bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Use Cases for Human Challenge Trials in Accelerating SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Development
Authors: Nguyen Linh Chi , Bakerlee Christopher W , McKelvey T Greg , Rose Sophie M , Norman Alexander J , Joseph Nicholas , Manheim David , McLaren Michael R , Jiang Steven , Barnes Conor F , Kinniment Megan , Foster Derek , Darton Thomas C , Morrison Josh 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Human challenge trials (HCTs) have been proposed as a means to accelerate SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. We identify and discuss 3 potential use cases of HCTs in the current pandemic: evaluating efficacy, converging on correlates of protection, and improving understanding of pathogenesis and the human immune response. We outline the limitations of HCTs and find that HCTs are likely to be most useful for vaccine candidates currently in preclinical stages of development. We conclude that, while currently limited in their application, there are scenarios in which HCTs would be extremely beneficial. Therefore, the option of conducting HCTs to accelerate SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development should be preserved. As HCTs require many months of preparation, we recommend an immediate effort to (1) establish guidelines for HCTs for COVID-19; (2) take the first steps toward HCTs, including preparing challenge virus and making preliminary logistical arrangements; and (3) commit to periodically re-evaluating the utility of HCTs.
Physicians’ empathy levels in a primary care setting: perceptions of patients and their physicians, a qualitative study
Authors: Al-Habbal Khairat , Arawi Thalia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe physician–patient relationship is a crucial element in successful medical care. Empathy is the ability to understand an individual’s subjective experience yet remain as an observer. It plays a major role in establishing a good physician–patient relationship.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of patients and their corresponding emergency physicians regarding physicians’ empathy levels and to extract themes that both patients and their doctors considered as important for an empathic encounter.MethodsThis is a qualitative study conducted at a Middle Eastern tertiary care centre Emergency Department (ED) using in-depth semi-structured interviews administered to each participating patient and his/her corresponding ED physician. Empathy-related themes were identified using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsThis study shows that both patients and physicians believe in the importance of empathy in the ED based on four major themes: emotions, interpersonal skills, time and chief complaint. Time and the chief complaint were perceived as barriers by physicians, but not by their patients.ConclusionsA gap lies in the expressive communication phase of empathy between the two groups. The four major themes retrieved could form the basis of an empathy measure in the medical encounter in Lebanese and similar settings.
It Is Not Just Mortality: A Call From Chile for Comprehensive COVID-19 Policy Responses Among Older People
Authors: Villalobos Dintrans Pablo , Browne Jorge , Madero-Cabib Ignacio 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objective
Provide a synthesis of the COVID-19 policies targeting older people in Chile, stressing their short- and long-term challenges.

Method
Critical analysis of the current legal and policy measures, based on national-level data and international experiences.

Results
Although several policies have been enacted to protect older people from COVID-19, these measures could have important unintended negative consequences in this group’s mental and physical health, as well as financial aspects.

Discussion
A wider perspective is needed to include a broader definition of health—considering financial scarcity, access to health services, mental health issues, and long-term care—in the policy responses to COVID-19 targeted to older people in Chile.
Tourniquet fixing prior to knot tying reduces forces during aortic valve replacement: experimental results from 18 surgeons
Authors: Hartrumpf Martin , Sterner Josephine , Schroeter Filip , Kuehnel Ralf-Uwe , Laux Magdalena L , Braun Christian , Albes Johannes M 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To increase the safety of aortic valve replacement, we developed the ‘Caput medusae’ method, where the prosthesis is prefixed with circumferential tourniquets prior to knot tying. We assumed that an even distribution of forces may help reduce tissue damage. To confirm this theoretically, we compared forces between knots and tourniquets.

METHODS
The experimental set-up included a device with movable acrylic plates, a mounted valve and a set of sutures. Traction forces were measured with a luggage scale. Two different tourniquets were compared individually and as bundles of 15. Force–path curves were generated. Knotting and tourniquet forces of 18 staff surgeons were then compared. Both modalities were measured 10 times on 2 days, resulting in 40 observations per surgeon, or 360 observations per modality.

