Quantifying the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 viral load and infectiousness

The relationship between SARS-CoV-2 viral load and infectiousness is poorly known. Using data from a cohort of cases and high-risk contacts, we reconstructed viral load at the time of contact and inferred the probability of infection. The effect of viral load was larger in household contacts than in non-household contacts, with a transmission probability as large as 48% when the viral load was greater than 1010 copies per mL. The transmission probability peaked at symptom onset, with a mean probability of transmission of 29%, with large individual variations. The model also projects the effects of variants on disease transmission. Based on the current knowledge that viral load is increased by two- to eightfold with variants of concern and assuming no changes in the pattern of contacts across variants, the model predicts that larger viral load levels could lead to a relative increase in the probability of transmission of 24% to 58% in household contacts, and of 15% to 39% in non-household contacts.

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Quantifying the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 viral load and infectiousness.

10.1101/2021.05.07.21256341 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aurelien Marc ◽

Marion Kerioui ◽

Francois Blanquart ◽

Julie Bertrand ◽

Oriol Mitja ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Viral Load ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Transmission Probability ◽

Large Individual ◽

Household Contacts ◽

Individual Variations ◽

Using Data ◽

The Relationship ◽

Index Cases

The relationship between SARS-CoV-2 viral load and infectiousness is not known. Using data from a prospective cohort of index cases and high-risk contact, we reconstructed by modelling the viral load at the time of contact and the probability of infection. The effect of viral load was particularly large in household contacts, with a transmission probability that increased to as much as 37% when the viral load was greater than 10 log 10 copies per mL. The transmission probability peaked at symptom onset in most individuals, with a median probability of transmission of 15%, that hindered large individual variations (IQR: [8, 37]). The model also projects the effects of variants on disease transmission. Based on the current knowledge that viral load is increased by 2 to 4-fold on average, we estimate that infection with B1.1.7 virus could lead to an increase in the probability of transmission by 8 to 17%.

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Young mentors’ relationship capacity: Parent–child connectedness, attitudes toward mentees, empathy, and perceived match quality

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships ◽

10.1177/0265407517740002 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 642-658 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jennifer L. Doty ◽

Lindsey M. Weiler ◽

Christopher J. Mehus ◽

Barbara J. McMorris

Keyword(s):

Youth Development ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Theoretical Concept ◽

Mentoring Relationships ◽

Match Quality ◽

Relational Capacity ◽

School Based Mentoring ◽

Using Data ◽

The Relationship ◽

Parent Child

Because the responsibility of developing strong connections to mentees often depends on mentors themselves, examining mentor qualities and relational capacity may identify malleable factors—or potential points of intervention—to improve perceived match quality. Relational capacity has been proposed as a theoretical concept for understanding how mentors’ previous experience, characteristics, and skills relate to mentoring quality. Our conceptual model posited that parent–child relationships build young mentors’ relational capacity for successful mentoring relationships. Using data from young mentors age 15–26 participating in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters school-based mentoring program ( n = 155), this study extends current knowledge by examining potential mediators of the relationship between young mentors’ perceived parent–child connectedness and perceived match quality. Attitudes toward mentees and empathy skills mediated the relationship between parent–child connectedness and perceived match quality. Findings suggest that parent–child connectedness contributes to attitudes and skills that may strengthen perceived match quality. From a positive youth development perspective, young mentors with low relational capacity may require support to ensure high-quality matches.

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Mosquito Trilogy: Microbiota, Immunity and Pathogens, and Their Implications for the Control of Disease Transmission

Frontiers in Microbiology ◽

10.3389/fmicb.2021.630438 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Paolo Gabrieli ◽

Silvia Caccia ◽

Ilaria Varotto-Boccazzi ◽

Irene Arnoldi ◽

Giulia Barbieri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Vector Competence ◽

Complex Interaction ◽

Level Ii ◽

The Relationship ◽

Mosquito Females ◽

Review Current

In mosquitoes, the interaction between the gut microbiota, the immune system, and the pathogens that these insects transmit to humans and animals is regarded as a key component toward the development of control strategies, aimed at reducing the burden of severe diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. Indeed, different microorganisms from the mosquito microbiota have been investigated for their ability to affect important traits of the biology of the host insect, related with its survival, development and reproduction. Furthermore, some microorganisms have been shown to modulate the immune response of mosquito females, significantly shaping their vector competence. Here, we will review current knowledge in this field, focusing on i) the complex interaction between the intestinal microbiota and mosquito females defenses, both in the gut and at humoral level; ii) how knowledge on these issues contributes to the development of novel and targeted strategies for the control of mosquito-borne diseases such as the use of paratransgenesis or taking advantage of the relationship between Wolbachia and mosquito hosts. We conclude by providing a brief overview of available knowledge on microbiota-immune system interplay in major insect vectors.

