bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eggshell as a biomaterial can have a sorption capability on its surface: A spectroscopic research
Authors: Kınaytürk Neslihan Kaya , Tunalı Belgin , Türköz Altuğ Deniz
Published: June 2021

In this study, eggshell as a biomaterial was used as an adsorbent. This natural waste material is easy to access and cost-free. The surface of the eggshell with its porous structure showed affinity to adsorb damaging chemicals. In particular insecticides cause serious environmental pollution in agriculture, and this is a general problem all over the world. The aim was to remove insecticides from the environment and monitor the pesticides on the surface of eggshells by atomic force microscopy (AFM) images, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV/Vis spectroscopic techniques. Five types of eggshells,
Denizli Hen, Coturnix Coturnix Japonica, Light Brahma Chicken, Alectoris Chukar
and
ISA Tinted -White
, were used. Since they are commonly used, Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin and Indoxacarb were chosen as insecticide samples. The interaction effect of insecticides on the surface of eggshells was determined by AFM images; it was seen that the semispherical surface structures of the eggshells were flattened after adsorption. FTIR spectroscopy was used both to detect structural analysis and to determine the adsorption influence. In addition, UV-Vis spectroscopy was performed to evaluate the adsorption and desorption process. Porous media of different types of eggshells with an aqueous solution of insecticides had an electronegativity attractive surface which makes it an ideal adsorbent via hydroxyl groups.
Switching vaccination among target groups to achieve improved long-lasting benefits
Authors: Li Ruiyun , Bjørnstad Ottar N. , Stenseth Nils Chr.
Published: June 2021

The development of vaccines has opened a way to lower the public health and societal burden of COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve sustainable gains in the long term, switching the vaccination from one target group to a more diverse portfolio should be planned appropriately. We lay out a general mathematical framework for comparing alternative vaccination roll-out strategies for the year to come: single focus groups: (i-a) the high-risk older age groups and (i-b) the core-sociable groups; and two focus groups: (ii-a) mixed vaccination of both the high-risk and core-sociable groups simultaneously and (ii-b) cyclic vaccination switching between groups. Featuring analyses of all relevant data including age pyramids for 15 representative countries with diverse social mixing patterns shows that mixed strategies that result in both direct and indirect protection of high-risk groups may be better for the overall societal health impact of COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. Of note, over time switching the priority from high-risk older age groups to core-sociable groups responsible for heightened circulation and thus indirect risk may be increasingly advantageous.
Host personality predicts cuckoo egg rejection in Daurian redstartsPhoenicurus auroreus
Authors: Zhang Jinggang , Santema Peter , Li Jianqiang , Yang Lixing , Deng Wenhong , Kempenaers Bart
Published: June 2021

In species that are subject to brood parasitism, individuals often vary in their responses to parasitic eggs, with some rejecting the eggs while others do not. While some factors, such as host age (breeding experience), the degree of egg matching and the level of perceived risk of brood parasitism have been shown to influence host decisions, much of the variation remains unexplained. The host personality hypothesis suggests that personality traits of the host influence its response to parasitic eggs, but few studies have tested this. We investigated the relationship between two personality traits (exploration and neophobia) and a physiological trait (breathing rate) of the host, and egg-rejection behaviour in a population of Daurian redstartsPhoenicurus auroreusin northeast China. We first show that exploratory behaviour and the response to a novel object are repeatable for individual females and strongly covary, indicating distinct personality types. We then show that fast-exploring and less neophobic hosts were more likely to reject parasitic eggs than slow-exploring and more neophobic hosts. Variation in breathing rate—a measure of the stress-response—did not affect rejection behaviour. Our results demonstrate that host personality, along the bold-shy continuum, predicts the responses to parasitic eggs in Daurian redstarts, with bold hosts being more likely to reject parasitic eggs.
Does leaving water make fish smarter? Terrestrial exposure and exercise improve spatial learning in an amphibious fish
Authors: Rossi Giulia S. , Wright Patricia A.
Published: June 2021

Amphibious fishes transition between aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and must therefore learn to navigate two dramatically different environments. We used the amphibious killifish
Kryptolebias marmoratus
to test the hypothesis that the spatial learning ability of amphibious fishes would be altered by exposure to terrestrial environments because of neural plasticity in the brain region linked to spatial cognition (dorsolateral pallium). We subjected fish to eight weeks of fluctuating air–water conditions or terrestrial exercise before assessing spatial learning using a bifurcating T-maze, and neurogenesis in the dorsolateral pallium by immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. In support of our hypothesis, we found that air–water fluctuations and terrestrial exercise improved some markers of spatial learning. Moreover, air–water and exercised fish had 39% and 46% more proliferating cells in their dorsolateral pallium relative to control fish, respectively. Overall, our findings suggest that fish with more terrestrial tendencies may have a cognitive advantage over those that remain in water, which ultimately may influence their fitness in both aquatic and terrestrial settings. More broadly, understanding the factors that promote neural and behavioural plasticity in extant amphibious fishes may provide insights into how ancestral fishes successfully colonized novel terrestrial environments before giving rise to land-dwelling tetrapods.
And thereby hangs a tail: morphology, developmental patterns and biomechanics of the adhesive tails of crested geckos (
Correlophus ciliatus
)
Authors: Griffing Aaron H. , Sanger Thomas J. , Epperlein Lilian , Bauer Aaron M. , Cobos Anthony , Higham Timothy E. , Naylor Emily , Gamble Tony
Published: June 2021

