bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An insight into neurotoxic and toxicity of spike fragments SARS-CoV-2 by exposure environment: A threat to aquatic health?
Authors: Charlie-Silva Ives , Araújo Amanda P. C. , Guimarães Abraão T. B. , Veras Flávio P , Braz Helyson L. B. , de Pontes Letícia G. , Jorge Roberta J. B. , Belo Marco A. A. , Fernandes Bianca H V. , Nóbrega Rafael H. , Galdino Giovane , Condino-Neto Antônio , Galindo-Villegas Jorge , Machado-Santelli Glaucia M. , Sanches Paulo R. S. , Rezende Rafael M. , Cilli Eduardo M. , Malafaia Guilherme 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTThe Spike protein (S protein) is a critical component in the infection of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The objective of this work was to evaluate whether peptides from S protein could cause negative impact in the aquatic animals. The aquatic toxicity of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein peptides derivatives has been evaluated in tadpoles (n = 50 tadpoles / 5 replicates of 10 animals) from species Physalaemus cuvieri (Leptodactylidae). After synthesis, purification, and characterization of peptides (PSDP2001, PSDP2002, PSDP2003) an aquatic contamination has been simulatedwith these peptides during 24 hours of exposure in two concentrations (100 and 500 ng/mL). The control group (“C”) was composed of tadpoles kept in polyethylene containers containing de-chlorinated water. Oxidative stress, antioxidant biomarkers and neurotoxicity activity were assessed. In both concentrations, PSPD2002 and PSPD2003 increased catalase and superoxide dismutase antioxidants enzymes activities, as well as oxidative stress (nitrite levels, hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxygen species). All three peptides also increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the highest concentration. These peptides showed molecular interactions in silico with acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzymes. Aquatic particle contamination of SARS-CoV-2 has neurotoxics effects in P. cuvieri tadpoles. These findings indicate that the COVID-19 can constitute environmental impact or biological damage potential.HIGHLIGHTSSARS-CoV-2 spike protein peptides (PSDP) were synthesized, purified, and characterized by solid phase peptide synthesis.PSDP peptides promoted REDOX imbalance and acute neurotoxicity in tadpoles (Physalaemus cuvieri)In silico studies have shown interactionsbetween peptides and acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzymesAquatic particle contamination of SARS-CoV-2 can constitute additional environmental damageGRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Slowing down an analyte in a nanopore
Authors: Sampath G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAn unresolved problem in nanopore sensing is the high translocation speed (∼10-100 monomers/μs) of an analyte (nucleotide, DNA, amino acid (AA), peptide) through the pore. Here a method based on reversing the pore voltage and changing the solution pH is described. A simplified Fokker-Planck model shows mean translocation times of 1-10 ms in a nanopore of length 10 nm. Simulations show that a positive-negative voltage profile can trap an analyte for ∼1 ms. This method can be used for free nucleotides, single AAs, oligonucleotides, and oligopeptides. Its applicability to existing nanopore sensing and sequencing techniques and implementation issues are discussed.
Paradoxes and synergies: optimizing management of a deadly virus in an endangered carnivore
Authors: Gilbertson Marie L.J. , Onorato Dave , Cunningham Mark , VandeWoude Sue , Craft Meggan E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPathogen management strategies in wildlife are typically accompanied by an array of uncertainties such as the efficacy of vaccines or potential unintended consequences of interventions. In the context of such uncertainties, models of disease transmission can provide critical insight for optimizing pathogen management, especially for species of conservation concern. The endangered Florida panther experienced an outbreak of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in 2002-04, and continues to be affected by this deadly virus. Ongoing management efforts aim to mitigate the effects of FeLV on panthers, but with limited information about which strategies may be most effective and efficient.We used a simulation-based approach to determine optimal FeLV management strategies in panthers. We simulated use of proactive FeLV management strategies (i.e., proactive vaccination) and several reactive strategies, including reactive vaccination and test-and-removal. Vaccination strategies accounted for imperfect vaccine-induced immunity, specifically partial immunity in which all vaccinates achieve partial pathogen protection. We compared the effectiveness of these different strategies in mitigating the number of FeLV mortalities and the duration of outbreaks.Results showed that inadequate proactive vaccination can paradoxically increase the number of disease-induced mortalities in FeLV outbreaks. These effects were most likely due to imperfect vaccine immunity causing vaccinates to serve as a semi-susceptible population, thereby allowing outbreaks to persist in circumstances otherwise conducive to fadeout. Combinations of proactive vaccination with reactive test-and-removal or vaccination, however, had a synergistic effect in reducing impacts of FeLV outbreaks, highlighting the importance of using mixed strategies in pathogen management.Synthesis and applications:Management-informed disease simulations are an important tool for identifying unexpected negative consequences and synergies among pathogen management strategies. In particular, we find that imperfect vaccine-induced immunity necessitates further consideration to avoid unintentionally worsening epidemics in some conditions. However, mixing proactive and reactive interventions can improve pathogen control while mitigating uncertainties associated with imperfect interventions.
