bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of galactic dynamics in shaping the physical properties of giant molecular clouds in Milky Way-like galaxies
Authors: Jeffreson Sarah M R , Kruijssen J M Diederik , Keller Benjamin W , Chevance Mélanie , Glover Simon C O 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
We examine the role of the large-scale galactic-dynamical environment in setting the properties of giant molecular clouds in Milky Way-like galaxies. We perform three high-resolution simulations of Milky Way-like discs with the moving-mesh hydrodynamics code arepo, yielding a statistical sample of ${\sim}80\, 000$ giant molecular clouds and ${\sim}55\, 000$ H i clouds. We account for the self-gravity of the gas, momentum, and thermal energy injection from supernovae and H ii regions, mass injection from stellar winds, and the non-equilibrium chemistry of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. By varying the external gravitational potential, we probe galactic-dynamical environments spanning an order of magnitude in the orbital angular velocity, gravitational stability, mid-plane pressure, and the gradient of the galactic rotation curve. The simulated molecular clouds are highly overdense (∼100×) and overpressured (∼25×) relative to the ambient interstellar medium. Their gravoturbulent and star-forming properties are decoupled from the dynamics of the galactic mid-plane, so that the kpc-scale star formation rate surface density is related only to the number of molecular clouds per unit area of the galactic mid-plane. Despite this, the clouds display clear, statistically significant correlations of their rotational properties with the rates of galactic shearing and gravitational free-fall. We find that galactic rotation and gravitational instability can influence their elongation, angular momenta, and tangential velocity dispersions. The lower pressures and densities of the H i clouds allow for a greater range of significant dynamical correlations, mirroring the rotational properties of the molecular clouds, while also displaying a coupling of their gravitational and turbulent properties to the galactic-dynamical environment.
Meta-analysis of nursing-related organizational and psychosocial predictors of sickness absence
Authors: Gohar B , Larivière M , Lightfoot N , Wenghofer E , Larivière C , Nowrouzi-Kia B 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Nursing is a stressful occupation with high rates of sickness absence. To date, there are no meta-analyses that statistically determined the correlates of sickness absence in this population.

Aims
This meta-analysis examined organizational and psychosocial predictors of sickness absence among nursing staff.

Methods
As a registered systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42017071040), which followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, five databases (CINAHL, PROQuest Allied, PROQuest database theses, PsycINFO, PubMed) were reviewed to examine predictors of sickness absence in nurses and nursing assistants between 1990 and 2019. The Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome tool was used to support our searches. Effect sizes were analysed using random-effects model.

Results
Following critical appraisals using (i) National Institutes of Health’s Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies and (ii) Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology, 21 studies were included. Nursing assistants had greater odds of sickness absence than nurses. Working night shifts, in paediatrics or psychiatric units, experiencing poor mental health, and fatigue, also increased the odds of sickness absence. There was no evidence that job satisfaction or job strain influenced sickness absence; however, job demand increased the likelihood. Finally, work support reduced the odds of lost-time.

Conclusions
We synthesized three decades of research where several factors influenced sickness absence. Due to limited recent research, the results should be interpreted with caution as some practices may have changed overtime or between countries. Nevertheless, these findings could help in applying preventative strategies to mitigate lost-time in a vulnerable working population.
678. Galactomannan Is a Biomarker of APX001 (Fosmanogepix) Efficacy in Treating Experimental Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Gebremariam Teklegiorgis , Alkhazraji Sondus , Gu Yiyou , Alqarihi Abdullah , Mamouei Zeinab , Shaw Karen J , Ibrahim Ashraf S 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a serious fungal infection afflicting immunocompromised patients. Galactomannan (GM) detection in biological samples using the Platelia ELISA has been shown to predict therapy response by azoles, and polyenes. We previously reported on the activity of APX001 (fosmanogepix) in treating murine IPA. Here, we investigated the potential use of GM as a biomarker of APX001 efficacy in an immunosuppressed murine model of IPA.