Among the most specialized integumentary outgrowths in amniotes are the adhesive, scale-like scansors and lamellae on the digits of anoles and geckos. Less well-known are adhesive tail pads exhibited by 21 gecko genera. While described over 120 years ago, no studies have quantified their possible adhesive function or described their embryonic development. Here, we characterize adult and embryonic morphology and adhesive performance of crested gecko (
Correlophus ciliatus
) tail pads. Additionally, we use embryonic data to test whether tail pads are serial homologues to toe pads. External morphology and histology of
C
.
ciliatus
tail pads are largely similar to tail pads of closely related geckos. Functionally,
C
.
ciliatus
tail pads exhibit impressive adhesive ability, hypothetically capable of holding up to five times their own mass. Tail pads develop at approximately the same time during embryogenesis as toe pads. Further, tail pads exhibit similar developmental patterns to toe pads, which are markedly different from non-adhesive gecko toes and tails. Our data provide support for the serial homology of adhesive tail pads with toe pads.
The metabolic pace of life histories across fishes
Authors: Wong Serena , Bigman Jennifer S. , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: June 2021

All life acquires energy through metabolic processes and that energy is subsequently allocated to life-sustaining functions such as survival, growth and reproduction. Thus, it has long been assumed that metabolic rate is related to the life history of an organism. Indeed, metabolic rate is commonly believed to set the pace of life by determining where an organism is situated along a fast–slow life-history continuum. However, empirical evidence of a direct interspecific relationship between metabolic rate and life histories is lacking, especially for ectothermic organisms. Here, we ask whether three life-history traits—maximum body mass, generation length and growth performance—explain variation in resting metabolic rate (RMR) across fishes. We found that growth performance, which accounts for the trade-off between growth rate and maximum body size, explained variation in RMR, yet maximum body mass and generation length did not. Our results suggest that measures of life history that encompass trade-offs between life-history traits, rather than traits in isolation, explain variation in RMR across fishes. Ultimately, understanding the relationship between metabolic rate and life history is crucial to metabolic ecology and has the potential to improve prediction of the ecological risk of data-poor species.
Mutation of SLC7A14 Causes Auditory Neuropathy and Retinitis Pigmentosa Mediated by Lysosomal Dysfunction
Authors: Giffen Kimberlee , Li Yi , Liu Huizhan , Zhao Xiao-Chang , Zhang Chang-Jun , Shen Ren-Juan , Wang Tianying , Janesick Amanda , Chen Bo-Pei , Gong Shu-Sheng , Kachar Bechara , Jin Zi-Bing , He David Z
Published: June 2021

Lysosomes contribute to cellular homeostasis via processes including phagocytosis, macromolecule catabolism, secretion, and nutrient sensing mechanisms. Defective proteins related to lysosomal macromolecule catabolism are known to cause a broad range of lysosomal storage diseases. It is unclear, however, if mutations in genes in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway can cause syndromic disease. Here we show that SLC7A14, a transporter protein mediating lysosomal uptake of cationic amino acids, is evolutionarily conserved in vertebrate mechanosensitive hair cells and highly expressed in lysosomes of mammalian cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) and retinal photoreceptors. Autosomal recessive mutation of SLC7A14 caused loss of IHCs and photoreceptors, leading to pre-synaptic auditory neuropathy and retinitis pigmentosa in mice and humans. Loss of function mutation altered protein trafficking and disrupted lysosomal homeostasis, resulting in dysregulation of basal autophagy and progressive cell degeneration. This study is the first to implicate autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction in syndromic hearing and vision loss in mice and humans.
Walking Activities during the Acute Stroke Hospital Stay May Benefit Cerebrovascular Health
Authors: Whitaker Alicen A. , Henry Madison L. , Morton Allegra , Ward Jaimie L. , Eickmeyer Sarah M. , Abraham Michael G. , Billinger Sandra A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Physical activity within the hospital post-stroke is recommended for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, but no studies have examined cerebrovascular health. We hypothesized individuals who walked farther distances (FARhigh) in the hospital would have a higher resting middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) and a greater cerebrovascular response (CVR) to moderate-intensity exercise at 3-months post-stroke, compared to individuals who walked shorter distances (FARlow).

Methods

At 3-month post-stroke, we recorded 90-seconds of baseline (BL) MCAv followed by 6-minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. We calculated CVR as the change in MCAv from BL to steady-state exercise. We collected farthest distance walked from the electronic medical record. We divided individuals based on average farthest walking distance, (FARhigh or FARlow).

