bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different protein metabolic strategies for growth during food-induced physiological plasticity
Authors: Ellison Aimee , Pouv Amara , Pace Douglas A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFood-induced morphological plasticity, a type of developmental plasticity, is a well-documented phenomenon in larvae of the echinoid echinoderm,Dendraster excentricus. A recent study in our lab has shown that this morphological plasticity is associated with significant physiological plasticity for growth. The goal of the current study was to measure several aspects of protein metabolism in larvae growing at different rates to understand the mechanistic basis for this physiological growth plasticity. Larvae ofD. excentricuswere fed rations of 1,000 (low-fed) or 10,000 (high-fed) algal cells mL−1. Primary measurements of protein growth, algal ingestion, aerobic metabolism, alanine transport and protein synthesis were used to model growth and protein metabolism. Relative protein growth rates were 6.0 and 12.2 % day−1for low- and high-fed larvae, respectively. The energetic cost of protein synthesis was similar between both treatments at 4.91 J (mg protein synthesized)−1. Larvae in both treatments used about 50% of their metabolic energy production to fuel protein synthesis. Mass-specific rates of protein synthesis were also similar. The most important difference between low- and high-fed larvae were mass-specific rates of protein degradation. Low-fed larvae had relatively low rates of degradation early in development that increased with larval age, surpassing high-fed degradation rates at 20 days post-fertilization. Changes in protein depositional efficiency during development were similar to those of larval growth efficiency, indicating that differences in protein metabolism are largely responsible for whole-organism growth plasticity. Mass-specific alanine transport rates were about 2-times higher in low-fed larvae, demonstrating that the longer arms of low-fed larvae may be a mechanism for acquiring more dissolved nutrients from their environment. In total, these results provide an explanation for the differences in growth efficiency between low- and high-fed larvae and demonstrate the importance of protein degradation pathways in establishing these growth differences. These observations, together with previous studies measuring morphological and physiological plastic responses, allow for a more integrated understanding of developmental plasticity in echinoid larvae.
Morpho-physiological and gene expression responses of wheat byAegilops cylindricaamphidiploids to salt stress
Authors: Kiani Razieh , Arzani Ahmad , Maibody S. A. M. Mirmohammady , Rahimmalek Mehdi , Razavi Khadijeh 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAegilops cylindricaHost is one of the most salt-tolerant species in the Triticeae tribe. Amphidiploid plants derived from hybridization of ‘Roshan’ ×Aegilops cylindricaand ‘Chinese Spring’ ×Ae. cylindricagenotypes contrasting in salt tolerance were assessed for their morpho-physiological responses and the expression patterns of three genes related to ion homeostasis under 250 mM NaCl. Results showed that salt stress caused significant declines in both their morphological and phenological traits. Moreover, salt stress reduced not only their chlorophyll content but also their root and shoot K contents and K/Na ratios, while it led to significant enhancements in the remaining traits. Similar toAe. cylindrica, the amphidiploids subjected to salt stress exhibited significantly higher H2O2levels, root and shoot K contents, and root and shoot K/Na ratios accompanied by lower root and shoot Na contents and MDA concentrations when compared with the same traits in the wheat parents. Quantitative Real-Time PCR showed significant differential expression patterns of theHKT1;5, NHX1, andSOS1genes between the amphidiploids and their parents. The transcript level ofHKT1;5was found to be higher in the roots than in the shoots of both the amphidiploids andAe. cylindricawhileNHX1exhibited a higher expression in the shoot tissues. The consistency of these data provides compelling support for the hypothesis that active exclusion of Na from the roots and elevated vacuolar sequestration of Na in the leaves might explain the declining Na levels in the shoots and roots of both the amphidiploids andAe. cylindricarelative to those measured in wheat parents. It is concluded that the hybridized amphiploids are potentially valuable resources for salt improvement in bread wheat through the backcrossing approach.
