bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Light Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT+) for Insomnia and Fatigue During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bean Helena R. , Diggens Justine , Ftanou Maria , Alexander Marliese , Stafford Lesley , Bei Bei , Francis Prudence A. , Wiley Joshua F. 
Published: March 2021

Study ObjectivesSleep problems are common during chemotherapy for breast cancer (BC). We evaluated whether combined brief cognitive behavioral and bright light therapy (CBT+) is superior to treatment as usual with relaxation audio (TAU+) for insomnia symptoms and sleep efficiency (primary outcomes).MethodsWe randomized women receiving intravenous chemotherapy, stratified by tumor stage and insomnia severity index (ISI), to 6-weeks CBT+ or TAU+. CBT+ included one in-person session, one telephone call, seven emails, and 20 minutes bright light each morning. TAU+ comprised usual treatment and two emails with relaxation audio tracks. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline, midpoint (week 3), post (week 6) and 3-month follow-up.ResultsWomen (N = 101) were randomly assigned to CBT+ or TAU+. Insomnia symptoms declined significantly more from baseline to post with CBT+ versus TAU+ (−5.06 vs -1.93, P = .009; effect size [ES] = .69). At 3-month follow-up, both groups had improved insomnia symptoms but did not differ (ES = .18, P = .56). CBT+ had higher patient-reported sleep efficiency than TAU+ after the start of intervention (P = .05) and more improvement in fatigue (ES = .59, P = .013) and daytime sleep-related impairment (ES = .61, P = .009) from baseline to post.ConclusionsCBT+ had a clinically significant impact on insomnia and fatigue with moderate effect sizes. Results support offering cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and bright light therapy during chemotherapy for breast cancer to help manage sleep and fatigue.Clinical trial informationRegistered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (http://anzctr.org.au/), Registration Number: ACTRN12618001255279Statement of SignificancePoor sleep is prevalent after cancer diagnosis, especially during chemotherapy. Although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to be effective, including in cancer survivors, chemotherapy is unique with significant, ongoing, exogenous factors disrupting sleep (e.g., pain, nausea, and steroids used to manage side effects from chemotherapy). We showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in insomnia and fatigue symptoms in the CBT-I plus bright light therapy (CBT+) treatment condition compared to the control in women receiving chemotherapy for stage 1–4 breast cancer. Waiting until cancer treatment completion may result in prolonging poor sleep and our findings suggest is not necessary. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether combined CBT+ is superior to CBT-I or light alone.
Introducing the 4Ps Model of Transitioning to Distance Learning: a convergent mixed methods study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Otaki Farah , Zaher Shroque , Plessis Stefan Du , Lakhtakia Ritu , Zary Nabil , Inuwa Ibrahim 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSignificant concern has been raised regarding the effect of COVID-19 on medical education. The aim of this study was to shed light on the distance learning experiences of medical students and their instructors. A convergent mixed methods approach was utilized. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using a survey.The percentage of the total average of satisfaction among stakeholders was 76.4%. The qualitative analysis revealed several themes. This study introduced the 4Ps Model of Transitioning to Distance Learning. It would be useful to leverage the lessons-learned to tailor blended medical programs, with a reasonable mélange of experiences. The study also contributes to the mixed methods research through showcasing a means of adapting it to evaluate critical situations reliably and rapidly.
Ventilation procedures to minimize the airborne transmission of viruses at schools
Authors: Stabile L. , Pacitto A. , Mikszewski A. , Morawska L. , Buonanno G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractReducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through indoor air is the key challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crowded indoor environments, such as schools, represent possible hotspots for virus transmission since the basic non-pharmaceutical mitigation measures applied so far (e.g. social distancing) do not eliminate the airborne transmission mode. There is widespread consensus that improved ventilation is needed to minimize the transmission potential of airborne viruses in schools, whether through mechanical systems or ad-hoc manual airing procedures in naturally ventilated buildings. However, there remains significant uncertainty surrounding exactly what ventilation rates are required, and how to best achieve these targets with limited time and resources. This paper uses a mass balance approach to quantify the ability of both mechanical ventilation and ad-hoc airing procedures to mitigate airborne transmission risk in the classroom environment. For naturally-ventilated classrooms, we propose a novel feedback control strategy using CO2 concentrations to continuously monitor and adjust the airing procedure. Our case studies show how such procedures can be applied in the real world to support the reopening of schools during the pandemic. Our results also show the inadequacy of relying on absolute CO2 concentration thresholds as the sole indicator of airborne transmission risk.
