bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Knowledge and Attitude of Physicians Regarding Vaccinations in Yerevan, Armenia: Challenges for COVID-19
Authors: Badalyan Arman R. , Hovhannisyan Marine , Ghavalyan Gayane , Ter-Stepanyan Mary M. , Cave Rory , Cole Jennifer , Farlow Andrew W.K. , Mkrtchyan Hermine V. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis primary-data analysis investigates the current level of awareness and medical knowledge of physicians in 20 health facilities in Yerevan, Armenia regarding vaccination – specifically with regard to HPV infection and the recently-introduced Gardasil vaccine used against HPV infection – that may have implications for successful roll-outs of national programmes for new vaccines, including those for COVID-19.MethodsA questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was completed by 348 physicians who met the study inclusion criteria, from 20 out of 36 randomly selected healthcare facilities in Yerevan, Armenia, between Dec 2017 to Sep 2018. The aim of the questionnaire was to identify physicians’ awareness of and attitudes to HPV-related cervical cancer and the Gardasil vaccine. Responses were analysed using SPSS software (Version 16).ResultsThe responding physicians displayed a respectable level of knowledge and awareness regarding vaccination with regard to some characteristics (e.g. more than 81% knew that HPV infection was commonly asymptomatic, 87% were knew that HPV infection was implicated in most cervical cancers and 87% knew that cervical cancer is the most prevalent cancer amongst women) but low knowledge in others and poor understanding of key issues such as the age at which women were most likely to develop cervical cancer (only 15% answered correctly); whether or not the vaccine should be administered to people who had already been affected (27% answered correctly) and whether sexually active young people should be treated for infection before vaccination (26%). Lack of confidence within the surveyed groups regarding the value of vaccination and, in particular concerns over the reasons for administering it to certain age cohorts, was driven by misconceptions.ConclusionsArmenian physicians’ awareness of vaccine characteristics, the reasons for their inclusion in the national vaccination programme and the characteristics of the diseases they treat can be poor. The study further suggests that drivers of vaccine hesitancy are complex, may not be consistent from vaccine to vaccine, and may vary from generation to generation. The Armenian healthcare sector may need to provide additional training, awareness-raising and educational activities to improve understanding of and trust in vaccination programmes. Further studies are warranted to better understand knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding immunization and vaccination programmes amongst Armenian healthcare workers.
Temporal changes in mental response and prevention patterns, and their impact from uncertainty stress during the transition in China from the COVID-19 epidemic to sporadic infection
Authors: Peng Sihui , Yang Xiaozhao Yousef , Yang Tingzhong , Zhang Weifang , Cottrell Randall R 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis prospective observational study examined changing trends of mental responses and prevention patterns, and their impact from uncertainty stress during the transition in China from the COVID-19 epidemic to sporadic infection.SettingA prospective longitudinal observation design was utilized in this study.ParticipantsWe recruited participants for an online panel survey from chat groups on Chinese social media platforms.Data collectionThere were 7 waves of interviews. Data were obtained by an online survey. A special administrative WeChat group was established to manage the follow-up data collection.MeasuresSeveral mental responses and prevention patterns were each measured by single questionnaire items. Uncertainty stress was measured by 5-point scale. An irrational beliefs about prevention variable was comprised 5 common misconceptions, which manifested during the COVID-19 epidemic in China.AnalysisSixty-two participants completed all observation points and were included in the study. The Mann–Kendall Test was used to assess changing trends across the seven observation points. The nonparametric linear mixed effects model was used to examine the association between uncertainty stress and mental and behavioral responses.ResultsThe mean uncertainty stress did not change significantly over the observation period (T:-0.911, P>0.05). This trend was also true for perceived risk (T: -0.141, P>0.05), perceived severity (T: 1.010, P>0.05), self-efficacy for prevention (T: 0.129, P>0.05), and prevention behavior (T: 0.728, P>0.05). There was a statistically significant downwards trend in irrational beliefs about prevention (T: -4.993, p < 0.01), sleep (T: -2.499, p < 0.05), emotions (T: -5.650, p < 0.01), and lifestyle (T:-5.978, p < 0.01). The results showed that uncertainty stress was positively associated with irrational beliefs (β: 0.16298, p<0.01). The more uncertainty stress, the worse was their sleep (β: 0.02070, p<0.05), emotions (β: 0.03462, p<0.01), and lifestyle(β: 0.02056, p<0.05). High levels of uncertainty stress was negatively associated with self-efficacy for prevention and prevention behavior, βvalue was =-1.33210 (p<0.01) and -0.82742 (p<0.01), respectively.ConclusionAs the COVID-19 virus spreads around the globe, it is currently in epidemic status in some countries, in sporadic status in another countries, and it will eventually transition to a sporadic infection status. This study provides new information on changing trends of mental responses and prevention patterns from the COVID-19 epidemic as the transition to a sporadic infection period takes place. These results may have important policy and disease prevention in post-epidemic times.
