bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the relationship between IGF-I, -II and IGFBP-3 concentrations and later-life cognition and brain volume
Authors: Salzmann Antoine , James Sarah-Naomi , Williams Dylan M. , Richards Marcus , Cadar Dorina , Schott Jonathan M. , Coath William , Sudre Carole H. , Chaturvedi Nishi , Garfield Victoria 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe insulin/insulin-like signalling (IIS) pathways, including Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs), varies with age. However, their association with late-life cognition and neuroimaging parameters is not well characterised.MethodsUsing data from the British 1946 birth cohort we investigated associations of IGF-I, -II and IGFBP-3 (measured at 53 and 60-64 years) with cognitive performance (word learning test (WLT) and visual letter search (VLS) – at 60-64y and 69y) and cognitive state (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Exam-III (ACE-III) - at 69-71y), and in a proportion, quantified neuroimaging measures (whole brain volume (WBV); white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV); hippocampal volume (HV)). Regression models included adjustments for demographic, lifestyle and health factors.ResultsHigher IGF-I and IGF-II at 53y was associated with higher ACE-III scores (ß 0.07 95%CI [0.02,0.12]; scoreACE-III 89.48 [88.86,90.1], respectively). IGF-II at age 53y was additionally associated with higher WLT scores (scoreWLT 20 [19.35,20.65]). IGFBP-3 at 60-64y was associated with favourable VLS score at 60-64y and 69y (ß 0.07 [0.01,0.12]; ß 0.07 [0.02,0.12], respectively), higher memory and cognitive state at 69y (ß 0.07 [0.01,0.12]; ß 0.07 [0.01,0.13], respectively) and reduced WMHV (ß -0.1, [-0.21,-0.00]). IGF-I/IGFBP-3 at 60-64y was associated with lower VLS scores at 69y (ß -0.08, [-0.15,-0.02]).ConclusionsIncreased measure in IIS parameters (IGF-I, -II and IGFBP-3) relate to better cognitive state in later life. There were apparent associations with specific cognitive domains (IGF-II relating to memory; IGFBP-3 to memory, processing speed and WMHV; and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratio with slower processing speed). IGFs and IGFBP-3 are associated with favourable cognitive function outcomes.
EVALUATION OF ELEVEN IMMUNOCHROMATOGRAPHIC ASSAYS FOR SARS-CoV-2 DETECTION: INVESTIGATING DENGUE CROSS-REACTION
Authors: Oliveira Beatriz Araujo , de Oliveira Lea Campos , de Oliveira Franciane Mendes , Pereira Geovana Maria , de Souza Regina Maia , Manuli Erika Regina , Marchini Fabricio Klerynton , Espinoza Evelyn Patrícia Sanchez , Park Marcelo , Taniguchi Leandro , Mendes Pedro Vitale , Franco Lucas Augusto Moyses , Nastri Ana Catharina , de Oliveira Maura Salaroli , Vieira Junior José Mauro , Kallas Esper Georges , Levin Anna Sara , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Costa Silvia Figueiredo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 disease (Coronavirus disease 2019) caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is widespread worldwide, affecting more than 11 million people globally (July 6th, 2020). Diagnostic techniques have been studied in order to contain the pandemic. Immunochromatographic (IC) assays are feasible and low cost alternative for monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in the population.MethodsHere we evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of eleven different immunochromatographic tests in 98 serum samples from confirmed cases of COVID-19 through RT-PCR and 100 negative serum samples from blood donors collected in February 2019. Considering the endemic situation of Dengue in Brazil, we also evaluated the cross-reactivity with Dengue using 20 serum samples from patients with confirmed diagnosis for Dengue collected in early 2019 through four different tests.ResultsOur results demonstrated agreement between immunochromatographic assays and RT-PCR, especially after 10 days since the onset of symptoms. The evaluation of IgG and IgM antibodies combined demonstrated a strong level of agreement (0.85) of IC assays and RT-PCR. It was observed cross-reactivity between Dengue and COVID-19 using four different IC assays for COVID-19 diagnosis. The specificity of IC assays to detected COVID-19 IgM antibodies using Dengue serum samples varied from 80% to 85%; the specificity of IgG detection was 100% and total antibody was 95%.ConclusionsWe found high sensitivity, specificity and good agreement of IC assays, especially after 10 days onset of symptoms. However, we detected cross-reactivity between Dengue and COVID-19 mainly with IgM antibodies demonstrating the need for better studies about diagnostic techniques for these diseases.HighlightsImmunochromatographic assays demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity and good agreement with the gold-standard RT-PCR;Increase in sensitivity and specificity of assays using samples collected after the 10th day of symptoms;Cross-reaction with Dengue serology in evaluation of IgM.
