bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detecting rapid tests for Omicron variant
Authors: Bekliz Meriem , Perez-Rodriguez Francisco , Puhach Olha , Adea Kenneth , Melancia Stéfane Marques , Baggio Stephanie , Corvaglia Anna-Rita , Jacquerioz-Bausch Frédérique , Alvarez Catia , Essaidi-Laziosi Manel , Escadafal Camille , Kaiser Laurent , Eckerle Isabella 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe emergence of each novel SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) requires investigation of its potential impact on the performance of diagnostic tests in use, including Antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT). Although anecdotal reports have been circulating that the newly emerged Omicron variant is in principle detectable by Ag-RDTs, few data on sensitivity are available.MethodsWe have performed 1) analytical sensitivity testing with cultured virus in eight Ag-RDTs and 2) retrospective testing in duplicates with clinical samples from vaccinated individuals with Omicron (n=18) or Delta (n=17) breakthrough infection on seven Ag-RDTs.FindingsOverall, we have found large heterogenicity between Ag-RDTs for detecting Omicron. When using cultured virus, we observed a trend towards lower sensitivity for Omicron detection compared to earlier circulating SARS-CoV-2 and the other VOCs. When comparing performance for Delta and Omicron in a comparable set of clinical samples in seven Ag-RDTs, 124/252 (49.2%) of all test performed showed a positive result for Omicron compared to 156/238 (65.6%) for Delta samples. Sensitivity for both Omicron and Delta between Ag-RDTs was highly variable. Four out of seven Ag-RDTs showed significantly lower sensitivity (p<0.001) to detect Omicron when compared to Delta while three had comparable sensitivity to Delta.InterpretationSensitivity for detecting Omicron is highly variable between Ag-RDTs, necessitating a careful consideration when using these tests to guide infection prevention measures. While analytical and retrospective testing may be a proxy and timely solution to generate performance data, it is not a replacement for clinical evaluations which are urgently needed. Biological and technical reasons for detection failure by some Ag-RDTs need to be further investigated.FundingThis work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant numbers 196383, 196644 and 198412), the Fondation Ancrage Bienfaisance du Groupe Pictet, the Fondation Privée des Hôpiteaux Universitaires de Genève and FIND, the global alliance for diagnostics.
Orthostatic intolerance in adults with long COVID was not associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Monaghan Ann , Jennings Glenn , Xue Feng , Byrne Lisa , Duggan Eoin , Romero-Ortuno Roman 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this observational cross-sectional study, we investigated predictors of orthostatic intolerance (OI) in adults with long COVID. Participants underwent a 3-minute active stand (AS) with Finapres® NOVA, followed by a 10-minute unmedicated 70-degree head-up tilt test. 85 participants were included (mean age 46 years, range 25-78; 74% women), of which 56 (66%) reported OI during AS (OIAS). OIAS seemed associated with female sex, more fatigue and depressive symptoms, and greater inability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), as well as a higher heart rate (HR) at the lowest systolic blood pressure (SBP) point before the 1st minute post-stand (mean HRnadir: 88 vs 75 bpm, P=0.004). In a regression model also including age, sex, fatigue, depression, ADL inability, and peak HR after the nadir SBP, HRnadir was the only OIAS predictor (OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18, P=0.027). 22 participants had initial (iOH) and 5 classical (cOH) orthostatic hypotension, but neither correlated with OIAS. 71 participants proceeded to tilt, of which 28 had OI during tilt (OItilt). Of the 53 who had a 10-minute tilt, 7 (13%) fulfilled hemodynamic postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) criteria, but 6 did not report OItilt. OIAS was associated with a higher initial HR on AS, which after 1 minute equalized with the non-OIAS group. Despite these initial orthostatic HR differences, POTS was infrequent and largely asymptomatic. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05027724 (retrospectively registered on August 30, 2021).
Dichotomous Activity and Function of Neurons with Low- and High-Frequency Discharge in the External Globus Pallidus of Non-Human Primates