Anomalous brain energy in old age by wavelet analysis of ERP during a Stroop task
Authors: Sánchez-Moguel Sergio M. , Baravalle Roman , González-Salinas Sofía , Rosso Osvaldo A. , Fernández Thalía , Montani Fernando 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTBy event-related potentials (ERP) during a counting Stroop task it was shown that the elderly with excess in theta activity in their electroencephalogram (EEG) are at risk of cognitive decline and have a higher neuronal activity during stimulus categorization than the elderly with a normal EEG. It was suggested that this increased neuronal activity could have a compensatory function. However, the quantification of energy associated with the enhanced neuronal activity was not investigated in this group. By wavelet analysis, we measured total and relative energy in ERP during the execution of a counting Stroop task in two groups of elderly: one with excess in theta activity (Theta-EEG, n = 23) and the other with normal EEG (Normal-EEG, n = 23). In delta, theta, and alpha bands, the Theta-EEG group used a higher amount of total energy as compared to the Normal-EEG group for both types of stimuli, interference and no interference. In theta and alpha bands, the total energy was higher in the Theta-EEG group, specifically in the window of 258-516 ms, coinciding with stimulus categorization. Given that no major behavioral differences were observed between EEG groups, we suggest that a higher energy in delta, theta, and alpha bands is one of the neurobiological mechanisms that allows the Theta-EEG group to cope with the cognitive demands of the task. However, this increased energy might not be an effective mechanism in the long term as it could promote a metabolic and cellular dysregulation that would trigger the transition to cognitive impairment.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBy using wavelet transform analysis we report that the elderly with excess in theta activity show a higher energy in delta, theta, and alpha bands during the categorization of stimuli in a counting Stroop task. Our findings imply that this increase neuronal activity might be related to a dysregulated energy metabolism in the elderly with theta excess that could explain the progress to cognitive impairment in this group. The analysis of energy by wavelet transform in data obtained by ERP complements other techniques that evaluate the risk of cognitive impairment.
Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: Socio-demographics, Co-Morbidity and Past Experience of Racial Discrimination
Authors: Savoia E. , Piltch-Loeb R. , Goldberg B. , Miller-Idriss C. , Hughes B. , Montrond AM. , Kayyem JN. , Testa MA. 
Published: January 2021

ImportanceImmunization programs are only successful when there are high rates of acceptance and coverage. While delivering billions of COVID 19 doses globally addressing vaccine hesitancy will be one of the most significant public health communication efforts ever undertaken.ObjectiveThe goal of this study is to explore predictors of COVID 19 vaccine hesitancy, including sociodemographic factors, comorbidity, risk perception, and experience of discrimination, in a sample of the U.S. population.DesignWe used a cross sectional online survey study design. The survey was implemented between Dec 13 and 23, 2020.SettingThe survey was limited to respondents over 18 years of age residing in the USA.ParticipantsRespondents were individuals belonging to priority groups for vaccine distribution.Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)Respondents were asked how likely they would be to take a COVID 19 vaccine if offered at no cost within two months. Vaccine hesitancy was measured using a scale ranging from 1 (low hesitancy) to 6 (high hesitancy).ResultsResponses were received from 2,650 respondents (response rate 84%) from all 50 states and Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and Guam. The majority were in the age category between 25 and 44 years (66%), male (53%), and working in the healthcare sector (61%). Most were White and non-Hispanic (66%) respondents followed by Black non-Hispanic (14%) and Hispanic (8%) respondents. Experience with racial discrimination was a predictor of vaccine hesitancy. Those reporting racial discrimination having 21% increased odds of being at a higher level of hesitancy compared to those who did not report such experience (OR=1.21, 95% C.I. 1.01-1.45).Conclusions and RelevanceCommunication and logistical aspects during the COVID 19 vaccination campaign need to be sensitive to individuals past-experience of discrimination by identifying appropriate channels of communication and sites for vaccine distribution to reach those who may have sentiments of mistrust in the vaccination campaign.