Back to Basics: Correlates of HIV Risk in a Community Sample of Haiti
Authors: Joshi Manisha , Rahill Guitele J. , Rice Christopher , Phycien Paul , Burris Cameron , Maio Alyssa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHaiti has a 2.2 % HIV prevalence (highest in the Caribbean); this has diminished from over 12% in the past three decades (depending on sex and gender, province, and neighborhood). Preliminary studies indicate that in the Cite Soleil neighborhood of Haiti (HIV prevalence >3%) as in socioeconomically equivalent adjacent neighborhoods, over 50% of girls and women experience non-partner sexual violence (NPSV), typically perpetrated by groups of men. Rates of NPSV against men in those neighborhoods were not available. Coercive sex heightens HIV risk. Accurate HIV knowledge empowers individuals (including survivors of NPSV) to assess personal HIV risk and increases likelihood of getting tested and of determining personal HIV status; thus, accurate HIV knowledge is foundational to behavioral risk reduction for victims in future consensual relationships and to engagement in either the HIV prevention or care continuum.Between March and July 2017, we surveyed individuals 18 years or older (210 women, 257 men), assessing experience of NPSV, HIV knowledge, history of HIV testing, knowledge of HIV status, assessment of self-risk, and sexual risk behaviors. Nearly 30% of men and 24% of women endorsed having experienced NPSV. Knowledge of HIV transmission was low: 90% endorsed HIV myths, e.g. transmission occurs via public toilets, via sharing a glass with or by being exposed to a cough or sneeze from a person living with HIV. High endorsement of these myths contrasted with low endorsement of protective behavior: Only 14.3 % used a condom during consensual sex in the past year. Only 47.9% of the respondents had ever attended an HIV awareness program; 16% of knew their HIV status, although 79% assessed their HIV risk as moderate to high. Results regressing knowledge of HIV testing on participant characteristics indicated that women (OR=2.8), individuals with a partner (OR=2.2), individuals who attended an HIV awareness class (OR=2.1), individuals who knew someone with HIV (OR=3.9), and individuals who had an HIV test (OR=33.5) were more likely to know what an HIV test is. Participants who endorsed experiencing NPSV (OR=0.33) and those who had been diagnosed with an STI (OR=0.44) were less likely to know about HIV testing.Experience of NPSV combined with low HIV knowledge, awareness and testing heighten the HIV prevention needs of Cite Soleil residents and underscore the need to return to basics on the road to HIV eradication in that context.
Acceleration of health deficit accumulation in late-life: Evidence of terminal decline in frailty index three years before death in the US Health and Retirement study
Authors: Stolz Erwin , Mayerl Hannes , Hoogendijk Emiel O. , Armstrong Joshua J. , Roller-Wirnsberger Regina , Freidl Wolfgang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about within-person frailty index (FI) changes during the last years of life. In this study, we assess whether there is a phase of accelerated health deficit accumulation (terminal health decline) in late-life.Material and methods23,393 observations from up to the last 21 years of life of 5,713 deceased participants of the AHEAD cohort in the Health and Retirement Study were assessed. A FI with 32 health deficits was calculated for up to 10 successive biannual assessments (1995-2014), and FI changes according to time-to-death were analyzed with a piecewise linear mixed model with random change points.ResultsThe average normal (pre-terminal) health deficit accumulation rate was 0.01 per year, which increased to 0.05 per year at approximately 3 years before death. Terminal decline began earlier in women and was steeper among men. The accelerated (terminal) rate of health deficit accumulation began at a FI value of 0.29 in the total sample, 0.27 for men, and 0.30 for women.ConclusionWe found evidence for an observable terminal health decline in the FI following declining physiological reserves and failing repair mechanisms. Our results suggest a conceptually meaningful cut-off value for the continuous FI around 0.30.
