bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An updated investigation of the multidimensional structure of language lateralization in left- and right-handed adults: a test–retest functional transcranial Doppler sonography study with six language tasks
Authors: Woodhead Z. V. J. , Thompson P. A. , Karlsson E. M. , Bishop D. V. M.
Published: February 2021

A previous study we reported in this journal suggested that left and right-handers may differ in their patterns of lateralization for different language tasks (Woodhead
et al.
2019
R. Soc. Open Sci.
6
, 181801. (
doi:10.1098/rsos.181801
)). However, it had too few left-handers (
N
= 7) to reach firm conclusions. For this update paper, further participants were added to the sample to create separate groups of left- (
N
= 31) and right-handers (
N
= 43). Two hypotheses were tested: (1) that lateralization would be weaker at the group level in left-than right-handers; and (2) that left-handers would show weaker covariance in lateralization between tasks, supporting a two-factor model. All participants performed the same protocol as in our previous paper: lateralization was measured using functional transcranial Doppler sonography during six different language tasks, on two separate testing sessions. The results supported hypothesis 1, with significant differences in laterality between groups for four out of six tasks. For hypothesis 2, structural equation modelling showed that there was stronger evidence for a two-factor model in left than right-handers; furthermore, examination of the factor loadings suggested that the pattern of laterality across tasks may also differ between handedness groups. These results expand on what is known about the differences in laterality between left- and right-handers.
Genomic variation, population history and within-archipelago adaptation between island bird populations
Authors: Martin Claudia A. , Armstrong Claire , Illera Juan Carlos , Emerson Brent C. , Richardson David S. , Spurgin Lewis G.
Published: February 2021

Oceanic island archipelagos provide excellent models to understand evolutionary processes. Colonization events and gene flow can interact with selection to shape genetic variation at different spatial scales. Landscape-scale variation in biotic and abiotic factors may drive fine-scale selection within islands, while long-term evolutionary processes may drive divergence between distantly related populations. Here, we examine patterns of population history and selection between recently diverged populations of the Berthelot's pipit (Anthus berthelotii), a passerine endemic to three North Atlantic archipelagos. First, we use demographic trees andf3statistics to show that genome-wide divergence across the species range is largely shaped by colonization and bottlenecks, with evidence of very weak gene flow between populations. Then, using a genome scan approach, we identify signatures of divergent selection within archipelagos at single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes potentially associated with craniofacial development and DNA repair. We did not detect within-archipelago selection at the same SNPs as were detected previously at broader spatial scales between archipelagos, but did identify signatures of selection at loci associated with similar biological functions. These findings suggest that similar ecological factors may repeatedly drive selection between recently separated populations, as well as at broad spatial scales across varied landscapes.
Dispersal in heterogeneous environments drives population dynamics and control of tsetse flies
Authors: Cecilia Hélène , Arnoux Sandie , Picault Sébastien , Dicko Ahmadou , Seck Momar Talla , Sall Baba , Bassène Mireille , Vreysen Marc , Pagabeleguem Soumaïla , Bancé Augustin , Bouyer Jérémy , Ezanno Pauline
Published: February 2021

Spatio-temporally heterogeneous environments may lead to unexpected population dynamics. Knowledge is needed on local properties favouring population resilience at large scale. For pathogen vectors, such as tsetse flies transmitting human and animal African trypanosomosis, this is crucial to target management strategies. We developed a mechanistic spatio-temporal model of the age-structured population dynamics of tsetse flies, parametrized with field and laboratory data. It accounts for density- and temperature-dependence. The studied environment is heterogeneous, fragmented and dispersal is suitability-driven. We confirmed that temperature and adult mortality have a strong impact on tsetse populations. When homogeneously increasing adult mortality, control was less effective and induced faster population recovery in the coldest and temperature-stable locations, creating refuges. To optimally select locations to control, we assessed the potential impact of treating them and their contribution to the whole population. This heterogeneous control induced a similar population decrease, with more dispersed individuals. Control efficacy was no longer related to temperature. Dispersal was responsible for refuges at the interface between controlled and uncontrolled zones, where resurgence after control was very high. The early identification of refuges, which could jeopardize control efforts, is crucial. We recommend baseline data collection to characterize the ecosystem before implementing any measures.
Traffic noise inhibits cognitive performance in a songbird
Authors: Osbrink Alison , Meatte Megan A. , Tran Alan , Herranen Katri K. , Meek Lilliann , Murakami-Smith May , Ito Jacelyn , Bhadra Some , Nunnenkamp Carrie , Templeton Christopher N.
Published: February 2021

