bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TheC. elegansproteasome subunit RPN-12 is required for hermaphrodite germline sex determination and oocyte quality
Authors: Fernando Lourds M. , Elliot Jeandele , Allen Anna K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe proteasome is a multi-subunit complex and a major proteolytic machinery in cells. Most subunits are essential for proteasome function, and depletion of individual subunits normally results in lethality. RPN-12/Rpn12/PSMD8 is a lid subunit of the 19S regulatory particle (RP) of the 26S proteasome. Studies inCaenorhabditis elegansdemonstrated that RNAi depletion of RPN-12 does not result in lethality. RPN-12 has not been well studied in higher eukaryotes. In this study we investigate the biological significance of RPN-12 inC. elegans.ResultsWe found that the null mutantrpn-12(av93)did not cause major impairment of the proteolytic activity of the proteasome. Mostrpn-12(av93)hermaphrodites lack sperm leading to feminization of the germ line that can be partially rescued by mating to males. The lack of sperm phenotype can be suppressed by downregulation of TRA-1, a player in the hermaphrodite germline sex determination pathway. Also,rpn-12(av93)animals show significant nuclear accumulation of the meiotic kinase WEE-1.3, a protein predominantly localized to the perinuclear region. Interestingly, chemical inhibition of the proteasome did not cause nuclear accumulation of WEE-1.3.ConclusionsRPN-12 plays a previously unknown role in oogenesis and the germline sex determination pathway inC. eleganshermaphrodites.
Understanding the Incidence of Covid-19 among the police force in Maharashtra through a mixed approach
Authors: Kokane Pravin , Maurya Priya , Muhammad T 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe study tries to understand the incidence of COVID-19 among police officials along with the challenges they face and their preparedness during the pandemic response in Maharashtra.MethodThe study analyzed the daily trends of confirmed, active, recovered, and deceased cases for Maharashtra and police professional. Ten telephonic in-depth interviews and a descriptive survey were conducted to obtain experiences of police regarding their combat against Covid-19.ResultsPPR (0.01 to 1.12), CRR (0 to 39.22) and CFR (0 to 1.07) have consistently increased and CRR found lower among police than the general population. The qualitative data by analyzing several indicators suggests that there is a higher individual efficacy over collective efficacy among the police force. Further, the long-time fight against Covid-19 had drained police force mentally and physically and this put them in higher risk.ConclusionImmediate priority interventions like provision of protective gears need to be provided by the government to control the risk of infection among police. Holistic support and recovery system from all stakeholders of society needed for the well-being of the police force so that they can soldier on to avert such a crisis in future.
Assessment of Early Mitigation Measures Against COVID-19 in Puerto Rico: March 15-May 15, 2020
Authors: Valencia Miguel , Becerra José E. , Reyes Juan C. , Castro Kenneth G. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundOn March 15, 2020 Puerto Rico implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including a mandatory curfew, as part of a state of emergency declaration to mitigate the community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The strict enforcement of this curfew was extended through May 25, with a gradual relaxation beginning on May 1. This report summarizes an assessment of these early mitigation measures on the progression of COVID-19 in the island.Methods and FindingsFrom March 15 to May 15, 2020, 41,748 results of molecular (RT-PCR) tests were reported to the Puerto Rico Department of Health. Of these, 1,866 (4.5%) were positive, corresponding to 1,219 individuals with COVID-19 included in the study. We derived the epidemic growth rates (r) and the corresponding reproductive numbers (R) from the epidemic curve of these 1,219 individuals with laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 using their date of test collection as a proxy for symptoms onset. We then compared the observed cases with the R-based epidemic model projections had the mitigation measures not been implemented. Computations were conducted in the R packages forecast, incidence and projections.The number of daily RT-PCR-confirmed cases peaked on March 30 (84 cases), showing a weekly cyclical trend, with lower counts on weekends and a decreasing secular trend since March 30. The initial exponential growth rate (r) was 17.0% (95% CI: 8.4%, 25.6%), corresponding to a doubling of cases every 4.1 days, and to a reproduction number (Ro) of 1.89 (95% CI: 1.41, 2.39). After March 30, the r value reverted to an exponential decay rate (negative) of −3.6% (95% CI: −5.7%, −1.4%), corresponding to a halving of cases every 19.4 days and to an Ro of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.97). Had the initial growth rate been maintained, a total of 18,699 (96%CI: 4,113, 87,438) COVID-19 cases would have occurred by April 30 compared with 1,119 observed.ConclusionsOur findings are consistent with very effective implementation of early non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) as mitigation measures in Puerto Rico. These results serve as a baseline to assess the impact of the transition from mitigation to containment stages in Puerto Rico.
