bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reversal of Epigenetic Age with Diet and Lifestyle in a Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Fitzgerald Kara N. , Hodges Romilly , Hanes Douglas , Stack Emily , Cheishvili David , Szyf Moshe , Henkel Janine , Twedt Melissa W. , Giannopoulou Despina , Herdell Josette , Logan Sally , Bradley Ryan 
Published: July 2020

SUMMARYManipulations to set back biological age and extend lifespan in animal models are well established, and translation to humans has begun. The length of human life makes it impractical to evaluate results by plotting mortality curves, so surrogate markers of age have been suggested and, at present, the best established surrogates are DNA methylation clocks. Herein we report on a randomized, controlled clinical trial designed to be a first step in evaluating the effect of a diet and lifestyle intervention on biological age. Compared to participants in the control group (n=20), participants in the treatment group tested an average 3.23 years younger at the end of the eight-week program according to the Horvath DNAmAge clock (p=0.018). Those in the treatment group (n=18) tested an average 1.96 years younger at the end of the program compared to the same individuals at the beginning with a strong trend towards significance (p=0.066 for within group change). This is the first such trial to demonstrate a potential reversal of biological age. In this study, the intervention was confined to diet and lifestyle changes previously identified as safe to use. The prescribed program included multiple components with documented mechanistic activity on epigenetic pathways, including moderate exercise, breathing exercises for stress, and a diet rich in methyl donor nutrients and polyphenols.
Feasibility and sociopsychological impact of video consultations in medical oncology - a randomized controlled open label trial
Authors: Walle Thomas , Erdal Erkin , Mühlsteffen Leon , Singh Hans Martin , Gnutzmann Editha , Grün Barbara , Hofmann Helene , Ivanova Alexandra , Köhler Bruno , Korell Felix , Mavratzas Athanasios , Mock Andreas , Pixberg Constantin Frederic , Schult David , Starke Helen , Steinebrunner Niels , Woydack Lena , Schneeweiss Andreas , Dietrich Mareike , Jäger Dirk , Krisam Johannes , Kather Jakob N. , Winkler Eva C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundMobile phone video call applications generally did not undergo testing in randomized controlled clinical trials prior to their implementation in patient care regarding the rate of successful patient visits and impact on the physician-patient relationship.MethodsThe NCT MOBILE trial was a monocentric open-label randomized controlled clinical trial of patients with solid tumors undergoing systemic cancer therapy with need of a follow-up visit with their consulting physician at outpatient clinics. 66 patients were 1:1 randomized to receive either a standard in-person follow-up visit at outpatient clinics or a video callviaa mobile phone application. The primary outcome was feasibility defined as the number of successful appointments at the first follow up visit. Secondary outcomes included success rate of further video calls, time spent by patient and physician, patient satisfaction, and quality of physician-patient relationship.FindingsSuccess rate of the first follow up visit in the intention-to-treat cohort was 87.8% for in-person visits and 78.7% for video calls (p=0.51, RR=0.88-1.43 95%CI). The most common reasons for failure were software incompatibility (12%) in the video call and no-show (6%) in the in-person visit arm. The success rate for further video visits was 91.6% (11 of 12 calls). Standardized patient questionnaires showed significantly decreased total time spent and less direct costs for patients (Δ95 to 246min 95%CI, Δ4.8 to 23.9€ 95%CI) and comparable time spent for physicians in the video call arm (Δ-6.4 to 5.4min, 95%CI). Doctor-patient relationship quality mean scores assessed by the validated standardized “questionnaire on quality of physician-patient interaction”(QQPPI) were higher in the video call arm (video call/in-person = 1.12 fold, p=0.02).InterpretationFollow-up visits with the tested mobile phone video call application were feasible but software compatibility should be critically evaluated.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00015788, 26thOctober 2018
A simplified SARS-CoV-2 detection protocol for research laboratories
Authors: Paz Sean , Mauer Christopher , Ritchie Anastasia , Robishaw Janet D. , Caputi Massimo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWidespread testing is required to limit the current public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple tests protocols have been authorized by the food and drugs administration under an emergency use authorization (EUA). The majority of these protocols are based on the gold-standard RT-qPCR test pioneered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, there is still a widespread lack of testing in the US and many of the clinical diagnostics protocols require extensive human labor and materials, such as RNA extraction kits, that could face supply shortages and present biosafety concerns. Given the need to develop alternative reagents and approaches to allow nucleic-acid testing in the face of heightened demand and potential shortages, we have developed a simplified SARS-CoV-2 testing protocol adapted for its use in laboratory research with minimal molecular biology equipment and expertise. The protocol requires minimal BSL1 biosafety level precautions and facilities.
