bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Diet on Development and Survival of Thanatophilus rugosus (Coleoptera: Silphidae)
Authors: Qubaiová Jarin , Jakubec Pavel , Montoya-Molina Santiago , Novák Martin , Šuláková Hana 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This study examined the effects of various diets on the development time and survival of the carrion beetle Thanatophilus rugosus (Fabricius, 1775). We attempted to find the best diet for rearing the species in laboratory conditions for entomological research and forensic purposes, and to further understand its feeding habits. The larval stages were monitored while feeding on three types of meat under a constant temperature. We discovered that the shortest development time in total was achieved in larvae fed with pork liver, followed closely by pork muscle. The longest development and lowest survival rates were observed when introducing a chicken diet. We were also able to identify specific stages during which the diet significantly affected the development.
Developing Physician Assistant Faculty Feedback Skills
Authors: Joyce Pauline 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Investing time in mastering the feedback process is an important skill for all faculty. With physician assistant (PA) programs growing rapidly worldwide, faculty need to devote time to the education theory behind the feedback process. Within the clinical area, feedback is an everyday occurrence for PAs. However, ensuring that the process of giving feedback reaps dividends, ie, closes the feedback loop and ensures that learning and change of behavior have occurred, requires an understanding of what theories and models have already been tested with students. This article focuses on key principles of providing feedback and uses an example of a model of feedback, which highlights the challenges. An application to practice of the principles and model used as examples is provided, with a focus on self and peer feedback.
Gene-environment interaction analysis incorporating sex, cardiometabolic diseases, and multiple deprivation index reveals novel genetic associations with COVID-19 severity
Authors: Westerman Kenneth E. , Lin Joanna , Sevilla-Gonzalez Magdalena , Tadess Beza , Marchek Casey , Manning Alisa K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIncreasing evidence indicates that specific genetic variants influence the severity of outcomes after infection with COVID-19. However, it is not clear whether the effect of these genetic factors is independent of the risk due to more established non-genetic demographic and metabolic risk factors such as male sex, poor cardiometabolic health, and low socioeconomic status. We sought to identify interactions between genetic variants and non-genetic risk factors influencing COVID-19 severity via a genome-wide interaction study in the UK Biobank. Of 378,051 unrelated individuals of European ancestry, 2,402 were classified as having experienced severe COVID-19, defined as hospitalization or death due to COVID-19. Exposures included sex, cardiometabolic risk factors (obesity and type 2 diabetes [T2D], tested jointly), and multiple deprivation index. Multiplicative interaction was tested using a logistic regression model, conducting both an interaction test and a joint test of genetic main and interaction effects. Five independent variants reached genome-wide significance in the joint test, one of which also reached significance in the interaction test. One of these, rs2268616 in the PGF gene, showed stronger effects in males and in individuals with T2D. None of the five variants showed effects on a similarly-defined phenotype in a lookup in the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative. These results reveal potential additional genetic loci contributing to COVID-19 severity and demonstrate the value of including non-genetic risk factors in an interaction testing approach for genetic discovery.
Multiplex Target-Redundant RT-LAMP for Robust Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Using Fluorescent Universal Displacement Probes
Authors: Kline Enos C , Panpradist Nuttada , Hull Ian T , Wang Qin , Oreskovic Amy K , Han Peter D , Starita Lea M , Lutz Barry R 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of variant lineages during the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to disrupt molecular diagnostics due to mismatches between primers and variant templates. Point-of-care molecular diagnostics, which often lack the complete functionality of their high throughput laboratory counterparts, are particularly susceptible to this type of disruption, which can result in false negative results. To address this challenge, we have developed a robust Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification assay with single tube multiplexed multi-target redundancy and an internal amplification control. A convenient and cost-effective target specific fluorescence detection system allows amplifications to be grouped by signal using adaptable probes for pooled reporting of SARS-COV-2 target amplifications or differentiation of the Internal Amplification Control. Over the course of the pandemic, primer coverage of viral lineages by the three redundant sub-assays has varied from assay to assay as they have diverged from the Wuhan-Hu-1 isolate sequence, but aggregate coverage has remained high for all variant sequences analyzed, with a minimum of 97.4% (Variant of Interest: Eta). In three instances (Delta, Gamma, Eta), a high frequency mismatch with one of the three sub-assays was observed, but overall coverage remained high due to multi-target redundancy. When challenged with extracted human samples the multiplexed assay showed 100% sensitivity for samples containing greater than 30 copies of viral RNA per reaction, and 100% specificity. These results are further evidence that conventional laboratory methodologies can be leveraged at the point-of-care for robust performance and diagnostic stability over time.