One year of modeling and forecasting COVID-19 transmission to support policymakers in Connecticut
Authors: Morozova Olga , Li Zehang Richard , Crawford Forrest W. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTo support public health policymakers in Connecticut, we developed a county-structured compartmental SEIR-type model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 disease progression. Our goals were to provide projections of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, as well as estimates of important features of disease transmission, public behavior, healthcare response, and clinical progression of disease. In this paper, we describe a transmission model developed to meet the changing requirements of public health policymakers and officials in Connecticut from March 2020 to February 2021. We outline the model design, implementation and calibration, and describe how projections and estimates were used to support decision-making in Connecticut throughout the first year of the pandemic. We calibrated this model to data on deaths and hospitalizations, developed a novel measure of close interpersonal contact frequency to capture changes in transmission risk over time and used multiple local data sources to infer dynamics of time-varying model inputs. Estimated time-varying epidemiologic features of the COVID-19 epidemic in Connecticut include the effective reproduction number, cumulative incidence of infection, infection hospitalization and fatality ratios, and the case detection ratio. We describe methodology for producing projections of epidemic evolution under uncertain future scenarios, as well as analytical tools for estimating epidemic features that are difficult to measure directly, such as cumulative incidence and the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions. The approach takes advantage of our unique access to Connecticut public health surveillance and hospital data and our direct connection to state officials and policymakers. We conclude with a discussion of the limitations inherent in predicting uncertain epidemic trajectories and lessons learned from one year of providing COVID-19 projections in Connecticut.
An International Review of Tobacco Use and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Examining Hospitalization, Asymptomatic Cases, and Severity
Authors: Balabanski Lachezar L. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTBackground and objectivesSince the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of imminent concern in March 2020, the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and its related disease (COVID-19) has become a topic of much needed research. This study primarily focused on what effect smoking had on hospitalization; however, asymptomaticity, and severity were discussed.DataData was collected through searches on databases including PubMed and Google Scholar. Eligibility criteria included being RT-PCR verified and including smoking data.DiscussionThis study found that smokers were significantly underrepresented in COVID-19 hospitalization on a purely epidemiological level in some areas, including China and Manhattan, but not others: Seattle, Greater New York City Area, and Italy. Furthermore, smokers were equally represented in asymptomatic populations, but smokers will likely experience a more severe manifestation of the disease if they are symptomatic. Further inquiry into possible mechanisms by which the observed epidemiological effect is necessary, as it has implications for recommendations on loosening restrictions on social distancing measures.Conclusions and RecommendationsThis study recommends that smokers consider themselves to be at higher risk for COVID-19, as they may experience a more severe manifestation of the disease. Health care providers and policy makers should consider smokers at higher risk as well, as there is evidence to claim that smokers may contract a more severe form of COVID-19.
Systematic review of instruments for assessing culinary skills in adults: What is the quality of their psychometric properties?
Authors: Teixeira Aline Rissatto , Bicalho Daniela , Slater Betzabeth , Tacio de Mendonça Lima 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundCulinary skills are important objects of study in the field of Public Health. Studies that propose to develop instruments for assessing such construct show lack of methodological uniformity to report validity and reliability of their instruments.ObjectiveTo identify studies that have developed instruments to measure culinary skills in adult population, and critically assess their psychometric properties.DesignWe conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA statement. We searched literature PubMed/Medline, Scopus, LILACS, and Web of Science databases until January 2021, and consulted Google Scholar for relevant grey literature. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, conducted data extraction, and assessed the psychometric quality of the instruments. A third reviewer resolved any doubts or disagreements in all steps of the systematic review.ResultsThe search identified 1148 potentially relevant studies, out of which 9 met the inclusion criteria. In addition, we included 3 studies by searching the related articles and the reference lists of these studies, totaling 12 included studies in this review. Ten studies reported the development of tools measuring culinary skills in adults and 2 studies performed cross-cultural adaptations of original instruments. We considered adequate quality of internal consistency reliability in four studies. One study received adequate rating for test-retest reliability. No studies presented adequate rating for content validity and four studies showed satisfactory results for at least one type of construct validity. One study reported criterion validity and the quality of this psychometric property was inadequate.ConclusionsWe identified many studies that surveyed culinary skills. Although the isolated measures appraised in this review show good promise in terms of quality of psychometric properties, no studies presented adequate measures for each aspect of reliability and validity. A more consistent and consensual definition of culinary skills is recommended. The flaws observed in these studies show that there is a need for ongoing research in the area of the psychometric properties of instruments assessing culinary skills.
