bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voluntary commitment of medical students during the COVID-19-pandemic
Authors: Mihatsch Lorenz Leopold , von der Linde Mira , Knolle Franziska , Luchting Benjamin , Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Heyn Jens 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionDue to the spreading of COVID-19, one key challenge was to reduce potential staff shortages in the healthcare sector. Besides a reactivation of retired healthcare workers, medical students were considered to support this task. We herein analysed the commitment of medical students during the COVID-19-pandemic as well as their burdens and anxieties.MethodsVia an online survey, medical students in Germany were asked regarding these themes. The survey period took place during a two-week period in April and Mai 2020. 1241 questionnairs were included in the analysis.Results67.9% [65.3; 70.5] of the participants reported that they volunteered during the pandemic. Simultaneously, 88.9% [86.9; 90.5] of the participants stated to be against a compulsory recruitment in this context. Students who volunteered showed a significantly lower anxiety index than students, who did not volunteer. Concerns about transferring the virus to patients or relatives were significantly higher than concerns about the students’ own infection.ConclusionThe results of this survey study suggest that the majority of students are working voluntary during the pandemic. They declared mostly that they had adequate opportunities to protect themselves. Finally, their biggest fear was to infect other patients, relatives, or friends.
Hippocampal Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Common Disease Pathways in Chronic Hypoperfusion and Ageing
Authors: Baik Sang-Ha , Selvaraji Sharmelee , Fann David Y. , Jo Dong-Gyu , Herr Deron R. , Lai Mitchell K.P. , Chen Christopher Li-Hsian , Drummond Grant R. , Lim Kah-Leong , Sobey Christopher G. , Arumugam Thiruma V. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractVascular dementia (VaD) is a progressive cognitive impairment of vascular etiology. VaD is characterized by cerebral hypoperfusion, increased blood-brain barrier permeability and white matter lesions. An increased burden of VaD is expected due to rapidly aging populations. The hippocampus is particularly susceptible to hypoperfusion, and the resulting memory impairment may play a crucial role in VaD. Here we have investigated the hippocampal gene expression profile of young and old mice subjected to chronic cerebral hypoperfusion by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS). Our data in sham-operated young and aged mice show the normal age-associated decline in cerebral blood flow and differential gene expression. BCAS and ageing caused broadly similar effects, however, BCAS-induced changes in hippocampal gene expression differed between young and aged mice. Specifically, transcriptomic analysis indicated that in comparison to young sham mice, many pathways altered by BCAS in young mice resembled those present in sham aged mice. Immunoblot analyses confirmed these findings. Finally, relative to young sham mice the cell type-specific profile of genes in both young BCAS and old sham animals further revealed common cell-specific genes. Our data provide a genetic-based molecular framework for chronic hypoperfusion-induced hippocampal damage and reveal common cellular signaling pathways likely to be important in the pathophysiology of VaD.