RESULTS
Polyvinyl chloride tourniquets were stiffer than silicone, expressed by a 1.5- to 1.7-fold higher regression-line slope. Fifteen simultaneous tubes produced force increments 7.9–8.9 times higher than their single counterparts. Overall knotting force was 13.64 ± 5.76 vs tourniquet 1.08 ± 0.48 N. Male surgeons’ knotting forces were higher compared to female staff (14.76 ± 6.01 vs 10.73 ± 3.74 N; P &lt; 0.001) while tourniquet forces did not differ (1.09 ± 0.47 vs 1.05 ± 0.49 N; P = 0.459). Dedicated valve surgeons (n = 10) tightened the tourniquets more strongly than inexperienced surgeons (1.20 ± 0.52 vs 0.94 ± 0.37 N; P &lt; 0.001); knotting was similar. Multivariable analysis confirmed only valve experience as a predictor of tourniquet strength (experienced surgeons exerted higher force).

CONCLUSIONS
Tourniquets exert less force on the tissue than knots. When distributed over the circumference, they can reduce local tension and avoid potential paravalvular leakage. Complete or partial use of tourniquets may thus be an additional option to enhance surgical safety.
Reflection on modern methods: Statistics education beyond ‘significance’: novel plain English interpretations to deepen understanding of statistics and to steer away from misinterpretations
Authors: Watt Hilary C 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Concerns have been expressed over standards of statistical interpretation. Results with P &lt;0.05 are often referred to as ‘significant’ which, in plain English, implies important. This leads some people directly into the misconception that this provides proof that associations are clinically relevant. There are calls for statistics educators to respond to these concerns. This article provides novel plain English interpretations that are designed to deepen understanding. Experience teaching postgraduates at Imperial College is discussed. A key issue with focusing on ‘significance’ is the common inappropriate practice of implying no association exists, simply because P &gt;0.05. Referring to strengths of association in ‘study participants’ gives them gravitas, which may help to avoid this. This contrasts with the common practice of focusing on imprecision, by referring to the ‘sample’ and to ‘point estimates’. Unlike formal statistical definitions, interpretations developed and presented here are rooted in the application of statistics. They are based on one set of study participants (not many random samples). Precision of strengths of association are based on using strengths in study participants to estimate strengths of association in the population (from which participants were selected by probability random sampling). Reference to ‘compatibility with study data, dependent on statistical modelling assumptions’ reminds us of the importance of data quality and modelling assumptions. A straightforward graph shows the relationship between P-values and test statistics. This figure and associated interpretations were developed to illuminate the continuous nature of P-values. This is designed to discourage focus on whether P &lt;0.05, and encourage interpretation of exact P-values.
Susceptibility of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus to Inactivation by Heat, Acidic pH, Chemical, or UV Treatment
Authors: Wiesner Laura , Schmutte Carla , Steffen Imke 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus in the family Flaviviridae that is endemic in parts of Europe and Asia and can cause meningitis or encephalitis. Due to the disease severity, TBEV requires handling under heightened biosafety measures. The establishment and validation of inactivation procedures is a prerequisite for downstream analyses and management of occupational exposure. Therefore, different procedures for TBEV inactivation were tested. Our results suggest that TBEV is susceptible to inactivation by heat, acidic pH, different concentrations of alcohol, formaldehyde, or detergents, and exposure to UV irradiation, which may depend on sample size and composition.
