bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructural deficits in the thalamus of major depressive disorder
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Zhang Yingli , Ai Hui , Van Dam Nicholas T. , Qian Long , Hou Gangqiang , Xu Pengfei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMacroscopic structural abnormalities in the thalamus and thalamic circuits have been shown to contribute to the neuropathology of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, cytoarchitectonic properties underlying these macroscopic abnormalities remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify systematic deficits of brain architecture in depression, from structural brain network organization to microstructural properties. A multi-modal neuroimaging approach including diffusion, anatomical and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to examine structural-related alternations in 56 MDD patients compared with 35 age- and sex-matched controls. Structural networks were constructed and analyzed using seed-based probabilistic tractography. Morphometric measurements, including cortical thickness and voxel-based morphometry (VBM), were evaluated across the whole brain. A conjunction analysis was then conducted to identify key regions showing common structural alternations across modalities. The microstructural properties, macromolecular tissue volume (MTV) and T1 relaxation times of identified key regions were then calculated. Results showed multiple alterations of structural connectivity within a set of subcortical areas and their connections to cortical regions in MDD patients. These subcortical regions included the putamen, thalamus and caudate, which are predominately involved in the limbic-cortical-striatal-pallidal-thalamic network (LCSPT). Structural connectivity was disrupted within and between large-scale networks, mainly including subcortical networks, default mode networks and salience/ventral attention networks. Consistently, these regions also exhibited widespread volume reductions in MDD patients, specifically the bilateral thalamus, left putamen and right caudate. Importantly, the microstructural properties, T1 relaxation time of left thalamus were increased and negatively correlated with its gray matter volume in MDD patients. The present work to date sheds light on the neuropathological disruptions of LCSPT circuit in MDD, providing the first multi-modal neuroimaging evidence for the macro-micro structural abnormalities of the thalamus in patients with MDD. These findings have implications in understanding the abnormal changes of brain structures across development of MDD.
Modeling and analysis of COVID-19 infected persons during repeated waves in Japan
Authors: Hashiguchi Koichi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA model for estimating the number of COVID-19 infected persons (infecteds) is proposed based on the exponential function law of the SIR model. This model is composed of several equations expressing the number of infecteds, considering the onset after an incubation period, infectivity, wavy infection persistence with repeated infection spread and convergence with insufficient quarantine. This model is applied to the infection in Japan, which is currently suffering from the 5th wave, and the initial number of infecteds and various related parameters are calculated by curve fitting of the cumulative number of infecteds to the total cases in the database. As a minimum boundary of the number of infecteds for the infection continuation up to the 5th wave, the initial number of infecteds at the outbreak of infection is more than an order of magnitude higher than the actual initial cases. A convergence ratio (cumulative number of infecteds / total cases) at the end of the first wave is obtained as 1.5. The quarantine rate and social distancing ratio based on the SIQR model are evaluated, and the social distancing ratio increases sharply just after the government’s declaration of emergency. The quarantine rate closely equals the positive rate by PCR tests, meaning that the number of infecteds, which had been unknown, is on the order of almost the same as the number of tests.
Evaluation of the Therapeutic Potential of Oral Phycocyanin-Rich Spirulina Extract in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Authors: Donen Anna , Lifschytz Tzuri , Wolf Gilly , Ben-Ari Hagar , Lotan Amit , Lerer Leonard , Lerer Bernard 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTAimSpirulina is a microalga that is widely used as a food supplement and is regarded as having performance enhancing and health promoting properties. We conducted a preliminary evaluation of the possible antidepressant, anti-anxiety, pro-socialization and cognition-enhancing effects of Spirulina in mouse models.MethodsSixty male BalbC mice aged 3 weeks were administered phycocyanin-rich Spirulina extract (PRSE, 545 mg/kg), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) or water orally for 5 weeks. During the last 2 weeks of the experiment a series of behavioral-cognitive tests was performed to evaluate motor activity, antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects, socialization and cognitive effects. Effects of PRSE and fluoxetine were compared to those of water.ResultsThere was a significant effect of PRSE in the activity domain, manifesting as an increase in velocity in the open field (p=0.0007 vs. water). Fluoxetine significantly enhanced immobility in the tail suspension test and the forced swim test reflecting the known antidepressant effect of this compound, but not PRSE. There were no significant effects of PRSE in tests of anxiety, socialization or cognition.ConclusionsThe most striking observation in this study was that PRSE significantly enhanced activity in the open field test. Further studies are indicated to confirm and extend this finding and investigate possible mechanisms of action. The results of the current study do not support sporadic reports of possible antidepressant or cognition-enhancing effects of PRSE. Nevertheless, additional studies are indicated using depression models rather than naïve mice, alternative mouse strains, using additional cognitive tests, and administering higher PRSE doses.