A short ERK5 isoform modulates nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of active ERK5 and associates with poor survival in breast cancer
Authors: Miranda Mariska , Saunus Jodi M. , Akgül Seçkin , Marjaneh Mahdi Moradi , Kutasovic Jamie R. , Shi Wei , Chatterjee Oishee , Casciello Francesco , Rozali Esdy , Handoko Herlina Y. , Wiegmans Adrian P. , Liu Tianqing , Lee Jason S. , Day Bryan W. , Edwards Stacey L. , French Juliet D. , Reed Amy E. McCart , Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Khanna Kum Kum , Simpson Peter T. , Lakhani Sunil R. , Al-Ejeh Fares 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of ERK5 has gained recent attention as a regulator of its diverse roles in cancer progression but the exact mechanisms for this shuttling are still under investigation.MethodsUsingin vitro, in vivoandin silicostudies, we investigated the roles of shorter ERK5 isoforms in regulating the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of active phosphorylated-ERK5 (pERK5). Retrospective cohorts of primary and metastatic breast cancer cases were used to evaluate the association of the subcellular localization of pERK5 with clinicopathological features.ResultsExtranuclear localization of pERK5 was observed during cell migrationin vitroand at the invasive fronts of metastatic tumorsin vivo. The nuclear and extranuclear cell fractions contained different isoforms of pERK5, which are encoded by splice variants expressed in breast and other cancers in the TCGA data. One isoform, isoform-3, lacks the C-terminal transcriptional domain and the nuclear localization signal. The co-expression of isoform-3 and full-lengthERK5associated with high epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and poor patient survival. Experimentally, expressing isoform-3 with full-length ERK5 in breast cancer cells increased cell migration, drove EMT and led to tamoxifen resistance. In breast cancer patient samples, pERK5 showed variable subcellular localizations where its extranuclear localization associated with aggressive clinicopathological features, metastasis, and poor survival.ConclusionOur studies support a model of ERK5 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling driven by splice variants in an interplay between mesenchymal and epithelial states during metastasis. Using ERK5 as a biomarker and a therapeutic target should account for its splicing and context-dependent biological functions.Graphical AbstractERK5 isoform-3 expression deploys active ERK5 (pERK5) outside the nucleus to facilitate EMT and cell migration. In cells dominantly expressing isoform-1, pERK5 shuttles to the nucleus to drive cell expansion.
Molecular phylogeny of Puerto Rico Bank dwarf geckos (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae:Sphaerodactylus)
Authors: Reynolds R. Graham , Miller Aryeh H. , Ríos-Franceschi Alejandro , Huffine Clair A. , Fredette Jason , Angeli Nicole F. , Vega-Castillo Sondra I. , Revell Liam J. , Puente-Rolón Alberto R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe genusSphaerodactylusis a very species-rich assemblage of sphaerodactylid lizards that has undergone a level of speciation in parallel to that of the well-knownAnolislizards. Nevertheless, molecular phylogenetic research on this group consists of a handful of smaller studies of regional focus (e.g., western Puerto Rico, the Lesser Antilles) or large-scale analyses based on relatively limited sequence data. Few medium-scale multi-locus studies exist— for example, studies that encompass an entire radiation on an island group. Building upon previous work done in Puerto RicanSphaerodactylus, we performed multi-locus sampling ofSphaerodactylusgeckos from across the Puerto Rico Bank. We then used these data for phylogeny estimation with near-complete taxon sampling. We focused on sampling the widespread nominal speciesS. macrolepisand in so doing, we uncovered a highly divergent and morphologically distinct lineage ofSphaerodactylus macrolepisfrom Puerto Rico, Culebra, and Vieques islands, which we recognize asS. grandisquamis(Stejneger, 1904) on the basis of molecular and morphological characters.S. grandisquamisco-occurs withS. macrolepisonly on Culebra Island but is highly genetically differentiated and morphologically distinct.Sphaerodactylus macrolepisis now restricted to the eastern Puerto Rico Bank, from Culebra east through the Virgin Islands and including the topotypic population on St. Croix. We include additional discussion of the evolutionary history and historical biogeography of theSphaerodactylusof the Puerto Rican Bank in the context of these new discoveries.
