , Suthariya Raj
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Anaemia is one of the leading public health problems. India accounts for the highest prevalence of anaemia in the world. Anaemia programs in India focus on screening and management of anaemia based on haemoglobin estimation, treatment is being given irrespective of status of iron as well as other micronutrient storage. The present study assesses the prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency (ID) based on low serum ferritin status among antenatal and postnatal women in Devbhoomi Dwarka District of Gujarat.

Methods

A total of 258 pregnant (AN) and postnatal (PN) women drawn from 27 primary health centres were studied. Anaemia was evaluated based on haemoglobin concentration obtained from venous whole blood, using auto-analyser. Serum ferritin was used to evaluate iron status in the study. Serum ferritin was assessed using the direct chemiluminescence method using MINI VIDAS which is a compact automated immunoassay system based on the Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) principles.

Results

Overall, Anaemia (low Hb) and ID (low s. ferritin) was observed in 65.9% and 27.1% respectively. Out of anaemic participants, about 38.2% reported ID while the remaining 61.8% had normal s. ferritin (i.e. non-iron deficient anaemia). Anaemia was reported 69.1% in AN women and 57.1% in PN women. The ID was reported higher (30.9%) in AN woman than PN women (17.1%). However, the prevalence of anaemia, as well as IDA decreased from the first to the third trimester.

Conclusion

Two out of every three women were anaemic; one out of four were anaemic with depleted iron storage. Importantly, two out of five women had anaemia but iron storage was sufficient. Strategy to prevent and correct anaemia must include screening for iron and non-iron deficiency anaemia and follow appropriate treatment protocol for both types of anaemia.
Decline in mitigation readiness facilitated second waves ofSARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wirtz Kai
Published: February 2021

Societal responses crucially shape the course of a pandemics but are difficult to predict. Mitigation dynamics is introduced here as an integral part of an epidemiological model, which is applied to the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Unperturbed simulations accurately reproduce diverse epidemic and social response trajectories from 2020 to 2021 reported from 11 European countries, Iran, and 8 US states. High regional variability in the severity and duration of the spring lockdown and in peak mortality rates of the first SARS-CoV-2 wave can be explained by differences in mitigation readinessHwhich is here mathematically defined as the value of human lives in relation to business-as-usual contact rates.Hentails a suite of political, social, and psychological aspects of decision making. The simulations also suggest that a subsequent decrease inHmuch intensified the second wave and slowed down its decay. With less effective lockdowns, vaccination became the primary mitigation strategy in 2021. Retardation of vaccination relative to a 3-month scheme is projected to provoke an average toll of 1.5 deaths per million and delayed day. This toll particularly rises in regions with high numbers of old and still susceptible people, which is relevant for revising current policies of vaccine distribution.
Association of demographic and occupational factors with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake in a multi-ethnic UK healthcare workforce: a rapid real-world analysis
Authors: Martin Christopher A. , Marshall Colette , Patel Prashanth , Goss Charles , Jenkins David R. , Ellwood Claire , Barton Linda , Price Arthur , Brunskill Nigel J. , Khunti Kamlesh , Pareek Manish
Published: February 2021

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) and ethnic minority groups are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and adverse outcome. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination is now available for frontline UK HCWs; however, demographic/occupational associations with vaccine uptake in this cohort are unknown. We sought to establish these associations in a large UK hospital workforce.

Methods

We conducted cross-sectional surveillance examining vaccine uptake amongst all staff at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. We examined proportions of vaccinated staff stratified by demographic factors, occupation and previous COVID-19 test results (serology/PCR) and used logistic regression to identify predictors of vaccination status after adjustment for confounders.

Findings

We included 19,044 HCWs; 12,278 (64.5%) had received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Compared to White HCWs (70.9% vaccinated), a significantly smaller proportion of ethnic minority HCWs were vaccinated (South Asian 58.5%, Black 36.8% p<0.001 for both). After adjustment, factors found to be negatively associated with vaccine uptake were; younger age, female sex, increasing deprivation and belonging to any non-White ethnic group (Black: aOR0.30, 95%CI 0.26–0.34, South Asian:0.67, 0.62–0.72). Those that had previously had confirmed COVID-19 (by PCR) were less likely to be vaccinated than those who had tested negative.

