bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AdipoR2 is Essential for Membrane Lipid Homeostasis in Response to Dietary Saturated Fats
Authors: Devkota Ranjan , Ruiz Mario , Palmgren Henrik , Ståhlman Marcus , Jaiswal Himjyot , Maresca Marcello , Bohlooly-Y Mohammad , Peng Xiao-Rong , Borén Jan , Pilon Marc 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTMembrane lipid composition influences vital processes in all types of cells. The mechanisms by which cells maintain membrane lipid homeostasis while obtaining most of their constituent fatty acids from a varied diet remain largely unknown. In an attempt to discover such mechanisms, we performed an unbiased forward genetic screen inCaenorhabditis elegansand conclude that the adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) pathway is essential to prevent saturated fat-mediated cellular toxicity. Transcriptomics, lipidomics and membrane property analyses in human HEK293 cells and primary human endothelial cells further support our conclusion that the essential function of AdipoR2 is to respond to membrane rigidification by promoting fatty acid desaturation. Our results demonstrate that AdipoR2-dependent regulation of membrane homeostasis is a fundamental mechanism conserved from nematodes to mammals that prevents saturated fat-mediated lipotoxicity.ONE SENTENCE SUMMARYThe AdipoR2 protein insures membrane homeostasis in response to dietary saturated fatty acids that promote membrane rigidification.
Pacing strategy in horse racing
Authors: Mercier Quentin , Aftalion Amandine 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThanks to velocity data on races in Chantilly (France), we set a mathematical model which provides the optimal pacing strategy for horses on a fixed distance. It relies on mechanics, energetics (both aerobic and anaerobic) and motor control. We identify the parameters useful for the model from the data. Then it allows to understand the velocity, the oxygen uptake evolution in a race, as well as the energy or the propulsive force and predict the changes in pacing according to the properties (altitude and bending) of the track.
Examining the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on human episodic memory with machine learning
Authors: Petrovskaya Aleksandra , Kirillov Bogdan , Asmolova Anastasiya , Galli Giulia , Feurra Matteo , Medvedeva Angela 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe aimed to replicate a published effect of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS)-induced recognition enhancement over the human ventrolateral prefrontal cortex [1] and analyse the data with machine learning. We investigated effects over an adjacent region, the dorsolateral PFC. We found weak or absent effects over the VLPFC and DLPFC. We conducted machine learning studies to examine the effects of semantic and phonetic features on memorization, which revealed no effect of VLPFC tDCS on the original dataset or the current data. The highest contributing factor to memory performance was individual differences in memory not explained by word features, tDCS group, or sample size, while semantic, phonetic, and orthographic word characteristics did not contribute significantly. To our knowledge, this is the first tDCS study to investigate cognitive effects with machine learning, and future studies may benefit from studying physiological as well as cognitive effects with data-driven approaches and computational models.Author summaryNon-Invasive Brain Stimulation techniques (in our case, transcranial direct current stimulation) are widely used among neuroscientists to map cognitive processes, for example, memory, decision making, emotional processing. In many cases, the sample size is limited, or methods applied for the data analysis are questionable. Here we propose a replication study aiming at confirmation of memory enhancement as a result of the application of anodal transcranial direct stimulation over the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. Additionally, the involvement of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex into episodic memory was analyzed. We used a larger sample size and applied different data analysis methods, including machine learning techniques. Surprisingly, we did not replicate the results of the original study, and we found weak effects of memory impairment after stimulating the DLPFC. However, what is most remarkable is that we have observed no significant effect of tDCS involvement on memory performance. Machine learning methods revealed no effect of linguistic factors on tDCS effect for both the original study and the replication at the level of individual trials and participants. Our findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences and data on the level of a single trial; in our data, participants’ memory responses resembled guessing behavior when recognition performance was measured by AUROC and highlight the need for modifications in the memory test and the use of other performance measures.
SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Development Enabled by Prototype Pathogen Preparedness
Authors: Corbett Kizzmekia S. , Edwards Darin , Leist Sarah R. , Abiona Olubukola M. , Boyoglu-Barnum Seyhan , Gillespie Rebecca A. , Himansu Sunny , Schäfer Alexandra , Ziwawo Cynthia T. , DiPiazza Anthony T. , Dinnon Kenneth H. , Elbashir Sayda M. , Shaw Christine A. , Woods Angela , Fritch Ethan J. , Martinez David R. , Bock Kevin W. , Minai Mahnaz , Nagata Bianca M. , Hutchinson Geoffrey B. , Bahl Kapil , Garcia-Dominguez Dario , Ma LingZhi , Renzi Isabella , Kong Wing-Pui , Schmidt Stephen D. , Wang Lingshu , Zhang Yi , Stevens Laura J. , Phung Emily , Chang Lauren A. , Loomis Rebecca J. , Altaras Nedim Emil , Narayanan Elisabeth , Metkar Mihir , Presnyak Vlad , Liu Catherine , Louder Mark K. , Shi Wei , Leung Kwanyee , Yang Eun Sung , West Ande , Gully Kendra L. , Wang Nianshuang , Wrapp Daniel , Doria-Rose Nicole A. , Stewart-Jones Guillaume , Bennett Hamilton , Nason Martha C. , Ruckwardt Tracy J. , McLellan Jason S. , Denison Mark R. , Chappell James D. , Moore Ian N. , Morabito Kaitlyn M. , Mascola John R. , Baric Ralph S. , Carfi Andrea , Graham Barney S. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is needed to control the global COVID-19 public health crisis. Atomic-level structures directed the application of prefusion-stabilizing mutations that improved expression and immunogenicity of betacoronavirus spike proteins. Using this established immunogen design, the release of SARS-CoV-2 sequences triggered immediate rapid manufacturing of an mRNA vaccine expressing the prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer (mRNA-1273). Here, we show that mRNA-1273 induces both potent neutralizing antibody and CD8 T cell responses and protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection in lungs and noses of mice without evidence of immunopathology. mRNA-1273 is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial with a trajectory towards Phase 3 efficacy evaluation.
Influence of nanobody binding on fluorescence emission, mobility and organization of GFP-tagged proteins
Authors: Schneider Falk , Eggeling Christian , Sezgin Erdinc 
Published: June 2020

SummaryAdvanced fluorescence microscopy studies require specific and monovalent molecular labelling with bright and photostable fluorophores. This necessity led to the widespread use of fluorescently labelled nanobodies against commonly employed fluorescent proteins. However, very little is known how these nanobodies influence their target molecules. Here, we observed clear changes of the fluorescence properties, mobility and organisation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagged proteins after labelling with an anti-GFP nanobody. Intriguingly, we did not observe any co-diffusion of fluorescently-labelled nanobodies with the GFP-labelled proteins. Our results suggest significant binding of the nanobodies to a non-emissive, oligomerized form of the fluorescent proteins, promoting disassembly into more monomeric forms after binding. Our findings show that great care must be taken when using nanobodies for studying dynamic and quantitative protein organisation.
Insights into glycan import by a prominent gut symbiont
Authors: Gray Declan A. , White Joshua B. R. , Oluwole Abraham O. , Rath Parthasarathi , Glenwright Amy J. , Mazur Adam , Zahn Michael , Baslé Arnaud , Morland Carl , Evans Sasha L. , Cartmell Alan , Robinson Carol V. , Hiller Sebastian , Ranson Neil A. , Bolam David N. , van den Berg Bert 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn Bacteroidetes, one of the dominant phyla of the mammalian gut, active uptake of large nutrients across the outer membrane is mediated by SusCD protein complexes via a “pedal bin” transport mechanism. However, many features of SusCD function in glycan uptake remain unclear, including ligand binding, the role of the SusD lid and the size limit for substrate transport. Here we characterise the β2,6 fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) importing SusCD fromBacteroides thetaiotaomicron(Bt1762-Bt1763) to shed light on SusCD function. Co-crystal structures reveal residues involved in glycan recognition and suggest that the large binding cavity can accommodate several substrate molecules, each up to ∼2.5 kDa in size, a finding supported by native mass spectrometry and isothermal titration calorimetry. Mutational studiesin vivoprovide functional insights into the key structural features of the SusCD apparatus and cryo-EM of the intact dimeric SusCD complex reveals several distinct states of the transporter, directly visualising the dynamics of the pedal bin transport mechanism.
