bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implicit auditory perception of local and global irregularities in passive listening condition
Authors: Liaukovich Krystsina , Ukraintseva Yulia , Martynova Olga 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe auditory system detects differences in sounds at an implicit level, but data on this difference might not be sufficient to make explicit discrimination. The biomarkers of implicit auditory memory of ambiguous stimuli could shed light on unconscious auditory processing and implicit auditory learning. Mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3a, components of event-related potentials (ERPs) reflecting stimuli discrimination without direct attention, were previously detected in response to the local (short-term) irregularity in the auditory sequence even in an unconscious state. At the same time, P3b was elicited only in case of direct attention in response to the global (long-term) irregularity. In this study, we applied the local-global auditory paradigm to obtain possible electrophysiological signatures of implicit detection of hardly distinguishable auditory stimuli. ERPs were recorded from 20 healthy volunteers during active discrimination of deviant sounds in the old-ball sequence and passive listening of the same sounds in the sequence with local-global irregularity. The discrimination task consisted of two blocks with different deviant sounds targeted to respond. The sound discrimination accuracy was at an average of 40 %, implying the difficulty of explicit sound recognition. Comparing ERPs to standard and deviant sounds, we found posterior negativity in ERP around 450-600 ms in response to targeted deviant sounds. MMN was significant only in response to non-target deviants. In the passive local-global paradigm, we observed an anterior positivity (284-412 ms), compatible with P3a, in response to a violation of local regularity. Violation of global regularity elicited an anterior negative response (228-586 ms), resembling the N400 component of ERPs. Importantly, the other indexes of auditory discrimination, such as MMN and P3b, were insignificant in ERPs to both regularity violations. The observed P3a and N400 components of ERPs may reflect prediction error signals in the implicit perception of sound patterns even if behavioral recognition was poor.HighlightsProcessing of hardly distinguishable harmonic tones differs from processing of complex patterns, which consist of these tonesImplicit perception of local and global irregularities differsIn passive listening, local irregularity elicits frontal positivity that is associated with an involuntary switch of attentionIn passive listening, global irregularity elicits late negativity that might reflect prediction error signals
Hydrogen peroxide production byStreptococcus pneumoniaeresults in alpha-hemolysis by oxidation of oxy-hemoglobin to met-hemoglobin
Authors: McDevitt Erin , Khan Faidad , Scasny Anna , Eichembaun Zehava , McDaniel Larry S. , Vidal Jorge E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractStreptococcus pneumoniae(Spn) and other streptococci produce a greenish halo on blood agar plates referred to as α-hemolysis. This phenotype is utilized by clinical microbiology laboratories to report culture findings of α-hemolytic streptococci, including Spn, and other bacteria. The α-hemolysis halo on blood agar plates has been related to the hemolytic activity of pneumococcal pneumolysin (Ply), or to a lesser extent, to lysis of erythrocytes by Spn-produced hydrogen peroxide. We investigated the molecular basis of the α-hemolysis halo produced by Spn. Wild-type strains TIGR4, D39, R6, and EF3030, and isogenic derivative Δplymutants, produced a similar α-hemolytic halo on blood agar plates while cultures of hydrogen peroxide knockout ΔspxB/ΔlctOmutants lacked this characteristic halo. Spectroscopic studies demonstrated that culture supernatants of TIGR4 released hemoglobin-bound heme (heme-hemoglobin) from erythrocytes and oxidized oxy-hemoglobin to met-hemoglobin within 30 min of incubation. As expected, given Ply hemolytic activity, and that hydrogen peroxide contributes to the release of Ply, TIGR4 isogenic mutants Δplyand ΔspxB/ΔlctOhad a significantly decreased release of heme-hemoglobin from erythrocytes. However, TIGR4Δplythat produces hydrogen peroxide oxidized oxy-hemoglobin to met-hemoglobin, whereas TIGR4ΔspxB/ΔlctOfailed to produce oxidation of oxy-hemoglobin. We demonstrated that the so-called α-hemolysis halo is caused by the oxidation oxy-hemoglobin (Fe+2) to a non-oxygen binding met-hemoglobin (Fe+3) by Spn-produced hydrogen peroxide. Since Spn colonizes the human lung, oxidation of oxy-hemoglobin might have important implications for pathogenesis.ImportanceThere is a misconception that α-hemolysis observed on blood agar plates cultures ofStreptococcus pneumoniae(Spn), and other α-hemolytic streptococci is produced by a hemolysin, or alternatively, by lysis of erythrocytes caused by hydrogen peroxide. We noticed in the course of our investigations that wild-type Spn strains and hemolysin (e.g., pneumolysin) knockout mutants, produced the α-hemolytic halo on blood agar plates. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide defective mutants prepared in four different strains lacked the characteristic α-hemolysis halo. We also demonstrated that wild-type strains and pneumolysin mutants oxidized oxy-hemoglobin to met-hemoglobin. Hydrogen peroxide knockout mutants, however, failed to oxidize oxy-hemoglobin. Therefore, the greenish halo formed on cultures of Spn and other so-called α-hemolytic streptococci is caused by the oxidation of oxy-hemoglobin produced by hydrogen peroxide. Oxidation of oxy-hemoglobin to the non-binding oxygen form, met-hemoglobin, might occur in the lungs during pneumococcal pneumonia.
