bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Bonding Predicts Actigraphy-Measured Sleep Parameters in Depressed and Nondepressed Adults
Authors: Rojo-Wissar Darlynn M. , McQuaid John R. , Ancoli-Israel Sonia , Gengler Devan N. , Haynes Patricia L. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Associations between subjective maternal bonding recalled from the first 16 years of life and current sleep indices were investigated in a clinical sample of 34 adults with major depressive disorder and 36 normal controls (n = 70) using the self-report parental bonding instrument and wrist actigraphy. Results of multiple linear regression analyses indicated that reports of maternal bonding indices were associated with several sleep indices in adulthood independent of depression status. Higher levels of maternal care were associated with greater time in bed and total sleep time. Higher levels of maternal overprotection were associated with fewer awakenings. Findings indicate that reported maternal bonding characteristics in childhood are related to objectively measured sleep characteristics in adulthood, independent of mood state.
Do Changes in Employment Status Induce or “Harvest” Suicides?
Authors: Parker Gordon 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn a seminal Swedish study, Gemmill and colleagues pursued whether suicides after economic contractions might reflect an “induction” process whereby economic change induces suicide in those otherwise unlikely to engage in self-destructive behavior, or a “displacement” process whereby economic contractions effectively bring forward suicides that would have occurred eventually, and found support for both hypotheses. We therefore undertook a replication study examining the hypotheses in the Australian state of New South Wales, analyzing suicide data for the same period as examined in Sweden (i.e., 2000–2011) and also over an extended period of 1978 to 2015. Our analyses failed to replicate findings from the Swedish study in that we found greater support for the induction hypothesis. Significant associations varied across sex and age groups. Our findings support the longstanding Durkheim hypothesis that suicide rates increase during times of low social integration and as a consequence of the economic changes acting as a precipitant stressor.
Evaluation of the Clinical Features, Management, and Prognoses of Patients With Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Authors: Buyukgol Huseyin , Ilik Faik , Ertem Devrimsel Harika 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCharles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is characterized by visual hallucinations with preservation of cognitive abilities. The hallucinations consist mostly of vivid (realistic) objects and tend to reoccur. Here, we evaluate the etiologies, symptoms, treatments, and prognoses of 13 CBS cases. All patients had visual hallucinations but were normal on cognitive and psychiatric assessments. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment options, and 3-month follow-up data were retrospectively reviewed. The possible causes of CBS and what the patients perceived during their hallucinations were recorded. Antipsychotic agents, such as risperidone and quetiapine, and anticonvulsants, such as levetiracetam, may be effective in some cases.
Clinical and Inflammatory Factors Influencing Constipation and Quality of Life in Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Maria Ferreira Ana Cristina Fernandes , Eveloff Ryan J. , Freire Marcelo , Rodrigues Santos Maria Teresa Botti 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionIntestinal constipation is a clinical consequence, secondary to neuromotor disturbances, which acts on subjects with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing constipation and the quality of life (QOL) of CP subjects.Materials and methodsWe recruited a total of 63 subjects aging from 5-17 years with spastic CP who received physical rehabilitation. The subjects were divided into two groups including with and without constipation. Subjects were assigned into one of the 4 groups (G1-4) based on the prevalence of 1) CP and 2) Constipation. Subjects were assigned as CP with constipation (G1), CP without constipation (G2), and controls without CP with constipation (G3) and without CP and without constipation (G4). Subjects’ demographics, use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), motor function, caregiver priorities and child health index of life with disabilities (CPCHILD) were included. In addition to medical metadata, a subset of subjects was evaluated for oral and systemic inflammation through gingival bleeding and serum cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) respectively. Statistical significance was evaluated by ANOVA One-Way (parametric data) and Kruskal Wallis (non-parametric data).ResultsA significant relationship was found between the type of medication and constipation. Subjects taking GABA and GABA+ (GABA in association with other medication) were more likely to be constipated than the other groups (P < 0.01). Additionally, quality of life was directly correlated with constipation; subjects in G1 presented the lower mean score of CPCHILD (49.0 #x00B1;13.1) compared to G2 (71.5 ± 16.7), when compared to G3 (88.9 ± 7.5), and G4 (95.5 ±5.0) (P < 0.01). Inflammation was more severe for patients in G1 (P < 0.001). There were no differences among groups regarding gender (P = 0.332) and age (P = 0.292).ConclusionsOur results suggest that constipation was mostly affected by the use of certain antiepileptic drugs, namely GABA. This showed direct detrimental effect on CP quality of life, which was influenced by inflammatory cytokines and the dosage and type of AEDs.