Divergent effects ofWolbachiaon host temperature preference
Authors: Hague Michael T.J. , Caldwell Chelsey N. , Cooper Brandon S. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTHeritable symbionts can modify a range of ecologically important host traits, including behavior. About half of all insect species are infected with maternally transmittedWolbachia, a bacterial endosymbiont known to alter host reproduction, nutrient acquisition, and virus susceptibility. Here, we broadly test the hypothesis thatWolbachiamodify host behavior by assessing the effects of eight differentWolbachiastrains on the temperature preference of sixDrosophila melanogaster-subgroup species. Four of the seven host genotypes infected with A-groupWolbachiastrains (wRi inD. simulans, wHa inD. simulans, wSh inD. sechellia, andwTei inD. teissieri) prefer significantly cooler temperatures relative to uninfected genotypes. Contrastingly, when infected with divergent B-groupwMau,D. mauritianaprefer a warmer temperature. For most strains, changes to host temperature preference do not alterWolbachiatiter. However, males infected withwSh andwTei experience an increase in titer when shifted to a cooler temperature for 24 hours, suggesting thatWolbachia-induced changes to host behavior may promote bacterial replication and influenceWolbachiatransmission rates. Modifications to host temperature preference likely influence host thermoregulation, and understanding the fitness consequences of these effects is crucial for predicting evolutionary outcomes of host-symbiont interactions, including howWolbachiaspread to become common.
Asymptomatic carriage rates and case-fatality of SARS-CoV-2 infection in residents and staff in Irish nursing homes
Authors: Kennelly SP , Dyer AH , Martin R , Kennelly SM , Martin A , O’Neill D , Fallon A 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundSARS-CoV-2 has disproportionately affected nursing home (NH) residents. In Ireland, the first NH case of COVID-19 occurred on 16/03/2020. A national point-prevalence testing program of all NH residents and staff took place from 18/04/2020-05/05/2020.AimsTo examine characteristics of NHs across three Community Health Organisations (CHOs) in Ireland, proportions with COVID-19 outbreaks, staff and resident, symptom-profile and resident case-fatality.MethodsForty-five NHs surveyed across three CHOs requesting details on occupancy, size, COVID-19 outbreak, timing of outbreak, total symptomatic/asymptomatic cases, and outcomes for residents from 29/02/2020-22/05/2020.ResultsSurveys were returned from (62.2%, 28/45) of NHs (2043 residents, 2303 beds). Three-quarters (21/28) had COVID-19 outbreaks (1741 residents, 1972 beds). Median time from first case of COVID-19 in Ireland to first case in these NHs was 27.0 days. Resident COVID-19 incidence was (43.9%, 764/1741): laboratory-confirmed (40.1%, 710/1741) with (27.2%, 193/710 asymptomatic), and clinically-suspected (3.1%, 54/1741). Resident case-fatality was (27.6%, 211/764) for combined laboratory-confirmed/clinically-suspected COVID-19. Similar proportions of residents in NH with an “early” outbreak (<28days) versus a later outbreak developed confirmed/suspected COVID-19. A lower proportion of residents in NHs with “early” outbreaks had recovered compared to those with “late” outbreaks (37.4% vs 61.7%; χ2=56.9, p<0.001). Among 675 NH staff across twenty-four sites who had confirmed/suspected COVID-19 (23.6%, 159/675) were asymptomatic. There was a significant correlation between the proportion of staff with symptomatic COVID-19 and resident numbers with confirmed/suspected COVID-19 (Spearman’s rho=0.81, p<0.001).ConclusionThis study demonstrates COVID-19 impact on NH residents and staff. High infection rates lead to challenges in care provision.
