bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SACCHARIN TRANSIT TIME IN EXCLUSIVE E-CIGARETTES AND HEATED TOBACCO PRODUCTS USERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Polosa R. , Emma R. , Cibella F. , Caruso M. , Conte G. , Benfatto F. , Ferlito S. , Gulino A. , Malerba M. , Caponnetto P. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTTobacco smoking impairs mucociliary clearance (MCC) efficiency as shown by prolonged saccharin test transit time (STTT). Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke from combustible cigarettes may restore MCC function and former smokers have been shown to exhibit similar STTT as never smokers. The impact of switching from smoking to combustion-free tobacco products such as e-cigarettes (ECs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) on STTT is not known. We report STTT of exclusive EC and HTP users. Test results were compared to those obtained in current, former, and never smokers.STTT were obtained from 39 current, 40 former, 40 never smokers and from 20 EC and 20 HTP users. Comparison of STTT values showed significant difference among the five study groups (p< 0.00001) with current smokers having a median (IQR) STTT of 13.15 min, which was significantly longer compared to that of all other study groups. In particular, compared to former (7.26 min) and never smokers (7.24 min), exclusive EC users and exclusive HTP users had similar STTT at 7.00 and 8.00 min respectively.Ex-smokers who have switched to exclusive regular use of combustion-free nicotine delivery systems (i.e. ECs and HTPs) exhibit similar saccharin transit time as never and former smokers. This suggests that combustion-free nicotine delivery technologies are unlikely to have detrimental effects on MCC function.
‘No lockdown’ policy for COVID-19 epidemic in Bangladesh : Good, bad or ugly?
Authors: Siam Zakaria Shams , Arifuzzaman M. , Rashid Md. Harunur , Islam Md. Shariful 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBangladesh has been combating the COVID-19 pandemic with limited financial resources and poor health infrastructure since March, 2020. Although the government has imposed several restricted measures to curb the progression of the outbreak, these arrays of measures are not sustainable in the long run. In this study, we assess the impact of lift of flexible lockdown on the COVID-19 dynamics in Bangladesh. Our analysis demonstrates that the country might experience second infection peak in 6-7 months after the withdrawal of current lockdown. Moreover, a prolonged restrictions until January, 2021 will shift the infection peak towards August, 2021 and will reduce approximately 20 % COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh.What we knowBangladesh has been going through COVID-19 crisis and in response, the Government has implemented restricted array of measures to curb the COVID-19 outbreak in Bangladesh.What this article addsThe impact of ‘no lockdown’ policies on COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.Appearance of second infection peak in 6-7 months after the withdrawal of current lockdown.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in two regions of Estonia (KoroSero-EST-1)
Authors: Jõgi Piia , Soeorg Hiie , Ingerainen Diana , Soots Mari , Lättekivi Freddy , Naaber Paul , Toompere Karolin , Peterson Pärt , Haljasmägi Liis , Žusinaite Eva , Vaas Hannes , Pauskar Merit , Shablinskaja Arina , Kaarna Katrin , Paluste Heli , Kisand Kai , Oona Marje , Janno Riina , Lutsar Irja 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn Estonia, during the first wave of COVID-19 total number of cases confirmed by PCR was 13.3/10,000, similar in most regions, including capital Tallinn, but in the hotspot of Estonian epidemic, an island Saaremaa, the cumulative incidence was 166.1/10,000.AimWe aimed to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in these two regions, symptoms associated with infection and factors associated with antibody concentrations.MethodsParticipants were selected using stratified (formed by age decades) random sampling and recruited by general practitioners. IgG were determined from sera by four assays. Symptoms of acute respiratory illness associated with seropositivity were analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis, antibody concentrations by multiple linear regression.ResultsTotal of 3608 individual were invited and 1960 recruited From May 8 to July 31, 2020. Seroprevalence was 1.