bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in recovered severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Olea Beatriz , Albert Eliseo , Torres Ignacio , Amat Paula , Remigia María José , Gozalbo-Rovira Roberto , Rodríguez-Díaz Jesús , Buesa Javier , Blasco María Luisa , Redón Josep , Signes-Costa Jaime , Navarro David 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTObjectivesThere is an imperative need to determine the durability of adaptive immunity to SARS-CoV-2. We enumerated SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells targeting S1 and M proteins and measured RBD-specific serum IgG over a period of 2-6 months after symptoms onset in a cohort of subjects who had recovered from severe clinical forms of COVID-19.MethodsWe recruited 58 patients (38 males and 20 females; median age, 62.5 years), who had been hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia, 60% with one or more comorbidities. IgG antibodies binding to SARS-CoV-2 RBD were measured by ELISA. SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD69+-expressing-IFNγ-producing-CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were enumerated in heparinized whole blood by flow cytometry for ICS.ResultsDetectable SARS-CoV-2-S1/M-reactive CD69+-IFN-γ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were displayed in 17 (29.3%) and 6 (10.3%) subjects respectively, at a median of 84 days after onset of symptoms (range, 58-191 days). Concurrent comorbidities increased the risk (OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.03-9.61; P=0.04) of undetectable T-cell responses in models adjusted for age, sex and hospitalization ward. Twenty-one out of the 35 patients (60%) had detectable RBD-specific serum IgGs at a median of 118 days (range, 60 to 145 days) after symptoms onset. SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific IgG serum levels were found to drop significantly over time.ConclusionA relatively limited number of subjects who developed severe forms of COVID-19 had detectable SARS-CoV-2-S1/M IFNγ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at midterm after clinical diagnosis. Our data also indicated that serum levels of RBD-specific IgGs decline over time, becoming undetectable in some patients.
Histone H3K4me1 and H3K27ac play roles in nucleosome depletion and eRNA transcription, respectively, at enhancers
Authors: Kang Yujin , Kim Yea Woon , Kang Jin , Kim AeRi 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTHistone H3K4me1 and H3K27ac are enhancer specific modifications and are required for enhancers to activate transcription of target genes. However the reciprocal effects of these histone modifications on each other and their roles in enhancers are not clear. Here to comparatively analyze the role of these modifications, we inhibited H3K4me1 and H3K27ac by deleting SET domain of histone methyltransferases MLL3 and MLL4 and HAT domain of histone acetyltransferase p300, respectively, in erythroid K562 cells. The loss of H3K4me1 reduced H3K27ac at the β-globin enhancer LCR HSs, but H3K27ac reduction did not affect H3K4me1. This unequal relationship between two modifications was revealed in putative enhancers by genome-wide analysis using ChIP-seq. Histone H3 depletion at putative enhancers was weakened by the loss of H3K4me1 but not by the loss of H3K27ac. Chromatin remodeling complexes were recruited into the β-globin LCR HSs in a H3K4me1-dependent manner. In contrast, H3K27ac was required for enhancer RNA (eRNA) transcription, and H3K4me1 was not enough for it. Forced H3K27ac induced eRNA transcription without affecting H3K4me1 at the β-globin LCR HSs. These results indicate that H3K4me1 and H3K27ac affect each other in different ways and play more direct roles in nucleosome depletion and eRNA transcription, respectively, at enhancers.