No modulatory effect of rhythmic visual alpha/gamma stimulation in a bistable motion illusion
Authors: Wälti Michel J. , Bächinger Marc , Wenderoth Nicole 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe ‘motion quartet’, also called stroboscopic alternative motion (SAM), is a bistable apparent motion paradigm where dots are perceived as moving either horizontally or vertically. These two percepts are known to switch randomly depending on both alpha (8 – 12 Hz) and gamma (30 – 80 Hz) oscillations within and between hemispheres, respectively. However, whether these oscillations play a causal role in triggering perceptual switches remains unknown.Here, we aimed to entrain brain oscillations in the visual system by presenting flickering stimuli. Two LEDs were flickering either at 10 Hz, 40 Hz or corresponding jittered stimulation frequencies on the left and right sides of the visual field during the presentation of a motion quartet. In our control condition (no stimulation), we show that interhemispheric gamma connectivity (spectral coherence) between the visual cortices of both hemispheres is important for sensory feature integration. On the other hand, alpha power did not predict perceptual switches for the motion quartet. Rhythmic visual stimulation with 10 Hz and 40 Hz evoked resonance-like neural responses but did not alter visual perception.Thus, although sensory stimuli seem to entrain ongoing brain rhythms, the effect on human behavior differs from the principles observed for endogenous brain oscillations.
Long-range local influenza forecasts via distributed syndromic monitoring: preliminary results
Authors: Dalziel B.D. , Chamberlain S.D. , Ariza C.A. , Daitch A.L. , Philips P.P. , Singh I. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractForecasting influenza primes public health systems to respond, reducing transmission, morbidity and mortality. Most influenza forecasts to date have, by necessity, relied on spatially course-grained data (e.g. state-or country-level incidence), and have operated at time horizons of 12 weeks or less. If influenza outbreaks could be predicted farther in advance and with increased spatial precision, then limited public health resources could be adaptively managed to minimize spread and improve health outcomes. Here, we use real-time syndromic data from a distributed network of thermometers to construct city-specific forecasts of influenza-like illness (ILI) with a horizon of 30 weeks. Daily geolocated ILI data from the network allows for estimates of recurrent city-specific patterns in ILI transmission rates. These “transmission templates” are used to parameterize an ensemble of ILI forecasts that differ randomly in three parameters, representing city- and season-specific rates of susceptible depletion and reporting, as well as differences in influenza season onset timing. For nine cities across the US, the best-in-hindsight model matches the observed data, and the best forecast variants can be identified in the early season.
CASUAL SEX AMONG MSM DURING THE PERIOD OF SHELTERING IN PLACE TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19: RESULTS OF NATIONAL ONLINE SURVEYS IN BRAZIL AND PORTUGAL
Authors: de Sousa Alvaro Francisco Lopes , de Oliveira Layze Braz , Queiroz Artur Acelino Francisco Luz Nunes , de Carvalho Hérica Emilia Felix , Schneider Guilherme , Camargo Emerson Lucas Silva , de Araujo Telma Evangelista , Brignol Sandra , Mendes Isabel Amélia Costa , McFarland Willi , Fronteira Inês 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundWe investigated the extent to which Brazilian and Portuguese MSM had casual sexual relations outside their homes during the period of sheltering in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was implemented in Brazil and Portugal in April, during the period of social isolation for COVID-19, with a sample of 2,361 MSMs. Recruitment was done through meeting apps and Facebook.ResultsMost of the sample (53.0%; considering 53.1% in Portugal and 53% in Brazil) had casual sex partners during sheltering. Factors that increased the odds of engaging in casual sex in Brazil were having group sex (aOR 2.1, 95%CI 1.3-3.4), living in a urban area (aOR 1.6, 95%CI 1.1-2.2), feeling that sheltering had high impact on daily life (aOR 3.0, 95%CI 1.1-8.3), having casual instead of steady partners (aOR 2.5, 95%CI 1.8-3.5), and not decreasing the number of partners (aOR 6.5, 95%CI 4.2-10.0). In Portugal, the odds of engaging in casual sex increased with using Facebook to find partners (aOR 4.6, 95%CI 3.0-7.2), not decreasing the number of partners (aOR 3.8, 95%CI 2.9-5.9), usually finding partners in physical venues (pre-COVID-19) (aOR 5.4, 95%CI 3.2-8.9), feeling that the isolation had high impact on daily life (aOR 3.0, 95%CI 1.3-6.7), and HIV-positive serostatus (aOR 11.7, 95%CI 4.7-29.2). Taking PrEP/Truvada to prevent COVID-19 was reported by 12.7% of MSM.ConclusionsThe pandemic has not stopped most of our MSM sample from finding sexual partners, with high risk sexual behaviors continuing. Public health messages for the prevention of COVID-19 need to be crafted to explicitly address sexual behavior to reduce contamination in the current moment.Short SummaryThe pandemic of COVID-19 did not cause changes in the sexual behavior of MSM; they continued to engage in casual sex, using drugs, having multiple partners and adopting ineffective protective measures for COVID-19.