Anxiety and perceived risk during COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Malhotra Chetna , Chaudhry Isha , Ozdemir Semra , Teo Irene , Finkelstein Eric Andrew 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe uncertainty around coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has triggered anxiety among public. We aimed to assess the variation in anxiety and risk perceptions of COVID-19 among adults in Singapore. We administered a web-survey to a panel of residents between 31 March and 14 April 2020. We assessed anxiety using general anxiety disorder (GAD) scale and assessed participants’ risk perceptions regarding severity of the outbreak. Of the 1,017 participants, 23% reported moderate to severe anxiety [GAD score≥10]. A high proportion reported perceived likelihood of ICU admission (46%) and death (30%) upon getting COVID-19. Results from path analysis showed that younger participants, those with chronic conditions, those living with children and low perceived trust in government response to COVID-19 had a significantly higher anxiety mediated by their perceived risk of dying upon getting COVID-19. These results highlight the need for management of anxiety through adequate and effective risk communication for the general public.
Local measures enable COVID-19 containment with fewer restrictions due to cooperative effects
Authors: Bittihn Philip , Hupe Lukas , Isensee Jonas , Golestanian Ramin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMany countries worldwide that were successful in containing the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic are faced with the seemingly impossible choice between the resurgence of infections and endangering the economic and mental well-being of their citizens. While blanket measures are slowly being lifted and infection numbers are monitored, a systematic strategy for balancing contact restrictions and the freedom necessary for a functioning society long-term in the absence of a vaccine is currently lacking. Here, we propose a regional strategy with locally triggered containment measures that can largely circumvent this trade-off and substantially lower the magnitude of restrictions the average individual will have to endure in the near future. For the simulation of future disease dynamics and its control, we use current data on the spread of COVID-19 in Germany, Italy, England, New York State and Florida, taking into account the regional structure of each country and their past lockdown efficiency. Overall, our analysis shows that tight regional control in the short term can lead to long-term net benefits due to small-number effects which are amplified by the regional subdivision and crucially depend on the rate of cross-regional contacts. We outline the mechanisms and parameters responsible for these benefits and suggest possible was to gain access to them, simultaneously achieving more freedom for the population and successfully containing the epidemic. Our open-source simulation code is freely available and can be readily adapted to other countries. We hope that our analysis will help create sustainable, theory-driven long-term strategies for the management of the COVID-19 epidemic until therapy or immunization options are available.
Adherence to protective measures among health care workers in the UK; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Smith Louise E. , Serfioti Danai , Weston Dale , Greenberg Neil , Rubin G James 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTHealthcare workers (HCWs) are frontline responders to emergency infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19. We investigated factors associated with adherence to personal protective behaviours in UK HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic using an online cross-sectional survey of 1035 healthcare professionals in the UK. Data were collected between 12th and 16th June 2020. Adjusted logistic regressions were used to separately investigate factors associated with adherence to use of personal protective equipment, maintaining good hand hygiene, and physical distancing from colleagues. Adherence to personal protective measures was suboptimal (PPE use: 80.0%, 95% CI [77.3 to 82.8], hand hygiene: 67.8%, 95% CI [64.6 to 71.0], coming into close contact with colleagues: 74.7%, 95% CI [71.7 to 77.7]). Adherence to PPE use was associated with having adequate PPE resources, receiving training during the pandemic, lower perceived fatalism from COVID-19, higher perceived social norms and higher perceived effectiveness of PPE. Adherence to physical distancing was associated with one’s workplace being designed, using markings to facilitate physical distancing and receiving training during the pandemic. There were few associations with adherence to hand hygiene. Findings indicate HCWs should receive training on personal protective behaviours to decrease fatalism over contracting COVID-19 and increase perceived effectiveness of protective measures.