Noise pollution is commonly associated with human environments and mounting evidence indicates that noise has a variety of negative effects on wildlife. Noise has also been linked to cognitive impairment in humans and because many animals use cognitively intensive processes to overcome environmental challenges, noise pollution has the potential to interfere with cognitive function in animals living in urban areas or near roads. We experimentally examined how road traffic noise impacts avian cognitive performance by testing adult zebra finches (
Taeniopygia guttata
) on a battery of foraging tasks in the presence or absence of traffic noise playback. Here, we show that traffic noise reduces cognitive performance, including inhibitory control, motor learning, spatial memory and social learning, but not associative colour learning. This study demonstrates a novel mechanism through which anthropogenic noise can impact animals, namely through cognitive interference, and suggests that noise pollution may have previously unconsidered consequences for animals.
Information overload for (bounded) rational agents
Authors: Pothos Emmanuel M. , Lewandowsky Stephan , Basieva Irina , Barque-Duran Albert , Tapper Katy , Khrennikov Andrei
Published: February 2021

Bayesian inference offers an optimal means of processing environmental information and so an advantage in natural selection. We consider the apparent, recent trend in increasing dysfunctional disagreement in, for example, political debate. This is puzzling because Bayesian inference benefits from powerful convergence theorems, precluding dysfunctional disagreement. Information overload is a plausible factor limiting the applicability of full Bayesian inference, but what is the link with dysfunctional disagreement? Individuals striving to be Bayesian-rational, but challenged by information overload, might simplify by using Bayesian networks or the separation of questions into knowledge partitions, the latter formalized with quantum probability theory. We demonstrate the massive simplification afforded by either approach, but also show how they contribute to dysfunctional disagreement.
Relationship between early childhood non-parental childcare and diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep: A systematic review of longitudinal studies
Authors: Costa Silvia , Benjamin Neelon Sara E. , Winpenny Eleanor , Phillips Veronica , Adams Jean
Published: February 2021

Background

The rising prevalence of childhood obesity is a global public health concern. Evidence suggests that exposure to non-parental childcare before age six years is associated with increased risk of obesity, diet, and activity behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep). However, findings are inconsistent and mostly from cross-sectional studies, making it difficult to identify the direction of causation in associations. This review identified and synthesised the published research on longitudinal associations between non-parental childcare during early childhood, diet, and activity behaviours.

Methods

Seven databases were searched using a predefined search strategy. Results were independently double-screened through title/abstract and full-text stages according to predefined criteria. Included studies were tabulated, and evaluated for risk of bias using the Nutrition Evidence Library Bias Assessment Tool.

Results

Of 18793 references screened, 13 studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Eight studies reported on diet and seven studies reported on activity behaviour outcomes (three on physical activity, three on sedentary behaviour, and one on sleep). These studies included results on 89 tested childcare:outcome associations. Of 63 associations testing diet outcomes, 37 (59%) were null, and the remainder showed inconsistent patterns. There was an indication of a potential benefit of Head Start providers (vs other care, including parental) on dietary behaviours. Of 26 associations testing activity behaviour outcomes, 22 (85%) were null, and the remainder were inconsistent. Most studies (92%) did not use (or did not report using) valid and reliable outcome measures, and outcome assessors were not blinded (or it was unclear if they were blinded) to children’s exposure status (77%).

Conclusions

The scarce available literature indicates little and mixed evidence of a longitudinal association between exposure to non-parental childcare before age six years and diet or activity behaviours. This reflects a paucity of research, rather than clear evidence of no effect. There is an urgent need for studies investigating the longitudinal associations of non-parental childcare on diet and activity behaviours to assess potential lasting effects and mechanisms. Studies should assess whether and how associations vary by provider and child sub-groups, as well as differences by intensity and duration of care.
Investigating dynamics of COVID-19 spread and containment with agent-based modeling
Authors: Rajabi Amirarsalan , Mantzaris Alexander V. , Mutlu Ece C. , Garibay Ozlem O.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Governments, policy makers and officials around the globe are trying to mitigate the effects and progress of the COVID-19 pandemic by making decisions which will save the most lives and impose the least costs. Making these decisions needs a comprehensive understanding about the dynamics by which the disease spreads. In this work, we propose an epidemic agent-based model that simulates the spread of the disease. We show that the model is able to generate an important aspect of the pandemic: multiple waves of infection. A key point in the model description is the aspect of ‘fear’ which can govern how agents behave under different conditions. We also show that the model provides an appropriate test-bed to apply different containment strategies and this work presents the results of applying two such strategies: testing, contact tracing, and travel restriction. The results show that while both strategies could result in flattening the epidemic curve and significantly reduce the maximum number of infected individuals; testing should be applied along with tracing previous contacts of the tested individuals to be effective. The results show how the curve is flattened with testing partnered with contact tracing, and the imposition of travel restrictions.
Preoperative μ-opioid receptor availability predicts weight loss following bariatric surgery
Authors: Karlsson Henry K. , Tuominen Lauri , Helin Semi , Salminen Paulina , Nuutila Pirjo , Nummenmaa Lauri
Published: January 2021

Background

Bariatric surgery is the most effective method for weight loss in morbid obesity. There is significant individual variability in the weight loss outcomes, yet factors leading to postoperative weight loss or weight regain remain elusive. Alterations in the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) systems are associated with obesity, appetite control, and reward processing. The magnitude of initial brain receptor system perturbation is a plausible predictor of long-term surgical weight loss outcomes. The aim was to test this hypothesis by measuring obese subjects’ MOR and D2R availability with positron emission tomography (PET) preoperatively before bariatric surgery and then assessing their weight development association with regional MOR and D2R availabilities at 2-year follow-up.