Evaluation of fully oxidized β-carotene as a feed ingredient to reduce bacterial infection and somatic cell counts in cows with subclinical mastitis
Authors: McDougall S 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimsTo assess the effect of oral supplementation with fully oxidised β-carotene (OxBC) on bacteriological cure, incidence of clinical mastitis, and somatic cell counts (SCC) in cows with subclinical intramammary infection.MethodsCows from four dairy herds were enrolled in early lactation if they had quarter-level SCC >200,000 cells/mL and they had a recognised bacterial intramammary pathogen in one or more quarters. They were randomly assigned to be individually fed from Day 0, for an average of 40 days, with 0.5 kg of a cereal-based supplementary feed that either contained 300 mg of OxBC (treatment; n=129 quarters) or did not (control; n=135 quarters). Quarter-milk samples were collected on Days 21 and 42 for microbiology and SCC assessment. Bacteriological cure was defined as having occurred when the bacteria present on Day 0 were not isolated from samples collected on Days 21 or 42. Clinical mastitis was diagnosed and recorded by herdowners up to Day 42.ResultsThe bacteriological cure rate was greater for quarters from cows in the treatment group (13.9 (95% CI=4.1–23.7)%) than for quarters from cows in the control group (6.9 (95% CI=4.8–9.1)%; p=0.02). The prevalence of quarters that were infected on Day 42 was less in cows in the treatment group (79.9 (95% CI=62.3-97.6)%) than the control group (88.2 (95% CI=78.4-97.9)%; p=0.009). The incidence of quarters diagnosed with clinical mastitis by Day 42 was lower in cows from the treatment group (1/129 (0.78 (95% CI=0.02-4.24)%) than in cows from the control group (6/135 (4.44 (95% CI=1.65-9.42)%; p=0.03). Mean quarter-level SCC did not differ between treatment groups (p=0.34).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceFeeding 300 mg/cow/day of fully oxidised β-carotene resulted in a higher bacteriological cure rate, a lower prevalence of intramammary infection following 6 weeks of feeding, and a lower incidence of clinical mastitis compared to untreated controls. This offers a non-antimicrobial approach to reducing prevalence of intramammary infection in dairy cows.
The histone demethylase KDM5 is required for synaptic structure and function at theDrosophilaneuromuscular junction
Authors: Belalcazar Helen M. , Hendricks Emily L. , Zamurrad Sumaira , Liebl Faith L.W. , Secombe Julie 
Published: October 2020

SummaryMutations in the genes encoding the KDM5 family of histone demethylases are observed in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Despite clear evidence linking KDM5 function to neurodevelopmental pathways, how this family of proteins impacts transcriptional programs to mediate synaptic structure and activity remains unclear. Using theDrosophilalarval neuromuscular junction (NMJ), we show that KDM5 is required for neuroanatomical development and synaptic function. The JmjC-domain encoded histone demethylase activity of KDM5, which is expected to be diminished by many ID-associated alleles and required for appropriate synaptic morphology and neurotransmission. The C5HC2 zinc finger of KDM5 is also involved, as an ID-associated mutation in this motif reduces NMJ bouton number but increases bouton size. KDM5 therefore uses demethylase-dependent and independent mechanisms to regulate NMJ structure and activity, highlighting the complex nature by which this chromatin modifier carries out its neuronal gene regulatory programs.
