bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in deleterious mutational effects inDrosophila melanogaster: combining quantitative and population genetic insights
Authors: Ruzicka Filip , Connallon Tim , Reuter Max 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFitness effects of deleterious mutations can differ between females and males due to: (i) sex differences in the strength of purifying selection; and (ii) sex differences in ploidy. Although sex differences in fitness effects have important broader implications (e.g., for the evolution of sex and lifespan), few studies have quantified their scope. Those that have belong to one of two distinct empirical traditions: (i) quantitative genetics, which focusses on multi-locus genetic variances in each sex, but is largely agnostic about their genetic basis; and (ii) molecular population genetics, which focusses on comparing autosomal and X-linked polymorphism, but is poorly suited for inferring contemporary sex differences. Here, we combine both traditions to present a comprehensive analysis of female and male adult reproductive fitness among 202 outbred, laboratory-adapted, hemiclonal genomes of Drosophila melanogaster. While we find no clear evidence for sex differences in the strength of purifying selection, sex differences in ploidy generate multiple signals of enhanced purifying selection for X-linked loci. These signals are present in quantitative genetic metrics—i.e., a disproportionate contribution of the X to male (but not female) fitness variation—and population genetic metrics—i.e., steeper regressions of an allele’s average fitness effect on its frequency, and proportionally less nonsynonymous polymorphism on the X than autosomes. Fitting our data to models for both sets of metrics, we infer that deleterious alleles are partially recessive. Given the often-large gap between quantitative and population genetic estimates of evolutionary parameters, our study showcases the benefits of combining genomic and fitness data when estimating such parameters.
Family Matters: Cross-Cultural Differences in Familism and Caregiving Outcomes
Authors: Falzarano Francesca , Moxley Jerad , Pillemer Karl , Czaja Sara J 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The increasing number of minority older adults, and the subsequent increase in family members providing care to these individuals, highlights the need to understand how cultural values contribute to differential caregiving outcomes. Using the sociocultural stress and coping model as a guiding framework, the current study examined cross-cultural relationships among familism, social support, self-efficacy, and caregiving outcomes and examines how these relationships vary as a function of caregiver background characteristics.

Methods
Baseline data were collected from 243 participants in the Caring for the Caregiver Network randomized controlled intervention trial. Participants completed measures assessing familism, social support, self-efficacy, positive aspects of caregiving, depression, and burden.

Results
African American and Hispanic participants exhibited higher levels of familism compared to Whites. Compared to White participants, African Americans’ endorsement of familism predicted more positive caregiving appraisals. African Americans also reported greater levels of social support, which in turn predicted lower burden and depressive symptoms when compared with Whites. Exploratory analyses demonstrated significant associations between familism and self-efficacy. In the Hispanic subgroup, familism varied as a function of acculturation.

Discussion
Results indicate that greater levels of familism and social support may exert a protective influence against adverse psychosocial caregiving outcomes. These findings can be used to inform intervention efforts targeting culturally congruent, family-centered approaches.
Inclusiveness Plus Mixed Methods: An Innovative Research Design on Transnational Practices of Older Adults
Authors: Tomás Livia , Ravazzini Laura 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This paper assesses the challenges and the benefits of 2 methodological approaches for improving the study of transnational mobilities of older adults: mixed methods and inclusiveness. The first approach refers to a mixed-methods research design based on surveys and qualitative interviews. We share our experience of conducting a “fully mixed-concurrent-equal-status-design” research project, for which we collected data through quantitative surveys on transnational practices of people aged 55+. Furthermore, we conducted semistructured interviews with adults aged 64+ living or who have lived in Switzerland and spend part of the year in Spain. The second approach relates to the use of an inclusive sample diversified in terms of nationality and migration backgrounds. The inclusive design affects the formulation of questions asked to all participants (and the response options provided in the survey), as well as decisions related to language choices and translations. These elements have to be considered to ensure that older adults from different backgrounds feel included. In a research project on transnational mobility of older adults, conducting an inclusive plus mixed-methods research project pushes researchers to find strategies to balance research objectives with available resources. Maximizing the research team’s methodological background appears to be a suitable approach to address different population groups while working within a budget.
Delayed Again? The Benelux Alternative to the UPC
Authors: Jaeger Thomas 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
What news have we heard from the Unified Patent Court (UPC) lately? None, other than there is yet another holdup from yet another constitutional complaint in Germany? Or, none, other than the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has by now repeatedly indicated that the model is incompatible with EU law? True: ten years into the UPC Agreement, all is still on hold and functional, and legal challenges are as unresolved as ever. But no news in this case is good news, it allows time to ponder alternatives. One alternative is actually quite obvious: the Benelux Court of Justice, which just gained significant new powers in mid-2018. This article looks at the lessons to be learned from the Benelux Court and outlines a Benelux-plus Patent Court as a legally safe alternative to the UPC.
STING-mediated Syk Signaling Attenuates Tumorigenesis of Colitis‑associated Colorectal Cancer Through Enhancing Intestinal Epithelium Pyroptosis
Authors: Gong Wenbin , Liu Peizhao , Zhao Fan , Liu Juanhan , Hong Zhiwu , Ren Huajian , Gu Guosheng , Wang Gefei , Wu Xiuwen , Zheng Tao , Zhao Yun , Ren Jianan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) has essential functions in the immune responses and can induce cancer cell apoptosis. However, it is not completely clear how STING plays a role in colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) and whether it can trigger pyroptosis during the tumorigenesis of CAC.

