bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Microbiomes of Sea Turtle Nests in Venice Beach, Florida
Authors: Mota Mario Jorge , Heidel Greg , Mahounou Agossou , Hoover Shelby 
Published: April 2020

Sea turtles nest throughout the world’s beaches and the fate of their clutches depends on many factors including the biotic and abiotic properties of the sand.It is well documented how a multitude of sand properties can impact the nest microenvironment and consequentially have a positive or negative effect on incubation. The present study looks at the microbiotic diversity in the sand of four beach areas of varying human traffic on Venice Beach, Florida. Our goal was to document bacterial species presence, relate them to human usage and extrapolate the potential role these bacteria species have on their respective sea turtle nest nest microbiomes.This study was conducted during the sea turtle summer nesting season and samples were collected at four locations in Venice Beach every week from July until October. The locations were a pubic beach, a private beach, a dog beach and an isolated beach. This study design documents changes within the same beach and nesting site. Samples were also collected along the dune and high tide line and at three different depths in the same location to document microbiotic differences across and at different depths of the beach planform, respectively. Sargassum and other macroalgae were collected at random locations and its bacterial fauna identified to see if they could serve as possible bacterial sources for beach sand.Sand samples were incubated in trypic soy broth and then plated in agar that selected for gram positive and negative bacteria. After individual bacterial colonies were isolated, DNA was extracted using standard procedures. The 16s ribosome was target with a primer, DNA was amplified using a PCR, and the DNA was sent for Sanger sequencing.Bacteria species were identified by comparing their DNA sequences against several online databases such as BLAST. Data collected from several biochemical tests (oxidase test, glucose/fructose/lactose fermentation, anaerobic test, MacConkey and Mannitol Salt media, etc) done prior to DNA isolation were used to confirm the bacteria species identified by the database.Our results show that there is diversity in bacterial fauna in the sand samples from the different sea turtle nesting areas of Venice Beach. Although some bacteria species (i.e. Pseudomonas), were found more prevalent in sand from hatched than unhatched clutches we cannot, at this time, state they played a significant role in the fate of the clutch. However, species diversity could not be explained in relation to sand properties and we believe it to be correlated to the level of anthropogenic impact. Further research is needed to test the direct influence these bacterial species have on the incubation of sea turtle eggs.Support or Funding InformationStudy was funded by National University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program
Association between a non‐invasive assessment of frailty and vascular dysfunction in old mice
Authors: Cole Jazmin A. , Henson Grant D. , Walker Ashley E. 
Published: April 2020

Advancing age is characterized by not only an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but also a decline in functional reserve and impaired adaptive capacity across multiple physiologic systems, also known as frailty. Impaired vascular function is a known contributor to CVDs and potentially has a role in increased frailty. In patients with overt disease, measures of frailty are related to vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. However, the relation between vascular endothelial function and frailty in a non‐disease population is unknown. It is also unknown if dysfunction of a particular vascular bed is more closely related to frailty.To examine the relation between vascular function and frailty in the context of similar genetics and environment, we studied wildtype C57BL/6 mice. In young (9 mo, n=7) and old (23–30 mo, n=27) male and female mice, we assessed endothelial‐dependent dilation (EDD) ex vivo in isolated, pressurized mesentery arteries and middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) by measuring the dilation to increasing doses of acetylcholine (ACh, 10−9 to 10−4 M) after pre‐constriction (by phenylephrine, 2 μM). Endothelium‐independent dilation (EID) was assessed by the dose response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10−10 to 10−4 M) after pre‐constriction.Mouse frailty was assessed using a previously established non‐invasive 31‐item frailty index based on clinical signs of deterioration. Clinical assessments included evaluation of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, vestibulocochlear/auditory, ocular, nasal, digestive, urogenital, and respiratory systems as well as body weight, body surface temperature, and signs of discomfort. The severity of each deficit was assessed by two independent observers and assigned a value between 0–1, with a higher score indicating more severe frailty.Frailty index was ~6 fold greater in old compared with young mice (p<0.001). Maximal EDD was 16.1% lower in mesentery arteries (p=0.04) and 11.3% lower in MCAs (p=0.12) for old compared with young mice. Among the old mice, frailty index was correlated with mesentery artery maximal EDD (r=−0.53 p=0.002), and remained significant after controlling for age (partial correlation: r=−0.38, p=0.03). In contrast, there was no correlation between frailty index and MCA maximal EDD among old mice (r=0.16, p=0.21). Among old mice, there was no correlation between frailty index and maximal EID in mesentery arteries or MCAs (p>0.05).This study demonstrates that frailty, independent of age, is associated with mesentery artery endothelial dysfunction in wildtype, non‐diseased mice. However, it remains unknown whether the mesentery artery dysfunction is a cause or consequence of the greater frailty. Interestingly, we found a lack of association between frailty and cerebral artery endothelial function. Future research is needed to determine the mechanisms linking frailty and mesentery artery dysfunction.Support or Funding InformationFunded by NIH R56AG064016
The Impact of Zebrafish Research on Student Development at a Small Liberal Arts University
Authors: Lee Hyuna , Graham Lauren K. , Cline Noah M. , Darwazeh Amelia , Shapiro Atley , Stieglitz Grace R. , Sun Stephanie , Ramirez Danny A. 