Presynaptic accumulation of α-synuclein causes synaptopathy and progressive neurodegeneration
Authors: Bridi Jessika C. , Bereczki Erika , Smith Saffron K. , Poças Gonçalo M. , Kottler Benjamin , Domingos Pedro M. , Elliott Christopher J. , Aarsland Dag , Hirth Frank 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlpha-synuclein (α-syn) mislocalisation and accumulation in intracellular inclusions is the major pathological hallmark of degenerative synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s disease with Dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Typical symptoms are behavioural abnormalities including motor deficits that mark disease progression, while non-motor symptoms and synaptic deficits are already apparent during the early stages of disease. Synucleinopathies have therefore been considered synaptopathies that exhibit synaptic dysfunction prior to neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms and events underlying synaptopathy are largely unknown. Here we investigated the cascade of pathological events underlying α-syn accumulation and toxicity in aDrosophilamodel of synucleinopathy by employing a combination of histological, biochemical, behavioural and electrophysiological assays. Our findings demonstrate that targeted expression of human α-syn leads to its accumulation in presynaptic terminals that caused downregulation of synaptic proteins, Cysteine String Protein, Synapsin, and Syntaxin 1A, and a reduction in the number of Bruchpilot puncta, the core component of the presynaptic active zone essential for its structural integrity and function. These α-syn-mediated presynaptic alterations resulted in impaired neuronal function, which triggered behavioural deficits in ageingDrosophilathat occurred prior to progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Comparable alterations in presynaptic active zone protein were found in patient brain samples of Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Together, these findings demonstrate that presynaptic accumulation of α-syn impairs the active zone and neuronal function, which together cause synaptopathy that results in behavioural deficits and the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. This sequence of events resembles the cytological and behavioural phenotypes that characterise the onset and progression of synucleinopathies, suggesting that α-syn mediated synaptopathy is an initiating cause of age-related neurodegeneration.
Determining the efficacy of hand sanitizers against virulent nosocomial infections
Authors: Najdawi Jawad , Hubble Lester , Scarborough Alec , Watz Matthew , Watson Paul Andrew 
Published: October 2020

The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of 0.13% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) (Steirolotion™), 100% ethanol, and 70% ethyl alcohol (Purell™) hand sanitizer in subduing the growth of nosocomial bacteria – methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa ) - when plated on culture media over an extended period of time. In addition, our objective was to quantify the length of time these hand sanitizer agents remained effective, and to extrapolate their efficacy in decreasing the transmission of hospital-acquired infections. 50 microliters of either BAC, 100% ethanol, or 70% ethyl alcohol hand gel sanitizer were pipetted onto Trypticase soy agar with 5% sheep blood plates that were cultured with either MRSA, VRE, or P. aeruginosa . The plates were then incubated at 37.0?. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured daily for 5 days and additionally zones were noted whether or not regrowth recurred in areas where previous growth had initially been inhibited. BAC was found to be superior to both 100% ethanol and 70% ethyl alcohol in the inhibition of MRSA over all time points (p values < .05). BAC was found to be superior to 70% ethyl alcohol in the inhibition of VRE over all time points (p values < .05), but not statistically superior to 100% ethanol against the inhibition of VRE over any time points. BAC was found to be superior to 70% ethyl alcohol and 100% ethanol in the inhibition of pseudomonas over 72 and 24 hours, respectively (p values < .05). The results of this study demonstrate in vitro efficacy of BAC of preventing regrowth of common nosocomial bacteria over a prolonged period of time, especially when compared to ethyl alcohol. Further study is warranted to determine in vivo effectiveness of this formulation of BAC as well as the appropriate time frame of application for effectiveness against P. aeruginosa .