Methods
ICR mice (n = 8/group) were immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide and cortisone acetate on days −2, and +3, relative to infection with Aspergillus fumigatus via inhalation. Treatment with placebo (diluent control), APX001 (104 mg/kg, PO, a human equivalent dose), or posaconazole (POSA, 30 mg/kg, BID [equivalent to 6× the humanized dose]) began 16-hour post-infection and continued daily. To extend the half-life of APX001, mice were administered 50 mg/kg of the cytochrome P450 inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT) 2 hours prior to APX001 administration. Mice were sacrificed 48-, 72-, or 96-hour post-infection and their lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and sera were collected. Lung fungal burden was determined by conidial equivalent (CE) using qPCR, while GM was determined using the Platelia ELISA.

Results
Compared with placebo, APX001 or POSA treatment resulted in a gradual decrease in tissue fungal burden over time with APX001 or POSA showing significant reduction as early as 96 and 72 hours, respectively (P &lt; 0.005). Although the super-therapeutic dose of POSA resulted in faster reduction in lung fungal burden after 72 hours, both drugs resulted in similar reduction (~6–7 log) in lung CE vs. placebo after 96 hours. Changes in GM levels in BAL or serum samples mirrored reductions in lung CFU with significant decrease seen after 96 hours or 72 hours for APX001 or POSA, respectively, vs. placebo (P &lt; 0.02) (figure).

Conclusion
A human equivalent dose of APX001 and a super humanized dose of POSA resulted in a time-dependent reduction of lung fungal burden and GM levels when compared with placebo. These results show that GM can be used as a biomarker of APX001 efficacy in immunosuppressed mice.

Disclosures
All authors: No reported disclosures.
Smoke on the Hill: A Comparative Study of Wildfire and Two Communities
Authors: Blatner Keith A. , Mendez Sandra Rodriguez , Carroll Matthew S. , Findley Angela J. , Walker Gregg B. , Daniels Steven E. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Wildfire represents a serious challenge to communities in the rural West. After decades of fire suppression, land managers now perceive a greater role for wildfire in the ecosystem. In the meantime, migration patterns from urban to rural settings have increased the number of people living in forested areas throughout the West, therefore; wildfires are a threat to more homes than ever in the region. This study focuses on two communities' response to wildfires during the intense fire season of 1994. Through qualitative research methods, the study analyzes these diverse responses in the context of local social history.
Residents of the two communities in north central Washington differed markedly in their perceptions of the wildfires and the followup recovery efforts. We argue that these differences are in large part due to differences in the communities' historical development patterns, geographical location, and the resulting differences in social composition and world views of members. The historical trajectory and everyday life in each of the two communities serve to frame differing attitudes and positions regarding forest and fire management, which can be explained further by using three distinct perspectives on community. Lessons are drawn for forest/fire managers that center on the critical role of trust in successful fire management. West, J. Appl. For. 18(1):60–70.
Calciphylaxis-Associated Cutaneous Vascular Calcification in Noncalciphylaxis Patients
Authors: Chaudet Kristine M. , Dutta Puja , Nigwekar Sagar U. , Nazarian Rosalynn M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract:
Calciphylaxis is a highly morbid disease that is strongly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the histologic criteria for diagnosis have not been well established nor have their specificity for calciphylaxis been determined. This retrospective study aimed to examine the prevalence of histologic features commonly associated with calciphylaxis in noncalciphylaxis patients. We also sought to evaluate whether these features may be more prevalent in patients with CKD. To assess this, healthy marginal skin tissue from above-the-knee amputation specimens was compared between patients with CKD (n = 23) and without CKD (n = 47). Intravascular calcification of capillaries or small-to-medium arterioles was detected on von Kossa stain in 40.0% of the entire cohort. Capillary calcification and intravascular thrombosis were more prevalent in patients with CKD. Finely stippled capillary calcification was present in 26.1% of patients with CKD versus 8.5% of patients without CKD (P = 0.0484), and intravascular thrombosis was present in 8.7% of patients with CKD and 0.0% of patients without CKD (P = 0.0403). None of the patients in this study had clinical evidence of calciphylaxis at presentation and in at least a 1-year follow-up period. This study confirms that the histologic features previously associated with calciphylaxis are nonspecific and are more prevalent in patients with CKD.
The Road to Transfusion-free Craniosynostosis Repair in Children Less Than 24 Months Old: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Beethe Amy B. , Spitznagel Rachel A. , Kugler Jane A. , Goeller Jessica K. , Franzen Marcellene H. , Hamlin Ryan J. , Lockhart Thomas J. , Lyden Elizabeth R. , Glogowski Kimberly R. , LeRiger Michelle M. 
Published: July 2020