Antibiotic Use and Outcomes in Young Children Hospitalized with Uncomplicated Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Hofto Meghan E. , Samuy Nichole , Pass Robert F. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo compare children aged 36 months or younger hospitalized with uncomplicated community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) that are not treated with antibiotics to those treated with antibiotics in terms of clinical features and outcome measures.MethodsAdministrative data and medical record review were used to identify patients from 3-36 months of age hospitalized from 2011-2019 with uncomplicated CAP. Patients were considered treated if they received antibiotics for more than 2 inpatient days and/or at discharge, and not treated if they received 2 or fewer inpatient days and no antibiotics at discharge. Demographic features, clinical characteristics, radiologic findings, viral testing, illness severity, length of stay and 30-day hospital readmissions were assessed and compared according to antibiotic treatment.Results322 CAP cases were included. 266/322 (83%) received antibiotics for more than 48 hours and/or at discharge. 56 patients received 2 or fewer inpatient days of antibiotics and no antibiotics at discharge; the majority received no inpatient antibiotics. There were no differences between the two groups in illness severity, length of stay or hospital readmissions. The proportion of patients treated with antibiotics decreased from 88% (2011-2013) to 66% during the most recent years studied (2017-2019).ConclusionThere was no difference in outcome of uncomplicated CAP in previously healthy children less than 36 months of age between those treated and not treated with antibiotics. Additional tools are needed to facilitate identification of viral CAP in young children and decrease unnecessary antibiotic use.
Genome Sequencing Identifies Previously Unrecognized Klebsiella pneumoniae Outbreaks in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Philippines
Authors: Carlos Celia C. , Masim Melissa Ana L. , Lagrada Marietta L. , Gayeta June M. , Macaranas Polle Krystle V. , Sia Sonia B. , Facun Maria Adelina M. , Palarca Janziel Fiel C. , Olorosa Agnettah M. , Cueno Gicell Anne C. , Abrudan Monica , Abudahab Khalil , Argimón Silvia , Kekre Mihir , Underwood Anthony , Stelling John , Aanensen David M. ,   the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Genomic Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundKlebsiella pneumoniae is a critically important pathogen in the Philippines. Isolates are commonly resistant to at least two classes of antibiotics, yet mechanisms and spread of its resistance are not well studied.MethodsA retrospective sequencing survey was performed on carbapenem-, extended spectrum beta-lactam- and cephalosporin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated at 20 antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance sentinel sites from 2015-2017. We characterized 259 isolates using biochemical methods, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Known AMR mechanisms were identified. Potential outbreaks were investigated by detecting clusters from epidemiologic, phenotypic and genome-derived data.ResultsPrevalent AMR mechanisms detected include blaCTX-M-15 (76.8%) and blaNDM-1 (37.5%). An epidemic IncFII(Yp) plasmid carrying blaNDM-1 was also detected in 46 isolates from 6 sentinel sites and 14 different sequence types (ST). This plasmid was also identified as the main vehicle of carbapenem resistance in 2 previously unrecognized local outbreaks of ST348 and ST283 at 2 different sentinel sites. A third local outbreak of ST397 was also identified but without the IncFII(Yp) plasmid. Isolates in each outbreak site showed identical STs, K- and O-loci, and similar resistance profiles and AMR genes. All outbreak isolates were collected from blood of children aged <1.ConclusionWGS provided an in-depth understanding of the epidemiology of AMR in the Philippines, which was not possible with only phenotypic and epidemiologic data. The identification of three previously unrecognized Klebsiella outbreaks highlights the utility of WGS in outbreak detection, as well as its importance in public health and in implementing infection control programs.summaryWhole genome sequencing identified three distinct previously unrecognized local outbreaks in a retrospective study in the Philippines, along with an epidemic plasmid carrying antimicrobial resistance genes, highlighting its importance in antimicrobial resistance surveillance, outbreak detection and infection control.