Published: April 2020

Executing high‐level research at a small, liberal arts college in southern California is seen as a daunting task due to limited resources and funds. Unlike larger institutions that have teams of paid lab managers and personnel, Dr. Hyuna Lee’s zebrafish lab at Biola University is run solely by undergraduate students. The team performs zebrafish husbandry and conducts in‐depth experiments throughout the academic year, attaining hands‐on experience that cultivates their ability to utilize creativity and critical thinking in a laboratory setting. The zebrafish lab also collaborates with other departments within the School of Science Technology and Health at Biola University. For instance, students work with the Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering (CPE) department and the Biology department’s microbiology and parasitology laboratory courses. The students in the CPE department previously utilized their state‐of‐the‐art fabrication lab to design and construct customized research devices‐‐such as an optokinetic drum, multiple imaging devices, and a brine shrimp hatchery. The Biology department’s microbiology and parasitology laboratories investigated water samples from the aquatic housing system to identify potential threats to the health of the zebrafish population. To better understand how participation in the lab impacts individual development, the team generated a pilot survey to collect data on student perception and experience with research at Biola University. The data demonstrates a strong correlation between participation in directed research and positive experience with research and course labs. The study also suggests that directed research students have more personal and professional development in the sciences than students who have not participated in research. Working in an independent, student‐run facility with inter‐departmental collaboration seems to be an efficacious method to enhance student satisfaction, research appreciation, and department success within the undergraduate population.Support or Funding InformationNone.
Cellular Encapsulation and Immunostaining Using a Photo Polymerized Hydrogel
Authors: Din Shabana , White Laura , Saito Kan , Desmond Lisa , MilliporeSigma Jeffrey Turner 
Published: April 2020

RationaleImmunocytochemistry is a valuable technique used to visualize protein expression, localization, and cellular structural changes by microscopic imaging. However, immunofluorescence of suspension cells, such as primary immune cells or rare circulating tumor cells, can be technically challenging requiring either expensive equipment and or mechanical manipulation. Furthermore, low amount of cellular sample can prevent proper assessment of experimental results and reduce throughput.ObjectiveHere we introduce a photo polymerized hydrogel, Cell Capture, which uniformly encapsulates non‐adherent cells and permits immuno labeling and visualization by fluorescence imaging.Methods and ResultsCell Capture reagent was formulated and optimized for maximal permeability to antibodies while ensuring cellular retention within the hydrogel. Preparation of samples for immunoassaying in microtiter plates led to decreased workflow times, compared to antibody staining in bulk processing due to the removal of centrifugation steps. Immortalized T lymphocyte Jurkat cells were plated in varying cell numbers, ranging from 4×105 to 5×103, followed by staining with CD3 antibody. Cell Capture demonstrated minimal cell loss with phenotypic membrane staining of CD3 and additional T cell targets, including multiplex tri color detection by microscopy. Cell Capture was further compared to traditional method of non‐adherent cell immobilization by extra cellular matrix coating of surfaces. Superior cellular retention properties were observed when using Cell Capture, demonstrating the advantages of this technology. Image cytometry is a common method to image suspension cells but requires a significant financial investment. To demonstrate Cell Capture as an alternative to image cytometry, cells were fixed into Cell Capture hydrogel following flow cytometry evaluation. Imaging by fluorescence microscopy, showed clear and distinct staining of measured immune targets in Jurkat cells, verifying Cell Capture as a valid alternative to image cytometry.ConclusionCell Capture reagent allows for convenient immune labeling and detection of nonadherent cells in a high throughput fashion, demonstrating the utility and flexibility over traditional suspension cell immunocytochemistry methods.