Methods
To investigate the role of STING-modulated pyroptosis in the development of CAC, STING knockout and Wild type mice were challenged with azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to establish a murine CAC model. STING pharmacological agonist was used to further study the functions of STING signaling in the tumorigenesis. Moreover, STING endogenous ligand was employed to verify the effects of STING in human colon cancer cells.

Results
STING deficiency mice were more susceptible to CAC by reducing pyroptosis of tumor cells, whereas overactivation of STING with the agonist suppressed tumorigenesis of CAC. STING also managed CAC development by modulating tumor cells proliferation, adhesion, and invasion, as well as inflammatory response. The ex vivo studies indicated that STING could induce pyroptosis via spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), and Syk knockdown weakened such pyroptotic tumor cells death. In addition, the visible physical interaction between STING and Syk was observed in colorectal tumor samples of CAC patients.

Conclusions
STING-mediated Syk signaling may regulate the tumorigenesis of CAC by modulating pyroptosis of tumor cells, and modulation of STING/Syk serves as a novel therapeutic strategy for CAC therapy.
Rescaling Biology: Increasing Integration Across Biological Scales and Subdisciplines to Enhance Understanding and Prediction
Authors: St. Mary Colette , Powell Thomas H Q , Kominoski John S , Weinert Emily 
Published: September 2021

Synopsis
The organization of the living world covers a vast range of spatiotemporal scales, from molecules to the biosphere, seconds to centuries. Biologists working within specialized subdisciplines tend to focus on different ranges of scales. Therefore, developing frameworks that enable testing questions and predictions of scaling requires sufficient understanding of complex processes across biological subdisciplines and spatiotemporal scales. Frameworks that enable scaling across subdisciplines would ideally allow us to test hypotheses about the degree to which explicit integration across spatiotemporal scales is needed for predicting the outcome of biological processes. For instance, how does genomic variation within populations allow us to explain community structure? How do the dynamics of cellular metabolism translate to our understanding of whole-ecosystem metabolism? Do patterns and processes operate seamlessly across biological scales, or are there fundamental laws of biological scaling that limit our ability to make predictions from one scale to another? Similarly, can sub-organismal structures and processes be sufficiently understood in isolation of potential feedbacks from the population, community, or ecosystem levels? And can we infer the sub-organismal processes from data on the population, community, or ecosystem scale? Concerted efforts to develop more cross-disciplinary frameworks will open doors to a more fully integrated field of biology. In this paper, we discuss how we might integrate across scales, specifically by (1) identifying scales and boundaries, (2) determining analogous units and processes across scales, (3) developing frameworks to unite multiple scales, and (4) extending frameworks to new empirical systems.
7Demographics of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in adult population
Authors: Abdeen Mostafa , Hasbay Eda , Hasbay Eliz , Peralta Cesar , Fatima Hafsa , Yang Lan , Shaheen Somia , Suleman Amer 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a dysautonomia of unclear etiology. POTS is defined as a form of orthostatic intolerance characterized by an increase in heart rate ≥ 30 bpm or to a heart rate ≥120 bpm upon standing. The clinical manifestations include dizziness, palpitations fatigue, anxiety, nausea and fainting. There is a paucity of data available on adult population.
This study aims to identify and evaluate demographic features of adult patients with POTS in a large tertiary specialty clinic.

Methods
447 patients diagnosed with POTS between 8/21/2018 and 8/20/2019 were randomly selected from our electronic records, and clinical data obtained during initial outpatient evaluation was reviewed retrospectively for race, gender and age.

Results
Out of 447 patients, 407 (91%) are female and 40 (9%) are male. Amongst them, 417 (93%) patients are White Caucasian of which 381 (91%) are female and 36 (9%) are male; 12 (3%) are Black/African-American of which 11 (92%) are female and 1 (8%) is male; 10 (2%) are Hispanic of which 100% are females; 4 (1%) are Asian of which 2 (50%) are females and 2 (50%) are males and 4 from other races of which 3 (75%) were female and 1 (25%) was male. Patients had a mean age of 32.9 with a standard deviation of 11.96.