Interpretation

Ethnic minority HCWs and those from more deprived areas as well as younger, female staff are less likely to take up SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. These findings have major implications for the delivery of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination programmes in HCWs and the wider population and should inform the national vaccination programme to prevent the disparities of the pandemic from widening.

Funding

NIHR, UKRI/MRC
Acute stress blunts prediction error signals in the dorsal striatum during reinforcement learning
Authors: Carvalheiro Joana , Conceição Vasco A. , Mesquita Ana , Seara-Cardoso Ana
Published: February 2021

Reinforcement learning, which implicates learning from the rewarding and punishing outcomes of our choices, is critical for adjusted behaviour. Acute stress seems to affect this ability but the neural mechanisms by which it disrupts this type of learning are still poorly understood. Here, we investigate whether and how acute stress blunts neural signalling of prediction errors during reinforcement learning using model-based functional magnetic resonance imaging. Male participants completed a well-established reinforcement learning task involving monetary gains and losses whilst under stress and control conditions. Acute stress impaired participants’ behavioural performance towards obtaining monetary gains, but not towards avoiding losses. Importantly, acute stress blunted signalling of prediction errors during gain and loss trials in the dorsal striatum — with subsidiary analyses suggesting that acute stress preferentially blunted signalling of positive prediction errors. Our results thus reveal a neurocomputational mechanism by which acute stress may impair reward learning.
Lack of effect of different pain-related manipulations on opioid self-administration, reinstatement of opioid seeking, and opioid choice in rats
Authors: Reiner David J , Townsend E Andrew , Menendez Javier Orihuel , Applebey Sarah V , Claypool Sarah M , Banks Matthew L , Shaham Yavin , Negus S Stevens
Published: February 2021

Rationale and Objective

Pain-related factors increase risk for opioid addiction, and opioid-induced pain relief may function as a negative reinforcer to increase opioid taking and seeking. However, experimental pain-related manipulations generally do not increase opioid self-administration in rodents. This discrepancy may reflect insufficient learning of pain-relief contingencies or confounding effects of pain-related behavioral impairments. Here we determined if pairing noxious stimuli with opioid self-administration would promote pain-related reinstatement of opioid seeking or increase opioid choice over food.

Methods

In Experiment 1, rats self-administered fentanyl in the presence or absence of repeated intraplantar capsaicin injections in distinct contexts to model context-specific exposure to cutaneous nociception. After capsaicin-free extinction in both contexts, we tested if capsaicin would reinstate fentanyl seeking. In Experiment 2, rats self-administered heroin after intraperitoneal (i.p.) lactic acid injections to model acute visceral inflammatory pain. After lactic acid-free extinction, we tested if lactic acid would reinstate heroin seeking. In Experiment 3, we tested if repeated i.p. lactic acid or intraplantar Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA; to model sustained inflammatory pain) would increase fentanyl choice over food.

Results

In Experiments 1-2, neither capsaicin nor lactic acid reinstated opioid seeking after extinction, and lactic acid did not increase heroin-induced reinstatement. In Experiment 3, lactic acid and CFA decreased reinforcement rate without affecting fentanyl choice.

Conclusions

Results extend the range of conditions across which pain-related manipulations fail to increase opioid seeking in rats and suggest that enhanced opioid-addiction risk in humans with chronic pain involves factors other than enhanced opioid reinforcement and relapse.
Distinct function of Mediator subunits in fungal development, stress response and secondary metabolism in fungal pathogenFusarium verticillioides
Authors: Zhou Zehua , Yan Huijuan , Kim Man S. , Shim Won Bo
Published: February 2021

Mediator is a conserved, nucleus-localized, multi-subunit complex highly conserved across eukaryotes. It interacts with RNA polymerase II transcription machinery as well as various transcription factors to regulate gene expression. However, systematic characterization of Mediator complex has not be thoroughly performed in filamentous fungi. In current study, our aim was to investigate key biological functions of Mediator subunits in a mycotoxigentic plant pathogenFusarium verticillioides. While we recognized some level of divergence in subunits constituent, overall structure remained conserved betweenSaccharomyces cerevisiaeandF. verticillioides. We were able to generate 11 Mediator subunit deletion mutants and characterize serveal important phenotypes associated with fungal development, environmental stress, nutrient utilization, virulence as well as secondary metabolism. While each Mediator subunit deletion mutant showed deficiencies in at least three of the phenotypes tested, it is important to note that different modules or subunits showed unique regulatory role in different cellular processes. Significantly, the deletion ofFvMed1led to increased FB1production, and we were able to confirm that FvMed1 is transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm under fumonisin-producing conditions. Taken together, our study characterized the different biological functions of Mediator subunits in plant pathogenF. verticillioidesand the possibility of select subunits unique cytoplasmic function independent of the core Mediator.