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9-2.5) and 6.3% (95% CI 5.0-7.9), infection fatality rate 0.1% (95% CI 0.0-0.2) and 1.3% (95% CI 0.4-2.1) in Tallinn and Saaremaa, respectively. Of seropositive subjects 19.2% (14/73) had acute respiratory illness. Fever, diarrhea and the absence of cough and runny nose were associated with seropositivity in individuals aged 50 or more years. IgG concentrations were higher if fever, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain or diarrhea was present, or hospitalization required.ConclusionSimilarly to other European countries the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Estonia was low even in the hotspot region Saaremaa suggesting that majority of population is still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Focusing only on respiratory symptoms may delay accurate diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Diarrhea prevalence in a randomized, controlled prospective trial of point-of-use water filters in homes and schools in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Tintle Nathan , Van De Griend Kristin , Ulrich Rachel , Wade Randall D. , Baar Tena M. , Boven Emma , Cooper Carolyn E. A. , Couch Olivia , Eekhoff Lauren , Fry Benjamin , Goszkowicz Grace K. , Hecksel Maya A. , Heynen Adam , Laughlin Jade A. , Les Sydney M. , Lombard Taylor R. , Munson B. Daniel , Peterson Jonas M. , Schumann Eric , Settecerri Daniel J. , Spry Jacob E. , Summerfield Matthew J. , Sunder Meghana , Wade Daniel R. , Zonnefeld Caden G. , Brokus Sarah A. , Moen Francesco S. , Slater Adam D. , Peterson Jonathan W. , Pikaart Michael J. , Krueger Brent P. , Best Aaron A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundLack of sustainable access to clean drinking water continues to be an issue of paramount global importance, leading to millions of preventable deaths annually. Best practices for providing sustainable access to clean drinking water, however, remain unclear. Widespread installation of low-cost, in-home, point of use water filtration systems is a promising strategy.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial whereby 16 villages were selected and randomly assigned to one of four treatment arms based on the installation location of Sawyer®PointONE™ filters (filter in both home and school; filter in home only; filter in school only; control group). Water samples and self-reported information on diarrhea were collected at multiple times throughout the study.ResultsSelf-reported household prevalence of diarrhea decreased from 25.6% to 9.76% from installation to follow-up (at least 7 days, and up to 200 days post-filter installation). These declines were also observed in diarrhea with economic or educational consequences (diarrhea which led to medical treatment and/or missing school or work) with baseline prevalence of 9.64% declining to 1.57%. Decreases in diarrhea prevalence were observed across age groups. There was no evidence of a loss of efficacy of filters up to 200 days post filter installation. Installation of filters in schools was not associated with decreases in diarrhea prevalence in school-aged children or family members. Unfiltered water samples both at schools and homes contained potential waterborne bacterial pathogens, dissolved heavy metals and metals associated with particulates. All dissolved metals were detected at levels below World Health Organization action guidelines.ConclusionsThis controlled trial provides strong evidence of the effectiveness of point-of-use, hollow fiber membrane filters at reducing diarrhea from bacterial sources up to 200 days post installation when installed in homes. No statistically significant reduction in diarrhea was found when filters were installed in schools. Further research is needed in order to explore filter efficacy and utilization after 200 days post-installation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT03972618. Registered 3 June 2019 - Retrospectively registered,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03972618.
