Let students ask any question for an authentic assessment experience

Individual assessments typically require students to submit work that is entirely their own. But what if we allowed students to ask any question, including ones directly related to content? To foster a more authentic assessment experience, students in an elective biostatistics course were given the opportunity to ask the course convenor any question that would help them progress their analysis, even if it was directly related to assessable content. The primary goal was for students to receive actionable feedback that would help them “improve and self-regulate their work” (Irons & Elkington, 2021). The task was optional and was communicated using the Transparency in Teaching and Learning framework (TiLT; Winkelmes et al., 2019). Students were required to propose a solution to their question together with the rationale for that course of action. Most questions related to known grey areas of statistical modelling which was expected given that students are encountering this skill for the first time. Students benefitted from the reassurance that their reasoning was sound and they were on the right track. An unexpected benefit was that the task provided a new way to dialogue with students in an asynchronous online environment. Students also indicated they appreciated knowing they had the option to ask any question, even if they didn’t use it. REFERENCES Irons, A., & Elkington, S. (2021). Principles of Formative Assessment and Feedback. In Enhancing Learning through Formative Assessment and Feedback (2nd ed.). Routledge. Winkelmes, M. A., Boye, A., Finley, A., & Tapp, S. (2019). Transparent Design in Higher Education Teaching and Leadership: A Guide to Implementing the Transparency Framework Institution-Wide to Improve Learning and Retention. Stylus Publishing

A Flow Cytometric Assay to Detect Functional Ganglionic Acetylcholine Receptor Antibodies by Immunomodulation in Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy

Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG) is an uncommon immune-mediated neurological disease that results in failure of autonomic function and is associated with autoantibodies directed against the ganglionic acetylcholine receptor (gnACHR). The antibodies are routinely detected by immunoprecipitation assays, such as radioimmunoassays (RIA), although these assays do not detect all patients with AAG and may yield false positive results. Autoantibodies against the gnACHR exert pathology by receptor modulation. Flow cytometric analysis is able to determine if this has occurred, in contrast to the assays in current use that rely on immunoprecipitation. Here, we describe the first high-throughput, non-radioactive flow cytometric assay to determine autoantibody mediated gnACHR immunomodulation. Previously identified gnACHR antibody seronegative and seropositive sera samples (RIA confirmed) were blinded and obtained from the Oxford Neuroimmunology group along with samples collected locally from patients with or without AAG. All samples were assessed for the ability to cause gnACHR immunomodulation utilizing the prototypical gnACHR expressing cell line, IMR-32. Decision limits were calculated from healthy controls, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed after unblinding all samples. One hundred and ninety serum samples were analyzed; all 182 expected negative samples (from healthy controls, autonomic disorders not thought to be AAG, other neurological disorders without autonomic dysfunction and patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) were negative for immunomodulation (<18%), as were the RIA negative AAG and unconfirmed AAG samples. All RIA positive samples displayed significant immunomodulation. There were no false positive or negative samples. There was perfect qualitative concordance as compared to RIA, with an Area Under ROC of 1. Detection of Immunomodulation by flow cytometry for the identification of gnACHR autoantibodies offers excellent concordance with the gnACHR antibody RIA, and overcomes many of the shortcomings of immunoprecipitation assays by directly measuring the pathological effects of these autoantibodies at the cellular level. Further work is needed to determine the correlation between the degree of immunomodulation and disease severity

Information seeking behaviors of individuals impacted by COVID-19 international travel restrictions: an analysis of two international cross-sectional studies

Access to accurate information during a crisis is essential. However, while the amount of information circulating during the COVID-19 pandemic has increased exponentially, finding trustworthy resources has been difficult for many, including those affected by international travel restrictions. In this study, we examined the information-seeking behaviors of individuals seeking to travel internationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also explored perceptions regarding the value of resources in supporting understanding of COVID-19 travel restriction-related information. Two online cross-sectional surveys targeting four groups were conducted. The groups targeted were: (1) citizens and permanent residents stranded abroad; (2) individuals separated from their partners; (3) individuals separated from immediate families; and (4) temporary visa holders unable to migrate or cross international borders. In total, we analyzed 2,417 completed responses, and a further 296 responses where at least 75% of questions were completed. Findings suggest that social media groups (78.4%, 1,924/2,453), specifically Facebook (86.6%, 2,115/2,422) were the most useful or most used information resource for these groups. Some significant information seeking behavior differences across age and gender were also found. Our study highlights the diversity in information needs of people impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions and the range of preferred channels through which information is sought. Further, it highlights which challenges hold legitimacy in their target audiences' eyes and which do not. Policymakers may use these results to help formulate more nuanced, consumer-tailored—and hence likely more acceptable, trusted, and impactful—communication strategies as part of future public health emergencies