Arm-hand boost therapy during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Meyer Sarah , Verheyden Geert , Kempeneers Kristof , Michielsen Marc 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveIt was the aim to assess feasibility, safety and potential efficacy of a new intensive, focused arm-hand BOOST program and to investigate whether there is a difference between early versus late delivery of the program in the sub-acute phase post stroke.MethodsIn this pilot RCT, patients with stroke were randomized to the immediate group (IG): 4 weeks (4w) BOOST +4w CONTROL or the delayed group (DG): 4w CONTROL +4w BOOST, on top of their usual inpatient care program. The focused arm-hand BOOST program (1 hour/day, 5x/week, 4 weeks) consisted of group exercises with focus on scapula-setting, core-stability, manipulation and complex ADL tasks. Additionally, one hour per week the Armeo®Power (Hocoma AG, Switzerland) was used. The CONTROL intervention comprised a dose-matched program (24 one-hour sessions in 4w) of lower limb strengthening exercises and general reconditioning. At baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of training, the Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity (FMA-UE), action research arm test (ARAT) and stroke upper limb capacity scale (SULCS) were administered.ResultsEighteen participants (IG: n=10, DG: n=8) were included, with a median (IQR) time post stroke of 8.6 weeks (5-12). No adverse events were experienced. After 4 weeks of training, significant between-group differences were found for FMA-UE (p=0.003) and SULCS (p=0.033) and a trend for ARAT (p=0.075) with median (IQR) change scores for the IG of 9 (7-16), 2 (1-3) and 12.5 (1-18) respectively, and for the DG of 0.5 (−3-3), 1 (0-1) and 1.5 (−1-9), respectively. In the IG, 80% of patients improved beyond the minimal clinical important difference of FMA-UE after 4 weeks, compared to none of the DG patients. Between 4 and 8 weeks of training, patients in the DG tend to show larger improvements when compared to the IG, however, between-group comparisons did not reach significance.ConclusionsResults of this pilot RCT showed that an intensive, specific arm-hand BOOST program, on top of usual care, is feasible and safe in the sub-acute phase post stroke and suggests positive, clinical meaningful effects on upper limb function, especially when delivered in the early sub-acute phase post stroke.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04584177
Isolation of SARS-CoV-2 from the air in a car driven by a COVID patient with mild illness
Authors: Lednicky John A. , Lauzardo Michael , Alam Md. M. , Elbadry Maha A. , Stephenson Caroline J. , C.Gibson Julia , Morris J. Glenn 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTWe used a Sioutas personal cascade impactor sampler (PCIS) to screen for SARS-CoV-2 in a car driven by a COVID-19 patient. SARS-CoV-2 was detectable at all PCIS stages by PCR and was cultured from the section of the sampler collecting particles in the 0.25 to 0.50 □μm size range.