Differential fate of acellular vascular scaffolds in vivo involves macrophages and T-cell subsets
Authors: Banerjee Debashish , Nayakawde Nikhil B. , Antony Deepti , Deshmukh Meghshree , Ghosh Sudip , Sihlbom Carina , Berger Evelin , Haq Uzair Ul , Olausson Michael 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBiological scaffold or implant is a popular choice for the preparation of tissue-engineered organs and has the potential to address donor shortage in the clinics. However, biological scaffolds prepared by physical or chemical agents cause damage to the extracellular matrix by potentially inducing immune responses after implantation. The current study explores an alternative route for the preparation of acellular scaffolds and explores the fate of the prepared scaffolds in a milieu of immune cells following implantation without using immunosuppressant. Using the syngeneic (Lewis male-Lewis female) and allogeneic (Brown Norway male-Lewis female) models and different tissue routes (subcutaneous vs omentum) for transplantation, normal blood vascular scaffolds were implanted which was converted to acellular vascular scaffolds byin vivonatural decellularization at the end of 2 months of observation. We also prepared chemically decellularized acellular scaffolds from normal untreated blood vascular scaffolds using a cocktail of chemicals which was also similarly placed in subcutaneous and omentum sites. Here, we applied in-depth quantitative proteomics along with histology and image analysis to comprehensively describe and compare the proteome of the natural and chemically decellularized scaffold. Our data confirm that site-specific advantages exist in modulating the ECM and regulating the immune responses (macrophage and T cells) following implantation, which possibly led to the production of an acellular scaffold (natural decellularization) underin vivoconditions. The current approach opens up the possibility to create tailor-made acellular scaffolds to build functional blood vessels. In addition, the identification of different tissue sites facilitates differential immune response against the scaffolds. This study provides a rich resource aimed toward an enhanced mechanistic understanding to study immune responses under similar settings in the field of transplantation and regenerative medicine.Impact statementThe development of a scaffold helps in the preparation of a functional organ in the clinics. In the current study, we prepared an acellular vascular scaffold by utilizing site specific tissue changes and vis-à-vis compared with a conventionally chemically prepared biological scaffold at genomic and protein level, which helped us to identify immunological trigger following implantation. The current study which was carried out without any immunosuppressive agents could help to establish (a) alternative strategies for preparing biological scaffolds as well as (b) implantable sites as potential bioreactors to circumvent any adverse immune reactions for acceptance of the scaffold/implant post implantation.
TASOR epigenetic repressor cooperates with a CNOT1 RNA degradation pathway to repress HIV
Authors: Matkovic Roy , Morel Marina , Larrous Pauline , Martin Benjamin , Bejjani Fabienne , Emiliani Stéphane , Gallois-Montbrun Sarah , Margottin-Goguet Florence 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Human Silencing Hub (HUSH) complex constituted of TASOR, MPP8 and Periphilin is involved in the spreading of H3K9me3 repressive marks across genes and transgenes such as ZNF encoding genes, ribosomal DNAs, LINE-1, Retrotransposons and Retroelements or the integrated HIV provirus1–5. The deposit of these repressive marks leads to heterochromatin formation and inhibits gene expression. The precise mechanisms of silencing mediated by HUSH is still poorly understood. Here, we show that TASOR depletion increases the accumulation of transcripts derived from the HIV-1 LTR promoter at a post-transcriptional level. By counteracting HUSH, Vpx from HIV-2 mimics TASOR depletion. With the use of a Yeast-Two-Hybrid screen, we identified new TASOR partners involved in RNA metabolism including the RNA deadenylase CCR4-NOT complex scaffold CNOT1. TASOR and CNOT1 interactin vivoand synergistically repress HIV expression from its LTR. In fission yeast, the RNA-induced transcriptional silencing (RITS) complex presents structural homology with HUSH. During transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II, RITS recruits a TRAMP-like RNA degradation complex composed of CNOT1 partners, MTR4 and the exosome, to ultimately repress gene expressionviaH3K9me3 deposit. Similarly, we show that TASOR interacts and cooperates with MTR4 and the exosome, in addition to CNOT1. We also highlight an interaction between TASOR and RNA Polymerase II, predominantly under its elongating state, and between TASOR and some HUSH-targeted nascent transcripts. Furthermore, we show that TASOR overexpression facilitates the association of the aforementioned RNA degradation proteins with RNA polymerase II. Altogether, we propose that HUSH operates at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels to repress HIV proviral gene expression.