Cytokines and inflammatory mediators: 25. Certolizumab Pegol has a Different Profile from the other Anti-TNFS, Including Golimumab, in a Variety of in Vitro Assays

Background: Activities of the anti-TNFs, certolizumab pegol (CZP), etanercept (ETA), infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADA), have been compared in a range of in vitro assays. CZP is the only licensed PEGylated Fab' anti-TNF; ETA is a fusion protein with an IgG1 Fc, and IFX and ADA are both antibodies with an IgG1 Fc. Golimumab (GLM) is a monoclonal IgG1 TNF inhibitor recently approved for a number of indications; it is thus of interest to assess the in vitro activity of GLM. In vitro assays previously used were neutralisation of TNF in the L929 bioassay, inhibition of LPS-driven cytokine production by monocytes, induction of apoptosis in activated lymphocytes and monocytes, and induction of neutrophil necrosis. Methods: Neutralisation of human TNF was assessed in the L929 bioassay using a range of concentrations of the anti-TNFs and a fixed concentration of TNF (100 pg/mL). Activity of the anti-TNFs at inhibiting LPS-driven IL-1β secretion by monocytes was assessed by incubating peripheral blood monocytes with various concentrations of the anti-TNF for 1 hour (hr) and then washing the cells. LPS was added for 4 hrs, the supernatants collected and the IL-1β level measured by ELISA. To assess induction of apoptosis, peripheral blood lymphocytes were activated for 2 days with 2 μg/mL CD3/CD28 and monocytes with 300 U/mL IL-4 and GMCSF for 3 days. The effect of the anti-TNFs on apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V staining using flow cytometry 24 hrs later. The effect of the anti-TNFs on neutrophil necrosis was determined by measuring myeloperoxidase release after 12 hrs. An isotype-matched control was used in all assays except the L929 bioassay. Results: IC90 neutralisation activity of the anti-TNFs in the L929 bioassay was 0.3 ng/mL for ETA, 4 ng/mL for GLM, 15 ng/mL for ADA, and 20 ng/mL for IFX, compared with 2.5 ng/mL for CZP. CZP was the most potent inhibitor of LPS-driven IL-1β secretion (IC50 ∼0.1 ng/mL), followed by GLM (20 ng/mL) and IFX (50 ng/mL). GLM, ADA, IFX and ETA induced apoptosis of monocytes and lymphocytes to a similar degree reaching a level of 23% and ∼40% at 100 μg/mL, respectively. CZP caused no increase in apoptosis above the levels seen with the isotype-matched control. In the neutrophil necrosis assay, ADA,IFX and GLM caused ∼70% necrosis at 100 μg/mL, and ETA 48%. CZP did not increase the level of necrosis above the level of the control. Conclusions: Bioactivity of the IgG1 molecules GLM, IFX and ADA in neutralising human TNF was inferior to that of CZP and ETA. CZP, the only PEGylated anti-TNF, had a different profile to the other anti-TNFs as it was the most potent at inhibiting LPS-driven IL-1β production by monocytes, did not induce apoptosis of activated monocytes and lymphocytes, and did not cause neutrophil necrosis. The clinical relevance of these in vitro effects is unknown. Nevertheless, these assays show interesting in vitro differences between the anti-TNFs. Disclosure statement: G.F. and A.N. are employees of UC

Conspicuous animal signals avoid the cost of predation by being intermittent or novel: confirmation in the wild using hundreds of robotic prey

Social animals are expected to face a trade-off between producing a signal that is detectible by mates and rivals, but not obvious to predators. This trade-off is fundamental for understanding the design of many animal signals, and is often the lens through which the evolution of alternative communication strategies is viewed. We have a reasonable working knowledge of how conspecifics detect signals under different conditions, but how predators exploit conspicuous communication of prey is complex and hard to predict. We quantified predation on 1566 robotic lizard prey that performed a conspicuous visual display, possessed a conspicuous ornament or remained cryptic. Attacks by free-ranging predators were consistent across two contrasting ecosystems and showed robotic prey that performed a conspicuous display were equally likely to be attacked as those that remained cryptic. Furthermore, predators avoided attacking robotic prey with a fixed, highly visible ornament that was novel at both locations. These data show that it is prey familiarity—not conspicuousness—that determine predation risk. These findings replicated across different predator–prey communities not only reveal how conspicuous signals might evolve in high predation environments, but could help resolve the paradox of aposematism and why some exotic species avoid predation when invading new areas