Preliminary High-Level Modelling Estimates of Impacts of Denicotinisation on Smoking Prevalence in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Wilson Nick , Hoek Janet , Nghiem Nhung , Summers Jennifer , Grout Leah , Edwards Richard 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTAimTo provide preliminary high-level modelling estimates of the impact of denicotinisation of tobacco on changes in smoking prevalence in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ).MethodsAn Excel spreadsheet was populated with smoking/vaping prevalence data from the NZ Health Survey and business-as-usual trends projected. Using various parameters from the literature (NZ trial data, NZ EASE-ITC Study results), we modelled the impact of denicotinisation of tobacco (with no other tobacco permitted for sale) out to 2025, the year of this country’s Smokefree Goal. Scenario 1 used estimates from a published expert knowledge elicitation process, and Scenario 2 considered the addition of extra mass media campaign and quitline support to the base case.ResultsWith the denicotinisation intervention, adult daily smoking prevalences were all estimated to decline to under 5% in 2025 for non-Māori and in one scenario for Māori (Indigenous population) (2.5% in Scenario 1). However, prevalence did not fall below five percent in the base case for Māori (7.7%) or with Scenario 2 (5.2%). In the base case, vaping was estimated to increase to 7.9% in the adult population in 2025, and up to 10.7% in one scenario (Scenario 1).ConclusionsThis preliminary, high-level modelling suggests a mandated denicotinisation policy for could provide a realistic chance of achieving the NZ Government’s Smokefree 2025 Goal. The probability of success would further increase if supplemented with other interventions such as mass media campaigns with Quitline support (especially if targeted for a predominantly Māori audience). Nevertheless, there is much uncertainty with these preliminary high-level results and more sophisticated modelling is highly desirable.
Effect of kettlebell training on bone mineral density in two older adults with osteoporosis: a multiple-case study from the BELL trial
Authors: Meigh Neil J. , Keogh Justin W.L. , Hing Wayne 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this explanatory retrospective case study was to report clinically significant increases in bone mineral density in a female and a male over 70 years of age with osteoporosis, following 16 weeks of hardstyle kettlebell training. Both case subjects were insufficiently active prior to participating in the BELL trial. Subjects trained five days a week accruing a large training load volume (calculated as kettlebell mass multiplied by repetitions performed) during structured group-based classes (74,872 kg and 110,132 kg, respectively). Regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess BMD at the hip and lumbar spine. Increases in BMD of 12.7% and 5.9% at the femoral neck and lumbar spine (L2-L4) respectively were observed for the female, and 2.5% and 6.0% respectively for the male. Magnitude of change in BMD (g/cm2) at the lumbar spine was 2.0 and 1.9 times larger than the least significant change for the female and male respectively, and sufficient to advance the female subjects’ status from osteoporosis to osteopenia. Although these results do not show a definitive causal relationship between kettlebell training and increased BMD, further investigation of the effects of kettlebell training on BMD in older adults with osteoporosis and osteopenia is warranted.
Polyautoimmunity Clusters as a New Taxonomy of Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Rojas Manuel , Ramírez-Santana Carolina , Acosta-Ampudia Yeny , Monsalve Diana M. , Rodriguez-Jimenez Mónica , Zapata Elizabeth , Naranjo-Pulido Angie , Suárez-Avellaneda Ana , Ríos-Serna Lady J. , Prieto Carolina , Zambrano-Romero William , Valero María Alejandra , Mantilla Rubén D. , Zhu Chengsong , Li Quan-Zhen , Toro-Gutiérrez Carlos Enrique , Tobón Gabriel J. , Anaya Juan-Manuel 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPolyautoimmunity (PolyA) is an emerging concept that may help to develop a better classification of autoimmune diseases (ADs). Thus, we aimed to develop new taxonomy based on PolyA. Two-hundred and fifty-four consecutive patients were included with rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n:146), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, n:45), Sjögren’s syndrome (SS, n:29), autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD, n:17) and systemic sclerosis (SSc, n:17). Clinical features, autoantigen array chip, lymphocytes immunophenotype and cytokine profile were assessed simultaneously. The coexistence of two or more ADs with classification criteria was termed “Overt PolyA”, whereas the presence of autoantibodies unrelated to the index AD, without criteria fulfillment, was named “Latent PolyA”. Combination of IgG autoantibodies yielded high accuracy for classification of ADs. In SLE, Histone H2A, Sm/RNP, ssDNA, and dsDNA IgG autoantibodies were the most predictive autoantibodies for this condition. Laminin, Ro/SSA (52 kDa), and U1−snRNP B/B’ for SS; Thyroglobulin for AITD; Ribo Phosphoprotein P1, and CENP-A for SSc. Interestingly, Thyroglobulin and U1−snRNP B/B’ were mutual diagnostic biomarkers in SS and SSc. Latent PolyA showed in nearly 70% of patients, whereas overt PolyA was most common in AITD (82.4%) and SLE (40%). Cluster analysis based on autoantibodies yielded three clusters of which clusters 2 and 3 exhibited high frequency of latent and overt PolyA with distinctive clinical and immunological phenotypes. Combination of autoantibodies demonstrated high performance for classification of ADs. Patients with both latent and overt PolyA cluster together and exhibit differential clinical and immunological features. High prevalence of latent and overt PolyA advocates for routinary surveillance in clinical settings.One Sentence SummaryThis is a proof-of-concept study which allowed a new classification of autoimmune diseases. The results highlight that most patients with both latent and overt polyautoimmunity cluster together, with differential clinical and immunological characteristics.