The Effect of Inspired Hypoxia and Hyperoxia on Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia Reactivity
Authors: Lazar Brendan , Nguyen Stephanie , Betton Matthew , Olar Evan , Day Trevor A. 
Published: April 2020

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is the normal fluctuation in heart rate (HR) in phase with the respiratory cycle, whereby HR increases during inspiration and decreases during expiration. The underlying mechanisms and potential utility remain elusive. RSA magnitude is thought to be affected by autonomic balance, whereby a dominant parasympathetic nervous system (NS) at rest facilitates RSA, and sympathetic NS activation attenuates its magnitude. Carotid body stimulation via acute hypoxia elicits sympathetic activation, whereas hyperoxia facilitates sympathetic withdrawal. In addition, RSA has been hypothesized to facilitate improvements in ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) matching, improving oxygenation when hypoxic. We hypothesized that (a) acute hypoxia and hyperoxia would increase and decrease the magnitude of RSA reactivity, respectively and (b) when hypoxic, those with larger RSA magnitude during deep breathing would have larger improvements in oxygen saturation (SpO2). Healthy participants (n=13) were instrumented with a pneumotachometer and coached to breathe at three percentages (30, 40 and 50%) of their forced vital capacity (FVC) using visual cues while inspiring room air (21% FIO2), hypoxia (13.5% FIO2), hyperoxia (100% FIO2). RSA was quantified via the peak‐valley approach, and RSA reactivity (RSAR) was quantified via linear regression to calculate the slope of changes in RSA magnitude across all three FVC levels. RSA magnitude increased linearly with increases in inspired tidal volume in all three gases (R2>0.98). No significant differences were found in RSAR slopes between room air (0.32±0.2 ΔBPM/%FVC), hypoxia (0.33±0.26 ΔBPM/%FVC), and hyperoxia (0.34±0.26 ΔBPM/%FVC; P=0.97). There was also no correlation between RSA magnitude during deep breathing (50%FVC) and the associated improvements in SpO2 in hypoxia (r=−0.11, P=0.72). Given that RSAR is not affected by oxygen availability, our data provides evidence that hypoxic stimulation of the carotid bodies elicits activation of both arms of the autonomic nervous system, maintaining autonomic balance and normal heart rate variability. In addition, RSA magnitude does not appear to bestow advantages on V/Q matching in the context of acute hypoxia.Support or Funding InformationMRU Faculty of Science and Technology
The interaction between p53 and Mdm2 is independent of MEG3–p53 association
Authors: Bauer Nicholas C. , Yang Anli , Wang Xin , Zhou Yunli , Klibanski Anne , Soberman Roy J. 