Scattering-driven PPG signal model
Authors: Fine I. , Kaminsky A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis article discusses the origin of photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals. Two plausible hypotheses that could explain the phenomenon of pulsatile optical signals are analyzed: the volumetric hypothesis in which changes in the arterial blood volume are responsible for the observed signal pulsation, and a model wherein changes in the measured signal are driven by the size fluctuations of red blood cell (RBC) aggregates. The theoretical approximation where the size of scattering particles representing RBC aggregates varies as a function of pulsatile changes in blood flow is elaborated. Within this model’s framework, the gamma coefficient used in pulse oximetry was calculated for the volumetric-related and aggregation-related models. Two pairs of wavelengths, (670 nm, 940 nm) and (590 nm, 940 nm), were selected to determine gamma. As a function of aggregate size, the gamma behavior was simulated for these pairs and the two hypotheses. To verify the model predictions experimentally, the PPG signals at the fingertip were measured using reflection geometry. Two combinations of light-emitting diodes with two pairs of wavelengths were utilized as light sources. To manipulate the length of aggregates in the blood, external pressure was applied to the fingertip, presumably reducing the blood flow velocity. The gamma values were determined. The derived results fully agree with the theoretical predictions of the aggregation-driven PPG signal model. In addition, using a pressure sensor, the oscillometric signal amplitude in the fingertip and the PPG signal amplitude were simultaneously measured. The comparison results of oscillometric and optical signals at elevated external pressure values are not consistent with the volumetric hypothesis. All of the foregoing experimental results strongly support the argument favoring the incorporation of the proposed aggregation mechanism into the generic PPG signal model.
Crisscross multilayering of cell sheets
Authors: Sarkar Trinish , Yashunsky Victor , Brézin Louis , Mercader Carles Blanch , Aryaksama Thibault , Lacroix Mathilde , Risler Thomas , Joanny Jean-François , Silberzan Pascal 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSimple hydrostatic skeletons such as the Hydra’s consist of two stacked layers of cells perpendicularly oriented. Although this crisscross architecture can be recapitulated in vitro, little is known on the formation of such multilayers starting from a monolayer. In the present article, we show that bilayering of myoblasts results from the organization and activity of the cells originally in the monolayer which can be described as a contractile active nematic. As expected, most of the +1/2 topological defects that are associated with this nematic order self-propel. However, a subpopulation of these defects remains immobile. Perpendicular bilayering occurs exclusively at these motionless defects. Indeed, cells located at the head of these defects converge toward the (immobile) core and accumulate there until they start migrating on top of the tail of the first layer while the tail cells migrate in the opposite direction under the head cells. Since the cells keep their initial orientations, the two stacked layers end up perpendicularly oriented. This concerted process leading to a bilayer is dependent on the apical secretion of Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) by the cells. Indeed, we evidence the presence of ECM between the cell layers and at the apical surface of the topmost layer. ECM molecules are oriented in the direction of the cells that produce them, which may guide the migration of the subsequent cell layers on their apical side.Significance StatementHydrostatic skeletons such as that of the Hydra consist of two stacked layers of cells perpendicularly oriented whose coordinated contraction allows for complex movements. Such crisscross organization is also observed with myoblasts in culture. Confluent monolayers organize in well-aligned domains between which topological defects position themselves. Although these singularities are generally self-propelled, a fraction of them remains motionless. Perpendicular bilayering occurs exclusively at these particular pinned defects. Cells first accumulate at the head of the defects until they split in two perpendicular layers migrating in an antiparallel way on top of each other. Such a concerted process is highly dependent on the precise organization of the cell-secreted Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM).