Results

Participants (n = 20) were 63 ± 15 years. BL MCAv was not different between groups (p = 0.07). In comparison to FARlow, we report a higher CVR in FARhigh’s ipsilesional (vs, p = 0.02) and contralesional hemisphere (vs, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Physical activity during the hospital stay post-stroke may support cerebrovascular health after discharge. Prospective studies are needed to support this finding.
Measurement Invariance and Criterion Validity of Comprehensive Knowledge about HIV/AIDS Prevention Scale in the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey Tool
Authors: Ariapa Martin
Published: June 2021

Background

Limited information exists on the functioning of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention scale in the Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys.

Objectives

This paper aimed to: (i) examine measurement invariance of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention scale across men and women groups in Uganda; and (ii) evaluate the criterion related validity of the scale using HIV testing as an outcome variable.

Methods

The study was based on cross-sectional Uganda Demographic and Health Survey data of 2016. Measurement invariance was investigated using confirmatory factor analysis in the framework of structural equation modelling while criterion-related validity was investigated by fitting a binary logistic regression model that explained the relationship between HIV testing and comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention.

Results

The results show that, the construct is invariant across men and women groups at the dimensional, metric and scalar levels, however, all models presented poor fit. Furthermore, criterion-related validity of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention with HIV testing, was confirmed.

Conclusions

The findings of this study underscore the need to revise items included in the comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention scale in order to improve its performance.
Patterns of physical activity among the students of an Indian university and their perceptions about the curricular content concerned with health
Authors: Verma Arun Kumar , Singh Girish , Patwardhan Kishor
Published: June 2021

Background

University students are at risk of losing their focus on maintaining healthy levels of physical activity because of their engagements with curricular and co-curricular activities. In India, the physical activity levels of adult population have been reported to be declining in the recent years. However, large studies focusing on university students pertaining to their physical activity are not there in Indian context. ‘Do the curricula in higher education promote physical activity?’ is another question that has not been addressed well.

Objectives

Our work aims at describing the physical activity levels of the students in a large public-funded central university located in northern India. The study also aims at capturing the student perceptions about the emphasis their curricular activities receive in connection with leading a physically active lifestyle.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study and uses International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-Long form) to record physical activity among 4586 students. Stratified sampling method was used to enroll the students from each stream (faculty). About 15% of all enrolled students from each faculty were included in the study. The study was conducted in between 2016 and 2019. To capture the student perceptions, we have used a 5-item newly developed scale.

Results

2828 (61.7%) male and 1758 (38.3%) female students participated in the study. The mean age of our sample was 22.34 ± 3.12 years. Our results indicate that about 14.5% of all students in the study fall under ‘Inactive’ category. Further, the perception about the curricular content pertaining to physical activity varied widely between the students of different streams.

Discussion

Our sample reported a better physical activity pattern in comparison to the reported overall physical activity levels of adult population of India. Our results also suggest that health-related topics are inadequately represented in many of the streams of higher education in the university.
Grouping theory of epidemiology
Authors: Zhang Chaohui , Ling Wenyu
Published: June 2021

Background (traditional theory)

there are general and principle models and calculation formulas for epidemics, mainly the basic reproduction number R0 of a certain epidemic disease such as COVID-19, the newly confirmed number Cn=Rn-1Cn-1, The threshold of herd immunity is (R0-1)/R0.

Innovation theory

Based on the fact that there are groups of different tends (that is, different R0 or Rk), a grouping model of epidemiology is proposed, and a complete and detailed calculation formula is given. The basic relationship is that the overall infection numbers of is equal to the sum of the infection number of groups, namely: Rt=∑(fkRk), where fk is the population proportion of each group, and Rk is the basic reproduction number of each groups. Its important application is the grouping strategy in which prevention and control measures are inclined to high-risk groups. The basic relationship is that the basic reproduction number of each group is equal to the product of the control coefficient of its measures and the original basic reproduction number, namely: Rk=ζkR0k. Compared with the traditional strategy of equal treatment, the grouping strategy has the characteristics of high efficiency, low consumption, and low threshold of herd immunity.
Relative perceived importance of different settings for SARS-CoV2 acquisition in England and Wales: Analysis of the Virus Watch Community Cohort
Authors: Beale Sarah , Byrne Thomas , Fragaszy Ellen , Kovar Jana , Nguyen Vincent , Aryee Anna , Fong Wing Lam Erica , Geismar Cyril , Patel Parth , Shrotri Madhumita , Patni Nicholas , Braithwaite Isobel , Navaratnam Annalan M D , Aldridge Robert W , Hayward Andrew
Published: June 2021