Socioeconomic status determines COVID-19 incidence and related mortality in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Mena Gonzalo , Martinez Pamela P. , Mahmud Ayesha S. , Marquet Pablo A. , Buckee Caroline O. , Santillana Mauricio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted dense urban populations particularly hard. Here, we provide an in-depth characterization of disease incidence and mortality patterns, and their dependence on demographic and socioeconomic strata in Santiago, a highly segregated city and the capital of Chile. We find that among all age groups, there is a strong association between socioeconomic status and both mortality –measured either by direct COVID-19 attributed deaths or excess deaths– and public health capacity. Specifically, we show that behavioral factors like human mobility, as well as health system factors such as testing volumes, testing delays, and test positivity rates are associated with disease outcomes. These robust patterns suggest multiple possibly interacting pathways that can explain the observed disease burden and mortality differentials: (i) in lower socioeconomic status municipalities, human mobility was not reduced as much as in more affluent municipalities; (ii) testing volumes in these locations were insufficient early in the pandemic and public health interventions were applied too late to be effective; (iii) test positivity and testing delays were much higher in less affluent municipalities, indicating an impaired capacity of the health-care system to contain the spread of the epidemic; and (iv) infection fatality rates appear much higher in the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum. Together, these findings highlight the exacerbated consequences of health-care inequalities in a large city of the developing world, and provide practical methodological approaches useful for characterizing COVID-19 burden and mortality in other segregated urban centers.
Mortality of Diabetes-related Acute Metabolic Emergencies in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Papadopoulos Vasileios P. , Avramidou Peny , Bakola Stefania-Aspasia , Zikoudi Dimitra-Geogia , Touzlatzi Ntilara , Koutroulos Marios-Vasileios , Filippou Dimitrios K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeLittle is known on the mortality rate in COVID-19 related acute metabolic emergencies, namely diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), combined DKA/HHS, and euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA).MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted using EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar from January 1, 2020 to January 9, 2021 to identify all case report series, cross-sectional studies, and meta-analyses of case reports describing mortality rate in DKA, HHS, and EDKA, in COVID-19 patients. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for case reports was used for quality assessment.ResultsFrom 313 identified publications, 4 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. A systematic review and meta-analysis with subgroup analyses examined mortality rate in a total of 152 COVID-19 patients who had developed DKA, HHS, combined DKA/HHS, or EDKA. Combined mortality rate and confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using random effects model. The study was registered to PROSPERO database (ID: 230737).ResultsCombined mortality rate was found to be 27.1% [95% CI: 11.2-46.9%]. Heterogeneity was considerable (I2=83%; 95% CI: 56-93%), corrected to 67% according to Von Hippel adjustment for small meta-analyses. Funnel plot presented no apparent asymmetry; Egger’s and Begg’s test yielded in P=0.44 and P=0.50, respectively. Sensitivity analysis failed to explain heterogeneity.ConclusionCOVID-19 related acute metabolic emergencies (DKA, HHS, and EDKA) are characterized by considerable mortality; thus, clinicians should be aware of timely detection and immediate treatment commencing.
What delirium detection tools are used in routine clinical practice in the United Kingdom? Survey results from 91% of acute healthcare organisations
Authors: Tieges Zoë , Lowrey Jacqueline , MacLullich Alasdair M. J. 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTPurposeOur aim was to collect information on delirium assessment processes and pathways in non-intensive care settings in the United Kingdom (UK).MethodsWe sent a Freedom of Information request to 169 UK National Health Service (NHS) hospitals, trusts and health boards (units) in July 2020 to obtain data on usage of delirium assessment tools in clinical practice and delirium pathways or guidelines.ResultsWe received responses from 154/169 units (91% response rate). Of these, 146/154 (95%) units reported use of formal delirium assessment processes and 131/154 (85%) units had guidelines or pathways in place. The 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT) was the most widely used tool, with 117/146 (80%) units reporting use. The Confusion Assessment Method was used in 65/146 (45%) units, and the Single Question to identify Delirium (SQiD) in 52/146 (36%) units.ConclusionsOur findings show that the 4AT is the most commonly used tool in the UK, with 80% of units reporting use. This study adds to our knowledge of real-world uptake of delirium detection methods at scale. Future studies should evaluate real-world implementation of delirium assessment tools further via (i) tool completion rates and (ii) rates of positive scores against the expected prevalence delirium in the clinical population concerned.KEY SUMMARY POINTSAimTo seek information on delirium assessment processes and pathways in non-intensive clinical care settings in the United Kingdom (UK), and to assess usage of specific delirium assessment tools: the 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT), Confusion Assessment Method and Single Question to identify Delirium (SQiD).FindingsIn total, 95% of National Health Service (NHS) units (hospitals, trusts and health boards) reported use of formal delirium assessment processes and 85% of units had guidelines or pathways in place. The 4AT was the most widely used tool, with 80% of units reporting use; the Confusion Assessment Method was reportedly used in 45% of units and the SQiD in 36% of units.MessageThis study shows real-world, large-scale uptake of delirium detection methods and delirium guidelines in UK hospitals, which contributes to ongoing efforts to improve delirium care.