Authors: Katabi Shiran , Adler Avital , Deffains Marc , Bergman Hagai 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTo date, there is a consensus that there are at least two neuronal populations in the non-human primate (NHP) external globus pallidus (GPe): the low- and high-frequency discharge (LFD and HFD) neurons. Nevertheless, almost all NHP physiological studies have neglected the functional importance of LFD neurons. This study examined the discharge features of these two GPe neuronal subpopulations recorded in four NHPs engaged in a classical conditioning task with cues predicting reward, neutral and aversive outcomes. The results show that LFD neurons tended to burst, encoded the salience of behavioral cues, and exhibited correlated spiking activity. By contrast, the HFD neurons tended to pause, encoded cue valence, and exhibited uncorrelated spiking activity. Overall, these findings point to the dichotomic organization of the NHP GPe which is likely to be critical to the implementation of normal basal ganglia functions and computations.
Safety of the single-dose Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine among healthcare workers in the phase 3b Sisonke study in South Africa
Authors: Takuva Simbarashe , Takalani Azwidhwi , Seocharan Ishen , Yende-Zuma Nonhlanhla , Reddy Tarylee , Engelbrecht Imke , Faesen Mark , Khuto Kentse , Whyte Carmen , Bailey Veronique , Trivella Valentina , Peter Jonathan , Opie Jessica , Louw Vernon , Rowji Pradeep , Jacobson Barry , Groenewald Pamela , Dorrington Rob E. , Laubscher Ria , Bradshaw Debbie , Moultrie Harry , Fairall Lara , Sanne Ian , Gail-Bekker Linda , Gray Glenda , Goga Ameena , Garrett Nigel ,   the Sisonke study team
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Sisonke open-label phase 3b implementation study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine among health care workers (HCWs) in South Africa. Here, we present the safety data.MethodsWe monitored adverse events (AEs) at vaccination sites, through self-reporting triggered by text messages after vaccination, health care provider reports and by active case finding. The frequency and incidence rate of non-serious and serious AEs were evaluated from day of first vaccination (17 February 2021) until 28 days after the final vaccination (15 June 2021). COVID-19 breakthrough infections, hospitalisations and deaths were ascertained via linkage of the electronic vaccination register with existing national databases.FindingsOf 477,234 participants, 10,279 (2.2%) reported AEs, of which 139 (1.4%) were serious. Women reported more AEs than men (2.3% vs. 1.6%). AE reports decreased with increasing age (3.2% for 18–30, 2.1% for 31-45, 1.8% for 46-55 and 1.5% in >55-year-olds). Participants with previous COVID-19 infection reported slightly more AEs (2.6% vs. 2.1%). The commonest reactogenicity events were headache and body aches, followed by injection site pain and fever, and most occurred within 48 hours of vaccination. Two cases of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome and four cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome were reported post-vaccination. Serious AEs and AEs of special interest including vascular and nervous system events, immune system disorders and deaths occurred at lower than the expected population rates.InterpretationThe single-dose Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine had an acceptable safety profile supporting the continued use of this vaccine in our setting.FundingFunding was provided by the National Treasury of South Africa, the National Department of Health, Solidarity Response Fund NPC, The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, The Elma Vaccines and Immunization Foundation - Grant number 21-V0001, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – grant number INV-030342.
Specific methylation marks in promoter regions are associated to the pathogenic process of Chronic Chagas disease Cardiomyopathy by modifying transcription factor binding patterns
Authors: Brochet Pauline , Ianni Barbara , Laugier Laurie , Frade Amanda Farage , Nunes João Paulo Silva , Teixeira Priscila Camillo , Mady Charles , Ferreira Ludmila Rodrigues Pinto , Ferré Quentin , Santos Ronaldo Honorato Barros , Kuramoto Andreia , Cabantous Sandrine , Steffen Samuel , Stolf Antonio Noedir , Pomerantzeff Pablo , Fiorelli Alfredo Inacio , Bocchi Edimar A , Pissetti Cristina Wide , Saba Bruno , da Silva Cândido Darlan , Dias Fabrício , Sampaio Marcelo , Gaiotto Fabio Antônio , Marin-Neto José Antonio , Fragata Abílio , Zaniratto Ricardo Costa Fernandes , Siqueira Sergio , de lima Peixoto Giselle , Rigaud Vagner Oliveira-Carvalho , Bacal Fernando , Buck Paula , Ribeiro Rafael Almeida , Lin-Wang Hui Tzu , Marin-Neto José Antonio , Schmidt André , Martinelli Martino , Hirata Mario Hiroyuki , Donadi Eduardo , Pereira Alexandre Costa , Rodrigues Virmondes , Puthier Denis , Kalil Jorge , Spinelli Lionel , Cunha-Neto Edecio , Chevillard Christophe 
Published: December 2021

AbstractChagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is an endemic parasitical disease of Latin America, affecting 7 million people. Although most patients are asymptomatic, 30% develop complications, including Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy (CCC), which ranges from moderate to severe stages depending on the cardiac ejection fraction. The pathogenic process remains poorly understood, although genetic and epigenetic factors have already been proposed.Based on bulk RNA-seq and EPIC methylation data, we investigated the genetic and epigenetic deregulations present in the moderate and severe stages of CCC. We identified 4 main biological processes associated with the pathology development, including immune response, ion transport, cardiac muscle processes and nervous system. An in-depth study of the transcription factors binding sites in the differentially methylated regions corroborated the importance of these processes. We also conducted a methylation study on blood to identify potential biomarkers for CCC. Our data revealed 198 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) that could serve as biomarkers of the disease, of which 61 are associated with disease severity.
The N-linker region of hERG1a upregulates hERG1b potassium channels
Authors: Johnson Ashley A. , Crawford Taylor R. , Trudeau Matthew C. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA major physiological role of hERG1 (human Ether-á-go-go-Related Gene) potassium channels is to repolarize cardiac action potentials. Two isoforms, hERG1a and hERG1b, associate to form the native cardiac IKr current in vivo. Inherited mutations in hERG1a or hERG1b cause prolonged cardiac repolarization, Long QT Syndrome and sudden death arrhythmia. hERG1a subunits assemble with and enhance the number of hERG1b subunits at the plasma membrane, but the mechanism for the increase in hERG1b by hERG1a is not well understood. Here, we report that the hERG1a N-terminal PAS (Per-Arnt-Sim) domain-N-linker region expressed in trans with hERG1b markedly increased hERG1b currents and increased biotin-labelled hERG1b protein at the membrane surface. hERG1b channels with a deletion of the 1b domain did not have a measurable increase in current or biotinylated protein when co-expressed with hERG1a PAS domain-N-linker regions indicating that the 1b domain was required for the increase in hERG1b. Using a biochemical pull-down interaction assay and a FRET hybridization experiment, we detected a direct interaction between the hERG1a PAS domain-N-linker region and the hERG1b N-terminal 1b domain. Using engineered deletions and alanine mutagenesis, we identified a short span of amino acids at positions 216-220 within the hERG1a N-linker region that were necessary for the upregulation of hERG1b. Taken together, we propose that direct structural interactions between the hERG1a N-linker region and the hERG1b N-terminal 1b domain increase hERG1b at the plasma membrane. Mechanisms that enhance hERG1b current would be anticipated to shorten action potentials, which could be anti-arrhythmic, and may point toward hERG1b or the hERG1a N-linker as molecular targets for therapy for Long QT syndrome.Significance StatementPotassium (K) ion channels help to control the membrane voltage in cardiac cells and are responsible for maintaining the normal rhythm of the heart. A decrease in the number of K channels causes cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death. One K channel (KCNH2b, hERG1b) weakly forms channels at the cell membrane. Here we describe a new mechanism for upregulation of hERG1b. An N-terminal domain of a related K channel (KCNH2a, hERG1a), expressed in trans as a separate piece, interacts with hERG1b and increases the number of hERG1b channels at the membrane. A loss of hERG channels is pro-arrhythmic and an increase in hERG channels is considered anti-arrhythmic, thus the hERG1a N-terminal domain is a potential therapeutic for cardiac arrhythmias.
Porphyrin in prebiotic catalysis: Ascertaining a route for the emergence of early metalloporphyrins
Authors: Dagar Shikha , Sarkar Susovan , Rajamani Sudha 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMetal ions are known to catalyze certain prebiotic reactions. However, the transition from metal ions to extant metalloenzymes remains unclear. Porphyrins are found ubiquitously in the catalytic core of many ancient metalloenzymes. In this study, we evaluated the influence of porphyrin-based organic scaffold, on the catalysis, emergence and putative molecular evolution of prebiotic metalloporphyrins. We studied the effect of porphyrins on the transition metal ion-mediated oxidation of hydroquinone (HQ). We report a change in the catalytic activity of the metal ions in the presence of porphyrin. This was observed to be facilitated by the coordination between metal ions and porphyrins or by formation of non-coordinated complexes. The metal-porphyrin complexes also oxidized NADH, underscoring its versatility at oxidizing more than one substrate. Our study highlights the selective advantage that some of the metal ions would have had in the presence of porphyrin, underscoring their role in shaping the evolution of protometalloenzymes.
Molecular basis of transcriptional repression of anti-CRISPR by anti-CRISPR-associated 2
Authors: Lee So Yeon , Kim Gi Eob , Park Hyun Ho 
Published: December 2021