Decontamination of N95 masks against coronavirus: a scoping review
Authors: Sarkis-Onofre Rafael , do Carmo Borges Rafaela , Demarco Giulia , Dotto Lara , Schwendicke Falk , Demarco Flávio Fernando 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAt present, it remains uncertain which method to decontaminate N95 is most suitable and should be recommended to healthcare professionals worldwide.ObjectivesThe aim of this scoping review was to map and compile the available evidence about the effectiveness of decontaminating N95 masks against coronavirus.MethodsWe selected studies written in English assessing or discussing decontamination strategies of N95 masks against coronavirus. The search and study screening were performed in PubMed and SCOPUS by two independent researchers. A descriptive analysis was performed considering the study design of included studies.ResultsWe included nineteen studies. Eight articles were letter to the editors, five were in vitro studies, three were literature reviews, and three were classified as other study designs. The use of vaporized hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet irradiation were the strategies most cited. However, there is a lack of evidence and consensus related to the best method of N95 masks decontamination.ConclusionThe evidence towards decontamination strategies of N95 masks against coronavirus remains scarce. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet irradiation seem the current standard for N95 masks decontamination.
Neonatal death: supporting bereaved mothers
Authors: Embaireeg Alia , Ayed Amal KA , Ayed Mariam Khader 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundDeath of a child is a devastating experience for parents, owing to which parents may show dissatisfaction towards medical care or suffer from intense and prolonged grief. The objective of the present study was to explore the needs of bereaved mothers after the death of their infant.MethodsThe present study was a descriptive qualitative design that consisted of 10 mothers who have been bereaved in the past year. All mothers were recruited from the registry. Data were obtained through an unstructured single interview and analyzed using conventional content analysis.ResultsThe current study demonstrated that parents had the same needs despite their different backgrounds, socioeconomic standards, and religious beliefs. Their needs were based on several main points; 1) Lack of sensitivity/method in delivering the news, 2) Bonding with the child; 3) Safety and family support; 4) Providing understanding and meaning; 5) Ability to express emotions.ConclusionsThe key components that should be considered to support the bereaved parents include honesty, information, choices, and timing. The present study provided a comprehensive view of the overall experiences of the parents with neonatal death and the ability to give guidance to the healthcare providers.
Multidisciplinary approach to COVID-19 risk communication: A framework and tool for individual and regional risk assessment
Authors: Parajuli Rishi Ram , Mishra Bhogendra , Banstola Amrit , Ghimire Bhoj Raj , Poudel Shobha , Sharma Kusum , Dixit Sameer Mani , Sah Sunil Kumar , Simkhada Padam , Van Teijlingen Edwin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has exceeded over ten million cases globallywith no vaccine available yet. Different approaches are followed to mitigate its impact and reduce its spreading in different countries, but limiting mobility and exposure have been de-facto precaution to reduce transmission. However, a full lockdown cannot be sustained for a prolonged period. Evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach on risk zoning, personal and transmission risk assessment on a near real-time, and risk communication would support the optimized decisions to minimize the impact of coronavirus on our lives. This paper presents a framework to assess the individual and regional risk of COVID-19 along with risk communication tools and mechanisms. Relative risk scores on a scale of 100 represent the integrated risk of influential factors. The personal risk model incorporates: age, exposure history, symptoms, local risk and existing health condition, whereas regional risk is computed through the actual cases of COVID-19, public health risk factors, socioeconomic condition of the region, and immigration statistics. A web application tool (www.covira.info) has been developed, where anyone can assess their risk and find the guided information links primarily for Nepal. This study provides regional risk for Nepal, but the framework is scalable across the world. However, personal risk can be assessed immediately from anywhere.