The male excess case-fatality rates for COVID-19 – A meta-analytic study of the age-related differences and consistency over six countries
Authors: Green Manfred S , Schwartz Naama , Nitzan Dorit , Peer Victoria 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundEarly in the COVID-19 pandemic, it was noted that males seemed to be more affected than females. We examined the magnitude and consistency of the sex differences in age-specific case-fatality rates (CFRs) in six countries.MethodsData on the cases and deaths from COVID-19, by sex and age group, were extracted from the published reports from Denmark, England, Israel, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Age-specific CFRs were computed for males and females separately. The ratio of the male to female CFRs were computed and meta-analytic methods were used to obtained pooled estimates of the male to female ratio of the CFRs over the six countries, for seven age-groups.FindingsThe CFRs were consistently higher in males at all ages. The differences were greater in the younger age groups. The pooled M:F CFR ratios were 2.53, 2.92, 2.57, 1.83, 1.57, 1.58 and 1.48 for ages 0-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89 and 90+. There was remarkable consistency between countries in the magnitude of the M:F CFRs, in each age group. In meta-regression, age group explained almost all the heterogeneity in the CFR ratios.ConclusionsThe sex differences in the CFRs are intriguing and are compatible with the male dominance in the incidence rates of many infectious diseases. For COVID-19, factors such as sex differences in the prevalence of underlying diseases may play a part in the CFR differences. However, the greater severity of the disease in males, particularly at younger ages, may be part of the disease mechanism and should be explored further.FundingNo funding was provided for this study. The authors declare no conflict of interests
Bipolar disorder and cannabis use: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jefsen Oskar Hougaard , Speed Maria , Speed Doug , Østergaard Søren Dinesen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsCannabis use is associated with a number of psychiatric disorders, however the causal nature of these associations has been difficult to establish. Mendelian randomization (MR) offers a way to infer causality between exposures with known genetic predictors (genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) and outcomes of interest. MR has previously been applied to investigate the relationship between lifetime cannabis use (having ever used cannabis) and schizophrenia, depression, and attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but not bipolar disorder, representing a gap in the literature.MethodsWe conducted a two-sample bidirectional MR study on the relationship between bipolar disorder and lifetime cannabis use. Genetic instruments (SNPs) were obtained from the summary statistics of recent large genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We conducted a two-sample bidirectional MR study on the relationship between bipolar disorder and lifetime cannabis use, using inverse-variance weighted regression, weighted median regression and Egger regression.ResultsGenetic liability to bipolar disorder was significantly associated with an increased risk of lifetime cannabis use: scaled log-odds ratio (standard deviation) = 0.0174 (0.039); P-value = 0.00001. Genetic liability to lifetime cannabis use showed no association with the risk of bipolar disorder: scaled log-odds ratio (standard deviation) = 0.168 (0.180); P-value = 0.351. The sensitivity analyses showed no evidence for pleiotropic effects.ConclusionsThe present study finds evidence for a causal effect of liability to bipolar disorder on the risk of using cannabis at least once. No evidence was found for a causal effect of liability to cannabis use on the risk of bipolar disorder. These findings add important new knowledge to the understanding of the complex relationship between cannabis use and psychiatric disorders.
Age Pattern of Premature Mortality under varying scenarios of COVID-19 Infection in India
Authors: Mohanty Sanjay K , Sahoo Umakanta , Mishra Udaya S , Dubey Manisha 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundIndia is vulnerable to community infection of COVID-19 due to crowded and poor living condition, high density, slums in urban areas and poor health care system. The number of COVID 19 infection has crossed 300,000 with over 7,500 deaths despite a prolonged period of lock down and restrictions in public spaces. Given the likely scale and magnitude of this pandemic, it is important to understand its impact on the age pattern of mortality under varying scenarios.ObjectiveThe main objective of this paper is to understand the age pattern of mortality under varying scenarios of community infection.Data and MethodsData from the Sample Registration System (SRS), covidi19india.org and country specific data from worldmeter is used in the analyses. Descriptive statistics, case-fatality ratio, case fatality ratio with 14 days delay, abridged life table,years of potential life lost (YPLL) and disability adjusted life years (DALY) is used.ResultsThe case fatality ratio (CFR) with 14 days delay for India is at least twice higher (8.0) than CFR of 3.4. Considering 8% mortality rate and varying scenario of community infection by 0.5%, 1% and 2%, India’s life expectancy will reduce by 0.8, 1.5 and 3.0 years and potential life years lost by 12.1 million, 24.3 million and 48.6 million years respectively. A community infection of 0.5% may result in DALY by 6.2 per 1000 population. Major share of PYLL and DALY is accounted by the working ages.ConclusionCOVID-19 has a visible impact on mortality with loss of productive life years in working ages. Sustained effort at containing the transmission at each administrative unit is recommended to arrest mortality owing to COVID-19 pandemic.What is known?The case fatality rate associated with COVID-19 is low in India compared to many other countries. The mortality level is higher among elderly and people with co-morbidity.ContributionThe case fatality ratio is illusive in the sense that the same with 14 days delay for India is at least twice higher (8.0). The COVID-19 attributable mortality has the potential to reduce the longevity of the population. Unlike developed countries, about half of the COVID-19 attributable mortality would be in the working age group of 45-64 years. With any level of community infection, the years of potential life lost (YPLL) and disability adjusted life years (DALY) world be highest in the working age group (45-64 years).