Methods

We studied 19 morbidly obese women (mean BMI 40, mean age 43) scheduled to undergo bariatric surgery, i.e. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, according to their standard clinical treatment. Preoperative MOR and D2R availabilities were measured using PET with [11C]carfentanil and [11C]raclopride, respectively. Subject weight was recorded at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Radiotracer binding potentials (BPND) were extracted and correlated with patient weight at different time points. ROIs were delineated in the striatum and in limbic and paralimbic components of the emotion and reward networks.

Results

MOR availabilities were not correlated with preoperative weight. MOR availabilities in the amygdala (r = −0.54), insula (r = −0.46), ventral striatum (r = −0.48) and putamen (r = −0.49) were associated with subject weight at 3 months. Significant association was found in the amygdala at 6 months (r = −0.53), 12 (r = −0.49), and 24 months (r = −0.50). D2R availabilities were associated with neither preoperative weight nor weight loss at any follow-up time point.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that neuroreceptor markers prior to bariatric surgery in patients with morbid obesity are associated with the postoperative weight loss. Preoperative MOR availability in the amygdala was associated with long-term postoperative weight development after surgery suggesting that postoperative weight regain may derive from dysfunction in the opioid system. Postoperative weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery may be partially predicted based on preoperative receptor availability opening up new potential for treatment possibilities.

Clinical Trials Registration

SleevePET2, NCT01373892, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
Impact of age, gender, ethnicity and prior disease status on immunogenicity following administration of a single dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine: real-world evidence from Israeli healthcare workers, December-January 2020
Authors: Jabal Kamal Abu , Ben-Amram Hila , Beiruti Karine , Batheesh Yunis , Sussan Christian , Zarka Salman , Edelstein Michael
Published: January 2021

The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine showed high efficacy in clinical trials but observational data from populations not included in trials are needed. We described immunogenicity 21 days post-dose 1 among 514 Israeli healthcare workers by age, gender, ethnicity and prior COVID19 infection. Immunogenicity was similar by gender and ethnicity but decreased with age. Those with prior infection had antibody titres one magnitude order higher than naïve individuals regardless of the presence of detectable IgG antibodies pre-vaccination.
Mapping a Pandemic: SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity in the United States
Authors: Kalish Heather , Klumpp-Thomas Carleen , Hunsberger Sally , Baus Holly Ann , Fay Michael P , Siripong Nalyn , Wang Jing , Hicks Jennifer , Mehalko Jennifer , Travers Jameson , Drew Matthew , Pauly Kyle , Spathies Jacquelyn , Ngo Tran , Adusei Kenneth M. , Karkanitsa Maria , Croker Jennifer A , Li Yan , Graubard Barry I. , Czajkowski Lindsay , Belliveau Olivia , Chairez Cheryl , Snead Kelly , Frank Peter , Shunmugavel Anandakumar , Han Alison , Giurgea Luca T. , Rosas Luz Angela , Bean Rachel , Athota Rani , Cervantes-Medina Adriana , Gouzoulis Monica , Heffelfinger Brittany , Valenti Shannon , Caldararo Rocco , Kolberg Michelle M. , Kelly Andrew , Simon Reid , Shafiq Saifullah , Wall Vanessa , Reed Susan , Ford Eric W , Lokwani Ravi , Denson John-Paul , Messing Simon , Michael Sam G. , Gillette William , Kimberly Robert P. , Reis Steven E. , Hall Matthew D. , Esposito Dominic , Memoli Matthew J. , Sadtler Kaitlyn
Published: January 2021

Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and delayed implementation of diagnostics have led to poorly defined viral prevalence rates. To address this, we analyzed seropositivity in US adults who have not previously been diagnosed with COVID-19. Individuals with characteristics that reflect the US population (n= 11,382) and who had not previously been diagnosed with COVID-19 were selected by quota sampling from 241,424 volunteers (ClinicalTrials.govNCT04334954). Enrolled participants provided medical, geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic information and 9,028 blood samples. The majority (88.7%) of samples were collected between May 10thand July 31st, 2020. Samples were analyzed via ELISA for anti-Spike and anti-RBD antibodies. Estimation of seroprevalence was performed by using a weighted analysis to reflect the US population. We detected an undiagnosed seropositivity rate of 4.6% (95% CI: 2.6 – 6.5%). There was distinct regional variability, with heightened seropositivity in locations of early outbreaks. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the highest estimated undiagnosed seropositivity within groups was detected in younger participants (ages 18-45, 5.9%), females (5.5%), Black/African American (14.2%), Hispanic (6.1%), and Urban residents (5.3%), and lower undiagnosed seropositivity in those with chronic diseases. During the first wave of infection over the spring/summer of 2020 an estimate of 4.6% of adults had a prior undiagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection. These data indicate that there were 4.8 (95% CI: 2.8-6.8) undiagnosed cases for every diagnosed case of COVID-19 during this same time period in the United States, and an estimated 16.8 million undiagnosed cases by mid-July 2020.
Awake prone positioning and oxygen therapy in patients with COVID-19: The APRONOX study
Authors: Perez-Nieto Orlando R. , Escarraman-Martinez Diego , Guerrero-Gutierrez Manuel A. , Zamarron-Lopez Eder I. , Mancilla-Galindo Javier , Kammar-García Ashuin , Martinez-Camacho Miguel A. , Deloya-Tomás Ernesto , Sanchez-Diaz Jesús S. , Macías-García Luis A. , Soriano-Orozco Raúl , Cruz-Sánchez Gabriel , Salmeron-Gonzalez José D. , Toledo-Rivera Marco A. , Mata-Maqueda Ivette , Morgado-Villaseñor Luis A. , Martinez-Mazariegos Jenner J. , Ramirez Raymundo Flores , Medina-Estrada Josue L. , ñamendys-Silva Silvio A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The awake prone position (PP) strategy for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a safe, simple, and cost-effective technique used to improve hypoxemia. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between awake PP (AP) and endotracheal intubation in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Methods

In this retrospective, multicentre observational study conducted between 1 May and 12 June 2020 in 27 hospitals in Mexico and Ecuador, non-intubated patients with COVID-19 managed with AP or awake supine positioning (AS) were included to evaluate intubation and mortality risk in AP patients through logistic regression models; multivariable adjustment, propensity score analyses, and E-values were calculated to limit confounding. A CART model with cross-validation was also built. This study was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04407468

Results

827 non-intubated patients with COVID-19 in the AP (n=505) and AS (n=322) groups were included for analysis. Less patients in the AP group required endotracheal intubation (23.6% vs 40.4%) or died (20% vs 37.9%). AP was a protective factor for intubation even after multivariable adjustment (OR=0.39, 95%CI:0.28-0.56, p<0.0001, E-value=2.01), which prevailed after propensity score analysis (OR=0.32, 95%CI:0.21-0.49, p<0.0001, E-value=2.21), and mortality (adjusted OR=0.38, 95%CI:0.25-0.57, p<0.0001, E-value=1.98). The main variables associated with PP failure in AP patients were age, lower SpO2/FiO2, and management with a non-rebreather mask. In the CART model, only two variables were used: SpO2/FiO2 (F 97.7, p<0.001) and PP (X2 50.5, p<0.001), with an overall percentage of 75.2%.

Conclusion

PP in awake hospitalised patients with COVID-19 is associated with a lower risk of intubation and mortality.
How well do face masks protect the wearer compared to public perceptions?
Authors: O’Kelly Eugenia , Arora Anmol , Ward James , Clarkson P John
Published: January 2021

Introduction

There is a growing body of evidence to support the wearing of face masks to reduce spread of infectious respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. However, the literature exploring the effectiveness of homemade fabric face masks is still in its infancy. Developing an evidence base is an important step to ensure that public policy is evidence based and truly effective.

Methods

Two methodologies were used in this study: quantitative fit testing of various face masks to indicate their effectiveness and a survey of 710 US residents about their perceptions of face mask effectiveness. N95, surgical and two fabric face masks were tested on an individual twenty five times each using a TSI 8038+ machine. Our survey was distributed by Qualtrics XM, asking participants to estimate the effectiveness of N95, surgical and fabric face masks.

Results and Discussion

Our results indicate that fabric face masks blocked between 62.6% and 87.1% of fine particles, whereas surgical masks protected against an average of 78.2% of fine particles. N95 masks blocked 99.6% of fine particles. Survey respondents tended to underestimate the effectiveness of masks, especially fabric masks. Together these results suggest that fabric masks may be a useful tool in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and that increasing public awareness of the effectiveness of fabric masks may help in this endeavour.
REACT-1 round 8 final report: high average prevalence with regional heterogeneity of trends in SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community in England during January 2021
Authors: Riley Steven , Eales Oliver , Walters Caroline E. , Wang Haowei , Ainslie Kylie E. C. , Atchison Christina , Fronterre Claudio , Diggle Peter J. , Ashby Deborah , Donnelly Christl A. , Cooke Graham , Barclay Wendy , Ward Helen , Darzi Ara , Elliott Paul
Published: January 2021