We aimed to assess the relative importance of different settings for SARS-CoV2 transmission in a large community cohort. We demonstrate the importance of home, work and education as venues for transmission. In children, education was most important and in older adults essential shopping was of high importance. Our findings support public health messaging about infection control at home, advice on working from home and restrictions in different venues.
Reconstruction of a large-scale outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Iceland informs vaccination strategies
Authors: Hjorleifsson Kristjan E , Rognvaldsson Solvi , Jonsson Hakon , Agustsdottir Arna B , Andresdottir Margret , Birgisdottir Kolbrun , Eiriksson Ogmundur , Eythorsson Elias S , Fridriksdottir Run , Georgsson Gudmundur , Gudmundsson Kjartan R , Gylfason Arnaldur , Haraldsdottir Gudbjorg , Jensson Brynjar O , Jonasdottir Adalbjorg , Jonasdottir Aslaug , Josefsdottir Kamilla S , Kristinsdottir Nina , Kristjansdottir Borghildur , Kristjansson Thordur , Magnusdottir Droplaug N , Palsson Runolfur , Roux Louise le , Sigurbergsdottir Gudrun M , Sigurdsson Asgeir , Sigurdsson Martin I , Sveinbjornsson Gardar , Thorarensen Emil Aron , Thorbjornsson Bjarni , Thordardottir Marianna , Helgason Agnar , Holm Hilma , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Jonsson Frosti , Magnusson Olafur T , Masson Gisli , Norddahl Gudmundur L , Saemundsdottir Jona , Sulem Patrick , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Melsted Pall , Stefansson Kari
Published: June 2021

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 is dependent on several factors, both biological and behavioral. The effectiveness of various non-pharmaceutical interventions can largely be attributed to changes in human behavior, but quantifying this effect remains challenging. Reconstructing the transmission tree of the third wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Iceland using contact tracing and viral sequence data from 2522 cases enables us to compare the infectiousness of distinct groups of persons directly. We find that people diagnosed outside of quarantine are 89% more infectious than those diagnosed while in quarantine, and infectiousness decreases as a function of the time spent in quarantine. Furthermore, we find that people of working age, 16-66 years old, are 47% more infectious than those outside that age range. Lastly, the transmission tree enables us to model the effect that given population prevalence of vaccination would have had on the third wave had they been administered before that time using several different strategies. We find that vaccinating in order of ascending age or uniformly at random would have prevented more infections per vaccination than vaccinating in order of descending age.
Baseline Characteristics and Outcomes of 180 Egyptian COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Quarantine Hospitals of Ain Shams University: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Taha Sara Ibrahim , Samaan Sara Farid , Shata Aalaa Kamal , Baioumy Shereen Atef , Abdalgeleel Shaimaa Abdalaleem , Youssef Mariam Karam
Published: June 2021

Background and study aim

COVID-19 mortality, severity, and recovery are major global concerns, but they are still insufficiently understood, particularly in the Middle East. This study focused on evaluating if there was a link between COVID-19 patients’ clinical and laboratory findings at hospital admission and disease severity and mortality.

Patients and methods

A total of 180 adult Egyptian COVID-19 patients were included in this study then were categorized and compared.

Results

Of all, 27.8% had severe disease, and 13.9% died during their hospital stay. Diabetes (46.7%), hypertension (36.1%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (33.3%) were the most frequent associated co-morbidities. Severe patients and non-survivors were significantly older compared to their corresponding groups. Their neutrophil count, PCT, ESR, C-reactive protein (CRP), AST, ALT, LDH, D-dimer, and ferritin levels were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05). In contrast, their absolute lymphocyte count was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05). COPD (OR: 3.294; 95% CI: 1.199-9.053), diabetes (OR: 2.951; 95% CI:1.070- 8.137), ferritin ≥ 350 ng/mL (OR: 11.08; 95% CI: 2.796-41.551), AST ≥ 40 IU/L (OR: 3.07; 95% CI: 1.842-7.991), CT-scoring system (CT-SS) ≥ 17 (OR: 1.205; 95% CI: 1.089-1.334) and lymphocyte count < 1×103/µL (OR: 4.002; 95% CI: 1.537-10.421), were all linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 severity. While mortality was predicted by dyspnea (OR: 4.006; 95% CI: 1.045-15.359), CT-SS ≥ 17 (OR: 1.271; 95% CI: 1.091-1.482) and AST ≥ 40 IU/L (OR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.091-7.661).

Conclusions

Clinical and laboratory data of COVID-19 patients at their hospital admission may aid in identifying early risk factors for severe illness and a high mortality rate.
Assessing the level and determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence in Kenya
Authors: Orangi Stacey , Pinchoff Jessie , Mwanga Daniel , Abuya Timothy , Hamaluba Mainga , Warimwe George , Austrian Karen , Barasa Edwine
Published: June 2021