Modelling the impact of household size distribution on the transmission dynamics of COVID-19
Authors: Liu Pengyu , McQuarrie Lisa , Song Yexuan , Colijn Caroline 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUnder the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing and lockdowns, household transmission has been shown to be significant for COVID-19, posing challenges for reducing incidence in settings where people are asked to self-isolate at home and to spend increasing amounts of time at home due to distancing measures. Accordingly, characteristics of households in a region have been shown to relate to transmission heterogeneity of the virus. We introduce a stochastic epidemiological model to examine the impact of the household size distribution in a region on the transmission dynamics. We choose parameters to reflect incidence in two health regions of the Greater Vancouver area in British Columbia and simulate the impact of distancing measures on transmission, with household size distribution the only different parameter between simulations for the two regions. Our result suggests that the dissimilarity in household size distribution alone can cause significant differences in incidence of the two regions, and the distributions drive distinct dynamics that match reported cases. Furthermore, our model suggests that offering individuals a place to isolate outside their household can speed the decline in cases, and does so more effectively where there are more larger households.
Impact of COVID-19 shelter-in-place order on transmission of gastrointestinal pathogens in Northern California
Authors: Bulterys Philip L. , Leung Nicole Y. , Saleem Atif , Budvytiene Indre , Banaei Niaz 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSociety-wide cessation of human interaction outside the household due to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place created a unique opportunity in modern history to reexamine the transmission of communicable gastrointestinal pathogens. We conducted a quasi-experimental study from January 1, 2018 to Sept 30, 2020 to investigate the effect of California’s COVID-19 shelter-in-place order on the community transmission of viral, bacterial, and parasitic gastrointestinal pathogens detected with the FilmArray GI Panel (BioFire Diagnostics, Salt Lake City, UT). The incidence of viral causes of gastroenteritis, enteroaggregative/enteropathogenic/enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Shigella, and Cyclospora cayetanensis decreased sharply after shelter-in place took effsect, whilst Salmonella, Campylobacter, shiga toxin-producing E. coli (O157 and non-O157) and other bacterial and parasitic causes of gastroenteritis were largely unaffected. Findings suggest community spread of viral gastroenteritis, pathogenic E. coli (except for shiga toxin-producing E. coli), Shigella, and Cyclospora is more susceptible to changes associated with shelter-in-place than other gastrointestinal pathogens.
Individual Molecular Motors use Low Forces to bypass Roadblocks during Collective Cargo Transport
Authors: Shukla Saurabh , Troitskaia Alice , Swarna Nikhila , Maity Barun Kumar , Tjioe Marco , Bookwalter Carol S , Chrin Lynn , Berger Christopher L , Trybus Kathleen M , Chemla Yann R , Selvin Paul R 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA cargo encounters many obstacles during its transport by molecular motors as it moves throughout the cell. Multiple motors on the cargo exert forces to steer the cargo to its destination. Measuring these forces is essential for understanding intracellular transport. Using kinesin as an example, we measured the force exerted by multiple stationary kinesinsin vitro, driving a common microtubule. We find that individual kinesins generally exert less than a piconewton (pN) of force, even while bypassing obstacles, whether these are artificially placed 20-100 nm particles or tau, a Microtubule Associated Protein. We demonstrate that when a kinesin encounters an obstacle, the kinesin either becomes dislodged and then re-engages or switches protofilaments while the other kinesins continue to apply their (sub-)pN forces. By designing a high-throughput assay involving nanometer-resolved multicolor-fluorescence and a force-sensor able to measure picoNewtons of force, our technique is expected to be generally useful for many different types of molecular motors.