Introduction:
Pediatric craniofacial reconstruction has historically resulted in extensive blood loss necessitating transfusion. This single-center quality improvement initiative evaluates the impact of perioperative practice changes on the allogeneic transfusion rate for children 24 months and younger of age undergoing craniofacial reconstruction.

Methods:
At project initiation, an appointed core group of anesthesiologists provided all intraoperative anesthetic care for patients undergoing craniofacial reconstruction. Standardized anesthetic guidelines established consistency between providers. Using the Plan-do-check-act methodology, practice changes had been implemented and studied over a 5-year period. Improvement initiatives included developing a temperature-management protocol, using a postoperative transfusion protocol, administering intraoperative tranexamic acid, and a preincisional injection of 0.25% lidocaine with epinephrine. For each year of the project, we acquired data for intraoperative and postoperative allogeneic transfusion rates.

Results:
A cohort of 119 pediatric patients, ages 4–24 months, underwent anterior or posterior vault reconstruction for craniosynostosis at a tertiary children’s hospital between March 2013 and November 2018. Intraoperative and postoperative transfusion of allogeneic blood products in this cohort decreased from 100% preintervention to 22.7% postintervention.

Conclusions:
Interdepartmental collaboration and practice modifications using sequential Plan-do-check-act cycles resulted in a bundle of care that leads to a sustainable decrease in the rate of intraoperative and postoperative allogeneic blood transfusions in patients less than 24 months of age undergoing craniosynostosis repair. This bundle decreases the risk of transfusion-related morbidity for these patients. Other institutions looking to achieve similar outcomes can implement this project.
Preclinical and first-in-human-brain-cancer applications of [18F]poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor PET/MR
Authors: Young Robert J , De Souza França Paula Demétrio , Pirovano Giacomo , Piotrowski Anna F , Nicklin Philip J , Riedl Christopher C , Schwartz Jazmin , Bale Tejus A , Donabedian Patrick L , Kossatz Susanne , Burnazi Eva M , Roberts Sheryl , Lyashchenko Serge K , Miller Alexandra M , Moss Nelson S. , Fiasconaro Megan , Zhang Zhigang , Mauguen Audrey , Reiner Thomas , Dunphy Mark P 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe report pre-clinical and first-in-human-brain-cancer data using a targeted poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase1 (PARP1) binding PET tracer, [18F]PARPi, as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between brain cancers and treatment related changes. In a pre-clinical mouse model, we illustrated that [18F]PARPi crosses the blood-brain barrier and specifically binds to PARP1 overexpressed in cancer cell nuclei. In humans, we demonstrated high [18F]PARPi uptake on PET/MR in active brain cancers and low uptake in treatment related changes, independent of blood brain-barrier disruption. Immunohistochemistry results confirmed higher PARP1 expression in cancers than non-cancers. Specificity was also corroborated by blocking fluorescent tracer uptake with excess of unlabeled PARP inhibitor in fresh cancer tissue derived from a patient. Although larger studies are necessary to confirm and further explore this tracer, we describe an encouraging role for the use of [18F]PARPi as a diagnostic tool in evaluating patients with brain cancers and possible treatment related changes.One Sentence summaryPET imaging with [18F]PARPi can differentiate active brain cancer from treatment related changes with encouraging results for use during treatment follow-up.
The brief comparison of the operational efficiency of pool-testing strategies for COVID-19 mass testing in PCR laboratories
Authors: Vechera Kirill 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper addresses the operational efficiency of different pool-testing strategies in typical scenarios of a PCR laboratory working in mass testing for COVID-19 with different values of prevalence, limitations and conditions of testing, and priorities of optimization.The research employs a model of the laboratory’s testing process, created after interviewing of PCR laboratories and studying their operations. The limitations and operational characteristics of this model were applied in a simulation of the testing process with different pool-testing strategies managed by a computer program developed in the LOMT project.The efficiency indicators assessed are the number of assays needed to obtain results of a batch of specimens, the number of specimens identified after the first analysis, and total time to obtain all results.Depending on prevalence, constraints of testing, and priorities of optimization, different pool-testing strategies provide the best operational efficiency. The binary splitting algorithm provides the maximum reduction of the number of assays: from 1.99x reduction for a high prevalence (10%) to 25x reduction for a low prevalence (0.1%), while other algorithms provide the least amount of time to obtain results or the maximum number of the specimens classified after the first analysis.