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Determining the prevalence and density of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections in low and high transmission settings in Western Kenya

Proceedings of IMPRS ◽

10.18060/24748 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

Author(s):

Christina Salgado ◽

Erik Gaskin ◽

Michael Macklin ◽

Eliud Onyango ◽

Rachel Surridge ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Transmission ◽

Parasite Prevalence ◽

Transmission Probability ◽

Dried Blood Spots ◽

Blood Stage ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Gene Target ◽

Western Kenya ◽

The Relationship

Background/Objective: Malaria remains a global health burden as 2018 saw 228 million cases worldwide. Pre-elimination efforts aim to decrease disease transmission, which depends on development of asexual parasites to sexual gametocytes within the human host. To better determine the relationship between asexual parasites and gametocytes, we aim to quantify both stages within the same blood sample by developing a multiplex RT-qPCR assay. We hypothesize that gametocytemia decreases linearly with asexual parasitemia at higher parasitemias but increases at lower parasitemia to improve transmission probability. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of healthy participants aged 0 to 92 years at four sites in Western Kenya (Ajigo, Webuye, Kipsamoite, Kapsisywa) with varying levels of transmission to determine prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum blood-stage infections. Parasite density was quantified by light microscopy and by quantitative PCR of genomic DNA isolated from dried blood spots using varATS primers. For varATS-positive samples, we isolated RNA from whole-blood and performed stage-specific quantification by multiplex Taqman RT-qPCR targeting PfPIESP2 (asexual), Pfs25 (female), and Pfs230p (male). Results: Among all participants, 127 of 1355 (9.37%) were positive for asymptomatic P. falciparum infection by varATS-qPCR. Using varATS positivity as the standard, multiplex RT-qPCR targeting PfPIESP2 yielded a sensitivity of 78%. Across sites, overall parasite prevalence and gametocyte prevalence were highest in Ajigo (42.1%; 36%) followed by Webuye (10.5%; 9%) and Kipsamoite/Kapsisywa (0.873%; 0.1%). Pfs25-quantified gametocytemia decreased with decreasing varATS-quantified asexual parasitemia; however, the data poorly fit a linear model (R2 = 0.088). Conclusions: PfPIESP2 detected 78% of varATS-positive samples, suggesting it may be poorly sensitive at detecting low-density blood-stage infections. Assay design may improve with a more sensitive gene target and further optimization. Based on quantification results, the relationship between gametocytemia and asexual parasitemia appears direct but non-linear. Further work is necessary to better model the relationship between stage-specific parasitemia levels.

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Accent Policy and Accent Modification Enterprises as Potential Indicators of Intercultural Power Relations: A Call for an Updated Research Agenda

Perspectives on Global Issues in Communication Sciences and Related Disorders ◽

10.1044/gics3.1.22 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 22-33 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Brynne D. Ovalle ◽

Rahul Chakraborty

Keyword(s):

International Relations ◽

Identity Construction ◽

Social Theory ◽

Power Relations ◽

Linguistic Diversity ◽

Cultural Organization ◽

Using Data ◽

The Individual ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

This article has two purposes: (a) to examine the relationship between intercultural power relations and the widespread practice of accent discrimination and (b) to underscore the ramifications of accent discrimination both for the individual and for global society as a whole. First, authors review social theory regarding language and group identity construction, and then go on to integrate more current studies linking accent bias to sociocultural variables. Authors discuss three examples of intercultural accent discrimination in order to illustrate how this link manifests itself in the broader context of international relations (i.e., how accent discrimination is generated in situations of unequal power) and, using a review of current research, assess the consequences of accent discrimination for the individual. Finally, the article highlights the impact that linguistic discrimination is having on linguistic diversity globally, partially using data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and partially by offering a potential context for interpreting the emergence of practices that seek to reduce or modify speaker accents.

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Workplace Ostracism and Its Negative Outcomes

Journal of Personnel Psychology ◽

10.1027/1866-5888/a000147 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 143-151 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Xiaoming Zheng ◽

Jun Yang ◽

Hang-Yue Ngo ◽

Xiao-Yu Liu ◽

Wengjuan Jiao

Keyword(s):

Affective Commitment ◽

Psychological Capital ◽

Intention To Leave ◽

Future Research ◽

Conservation Of Resources ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Negative Outcomes ◽

Workplace Ostracism ◽

Using Data ◽

The Relationship

Abstract. Workplace ostracism, conceived as to being ignored or excluded by others, has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. One essential topic in this area is how to reduce or even eliminate the negative consequences of workplace ostracism. Based on conservation of resources (COR) theory, the current study assesses the relationship between workplace ostracism and its negative outcomes, as well as the moderating role played by psychological capital, using data collected from 256 employees in three companies in the northern part of China. The study yields two important findings: (1) workplace ostracism is positively related to intention to leave and (2) psychological capital moderates the effect of workplace ostracism on affective commitment and intention to leave. This paper concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for organizations and employees, along with recommendations for future research.