CRISPR–Cas systems are well known host defense mechanisms that are conserved in bacteria and archaea. To counteract CRISPR–Cas systems, phages and viruses have evolved to possess multiple anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins that can inhibit the host CRISPR–Cas system via different strategies. The expression of acr genes is controlled by anti-CRISPR-associated (Aca) proteins that bind to an upstream promoter and regulate the expression of acr genes during transcription. Although the role of Aca as a transcriptional repressor has been demonstrated, the mechanism of action of Aca has not been determined. Here, the molecular mechanism underlying the Aca2-mediated transcriptional control of acr genes was elucidated by determining the crystal structure of Aca2 from Oceanimonas smirnovii at a high resolution of 1.92 Å. Aca2 forms a dimer in solution, and dimerization of Aca2 is critical for specific promoter binding. The promoter-binding strategy of dimeric Aca2 was also revealed by performing mutagenesis studies. The atomic structure of the Aca family shown in this study provides insights into the fine regulation of host defense and immune-escape mechanisms and also demonstrates the conserved working mechanism of the Aca family.
Product characterization of a traditional sausage aiming at geographical indication certification and entrepreneurship prospects: an empirical study of Goan “choris”
Authors: Rajkumar Solomon , Nayar Renuka , Rajagopal Kavitha , Valsalan Namratha , Chinnasamy Sudharsan , Vasudevan V. N. , Thankachan Sathu , Manjunath N. 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is the physico-chemical, microbiological, colorimetric, sensorial characterization of choris, a traditional smoked pork sausage produced in the state of Goa (India), including its storage stability (0–180 days) at room temperature, aiming at the geographical indication certification and entrepreneurship prospects.Design/methodology/approachA total of 48 samples of “choris” were collected from 24 villages of Goa and were analyzed at different intervals (0–180 days) for physico-chemical, proximate, microbiological, colorimetric and sensory attributes during the storage at room temperature.FindingsThe mean pH of 4.45 and water activity (aw) of 0.78 were recorded. The pH, tyrosine value, fat percentage and free fatty acid content registered a significant increase, whereas moisture content, aw and moisture–protein ratio reduced as storage progresses. The colorimetric values lightness (L*), hue angle (H*) and redness index values reduced significantly during storage. The mean total viable count, yeast and mold, and lactic acid bacteria count were found to proliferate significantly as storage advanced. Nevertheless, the hedonic scores not reaching an unacceptable level (= 4) at the end of the storage period.Originality/valueIn accordance with the various parameters adopted during the study, choris could be characterized as “naturally fermented dry smoked” sausages, which were shelf-stable at room temperature for 180 days. The product characterization of choris is essential to guarantee the genuineness, safety and consumer's acceptability. This study will also rebound in an augmented uniformity of the product, which will favor the geographical indication certification and the entrepreneurship prospects of this traditional product.
Solving 2D boundary-value problems using discrete partial differential operators
Authors: Jaraczewski Marcin , Sobczyk Tadeusz 
Published: December 2021