A single neuron subset governs a single coactive neuron circuit inHydra vulgaris, representing a prototypic feature of neural evolution
Authors: Noro Yukihiko , Shimizu Hiroshi , Mineta Katsuhiko , Gojobori Takashi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe last common ancestor of Bilateria and Cnidaria is believed to be one of the first animals to develop a nervous system over 500 million years ago. Many of the genes involved in the neural function of the advanced nervous system in Bilateria are well conserved in Cnidaria1. Thus, Cnidarian representative species,Hydra, is considered to be a living fossil and a good model organism for the study of the putative primitive nervous system in its last common ancestor. The diffuse nervous system ofHydraconsists of several peptidergic neuron subsets. However, the specific functions of these subsets remain unclear. Using calcium imaging, here we show that the neuron subsets that express neuropeptide, Hym-1762,3function as motor neurons to evoke longitudinal contraction. We found that all neurons in a subset defined by the Hym-176 gene (Hym-176A) or its paralogs (Hym-176B) expression4are excited simultaneously, which is then followed by longitudinal contraction. This indicates not only that these neuron subsets are motor neurons but also that a single molecularly defined neuron subset forms a single coactive motor circuit. This is in contrast with the Bilaterian nervous system, where a single molecularly defined neuron subset harbors multiple coactive circuits, showing a mixture of neurons firing with different timings5. Furthermore, we found that the two motor circuits, one expressingHym-176Bin the body column and the other expressingHym-176Ain the foot, are coordinately regulated to exert region-specific contraction. Our results demonstrate that one neuron subset is likely to form a monofunctional circuit as a minimum functional unit to build a more complex behavior inHydra. We propose that this simple feature (one subset, one circuit, one function) found inHydrais a fundamental trait of the primitive nervous system.
Mosaic vaccination: how distributing different vaccines across a population could improve epidemic control
Authors: McLeod David V. , Wahl Lindi M. , Mideo Nicole 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAlthough vaccination has been remarkably effective against some pathogens, for others, rapid antigenic evolution results in vaccination conferring only weak and/or short-lived protection. Consequently, considerable effort has been invested in developing more evolutionarily robust vaccines, either by targeting highly conserved components of the pathogen (universal vaccines) or by including multiple immunological targets within a single vaccine (multi-epitope vaccines). An unexplored third possibility is to vaccinate individuals with one of a number of qualitatively different vaccines, creating a ‘mosaic’ of individual immunity in the population. Here we explore whether a mosaic vaccination strategy can deliver superior epidemiological outcomes to ‘conventional’ vaccination, in which all individuals receive the same vaccine. We suppose vaccine doses can be distributed between distinct vaccine ‘targets’ (e.g., different surface proteins against which an immune response can be generated) and/or immunologically-distinct variants at these targets (e.g., strains); the pathogen can undergo antigenic evolution at both targets. Using simple mathematical models, we show that mosaic vaccination often outperforms conventional vaccination, leading to fewer infected individuals, improved vaccine efficacy, and lower individual risks over the course of the epidemic.
From qualitative to quantitative insect metabarcoding: an in tandem multilocus mosquito identification methodology
Authors: Kassela Katerina , Kouvela Adamantia , de Courcy Williams Michael , Konstantinidis Konstantinos , Rosa Freitas Maria Goreti , Nearchou Andreas , Gatzidou Elisavet , Veletza Stavroula , Boulougouris Georgios C. , Dovrolis Nikolaos , Karakasiliotis Ioannis 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn the era of emergence and re-emergence of vector-borne diseases, a high throughput trap-based insect monitoring is essential for the identification of invasive species, study of mosquito populations and risk assessment of disease outbreaks. Insect DNA metabarcoding technology has emerged as a highly promising methodology for unbiased and large-scale surveillance. Despite significant attempts to introduce DNA metabarcoding in mosquito or other insect surveillance qualitative and quantitative metabarcoding remains a challenge. In the present study, we have developed a methodology of in-tandem identification and quantification using cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) combined with a secondary multilocus identification and quantification involving three loci of 28S ribosomal DNA. The presented methodology was able to identify individual species in pools of mosquitoes with 95.94% accuracy and resolve with high accuracy (p= 1,χ2= 2.55) mosquito population composition providing a technology capable of revolutionizing mosquito surveillance through metabarcoding. The methodology, given the respective dataset, has the potential to be applied to various small animal populations.