Transcriptomics of Type 2 Diabetic and Healthy Human Neutrophils
Authors: Kleinstein Sarah E. , McCorrison Jamison , Ahmed Alaa , Hasturk Hatice , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Freire Marcelo 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTObjectivesChronic inflammatory diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are heterogeneous and often co-morbid, with increasing global prevalence. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) can result in severe inflammatory complications. As neutrophils are essential to inflammation, we conducted RNA-seq transcriptomic analyses to investigate the association between neutrophil gene expression and T2D phenotype. Further, as specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, including resolvin E1 (RvE1), can actively resolve inflammation, we further surveyed the impact of RvE1 on isolated neutrophils.MethodsCell isolation and RNA-seq analysis of neutrophils from N=11 T2D and N=7 healthy individuals with available clinical data was conducted. Additionally, cultured neutrophils (N=3 T2D, N=3 healthy) were perturbed with increasing RvE1 doses (0nM, 1nM, 10nM, or 100nM) prior to RNA-seq. Data was evaluated through a bioinformatics pipeline including pathway analysis andpost hocfalse-discovery rate (FDR)-correction.ResultsWe observed significant differential expression of 50 genes between T2D and healthy neutrophils (p<0.05), including decreased T2D gene expression in inflammatory- and lipid-related genesSLC9A4, NECTIN2andPLPP3(p<0.003). RvE1 treatment induced dose-dependent differential gene expression (uncorrected p<0.05) across groups, including 59 healthy and 216 T2D neutrophil genes. Comparing T2D to healthy neutrophils, 1097 genes were differentially expressed across RvE1 doses, including two significant genes,LILRB5andAKR1C1, involved in inflammation (p<0.05).ConclusionsInflammatory- and lipid-related genes were differentially expressed between T2D and healthy neutrophils, and RvE1 dose-dependently modified gene expression in both groups. Unraveling the mechanisms regulating abnormalities in diabetic neutrophil responses could lead to better diagnostics and therapeutics targeting inflammation and inflammation resolution.
Influence of stimulus complexity on the specificity of visual perceptual learning
Authors: Bakhtiari Shahab , Awada Asmara , Pack Christopher C. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAlthough the structure and function of the human visual system are determined in large part during early development, there is ample evidence for adult plasticity as well. Such plasticity has important consequences for restoring vision after cortical damage and for improving function in healthy people. Although these applications have shown promising results, they are often limited by pathological specificity: Improvements obtained through perceptual training fail to generalize beyond the trained stimulus feature or location. Efforts to reduce specificity have focused on the design of training tasks, but less is known about the effects of stimulus structure on the specificity of perceptual learning. Here, we leverage physiological findings from the dorsal visual pathway of the primate brain to explore the hypothesis that learning specificity is related to the complexity of the training stimulus. Specifically, because neurons in higher-level structures of the dorsal visual pathway exhibit little stimulus specificity, we reasoned that training with more complex stimuli would reduce the specificity of learning. We trained human observers on stimuli of varying complexity, ranging from simple sinewave gratings to complex optic flow fields. Our results show that training with more complex stimuli reduces specificity for spatial position and stimulus features. Such changes are associated with increased spatial integration. These findings were captured by a computational “reweighting” model that decoded the outputs of simulated neurons in areas MT and MST of the primate visual cortex. Our results suggest that the addition of more complex stimuli into perceptual learning paradigms provides a simple and effective way to minimize specificity in learning.
Conversion of Diffusely Abnormal White Matter to Focal Lesions is Linked to Progression in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Dadar Mahsa , Narayanan Sridar , Arnod Douglas L. , Collins D Louis , Maranzano Josefina 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTObjectives1) To automatically segment focal white matter lesions (FWML) and Diffusely abnormal white matter (DAWM), i.e. regions of diffuse abnormality observed on conventional (T2-weighted) MRI and characterize their longitudinal volumetric and normalized T1-weighted (T1w) intensity evolution, 2) To assess associations of FWML and DAWM with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and confirmed disability progression (CDP).MethodsData includes 3951 timepoints of 589 SPMS participants followed for three years. FWML and DAWM were automatically segmented using a 2-weighted-intensity thresholding technique. Screening DAWM volumes that transformed into FWML at the last visit (DAWM-to-FWML) and normalized T1w intensities (as a marker of severity of damage) in those voxels were calculated.ResultsFWML volume significantly increased and DAWM volume significantly decreased as disease duration increased (p<0.001). Global EDSS scores were positively associated with FWML volumes (p=0.002), but not with DAWM volumes. Median volume of DAWM-to-FWML was significantly higher in patients who progressed (2.75 vs 1.70 cc; p<0.0001), and represented 14% of the total DAWM volume at screening, compared to 10% in patients who did not progress (p=0.001). Normalized T1w intensity values of DAWM-to-FWML were negatively associated with CDP status (p<0.00001).ConclusionDAWM transformed into FWML over time, and this transformation was significantly associated with clinical progression. DAWM voxels that transformed had greater normalized T1w intensity decrease over time, in keeping with relatively greater tissue damage evolution. Evaluation of DAWM in progressive MS provides a useful measure to evaluate therapies that aim to protect this at-risk tissue with the potential to slow progression.