Myristoylation and its effects on the human Golgi Reassembly and Stacking Protein 55
Authors: Kava Emanuel , Mendes Luis F. S. , Batista Mariana R. B , Costa-Filho Antonio J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGRASP55 is a myristoylated protein localized in the medial/trans-Golgi faces and involved in the Golgi structure maintenance and the regulation of unconventional secretion pathways. It is believed that GRASP55 achieves its main functionalities in the Golgi organization by acting as a tethering factor and, when bound to the lipid bilayer, its orientation relative to the membrane surface is restricted to determine its proper trans-oligomerization. Despite the paramount role of myristoylation in GRASP function, the impact of such protein modification on the membrane-anchoring properties and the structural organization of GRASP remains elusive. Here, an optimized protocol for the myristoylation in E. coli of the membrane-anchoring domain of GRASP55 is presented. The biophysical properties of the myristoylated/non-myristoylated GRASP55 GRASP domain were characterized in a membrane-mimicking micellar environment. Although myristoylation did not cause any impact on the protein’s secondary structure, according to our circular dichroism data, it had a significant impact on the protein’s thermal stability and solubility. Electrophoresis of negatively charged liposomes incubated with the two GRASP55 constructions showed different electrophoretic mobility for the myristoylated anchored protein only, thus demonstrating that myristoylation is essential for the biological membrane anchoring. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to further explore the anchoring process in determining the restricted orientation of GRASPs in the membrane.
Single-molecule Mechanical Analysis of Strand Invasion in Human Telomere DNA
Authors: Chang Terren R. , Long Xi , Shastry Shankar , Parks Joseph W. , Stone Michael D. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTTelomeres are essential chromosome end capping structures that safeguard the genome from dangerous DNA processing events. DNA strand invasion occurs during vital transactions at telomeres, including telomere length maintenance by the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. During telomeric strand invasion, a single stranded guanine-rich (G-rich) DNA invades at a complimentary duplex telomere repeat sequence forming a displacement loop (D-loop) in which the displaced DNA consists of the same G-rich sequence as the invading single stranded DNA. Single stranded G-rich telomeric DNA readily folds into stable, compact, structures called G-quadruplexes (GQ) in vitro, and is anticipated to form within the context of a D-loop; however, evidence supporting this hypothesis is lacking. Here we report a magnetic tweezers assay that permits the controlled formation of telomeric D-loops (TDLs) within uninterrupted duplex human telomere DNA molecules of physiologically relevant lengths. Our results are consistent with a model wherein the displaced single stranded DNA of a TDL folds into a GQ. This study provides new insight into telomere structure and establishes a framework for development of novel therapeutics designed to target GQs at telomeres in cancer cells.
ZFP541 is indispensable for pachytene progression by interacting with KCTD19 and activates meiotic gene expression in mouse spermatogenesis
Authors: Li Yushan , Meng Ranran , Li Shanze , Gu Bowen , Xu Xiaotong , Zhang Haihang , Shao Tianyu , Wang Jiawen , Zhuang Yinghua , Wang Fengchao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMeiosis is essential for fertility in sexually reproducing species, extensive studies tried to delineate this sophisticated process. Notwithstanding, the molecules involved in meiosis have not been fully characterized. In this study, we investigate the role of zinc finger protein 541 (ZFP541) and its interacting protein potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 19 (KCTD19) in mice. We demonstrate that they are indispensable for male fertility by regulating proper pachytene progression. ZFP541 is expressed starting from leptotene to round spermatids, and KCTD19 is initially expressed in pachytene. Depletion of Zfp541 or Kctd19 leads to infertility in male mice, and exhibits retarded progression from early to mid/late pachynema. In addition, Zfp541-/- spermatocytes show abnormal programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair, impaired crossover formation/resolution, and asynapsis of the XY chromosomes. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and in vitro Co-IP reveal that ZFP541 interacts with KCTD19, histone deacetylase 1/2 (HDAC1), HDAC2 and deoxynucleotidyltransferase terminal-interacting protein 1 (DNTTIP1). Furthermore, RNA-seq and CUT&Tag analyses demonstrate that ZFP541 binds to the promoter regions of genes involved in meiosis and post-meiosis including Kctd19, and activates their transcription. Taken together, our studies reveal a ZFP541-Kctd19 transcription regulatory axis and the crucial role of ZFP541 and KCTD19 for pachytene progression and fertility in male mice.