A gene desert required for regulatory control of pleiotropicShox2expression and embryonic survival
Authors: Abassah-Oppong Samuel , Mannion Brandon J. , Zoia Matteo , Rouco Raquel , Tissieres Virginie , Spurrell Cailyn H. , Roland Virginia , Darbellay Fabrice , Ljubojevic Anja , Gamart Julie , Festa-Daroux Tabitha A. , Sullivan Carly S. , Rodríguez-Carballo Eddie , Fukuda-Yuzawa Yoko , Hunter Riana , Novak Catherine S. , Plajzer-Frick Ingrid , Tran Stella , Akiyama Jennifer A. , Dickel Diane E. , Lopez-Rios Javier , Barozzi Iros , Andrey Guillaume , Visel Axel , Pennacchio Len A. , Cobb John , Osterwalder Marco 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTGene deserts are defined as genomic regions devoid of protein coding genes and spanning more than 500 kilobases, collectively encompassing about 25% of the human genome. Approximately 30% of all gene deserts are enriched for conserved elements withcis-regulatory signatures. These are located predominantly near developmental transcription factors (TFs) but despite predicted critical functions, the transcriptional contributions and biological necessity of most gene deserts remain elusive. Here, we explore thecis-regulatory impact of a gene desert flanking theShox2gene, a TF indispensable for proximal limb, craniofacial and cardiac pacemaker development. Using a functional genomics approach in mouse embryos we identify the gene desert as a hub for numerousShox2-overlapping enhancers arranged in a globular chromatin domain with tissue-specific features. In accordance, using endogenous CRISPR deletion, we demonstrate that the gene desert interval is essential forShox2transcriptional control in developing limbs, craniofacial compartments, and the heart. Phenotypically, gene desert ablation leads to pacemaker-related embryonic lethality due toShox2depletion in the cardiac sinus venosus. We show that this role is partially mediated through a distal gene desert enhancer, providing evidence for intra-gene desert regulatory robustness. Finally, we uncover a multi-layered functional role of the gene desert by revealing an additional requirement for stylopod morphogenesis, mediated through an array of proximal limb enhancers (PLEs). In summary, our study establishes theShox2gene desert as a fundamental genomic unit that controls pleiotropic gene expression through modular arrangement and coordinated dynamics of tissue-specific enhancers.
Interplay between p300 and HDAC1 regulate acetylation and stability of Api5 to regulate cell proliferation
Authors: Sharma Virender Kumar , Lahiri Mayurika 
Published: November 2020

AbstractApi5, is a known anti-apoptotic and nuclear protein that is responsible for inhibiting cell death in serum-starved conditions. The only known post-translational modification of Api5 is acetylation at lysine 251 (K251). K251 acetylation of Api5 is responsible for maintaining its stability while de-acetylated form of Api5 is unstable. This study aimed to find out the enzymes regulating acetylation and deacetylation of Api5 and the effect of acetylation on its function. Our studies suggest that acetylation of Api5 at lysine 251 is mediated by p300 histone acetyltransferase while de-acetylation is carried out by HDAC1. Inhibition of acetylation by p300 leads to reduction in Api5 levels while inhibition of deacetylation by HDAC1 results in increased levels of Api5. This dynamic switch between acetylation and deacetylation regulate the localization of Api5 in the cell. This study also demonstrates that the regulation of acetylation and deacetylation of Api5 is an essential factor for the progression of the cell cycle.