Synergy of culture-dependent molecular identification and whole-community metabarcode sequencing for characterizing the microbiota of arable crop residues
Authors: Laval Valérie , Kerdraon Lydie , Barret Matthieu , Liabot Anne-Lise , Marais Coralie , Boudier Benjamin , Balesdent Marie-Hélène , Saux Marion Fischer-Le , Suffert Frédéric 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study is the first to compare culture-dependent (strain isolation plus molecular identification) and culture-independent (whole-community metabarcode sequencing) approaches for characterizing the microbiota of crop residues. We investigated the diversity of fungal and bacterial communities in wheat and oilseed rape residues, using two different culture-dependent strategies to cover the maximum diversity for each kingdom: broad substrate sampling coupled with low-throughput isolation and diversity analysis for fungi, and reduced substrate sampling coupled with high-throughput isolation and diversity analysis for bacteria. The proportion of cultivable microorganisms was neither as low as the ‘1%’ paradigm long associated with the rhizosphere microflora, nor as high as the 50% sometimes reported for the phyllosphere microflora. It was, thus, intermediate between the values for soil and plants. This finding is consistent with residues being considered to constitute an ecotone, at the interface between soil and phyllosphere. Isolation and metabarcoding provided consistent complementary information: they revealed close community profiles, leading to the identification of several common and specific amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The power of the culture-independent approach was thus confirmed. By contrast the culture-dependent approach was less weak than anticipated. Firstly, it provided complementary information about microbial diversity, with several ASVs not retrieved by metabarcoding being identified after isolation in the community-based culture collection. Secondly, this approach made it possible to preserve and test different taxa either individually or after the creation of synthetic communities, for deciphering the ecological functions of communities beyond merely descriptive aspects.
Genome-wide Association Study of Pancreatic Fat: The Multiethnic Cohort Adiposity Phenotype Study
Authors: Streicher Samantha A , Lim Unhee , Park S. Lani , Li Yuqing , Sheng Xin , Hom Victor , Xia Lucy , Pooler Loreall , Shepherd John , Loo Lenora WM , Darst Burcu F , Highland Heather M , Polfus Linda M , Bogumil David , Ernst Thomas , Buchthal Steven , Franke Adrian A , Setiawan Veronica Wendy , Tiirikainen Maarit , Wilkens Lynne R , Haiman Christopher A , Stram Daniel O , Cheng Iona , Marchand Loïc Le 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSeveral studies have found associations between higher pancreatic fat content and adverse health outcomes, such as diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, but investigations into the genetic contributions to pancreatic fat are limited. This genome-wide association study, comprised of 804 participants with MRI-assessed pancreatic fat measurements, was conducted in the ethnically diverse Multiethnic Cohort-Adiposity Phenotype Study (MEC-APS). Two genetic variants reaching genome-wide significance, rs73449607 on chromosome 13q21.2 (Beta = −0.67, P = 4.50×10-8) and rs7996760 on chromosome 6q14 (Beta = −0.90, P = 4.91×10-8) were associated with percent pancreatic fat on the log scale. Rs73449607 was most common in the African American population (13%) and rs79967607 was most common in the European American population (6%). Rs73449607 was also suggestively associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.89-1.00, P = 0.047) in the Population Architecture Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE) Study and the DIAbetes Genetics Replication and Meta-analysis (DIAGRAM), which included substantial numbers of non-European ancestry participants (53,102 cases and 193,679 controls). Rs73449607 is located in an intergenic region betweenGSX1andPLUT, and rs79967607 is in intron 1 ofEPM2A.PLUT,a linkRNA, regulates transcription of an adjacent gene,PDX1, that controls beta-cell function in the mature pancreas, andEPM2Aencodes the protein laforin, which plays a critical role in regulating glycogen production. If validated, these variants may suggest a genetic component for pancreatic fat and a common etiologic link between pancreatic fat and type 2 diabetes.