Assessing the accuracy of two Bayesian forecasting programs in estimating vancomycin drug exposure
Authors: Shingde Rashmi V , Reuter Stephanie E , Graham Garry G , Carland Jane E , Williams Kenneth M , Day Richard O , Stocker Sophie L 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundCurrent guidelines for intravenous vancomycin identify drug exposure (as indicated by the AUC) as the best pharmacokinetic (PK) indicator of therapeutic outcome.ObjectivesTo assess the accuracy of two Bayesian forecasting programs in estimating vancomycin AUC0–∞ in adults with limited blood concentration sampling.MethodsThe application of seven vancomycin population PK models in two Bayesian forecasting programs was examined in non-obese adults (n = 22) with stable renal function. Patients were intensively sampled following a single (1000 mg or 15 mg/kg) dose. For each patient, AUC was calculated by fitting all vancomycin concentrations to a two-compartment model (defined as AUCTRUE). AUCTRUE was then compared with the Bayesian-estimated AUC0–∞ values using a single vancomycin concentration sampled at various times post-infusion.ResultsOptimal sampling times varied across different models. AUCTRUE was generally overestimated at earlier sampling times and underestimated at sampling times after 4 h post-infusion. The models by Goti et al. (Ther Drug Monit 2018;40212–21) and Thomson et al. (J Antimicrob Chemother 2009;631050–7) had precise and unbiased sampling times (defined as mean imprecision &lt;25% and &lt;38 mg·h/L, with 95% CI for mean bias containing zero) between 1.5 and 6 h and between 0.75 and 2 h post-infusion, respectively. Precise but biased sampling times for Thomson et al. were between 4 and 6 h post-infusion.ConclusionsWhen using a single vancomycin concentration for Bayesian estimation of vancomycin drug exposure (AUC), the predictive performance was generally most accurate with sample collection between 1.5 and 6 h after infusion, though optimal sampling times varied across different population PK models.
Consequences of the misidentification of museum specimens: the taxonomic status of Canis lupaster soudanicus
Authors: Kitchener Andrew C , Machado Fabio A , Hayssen Virginia , Moehlman Patricia D , Viranta Suvi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Researchers are increasingly using museum collections for taxonomy, systematics, phylogenetics, and faunal analyses, and they assume that taxonomic identifications on museum labels are correct. However, identifications may be incorrect or out of date, which could result in false conclusions from subsequent research. A recent geometric morphometrics analysis of skulls of African canids by Machado and Teta (2020) suggested that Canis lupaster soudanicus is a junior synonym of Lupulella adusta. However, the holotype of soudanicus was not measured and further investigation of the putative soudanicus specimens used in this study showed that these originally were identified as L. adusta. This original identification was confirmed by dental measurements, which also confirm that the holotype of soudanicus is Canis lupaster. Hence, soudanicus should not be synonymized with L. adusta. This example highlights the importance of careful checking of species identifications of museum specimens prior to research and, where possible, including (holo)types of taxa, before making taxonomic changes that could have important consequences for species conservation and management.
Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) Reduces the Survival Time of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae), the Main Vector of the Visceral Leishmaniasis Agent in the Americas
Authors: Figueredo Luciana Aguiar , Luna Rafaela Lira Nogueira , Miranda Débora Elienai de Oliveira , Silva Fernando José , Otranto Domenico , Cafarchia Claudia , Figueiredo Regina Célia Bressan Queiroz , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Brandão-Filho Sinval Pinto 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) is a major neglected tropical disease and Brazil is the responsible for most cases reported in the Americas. In this region, L. infantum is primarily transmitted by Lutzomyia longipalpis and Migonemyia migonei (França) (Diptera: Psychodidae) is considered a permissive vector. We evaluated the susceptibility of Lu. longipalpis and Mg. migonei to Beauveria bassiana and to Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) essential oil. A spore suspension of B. bassiana was prepared and sand flies divided into five groups: test 1 (107 spores/ml of B. bassiana with E. globulus essential oil at 4 mg/ml), test 2 (107 spores/ml of B. bassiana), test 3 (E. globulus essential oil at 4 mg/ml), positive control (cypermethrin 0.1%), and negative control (sterile distilled water). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on specimens from each group. A 50% reduction was recorded in the survival time of Lu. longipalpis in test 1 and 2, where hyphal adhesion and cuticle damage were observed by SEM. No significant differences in the survival time of Mg. migonei were found, probable due to the high mortality rate observed in the negative control group, which may be a result of the greater sensitivity of this species to laboratory conditions. The results obtained herein suggest that B. bassiana may be a potential biological control agent against Lu. longipalpis, the main vector of L. infantum in the Americas.