Quantification of the South African Lockdown Regimes, for the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic, and the Levels of Immunity They Require to Work
Authors: Childs S. J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis research quantifies the various South African lockdown regimes, for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, in terms of the basic reproduction number, r0. It further calculates the levels of immunity required for these selfsame lockdown regimes to begin to work, then predicts their perceived values, should infections have been underestimated by a factor of 10. The first, level-5 lockdown was a valiant attempt to contain the highly infectious, SARS-CoV-2 virus, based on a limited knowledge. Its basic reproduction number (r0= 1.93) never came anywhere close to the requirement of being less than unity. Obviously, it could be anticipated that the same would apply for subsequent, lower levels of lockdown. The basic reproduction number for the level-3 lockdown was found to be 2.34 and that of the level-4 lockdown, 1.69. The suggestion is therefore that the level-4 lockdown might have been marginally ‘smarter’ than the ‘harder’, level-5 lockdown, although its basic reproduction number may merely reflect an adjustment by the public to the new normal, or the ever-present error associated with data sets, in general. The pandemic’s basic reproduction number was calculated to be 3.16, in the Swedish context. The lockdowns therefore served to ensure that the medical system was not overwhelmed, bought it valuable time to prepare and provided useful data. The lockdowns nonetheless failed significantly in meeting any objective to curtail the pandemic.
Development of Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) for Cell Tracking and Detection
Authors: Melo Kierstin P , Makela Ashley V , Knier Natasha N , Hamilton Amanda M , Foster Paula J 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionMagnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a new imaging modality that sensitively and specifically detects superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) within a sample. SPION-based MRI cell tracking has very high sensitivity, but low specificity and quantification of iron labeled cells is difficult. MPI cell tracking could overcome these challenges.MethodsMDM-AB-231BR cells labeled with MPIO, mice were intracardially injected with either 2.5 × 105or 5.0 × 105cells. MRI was performed in vivo the same day at 3T using a bSSFP sequence. After mice were imaged ex vivo with MPI. In a second experiment Mice received an intracardiac injection of either 2.5 × 105or 5 × 104MPIO-labeled 231BR cells. In a third experiment, mice were injected with 5 × 1044T1BR cells, labelled with either MPIO or the SPION Vivotrax. MRI and MPI was performed in vivo.ResultsSignal from MPI and signal voids from MRI both showed more iron content in mice receiving an injection of 5.0 × 105cells than the 2.5 × 105injection. In the second experiment, Day 0 MRI showed signal voids and MPI signal was detected in all mouse brains. The MPI signal and iron content measured in the brains of mice that were injected with 2.5 × 105cells were approximately four times greater than in brains injected with 5 × 104cells. In the third experiment, in vivo MRI was able to detect signal voids in the brains of mice injected with Vivotrax and MPIO, although voids were fainter in Vivotrax labeled cells. In vivo MPI signal was only detectable in mice injected with MPIO-labeled cells.ConclusionThis is the first example of the use of MPIO for cell tracking with MPI. With an intracardiac cell injection, approximately 15% of the injected cells are expected to arrest in the brain vasculature. For our lowest cell injection of 5.0 × 104cells this is ∼10000 cells.