The government of Kenya has launched a phased rollout of COVID-19 vaccination. A major barrier is vaccine hesitancy; the refusal or delay of accepting vaccination. This study evaluated the level and determinants of vaccine hesitancy in Kenya. We conducted a cross-sectional study administered through a phone-based survey in February 2021 in four counties of Kenya. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify individual perceived risks and influences, context-specific factors, and vaccine-specific issues associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Kenya was high: 60.1%. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy included: older age, lower education level, perceived difficulty in adhering to government regulations on COVID-19 prevention, less adherence to wearing of face masks, not having ever been tested for COVID-19, no reported socio-economic loss as a result of COVID public-health restriction measures, and concerns regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness. There is a need for the prioritization of interventions to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine confidence as part of the vaccine roll-out plan. These messaging and/or interventions should be holistic to include the value of other public health measures, be focused and targeted to specific groups, raise awareness on the risks of COVID-19 and effectively communicate the benefits and risks of vaccines.
Validation of motor and functional scales for the evaluation of adult patients with 5q spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Vázquez-Costa Juan F , Povedano Mónica , Nascimiento-Osorio Andrés E , Escribano Antonio Moreno , Garcia Solange Kapetanovic , Dominguez Raul , Exposito Jessica M , González Laura , Marco Carla , Castillo Julita Medina , Muelas Nuria , de Benito Daniel Natera , Ñungo Garzón Nancy Carolina , Castellano Inmaculada Pitarch , Sevilla Teresa , Hervás David
Published: June 2021

Objective

To assess in adult spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients the construct validity and responsiveness of several outcome measures.

Methods

Patients older than 15 years and followed-up at least for 6 months, between October 2015 and August 2020, with one motor function scale (Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded, HFMSE; Revised Upper Limb module, RULM) in five referral centers were included. Bedside functional scales (Egen Klassification, EK2; Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale, ALSFRS-R) were also collected when available. Correlations and regression models were performed to evaluate the construct validity. The monthly slopes of change were used to calculate their responsiveness.

Results

The study included 79 SMA patients, followed up for a mean of 16 months. All scales showed strong or very strong correlations with each other. A floor effect in motor function scales was found in weakest patients (HFMSE < 5 and RULM<10), and a ceiling effect in stronger patients (with HFMSE >55 and RULM > 35), when compared with other scales. ALSFRS-R (B=0.72) showed a strong discriminating ability between walkers, sitters, and non-sitters, and HFMSE (B=0.86) between walkers and sitters. The responsiveness was overall low, although in treated patients a moderate responsiveness was found for ALSFRS-R and HFMSE in walkers (0.69 and 0.61 respectively), and for EK2 in sitters (0.65) and non-sitters (0.60).

Conclusions

This study shows the validity in SMA adult patients of commonly used scales. Overall, bedside functional scales showed some advantages over motor function scales, although all scales showed low responsiveness in untreated patients.
Importance of adequate COVID-19 case definitions in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Núñez Isaac , Caro-Vega Yanink , Belaunzarán-Zamudio Pablo F.
Published: June 2021

Background

Epidemiologic case definitions serve a myriad of purposes during a pandemic, including contact tracing and monitoring disease trends. It is unknown how any COVID-19 case definition fares against the current gold standard of molecular or antigen tests.

Methods

We calculated the diagnostic properties of five COVID-19 definitions (three of the Mexican government and two of the WHO) using open data of suspected COVID-19 cases in Mexico City from March 24th 2020 until January 31st 2021.

Results

All 1,632,420 people included in the analysis met the WHO suspected case definition (sensitivity 100%, specificity 0%). The WHO probable case definition was met by 1.4%, while the first and second Mexican suspected case had sensitivities of 61 and 62% and specificities of 58 and 62%, respectively. Confirmed case by epidemiological contact had a low sensitivity (33%) but slightly higher specificity (77%).

Conclusions

Case definitions should maximize sensitivity, especially in a high-transmission area such as Mexico City. The WHO suspected case definition has the potential for detecting most symptomatic cases. We underline the need for routine evaluation of case definitions as new evidence arises to maximize their usefulness.
White Matter is Increased in the Brains of Adults with Neurofibromatosis 1
Authors: Wang Su , Friedman Jan M. , Suppa Per , Buchert Ralph , Mautner Victor-Felix
Published: June 2021

Objective

To characterize alterations in brain volumes by three-dimensional (3D) MRI in adults with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1).

Methods

We obtained brain volume measurements using 3D magnetic resonance imaging for 351 adults with NF1 and, as a comparison group, 43 adults with neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) or Schwannomatosis. We assessed a subset of 19 adults with NF1 for clinical severity of NF1 features and neurological problems and conducted psychometric testing for attention deficiencies and intelligence quotient. We compared brain volumes between NF1 patients and controls and correlated volumetric measurements to clinical and psychometric features in the NF1 patients.

Results

Total brain volume and total and regional white matter volumes were all significantly increased in adults with NF1. Grey matter volume decreased faster with age in adults with NF1 than in controls. Greater total brain volume and white matter volume were correlated with lower attention deficits and higher intelligence quotients in adults with NF1.