IMPLICON: an ultra-deep sequencing method to uncover DNA methylation at imprinted regions
Authors: Klobučar Tajda , Kreibich Elisa , Krueger Felix , Arez Maria , Pólvora-Brandão Duarte , von Meyenn Ferdinand , da Rocha Simão Teixeira , Eckersley-Maslin Melanie 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon leading to parental allele-specific expression. Dosage of imprinted genes is crucial for normal development and its dysregulation accounts for several human disorders. This unusual expression pattern is mostly dictated by differences in DNA methylation between parental alleles at specific regulatory elements known as imprinting control regions (ICRs). Although several approaches can be used for methylation inspection, we lack an easy and cost-effective method to simultaneously measure DNA methylation at multiple imprinted regions. Here, we present IMPLICON, a high-throughput method measuring DNA methylation levels at imprinted regions with base-pair resolution and over 1000-fold coverage. We adapted amplicon bisulfite-sequencing protocols to design IMPLICON for ICRs in adult tissues of inbred mice, validating it in hybrid mice from reciprocal crosses for which we could discriminate methylation profiles in the two parental alleles. Lastly, we developed a human version of IMPLICON and detected imprinting errors in embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. We also provide rules and guidelines to adapt this method for investigating the DNA methylation landscape of any set of genomic regions. In summary, IMPLICON is a rapid, cost-effective and scalable method, which could become the gold standard in both imprinting research and diagnostics.
New insights into Arabidopsis transcriptome complexity revealed by direct sequencing of native RNAs
Authors: Zhang Shoudong , Li Runsheng , Zhang Li , Chen Shengjie , Xie Min , Yang Liu , Xia Yiji , Foyer Christine H , Zhao Zhongying , Lam Hon-Ming 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Arabidopsis thaliana transcriptomes have been extensively studied and characterized under different conditions. However, most of the current ‘RNA-sequencing’ technologies produce a relatively short read length and demand a reverse-transcription step, preventing effective characterization of transcriptome complexity. Here, we performed Direct RNA Sequencing (DRS) using the latest Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) with exceptional read length. We demonstrate that the complexity of the A. thaliana transcriptomes has been substantially under-estimated. The ONT direct RNA sequencing identified novel transcript isoforms at both the vegetative (14-day old seedlings, stage 1.04) and reproductive stages (stage 6.00–6.10) of development. Using in-house software called TrackCluster, we determined alternative transcription initiation (ATI), alternative polyadenylation (APA), alternative splicing (AS), and fusion transcripts. More than 38 500 novel transcript isoforms were identified, including six categories of fusion-transcripts that may result from differential RNA processing mechanisms. Aided by the Tombo algorithm, we found an enrichment of m5C modifications in the mobile mRNAs, consistent with a recent finding that m5C modification in mRNAs is crucial for their long-distance movement. In summary, ONT DRS offers an advantage in the identification and functional characterization of novel RNA isoforms and RNA base modifications, significantly improving annotation of the A. thaliana genome.
Public behavior change, perceptions, depression, and anxiety in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Huang Jing , Liu Fangkun , Teng Ziwei , Chen Jindong , Zhao Jingping , Wang Xiaoping , Wu Ying , Xiao Jingmei , Wang Ying , Wu Renrong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 has spread rapidly and world-widely, which elicits public panic and psychological problems. Public protective behaviors and perception play crucial roles in controlling the spread of illness and psychological status.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in the hardest-hit Hubei province and other areas in China affected by COVID-19 outbreak. Questions about their basic information, the perception of the COVID-19 outbreak, recent preventive or avoidance behaviors, and self-reported mental health scales including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were included. Binary logistic regressions were used to investigate the association between personal variables/perceptions and psychological distress.