Unbiased placental secretome characterization identifies candidates for pregnancy complications
Authors: Napso T , Zhao X , Ibañez Lligoña M , Sandovici I , Kay RG , Gribble FM , Reimann F , Meek CL , Hamilton RS , Sferruzzi-Perri AN 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPregnancy requires adaptation of maternal physiology to enable normal fetal development. These adaptations are driven, in part, by the production of placental hormones. Failures in maternal adaptation and placental function lead to pregnancy complications including abnormal birthweight and gestational diabetes. However, we lack information on the full identity of hormones secreted by the placenta that mediate changes in maternal physiology. This study used an unbiased approach to characterise the secretory output of mouse placental endocrine cells and examined whether these data could identify placental hormones that are important for determining pregnancy outcome in humans. Secretome and cell peptidome analyses were performed using mass spectrometry on cultured primary trophoblast and fluorescence-activated sorted endocrine cells from pregnant mouse dams, and a placenta secretome map containing 319 proteins was generated. Gene ontology analyses showed that a high proportion of placental secretome proteins are involved in metabolic and immune modulation, signalling and growth. The majority of proteins identified are also expressed by human placenta and several have been reported to be dysregulated in pregnancy complications. Moreover, in proof of concept studies, we found that the relative abundance of secreted placental proteins (sFLT1/MIF and ANGPT2/MIF ratios) was increased in women at 12 weeks of pregnancy, prior to diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Finally, we identified several transcription factors that may be important for controlling hormone production by the placenta and associate with pregnancy outcome. Thus, our observations suggest that analysis of the placental secretome could lead to the identification of new placental biomarkers of pregnancy complications.
C4 photosynthesis with Kranz anatomy evolved in the Oryza coarctata Roxb
Authors: Chowrasia Soni , Mondal Tapan Kumar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe C4 cycle is a complex biochemical pathway that has been evolved in plants to deal with the adverse environmental conditions. Mostly C4 plants grow in arid, water-logged area or poor nutrient habitats. Wild species, Oryza coarctata (genome type KKLL; chromosome number (4x) =48, genome size 665 Mb) belongs to the genus of Oryza which thrives well under high saline as well as submerged conditions. Here, we report for the first time that O. coarctata is a C4 plant by observing the increased biomass growth, morphological features such as vein density, anatomical features including ultrastuctural characteristics as well as expression patterns of C4 related genes. Leaves of O. coarctata have higher vein density and possess Kranz anatomy. The ultrastructural observation showed chloroplast dimorphism i.e. presence of agranal chloroplasts in bundle sheath cells whereas, mesophyll cells contain granal chloroplasts. The cell walls of bundle sheath cells contain tangential suberin lamella. The transcript level of C4 specific genes such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase, NADP-dependent malic enzyme and malate dehydrogenase was higher in leaves of O. coarctata compare to high yielding rice cultivar (IR-29). These anatomical, ultra structural as well as molecular changes in O. coarctata for C4 photosynthesis adaptation might be might be due to its survival in wide diverse condition from aquatic to saline submerged condition. Being in the genus of Oryza, this plant could be potential donor for production of C4 rice in future through conventional breeding, as successful cross with rice has already been reported.
The role of syndapin-2 mediated transcytosis across the blood-brain barrier on amyloid-β accumulation in the brain
Authors: Leite Diana M. , Seifi Mohsen , Ruiz-Perez Lorena , Nguemo Filomain , Plomann Markus , Swinny Jerome D. , Battaglia Giuseppe 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA deficient transport of amyloid-(Aβ) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and its diminished clearance from the brain, contributes to neurodegenerative and vascular pathologies, including Alzheimer’s (AD) and cerebral angiopathy, respectively. At the BBB, Aβ efflux transport is associated with the low-density receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). However, the precise mechanisms governing Aβ transport across the BBB, in health and disease, remain to be fully understood. Recent evidence indicates that the LRP1 transcytosis occurs through a tubulation-mediated mechanism stabilised by syndapin-2. Here, we show that syndapin-2 is associated with Aβ clearance via LRP1 across the BBB. We further demonstrate that risk factors for AD, Aβ expression and ageing, are associated with a decline in the native expression of syndapin-2 within brain endothelium. Our data reveal that the syndapin-2-mediated pathway, and its balance with the endosomal sorting, are important for Aβ clearance proposing a measure to evaluate AD and ageing, as well as a target for counteracting Aβ build-up. Moreover, we provide evidence for the impact of the avidity of Aβ assemblies in their trafficking across the brain endothelium and in LRP1 expression levels, which may affect the overall clearance of Aβ across the BBB.