Modeling the Spring 2020 New York City COVID-19 Epidemic: New Criteria and Methods for Prediction
Authors: Barlow D. A. , Baird J. K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe report here on results obtained using the SIR epidemic model to study the spring 2020 COVID-19 epidemic in New York City (NYC). An approximate solution is derived for this non-linear system which is then used to derive an expression for the time to maximum infection. Additionally, expressions are obtained for estimating the transmission and recovery parameters using data collected in the first ten days of the epidemic. Values for these parameters are then generated using data reported for the spring 2020 NYC COVID-19 epidemic which are then used to estimate the time to maximum infection and the maximum number of infected. Complete details are given so that the method can be used in the event of future epidemics. An additional result of this study is that we are able to suggest a unique mitigation strategy.
Controlled-release urea combined with potassium chloride improved the soil fertility and growth of Italian ryegrass
Authors: Geng Jibiao , Yang Xiuyi , Huo Xianqi , Chen Jianqiu , Lei Shutong , Li Hui , Lang Ying , Liu Qianjin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA field experiment with a split-plot design was conducted to study the effect of nitrogen fertilizer type combined with different potassium fertilizer rates on the soil fertility and growth of Italian ryegrass. The main plots were assigned to controlled-release urea (CRU) and common urea, while low, moderate and high potassium chloride (KCl) rates (150, 300 and 450 kg ha−1, respectively) were assigned to the subplots. The results showed compared with the common urea, the CRU significantly increased the SPAD value, plant height, leaf area, and photosynthetic index. Moreover, the dry and fresh yields of the CRU increased by 10.9-25.3% and 11.8-17.7%, respectively. At the same time, compared with the KCl150 and KCl450 treatments, the KCl300 treatment resulted in better plant growth. Overall, the CRU×KCl300 maximized the soil inorganic nitrogen and different soil potassium forms. The root length, volume, surface area, average diameter, tips and branches were also improved, and there was a significant N×K interaction effect on the tips. Our analysis corroborated the CRU combined with 300 kg ha−1KCl fertilization enhances crop growth by improving leaf photosynthesis, soil fertility, and yield and should be recommended as the best fertilizer ratio for Italian ryegrass production.
What triggers online help-seeking retransmission during the COVID-19 period? Empirical evidence from Chinese social media
Authors: Luo Chen , Li Yuru , Chen Anfan , Tang Yulong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe past nine months witnessed COVID-19’s fast-spreading at the global level. Limited by medical resources shortage and uneven facilities distribution, online help-seeking becomes an essential approach to cope with public health emergencies for many ordinaries. This study explores the driving forces behind the retransmission of online help-seeking posts. We built an analytical framework that emphasized content characteristics, including information completeness, proximity, support seeking type, disease severity, and emotion of help-seeking messages. A quantitative content analysis was conducted with a probability sample consisting of 727 posts. The results illustrate the importance of individual information completeness, high proximity, instrumental support seeking. This study also demonstrates slight inconformity with the severity principle but stresses the power of anger in help-seeking messages dissemination. As one of the first online help-seeking diffusion analyses in the COVID-19 period, our research provides a reference for constructing compelling and effective help-seeking posts during a particular period. It also reveals further possibilities for harnessing social media’s power to promote reciprocal and cooperative actions as a response to this deepening global concern.