Within-patient genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kuipers Jack , Batavia Aashil A , Jablonski Kim Philipp , Bayer Fritz , Borgsmüller Nico , Dondi Arthur , Drăgan Monica-Andreea , Ferreira Pedro , Jahn Katharina , Lamberti Lisa , Pirkl Martin , Posada-Céspedes Susana , Topolsky Ivan , Nissen Ina , Santacroce Natascha , Burcklen Elodie , Schär Tobias , Capece Vincenzo , Beckmann Christiane , Kobel Olivier , Noppen Christoph , Redondo Maurice , Nadeau Sarah , Seidel Sophie , Santamaria de Souza Noemie , Beisel Christian , Stadler Tanja , Beerenwinkel Niko 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic, is evolving into different genetic variants by accumulating mutations as it spreads globally. In addition to this diversity of consensus genomes across patients, RNA viruses can also display genetic diversity within individual hosts, and co-existing viral variants may affect disease progression and the success of medical interventions. To systematically examine the intra-patient genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2, we processed a large cohort of 3939 publicly-available deeply sequenced genomes with specialised bioinformatics software, along with 749 recently sequenced samples from Switzerland. We found that the distribution of diversity across patients and across genomic loci is very unbalanced with a minority of hosts and positions accounting for much of the diversity. For example, the D614G variant in the Spike gene, which is present in the consensus sequences of 67.4% of patients, is also highly diverse within hosts, with 29.7% of the public cohort being affected by this coexistence and exhibiting different variants. We also investigated the impact of several technical and epidemiological parameters on genetic heterogeneity and found that age, which is known to be correlated with poor disease outcomes, is a significant predictor of viral genetic diversity.Author SummarySince it arose in late 2019, the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) behind the COVID-19 pandemic has mutated and evolved during its global spread. Individual patients may host different versions, or variants, of the virus, hallmarked by different mutations. We examine the diversity of genetic variants coexisting within patients across a cohort of 3939 publicly accessible samples and 749 recently sequenced samples from Switzerland. We find that a small number of patients carry most of the diversity, and that patients with more diversity tend to be older. We also find that most of the diversity is concentrated in certain regions and positions of the virus genome. In particular, we find that a variant reported to increase infectivity is among the most diverse positions. Our study provides a large-scale survey of within-patient diversity of the SARS-CoV-2 genome.
Application of DNA barcodes and spatial analysis in conservation genetics and modeling of Iranian Salicornia genetic resources
Authors: Zeinalabedini Mehrshad , Khoshkholgh Sima Nayer Azam , Ghaffari Mohammad Reza , Ebadi Ali , Farsi Maryam 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIran is one of the origins of some Salicornia species. Nevertheless, so far, comprehensive research has not been conducted on genetic potential, distribution, selection of populations, and the economic utilization of Salicornia in Iran. In the current study, Salicornia was collected based on the previous research locations available on 26 different geographical locations of provinces in Iran. Subsequently, an accurate model was provided for identifying of Salicornia species biodiversity by performing spatial analysis and modeling of distributed areas. The results provided valuable information on the diversity of specific geographical regions, conservation status of existing species, prioritization of conservation areas, and selection of areas for Agro-Ecological, leading to the development of industrial agriculture. Further, we validated genes in the field of DNA barcoding in Salicornia plants using matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA, ycf and ITS2 identifying species groups. Together, integrating our results will provide useful information for the management and utilization of Salicornia genetic resources in Iran.
Validating Dynamicity in Resting State fMRI with Activation-Informed Temporal Segmentation
Authors: Duda Marlena , Koutra Danai , Sripada Chandra 
Published: October 2020

AbstractConfirming the presence (or absence) of dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) states during rest is an important open question in the field of cognitive neuroscience. The prevailing dFC framework aims to identify dynamics directly from connectivity estimates with a sliding window approach, however this method suffers from several drawbacks including sensitivity to window size and poor test-retest reliability. We hypothesize that time-varying changes in functional connectivity are mirrored by significant temporal changes in functional activation, and that this coupling can be leveraged to study dFC without the need for a predefined sliding window. Here we introduce a straightforward data-driven dFC framework, which involves informed segmentation of fMRI time series at candidate FC state transition points estimated from changes in whole-brain functional activation, rather than a fixed-length sliding window. We show our approach reliably identifies true cognitive state change points when applied on block-design working memory task data and outperforms the standard sliding window approach in both accuracy and computational efficiency in this context. When applied to data from four resting state fMRI scanning sessions, our method consistently recovers five reliable FC states, and subject-specific features derived from these states show significant correlation with behavioral phenotypes of interest (cognitive ability, personality). Overall, these results suggest abrupt whole-brain changes in activation can be used as a marker for changes in connectivity states, and provides strong evidence for the existence of time-varying FC in rest.