Subthalamic neural oscillations reveal no effect of implicit versus explicit facial emotional processing
Authors: Duprez Joan , Dondaine Thibaut , Houvenaghel Jean-François , Modolo Julien , Haegelen Claire , Robert Gabriel , Millet Bruno , Drapier Dominique , Péron Julie , Grandjean Didier , Drapier Sophie , Vérin Marc , Sauleau Paul 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn addition to the subthalamic nucleus’ (STN) role in motor control, STN deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease (PD) has also uncovered its involvement in cognitive and limbic processing. STN neural oscillations analyzed through local field potential (LFP) recordings have been shown to contribute to emotional (mostly in the alpha band [8-12 Hz]) and cognitive processing (theta [4-7 Hz] and beta [13-30 Hz] bands). In this study, we aimed at testing the hypothesis that STN oscillatory activity is involved in explicit and implicit processing of emotions. To achieve this objective, we used a task that presented patients with fearful emotional facial expressions and asked them to identify the emotion (explicit task) or gender associated with the face (implicit task). We evaluated emotion and task effects on STN neural oscillations power and intertrial phase consistency. Our results revealed that accuracy was lower in the implicit task. Increased STN delta power and decreased alpha and beta power were observed after stimulus presentation. However, there was no influence of emotional facial expression, i.e. neutral versus fear, nor task demands. Intertrial phase consistency in the delta and theta band increased after stimulus onset, in the same time-period as delta power increased. However, similarly to oscillatory power, no changes related to emotional fear expression or task demand were found.These findings suggest that STN oscillatory activity is not specifically involved in explicit and/or implicit processing of emotions, and that power and phase synchronization changes might be more related to overall task-execution mechanisms. These conjectures remain to be confirmed.Highlights– STN LFPs were recorded during an emotional/gender recognition task in PD patients.– STN delta power increased, and alpha and beta power decreased after stimulus onset.– Power changes were not influenced by emotional fearful expression or task demands.– Delta/theta intertrial phase consistency increased after stimulus onset.– Intertrial phase consistency was not affected by emotional valence or task demands.– The observed STN activity was likely related to general task-execution mechanisms.
Topologically associating domain boundaries are enriched in early firing origins and restrict replication fork progression
Authors: Lombardi Emilia Puig , Tarsounas Madalena 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTTopologically associating domains (TADs) are units of the genome architecture defined by binding sites for the CTCF transcription factor and cohesin-mediated loop extrusion. Genomic regions containing DNA replication initiation sites have been mapped in the proximity of TAD boundaries. However, the factors that determine this positioning have not been identified. Moreover, the impact of TADs on the directionality of replication fork progression remains unknown. Here we use EdU-seq technology to map origin firing sites at 10 kb resolution and to monitor replication fork progression after restart from hydroxyurea arrest. We show that origins firing in early/mid S-phase within TAD boundaries map to two distinct peaks flanking the centre of the boundary, which is occupied by CTCF and cohesin. When transcription is inhibited chemically or deregulated by oncogene overexpression, replication origins become repositioned to the centre of the TAD. Furthermore, we demonstrate the strikingly asymmetric fork progression initiating from origins located within TAD boundaries. Divergent CTCF binding sites and neighbouring TADs with different replication timing (RT) cause fork stalling in regions external to the TAD. Thus, our work assigns for the first time a role to transcription within TAD boundaries in promoting replication origin firing and demonstrates how genomic regions adjacent to the TAD boundaries could restrict replication progression.
Mapping the organization and dynamics of the posterior medial network during movie watching
Authors: Cooper Rose A. , Kurkela Kyle A. , Davis Simon W. , Ritchey Maureen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBrain regions within a posterior medial network (PMN) are characterized by sensitivity to episodic tasks, and they also demonstrate strong functional connectivity as part of the default network. Despite its cohesive structure, delineating the intranetwork organization and functional diversity of the PMN is crucial for understanding its contributions to multidimensional event cognition. Here, we probed functional connectivity of the PMN during movie watching to identify its pattern of connections and subnetwork functions in a split-sample replication of 136 participants. Consistent with prior findings of default network fractionation, we identified distinct PMN subsystems: a Ventral PM subsystem (retrosplenial cortex, parahippocampal cortex, posterior angular gyrus) and a Dorsal PM subsystem (medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, anterior angular gyrus). Ventral and Dorsal PM subsystems were differentiated by functional connectivity with parahippocampal cortex and precuneus and integrated by retrosplenial cortex and posterior cingulate cortex, respectively. Finally, the distinction between PMN subsystems is functionally relevant: whereas both Dorsal and Ventral PM connectivity tracked the movie content, only Ventral PM connections increased in strength at event transitions and appeared sensitive to episodic memory. Overall, these findings reveal PMN functional pathways and the distinct functional roles of intranetwork subsystems during event cognition.