“Urban Tertiary Care Centre Experience of Characteristics of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia”
Authors: Shah Nehal M , Khambholja Janakkumar R , Suthar Nilay , Tiwari Hemant , Desai Vandit , Beriwala Vishal 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe global pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and has since spread worldwide.[1] This study attempts to summarize current evidence regarding major inflammatory markers, severity predictors and its impact on outcome, which provide current clinical experience and treatment guidance for this novel coronavirus.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study done at an urban teaching covid-19 designated hospital. Hospital data were analysed with aim of studying inflammatory markers, predictors and outcome. Patients were classified in Mild, Moderate, Severe & Critical categories of COVID cases. Their clinical parameters, laboratory investigations, radiological findings & Outcome measures were studied. Strength of association & correlation of those parameters with severity and in-hospital mortality were studied.ResultsA total 204 (N) patients were clinically classified into different severity groups, as per MOHFW and qCSI(quick Covid Severity Index) guidelines, as Mild (34), Moderate (56), Severe (39) and Critical (75). The mean(SD) age of the cohort was 55.1+13.2 years; 74.02% were male. Severe COVID-19 illness is seen more in patients more than 50 years of age. COVID-19 patients having IHD develop worse disease with excess early in-hospital mortality. Respiratory rate & Heart Rate on admission are correlated with severe and stormy disease. Among Inflammatory markers, on admission LDH, D-Dimer and CRP are related with severity and excess in-hospital death rate.ConclusionAdvanced age, male gender, IHD, Respiratory Rate & Heart Rate on admission were associated with severe covid-19 illness. S. Lactate Dehydrogenase & D-dimer was associated with severe covid-19 illness and early in-hospital death.
Macular vascular complexity analysis of diabetes mellitus by swept-source optical coherence tomographic angiography
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Chen Shuhui , Xu Zhiyi , Wang Wei , Wang Dingqiao , Su Yongyue , Zhao Shulun , Li Meichan , Chen Fengling , Zuo Chengguo , Chen Minyu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the associations of retinal vascular complexity features, including fractal dimension (FD) and blood vessel tortuosity (BVT), with the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by using noninvasive optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA).MethodsThis prospective cross-sectional study recruited ocular-treatment-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) registered in the community of Guangzhou, China. OCTA was used to obtain the measurements of FD and BVT in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP). Univariate and multivariate linear regression was used to analyse the correlation of FD and BVT in different layers with DR severity.ResultsA total of 1282 patients with DM (1282 eyes), with a mean age of 64.2±7.8 years, were included. FD in the DCP decreased and BVT in the DCP increased in DR patients compared to non-DR patients, even after adjusting for confounding factors (P< 0.05). Trend analysis showed a significant decrease in the FD values as the DR progressed, while the BVT progressively increased with worsening DR severity (P< 0.01). The FD in DCP had a statistically significant positive correlation with FD in SCP and a negative correlation with BVT in SCP and BVT in DCP in all of the participants, including the non-DR group, moderate DR group and severe DR group (P< 0.01).ConclusionFD and BVT determined using OCTA might be useful parameters for objectively distinguishing DR from non-DR and indicating DR progression.
Differential associations between neocortical tau pathology and blood flow with cognitive deficits in early-onset vs late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Visser Denise , Verfaillie Sander CJ , Wolters Emma E , Coomans Emma M , Timmers Tessa , Tuncel Hayel , Boellaard Ronald , Golla Sandeep SV , Windhorst Albert D , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M , van Berckel Bart NM , Ossenkoppele Rik 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeEarly-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) differ in neuropathological burden and type of cognitive deficits. Assessing tau pathology and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) measured with [18F]flortaucipir PET in relation to cognition may help explain these differences between EOAD and LOAD.MethodsSeventy-nine amyloid-positive individuals with a clinical diagnosis of AD (EOAD: n=35, age-at-PET=59±5, MMSE=23±4; LOAD: n=44, age-at-PET=71±5, MMSE=23±4) underwent a 130 minutes dynamic [18F]flortaucipir PET scan and extensive neuropsychological assessment. We extracted binding potentials (BPND) and R1(proxy of rCBF) from parametric images using receptor parametric mapping, in medial and lateral temporal, parietal, occipital and frontal regions-of-interest and used nine neuropsychological tests covering memory, attention, language and executive functioning. We first examined differences between EOAD and LOAD in BPNDor R1using ANOVA (region-of-interest analysis) and voxel-wise contrasts. Next, we performed linear regression models to test for potential interaction effects between age-at-onset and BPND/R1on cognition.ResultsBoth region-of-interest and voxel-wise contrasts showed higher [18F]flortaucipir BPNDvalues across all neocortical regions in EOAD. By contrast, LOAD patients had lower R1values (indicative of more reduced rCBF) in medial temporal regions. For both tau and flow in lateral temporal, and occipito-parietal regions, associations with cognitive impairment were stronger in EOAD than in LOAD (EOAD BPND-0.76≤stβ≤-0.48 vs LOAD -0.18≤stβ≤-0.02; EOAD R10.37≤stβ≤0.84 vs LOAD -0.25≤stβ≤0.16).ConclusionsCompared to LOAD, the degree of lateral temporal and occipito-parietal tau pathology and relative cerebral blood-flow is more strongly associated with cognition in EOAD.