Cultivation and characterization of a novel clade of deep-sea Chloroflexi: providing a glimpse of the phylum Chloroflexi involved in sulfur cycling
Authors: Zheng Rikuan , Cai Ruining , Liu Rui , Shan Yeqi , Liu Ge , Sun Chaomin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractChloroflexi bacteria are abundant and globally distributed in various unexplored biospheres on Earth. However, only few Chloroflexi members have been cultivated, hampering further understanding of this important group. In the current study, we firstly clarify the high abundance of the phylum Chloroflexi in deep-sea sediments via the operational taxonomic units analysis. We further successfully isolate a novel Chloroflexi strain ZRK33 from cold seep sediments by using an enrichment medium constantly supplemented with rifampicin. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene, genome, RpoB and EF-tu proteins indicate that strain ZRK33 represents a novel class, and the class is designated as Sulfochloroflexia because whole set of genes encoding key enzymes responsible for assimilatory sulfate reduction are identified in the genome of strain ZRK33. Indeed, assimilation of sulfate or thiosulfate by strain ZRK33 evidently benefits its growth and morphogenesis. Proteomic results suggest that metabolization of sulfate or thiosulfate significantly promotes the transport and degradation of various macromolecules and thereby stimulating the energy production. Notably, the putative genes associated with assimilatory and dissimilatory sulfate reduction ubiquitously distribute in the metagenome-assembled genomes of 27 Chloroflexi members derived from deep-sea sediments, strongly suggesting that Chloroflexi bacteria play undocumented key roles in deep-sea sulfur cycling.
Different translation dynamics of β- and γ-actin regulates cell migration
Authors: Vedula Pavan , Kurosaka Satoshi , MacTaggart Brittany , Ni Qin , Papoian Garegin A. , Jiang Yi , Dong Dawei , Kashina Anna 
Published: January 2021

Abstractβ- and γ-cytoplasmic actins are ubiquitously expressed in every cell type and are nearly identical at the amino acid level but play vastly different rolesin vivo. Their essential roles in embryogenesis and cell migration critically depend on the nucleotide sequences of their genes, rather than their amino acid sequence. However it is unclear which gene elements underlie this effect. Here we address the specific role of the coding sequence in β- and γ-cytoplasmic actins’ intracellular functions, using stable cell lines with exogenously expressed actin isoforms and their “codon-switched” variants. When targeted to the cell periphery using the β-actin 3′UTR, β-actin and γ-actin have differential effects on cell migration. These effects directly depend on the coding sequence. Single molecule measurements of actin isoform translation, combined with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, demonstrate a pronounced difference in β- and γ-actins’ translation elongation rates, leading to changes in their dynamics at focal adhesions, impairments in actin bundle formation, and reduced cell anchoring to the substrate during migration. Our results demonstrate that coding sequence-mediated differences in actin translation play a key role in cell migration.
Accumulation of detached kelp biomass in a subtidal temperate coastal ecosystem induces succession of epiphytic and sediment bacterial communities
Authors: Brunet Maéva , de Bettignies Florian , Le Duff Nolwen , Tanguy Gwenn , Davoult Dominique , Leblanc Catherine , Gobet Angélique , Thomas François 
Published: January 2021

SummaryKelps are dominant primary producers in temperate coastal ecosystems. Large amounts of kelp biomass can be exported to the seafloor during the algal growth cycle or following storms, creating new ecological niches for the associated microbiota. Here, we investigated the bacterial community associated with the kelp Laminaria hyperborea during its accumulation and degradation on the seafloor. Kelp tissue, seawater and sediment were sampled during a 6‐month in situ experiment simulating kelp detritus accumulation. Evaluation of the epiphytic bacterial community abundance, structure, taxonomic composition and predicted functional profiles evidenced a biphasic succession. Initially, dominant genera (Hellea, Litorimonas, Granulosicoccus) showed a rapid and drastic decrease in sequence abundance, probably outcompeted by algal polysaccharide‐degraders such as Bacteroidia members which responded within 4 weeks. Acidimicrobiia, especially members of the Sva0996 marine group, colonized the degrading kelp biomass after 11 weeks. These secondary colonizers could act as opportunistic scavenger bacteria assimilating substrates exposed by early degraders. In parallel, kelp accumulation modified bacterial communities in the underlying sediment, notably favouring anaerobic taxa potentially involved in the sulfur and nitrogen cycles. Overall, this study provides insights into the bacterial degradation of algal biomass in situ, an important link in coastal trophic chains.