Multi-dynamic Modelling Reveals Strongly Time-varying Resting fMRI Correlations
Authors: Pervaiz Usama , Vidaurre Diego , Gohil Chetan , Smith Stephen M. , Woolrich Mark W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe activity of functional brain networks is responsible for the emergence of time-varying cognition and behaviour. Accordingly, time-varying correlations (Functional Connectivity) in resting fMRI have been shown to be predictive of behavioural traits, and psychiatric and neurological conditions. Typically, methods that measure time varying Functional Connectivity (FC), such as sliding windows approaches, do not separately model when changes occur in the mean activity levels from when changes occur in the FC, therefore conflating these two distinct types of modulation. We show that this can bias the estimation of time-varying FC to appear more stable over time than it actually is. Here, we propose an alternative approach that models changes in the mean brain activity and in the FC as being able to occur at different times to each other. We refer to this method as the Multi-dynamic Adversarial Generator Encoder (MAGE) model, which includes a model of the network dynamics that captures long-range time dependencies, and is estimated on fMRI data using principles of Generative Adversarial Networks. We evaluated the approach across several simulation studies and resting fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project (1003 subjects), as well as from UK Biobank (13301 subjects). Importantly, we find that separating fluctuations in the mean activity levels from those in the FC reveals much stronger changes in FC over time, and is a better predictor of individual behavioural variabilityStatement of SignificanceMAGE is multi-dynamic in that it models temporal fluctuations in FC independently from fluctuations in the mean of the activity.MAGE reveals stronger changes in FC over time than single-dynamic approaches, such as sliding window correlations.Multi-dynamic modelling provides an explanation and a solution as to why resting fMRI FC has previously looked so stable.MAGE models fMRI data as a set of reoccurring brain states, and importantly, these states do not have to be binary and mutually exclusive (e.g., multiple states can be active at one time-point).MAGE estimated time-varying FC is a better predictor of behavioural variability in the resting-state fMRI data than established methods.
Post-occupancy evaluation of outdoor spaces on the campus of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil
Authors: Tourinho Ana Clara Carvalho , Barbosa Sabrina Andrade , Göçer Özgür , Alberto Klaus Chaves 
Published: June 2021

PurposeUsing the campus of a Brazilian university as case study, this research aims to identify which aspects of the outdoor spaces are the most significant in attracting people.Design/methodology/approachThis research relies on the application of different post-occupancy evaluation (POE) methods, including user tracking, behavioural mapping and questionnaires, on one plateau of the campus.FindingsThree group of aspects (socialization, proximity and infrastructure) were identified as key elements in explaining the impact of the campus physical characteristics on users’ behaviour. The results indicate that having characteristics of at least one group of aspects in those spaces can guarantee their vitality and, if there is presence of attributes of more than one group, liveliness can be increased.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies should be conducted on an entire campus to identify other spatial elements in the three groups.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to the planning of future campuses and to solutions to the existed ones, indicating the most relevant spatial characteristics to be considered. Additionally, the combination of different methods may be useful to future research.Originality/valueMost of the investigations on the university campuses focus on the buildings, and little research has investigated the outdoor spaces, although they play a critical role in learning and academic life, where people establish social, cultural and personal relationships. In addition, studies using several POE allowed a consistent and complete diagnostic about the aspects of the campus, giving recommendations for future projects.