Mouse mammary tumor-like virus is associated with p53 nuclear accumulation and progesterone receptor positivity but not estrogen positivity in human female breast cancer

PURPOSE: The purpose is to compare the presence of proteins with known associations with breast cancer-progesterone receptor (PgR), estrogen receptor, and p53, with the prevalence of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-like DNA sequences in human female breast cancers. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A cohort of 128 Australian female breast cancers were screened for MMTV-like DNA sequences using PCR. The presence of PgR, estrogen receptor, and nuclear accumulation of p53 protein was assessed in the same samples using immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Nuclear accumulation of p53 was significantly more prevalent (P = 0.05) in archival human breast cancers containing MMTV-like DNA sequences. The presence of progesterone receptor was significantly higher in MMTV-positive than MMTV-negative breast cancers (P = 0.01). No correlation between estrogen receptor and MMTV-like DNA sequences was found. CONCLUSIONS: MMTV causes breast cancer in mice, and hormones up-regulate expression of virus in mice mammary tissue. It is unknown if this is the case in human breast cancers shown to contain DNA of MMTV-like viruses. The positive association between MMTV-like DNA sequences and PgR indicates hormones and MMTV may play a role in human breast cancer. Mutations of the tumor suppressor gene p53 are common in human breast cancer and are associated with higher grades of cancer. The association of MMTV-like DNA sequences with higher grades of cancer, and the positive association between p53 and MMTV-like DNA sequences clearly warrant additional investigation

Examining the psychological and financial impact of travel restrictions on citizens and permanent residents stranded abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic: international cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the psychological and financial distress reported by citizens and permanent residents stranded abroad due to international travel restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: An international cross-sectional study. SETTING: A primary analysis of data collected between July and September 2021 through an online survey targeting individuals stranded abroad and unable to return to their country of residence due to international travel restrictions. RESPONDENTS: A total of 1054 individuals aged 18-84 years. DATA ANALYSIS: Multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress and participant variables. OUTCOME MEASURES: The survey answered questions regarding COVID-19 travel restriction-related impacts: personal stress, anxiety and depression (using the validated 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) tool), as well as impacts on housing and financial security and demographic data. RESULTS: A total of 75.4% of respondents reported wanting to return to the Oceania region (75.4%), with 45% stranded in Europe. 64.2% reported financial distress while stranded abroad. 64.4% (x̄=9.43, SD=5.81) reported moderate-to-extremely severe (based on the DASS-21 classification) levels of depression, 41.7% for anxiety (x̄=5.46, SD=4.74), and 58.1% for stress (x̄=10.64, SD=5.26). Multivariable analysis indicated that financial stress, an employment change, being 2 months were significantly related to scores of moderate-to-extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress. CONCLUSION: The study is among the first to explore the psychological and financial distress-related impacts associated with being stranded abroad due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. It highlights a range of unintended consequences that arise from pandemic-related travel restrictions, identifies the health and social needs of a particularly vulnerable population, and provides clues as to the types of support that may be adopted to best support them

Psychological and financial impacts of COVID-19-related travel measures: An international cross-sectional study

Background The impact of COVID-19 international travel restrictions has to date, not been fully explored, and with the ongoing threat that new variants could potentially restrict movement further, it is important to consider the impacts that travel restrictions have on community members. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological and financial impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions on those separated from their partners or immediate families, as well as temporary visa holders who were unable to migrate. Methods Between 4 November 2021 to 1 December 2021, we executed a cross-sectional online survey targeting three specific groups; (1) those stranded from their partners; (2) those stranded from immediate families; and (3) temporary visa holders unable to migrate or cross international borders. We collected data on respondents' demographic profile; the nature of COVID-19-related travel impacts; depression, anxiety, and stress levels (using the validated DASS-21); and finally, data on respondents financial, employment and accommodation situation. Results 1363 respondents located globally completed the survey. 71.2% reported financial stress, 76.8% ( , SD=5.94) reported moderate-to-extremely severe depression, 51.6% ( , SD=5.49) moderate-to-extremely severe anxiety, and 62.6% ( , SD=5.55) moderate-to-extremely severe stress levels. Statistically significant factors associated with moderate-to-extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress included being female, chronic illness, and experiencing financial stress. Employment during COVID-19 - specifically essential services workers or unemployed - was associated with higher levels of anxiety and stress, with only essential workers being a predictor of higher stress severity. Factors that provided psychological protection included being older and having children. Conclusion This study is one of the first to explore the impact COVID-19-related international travel restrictions have had on the financial status and psychological health of affected individuals. It highlights the significant human cost associated with the restrictions and identifies psychologically vulnerable populations. These results will help the design of targeted health and social policy responses