A Survey of Potential Bacterial Hazards in Salad Vegetables Sold in Lusaka District, Zambia, in 2018
Authors: Pule Chileshe , Ndashe Kunda , Mfune Ruth , Chilumunda Abigail , Mwanza Grace , Mumba Bernadette , Silavwe Lillian Mutesu , Hang’ombe Bernard Mudenda 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTSalad vegetables are a source of fresh nutrition and can also serve a vehicle for foodborne pathogens. This was a cross sectional study conducted in February and March 2018 aimed at isolating some enteropathogens from some salad vegetables.Ten samples of each salad vegetable (carrots, cabbage, cucumbers and tomatoes) were collected from two supermarkets and two open-markets. A total of 160 samples were collected and analysed microbiologically for presence of Shigella spp, Vibrio spp and Salmonella spp. The isolated bacteria were identified by conventional biochemical tests.Vibrio spp were isolated from all the vegetables that were collected from both the two open markets (62.5% and 72.5%) and two supermarkets (67.5% and 77.5%), with the highest isolation rate recorded in cabbages. The frequency of occurrence of Shigella spp and Salmonella spp was higher in supermarkets (50% and 65%; 50% and 15%) than in the open markets (10% and 7.5%; 10% and 35%), respectively.The present study revealed the presence of potential bacterial hazards in salad vegetables sold in both open markets and supermarkets in Lusaka district. The isolated bacterial pathogens are aetiological agents of diarrheal disease that even at low dose could be infectious for sensitive populations.
Repurposing of drugs for Covid-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kotecha Pinky , Light Alexander , Checcucci Enrico , Amparore Daniele , Fiori Cristian , Porpiglia Francesco , Dasgupta Prokar , Elhage Oussama 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the data currently available regarding the repurposing of different drugs for Covid-19 treatment. Participants with suspected or diagnosed Covid-19 will be included. The interventions being considered are drugs being repurposed, and comparators will include standard of care treatment or placebo.MethodsWe searched Ovid-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, clinical trial registration site in the UK(NIHR), Europe (clinicaltrialsregister.eu), US (ClinicalTrials.gov) and internationally (isrctn.com), and reviewed the reference lists of articles for eligible articles published up to April 22, 2020. All studies in English that evaluated the efficacy of the listed drugs were included. Cochrane RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tool were used to assess study quality. This systematic review adheres to the PRISMA guidelines. The protocol is available at PROSPERO (CRD42020180915).ResultsFrom 708 identified studies or clinical trials, 16 studies and 16 case reports met our eligibility criteria. Of these, 6 were randomized controlled trials (763 patients), 7 cohort studies (321 patients) and 3 case series (191 patients). Chloroquine (CQ) had a 100% discharge rate compared to 50% with lopinavir-ritonavir at day 14, however a trial has recommended against a high dosage due to cardiotoxic events. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has shown no significant improvement in negative seroconversion rate which is also seen in our meta-analysis (p=0.68). Adverse events with HCQ have a significant difference compared to the control group (p=0.001). Lopinavir-ritonavir has shown no improvement in time to clinical improvement which is seen in our meta-analyses (p=0.1). Remdesivir has shown no significant improvement in time to clinical improvement but this trial had insufficient power.DiscussionDue to the paucity in evidence, it is difficult to establish the efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of Covid-19 as currently there is no significant clinical effectiveness of the repurposed drugs. Further large clinical trials are required to achieve more reliable findings. A risk-benefit analysis is required on an individual basis to weigh out the potential improvement in clinical outcome and viral load reduction compared to the risks of the adverse events. (1-16)
Changes in health promoting behavior during COVID-19 physical distancing: Utilizing Wearable Technology to Examine Trends in Sleep, Activity, and Cardiovascular Indicators of Health