Purpose
Discrete differential operators of periodic base functions have been examined to solve boundary-value problems. This paper aims to identify the difficulties of using those operators to solve ordinary linear and nonlinear differential equations with Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a promising approach for solving two-dimensional (2D) boundary problems of elliptic differential equations. To create finite differential equations, specially developed discrete partial differential operators are used to replace the partial derivatives in the differential equations. These operators relate the value of the partial derivatives at each point to the value of the function at all points evenly distributed over the area where the solution is being sought. Exemplary 2D elliptic equations are solved for two types of boundary conditions: the Dirichlet and the Neumann.

Findings
An alternative method has been proposed to create finite-difference equations and an effective method to determine the leakage flux in the transformer window.

Research limitations/implications
The proposed approach can be classified as an extension of the finite-difference method based on the new formulas approximating the derivatives. This method can be extended to the 3D or time-periodic 2D cases.

Practical implications
This paper presents a methodology for calculations of the self- and mutual-leakage inductances for windings arbitrarily located in the transformer window, which is needed for special transformers or in any case of the internal asymmetry of windings.

Originality/value
The presented methodology allows us to obtain the magnetic vector potential distribution in the transformer window only, for example, to omit the magnetic core of the transformer from calculations.
Restaurant management and food waste reduction: factors affecting attitudes and intentions in restaurants of Spain
Authors: Filimonau Viachaslau , Coşkun Ayşen , Derqui Belen , Matute Jorge 
Published: December 2021

Purpose
Although the challenge of food waste (FW) in the foodservice sector is significant, restaurant managers do not always engage in its reduction. The psychological reasons for this disengagement remain insufficiently understood. This study aims to explore the antecedents of behavioural intention of restaurateurs (not) to reduce FW. The influence of three factors is tested, namely, market orientation; environmental apathy alongside selected neutralization techniques, namely, appeal to higher loyalties; denial of injury and denial of responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach
The study uses the method of a large-scale managerial survey (n = 292) administered in the commercial foodservice sector of Spain. The data are analysed via structural equation modelling with partial least squares.

Findings
The study finds that market orientation affects managerial intention to reduce FW but not their attitude, while environmental apathy influences managerial attitudes but not their behavioural intention. The study confirms the negative effect of such neutralizers as the appeal to higher loyalties and the denial of injury on suppressing managerial intention to reduce FW. Contrary to initial anticipations, another established neutralizer, the denial of responsibility, exerts no significant effect.

Practical implications
The study elaborates on the interventions necessitated to neutralize the effect of the neutralizers on managerial (un)willingness to reduce FW in the commercial foodservice sector.

Originality/value
This is the first known attempt to understand the drivers of managerial engagement in FW reduction in the commercial foodservice sector through the prism of environmental apathy, market orientation and neutralization theory.
Research on optimization design of men's suit considering users' perception
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxi , Xu Yue , Chen Tui 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the relationship between users' perception image, clothing design features and users' preference and propose a clothing design scheme based on users perception image and users' preference.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, men's suit is composed into multiple design features under the design elements. Using the orthogonal experiment method, 16 schemes of the representative suit are designed. Through perception evaluation experiment, users' perception images and preference degree of the samples are obtained. By partial least squares (PLS) analysis method, the models between users' perception image, suit design features and users' preference are built.FindingsThe interrelationship between the three is identified by establishing PLS models between users' perception image, suit design features and users' preference. According to the coefficients of the models, the optimization schemes of men's suits considering users' perception image and preference are proposed. Verification results show that the optimization schemes are significantly better than other schemes.Originality/valueThe results of this paper can be used for consumer demand-oriented clothing design and provide references and methods for converting consumer's perceived needs into clothing design features.