Published: April 2020

The ability of the long noncoding RNA MEG3 to suppress cell proliferation led to its recognition as a tumor suppressor. MEG3 has previously been shown to bind to p53 in vitro, which led us to hypothesize that MEG3 functions by disrupting the interaction of p53 and its E3 ubiquitin ligase Mdm2. To test this hypothesis in vivo, we built a cross‐nearest neighbor/Monte Carlo analytical method based on two color direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM), a single‐molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) technique. Our data support the interaction of MEG3 and p53. Surprisingly, this association had no effect on the binding of p53 and Mdm2, distinct from the most commonly proposed model for the mechanism of MEG3 action. Additionally, our mathematical approach to analyzing SMLM data has general applicability to assessing molecular interactions in a native cellular context.Support or Funding InformationRJS: NIH R01CA193520, NIH R01DK062472, NIH S10RR027931; NCB: NIH T32DK007540; AK and YZ: NIH R01CA193520; and The Jarislowsky Foundation
Endothelial Cells Express Activin A which may serve as an antagonist to TGFβ binding to Activin‐Like Kinase 1 Receptor
Authors: Hawker James , Woods Griffin , Morrissey Nancy , Patel Mintoo , Duffy Iain 
Published: April 2020

Transforming growth factor (TGFβ) family and their receptors have been shown to be involved in angiogenesis as well as tumor cells. Members of the family that have been reported to act on endothelial cells are TGFβ, Bone Morphogenetic protein 9 and 10 (BMP‐9, BMP‐10), and Activin A. They all can signal through the type I receptor Activin‐Like Kinase 1 (ALK‐1). We have screened endothelial cells vs tumor cells for ALK‐1, Endoglin, and potential ligands BMP‐10 and Activin A to determine which ligands and receptors may be active in signaling in angiogenesis. We show that endothelial cells express ALK‐1 and endoglin as well as BMP‐10 and Activin A by quantitative RT‐PCR. Transfecting Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) compared to human 293 cells and Hela cells with an ALK‐1 plasmid resulted in increased expression of ALK‐1 in all cell lines. ALK‐1 overexpression did not affect Smad 1 or Smad 5 expression but increased BMP‐10 and Activin A expression in HUVEC. This data suggests these factors may function as endogenous ligands to control endothelial function and angiogenesis. TGFβ can only bind ALK‐1 on endothelial cells at 37°C but not 23 or 4° C. But our results indicate that endogenous Activin A is bound to ALK‐1 and can be displaced by added TGFβ. This supports the finding above that HUVEC express Activin A. Thus Activin A may function as an endogenous regulator of TGFβ function in endothelial cells.Support or Funding InformationResearch support was from an SFSC Innovation Grant (MP), Portz National Honors Fellowships (GW and NM), and funds from Saint Leo University (ID).
Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Part 2 - Hand hygiene and other hygiene measures: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Al-Ansary Lubna , Bawazeer Ghada , Beller Elaine , Clark Justin , Conly John , Del Mar Chris , Dooley Elizabeth , Ferroni Eliana , Glasziou Paul , Hoffmann Tammy , Jefferson Tom , Thorning Sarah , van Driel Mieke , Jones Mark 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOBJECTIVETo assess the effectiveness of hand hygiene, surface disinfecting, and other hygiene interventions in preventing or reducing the spread of illnesses from respiratory viruses.DESIGNUpdate of a systematic review and meta-analysis focussing on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs (c-RCTs) evidence only.DATA SOURCESEligible trials from the previous Cochrane review, search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase and CINAHL from 01 October 2010 to 01 April 2020, and forward and backward citation analysis of included studies.DATA SELECTIONRCTs and c-RCTs involving people of any age, testing the use of hand hygiene methods, surface disinfection or cleaning, and other miscellaneous barrier interventions. Face masks, eye protection, and person distancing are covered in Part 1 of our systematic review. Outcomes included acute respiratory illness (ARI), influenza-like illness (ILI) or laboratory-confirmed influenza (influenza) and/or related consequences (e.g. death, absenteeism from school or work).DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSISSix authors working in pairs independently assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane tool and extracted data. The generalised inverse variance method was used for pooling by using the random-effects model, and results reported with risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).RESULTSWe identified 51 eligible trials. We included 25 randomised trials comparing hand hygiene interventions with a control; 15 of these could be included in meta-analyses. We pooled 8 trials for the outcome of ARI. Hand hygiene showed a 16% relative reduction in the number of participants with ARI (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.86) in the intervention group. When we considered the more strictly defined outcomes of ILI and influenza, the RR for ILI was 0.98 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.14), and for influenza the RR was 0.91 (95% CI 0.61 to 1.34). Three trials measured absenteeism. We found a 36% relative reduction in absentee numbers in the hand hygiene group (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.71). Comparison of different hand hygiene interventions did not favour one intervention type over another. We found no incremental effects of combining hand hygiene with using face masks or disinfecting surfaces or objects.CONCLUSIONSDespite the lack of evidence for the impact of hand hygiene in reducing ILI and influenza, the modest evidence for reducing the burden of ARIs, and related absenteeism, justifies reinforcing the standard recommendation for hand hygiene measures to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Funding for relevant trials with an emphasis on adherence and compliance with such a measure is crucial to inform policy and global pandemic preparedness with confidence and precision.