Interpretations

Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that dysregulation of brain myelin production is a cardinal manifestation of NF1 and that these white matter changes may be functionally important in affected adults.
Electoral processes and COVID-19 infections in Japan
Authors: Murata Shunsuke , Nagata Takashi , Ogata Soshiro , Nishimura Kunihiro , Hagihara Akihito
Published: June 2021

Election campaigns and polling stations might be areas of potential infections; however, it is unknown whether elections can impact the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study aimed to evaluate the association between election process and COVID-19 infection in Japan. Quasi-experimental design using time-series COVID-19 cases data with an election intervention. We chose the cities where elections for major and/or city/ward assembly members were held in 2021 January in Japan. The study period for each city spans one weeks before the start date of the election campaign and three weeks after the voting day (36 days). The daily number of patients testing positive for COVID-19. We used Poisson regression analysis with sandwich estimator to evaluate the association between election and the spread of COVID-19 infections. For Miyakojima City, we assessed the relationship between election and COVID-19 infections by using the Box-Jenkins autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. We also estimated the instantaneous reproduction number (Rt) in the city. There were 17 cities that met the inclusion criteria. In all models with three types of different lag effects (i.e., 4, 9, and 14 days), election was not a significant predictor of COVID-19 infections in the 17 cities. For Miyakojima City, the autoregressive integrated moving average (0, 0, 0) with a lag of 14 (α=14) was the best model. The partial coefficient (ω) of the election was 11.91 (95% confidence interval: 3.10–20.72,P<0.001), indicating that the election was associated with an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases 14 days after the election campaign (mean: 12 cases/day). Rthovered far above 1 during and after the election campaign in Miyakojima. Although elections were associated with an increased number of COVID-19 cases in Miyakojima, this association was not verified in the analysis including all 17 cities. Therefore, if preventive measures prescribed by election guidelines are followed, elections do not necessarily relate to a spread of COVID-19 as long as the election process does not involve activities necessitating close contact.
Optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic neurons in the cuneiform nucleus controls locomotor movements in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Fougère Maxime , van der Zouwen Cornelis Immanuel , Boutin Joël , Neszvecsko Kloé , Sarret Philippe , Ryczko Dimitri
Published: June 2021

In Parkinson’s disease (PD), the loss of midbrain dopaminergic cells results in severe locomotor deficits such a gait freezing and akinesia. Growing evidence indicates that these deficits can be attributed to decreased activity in the Mesencephalic Locomotor Region (MLR), a brainstem region controlling locomotion. Clinicians are exploring deep brain stimulation of the MLR as a treatment option to improve locomotor function. The results are variable, from modest to promising. However, within the MLR, clinicians have targeted the pedunculopontine nucleus exclusively, while leaving the cuneiform nucleus unexplored. To our knowledge, the effects of cuneiform nucleus stimulation have never been determined in parkinsonian conditions in any animal model. Here, we addressed this issue in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease based on bilateral striatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), which damaged the nigrostriatal pathway and decreased locomotor activity. We show that selective optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic neurons in the cuneiform nucleus in mice expressing channelrhodopsin in a Cre-dependent manner in Vglut2-positive neurons (Vglut2-ChR2-EYFP mice) increased the number of locomotor initiations, increased the time spent in locomotion, and controlled locomotor speed. Using deep learning-based movement analysis, we found that limb kinematics of optogenetic-evoked locomotion in pathological conditions were largely similar to those recorded in freely moving animals. Our work identifies the glutamatergic neurons of the cuneiform nucleus as a potentially clinically relevant target to improve locomotor activity in parkinsonian conditions. Our study should open new avenues to develop targeted stimulation of these neurons using deep brain stimulation, pharmacotherapy or optogenetics.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

In Parkinson’s disease, alleviating locomotor deficits is a challenge. Clinicians are exploring deep brain stimulation of the Mesencephalic Locomotor Region, a brainstem region controlling locomotion, but results are mixed. However, the best target in this region in Parkinson’s disease remains unknown. Indeed, this region which comprises the pedunculopontine and cuneiform nuclei, contains different cell types with opposing effects on locomotor output. Here, using a mouse model where midbrain dopaminergic cells were damaged by a neurotoxin, we demonstrate that optogenetic activation of glutamatergic neurons in the cuneiform nucleus increases locomotion, controls speed, and evokes limb movements similar to those observed during spontaneous locomotion in intact animals. Our study identifies a potentially clinically relevant target to improve locomotor function in Parkinson’s disease.
Eye-hand coordination during online reach corrections is task-dependent
Authors: de Brouwer Anouk J. , Spering Miriam
Published: June 2021

To produce accurate movements, the human motor system needs to deal with errors that can occur due to inherent noise, changes in the body, or disturbances in the environment. Here, we investigated the temporal coordination of rapid corrections of the eye and hand in response to a change in visual target location during the movement. In addition to a ‘classic’ double-step task in which the target stepped to a new position, participants performed a set of modified double-step tasks in which the change in movement goal was indicated by the appearance of an additional target, or by a spatial or symbolic cue. We found that both the absolute correction latencies of the eye and hand and the relative eye-hand correction latencies were dependent on the visual characteristics of the target change, with increasingly longer latencies in tasks that required more visual and cognitive processing. Typically, the hand started correcting slightly earlier than the eye, especially when the target change was indicated by a symbolic cue, and in conditions where visual feedback of the hand position was provided during the reach. Our results indicate that the oculomotor and limb-motor system can be differentially influenced by processing requirements of the task and emphasize that temporal eye-hand coordination is flexible rather than rigid.