Cohen’s kappa statistics as a convenient means to identify accurate SARS-CoV-2 rapid antibody tests
Authors: Iseki Harukazu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThere are many available rapid antibody tests, but the performance of such tests remains unclear. Moreover, it is difficult to compare among the various devices regarding their sensitivity & specificity.In order to compare the performance of such devices, we used Cohen’ kappa statistics to assess the level of agreement between RT-PCR and rapid antibody tests. In doing this study, we considered the term of validity after symptom-onset to compare two tests. It takes more than a week to produce antibodies in the body, and RT-PCR thus gives negative result in the convalescent period. On ELISA data from the literature kappa statistics was calculated as 1.0 beyond 10 days after symptom-onset. By taking these factors into consideration, we evaluated agreement with samples collected beyond 10 days of symptom-onset during the active period.We calculated the data from 9 devices, and the kappa statistics for English data were calculated as 0.64 on average. The same finding was 0.75 for Chinese data. These results corresponded with the values from sensitivity & specificity of their reports. Both reports had no details about the collection procedures. Kappa statistics might become even more accurate, if samples could be restricted to ones collected beyond 10 days. Regarding the data from our hospital’, the kappa statistics was 0.97 when restricted to samples collected beyond 10 days, which thus showed excellent agreement.By using kappa statistics, the performances of rapid antibody tests can be shown as one figure, so that their comparison becomes easy to carry out.Highlights▪Using kappa statistics, agreement between PCR and ELISA was perfect from the data beyond 10 days of symptom-onset.▪The results of kappa statistics corresponded with the values from sensitivity & specificity of the English and the Chinese literatures.▪Kappa statistics was calculated as 0.97 from the data beyond 10 days of symptom-onset, and sensitivity & specificity were 95.2% and 100% in our hospital.▪Kappa statistics is a convenient means to identify accurate rapid antibody tests.
Evaluating the Mental Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Urban South Africa: Perceived Risk of COVID-19 Infection and Childhood Trauma Predict Adult Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Kim Andrew Wooyoung , Nyengerai Tawanda , Mendenhall Emily 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTSouth Africa’s national lockdown introduced serious threats to public mental health in a society where one in three individuals develop a psychiatric disorder during their life. We aimed to evaluate the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic using a mixed methods design. This longitudinal study drew from a preexisting sample of 957 adults living in Soweto, a major township near Johannesburg. Psychological assessments were administered across two waves: between August 2019-March 2020 and during the first six weeks of the lockdown (late March-early May 2020). Interviews on COVID-19 experiences were administered in the second wave. Multiple regression models examined relationships between perceived COVID-19 risk and depression. Full data on perceived COVID-19 risk, depression, and covariates were available in 221 adults. 14.5% of adults were at risk for depression. Higher perceived COVID-19 risk predicted greater depressive symptoms (p < 0.001) particularly among adults with histories of childhood trauma, though this effect was marginally significant (p = 0.062). Adults were two times more likely to experience significant depressive symptoms for every one unit increase in perceived COVID-19 risk (p = 0.016; 95% CI [1.14, 3.49]). Qualitative data identified potent experiences of anxiety, financial insecurity, fear of infection, and rumination. Higher perceived risk of COVID-19 infection is associated with greater depressive symptoms among adults with histories of childhood trauma during the first six weeks of quarantine. High rates of severe mental illness and low availability of mental healthcare amidst COVID-19 emphasize the need for immediate and accessible psychological resources in South Africa.
A systematic review protocol of the antiviral activity of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine against COVID-19
Authors: Mensah Kofi Boamah , Mensah Adwoa Bemah Boamah , Bangalee Varsha , Oosthuizen Frasia 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe recent outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), or COVID-19 with no approved medicines has led to global health threat. Currently, repositioning of old medicines seems the most responsible strategy for potential cure and prevention COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have shown promising efficacy against COVID-19 related pneumonia in clinical studies. However, the mode of drug action of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine against SARS-CoV-2 infection is not clear. This review aims to gather evidence on antiviral activity and possible mechanism of drug action of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine on SARS-CoV-2, including in-vitro, animal studies, and studies in humans.MethodA structured search of five bibliographic databases namely; Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar will be undertaken to retrieve studies that describe the antiviral activity and possible mechanism of drug action of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine on SARS-CoV-2. No restrictions will be placed on publication date, but studies will be limited to only publications in English. Duplication of studies will be removed using EndNote reference manager. Three authors will screen the citations independently based on inclusion criteria. Data extraction and assessment of risk of bias will be done independently. Meta-analysis of selected studies will be done wherever suitable.Ethics and disseminationPrimary data collection will not be involved in this study, hence no need for formal ethical clearance. Findings from the study will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and conference meeting.Trial registration numberhttps://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/7DJMUStrengths and limitations of this studyThis study is the first systematic review to gather current evidence on the antiviral effect and mode of action of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine on SARS-CoV-2 infection. We expect that data that will be synthesis will provide enough information to inform COVID-19 care pathways and help clinicians caring for COVID-19 patients.Furthermore, this systematic review will expand our knowledge on the benefits and risks of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in management of COVID-19 patients and identify areas of controversies, and quality assessment.We anticipate that there will be few studies reporting on the mechanism of drug action and antiviral effects of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine on SARS-CoV-2 infection.