Authors: Capodilupo Emily R , Miller Dean J 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic incited unprecedented restrictions on the behavior of society. The aims of this study were to quantify changes to sleep/wake behavior and exercise behavior, as well as changes in physiological markers of health during COVID-19 physical distancing. A retrospective analysis of 5,436 US-based subscribers to the WHOOP platform (mean age = 40.25 ± 11.33; 1,536 females, 3,900 males) was conducted covering the period from January 1st, 2020 through May 15th, 2020. This time period was separated into a 68-day baseline period and a 67-day physical distancing period. To provide context and allow for potential confounders (e.g., change of season), data were also extracted from the corresponding time periods in 2019. As compared to baseline, during physical distancing, all subjects fell asleep earlier (−0.25 hours), woke up later (0.48 hours), obtained more sleep (+0.35 hours) and reduced social jet lag (−0.21 hours). Contrasting sleep behavior was seen in 2019, with subjects falling asleep and waking up at a similar time (−0.01 hours; -0.05 hours), obtaining less sleep (−0.14 hours) and maintaining social jet lag (0.01 hours) in corresponding periods. Individuals exercised more intensely during physical distancing by increasing the time spent in high heart rate zones. In 2020, resting heart rate decreased (−0.9 beats per minute) and heart rate variability increased (+0.98 milliseconds) during physical distancing when compared to baseline. However, similar changes were seen in 2019, suggesting the variation may not be related to the introduction of physical distancing mandates. The findings suggest that changes in societal commitments (e.g., daily commute; working from home) during physical distancing may have resulted in changes to health-related behavior (i.e., increased exercise intensity and longer sleep duration). As the COVID-19 pandemic eases, maintenance of certain aspects of physical distancing (e.g., working from home) may allow for positive changes to sleep/wake and exercise behaviors.
Changing patterns of mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic: population-based modelling to understand palliative care implications
Authors: Bone Anna E , Finucane Anne M , Leniz Javiera , Higginson Irene J , Sleeman Katherine E 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 has directly and indirectly caused high mortality worldwide.AimTo explore patterns of mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for palliative care provision, planning, and research.DesignDescriptive analysis and population-based modelling of routine data.Participants and settingAll deaths registered in England and Wales between 7th March and 15th May 2020. We described the following mortality categories by age, gender and place of death: 1) baseline deaths (deaths that would typically occur in a given period) 2) COVID-19 deaths 3) additional deaths not directly attributed to COVID-19. We estimated the proportion of COVID-19 deaths among people who would be in their last year of life in the absence of the pandemic, using simple modelling with explicit assumptions.ResultsDuring the first 10 weeks of the pandemic there were 101,615 baseline deaths, 41,105 COVID-19 deaths and 14,520 additional deaths. Deaths in care homes increased by 220% compared to home and hospital deaths which increased by 77% and 90%. Hospice deaths fell by 20%. Additional deaths were among older people (86% aged ≥75 years), and most occurred in care homes (56%) and at home (43%). We estimate that 44% (38% to 50%) of COVID-19 deaths occurred among people who would have been in their last year of life in the absence of the pandemic.ConclusionsHealthcare systems must ensure availability of palliative care to support people with severe COVID-19 in community and hospital settings. Integrated models of palliative care in care homes are urgently needed.Key statementsWhat is already known about the topic?The COVID-19 pandemic has directly and indirectly resulted in high mortality in many affected nations.Internationally the response has been focused on prevention and curative treatments, with little emphasis on palliative care needs of people dying during the COVID-19 pandemic.We do not know how many of those dying with COVID-19 would have been in their last year of life in the absence of the pandemic, and this group may have distinct care needs.What this paper addsThe number of people dying in care homes trebled during the first 10 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in England and Wales; many of these deaths were ‘additional deaths’, that is associated with the COVID-19 pandemic but not directly as a result of COVID-19.We estimate almost half of all COVID-19 deaths occurred among people who would have been in their last year of life in the absence of the pandemic.Implications for practice, theory or policyHealthcare systems must ensure availability of palliative care to support people with severe COVID-19 in community and hospital settings.The need for integrated models of palliative care in care home settings is imperative and research to underpin these models is warranted.