Serum anion gap is associated with all-cause mortality among critically ill patients with congestive heart failure
Authors: Tang Yiyang , Lin Wenchao , Zha Lihuang , Zeng Xiaofang , Liu Zhenghui , Yu Zaixin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundCongestive heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome, with high morbidity and mortality. Serum anion gap (SAG) has been known to be associated with the severity of various cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of SAG indicators in CHF is unclear.Methods and resultsA retrospective analysis of data from MIMIC-III v1.4 was conducted in critically ill patients with CHF. Clinical information of each patient, including demographic data, comorbidities, vital signs, scores, and laboratory indicators, were successfully obtained. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to determine the relationship between SAG and mortality in CHF patient, the consistency of which was further verified by subgroup analysis.ResultsA total of 7426 subjects met the inclusion criteria. In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, and other potential confounders, higher SAG was significantly related to an increase in 30-day and 90-day all-cause mortality of critically ill patients with CHF compared with lower SAG (tertile3 vs tertile1: adjusted HR, 95% CI: 1.74, 1.46–2.08; 1.53, 1.32–1.77). In subgroup analysis, the association between SAG and all-cause mortality present similarities in most strata.ConclusionSAG at admission can be a promising predictor of all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with CHF.
Expression of HER2/neu in premalignant lesions of oral cavity
Authors: Verma Vansh , Jha Ashesh Kumar , Patiri Karsing , Arora Nikhil 
Published: July 2020

AbstractContextMolecular alterations in premalignant lesions of oral cavity are not well known, many reports and have found increased HER2 expression to be correlated with poor prognosis in oral cancer. However, literature on expression of HER2 in premalignant lesions is limited and data is conflicting in nature. Overexpression of HER2 in premalignant lesions may denote its positive contribution in malignant transformation of these lesions.AimsTo evaluate the expression of HER2 in premalignant lesions of oral cavity.Settings and DesignIn this prospective observational study of 2 months, patients attending OPD at Department of ENT and meeting the inclusion criteria were included.Methods and Material23 samples of Leukoplakia and 1 sample of oral lichen planus were stained by routine H&E to confirm clinical diagnosis and assess dysplasia if any, 5 samples of normal mucosa were used as control. Immunohistochemical staining for HER2 was done. ASCO/CAP 2018 guidelines were used for reporting the results.Statistical analysis usedPercentage of lesions expressing cytoplasmic or membranous expression was calculated.Results1 sample of Leukoplakia with severe dysplasia expressed focal membranous staining. 20% leukoplakia lesions expressed cytoplasmic staining. Staining was not observed in oral lichen planus and leucoplakia without dysplasia.ConclusionsMembranous expression in Severe dysplasia and higher expression in oral cancer is in concordance with the multistep theory of carcinogenesis. Larger studies are needed if HER2 is to be proposed as a marker for oral premalignant lesions. Significance of cytoplasmic staining in oral premalignant lesions needs to be elucidated.Key MessagesTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of focal membranous expression of HER2 in leucoplakia in India. 20% leucoplakia with dysplasia expressed cytoplasmic staining. The significance of cytoplasmic staining needs to be further explored.
CCOFEE-GI Study: Colombian COVID19 First Experience in Gastroentrology. Characterization of digestive manifestations in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at a highly complex institution in Bogota D.C., Colombia
Authors: Mejía Alejandro Concha , Sánchez Reinaldo Rincón , Calderón-Zapata Douvan , Tafur Santiago Huertas , Durana Andrés Montoya , Camacho John Guzmán , Hernández Alan Ovalle , Varela Heinz Ibañez , Lombana Juan Pablo Osorio , Monsalve Edwin Silva , Cortés-Muñoz Fabian 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTThe current pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has posed an important threat to the human health, healthcare systems, economy, and structure of societies. In Colombia, the first case was diagnosed on March 6, 2020, with exponential progressive growth, and there were >200,000 confirmed cases as of July 20, 2020, in this cross-sectional, analytical, and observational study, we focused on the demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics of patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at a highly complex institution in Latinamerica, with special emphasis on gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods: Demographic and clinical data were collected, results related to the outcomes such as hospitalization time, admission to ICU, need for orotracheal intubation, and death were also included. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata software V.15.ResultsWe included 72 patients RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 (34 women and 38 men) with age 47.5 ± 17.7 years; 17 (23.6%) presented at least one of the gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or diarrhea). 13 (76.47%) presented with diarrhea, 29.41% with nausea/vomiting, and five (29.41%) with abdominal pain. Diarrhea in 18.06% of all those infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the time of consultation, which was the most common digestive symptom. No significant differences were observed in requirement for endotracheal intubation, hospitalization, ICU admission, and fatal outcome between the NGIS and GIS groups (p:0.671, 0.483, 1,000, and 1,000). Conclusion: In our study, patients with gastrointestinal symptoms had no significant differences in disease severity, admission to ICU or death compared to those who did not have such symptoms.