In early January 2021, England entered its third national lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce numbers of deaths and pressure on healthcare services, while rapidly rolling out vaccination to healthcare workers and those most at risk of severe disease and death. REACT-1 is a survey of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in the community in England, based on repeated cross-sectional samples of the population. Between 6th and 22nd January 2021, out of 167,642 results, 2,282 were positive giving a weighted national prevalence of infection of 1.57% (95% CI, 1.49%, 1.66%). The R number nationally over this period was estimated at 0.98 (0.92, 1.04). Prevalence remained high throughout, but with suggestion of a decline at the end of the study period. The average national trend masked regional heterogeneity, with robustly decreasing prevalence in one region (South West) and increasing prevalence in another (East Midlands). Overall prevalence at regional level was highest in London at 2.83% (2.53%, 3.16%). Although prevalence nationally was highest in the low-risk 18 to 24 year old group at 2.44% (1.96%, 3.03%), it was also high in those over 65 years who are most at risk, at 0.93% (0.82%, 1.05%). Large household size, living in a deprived neighbourhood, and Black and Asian ethnicity were all associated with higher levels of infections compared to smaller households, less deprived neighbourhoods and other ethnicities. Healthcare and care home workers, and other key workers, were more likely to test positive compared to other workers. If sustained lower prevalence is not achieved rapidly in England, pressure on healthcare services and numbers of COVID-19 deaths will remain unacceptably high.
Frequency of hospitalization of infants with bronchiolitis during 2017 in Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Authors: L. Taire Damián , Pazos Bruno A.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Bronchiolitis is considered the most frequent disease in infants and still represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite its viral etiology, socioeconomic variables could influence the disease outcome. We aimed to determine the frequency of hospital discharge for bronchiolitis in a local Hospital in the city of Puerto Madryn, in the province of Chubut, Patagonia Argentina.

Population and methods

We performed a cross-sectional study that analyzed all hospitalized patients discharged for bronchiolitis in Hospital “Dr. Andrés R. Isola” during the year 2017 and based on data provided by the hospital administrative staff. The study variables were the length of stay, readmission rate and place of origin of hospitalized patients.

Results

A total of 120 patients were included. The median age was 4.45 months (3.9-5). The mean length-of-stay (LOS) was 7.30 days (5.52-9.08). Of the total number of patients, 24 (20%) had a LOS ≤3 days and 96 (80%) a >3 days. One hundred patients (88.33%) had no hospital readmissions and 10 patients (8.33%) had hospital readmissions. The median age of patients with readmissions was 4.2 months (2.69-5.71). The mean LOS during readmission was 17.3 days (5.25-29.35). Of the 120 hospitalized children, 100 infants (83.33%) live in areas identified as having “unsatisfied basic needs” in Puerto Madryn.

Conclusions

The overcrowding as a result of the demographic transformation on the frequency of hospitalization of infants with bronchiolitis was homogeneous within the Puerto Madryn population with “unsatisfied basic needs”.
Investigating the DNA methylation profile of e-cigarette use
Authors: Richmond Rebecca C , Rejon Carlos Sillero , Khouja Jasmine N , Prince Claire , Board Alexander , Sharp Gemma , Suderman Matthew , Relton Caroline L , Munafò Marcus , Gage Suzanne H
Published: January 2021

Rationale and objectives

Little evidence exists on the health effects of e-cigarette use. DNA methylation may serve as a biomarker for exposure and could be predictive of future health risk. We aimed to investigate the DNA methylation profile of e-cigarette use.

Methods

Among 117 smokers, 117 non-smokers and 116 non-smoking vapers, we evaluated associations between e-cigarette use and epigenome-wide methylation from saliva. We tested associations between e-cigarette use and methylation scores known to predict smoking and smoking-related disease. We assessed the ability of a methylation score for predicting e-cigarette use and for discriminating lung cancer.

Measurements and Main Results

7 CpGs were identified in relation to e-cigarette use at p<1×10−5 and none at p<5.91×10−8. 13 CpGs were associated with smoking at p<1×10−5 and one at p<5.91×10−8. CpGs associated with e-cigarette use were largely distinct from those associated with smoking. There was strong enrichment of known smoking-related CpGs in the smokers but not the vapers. A methylation score for e-cigarette use showed poor prediction internally (AUC 0.55, 0.41-0.69) and externally (AUC 0.57, 0.36-0.74) compared with a smoking score (AUCs 0.80) and was less able to discriminate lung squamous cell carcinoma from adjacent normal tissue (AUC 0.64, 0.52-0.76 versus AUC 0.73, 0.61-0.85).

Conclusions

The DNA methylation profile for e-cigarette use is largely distinct from that of cigarette smoking, did not replicate in independent samples, and was unable to discriminate lung cancer from normal tissue. The extent to which methylation related to long-term e-cigarette use translates into chronic effects requires further investigation.

Key Messages

What is the key question?

Is there a DNA methylation signature of e-cigarette use and is it distinct from that of smoking?

What is the bottom line?

Smoke exposure is known to lead to widespread changes in DNA methylation which have been identified in different populations and samples, persist for many years after smoking cessation, and may act as a biomarker for smoking-related disease risk and mortality. Whether a similar methylation profile exists in relation to e-cigarette use has not been widely investigated.

Why read on?