The right temporoparietal junction is causally associated with embodied perspective taking
Authors: Martin A.K. , Kessler K. , Cooke S. , Huang J. , Meinzer M. 
Published: November 2019

Several theories exist pertaining to the role of the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) in social cognition. A prominent theory claims the rTPJ is especially associated with embodied processes. In the present study we use high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to provide evidence that the rTPJ is causally associated with the embodied processes underpinning perspective taking. Eighty-eight young human adults were stratified to receive either rTPJ or dorsomedial prefrontal (dmPFC) anodal HD-tDCS in a sham-controlled, double-blind, repeated-measures design. Perspective tracking (line-of-sight) and perspective taking (embodied rotation) were assessed using a visuo-spatial perspective taking (VPT) task that required understanding what another person could see or how they see it, respectively. Embodied processing was manipulated by positioning the participant in a manner congruent or incongruent with the orientation of an avatar on the screen. As perspective taking, but not perspective tracking, is influenced by bodily posture, this allows the investigation of the specific causal role for the rTPJ in embodied processing. Crucially, anodal stimulation to the rTPJ increased the effect of bodily posture during perspective taking, whereas no such effects were identified during perspective tracking, thereby providing evidence for a causal role for the rTPJ in the embodied component of perspective taking. Stimulation to the dmPFC had no effect on perspective tracking or taking. Therefore, the present study provides support for theories postulating that the rTPJ is causally involved in embodied cognitive processing relevant to social functioning.Significance StatementThe ability to understand another’s perspective is a fundamental component of social functioning. Adopting another perspective is thought to involve both embodied and non-embodied processes. The present study used high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and provided causal evidence that the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) is involved specifically in the embodied component of perspective taking. Specifically, HD-tDCS to the rTPJ, but not another hub of the social brain (dmPFC), increased the effect of body posture during perspective taking, but not tracking. This is the first causal evidence that HD-tDCS can modulate social embodied processing in a site-specific and task-specific manner.
Anticipating xenogenic pollution at the source: Impact of sterilizations on DNA release from microbial cultures
Authors: Franco David Calderón , Lin Qingnan , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , Abbas Ben , Weissbrodt David G. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe dissemination of DNA and xenogenic elements across waterways is under scientific and public spotlight due to new gene-editing tools, such as do-it-yourself (DIY) CRISPR-Cas kits. Over decades, prevention of spread of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), antimicrobial resistances (AMR), and pathogens from transgenic systems has focused on microbial inactivation. However, sterilization methods have not been assessed for DNA release and integrity. Here, we investigated the fate of intracellular DNA from cultures of model prokaryotic (Escherichia coli) and eukaryotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells, commonly used as microbial hosts for genetic modifications, such as in white biotechnology. DNA release was tracked during exposure of these cultures to conventional sterilization methods. Autoclaving, disinfection with glutaraldehyde, and microwaving are used to inactivate broths, healthcare equipment, and GMOs produced at kitchen table. The results show that current sterilization methods are effective on microorganism inactivation but do not safeguard an aqueous residue exempt of biologically reusable xenogenic material, being regular autoclaving the most severe DNA-affecting method. Reappraisal of sterilization methods is required along with risk assessment on the emission of DNA fragments in urban systems and nature.Graphical abstract
Uncovering the hidden antibiotic potential of Cannabis
Authors: Farha Maya A. , El-Halfawy Omar M. , Gale Robert T. , MacNair Craig R. , Carfrae Lindsey A. , Zhang Xiong , Jentsch Nicholas G. , Magolan Jakob , Brown Eric D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe spread of antimicrobial resistance continues to be a priority health concern worldwide, necessitating exploration of alternative therapies. Cannabis sativa has long been known to contain antibacterial cannabinoids, but their potential to address antibiotic resistance has only been superficially investigated. Here, we show that cannabinoids exhibit antibacterial activity against MRSA, inhibit its ability to form biofilms and eradicate pre-formed biofilms and stationary phase cells persistent to antibiotics. We show that the mechanism of action of cannabigerol is through targeting the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive bacteria and demonstrate in vivo efficacy of cannabigerol in a murine systemic infection model caused by MRSA. We also show that cannabinoids are effective against Gram-negative organisms whose outer membrane is permeabilized, where cannabigerol acts on the inner membrane. Finally, we demonstrate that cannabinoids work in combination with polymyxin B against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative pathogens, revealing the broad-spectrum therapeutic potential for cannabinoids.