Progression of cannabis withdrawal symptoms in people using medical cannabis for chronic pain
Authors: Coughlin Lara N. , Ilgen Mark A. , Jannausch Mary , Walton Maureen A. , Bohnert Kipling M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsResearch from cohorts of individuals with recreational cannabis use indicates that cannabis withdrawal symptoms are reported by more than 40% of those using regularly. Withdrawal symptoms are not well understood in those who use cannabis for medical purposes. Therefore, we prospectively examined the stability of withdrawal symptoms in individuals using cannabis to manage chronic pain.Design, Setting, ParticipantsUsing latent class analysis (LCA) we examined baseline cannabis withdrawal to derive symptom profiles. Then, using latent transition analysis (LTA) we examined the longitudinal course of withdrawal symptoms across the time points. Exploratory analyses examined demographic and clinical characteristics predictive of withdrawal class and transitioning to more or fewer withdrawal symptoms over time.A cohort of 527 adults with chronic pain seeking medical cannabis certification or re‐certification was recruited between February 2014 and June 2015. Participants were recruited from medical cannabis clinic waiting rooms in Michigan, USA. Participants were predominantly white (82%) and 49% identified as male, with an average age of 45.6 years (standard deviation = 12.8).MeasurementsBaseline, 12‐month and 24‐month assessments of withdrawal symptoms using the Marijuana Withdrawal Checklist–revised.FindingsA three‐class LCA model including a mild (41%), moderate (34%) and severe (25%) symptom class parsimoniously represented withdrawal symptoms experienced by people using medical cannabis. Stability of withdrawal symptoms using a three‐class LTA at 12 and 24 months ranged from 0.58 to 0.87, with the most stability in the mild withdrawal class. Younger age predicted greater severity and worsening of withdrawal over time.ConclusionsAdults with chronic pain seeking medical cannabis certification or re‐certification appear to experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms tend to be stable over a 2‐year period, but younger age is predictive of worse symptoms and of an escalating withdrawal trajectory.
Neutral effect of exenatide on serum testosterone in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort
Authors: Graybill Sky , Hatfield Jennifer , Kravchenko Maria , Beckman Darrick , Tate Joshua , Beauvais Alexis , Clerc Philip , Davila Desarae , Forbes Whitney , Wardian Jana , Kemm Matthew , Hubberd Abegail , True Mark 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundEndogenous testosterone increases with weight loss from diet, exercise, and bariatric surgery. However, little is known about testosterone levels after weight loss from medication.ObjectivesUncover the effects of Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) therapy on serum testosterone.Material and MethodsProspective cohort study of men starting GLP‐1 RA therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus.Results51 men lost 2.27 kg (p = 0.00162) and their HbA1c values improved by 0.7% (p = 0.000503) after 6 months of GLP‐1 RA therapy. There was no significant change in testosterone for the group as a whole. However, in subgroup analyses, there was a significant difference in total testosterone change between men starting with baseline total testosterone <320 ng/dL (238.5 ± 56.5 ng/dL to 272.2 ± 82.3 ng/dL) compared to higher values (438 ± 98.2 ng/dL to 412 ± 141.2 ng/dL) (p = 0.0172);free testosterone increased if the baseline total testosterone was <320 ng/dL (55.2 ± 12.8 pg/mL to 57.2 ± 17.6 pg/mL) and decreased if >320 ng/dL (74.7 ± 16.3 pg/mL to 64.2 ± 17.7 pg/mL) (p = 0.00807). Additionally, there were significant differences in testosterone change between men with HbA1c improvements ≥1% (351.6 ± 123.9 ng/dL to 394.4 ± 136.5 ng/dL) compared to men with HbA1c changes <1% (331.8 ± 128.6 ng/dL to 316.1 ± 126.2 ng/dL) (p = 0.0413).ConclusionGLP‐1 RA therapy improves weight and HbA1c without adverse effects on testosterone. Those starting with lower testosterone values or attaining greater improvement in HbA1c may see additional benefits.