IMPORTANCE

Mediator is a highly conserved component of RNA polymerase II pre-initiation complex (PIC) in eukaryotes. Studies in yeast have demonstrated the important roles of Mediator subunits, but we lack deeper understanding in filamentous fungi. Here, we selectedFusarium verticillioides, a major fungal pathogen of maize worldwide, to study transcriptional profile followed by mutational analyses of all Mediator genes. Each Mediator subunit deletion mutant showed some shared deficiencies but it is also important that different modules or subunits showed unique regulatory role in different cellular processes. Significantly,FvMed1deletion mutant showed elevated levels of FB1production, and we were able to confirm that FvMed1 translocates from the nucleus to cytoplasmic organelles under fumonisin-producing conditions. This is a first study demonstrating that a Mediator subunit regulate cellular functions while not directly associating with PIC in filamentous fungi.
A single-cell atlas of lymphocyte adaptive immune repertoires and transcriptomes reveals age-related differences in convalescent COVID-19 patients
Authors: Bieberich Florian , Vazquez-Lombardi Rodrigo , Yermanos Alexander , Ehling Roy A. , Mason Derek M. , Wagner Bastian , Kapetanovic Edo , Di Roberto Raphael Brisset , Weber Cédric R. , Savic Miodrag , Rudolf Fabian , Reddy Sai T.
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 disease outcome is highly dependent on adaptive immunity from T and B lymphocytes, which play a critical role in the control, clearance and long-term protection against SARS-CoV-2. To date, there is limited knowledge on the composition of the T and B cell immune receptor repertoires [T cell receptors (TCRs) and B cell receptors (BCRs)] and transcriptomes in convalescent COVID-19 patients of different age groups. Here, we utilize single-cell sequencing (scSeq) of lymphocyte immune repertoires and transcriptomes to quantitatively profile the adaptive immune response in COVID-19 patients of varying age. We discovered highly expanded T and B cells in multiple patients, with the most expanded clonotypes coming from the effector CD8+T cell population. Highly expanded CD8+and CD4+T cell clones show elevated markers of cytotoxicity (CD8: PRF1, GZMH, GNLY; CD4: GZMA), whereas clonally expanded B cells show markers of transition into the plasma cell state and activation across patients. By comparing young and old convalescent COVID-19 patients (mean ages = 31 and 66.8 years, respectively), we found that clonally expanded B cells in young patients were predominantly of the IgA isotype and their BCRs had incurred higher levels of somatic hypermutation than elderly patients. In conclusion, our scSeq analysis defines the adaptive immune repertoire and transcriptome in convalescent COVID-19 patients and shows important age-related differences implicated in immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
Sir3 mediates long-range chromosome interactions in budding yeast
Authors: Ruault Myriam , Scolari Vittore F. , Lazar-Stefanita Luciana , Hocher Antoine , Loïodice Isabelle , Koszul Romain , Taddei Angela
Published: February 2021

Physical contacts between distant loci contribute to regulate genome function. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for settling and maintaining such interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the well-conserved interactions between heterochromatin loci. In budding yeast, the 32 telomeres cluster in 3–5 foci in exponentially growing cells. This clustering is functionally linked to the formation of heterochromatin in subtelomeric regions through the recruitment of the silencing SIR complex composed of Sir2/3/4. Combining microscopy and Hi-C on strains expressing different alleles ofSIR3, we show that the binding of Sir3 directly promotes long-range contacts between distant regions, including the rDNA, telomeres, and internal Sir3-bound sites. Furthermore, we unveil a new property of Sir3 in promoting rDNA compaction. Finally, using a synthetic approach, we demonstrate that Sir3 can bond loci belonging to different chromosomes together, when targeted to these loci, independently of its interaction with its known partners (Rap1, Sir4), Sir2 activity, or chromosome context. Altogether, these data suggest that Sir3 acts as a molecular bridge that stabilizes long-range interactions.
Fast and accurate multi-material model for the prediction of laser welded structural response
Authors: Arif Waseem , Naceur Hakim , Miran Sajjad , Leconte Nicolas , Markiewicz Eric
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop an elasto-plastic multi-material shell model by which finite element analysis of laser welded joints is carried out at the interface of the heat-affected zone and base material.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi-material shell model is implemented on the simple cantilever and double cantilever welded plates to examine the efficiency of the developed model.