Structural and social determinants of health factors accounted for county-level variation in non-adherence to antihypertensive medication treatment
Authors: Donneyong Macarius M. , Chang Teng-Jen , Jackson John W. , Langston Michael A. , Juarez Paul D. , Sealy-Jefferson Shawnita , Lu Bo , Im Wansoo , Valdez R. Burciaga , Baldwin Way M. , Colen Cynthia , Fischer Michael A. , Salsberry Pamela , Bridges John F. , Hood Darryl B. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundNon-adherence to antihypertensive medication treatment (AHM) is a complex health behavior with determinants that extend beyond the individual patient. The structural and social determinants of health (SDH) that predispose populations to ill health and unhealthy behaviors could be potential barriers to long-term adherence to AHM. However, the role of SDH in AHM non-adherence have been understudied.Therefore, we aimed to define and identify the SDH factors associated with non-adherence to AHM and to quantify the variation in county-level non-adherence to AHM explained by these factors.MethodsTwo cross-sectional datasets, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke (2014-2016 cycle) and the 2016 County Health Rankings (CHR), were linked to create an analytic dataset. Contextual SDH variables were extracted from both the CDC-CHR linked dataset. County-level prevalence of AHM non-adherence, based on Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries’ claims data, was extracted from the CDC Atlas dataset. The CDC measured AHM non-adherence as the Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) with AHM during a 365-day period for Medicare Part D beneficiaries and aggregated these measures at the county-level. We applied Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to identify the constructs of social determinants of AHM non-adherence. AHM non-adherence variation and its social determinants were measured with structural equation models.ResultsAmong 3,000 counties in the US, the weighted mean prevalence of AHM non-adherence (PDC<80%) in 2015 was 25.0%, Standard Deviation (SD), 18.8%. AHM non-adherence was directly associated with poverty/food insecurity (β=0.31, P-value<0.001) and weak social supports (β=0.27, P-value<0.001), but inversely with healthy built environment (β= −0.10, P-value=0.02). These three constructs explained a third (R2=30.0%) of the variation in county-level AHM non-adherence.ConclusionAHM non-adherence varies by geographical location, a third of which is explained by contextual SDH factors including poverty/food insecurity, weak social supports and healthy built environments.
Multi-model forecasts of the ongoing Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, March – October 2019
Authors: Roosa Kimberlyn , Tariq Amna , Yan Ping , Hyman James M. , Chowell Gerardo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe 2018-20 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the first to occur in an armed conflict zone. The resulting impact on population movement, treatment centers, and surveillance has created an unprecedented challenge for real-time epidemic forecasting. Most standard mathematical models cannot capture the observed incidence trajectory when it deviates from a traditional epidemic logistic curve. We fit seven dynamic models of increasing complexity to the incidence data published in the World Health Organization Situation Reports, after adjusting for reporting delays. These models include a simple logistic model, a Richards model, an endemic Richards model, a double logistic growth model, a multi-model approach, and two sub-epidemic models. We analyze model fit to the data and compare real-time forecasts throughout the ongoing epidemic across 29 weeks from March 11 to September 23, 2019. We observe that the modest extensions presented allow for capturing a wide range of epidemic behavior. The multi-model approach yields the most reliable forecasts on average for this application, and the presented extensions improve model flexibility and forecasting accuracy, even in the context of limited epidemiological data.
Linear epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein elicit neutralizing antibodies in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Li Yang , Lai Dan-yun , Zhang Hai-nan , Jiang He-wei , Tian Xiao-long , Ma Ming-liang , Qi Huan , Meng Qing-feng , Guo Shu-juan , Wu Yan-ling , Wang Wei , Yang Xiao , Shi Da-wei , Dai Jun-biao , Ying Tian-lei , Zhou Jie , Tao Sheng-ce 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 outbreak is a world-wide pandemic. The Spike protein plays central role in cell entry of the virus, and triggers significant immuno-response. Our understanding of the immune-response against S protein is still very limited. Herein, we constructed a peptide microarray and analyzed 55 convalescent sera, three areas with rich linear epitopes were identified. Potent neutralizing antibodies enriched from sera by 3 peptides, which do not belong to RBD were revealed.