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Editor’s Pick: Regulatory and Ethical Issues in the New Era of Radiomics and Radiogenomics

EMJ Radiology ◽

10.33590/emjradiol/19-00165 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Filippo Pesapane

Keyword(s):

Ethical Issues ◽

Medical Images ◽

Practical Significance ◽

Innovative Technology ◽

New Era ◽

Naked Eye ◽

Disease Characteristics ◽

The Future ◽

Using Data ◽

The Relationship

Radiomics is a science that investigates a large number of features from medical images using data-characterisation algorithms, with the aim to analyse disease characteristics that are indistinguishable to the naked eye. Radiogenomics attempts to establish and examine the relationship between tumour genomic characteristics and their radiologic appearance. Although there is certainly a lot to learn from these relationships, one could ask the question: what is the practical significance of radiogenomic discoveries? This increasing interest in such applications inevitably raises numerous legal and ethical questions. In an environment such as the technology field, which changes quickly and unpredictably, regulations need to be timely in order to be relevant. In this paper, issues that must be solved to make the future applications of this innovative technology safe and useful are analysed.

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Electricity consumption and economic growth in ASEAN

Journal of Emerging Economies and Islamic Research ◽

10.24191/jeeir.v5i2.8801 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 16

Author(s):

Ahmad Ghazali Ismail ◽

Arlinah Abd Rashid ◽

Azlina Hanif

Keyword(s):

Economic Growth ◽

Energy Use ◽

Electricity Consumption ◽

Panel Estimation ◽

Real Gdp ◽

Long Run ◽

Bidirectional Relationship ◽

Short Run ◽

Using Data ◽

The Relationship

The relationship and causality direction between electricity consumption and economic growth is an important issue in the fields of energy economics and policies towards energy use. Extensive literatures has discussed the issue, but the array of findings provides anything but consensus on either the existence of relations or direction of causality between the variables. This study extends research in this area by studying the long-run and causal relations between economic growth, electricity consumption, labour and capital based on the neo-classical one sector aggregate production technology mode using data of electricity consumption and real GDP for ASEAN from the year 1983 to 2012. The analysis is conducted using advanced panel estimation approaches and found no causality in the short run while in the long-run, the results indicate that there are bidirectional relationship among variables. This study provides supplementary evidences of relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth in ASEAN.

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Gender Ideology and Fertility: Evidence for a Curvilinear Hypothesis

10.31234/osf.io/g4nxh ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Serena Stefani ◽

Gabriele Prati

Keyword(s):

Gender Ideology ◽

Two Dimensions ◽

Curvilinear Relationship ◽

World Population ◽

Fertility Rates ◽

The World ◽

And Gender ◽

Using Data ◽

National Analysis ◽

The Relationship

Research on the relationship between fertility and gender ideology revealed inconsistent results. In the present study, we argue that inconsistencies may be due to the fact that such relationship may be nonlinear. We hypothesize a U- shaped relationship between two dimensions of gender ideology (i.e. primacy of breadwinner role and acceptance of male privilege) and fertility rates. We conducted a cross-national analysis of 60 countries using data from the World Values Survey as well as the World Population Prospects 2019. Controlling for gross domestic product, we found support for a U-shaped relationship between gender ideology and fertility. Higher levels of fertility rates were found at lower and especially higher levels of traditional gender ideology, while a medium level of gender ideology was associated with the lowest fertility rate. This curvilinear relationship is in agreement with the phase of the gender revolution in which the country is located. Traditional beliefs are linked to a complementary division of private versus public sphere between sexes, while egalitarian attitudes are associated with a more equitable division. Both conditions strengthen fertility. Instead, as in the transition phase, intermediate levels of gender ideology’s support are associated with an overload and a difficult reconciliation of the roles that women have to embody (i.e. working and nurturing) so reducing fertility. The present study has contributed to the literature by addressing the inconsistencies of prior research by demonstrating that the relationship between gender ideology and fertility rates is curvilinear rather than linear.

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Openness and Self-enhancement are predictors of cultural and economic beliefs: an analysis of European countries across 15 years

10.31234/osf.io/q2s35 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Gabriela Czarnek ◽

Małgorzata Kossowska

Keyword(s):

Cultural Context ◽

Cultural Beliefs ◽

European Social Survey ◽

European Countries ◽

Political Beliefs ◽

Economic Beliefs ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Self Transcendence ◽

Using Data ◽

The Relationship

In this study, we investigate the relationship between values and political beliefs and how it varies as a function of cultural context and time. In particular, we analyzed the effects of Conservation vs. Openness to change and Self-transcendence vs. Self-enhancement for cultural and economic political beliefs using data from nationally representative samples of citizens from 34 European countries from eight rounds of the European Social Survey (data spans the 2002–2016 period). We found that the effects of values on political beliefs are moderated by the Western vs. Eastern cultural context and that there is a modest round-to-round variation in the effects of values on beliefs. The relationship between Openness and cultural beliefs was negative and largely consistent across the Western and Eastern countries. Similarly, the effects of Self-enhancement were positive across these Western and Eastern countries. In contrast, the effects of Openness on economic beliefs were positive for the Eastern countries but largely weak and inconsistent for the Western countries. Finally, the effects of Self-enhancement on cultural beliefs are weak for both cultural contexts.

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