New & Noteworthy

Eye movements support hand movements in many situations. Here we used variations of a double-step task to investigate temporal coupling of corrective hand and eye movements in response to target displacements. Correction latency coupling depended on the visual and cognitive processing demands of the task. The hand started correcting before the eye, especially when the task required decoding a symbolic cue. These findings highlight the flexibility and task-dependency of eye-hand coordination.
A comprehensive series of temporal transcription factors in the fly visual system
Authors: Konstantinides Nikolaos , Rossi Anthony M. , Escobar Aristides , Dudragne Liébaut , Chen Yen-Chung , Tran Thinh , Jaimes Azalia Martinez , Özel Mehmet Neset , Simon Félix , Shao Zhiping , Tsankova Nadejda M. , Fullard John F. , Walldorf Uwe , Roussos Panos , Desplan Claude
Published: June 2021

The brain consists of thousands of different neuronal types that are generated through multiple divisions of neuronal stem cells. These stem cells have the capacity to generate different neuronal types at different stages of their development. In Drosophila, this temporal patterning is driven by the successive expression of temporal transcription factors (tTFs). While a number of tTFs are known in different animals and across various parts of the nervous system, these have been mostly identified by informed guesses and antibody availability. We used single-cell mRNA sequencing to identify the complete series of tTFs that specify most Drosophila medulla neurons in the optic lobe. We tested the genetic interactions among these tTFs. While we verify the general principle that tTFs regulate the progression of the series by activating the next tTFs in the series and repressing the previous ones, we also identify more complex regulations. Two of the tTFs, Eyeless and Dichaete, act as hubs integrating the input of several upstream tTFs before allowing the series to progress and in turn regulating the expression of several downstream tTFs. Moreover, we show that tTFs not only specify neuronal identity by controlling the expression of cell type-specific genes. Finally, we describe the very first steps of neuronal differentiation and find that terminal differentiation genes, such as neurotransmitter-related genes, are present as transcripts, but not as proteins, in immature larval neurons days before they are being used in functioning neurons; we show that these mechanisms are conserved in humans. Our results offer a comprehensive description of a temporal series of tTFs in a neuronal system, offering mechanistic insights into the regulation of the progression of the series and the regulation of neuronal diversity. This represents a proof-of-principle for the use of single-cell mRNA sequencing for the comparison of temporal patterning across phyla that can lead to an understanding of how the human brain develops and how it has evolved.
Shortcuts in stochastic systems and control of biophysical processes
Authors: Ilker Efe , Güngör Özenç , Kuznets-Speck Benjamin , Chiel Joshua , Deffner Sebastian , Hinczewski Michael
Published: June 2021

The biochemical reaction networks that regulate living systems are all stochastic to varying degrees. The resulting randomness affects biological outcomes at multiple scales, from the functional states of single proteins in a cell to the evolutionary trajectory of whole populations. Controlling how the distribution of these outcomes changes over time—via external interventions like time-varying concentrations of chemical species—is a complex challenge. In this work, we show how counterdiabatic (CD) driving, first developed to control quantum systems, provides a versatile tool for steering biological processes. We develop a practical graph-theoretic framework for CD driving in discrete-state continuous-time Markov networks. Though CD driving is limited to target trajectories that are instantaneous stationary states, we show how to generalize the approach to allow for non-stationary targets and local control—where only a subset of system states are targeted. The latter is particularly useful for biological implementations where there may be only a small number of available external control knobs, insufficient for global control. We derive simple graphical criteria for when local versus global control is possible. Finally, we illustrate the formalism with global control of a genetic regulatory switch and local control in chaperone-assisted protein folding. The derived control protocols in the chaperone system closely resemble natural control strategies seen in experimental measurements of heat shock response in yeast and E. coli.
Emerging Hantaviruses in Central Argentina: first case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome caused by Alto Paraguay Virus and a novel orthohantavirus in Scapteromys aquaticus rodent
Authors: Bellomo Carla M , Alonso Daniel , Ricardo Tamara , Coelho Rocío , Kehl Sebastián , Periolo Natalia , Casas Natalia , Bergero Laura Cristina , Previtali María Andrea , Martinez Valeria Paula
Published: June 2021

Orthohantaviruses are emerging rodent-borne pathogens that cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in humans. They have a wide range of rodent reservoir hosts and are transmitted to humans through aerosolized viral particles generated by the excretions of infected individuals. Since the first description of HPS in Argentina, new hantaviruses have been reported throughout the country, most of which are pathogenic to humans.

We present here the first HPS case infected with Alto Paraguay virus reported in Argentina. Until now, Alto Paraguay virus was considered a non-pathogenic orthohantavirus since it was identified in a rodent, Hollochilus chacarius. In addition to this, with the goal of identifying potential hantavirus host species in the province of Santa Fe, we finally describe a novel orthohantavirus found in the native rodent Scapteromys aquaticus, which differed from other hantaviruses described in the country so far.

