bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differentially accessible Cdc4 phospho-degrons regulate Ctf19CCANkinetochore subunit stability in mitosis
Authors: Böhm Miriam , Killinger Kerstin , Dudziak Alexander , Pant Pradeep , Jänen Karolin , Hohoff Simone , Mechtler Karl , Örd Mihkel , Loog Mart , Sanchez-Garcia Elsa , Westermann Stefan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractKinetochores are multi-subunit protein assemblies that link chromosomes to microtubules of the mitotic and meiotic spindle. How effective, yet strictly centromere-dependent kinetochore assembly is coupled to cell cycle progression is incompletely understood. Here, by combining comprehensive phosphorylation analysis of native Ctf19CCANsubunits with biochemical and functional assays in the model system budding yeast, we demonstrate that Cdk1 phosphorylation activates phospho-degrons on the essential subunit Ame1CENP-Uwhich are recognized by the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex SCF-Cdc4. Gradual phosphorylation of degron motifs culminates in M-Phase and targets the protein for degradation. Binding of the Mtw1 complex shields the proximal phospho-degron, protecting kinetochore-bound Ame1 from the degradation machinery. Artificially increasing degron strength partially suppresses the temperature-sensitivity of acdc4mutant, while overexpression of Ame1-Okp1 is toxic to cells, demonstrating the physiological importance of this mechanism. We propose that phospho-regulated clearance of excess CCAN subunits protects against ectopic kinetochore assembly and contributes to mitotic checkpoint silencing. Our results suggest a novel strategy for how phospho-degrons can be used to regulate the assembly of multi-subunit complexes.
Transcriptional and translational responsiveness of theNeisseria gonorrhoeaetype IV secretion system to conditions of host infections
Authors: Callaghan Melanie M. , Klimowicz Amy K. , Shockey Abigail C. , Kane John , Pepperell Caitlin S. , Dillard Joseph P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe type IV secretion system ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaetranslocates single-stranded DNA into the extracellular space, facilitating horizontal gene transfer and initiating biofilm formation. Expression of this system has been observed to be low under laboratory conditions, and multiple levels of regulation have been identified. We used a translational fusion oflacZtotraD, the gene for the type IV secretion system coupling protein, to screen for increased type IV secretion system expression. We identified several physiologically relevant conditions, including surface adherence, decreased manganese or iron, and increased zinc or copper, which increase gonococcal type IV secretion system protein levels through transcriptional and/or translational mechanisms. These metal treatments are reminiscent of the conditions in the macrophage phagosome. The ferric uptake regulator, Fur, was found to represstraDtranscript levels, but to also have a second role, acting to allow TraD protein levels to increase only in the absence of iron. To better understand type IV secretion system regulation during infection, we examined transcriptomic data from active urethral infection samples from five men. These data demonstrated differential expression of 20 of 21 type IV secretion system genes during infection, indicating upregulation of genes necessary for DNA secretion during host infection.
Cerebrospinal fluid hemoglobin drives subarachnoid hemorrhage-related secondary brain injury
Authors: Akeret Kevin , Buzzi Raphael M. , Schaer Christian A. , Thomson Bart R. , Vallelian Florence , Wang Sophie , Willms Jan , Sebök Martina , Held Ulrike , Deuel Jeremy W. , Humar Rok , Regli Luca , Keller Emanuela , Hugelshofer Michael , Schaer Dominik J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSecondary brain injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH-SBI) is a significant contributor to poor outcomes in patients after rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. The lack of diagnostic biomarkers and novel drug targets represent an unmet need. Prior experimental evidence has suggested cell-free hemoglobin in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-Hb) as a pathophysiological driver of SAH-SBI. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and pathophysiological association between CSF-Hb and SAH-SBI. We prospectively enrolled 47 consecutive patients and collected daily CSF samples within 14 days after aneurysm rupture. There was very strong evidence for a positive association between CSF-Hb and SAH-SBI. The diagnostic accuracy of CSF-Hb for SAH-SBI markedly exceeded that of established methods (area under the curve: 0.89 [0.85-0.92]). Temporal LC-MS/MS CSF proteomics demonstrated that erythrolysis accompanied by an adaptive macrophage response are the two dominant biological processes occurring in the CSF space after aneurysm rupture. To further investigate the pathophysiology between CSF-Hb and SAH-SBI, we explored the vasoconstrictive and lipid peroxidation activities of Hb ex-vivo. These experiments revealed critical inflection points overlapping CSF-Hb concentration thresholds in patients with SAH-SBI. Selective Hb depletion and in-solution neutralization by the Hb-scavenger haptoglobin or the heme-scavenger hemopexin efficiently attenuated the vasoconstrictive and lipid peroxidation activities of CSF-Hb in patient CSF. Collectively, the clinical association between high CSF-Hb levels and SAH-SBI, the underlying pathophysiological rationale, and the favorable effects of haptoglobin and hemopexin in ex-vivo experiments position CSF-Hb as a highly attractive biomarker and potential drug target.