Smoking is associated with significantly increased green autofluorescence intensity and asymmetry of the skin and the fingernails of natural populations, population at-risk of developing stroke, and population of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhang Mingchao , Tao Yue , Wu Danhong , Ying Weihai 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTobacco smoking is an important risk factor for multiple major diseases including cancer and stroke. It is of significance to search for the biomarkers of smoking for non-invasive, rapid and economic monitoring of the pathological changes of smokers’ body. However, there has been no non-invasive method for monitoring the health state of smokers. Our current study has indicated that green autofluorescence (AF) of the fingernails and certain locations of the skin is a novel biomarker for smoking: Both the green AF intensity and the AF asymmetry of the fingernails and the skin of Dorsal Index Fingers of the smokers were significantly higher than those of the non-smokers in natural populations, the population at-risk of developing stroke and the acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. ROC analyses using the green AF intensity of either right or left Index Fingernails showed that the AUC values ranged from 0.8136 and 0.8644 for differentiating smokers and non-smokers in these populations. ROC analyses using the green AF intensity of the skin of the right Dorsal Index Fingers showed that the AUC values ranged between 0.7418 and 0.7478 for differentiating the smokers and the non-smokers in natural populations and the population at-risk of developing stroke. Collectively, our study has indicated that increased green AF intensity of the fingernails and certain locations of the skin is a novel biomarker for smoking. Based on this finding, pathological alterations of smokers’ body may be monitored non-invasively, rapidly and economically, which could be highly valuable for the health management of the large population of tobacco smokers.
Actinobacteria challenge the paradigm: a unique protein architecture for a well-known central metabolic complex
Authors: Bruch Eduardo M. , Vilela Pierre , Lexa-Sapart Norik , Yang Lu , Raynal Bertrand , Alzari Pedro M. , Bellinzoni Marco 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTα-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes are large, tripartite enzymatic machineries carrying out key reactions in central metabolism. Extremely conserved across the tree of life, they have so far all considered to be structured around a high molecular weight hollow core, consisting of up to 60 subunits of the acyltransferase component. We provide here evidence that Actinobacteria break the rule by possessing an acetyltranferase component reduced to its minimally active, trimeric unit, characterized by a unique C-terminal helix that affects the oligomerization and the full 3D architecture of the complex. We show that this unique feature is characterized by an insertion, which together with OdhA is found spread over Actinobacteria. This phylum includes organisms or great interest for agriculture, industrial bio-production and many human pathogens asMycobacterium tuberculosis. Moreover, components of this complex are key forM. tuberculosissurvival in the human host, and its unique core and protein-protein interactions represent potentially “druggable” targets.
Phase Unwrapping with a Rapid Opensource Minimum Spanning TreE AlgOrithm (ROMEO)
Authors: Dymerska Barbara , Eckstein Korbinian , Bachrata Beata , Siow Bernard , Trattnig Siegfried , Shmueli Karin , Robinson Simon Daniel 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTPurposeTo develop a rapid and accurate MRI phase unwrapping technique for challenging phase topographies encountered at high magnetic fields, around metal implants or post-operative cavities, that is sufficiently fast to be applied to large group studies including Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping and functional MRI (with phase-based distortion correction).MethodsThe proposed path-following phase unwrapping algorithm, ROMEO, estimates the coherence of the signal both in space - using MRI magnitude and phase information - and over time, assuming approximately linear temporal phase evolution. This information is combined to form a quality map that guides the unwrapping along a three-dimensional path through the object using a computationally efficient minimum spanning tree algorithm. ROMEO was tested against the two most commonly used exact phase unwrapping methods: PRELUDE and BEST PATH in simulated topographies and at several field strengths: in 3 T and 7 T in vivo human head images and 9.4 T ex vivo rat head images.ResultsROMEO was more reliable than PRELUDE and BEST PATH, yielding unwrapping results with excellent temporal stability for multi-echo or multi-time-point data. ROMEO does not require image masking and delivers results within seconds even in large, highly wrapped multi-echo datasets (e.g. 9 seconds for a 7 T head dataset with 31 echoes and a 208 x 208 x 96 matrix size).ConclusionOverall, ROMEO was both faster and more accurate than PRELUDE and BEST PATH delivering exact results within seconds, which is well below typical image acquisition times, enabling potential on-console application.