We obtained saliva samples from 116 e-cigarette users and compared their DNA methylation profile with 117 smokers and 117 non-smokers. The e-cigarette users in this study had a minimal smoking history, and so we were able to distinguish the effects of e-cigarette use from those of smoke exposure. Overall, we found that the methylation profile associated with e-cigarette use is less pronounced and distinct from that associated with cigarette smoking.
Evaluation of the fluid-movement contribution to the oxygen transport in tissue
Authors: Liu Zhu , Wen Chenyu , Zhang Shi-Li
Published: January 2021

The model of diffusive O2transport from capillary to tissue was established by Krogh a century ago. This model is incomplete as it ignores the often inevitable convective O2transport via fluid movement. Here, we propose a one-dimensional physical-phenomenological model to evaluate the contribution of fluid movement to the O2transport in tissue. Both the O2gradient and the total O2flux are found to be sensitive to the fluid movement. For small flow rates with a Peclet numberPe< 1, a critical flow rate,udc, is introduced to characterize the contribution of fluid movement to the O2transport, as well as to evaluate the fluid contribution in O2-deficient tissues and the cytoplasm movement inside muscle fibers. During hemostasis, the O2flux contributed by the interstitial flow even below a rate of 2 μm/s, although negligible near the capillary, can be significant for the tissue residing far from the capillary. For an isolated intramyocyte mitochondrion, the cytoplasm movement can play a key role in the O2transport. These considerations point to the scenario of an external force to drive the fluid movement leading to an accelerated O2transport to sustain the mitochondrial consumption. Our model offers a comprehensive picture of the O2transport in tissue by including both the concentration gradient and the hydraulic pressure gradient. It predicts that even with a small external force, damaged tissues with higher permeability can yield larger rates of interstitial flow promoting O2transport for tissue recovery.

Highlights

The fluid movement can play a significant role in O2transport in tissue with high Prandtl numberν/D~ 103;

A critical flow rate,udc, is introduced to evaluate the convective transport flux by the fluid in tissue for Pe < 1.

O2transport in tissue is a result of the balance between hydraulic pressure gradient induced flux and concentration gradient induced flux.

Our model indicates more O2pumped by convective transport into the O2-deficient region where the O2diffusive flux cannot penetrate.

The cytoplasm movement can excite more O2flux to the mitochondria with higher myoglobin concentration.
The Similarity Structure of Real-World Memories
Authors: Tomita Tyler M. , Barense Morgan D. , Honey Christopher J.
Published: January 2021

How do we mentally organize our memories of life events? Two episodes may be connected because they share a similar location, time period, activity, spatial environment, or social and emotional content. However, we lack an understanding of how each of these dimensions contributes to the perceived similarity of two life memories. We addressed this question with a data-driven approach, eliciting pairs of real-life memories from participants. Participants annotated the social, purposive, spatial, temporal, and emotional characteristics of their memories. We found that the overall similarity of memories was influenced by all of these factors, but to very different extents. Emotional features were the most consistent single predictor of overall memory similarity. Memories with different emotional tone were reliably perceived to be dissimilar, even when they occurred at similar times and places and involved similar people; conversely, memories with a shared emotional tone were perceived as similar even when they occurred at different times and places, and involved different people. A predictive model explained over half of the variance in memory similarity, using only information about (i) the emotional properties of events and (ii) the primary action or purpose of events. Emotional features may make an outsized contribution to event similarity because they provide compact summaries of an event’s goals and self-related outcomes, which are critical information for future planning and decision making. Thus, in order to understand and improve real-world memory function, we must account for the strong influence of emotional and purposive information on memory organization and memory search.

Significance

Our brains enable us to understand and act within the present, informed by previous, related life experience. But how are our life experiences organized so that one event can be related to another? Theories have suggested that we use spatiotemporal, social, causal, purposive, and emotional dimensions to inter-relate our memories; however, these organizing principles are usually studied using impersonal laboratory stimuli. Here, we mapped and modeled the connections between people’s own annotated life memories. We found that life events are linked by a variety of factors, but are predominantly connected in memory by their primary activity and emotional character. This highlights a need for theories of memory organization and retrieval to better account for the role of high-level actions and emotions.
Spatial spread of white-nose syndrome in North America, 2006-2018
Authors: Kramer Andrew M. , Mercier Alex , Maher Sean , Kumi-Ansu Yaw , Bowden Sarah , Drake John M.
Published: January 2021

White-nose syndrome has caused massive mortality in multiple bat species and spread across much of North America, making it one of the most destructive wildlife diseases on record. This has also resulted in it being one of the most well-documented wildlife disease outbreaks, making it possible to look for changes in the pattern of spatial spread over time. We fit a series of spatial interaction models to the United States county-level observations of the pathogenic fungus,Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that causes white-nose syndrome. Models included the distance between caves, cave abundance, measures of winter length and winter onset, and species richness of all bats and hibernating bats only. We found that the best supported models included all of these factors, but that the particular structure and most informative covariates changed over the course of the outbreak, with winter length displacing winter onset as the most informative measure of winter conditions, and evidence for the effects total species richness and hibernation varying from year to year. We also found that weather had detectable effects on spread. While the effect sizes for cave abundance and species richness were relatively stable over the length of the outbreak, distance became less important as time went on. These findings indicate that although models produced early in the outbreak captured important and consistent aspects of the spatial spread of white-nose syndrome, there were also changes over time in the factors associated with spread, suggesting that forecasts may be improved by iterative model refinement.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation of right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex does not affect associative retrieval in healthy young or older adults
Authors: Hill Paul F. , Horne Erin D. , Koen Joshua D. , Rugg Michael D.
Published: January 2021