Experimental sexual selection affects the evolution of physiological and life history traits
Authors: Garlovsky Martin D. , Holman Luke , Brooks Andrew L. , Novicic Zorana K. , Snook Rhonda R. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTSexual selection and sexual conflict are expected to affect all aspects of the phenotype, not only traits that are directly involved in reproduction. Here, we show coordinated evolution of multiple physiological and life history traits in response to long-term experimental manipulation of the mating system in populations ofDrosophila pseudoobscura. Development time was extended under polyandry relative to monogamy in both sexes, potentially due to higher investment in traits linked to sexual selection and sexual conflict. Individuals (especially males) evolving under polyandry had higher metabolic rates and locomotor activity than those evolving under monogamy. Polyandry individuals also invested more in metabolites associated with increased endurance capacity and efficient energy metabolism and regulation, namely lipid and glycogen. Finally, polyandry males were less desiccation- and starvation-resistant than monogamy males, suggesting trade-offs between resistance and sexually selected traits. Our results provide experimental evidence that mating systems can impose selection that influences the evolution of non-sexual phenotypes such as development, activity, metabolism, and nutrient homeostasis.
Antibacterial activity ofBalanites aegyptiacaOil Extract onStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli
Authors: Khanam Sabina , Zakari’yau Galadima Fatima 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAfrica is very rich with biodiversity resources, vegetation and it is estimated about 40,000- 45,000 species of different flora. A very large number of plant species are medicinally used for the treatment of various diseases.Balanites aegyptiacaalso called “desert date” indeed a plant with amazing benefits for human,Balanites aegyptiacawas popularly known to have added value and hope for person who went to pursue it for health. In Nigeria, there are evidences of serious bacterial infections with Gram-positive and Gram-negativeStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia colirespectively.Balanites aegypticais used to treat so many illnesses including laxative, diarrhea, hemorrhoid, stomach aches, jaundice, yellow fever, syphilis and epilepsy. TheBalanite aegypticasample was sun dried for easy removal of the seed from the shell; it was washed to remove un-wanted particles and was dried off then pounded fine powder using mortar and pestle.Antibacterial activity of theBalanites aegypticaoil at different concentrations onstaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia colibacteria and different meters in diameter of the zones was observed.The results shows significant effect of Balanites oil on bacteria by observing the presence of clear spaces known as the zone of inhibitions in the experiments.
Integrating transcription factor abundance with chromatin accessibility in human erythroid lineage commitment
Authors: Baskar Reema , Chen Amy F. , Favaro Patricia , Reynolds Warren , Mueller Fabian , Borges Luciene , Jiang Sizun , Park Hyun Shin , Kool Eric T. , Greenleaf William J. , Bendall Sean C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe present InTAC-seq, a method for simultaneous quantification of genome-wide open chromatin and intracellular protein abundance in fixed cells. Using InTAC we directly observe variation in chromatin accessibility and transcription factor motif occupancy driven by differences in transcription factor protein abundance. By purifying bone marrow progenitor cells based on GATA1 protein expression, we establish its role in both functional and epigenetic restriction of erythroid cell identity in human hematopoiesis.