Changes in SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses Impact the Estimates of Infections in Population-Based Seroprevalence Studies
Authors: Fenwick Craig , Croxatto Antony , Coste Alix T. , Pojer Florence , André Cyril , Pellaton Céline , Farina Alex , Campos Jérémy , Hacker David , Lau Kelvin , Bosch Berend-Jan , Nussle Semira Gonseth , Bochud Murielle , D’Acremont Valerie , Trono Didier , Greub Gilbert , Pantaleo Giuseppe 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe have determined SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses in a cohort of 96 individuals with acute infection and in 578 individuals enrolled in a seroprevalence population study in Switzerland including three groups, i.e. subjects with previous RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections (n=90), ‘positive patient contacts’ (n=177) and ‘random selected subjects’ (n=311). SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses specific to the Spike (S), in the monomeric and native trimeric forms, and/or the nucleocapsid (N) proteins were equally sensitive in the acute infection phase. Interestingly, as compared to anti-S antibody responses, those against the N protein appear to wane in the post-infection and substantially underestimated the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the groups of ‘patient positive contacts’, i.e. 10.9 to 32.2% reduction and in the ‘random selected’ general population, i.e. up to 45% reduction. The overall reduction in seroprevalence targeting only anti-N IgG antibodies for the total cohort ranged from 9.4 to 31%. Of note, the use of the S protein in its native trimer form was more sensitive as compared to monomeric S proteins.These results indicate that the assessment of anti-S IgG antibody responses against the native trimeric S protein should be implemented to estimate SARS-CoV-2 infections in population-based seroprevalence studies.
Impact of Meteorological factors and population size on the transmission of Micro-size respiratory droplets based Coronavirus: A brief study of highly infected cities in Pakistan
Authors: Shahzadi Iram , Shahzadi Anum , Haider Junaid , Naz Sadia , Aamir Rai. M. , Haider Ali , Sharif Hafiz Rizwan , Khan Imran Mahmood , Ikram Muhammad 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOngoing Coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) identified first in Wuhan, China posed huge impact on public health and economy around the globe. Both cough and sneeze based droplets or aerosols encapsulated COVID-19 particles are responsible for air borne transmission of this virus and caused unexpected escalation and high mortality worldwide. Current study intends to investigate correlation of COVID-19 epidemic with meteorological parameters particularly, temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind speed along with population size. Data set of COVID-19 for highly infected cities of Pakistan was collected from the official website of National Institute of health (NIH). Spearman’s rank (rs) correlation coefficient test employed for data analysis revealed significant correlation between temperature minimum (TM), temperature average (TA), wind speed (WS) and population size (PS) with COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to analyze the sensitivity of TA, WS, and PS on transmission rate of COVID-19 in selected cities of Pakistan. The results obtained for sensitivity and specificity analysis for all selected parameters signifies sensitivity and direct correlation of COVID-19 transmission with temperature variation, WS and PS. Positive correlation and strong association of PS parameter with COVID-19 pandemic suggested need of more strict actions and control measures for highly populated cities. These findings will be helpful for health regulatory authorities and policymakers to take specific measures to combat COVID-19 epidemic in Pakistan.
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody response in PCR positive patients: comparison of nine tests in relation with clinical data
Authors: Naaber Paul , Hunt Kaidi , Pesukova Jaana , Haljasmägi Liis , Rumm Pauliina , Peterson Pärt , Hololejenko Jelena , Eero Irina , Jõgi Piia , Toompere Karolin , Sepp Epp 
Published: July 2020