We examined whether post-retrieval monitoring processes supporting memory performance are more resource limited in older adults relative to younger individuals. We predicted that older adults would be more susceptible to an experimental manipulation that reduced the neurocognitive resources available to support post-retrieval monitoring. Young and older adults received transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or a vertex control site during an associative recognition task. The right DLPFC was selected as a TMS target because the region is held to be a key member of a network of regions engaged during retrieval monitoring and is readily accessible to administration of TMS. We predicted that TMS to the right DLPFC would lead to reduced associative recognition accuracy, and that this effect would be more prominent in older adults. The results did not support this prediction. Recognition accuracy was significantly reduced in older adults relative to their younger counterparts but the magnitude of this age difference was unaffected following TMS to the right DLPFC or vertex. These findings suggest that TMS to the right DLPFC was insufficient to deplete the neurocognitive resources necessary to support post-retrieval monitoring.
pmVAE: Learning Interpretable Single-Cell Representations with Pathway Modules
Authors: Gut Gilles , Stark Stefan G. , Rätsch Gunnar , Davidson Natalie R.
Published: January 2021

Motivation

Deep learning techniques have yielded tremendous progress in the field of computational biology over the last decade, however many of these techniques are opaque to the user. To provide interpretable results, methods have incorporated biological priors directly into the learning task; one such biological prior is pathway structure. While pathways represent most biological processes in the cell, the high level of correlation and hierarchical structure make it complicated to determine an appropriate computational representation.

Results

Here, we presentpathway module Variational Autoencoder(pmVAE). Our method encodes pathway information by restricting the structure of our VAE to mirror gene-pathway memberships. Its architecture is composed of a set of subnetworks, which we refer to as pathway modules. The subnetworks learn interpretable latent representations by factorizing the latent space according to pathway gene sets. We directly address correlation between pathways by balancing a module-specific local loss and a global reconstruction loss. Furthermore, since many pathways are by nature hierarchical and therefore the product of multiple downstream signals, we model each pathway as a multidimensional vector. Due to their factorization over pathways, the representations allow for easy and interpretable analysis of multiple downstream effects, such as cell type and biological stimulus, within the contexts of each pathway. We compare pmVAE against two other state-of-the-art methods on two single-cell RNA-seq case-control data sets, demonstrating that our pathway representations are both more discriminative and consistent in detecting pathways targeted by a perturbation.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/ratschlab/pmvae
Effects of hydroelectric dam construction on spatio-temporal changes of land use land cover in Bui National Park, Ghana
Authors: Bempah Godfred , Boama Prince , Lu Changhu
Published: January 2021

The construction of hydroelectric dams in forest reserves has become a matter of concern for biodiversity conservationists. Visibly among which is the potential to cause changes in climate and land cover and subsequently affect fauna and flora composition. Spatio-temporal changes of climate and land cover in the Bui National Park was analyzed using indices calculations of the landscape based on land cover maps obtained from Landsat satellite images for pre-and post-dam construction periods. Significant changes in land cover following the dam construction were observed. Notable changes include the built-up areas and water body, which recorded an increase of 315.64 % and 4593.43 % respectively, while the forest area decreased. Significant reduction in rainfall (U = 24,ρ< 0.05) and increase in temperature (U = 22.5,ρ< 0.05) were observed between the pre-and post-dam construction periods. Increased human activities such as illegal mining, indiscriminate tree felling, uncontrolled cattle grazing and charcoal production within the reserve results from inadequate monitoring and law enforcement after the dam construction could likely compound the changes in land cover.
Zoomqa: Residue-Level Single-Model QA Support Vector Machine Utilizing Sequential and 3D Structural Features
Authors: Hippe Kyle , Lilley Cade , Berkenpas William , Kishaba Kiyomi , Cao Renzhi
Published: January 2021

Motivation

The Estimation of Model Accuracy problem is a cornerstone problem in the field of Bioinformatics. When predictions are made for proteins of which we do not know the native structure, we run into an issue to tell how good a tertiary structure prediction is, especially the protein binding regions, which are useful for drug discovery. Currently, most methods only evaluate the overall quality of a protein decoy, and few can work on residue level and protein complex. Here we introduce ZoomQA, a novel, single-model method for assessing the accuracy of a tertiary protein structure / complex prediction at residue level. ZoomQA differs from others by considering the change in chemical and physical features of a fragment structure (a portion of a protein within a radiusrof the target amino acid) as the radius of contact increases. Fourteen physical and chemical properties of amino acids are used to build a comprehensive representation of every residue within a protein and grades their placement within the protein as a whole. Moreover, ZoomQA can evaluate the quality of protein complex, which is unique.