Delivery of digestive surgery services during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Indonesian Society of Digestive Surgeons online survey
Authors: Nugroho Adianto , Arifin Fransicus , Wibowo Agung Ary , Handaya A. Yuda , Rivai M. Iqbal , Mulyawan Made , Niam Muhammad , Budiono Parish , Kristian Iwan , Putro Mamiek Dwi , Widianto Perwira , Warsinggih Warsinggih 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, digestive surgery potentially exposes both health‐care professionals and vulnerable patients to COVID‐19. A survey was conducted with aim to determine the digestive surgery services provided during the COVID‐19 pandemic, optimize safety for patients and clinicians, and safeguard health‐care services.MethodsAn online survey was conceived and circulated to members of the Indonesian Society of Digestive Surgeons. The survey was conducted in two phases, in April 2020 and July 2020, to evaluate changes in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic.ResultsEarly in the pandemic (April 2020), the median number of major digestive surgeries performed monthly declined from 20 cases (range. 3‐100 cases) to 1 case (range. 0‐10 cases) (P < .001; Wilcoxon signed‐rank test). Most of the cases in April 2020 addressed emergency problems, but more definitive surgeries were performed during the later period of the survey. The importance of screening for COVID‐19 with polymerase chain reaction has increased over time, and a more comprehensive screening methodology incorporating real‐time polymerase chain reaction, chest CT, and rapid antibody test were evident in 31.37% of July 2020 responses.ConclusionOur survey has shown that surgeons adapted to the evolving pandemic and continue to do so only with appropriate safety assurances.
Exclusion Expected? Cardiac Slowing Upon Peer Exclusion Links Preschool Parent Representations to School‐Age Peer Relationships
Authors: White Lars O. , Bornemann Boris , Crowley Michael J. , Sticca Fabio , Vrtička Pascal , Stadelmann Stephanie , Otto Yvonne , Klein Annette M. , von Klitzing Kai 
Published: January 2021

Attachment theory proposes that children’s representations of interactions with caregivers guide information‐processing about others, bridging interpersonal domains. In a longitudinal study (N = 165), preschoolers (Mage = 5.19 years) completed the MacArthur Story Stem Battery to assess parent representations. At school‐age (Mage = 8.42 years), children played a virtual ballgame with peers who eventually excluded them to track event‐related cardiac slowing, a physiological correlate of rejection, especially when unexpected. At both ages, parents and teachers reported on peer and emotional problems. During exclusion versus inclusion‐related events, cardiac slowing was associated with greater positive parent representations and fewer emerging peer problems. Cardiac slowing served as a mediator between positive parent representations and peer problems, supporting a potential psychophysiological mechanism underlying the generalization of attachment‐related representations to peer relationships.
Topical corticosteroid allergy: Results of sequential testing to a corticosteroid series in New Zealand
Authors: Murphy Victoria L. , Patel Denesh C. , Lamb Steven R. , Cheng Harriet S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundOur institution tests the European Baseline Series (EBS) and a steroid series sequentially in all patients presenting for patch testing. The rate of steroid sensitization in New Zealand has not previously been documented.ObjectivesTo investigate the rate of corticosteroid sensitization and assess additional benefit of testing the full steroid series over the steroid allergy markers in the EBS.Methods/PatientsRetrospective analysis of all patient demographics and patch test results over a 5‐year period (2014 to 2019) was performed at a tertiary patch test clinic in Auckland, New Zealand.ResultsA total of 319 patients completed patch testing, and 4.4% were sensitized to one or more corticosteroids. As much as 79% of positive reactions were of current relevance; 11/14 reactions were to tixocortol pivalate or budesonide. The “number needed to test” to detect one additional case of corticosteroid sensitization by using the full corticosteroid series over the EBS alone was 107.ConclusionsAlthough corticosteroid sensitization was not uncommon in our population, the results suggest that sequential testing with the corticosteroid markers (budesonide and tixocortol) in the standard series alone is adequate. The additional corticosteroid series should be added if the markers are positive or where there is a clinical suspicion of corticosteroid allergy.