Findings

By reducing the computational time approximately 20 times with the developed model, the results obtained in the form of von Mises stress and equivalent plastic strain are found in good agreement as compared with the reference solid model.

Originality/value

The accurate and fast prediction of the stresses and strains in the laser welded joints, and the developed multi-material model is helpful to simulate complex industrial welded structures.
Proposing the safe and brave space for organisational environment: including trans* and gender diverse employees in institutional gender diversification
Authors: Ladwig Robin C.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore an alternative strategy to decrease disadvantaging gender binarism and cis-normativity in an organisational context by including trans* and gender diverse (TGD) employee voices through the development of a safe and brave space (S&BS).

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper discusses the potential construction of S&BS and the possible integration as well as requirements of it into an organisational environment. The elaborated theoretical underpinning of a queering approach is used to build the foundation and the design of a potential successful implementation.

Findings

Current diversity management strategies are repeatedly reported as inadequate to tackle the issue of gender binarism and cis-normativity or even to reinforce them via various strategies. The integration of S&BS could offer cis as well as TGD people an opportunity to participate in the development of organisational structures and managerial decision-making within a democratic and empowering environment. Managing gender with the support of TGD employees may increase inclusion, equity and diversity of gender in management and organisation.

Originality/value

Although much of the management and organisational literature accepts the concept of gender binarism and cis-normativity, the integration of TGD employee voices through the adaptation of S&BS from an educational context into organisational management has not been explored.
An improved feature extraction algorithm for insider threat using hidden Markov model on user behavior detection
Authors: Ye Xiaoyun , Han Myung-Mook
Published: February 2021

Purpose

By using a new feature extraction method on the Cert data set and using a hidden Markov model (HMM) to model and analyze the behavior of users to distinguish whether the behavior is normal within a continuous period.

Design/methodology/approach

Feature extraction of five parts of the time series by rules and sorting in chronological order. Use the obtained features to calculate the probability parameters required by the HMM model and establish a behavior model for each user. When the user has abnormal behavior, the model will return a very low probability value to distinguish between normal and abnormal information.

Findings

Generally, HMM parameters are obtained by supervised learning and unsupervised learning, but the hidden state cannot be clearly defined. When the hidden state is determined according to the data set, the accuracy of the model will be improved.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new feature extraction method and analysis mode, which determines the shape of the hidden state according to the situation of the data set, making subsequent HMM modeling simple and efficient and in turn improving the accuracy of user behavior detection.
Festival tourism and socioeconomic development: case of Kwahu traditional areas of Ghana
Authors: Doe Frederick , Preko Alexander , Akroful Hellen , Okai-Anderson Effie Kwaaba
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The place of festivals in national economic development has received increased attention from researchers globally. However, there appears to be a relatively small and disparate literature on the subject especially within the Ghanaian context. The study seeks to contribute to the global recognition of festivals as developmental tools and thus presents the effects of festival tourism on socio-economic capital of the people of Kwahu traditional area (Ghana) and how festival tourism in the region engenders economic benefits to businesses and the community.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is guided by the social development theory. A quantitative cross-sectional survey utilizing convenience technique was used to gather data from a sample of 398 residents of the selected towns and the regression model was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings revealed festival tourism to have a positive effect on community cohesiveness but not statistically significant. Further, the festival brought economic gains but had negative social effects on development of the selected towns.

Research limitations/implications

This research is destination-specific. The application of the findings to other festivals would demand a bigger sample size for generalisation to be made.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that for growth of festival tourism in Ghana to be actualised, the Ghana Tourism Authority needs to ensure festivals do not erode entrenched traditional values and negate efforts at developing social structures and systems by putting measures to reduce the negative effect of commoditisation of festivals on the communities' cultural authenticity. Law enforcement agents should also be massively beefed up to curtail crime and social vices.

Originality/value

The study's findings extend earlier studies to extend the scope in festival tourism literature. This study found that festival tourism has effect on both community cohesion and economic development of the people of Kwahu traditional area.