Biological attributes of age and gender variations in Indian COVID-19 cases: A retrospective data analysis
Authors: Kushwaha Savitesh , Khanna Poonam , Rajagopal Vineeth , Kiran Tanvi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe associated risk factors, co-morbid conditions and biological variations varying with gender and age might be the cause of higher COVID-19 infection and deaths among males and older persons. The objective of this study was to predict and specify the biological attributes of variation in age and gender-based on COVID-19 status (deceased/recovered).MethodsIn this retrospective study, the data was extracted from a recognised web-based portal. A total of 112,860 patients’ record was filtered out and an additional 9,131 records were separately analyzed to examine age and gender relationship with patient’s COVID-19 status (recovered/deceased). Chi-square, t-test, binary logistic regression, and longitudinal regression analysis were conducted.ResultsThe male COVID-19 cases (65.39%) were more than females (34.61%) and mean age of infected and recovered patients was 39.47±17.59 years and 36.85±18.51 years respectively. The odds for infection was significantly higher among females for lower age categories, which declines with age. The age-adjusted odds for recovery were significantly higher among females (O.R.=1.779) and odds for recovery was highest in 5-17 years age category (O.R.=88.286) independent of gender.ConclusionThe chances of being COVID-19 infected was higher for females of lower age categories (<35 years) which decreases with age. The odds for recovery among females was significantly higher than males. The chances of recovery declines with increasing age and the variation could be attributed to the biological differences between age categories and gender.
Mortality from injury, overdose and suicide during the 2020 COVID-19
pandemic, March-July, 2020
Authors: Faust Jeremy S. , Du Chengan , Mayes Katherine Dickerson , Li Shu-Xia , Lin Zhenqiu , Barnett Michael L. , Krumholz Harlan M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with substantial rates of
all-cause excess mortality. The contribution of external causes of death to
excess mortality including drug overdose, homicide, suicide, and
unintentional injuries during the initial outbreak in the United States is
less well documented.

Methods
Using public data published by the National Center for Health Statistics
on February 10, 2021, we measured monthly excess mortality (the gap between
observed and expected deaths) from five external causes using national-level
data published by National Center for Health Statistics; assault (homicide);
intentional self-harm (suicide); accidents (unintentional injuries); and
motor vehicle accidents. We used seasonal autoregressive integrated moving
average (sARIMA) models developed with cause-specific monthly mortality
counts and US population data from 2015-2019 and estimated the contribution
of individual cause-specific mortality to all-cause excess mortality from
March-July 2020.

Results
From March-July, 2020, 212,825 (95% CI 136,236-290,776) all-cause excess
deaths occurred in the US). There were 8,540 excess drug overdoses (all
intents) (95% CI 5,106 to 11,975), accounting for 4% of all excess
mortality; 1,455 excess homicide deaths (95% CI 708 to 2202, accounting for
0.7% of excess mortality; 5,492 excess deaths due to unintentional accidents
occurred (95% CI 85 to 10,899, accounting for 2.6% of excess mortality.
Though a non-significantly 135 (95% CI -1361 to 1,630) more MVA deaths were
recorded during the study period, a significant decrease in April (525; 95%
CI -817 to -233) and significant increases in June-July (965; 95% CI 348 to
1,587) were observed. Suicide deaths were statistically lower than projected
by 2,067 (95% CI 941-3,193 fewer deaths).

Meaning
Excess deaths from drug overdoses, homicide, and addicents occurred
during the pandemic but represented a small fraction of all-cause excess
mortality. The excess external causes of death, however, still represent
thousands of lives lost. Notably, deaths from suicide were lower than
expected and therefore did not contribute to excess mortality.
Digital technologies for monitoring and improving treatment adherence in children and adolescents with asthma: A scoping review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Milne-Ives Madison , Meinert Edward 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundInadequate paediatric asthma care has resulted in potentially avoidable unplanned hospital admissions and morbidity. A wide variety of digital technologies have been developed to help monitor and support treatment adherence for children and adolescents with asthma. However, existing reviews need to be updated and expanded to provide an overview of the current state of research around these technologies and how they are being integrated into existing healthcare services and care pathways.ObjectiveThe purpose of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the current research landscape and knowledge gaps regarding the use of digital technologies to support the care of children and adolescents with asthma.MethodsThe review was structured according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, and Study (PICOS) frameworks. Five databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, EMBASE, and PsycINFO) were systematically searched for studies published in English from 2014 on. One reviewer screened references, selected studies for inclusion based on the eligibility criteria, and extracted the data, which were synthesised in a descriptive analysis.ResultsA wide variety in study characteristics - including the number and age of participants, study duration, and type of digital intervention - was identified. There was mixed evidence for the effectiveness of the interventions; 6 of the 9 studies that evaluated treatment adherence found improvements, but the evidence was inconsistent for asthma control (4/9 found no evidence of effectiveness, and only one found significant evidence) and health outcome variables (4/7 found no evidence of effectiveness). The 5 studies that examined patient perceptions and assessments of acceptability and usability had generally positive findings.ConclusionsDespite the range of different digital interventions being developed to support the monitoring and treatment adherence of children and adolescents with asthma, there is limited evidence to suggest that they achieve their range of intended outcomes. Stronger evidence of their effectiveness at achieving their specific aims is needed, as this will support decisions and research about their cost-effectiveness and how these technologies can best integrate with existing clinical care pathways. This research is necessary to determine which interventions are worth supporting and adopting in the clinical care pathways.