Our findings implicate an epidemiological warning regarding these new orthohantaviruses circulating in Central Argentina as well as new rodent species that must be considered as hosts from now on.
Perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients receiving antibiotic therapy
Authors: Yin Yiwei , Tesoro Eljim P , Gross Alan E , Mucksavage Jeffrey J
Published: June 2021

Objective

Antimicrobial prophylaxis is administered perioperatively to prevent surgical site infections. However, in patients who have already received antibiotics for the treatment of active infections prior to surgery, the risks and benefits of administering prophylactic antibiotics are unknown. We aimed to assess the necessity of perioperative prophylactic antibiotic administration in patients receiving antibiotic treatment for active infections.

Method

This was a retrospective, chart-review cohort study. Between January 2018 to May 2018, adult patients who underwent inpatient surgery at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, and were prescribed prophylactic antibiotics based on institutional protocol, while receiving antibiotic treatment within 48 hours prior to surgery, were included in the study. The primary endpoint was the rate of duplicative antibiotic therapy, which was defined as the administered prophylactic antibiotic (1) exhibiting similar or narrower bacterial coverage as the treatment antibiotic(s), and (2) given within the dose interval of the treatment antibiotic(s).

Results

A total of 158 patients were included in the study, of which 70 (44.3%) received duplicative antibiotic therapy, whereas 88 (55.7%) did not. Differences in the incidence of acute kidney injury, C. difficile infection, and surgery site infections were not statistically significant between the two groups.

Conclusion

We found that it was common for patients receiving therapeutic systematic antibiotics to perioperatively be prescribed additional prophylactic antibiotics at our institution. However, additional prophylactic antibiotics can be unnecessary in decreasing the incidence of surgical site infections but may increase the risk of adverse reaction.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein binding of glycated serum albumin - its potential role in the pathogenesis of the COVID-19 clinical syndromes and bias towards individuals with pre-diabetes/type 2 diabetes & metabolic diseases
Authors: IIes Jason K , Zmuidinaite Raminta , Sadee Christoph , Gardiner Anna , Lacey Jonathan , Harding Stephen , Ule Jernej , Roblett Debra , Iles Ray K
Published: June 2021

Since the immune response to SARS-CoV2 infection requires antibody recognition of the Spike protein, we used MagMix, a semi-automated magnetic rack to reproducibly isolate patient plasma proteins bound to a pre-fusion stabilised Spike and nucleocapsid proteins conjugated to magnetic beads. Once eluted, MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry identified a range of immunoglobulins, but also in Spike protein magnetic beads we found a high affinity for human serum albumin. Careful mass comparison revealed a preferential capture of advanced glycation end product (AGE) glycated human serum albumin by the pre-fusion Spike protein.

The ability of bacteria and viruses to surround themselves with serum proteins is a recognised process of immune evasion. A lower serum albumin concentration is a reported feature of COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms and high probability of death. This binding preference of the Spike protein for AGE glycated serum albumin may contribute to immune evasion and influence the severity & pathology of SARS-COV2 towards acute respiratory distress. Thus, it can be hypothesised, contributing to the symptom severity bias and mortality risk for the elderly and those with (pre)diabetic and atherosclerotic/metabolic diseases who contract SARS-CoV2 infections.

Graphic abstract
SOD1 Mediates Lysosome-to-Mitochondria Communication and its Dysregulation by Amyloid-β Oligomers
Authors: Norambuena Andrés , Sun Xuehan , Wallrabe Horst , Cao Ruofan , Sun Naidi , Pardo Evelyn , Shivange Nutan , Wang Dora Bigler , Post Lisa A. , Ferris Heather A. , Hu Song , Periasamy Ammasi , Bloom George S.
Published: June 2021

Altered mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) occurs in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease (AD); how mtDNA synthesis is linked to neurodegeneration is poorly understood. We discovered Nutrient-induced Mitochondrial Activity (NiMA), an inter-organelle signaling pathway where nutrient-stimulated lysosomal mTORC1 activity regulates mtDNA replication in neurons by a mechanism sensitive to amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs), a primary factor in AD pathogenesis. Using 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation into mtDNA of cultured neurons, along with photoacoustic and mitochondrial metabolic imaging of cultured neurons and mouse brains, we show these effects being mediated by mTORC1-catalyzed T40 phosphorylation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). Mechanistically, tau, another key factor in AD pathogenesis and other tauopathies, reduced the lysosomal content of the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), thereby increasing NiMA and suppressing SOD1 activity and mtDNA synthesis. AβOs inhibited these actions. Dysregulation of mtDNA synthesis was observed in fibroblasts derived from TS patients, who lack functional TSC and elevated SOD1 activity was also observed in human AD brain. Together, these findings imply that tau and SOD1 couple nutrient availability to mtDNA replication, linking mitochondrial dysfunction to AD.