Closed Doors: Predictors of Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD During the Onset of COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Calegaro Vitor Crestani , Ramos-Lima Luis Francisco , Hoffmann Mauricio Scopel , Zoratto Gustavo , Kerber Natália , Dala Costa Fernanda Coloniese , Picinin Vitor Daniel , Köchler Julia , Rodrigues Leonardo , Maciel Luisa , Braun Luiza Elizabete , Girardi Fernando Leite , Cecatto Gabriel Olerich , Weber Leopoldo Pompeo , Rodrigues Bruna Fragoso , Bertolazi Alessandra Naimaier , de Oliveira Juliana Motta , Negretto Bianca Lorenzi , de Mello Andrea Feijó 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe rise of mental health problems in the population directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic is a major concern. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare independent predictors of symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Brazilians, one month after the implementation of measures of social distancing.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study, performed through a web-based survey. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were the outcomes. Data were gathered regarding demographics, social distancing, economic problems, exposure to the news of the pandemic, psychiatric history, sleep disturbances, traumatic situations, and substance use. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C) was also included. Predictors of symptoms were investigated through hierarchical multiple linear regression.ResultOf a sample of 3,587 participants, approximately two-thirds considered that their mental health worsened after the beginning of the social restriction measures. The most important predictors of the symptoms investigated were the intensity of the distress related to pandemic news, younger age, current psychiatric diagnosis, trouble sleeping, emotional abuse or violence, and economic problems.LimitationsThe convenience sample assessed online may have limited external validity. It does not represent the northern regions of the country and most participants was white wealthier females.ConclusionsThese results confirm the hypothesis that a pandemic would have important impacts on the mental health of the population and indicate the level of distress related to the media as an important predictor of psychological suffering.HighlightsDistress triggered by news was the main predictor of psychological symptomsSleeping problems were strong indicators of mental health problemsPeople with ongoing psychiatric disorders are especially vulnerableMeasures to prevent interpersonal trauma and financial loss are crucialYoung people may experience great suffering at the onset of the pandemic
“Men are the main COVID-19 transmitters: lessons from couples”
Authors: Silva Monize V. R. , de Castro Mateus V. , Passos-Bueno Maria Rita , Otto Paulo A. , Naslavsky Michel S. , Zatz Mayana 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundCOVID-19 has affected millions of people worldwide. Clinical manifestations range from severe cases with a lethal outcome to mild or asymptomatic cases. Although there is the same proportion of infected genders, men are more susceptible to severe COVID-19, with a higher risk of death than women. This sex-bias may be explained by biological pathways.MethodsWe performed an epidemiological survey from July 2020 to July 2021 including 1744 unvaccinated adult Brazilian couples with at least one infected spouse despite living together during the COVID-19 infection without protective measures. The presence or absence of infection was confirmed by RT-PCR and/or serology results. The couples were divided between groups where both partners were infected (concordant couples) or only one spouse remained asymptomatic despite the close contact with the infected one (discordant couples). Statistical analysis of the collected data was performed aiming to verify a differential transmitter potential between genders in household contact.ResultsThe combination of our data collected from concordant and discordant couples showed that the man is the first (or the only) affected in the major occurrences when compared to women. Our findings support other published surveys and are in concordance with previous studies of our group.ConclusionsThese observations support the hypothesis according to which male individuals are more efficient virus transmitters than females, independently of the use of protective masks. In short, the present study confirmed the existence of gender differences not only for susceptibility to infection and resistance to COVID-19 but also in the transmission rate.HIGHLIGHTSThere are sex differences in COVID-19 susceptibility and transmission between couples with direct contact without protective measures;Men are more efficient virus transmitters than women;Sex-bias in COVID-19 transmission can be explained by differences in viral load in saliva, immune response and also behavioural protective differences between genders.