SummaryBackgroundHigh number of SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests are available in different formats, detect different types of antibodies, and use different target proteins. Sensitivity of these tests varies and could be also related to clinical symptoms and testing time.MethodsSerum samples from 97 COVID-19 patients and 100 controls were tested with 9 antibody tests (SNIBE, Epitope, Euroimmun, Roche, Abbott, DiaSorin, Biosensor, LIPS N, and LIPS S-RBD). The results were analyzed in context of clinical data.FindingsPositivity rate was of tests was following: N-LIPS test (91.8% cases), Epitope (85.6%), Abbott and in-house LIPS S-RBD (both 84.5%), Roche (83.5%), Euroimmun (82.5%), DiaSorin (81.4%), SNIBE (70.1%), and Biosensor (64.9%). Agreement between tests varied (71-95%). Correlation between patient symptoms score and antibody value was test-dependent: varied from strongest in LIPS N (ρ=0.41; p<0.001) to nonsignificant (LIPS S-RBD). Testing time from symptoms influenced sensitivity in some tests more than another’s.InterpretationSensitivity of tests varied highly and combination of different tests may improve it. Relation of results to symptoms and testing time was test-dependent. Thus, some antibody tests seems to be more sensitive to detect antibodies early and in asymptomatic patients than others.FundingStudy was funded by SYNLAB Estonia and Estonian Research Council grant PRG377.Research in contextEvidence before this studyHigh variation in COVID-19 antibody tests sensitivity has been described. Relation between antibody response and clinical cause has been found in some studies but not in others. It’s known that antibody response is time dependent, however seroconversion medians varied in different studies.Added value of this studyWe confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 antibody response depends on clinical symptoms and time of testing, but we also found that this relation is dependent on test setup and viral antigens used in the tests. This may explain contradictory results of previous studies.Implications of all the available evidenceOur study has practical implications showing that not all antibody tests work uniformly well in symptomatic and asymptomatic cases and in different time periods from disease onset. This should be taken into consideration in clinical practice for diagnosing COVID-19 and in epidemiological studies evaluating the seroprevalence especially in asymptomatic population.
Public’s perceived importance of non-pharmacological interventions for COVID-19 control in Greece: preliminary evidence from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Boutsikari Eleni C. , Christakou Anna , Elpidoforou Michail , Kopsidas Ioannis , Nikolovienis Nicholas , Kardara Despina , Boutsikari Chrissoula C. , Triantafyllou Christos 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn the early stages of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, while effective pharmaceutical approaches are pending, COVID-19 management relies primarily on non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as social distancing, which requirepublic’s engagement and behavioral adjustment. This study aims to evaluate public’s perceived importance of the NPIs imposed for COVID-19 control in personal and public health protection in Greece.MethodsThis cross-sectional online study, enrolled 657 participants of the general Greek population in order to assess their beliefs and evaluate possible factors that influence their perceptions as regards NPI importance in personal and public health protection.ResultsOverall, Greeks considered NPIs important for health protection. The participants who were less likely to consider NPIs important were men (OR versus females=1.64, 95% CI:1.15 to 2.36, p=0.007), people younger than 40 years old (OR between ages over 40 versus ages below 40=0.48, 95% CI:0.34 to 0.68, p<0.001), and people who did not chose the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY) to get informed about COVID-19 (OR of EODY versus other sources of information = 0.65, 95% CI:0.46-0.92, p= 0.014).ConclusionsThis study profiled Greek people who do and do not consider NPIs important, mainly as of their demographic features. Focused communicational strategies in certain population subgroups are recommended.