2-Arachidonoylglycerol mobilization following brief synaptic stimulation in the dorsal lateral striatum requires glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission
Authors: Liput Daniel J. , Puhl Henry L. , Dong Ao , He Kaikai , Li Yulong , Lovinger David M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSeveral forms of endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling have been described in the dorsal lateral striatum (DLS), however most experimental protocols used to induce plasticity do not recapitulate the firing patterns of striatal-projecting pyramidal neurons in the cortex or firing patterns of striatal medium spiny neurons. Therefore, it is unclear if current models of eCB signaling in the DLS provide a reliable description of mechanisms engaged under physiological conditions. To address this uncertainty, we investigated mechanisms of eCB mobilization following brief synaptic stimulation that mimicsin vivopatterns of neural activity in the DLS. To monitor eCB mobilization, the novel genetically encoded fluorescent eCB biosensor, GRABeCB2.0, was expressed in corticostriatal afferents of C57BL6J mice and evoked eCB transients were measured in the DLS using a brain slice photometry technique. We found that brief bouts of synaptic stimulation induce long lasting eCB transients. Inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase, prolonged the duration of the eCB transient, while inhibition of diacylglycerol lipase inhibited the peak amplitude, suggesting that 2-AG is the predominate eCB generated following brief synaptic stimulation. 2-AG transients were robustly inhibited by AMPA and NMDA receptor antagonists, DNQX and DL-AP5 respectively. Additionally, the 2-AG transient was inhibited by the muscarinic M1 receptor (M1R) antagonist, VU 0255035, and augmented by the M1R positive allosteric modulator, VU 0486846, indicating that acetylcholine (ACh) release is required for efficient 2-AG production. The dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) agonist, quinpirole, inhibited the 2-AG transient. However, in slices from mice lacking D2Rs on cholinergic interneurons (CINs), quinpirole did not inhibit the 2-AG transient, demonstrating that D2Rs on CINs can modulate 2-AG production. The AMPA receptor or NMDA receptor antagonists, DNQX or DL-AP5 respectively, occluded 2-AG augmentation by VU 0486846 suggesting that converging glutamatergic and cholinergic signals are required for efficient 2-AG production following brief synaptic stimulation. Collectively, these data uncover unrecognized mechanisms underlying 2-AG mobilization in the DLS.
Back to the future: Implications of genetic complexity for hybrid breeding strategies
Authors: Technow Frank , Podlich Dean , Cooper Mark 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCommercial hybrid breeding operations can be described as decentralized networks of smaller, more or less isolated breeding programs. There is further a tendency for the disproportionate use of successful inbred lines for generating the next generation of recombinants, which has led to a series of significant bottlenecks, particularly in the history of the North American and European maize germplasm. Both the decentralization and the disproportionate inbred use reduce effective population size and constrain the accessible genetic space. Under these conditions, long term response to selection is not expected to be optimal under the classical infinitesimal model of quantitative genetics. In this study we therefore aim to propose an alternative rational for the success of large breeding operations in the context of genetic complexity arising from the structure and properties of interactive genetic networks. For this we use simulations based on theNKmodel of genetic architecture. We indeed found that constraining genetic space and reducing effective population size, through program decentralization and disproportionate inbred use, is required to expose additive genetic variation and thus facilitate heritable genetic gains. These results introduce new insights into why the historically grown structure of hybrid breeding programs was successful in improving the yield potential of hybrid crops over the last century. We also hope that a renewed appreciation for “why things worked” in the past can guide the adoption of novel technologies and the design of future breeding strategies for navigating biological complexity.