Potential silencing of gene expression by PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in somatic tissues in mollusk
Authors: Huang Songqian , Ichikawa Yuki , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Igarashi Yoji , Mariom  , Kinoshita Shigeharu , Asaduzzaman Md , Omori Fumito , Maeyama Kaoru , Nagai Kiyohito , Watabe Shugo , Asakawa Shuichi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPIWI/piRNA suppress transposon activity in animals, thereby safeguarding the genome from detrimental insertion mutagenesis. Recently, evidence revealed additional piRNA targets and functions in various animals. Although piRNAs are ubiquitously expressed in somatic tissues of the pearl oysterPinctada fucata, their role is not well-characterized. Here, we report a PIWI/piRNA pathway, including piRNA biogenesis and piRNA-mediated gene regulation inP. fucata. A locked-nucleic-acid modified oligonucleotide (LNA-antagonist) was used to silence a single piRNA (piRNA0001) expression inP. fucata, which resulted in the differential expression of hundreds of endogenous genes. Target prediction analysis revealed that, following silencing, tens of endogenous genes were targeted by piRNA0001, including twelve up-regulated and nine down-regulated genes. Bioinformatic analyses suggested that different piRNA populations participate in the ping-pong amplification loop in a tissue-specific manner. These findings have improved our knowledge of the role of piRNA in mollusks, and provided evidence to understand the regulatory function of the PIWI/piRNA pathway on protein-coding genes outside of germline cells.
Antibody responses to SARS-CoV2 are distinct in children with MIS-C compared to adults with COVID-19
Authors: Weisberg Stuart P. , Connors Thomas , Zhu Yun , Baldwin Matthew , Lin Wen-hsuan , Wontakal Sandeep , Szabo Peter A. , Wells Steven B. , Dogra Pranay , Gray Joshua , Idzikowski Emma , Bovier Francesca T. , Davis-Porada Julia , Matsumoto Rei , Li Poon Maya Meimei , Chait Michael , Mathieu Cyrille , Horvat Branka , Decimo Didier , Bitan Zachary C. , La Carpia Francesca , Ferrara Stephen A. , Mace Emily , Milner Joshua , Moscona Anne , Hod Eldad , Porotto Matteo , Farber Donna L. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTClinical manifestations of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are associated with age. While children are largely spared from severe respiratory disease, they can present with a SARS-CoV-2-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) similar to Kawasaki’s disease. Here, we show distinct antibody (Ab) responses in children with MIS-C compared to adults with severe COVID-19 causing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and those who recovered from mild disease. There was a reduced breadth and specificity of anti-SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in MIS-C patients compared to the COVID patient groups; MIS-C predominantly generated IgG Abs specific for the Spike (S) protein but not for the nucleocapsid (N) protein, while the COVID-19 cohorts had anti-S IgG, IgM and IgA Abs, as well as anti-N IgG Abs. Moreover, MIS-C patients had reduced neutralizing activity compared to both COVID-19 cohorts, indicating a reduced protective serological response. These results suggest a distinct infection course and immune response in children and adults who develop severe disease, with implications for optimizing treatments based on symptom and age.
Prehospitalization Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) use and Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19
Authors: Ramachandran Preethi , Perisetti Abhilash , Gajendran Mahesh , Jean-Louis Farla , Bansal Pardeep , Dwivedi Alok Kumar , Goyal Hemant 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and AimGastric acid has shown to neutralize many viruses. The working receptor of SARS-CoV-2 is angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), which has shown to be omnipresent in the gastrointestinal tract. There is a theoretical concern that SARS-CoV-2 can escape the neutralization by gastric acid because of hypochlorhydria caused by the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and can predispose the patients for severe COVID-19.MethodsWe studied the association between prehospitalization PPI use and clinical outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.ResultsIn our study, 15.6% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were on PPIs at home. Mortality among PPI-users was 2.3 times higher than non-users, along with 2.5 times higher risk of mechanical ventilation. This relationship existed even after adjusting for confounding variables.ConclusionThese results warrant further investigation in prospective studies to evaluate if PPI-induced hypochlorhydria is associated with worse outcomes, including mortality because of the omnipresence of ACE-2 in the gastrointestinal tract.