Evolutionary developmental biology and sustainability: A biology of resilience
Authors: Gilbert Scott F. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEvolutionary developmental biology, and especially ecological developmental biology, is essential for discussions of sustainability and the responses to global climate change. First, this paper explores examples of animals that have successfully altered their development to accommodate human‐made changes to their environments. We next document the ability of global warming to disrupt the development of those organisms with temperature‐dependent sex‐determination or with phenologies coordinating that organism's development with those of other species. The thermotolerance of Homo sapiens is also related to key developmental factors concerning brain development and maintenance, and the development of corals, the keystone organisms of tropical reefs, is discussed in relation to global warming as well as to other anthropogenic changes. While teratogenic and endocrine‐disrupting compounds are not discussed in this essay, the ability of glyphosate herbicides to block insect development is highlighted. Last, the paper discusses the need to creatively integrate developmental biology with ecological, political, religious, and economic perspectives, as the flourishing of contemporary species may require altering the ways that Western science has considered the categories of nature, culture, and self.
Overused laboratory test of haemoglobin A1c at one medical centre in southern Taiwan
Authors: Hung Te‐Yu , Chan Kun‐Chen , Ma Li‐Jung 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsTo investigate overused laboratory test of haemoglobin Ac1 (HbA1c) in one medicine centre in southern Taiwan.MethodsData were extracted from the database of the Medical Center from March 2013 to March 2015. These patients were classified into five groups, including group A (diabetic patients with HbA1c value ≥7), group B (healthy people with HbA1c value ≥7), group C (diabetic patients with HbA1c test value <7), group D (healthy people with HbA1c value <6.5) and group E (prediabetic people with HbA1c value 6.5‐7). The divisions requested for HbA1c test were divided into four categories, including endocrinology, internal medicine, surgery and the others. Repeat testing at the time of the second test was investigated using survival analysis.ResultsThe percentage of overall inappropriate repeat testing was as high as 34%. The percentages among the five patient groups were relatively different. Group C had the largest percentage of inappropriate repeat testing (48%) and group A had the second largest (30%), followed by groups D (25%), E (13%) and B (10%). The percentages of inappropriate repeat testing of the five patient groups were also relatively different among the four categories of division, with Kaplan‐Meier curves showing significant differences. The time to repeat testing was the shortest for group A and was the second shortest for group C, followed by groups B, E and D.ConclusionsThe results provided detailed information about the percentages of inappropriate repeat testing of HbA1c of the five patient groups among the four categories of division.
Review Article: Hawai‘i's Cesspool Problem: Review and Recommendations for Water Resources and Human Health
Authors: Mezzacapo Michael , Donohue Mary J. , Smith Celia , El‐Kadi Aly , Falinski Kim , Lerner Darren T. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCesspools as onsite sewage disposal systems (OSDS) are widespread in the Hawaiian Islands and of concern due to their lack of primary treatment and direct discharge of pathogens and nutrients into groundwater. Approximately 88,000 cesspools in Hawai‘i release nearly 55 million gallons per day (mgd) of sewage into the ground. Here, we review the status of wastewater pollution, with an emphasis on cesspools, and associated impacts to water resources, nearshore ecosystems, and human health. We present evidence supporting the creation of a cesspool conversion plan, highlighting the need to upgrade cesspools. Knowledge gaps in areas such as hydraulic/hydrologic modeling and technological limitations in identifying specific wastewater sources present barriers to addressing cesspool challenges. We show many of these constraints can be diminished. For example, limitations in identifying specific sources from wastewater indicators using %N and δ15N can be reduced with available land‐use information and potential pollution sources to clarify concentration and isotopic data. Resource management presents many challenges, including recognition of diverse societal views and values. To overcome discrepancies in available data, and varying societal values, the use of transparent, adaptable framework methods such as “structured decision‐making” offers approaches for problem solving. Such frameworks are consistent with a holistic management approach to OSDS that couple the natural and social sciences in identifying and addressing barriers to reduce negative impacts. Maintaining momentum through adoption of clearly articulated short‐, medium‐, and long‐term achievement benchmarks associated with such a management approach is recommended.