Conclusions
POTS predominates in females, middle age population, and may be heavily prevalent in White Caucasians.

Key messages
Further clinical studies on more geographically spread populations are encouraged to support our findings on racial prevalen
1477The landscape of COVID-19 trials in Australia
Authors: Aberoumand Mason , Seidler Anna Lene , Williams Jonathan , Webster Angela , Tan Aidan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seen a large number of clinical trials launched at unprecedented speed. We aimed to explore the landscape of COVID-19 trials in Australia, and to what extent Australian researchers have responded to global need for coordination and collaboration.

Methods
We systematically searched the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1st January to 16th November 2020. We included all interventional studies addressing prevention, diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19, recruiting in Australia. We analysed the number and size of trials, additional recruitment countries, funding, trial purpose, study design, data sharing plans, and collection of COVID-19 core outcomes.

Results
We identified 56 COVID-19 trials, targeting 33,757 participants. They evaluated drugs (n = 34, 61%), vaccines (n = 10, 18%) or other interventions (n = 12, 21%), e.g. ventilators, digital health. Median target sample size was 150 (Q1-Q3=33-395). Only two trials utilised adaptive methods (Bayesian designs), and of the 34 COVID-19 treatment trials, only one included all core outcomes. Most (80%) indicated they were not planning to share data.

Conclusions
There has been impressive research scale-up and innovation in drug development and digital health, but fast-track procedures may have impacted scientific rigor and research prioritisation. Trials often lacked innovative study designs, were underpowered for clinical outcomes, collected limited core outcomes and did not intend to share data, precluding future evidence synthesis.

Key messages
The research response in Australia has been rapid, but better coordination is required. Infrastructure for innovation would support coordination of research efforts, and reduce research waste.
1461Neighbourhood disadvantage and early childhood mental health inequities across a population of children at school-entry
Authors: Alderton Amanda , O'Connor Meredith , Villanueva Karen , Gunn Lucy , Turrell Gavin , Boulange Claire , Badland Hannah 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Mental health inequities are shaped by the environments where children develop, including neighbourhoods. Children living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods tend to have poorer development outcomes, yet little evidence has examined positive mental health outcomes, like competence, in young children.

Methods
We examined associations between neighbourhood disadvantage and young children’s competence, as well as mental health difficulties (internalising and externalising), holding constant demographic characteristics and maternal education using multilevel logistic regression (Markov Chain Monte Carlo estimation). Data were from the 2018 Australian Early Development Census, including over 250,000 children entering their first year of school (age approximately 5 years).

Results
Children living in Australia’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods had higher odds of externalising difficulties (AOR: 1.34; 95% credible interval 1.29 to 1.38), internalising difficulties (AOR: 1.29; 95% credible interval 1.24 to 1.33), and lower odds of competence (AOR: 0.72; 95% credible interval 0.69 to 0.74) than children in the least disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Conclusions
Across both mental health difficulties and competence, neighbourhood-level inequities were evident. Future research should identify specific neighbourhood features that could address these inequities. Availability of population linked geospatial and child development data in Australia offers opportunities to address these gaps and is prioritised as the next step in this research program.

Key messages
Children in disadvantaged neighbourhoods face lower likelihood of positive mental health (competence) and higher likelihood of mental health difficulties. Identifying specific neighbourhood features that could address these inequities is a priority.
1513Foodborne Outbreak in the Central Prison, Amanat Al-Asimah, Yemen-October, 2020
Authors: Al-eryani Salwa , qeran Mohammed , Saeed labibah , Ghaleb Yasser 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Foodborne diseases continuous to be one of important health problem in Yemen. On October 9, 2020, the surveillance officer in Amanat Al-Asimah reported increased number of diarrhea cases in the prison. On October 10, 2020, team from Y-FETP was sent to determine the magnitude of the outbreak, identify risk factors and recommend control measures.

Methods
Descriptive and case control study with a ratio of (1: 1) was conducted. Case defined as any person in prison developed of diarrhea or vomiting/nausea or abdominal cramps from 1st-15th October. Control defined as: any person in prison not developed of diarrhea or vomiting or any symptoms. Data was collected by using prepared line list and multivariable logistic analysis used for identifying risk factors.

Results
A total of fifty-one cases met the case definition. All cases were males with the mean of age (31.3±3.06). Al-Qala’ah ward was the most affected area (AR 5.7/100) and none of the cases died. The implicated food items were: tomato sauce (OR 4.92: CI 2.11-11.49) and potato sauce (OR 5.68: CI 2.29-14.07). Tanks were open and in bad condition and handling of food were poor. Laboratory results of examined food and water samples revealed Shigella flxneri sero type II and coliform growth and Staph. aurous were isolated from nasal of 3 cookers.