Results

We benchmark ZoomQA on CASP14, it outperforms other state of the art local QA methods and rivals state of the art QA methods in global prediction metrics. Our experiment shows the efficacy of these new features, and shows our method is able to match the performance of other state-of-the-art methods without the use of homology searching against database or PSSM matrix.

Availability

http://zoomQA.renzhitech.com

Contact

caora@plu.edu
In Silico:Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity prediction of Sugar substitutes
Authors: Arulanandam Charli Deepak , Babu Venkatadri , Soorni Yugendhar , Prathiviraj R
Published: January 2021

Sugar substitutes are mostly artificial, man-made industrial products used as additives in food and beverages. Most of these substances flow through the digestive tract and food chains to become emerging organic contaminants in various abiotic and biotic environmental media. Here, we predict the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of commonly used sugar substitutes using thein silicobased methods. The simplified molecular-input line-entry system (SMILES) of sugar substitutes were obtained from the PubChem database for the toxicity predictions. Here, sixteen sugar substitutes tested out of these four compounds Glucin (GLU), and 5-nitro-2-propoxyaniline (P-4000), SCL, Ace were predicted as mutagens by usingin silicotools such as LAZAR, pKCSM, and Toxtree. Based on the predicted results GLU and P-4000 were predicted as carcinogenic sugar substitutes.
Predicting multimodal MRI outcomes in children with neurodevelopmental conditions following MRI simulator training
Authors: Simhal Anish K. , Filho José O. A. , Segura Patricia , Cloud Jessica , Petkova Eva , Gallagher Richard , Castellanos F. Xavier , Colcombe Stan , Milham Michael P. , Di Martino Adriana
Published: January 2021

Pediatric brain imaging holds significant promise for understanding neurodevelopment. However, the requirement to remain still inside a noisy, enclosed scanner remains a challenge. Verbal or visual descriptions of the process, and/or practice in MRI simulators are the norm in preparing children. Yet, the factors predictive of successfully obtaining neuroimaging data remain unclear. We examined data from 250 children (6-12 years, 197 males) with autism and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Children completed systematic MRI simulator training aimed to habituate to the scanner environment and minimize head motion. An MRI session comprised multiple structural, resting-state, task and diffusion scans. Of the 201 children passing simulator training and attempting scanning, nearly all (94%) successfully completed the first structural scan in the sequence, and 88% also completed the following resting state fMRI scan. The number of successful scans decreased as the sequence progressed. Multivariate analyses revealed that age was the strongest predictor of successful scans in the session, with younger children having lower success rates. After age, sensorimotor atypicalities contributed most to prediction. Results provide insights on factors to consider in designing pediatric brain imaging protocols.
Successful reboot of high-performance sporting activities by Japanese national women’s handball team in Tokyo, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic: An initiative by Japan Sports-Cyber Physical System (JS-CPS) of Sports Research Innovation Project (SRIP)
Authors: Ogasawara Issei , Hamaguchi Shigeto , Hasegawa Ryosuke , Akeda Yukihiro , Ota Naoki , Revankar Gajanan S. , Konda Shoji , Taguchi Takashi , Takanouchi Toshiya , Imoto Kojiro , Okimoto Nobukazu , Sakuma Katsuhiko , Uchiyama Akira , Yamasaki Keita , Higashino Teruo , Tomono Kazunori , Nakata Ken
Published: February 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted sporting activities across the world. However, practical training strategies for athletes to reduce the risk of infection during the pandemic has not been definitively studied.

Objective

The purpose of this report was to provide an overview of our challenges encountered during the reboot of high-performance sporting activities of the Japanese national handball team during the 3rd wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tokyo, Japan.

Methods

Twenty-nine Japanese national women’s handball players and 24 staff participated in the study. To initiate the reboot of their first training camp after COVID-19 stay-home social policy, we conducted: web-based health-monitoring, SARS-CoV-2 screening with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, real-time automated quantitative monitoring of social distancing on-court using video-based artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, physical intensity evaluation with wearable heart rate (HR) and acceleration sensors, and self-reported online questionnaire.

Results

The training camp was conducted successfully with no COVID-19 infections. The web-based health monitoring and the frequent PCR testing with short turnaround times contributed remarkably in early detection of athletes’ health problems and risk screening. During handball, the AI based on-court social-distancing monitoring revealed key time-dependent spatial metrics to define player-to-player proximity. This information facilitated positive team members’ on and off-game distancing behavior. Athletes regularly achieved around 80% of maximum HR during training, indicating anticipated improvements in achieving their physical intensities. Self-reported questionnaires related to the COVID management in the training camp revealed a sense of security among the athletes allowing them to focus singularly on their training.

Conclusion

The current challenge provided us considerable know-how to create and manage a safe environment for high-performing athletes in the COVID-19 pandemic via the Japan Sports-Cyber Physical System (JS-CPS) of SRIP (Japan Sports Agency, Tokyo, Japan). This report is envisioned to provide informed decisions to coaches, trainers, policymakers from the sports federations in creating targeted, infection-free, sporting and training environments.