Study of the genetic and phenotypic variation among wild and cultivated clary sages provides interesting avenues for breeding programs of a perfume, medicinal and aromatic plant
Authors: Chalvin Camille , Drevensek Stéphanie , Chollet Christel , Gilard Françoise , Šolić Edita M. , Dron Michel , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Boualem Adnane , Cornille Amandine 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA road-map of the genetic and phenotypic diversities in both crops and their wild-related species can help identifying valuable genetic resources for further crop breeding. The clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.), a perfume, medicinal and aromatic plant, is used for sclareol production and ornamental purposes. Despite its wide use in the field of cosmetics, the phenotypic and genetic diversity of wild and cultivated clary sage remains to be explored. We characterized the genetic and phenotypic variation of a collection of six wildS. sclareapopulations from Croatia, sampled along an altitudinal gradient, and of populations of threeS. sclareacultivars. We showed low level of genetic diversity for the twoS. sclareatraditional cultivars used for essential oil production and for ornamental purposes, respectively. In contrast, a recent cultivar resulting from new breeding methods, which involve hybridizations among several genotypes rather than traditional recurrent selection and self-crosses over time, showed high genetic diversity. We also observed a marked phenotypic differentiation for the ornamental clary sage compared with other cultivated and wild clary sages. Instead, the two cultivars used for essential oil production, a traditional and a recent, respectively, were not phenotypically differentiated from the wild Croatian populations. Our results also featured some wild populations with high sclareol content and early-flowering phenotypes as good candidates for future breeding programs. This study opens up perspectives for basic research aiming at understanding the impact of breeding methods on clary sage evolution, and highlights interesting avenues for clary breeding programs.
Age-related Changes in Memory for Object and Position-In-Context
Authors: Tran Tammy , Tobin Kaitlyn E. , Block Sophia H. , Puliyadi Vyash , Gallagher Michela , Bakker Arnold 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThere has been considerable focus on investigating age-related memory changes in cognitively healthy older adults, in the absence of neurodegenerative disorders. Previous studies have reported age-related domain-specific changes in older adults, showing increased difficulty encoding and processing object information but minimal to no impairment in processing spatial information compared to younger adults.However, few of these studies have examined age-related changes in the encoding of concurrently presented object and spatial stimuli, specifically the integration of both spatial and non-spatial (object) information. To more closely resemble real-life memory encoding and the integration of both spatial and non-spatial information, the current study developed a new experimental paradigm with novel environments that allowed for the placement of different objects in different positions within the environment. The current findings show that older adults have decreased performance in recognizing changes of the object position within the spatial context but no significant differences in recognizing changes in the identity of the object within the spatial context compared to younger adults. These findings suggest there may be potential age-related differences in the mechanisms underlying the representations of complex environments and furthermore, the integration of spatial and non-spatial information may be differentially processed relative to independent and isolated representations of object and spatial information.
The contribution of object size, manipulability, and stability on neural responses to inanimate objects
Authors: Magri Caterina , Konkle Talia , Caramazza Alfonso 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn human occipitotemporal cortex, brain responses to depicted inanimate objects have a large-scale organization by real-world object size. Critically, the size of objects in the world is systematically related to behaviorally-relevant properties: small objects are often grasped and manipulated (e.g., forks), while large objects tend to be less motor-relevant (e.g., tables), though this relationship does not always have to be true (e.g., picture frames and wheelbarrows). To determine how these two dimensions interact, we measured brain activity with functional magnetic resonance imaging while participants viewed a stimulus set of small and large objects with either low or high motor-relevance. The results revealed that the size organization was evident for objects with both low and high motor-relevance; further, a motor-relevance map was also evident across both large and small objects. Targeted contrasts revealed that typical combinations (small motor-relevant vs. large non-motor-relevant) yielded more robust topographies than the atypical covariance contrast (small non-motor-relevant vs. large motor-relevant). In subsequent exploratory analyses, a factor analysis revealed that the construct of motor-relevance was better explained by two underlying factors: one more related to manipulability, and the other to whether an object moves or is stable. The factor related to manipulability better explained responses in lateral small-object preferring regions, while the factor related to object stability (lack of movement) better explained responses in ventromedial large-object preferring regions. Taken together, these results reveal that the structure of neural responses to objects of different sizes further reflect behavior-relevant properties of manipulability and stability, and contribute to a deeper understanding of some of the factors that help the large-scale organization of object representation in high-level visual cortex.Highlights-Examined the relationship between real-world size and motor-relevant properties in the structure of responses to inanimate objects.-Large scale topography was more robust for contrast that followed natural covariance of small motor-relevant vs. large non-motor-relevant, over contrast that went against natural covariance.-Factor analysis revealed that manipulability and stability were, respectively, better explanatory predictors of responses in small- and large-object regions.