Linear B-cell epitope prediction for in silico vaccine design: a performance review of methods available via command-line interface
Authors: Galanis Kosmas A. , Nastou Katerina C. , Papandreou Nikos C. , Petichakis Georgios N. , Pigis Diomidis G. , Iconomidou Vassiliki A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractLinear B-cell epitope prediction research has received a steadily growing interest ever since the first method was developed in 1981. B-cell epitope identification with the help of an accurate prediction method can lead to an overall faster and cheaper vaccine design process, a crucial necessity in the covid-19 era. Consequently, several B-cell epitope prediction methods have been developed over the past few decades, but without significant success. In this study, we review the current performance and methodology of some of the most widely used linear B-cell epitope predictors which are available via a command-line interface, namely BcePred, BepiPred, ABCpred, COBEpro, SVMTriP, LBtope, and LBEEP. Additionally, we attempted to remedy performance issues of the individual methods by developing a consensus classifier, which combines the separate predictions of these methods into a single output, accelerating the epitope-based vaccine design. While the method comparison was performed with some necessary caveats and individual methods might perform much better for specialized datasets, we hope that this update in performance can aid researchers towards the choice of a predictor, for the development of biomedical applications such as designed vaccines, diagnostic kits, immunotherapeutics, immunodiagnostic tests, antibody production, and disease diagnosis and therapy.
Coding of social novelty in the hippocampal CA2 region and its disruption and rescue in a mouse model of schizophrenia
Authors: Donegan Macayla L. , Stefanini Fabio , Meira Torcato , Gordon Joshua A. , Fusi Stefano , Siegelbaum Steven A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe hippocampal CA2 region is essential for social memory and has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. However, little is known about how CA2 neural activity encodes social interactions and how this coding is altered in disease. We recorded from CA2 pyramidal neurons as mice engaged in social interactions and found that while CA2 failed to stably represent spatial location, CA2 activity encoded contextual changes and novel social stimuli. In the Df(16)A+/- mouse model of the human 22q11.2 microdeletion, a major schizophrenia risk factor, CA2 activity showed a surprising increase in spatial coding while failing to encode social novelty, consistent with the social memory deficit in these mice. Previous work has shown that CA2 pyramidal neurons are hyperpolarized in Df(16)A+/- mice, likely as a result of upregulation of TREK-1 K+ current. We found that administration of a TREK-1 antagonist rescued the social memory deficits and restored normal CA2 coding properties in Df(16)A+/- mice, supporting a crucial role for CA2 in the encoding of novel social stimuli and social dysfunction.
Microbiability of meat quality and carcass composition traits in swine
Authors: Khanal Piush , Maltecca Christian , Schwab Clint , Fix Justin , Tiezzi Francesco 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe impact of gut microbiome composition was investigated at different stages of production (Wean, Mid-test, and Off-test) on meat quality and carcass composition traits of 1,123 three-way-crossbred pigs. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models which included the fixed effects of dam line, contemporary group and gender as well as the random effects of pen, animal and microbiome information at different stages. The contribution of the microbiome to all traits was prominent although it varied over time, increasing from weaning to Off-test for most traits. Microbiability estimates of carcass composition traits were greater compared to meat quality traits. Adding microbiome information did not affect the estimates of genomic heritability of meat quality traits but affected the estimates of carcass composition traits. High microbial correlations were found among different traits, particularly with traits related to fat deposition with decrease in genomic correlation up to 20% for loin weight and belly weight. Decrease in genomic heritabilities and genomic correlations with the inclusion of microbiome information suggested that genomic correlation was partially contributed by genetic similarity of microbiome composition.
Predicting Evolutionary Transitions in Tooth Complexity With a Morphogenetic Model
Authors: Couzens Aidan M. C. , Sears Karen E. , Rücklin Martin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe extent to which evolutionary transitions are shaped by developmental bias remains poorly understood. Classically, morphological variation is assumed to be abundant and continuous, but if morphogenesis biases how traits vary than evolutionary transitions might follow somewhat predictable steps. Compared to other anatomical structures, teeth have an exceptional fossil record which documents striking evolutionary trajectories toward complexity. Using computer simulations of tooth morphogenesis, we examined how varying developmental parameters influenced transitions from morphologically simple to complex teeth. We find that as tooth complexity increases, development tends to generate progressively more discontinuous variation which could make the fine-tuning of dietary adaptation difficult. Transitions from simple to complex teeth required an early shift from mesiodistal to lateral cusp patterning which is congruent with patterns of dental complexification in early mammals. We infer that the contributions of primary enamel knot cells to secondary enamel knots which are responsible for patterning lateral cusps may have been an important developmental innovation in tribosphenic mammals. Our results provide evidence that development can bias evolutionary transitions and highlights how morphogenetic modelling can play an important role in building more realistic models of morphological character evolution.