Distribution of Panama’s narrow-range trees: are there hot-spots?
Authors: Tokarz Elizabeth , Condit Richard 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundTree species with narrow ranges are a conservation concern because heightened extinction risk accompanies their small populations. Assessing risks for these species is challenging, however, especially in tropical flora where their sparse populations seldom appear in traditional plots and inventories. Here, we utilize instead large scale databases that combine tree records from many sources to test hypotheses about where the narrow-range tree species of Panama are concentrated.MethodsAll individual records were collected from public databases, and the range size of each tree species found in Panama was estimated as a polygon around all its locations. Rare species were defined as those with ranges < 20,000 km2. We divided Panama into geographic regions and elevation zones and counted the number of individual records and the species richness in each, separating rare species from all other species.ResultsThe proportion of rare species peaked at elevations above 2000 m, reaching 17.3% of the species recorded. At lower elevation across the country, the proportion was 6-11%, except in the dry Pacific region, where it was 1.5%. Wet forests of the Caribbean coast had 8.4% rare species, slightly higher than other regions. The total number of rare species, however, peaked at mid-elevation, not high elevation, because total species richness was highest there.ConclusionsHigh elevation forests of west Panama have higher endemicity of trees than all low-elevation regions. Dry forests had the lowest endemicity. This supports the notion that montane forests of Central America should be a conservation focus, however, given generally higher diversity at low- to mid-elevation, lowlands are also important habitats for rare species.
Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) based Odor Detection and Classification using Functional Data Analysis
Authors: Moradi Faezeh , Moein Shima T. , Zakeri Issa , Pourrezaei Kambiz 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn objective approach for odor detection is to analyze the brain activity using imaging techniques during the odor stimulation. In this study, Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is used to record hemodynamic response from the frontal region of the brain by using a 4-channel fNIRS system. The fNIRs data is collected during the odor detection task in which the subjects were asked to press a button when they detect the given odor. Functional Data Analysis (FDA) was applied on fNIRs data to convert discrete measured samples of data to continuous smooth curves. The FDA method enables us to use the bases coefficients of fNIRS smoothed curves for features that represent the shape of the raw fNIRS signal. With the learning algorithm that we proposed, these features were used to train the support vector machine classifier. We evaluated the odor detection problem, in two binary classification cases: odorantvs. non-odorant and odorantvs. fingertapping. The model achieved a classification accuracy of 94.12% and 97.06% over the stimulus condition in the two cases, respectively. Moreover to find the actual predictors we used the extracted defined features (slope, standard deviation, and delta) to train our classifier. We achieved an average accuracy of 91.18 % on classifying odorantvs. non-odorant and an accuracy of 94.12% for odorantvs. fingertapping on the stimulus condition. The results determined that fNIRs signals of odorant and non-odorant are distinguishable without being affected by the motor activity during the experiment.These findings suggest that fNIRs measurement on the forehead could be potentially used for objective and comparably inexpensive assessment of odor detection in cases that the subjective report is unreliable.
Impact of January 2021 curfew measures on SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 circulation in France
Authors: Di Domenico Laura , Sabbatini Chiara E. , Pullano Giulia , Lévy-Bruhl Daniel , Colizza Vittoria 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFacing B.1.1.7 variant, social distancing was strengthened in France in January 2021. Using a 2-strain mathematical model calibrated on genomic surveillance, we estimated that curfew measures allowed hospitalizations to plateau, by decreasing transmission of the historical strain while B.1.1.7 continued to grow. School holidays appear to have further slowed down progression in February. Without progressively strengthened social distancing, a rapid surge of hospitalizations is expected, despite the foreseen increase in vaccination rhythm.