Innate triggering and antiviral effector functions of activin A
Authors: Al-Hourani K. , Ramamurthy N , Marchi E , Eichinger RM , Lee LN , Fabris P , Klenerman P , Drakesmith H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFirst-line defence against viral infection is contingent upon rapid detection of conserved viral structural and genomic motifs by germline-encoded pattern recognition receptors, followed by activation of the type I IFN system and establishment of an intracellular antiviral state. Novel antiviral functions of bone morphogenetic protein and related activin cytokines, acting in conjunction with, and independently of, type I IFN, have recently been described. Activin A mediates multiple innate and adaptive immune functions – including antiviral effects. However, how such effects are mediated and how activin might be triggered by viral infection have not been defined. Here we addressed this in vivo and in vitro, in humans and mice.Transcriptomic analyses delineated strikingly congruent patterns of gene regulation in hepatocytes stimulated with recombinant activin A and IFNαin vitro. Activin A mRNA, encoded byINHBA, is induced upon activation of RIG-I, MDA5 and TLR7/8 viral nucleic acid sensorsin vitro, across multiple cell lines and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.In vivo, infection of mice with influenza A also upregulatedInhbamRNA in the lung; this local upregulation ofInhbais retained in MAVS knockout mice, indicating a role for non-RIG-I-like receptors in its induction. Activin induction and signalling were also detectable in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.Together, these data suggest Activin A is triggered in parallel with type I IFN responses and can trigger related antiviral effector functions. This model has implications for the development of targeted antiviral therapies, in addition to revealing novel facets of activin biology.
Plant immune system activation is necessary for efficient interaction with auxin secreting beneficial bacteria
Authors: Tzipilevich Elhanan , Benfey Philip N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPlants continuously monitor the presence of microorganisms through their immune system to establish an adaptive response. Unlike immune recognition of pathogenic bacteria, how beneficial bacteria interact with the plant immune system is not well understood. Analysis of colonization ofArabidopsis thalianaby auxin producing beneficial bacteria revealed that activation of the plant immune system is necessary for efficient bacterial colonization and auxin secretion. A feedback loop is established in which bacterial colonization triggers an immune reaction and production of reactive oxygen species, which, in turn, stimulate auxin production by the bacteria. Auxin promotes bacterial survival and efficient root colonization, allowing the bacteria to inhibit fungal infection and promote plant health.
SPECT/CT imaging, biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of a177Lu-DOTA-integrin αvβ6 cystine knot peptide in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model
Authors: Sachindra Sachindra , Hellberg Teresa , Exner Samantha , Prasad Sonal , Beindorff Nicola , Rogalla Stephan , Kimura Richard , Gambhir Sanjiv Sam , Wiedenmann Bertram , Grötzinger Carsten 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive malignant neoplasms, as many cases go undetected until they reach an advanced stage. Integrin αvβ6 is a cell surface receptor overexpressed in PDAC. Consequently, it may serve as a target for the development of probes for imaging diagnosis and radioligand therapy. Engineered cystine knottin peptides specific for integrin αvβ6 have recently been developed showing high affinity and stability. This study aimed to evaluate an integrin αvβ6-specific knottin molecular probe containing the therapeutic radionuclide177Lu for targeting of PDAC.MethodsThe expression of integrin αvβ6 in PDAC cell lines BxPC3 and Capan2 was analyzed using RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. In vitro competition and saturation radioligand binding assays were performed to calculate the binding affinity of the DOTA-coupled tracer loaded with and without lutetium to BxPC3 and Capan2 cell lines. To evaluate tracer accumulation in the tumor and organs, SPECT/CT, biodistribution and dosimetry projections were carried out using a Capan2 xenograft tumor mouse model.ResultsRT-qPCR and immunofluorescence results showed high expression of integrin αvβ6 in BxPC3 and Capan2 cells. A competition binding assay revealed high affinity of the tracer with IC50values of 1.69 nM and 9.46 nM for BxPC3 and Capan2, respectively. SPECT/CT and biodistribution analysis of the conjugate177Lu-DOTA-integrin αvβ6 knottin demonstrated accumulation in Capan2 xenograft tumors (3.13 ± 0.63 %IA/g at day 1 post injection) with kidney uptake at 19.2 ± 2.5 %IA/g, declining much more rapidly than in tumors.Conclusion177Lu-DOTA-integrin αvβ6 knottin was found to be a high-affinity tracer for PDAC tumors with considerable tumor accumulation and moderate, rapidly declining kidney uptake. These promising results warrant a preclinical treatment study to establish therapeutic efficacy.