Emotional health concerns of oncology physicians in the United States: fallout during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Thomaier Lauren , Teoh Deanna , Jewett Patricia , Beckwith Heather , Parsons Helen , Yuan Jianling , Blaes Anne H. , Lou Emil , Ching Hui Jane Yuet , Vogel Rachel I. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionCancer care is significantly impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on the emotional well-being of oncology providers across the United States and explore factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms.Methods and MaterialsA cross-sectional survey was administered to United States cancer-care physicians recruited over a two-week period (3/27/2020 – 4/10/2020) using snowball-convenience sampling through social media. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4).ResultsOf 486 participants, 374 (77.0%) completed the PHQ-4: mean age 45.7±9.6 years; 63.2% female; all oncologic specialties were represented. The rates of anxiety and depression symptoms were 62.0% and 23.5%, respectively. Demographic factors associated with anxiety included female sex, younger age, and less time in clinical practice. Perception of inadequate PPE (68.6% vs. 57.4%, p=0.03) and practicing in a state with more COVID-19 cases (65.8% vs. 51.1%, p=0.01) were associated with anxiety symptoms. Factors significantly associated with both anxiety and depression included: degree to which COVID-19 has interfered with the ability to provide treatment to cancer patients and concern that patients will not receive the level of care needed for non-COVID-19 illness (all p-values <0.01).ConclusionThe prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among oncology physicians in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic is high. Our findings highlight factors associated with and sources of psychological distress to be addressed to protect the well-being of oncology physicians.
Associations between mask-wearing, handwashing, and social distancing practices and risk of COVID-19 infection in public: a case-control study in Thailand
Authors: Doung-ngern Pawind , Suphanchaimat Repeepong , Panjangampatthana Apinya , Janekrongtham Chawisar , Ruampoom Duangrat , Daochaeng Nawaporn , Eungkanit Napatchakorn , Pisitpayat Nichakul , Srisong Nuengruethai , Yasopa Oiythip , Plernprom Patchanee , Promduangsi Pitiphon , Kumphon Panita , Suangtho Paphanij , Watakulsin Peeriya , Chaiya Sarinya , Kripattanapong Somkid , Chantian Thanawadee , Bloss Emily , Namwat Chawetsan , Limmathurotsakul Direk 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe evaluated the effectiveness of personal protective measures, including mask-wearing, handwashing, and social distancing, against COVID-19 infection among contacts of cases. We conducted a case-control study with 211 cases and 839 non-matched controls using all contact tracing records of Thailand’s national Surveillance and Rapid Response Team. Cases were asymptomatic contacts of COVID-19 patients identified between 1 and 31 March 2020 who were diagnosed with COVID-19 by 21 April 2020; controls were asymptomatic contacts who were not diagnosed with COVID-19. Participants were queried about practices during contact periods with a case. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for associations between diagnosis of COVID-19 and covariates using multivariable logistic regression models. Wearing masks all the time during contact was independently associated with lower risk of COVID-19 infection compared to not wearing masks (aOR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09– 0.60), while sometimes wearing masks during contact was not (aOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.41–1.84). Maintaining at least 1 meter distance from a COVID patient (aOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04–0.63), duration of close contact ≤15 minutes versus longer (aOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.90), and handwashing often (aOR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13–0.87) were significantly associated with lower risk of infection. Type of mask was not independently associated with infection. Those who wore masks all the time also were more likely to practice social distancing. Our findings suggest consistent wearing of masks, handwashing, and social distancing in public to protect against COVID-19 infection.