Results
6,261 people were included for analysis, with 3,613 (57.7%) in Hubei province (1,743 in Wuhan). A majority of people have adopted preventive and avoidance behaviors. People from Hubei, with contact history, and people who or whose family members were infected had much higher depression or anxiety prevalence. Providing truthful and sufficient information, informing the public about the severity of the disease, and perceptions that the outbreak will be control by protective behaviors were associated with lower depression and anxiety prevalence.

Conclusions
Assessing the public response, perception, and psychological burden during the outbreak may help improve public health recommendations and deliver timely psychological intervention. Further researches can focus on the psychological status of a specialized group to identify ways for better support based on public response and psychological demand.
Office Espionage: A Synthesis of Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards Considerations Regarding Unauthorized Covert Recording Within the Policing Workplace
Authors: Paine Colin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIs it illegal, unethical, or even misconduct for police officers to covertly record conversations with colleagues and managers? Non-consensual recordings of meetings and conversations are becoming increasingly prevalent within policing owing to the ubiquity of smartphones. Whilst there is little in the way of legislative restraint, nevertheless, it is capable of causing serious harm and should not be considered a morally neutral act. It is possible for surreptitious recordings to be ethically justified, but the threshold for such justification is high and requires an exceptional set of circumstances. The article goes on to present a tripartite typology of the behaviour and from this to develop a misconduct framework for assessing the seriousness of the behaviour and making a number of recommendations to reduce the incidence of covert recording.
Prior Exposure to Ortho-Phthalaldehyde Augments IgE-Mediated Immune Responses to Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride: Potential for 2 Commonly Used Antimicrobials to Synergistically Enhance Allergic Disease
Authors: Shane Hillary L , Lukomska Ewa , Weatherly Lisa , Baur Rachel , Anderson Stacey E 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Health-care workers have an increased incidence of allergic disease compared with the general public and are exposed to a variety of high-level disinfectants. Although exposure to these agents has been associated with allergic disease, findings between epidemiology and animal studies often conflict respecting immunological mechanisms. Therefore, we hypothesized that previous exposure to a representative IgE-mediated sensitizer (ortho-phthalaldehyde [OPA]) alters immune responses to a representative T-cell-mediated sensitizer (didecyldimethlyammonium chloride [DDAC]). Here, BALB/c mice were topically exposed to OPA (0.5%) for 3 days, rested, then topically exposed to DDAC (0.0625%, 0.125%, and 0.25%) for 14 days. Coexposure resulted in phenotypic changes in draining lymph node (dLN) cells, including a decreased frequency of CD8+ T cells and increased frequency and number of B cells compared with DDAC-only treated mice. The coexposed mice also had enhanced Th2 responses, including significant alterations in: dLN Il4 (increased), B-cell activation (increased), CD8+ T-cell activation (decreased), and local and systemic IgE production (increased). These changes were not observed if mice were exposed to DDAC prior to OPA. Exposure to OPA alone shows Th2 skewing, indicated by increased activation of skin type 2 innate lymphoid cells, increased frequency and activation of draining lymph node B cells, and increased levels of type 2 cytokines. These findings suggest that the OPA-induced immune environment may alter the response to DDAC, resulting in increased IgE-mediated immune responses. This data may partially explain the discordance between epidemiological and laboratory studies regarding disinfectants and provide insight into the potential immunological implications of mixed chemical exposures.
Energy storage devices in electrified railway systems: A review
Authors: Liu Xuan , Li Kang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAs a large energy consumer, the railway systems in many countries have been electrified gradually for the purposes of performance improvement and emission reduction. With the widespread utilization of energy-saving technologies such as regenerative braking techniques, and in support of the full electrification of railway systems in a wide range of application conditions, energy storage systems (ESSes) have come to play an essential role. In this paper, some recent developments in railway ESSes are reviewed and a comprehensive comparison is presented for various ESS technologies. The foremost functionalities of the railway ESSes are presented together with possible solutions proposed from the academic arena and current practice in the railway industry. In addition, the challenges and future trends of ESSes in the railway industry are briefly discussed.