Conclusions
The foodborne outbreak in prison was associated with eating contaminated food in main restaurants. Monitoring of food consumed, rigorous implementation of food handling instructions and health education of handlers, and periodic inspection of water tanks in prisons are recommended.

Key messages
Highlight the importance of foodborne illness which leads to a negative impact on affected people loss of work, medical costs, long-term disability, and even death.in addition to bad impact on the economy especially in a poor country such as Yemen which has lacked awareness of the foodborne illness and doesn't have any surveillance system and regulation
1497Implementing the TRAPD model for the Saudi adaptation of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0
Authors: Altwaijri Yasmin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
The World Mental Health-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) 3.0, originally in English, is a fully-structured interview designed for the assessment of mental disorders. Although Arabic translations of CIDI from countries like Lebanon and Iraq exist, a Modern Standard Arabic translation was developed to suit the Saudi population. While the translation model used in the present paper has been used to translate instruments in Asian and European languages, there is no study to the best of our knowledge which has used this specific model to translate a validated instrument from English to Arabic.

Case presentation
This paper describes the Saudi adaptation of CIDI 3.0. The TRAPD team translation model—comprising of translation, review, adjudication, pretesting and documentation—was implemented to carry out the Saudi adaptation of CIDI 3.0. Pretests involving cognitive interviewing and pilot study led to translation revisions which consequently confirmed that Saudi respondents had a good understanding of various items of the instrument. The adaptation procedures for the Saudi CIDI 3.0 were well documented and the instrument was linguistically validated with the Saudi population.

Conclusions
The TRAPD model was successfully implemented to adapt the CIDI 3.0 to be used as the main survey instrument for the Saudi National Mental Health Survey, findings of which will provide health policy makers mental health indicators for health decision making and planning.

Key messages
The CIDI 3.0 is a resourceful tool for examining mental health issues in the GCC.
591The “Big 6”: A purpose-based framework for motivating and teaching epidemiologic methods
Authors: Avelino-silva Vivian , Zablotska Lydia , Martin Jeffrey 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Focus of Presentation
Many beginning students in health-related fields do not understand the types of questions that epidemiology can address. This results in underappreciation of the relevance of epidemiology. Even students dedicated to learning epidemiology and/or medicine have difficulty identifying the common features of disparate research questions and hence are limited in their ability to critique research. The reasons for these limitations are multifold, but we believe that traditional approaches of teaching epidemiology □ by study design □ is a substantial contributor. To better promote and deepen understanding of epidemiology, we have developed a purpose-based teaching approach called the “Big 6”.

Findings
In courses aimed towards graduate students in epidemiology and medical students, we now introduce what epidemiologic research can do and how to perform it according to the general purpose/goal/objective of research. We focus on six of the most common purposes/goals/objectives - the “Big 6”.

Conclusions
Introducing epidemiology according to general purposes of research (the “Big 6”) gives students a framework to understand the relevance of epidemiology and rapidly critique the validity of epidemiologic research.

Key messages
A purpose-based approach to teaching epidemiology may be more engaging and promote better understanding and application of epidemiologic methods.
403Mental Health Needs in International Students of African Descent: Findings from the Healthy Minds Network
Authors: Baba Zeinab , Edelblute Heather 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Mental health issues are becoming of increasing concern for college students while universities are also becoming more internationalized with students from diverse countries. Students of sub-Sahara African (SSA) descent represent a group understudied in the mental health literature who may have unique mental health needs.

Methods
Data on students of SSA descent (n = 916) was obtained for academic years 2016-2019 of the Healthy Minds Network (HMN), a yearly web-based survey conducted on US university campuses. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with ever receiving counseling or therapy for mental health concerns.

Results
Over half (57%) were female with a mean age of 25.7. On the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), 23% scored in the moderate, moderately severe, or severe depression range. Two-thirds expressed not receiving counseling or therapy for mental health concerns. In multivariate models, males (OR 0.5 (0.3-0.8), p = 0.01)) were less likely to receive counseling or therapy compared to females; students with more days of emotional or mental difficulties were increasingly more likely to ever receive counseling or therapy compared to students with no days of emotional or mental difficulties. Ever receiving counseling or therapy was associated with a rarely stressful financial situation (OR 2.6 (1.2-5.9), p = 0.02)).

Conclusions
Males may require incentives to get assistance with mental health issues. Making counseling more affordable could improve usage rates by students with more stressful financial situations.

Key messages
University administrators should consider options to address mental health concerns of this student group..