Reinfection Rates among Patients who Previously Tested Positive for COVID-19: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sheehan Megan M. , Reddy Anita J. , Rothberg Michael B. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate reinfection rates and protective effectiveness of prior disease among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in the United States.DesignRetrospective cohort studySettingOne multi-hospital health system in Ohio and FloridaParticipantsAll 150,325 patients who were tested for COVID-19 infection via PCR from March 12, 2020 to August 30, 2020. Testing performed up to January 7, 2021 in these patients was included for analysis. Healthcare workers were excluded.Main outcome measuresThe main outcome was reinfection, defined as infection ≥ 90 days after initial testing. Secondary outcomes were symptomatic infection and protective effectiveness of prior infection.ResultsOf 150,325 patients tested for COVID-19 prior to August 30, 8,845 (5.9%) tested positive and 141,480 (94.1%) tested negative. 974 (11%) of the positive patients were retested after 90 days, and 56 had possible reinfection. Of those, 26 (46.4 %) were symptomatic. Of those with initial negative testing, 4,163 (12.9%) were subsequently positive and 2,460 of those (59.1%) were symptomatic. Protective effectiveness of prior infection was 78.5% (95% confidence interval 72.0 to 83.5), and against symptomatic infection was 83.1% (95% confidence interval 75.1 to 88.5). Protective effectiveness increased over time.ConclusionsPrior infection in patients with COVID-19 was highly protective against reinfection and symptomatic disease. Protective effectiveness increased over time, suggesting that viral shedding or ongoing immune response may persist beyond 90 days and may not represent true reinfection. As vaccine supply is a limited resource around the world, patients with known history of COVID-19 could delay early vaccination to allow for the most vulnerable to access the vaccine and slow transmission.
Workplace measures against COVID-19 during the winter third wave in Japan: company size-based differences
Authors: Ishimaru Tomohiro , Nagata Masako , Hino Ayako , Yamashita Satoshi , Tateishi Seiichiro , Tsuji Mayumi , Ogami Akira , Matsuda Shinya , Fujino Yoshihisa ,   for the CORoNaWork Project
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesLittle is known about workplace measures against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Japan after the first state of emergency period, especially in micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This study aimed to provide an overview of the current situation of anti-COVID-19 measures in Japanese enterprises, considering company size.MethodsThis study was an Internet-based nationwide cross-sectional study. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire in December 2020 during the third wave of COVID-19. The chi-squared test for trend was performed to calculate the p-value for trend for each workplace measure across company sizes.ResultsFor the 27,036 participants, across company sizes, the most prevalent workplace measure was encouraging mask wearing at work, followed by requesting that employees refrain from going to work when ill and restricting work-related social gatherings and entertainment. These measures were implemented by approximately 90% of large-scale enterprises and by more than 40% of micro- and small-scale enterprises. In contrast, encouraging remote working and restricting eating and drinking at personal workspaces were implemented by less than half of large-scale enterprises and by around 15% of micro- and small-scale enterprises. There were statistically significant differences in all workplace measures by company size (all p-values < .001).ConclusionsWe found that various responses to COVID-19 had been taken in workplaces. However, some measures, including remote working, were still not well implemented, especially in smaller enterprises. The findings suggest that occupational health support for MSMEs is urgently needed to mitigate the current wave of COVID-19.
Genetic and gene expression analysis of flowering time regulation by light quality in lentil
Authors: Yuan Hai Ying , Caron Carolyn T. , Ramsay Larissa , Fratini Richard , Pérez de la Vega Marcelino , Vandenberg Albert , Weller James L. , Bett Kirstin E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFlowering time is important due to its roles in adaptation to different environments and subsequent formation of crop yield. Changes in light quality affect a range of developmental processes including flowering time, however little is known about light quality induced flowering time control in lentil. This study aims to investigate the genetic basis for differences in flowering response to light quality in lentil.We explored variation in flowering time caused by changes in red/far-red related light quality environments of a lentil interspecific recombinant inbred line population developed from a cross betweenLens culinariscv. Lupa andL. orientalisaccession BGE 016880. A genetic linkage map was constructed and then used for identifying QTL associated with flowering time regulation under different light quality environments. Differential gene expression analysis through transcriptomic study and RT-qPCR were used to identify potential candidate genes.QTL mapping located 13 QTLs controlling flower time under different light quality environments, with phenotypic variance explained ranging from 1.7 to 62.9%. Transcriptomic profiling and gene expression analysis for both parents of this interspecific RIL population identified flowering-related genes showing environment-specific differential expression (flowering DEGs). One of these, a member of the florigen gene family FTa1 (LcFTa1) was located close to 3 major QTLs. Furthermore, gene expression results suggests two other florigen genes (LcFTb1andLcFTb2), MADS-box transcription factors likeLcAGL6/13d, LcSVPb, LcSOC1bandLcFULb, as well as bHLH transcription factorLcPIF6and Gibberellin 20 oxidaseLcGA20oxC,G, may be involved in the light quality response as well.Our results show that a major component of flowering time sensitivity to light quality is tightly linked toLcFTa1and associated with changes in its expression. This work provides a foundation for crop improvement of lentil with better adaptation to variable light environments.