SugarPy facilitates the universal, discovery-driven analysis of intact glycopeptides
Authors: Schulze Stefan , Oltmanns Anne , Fufezan Christian , Krägenbring Julia , Mormann Michael , Pohlschröder Mechthild , Hippler Michael 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMotivationProtein glycosylation is a complex post-translational modification with crucial cellular functions in all domains of life. Currently, large-scale glycoproteomics approaches rely on glycan database dependent algorithms and are thus unsuitable for discovery-driven analyses of glycoproteomes.ResultsTherefore, we devised SugarPy, a glycan database independent Python module, and validated it on the glycoproteome of human breast milk. We further demonstrated its applicability by analyzing glycoproteomes with uncommon glycans stemming from the green algaChlamydomonas reinhardtiiand the archaeonHaloferax volcanii. SugarPy also facilitated the novel characterization of glycoproteins from the red algaCyanidioschyzon merolae.AvailabilityThe source code is freely available on GitHub (https://github.com/SugarPy/SugarPy), and its implementation in Python ensures support for all operating systems.Contactmhippler@uni-muenster.deandpohlschr@uni-muenster.deSupplementary informationSupplementary data are available online.
Cardiovascular disease risk factors induce mesenchymal features and senescence in cardiac endothelial cells
Authors: Hemanthakumar Karthik Amudhala , Shentong Fang , Anisimov Andrey , Mäyränpää Mikko I. , Mervaala Eero , Kivelä Riikka 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAging, obesity, hypertension and physical inactivity are major risk factors for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We applied fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), RNA sequencing and bioinformatic methods to investigate the common effects of CVD risk factors on cardiac endothelial cells (ECs). Aging, obesity and pressure overload all upregulated pathways related to TGF-β signaling and mesenchymal gene expression, inflammation, vascular permeability, oxidative stress, collagen synthesis and cellular senescence, whereas exercise training downregulated most of the same pathways. We identified collagen chaperone SerpinH1/HSP47 to be significantly increased by aging and obesity and repressed by exercise training. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that SERPINH1/HSP47 in human ECs changed cell morphology and increased mesenchymal gene expression, while its silencing inhibited collagen deposition. Our data demonstrate that CVD risk factors significantly remodel the transcriptomic landscape of cardiac ECs to acquire senescence and mesenchymal features. SERPINH1/HSP47 was identified as a potential therapeutic target in ECs.
Spatial and Temporal Organization of Odor-evoked Responses in a Fly Olfactory Circuit: Inputs, Outputs and Idiosyncrasies
Authors: Rong Haoyang , Zhang Lijun , Greer Cody , Ben-Shahar Yehuda , Holy Tim , Raman Barani 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHow is sensory information routed through different types of neurons within a circuit, and do equivalent circuits in different individuals follow similar organizational principles? We examined this issue in the fruit fly olfactory system. Odor-evoked signals from sensory neurons (ORNs) triggered neural responses that were patterned over space and time in cholinergic ePNs and GABAergic iPNs within the antennal lobe. The dendritic-axonal (I/O) response mapping was complex and diverse, and axonal organization was region-specific (mushroom body vs. lateral horn). In the lateral horn, feed-forward excitatory and inhibitory axonal projections matched ‘odor tuning’ in a stereotyped, dorsal-lateral locus, but mismatched in most other locations. In the temporal dimension, ORN, ePN and iPN odor-evoked responses had similar encoding features, such as information refinement over time and divergent ON and OFF responses. Notably, analogous spatial and temporal coding principles were observed in all flies, and the latter emerged from idiosyncratic neural processing approaches.HighlightsConsistency and idiosyncrasy both exist in ORN, ePN and iPN functional mapsSignal transformations between different ePN compartments are complex and diverseTemporal decorrelation between stimuli happens in all three neuronal populationsOFF responses that are orthogonal to ON responses emerge after odor termination