Serial interval and generation interval for respectively the imported and local infectors estimated using reported contact-tracing data of COVID-19 in China
Authors: Li Menghui , Liu Kai , Song Yukun , Wang Ming , Wu Jinshan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundsThe emerging virus, COVID-19, has caused a massive out-break worldwide. Based on the publicly available contact-tracing data, we identified 337 transmission chains from 10 provinces in China and estimated the serial interval (SI) and generation interval (GI) of COVID-19 in China.MethodsInspired by possibly different values of the time-varying reproduction number for the imported cases and the local cases in China, we divided all transmission events into three subsets: imported (the zeroth generation) infecting 1st-generation locals, 1st-generation locals infecting 2nd-generation locals, and others transmissions among 2+ generations. The corresponding SI (GI) is respec-tively denoted as , and . A Bayesian approach with doubly interval-censored likelihood is employed to fit the lognormal, gamma, and Weibull distribution function of the SI and GI using the identified 337 transmission chains.FindingsIt is found that the estimated , and , thus overall both SI and GI decrease when generation increases.
Antibody testing for COVID-19: A report from the National COVID Scientific Advisory Panel
Authors:   National COVID Testing Scientific Advisory Panel, Adams Emily R , Ainsworth Mark , Anand Rekha , Andersson Monique I , Auckland Kathryn , Baillie J Kenneth , Barnes Eleanor , Beer Sally , Bell John , Berry Tamsin , Bibi Sagida , Carroll Miles , Chinnakannan Senthil , Clutterbuck Elizabeth , Cornall Richard J , Crook Derrick W , De Silva Thushan , Dejnirattisai Wanwisa , Dingle Kate E , Dold Christina , Espinosa Alexis , Eyre David W , Farmer Helen , Fernandez Mendoza Maria , Georgiou Dominique , Hoosdally Sarah J , Hunter Alistair , Jeffrey Katie , Klenerman Paul , Knight Julian , Knowles Clarice , Kwok Andrew J , Leuschner Ullrich , Levin Robert , Liu Chang , Lopez-Camacho Cesar , Martinez Garrido Jose Carlos , Matthews Philippa C , McGivern Hannah , Mentzer Alexander J , Milton Jonathan , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Moore Shona C , Oliveira Marta S , Pereira Fiona , Perez Lopez Elena , Peto Timothy , Ploeg Rutger J , Pollard Andrew , Prince Tessa , Roberts David J , Rudkin Justine K , Sanchez Veronica , Screaton Gavin R , Semple Malcolm G , Skelly Donal T , Slon-Campos Jose , Smith Elliot Nathan , Sobrino Diaz Alberto Jose , Staves Julie , Stuart David , Supasa Piyada , Surik Tomas , Thraves Hannah , Tsang Pat , Turtle Lance , Walker A Sarah , Wang Beibei , Washington Charlotte , Watkins Nicholas , Whitehouse James 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic caused >1 million infections during January-March 2020. There is an urgent need for reliable antibody detection approaches to support diagnosis, vaccine development, safe release of individuals from quarantine, and population lock-down exit strategies. We set out to evaluate the performance of ELISA and lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) devices.MethodsWe tested plasma for COVID (SARS-CoV-2) IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA and using nine different LFIA devices. We used a panel of plasma samples from individuals who have had confirmed COVID infection based on a PCR result (n=40), and pre-pandemic negative control samples banked in the UK prior to December-2019 (n=142).ResultsELISA detected IgM or IgG in 34/40 individuals with a confirmed history of COVID infection (sensitivity 85%, 95%CI 70-94%), vs. 0/50 pre-pandemic controls (specificity 100% [95%CI 93-100%]). IgG levels were detected in 31/31 COVID-positive individuals tested ≥10 days after symptom onset (sensitivity 100%, 95%CI 89-100%). IgG titres rose during the 3 weeks post symptom onset and began to fall by 8 weeks, but remained above the detection threshold. Point estimates for the sensitivity of LFIA devices ranged from 55-70% versus RT-PCR and 65-85% versus ELISA, with specificity 95-100% and 93-100% respectively. Within the limits of the study size, the performance of most LFIA devices was similar.ConclusionsCurrently available commercial LFIA devices do not perform sufficiently well for individual patient applications. However, ELISA can be calibrated to be specific for detecting and quantifying SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG and is highly sensitive for IgG from 10 days following first symptoms.