Effectiveness of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford-AstraZeneca) vaccines for reducing susceptibility to infection with the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Pattni Karan , Hungerford Daniel , Adams Sarah , Buchan Iain , Cheyne Christopher P , García-Fiñana Marta , Hall Ian , Hughes David M , Overton Christopher , Zhang Xingna , Sharkey Kieran J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundFrom January to May 2021 the alpha variant (B.1.1.7) of SARS-CoV-2 was the most commonly detected variant in the UK, but since then the Delta variant (B.1.617.2), first detected in India, has become the predominant variant. The UK COVID-19 vaccination programme started on 8th December 2020. Most vaccine effectiveness studies to date have focused on the alpha variant. We therefore aimed to estimate the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford-AstraZeneca) vaccines in preventing infection with respect to the Delta variant in a UK setting.MethodsWe used anonymised public health record data linked to infection data (PCR) using the Combined Intelligence for Population Health Action resource. We then constructed an SIR epidemic model to explain SARS-CoV-2 infection data across the Cheshire and Merseyside region of the UK.ResultsWe determined that the effectiveness of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in reducing susceptibility to infection is 39% (95% credible interval [34,43]) and 64% (95% credible interval [61,67]) for a single dose and a double dose respectively. For the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the effectiveness is 20% (95% credible interval [10,28]) and 84% (95% credible interval [82,86]) for a single-dose and a double dose respectively.ConclusionVaccine effectiveness for reducing susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection shows noticeable improvement after receiving two doses of either vaccine. Findings also suggest that a full course of the Pfizer-BioNTech provides the optimal protection against infection with the Delta variant. This would advocate for completing the full course programme to maximise individual protection and reduce transmission.
SARS-CoV-2 vaccine antibody response and breakthrough infection in dialysis
Authors: Anand Shuchi , Montez-Rath Maria E. , Han Jialin , Garcia Pablo , Cadden LinaCel , Hunsader Patti , Morgan Curt , Kerschmann Russell , Beyer Paul , Dittrich Mary , Block Geoffrey A , Chertow Glenn M , Parsonnet Julie 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatients receiving dialysis are a sentinel population for groups at high risk for death and disability from COVID-19. Understanding correlates of protection post-vaccination can inform immunization and mitigation strategies.MethodsMonthly since January 2021, we tested plasma from 4791 patients receiving dialysis for antibodies to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 using a high-throughput assay. We qualitatively assessed the proportion without a detectable RBD response and among those with a response, semiquantitative median IgG index values. Using a nested case-control design, we matched each breakthrough case to five controls by age, sex, and vaccination-month to determine whether peak and pre-breakthrough RBD IgG index values were associated with risk for infection post-vaccination.ResultsAmong 2563 vaccinated patients, the proportion without a detectable RBD response increased from 6.6% [95% CI 5.5-8.1] in 14-30 days post-vaccination to 20.2% [95% CI 17.1-23.8], and median index values declined from 92.7 (95% CI 77.8-107.5) to 3.7 (95% CI 3.1-4.3) after 5 months. Persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection prior-to-vaccination had higher peak index values than persons without prior infection, but values equalized by 5 months (p=0.230). Breakthrough infections occurred in 56 patients, with samples collected a median of 21 days pre-breakthrough. Peak and pre-breakthrough RBD values <23 (equivalent to <506 WHO BAU/mL) were associated with higher odds for breakthrough infection (OR: 3.7 [95% CI 2.0-6.8] and 9.8 [95% CI 2.9-32.8], respectively).ConclusionsThe antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination wanes rapidly, and in persons receiving dialysis, the persisting antibody response is associated with risk for breakthrough infection.
Detection of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by using a commercial surrogate virus neutralization ELISA: can it substitute the classical neutralization test?
Authors: Hofmann Natalie , Grossegesse Marica , Neumann Markus , Schaade Lars , Nitsche Andreas 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundHigh-throughput detection of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 presents a valuable tool for vaccine trials or investigations of population immunity. We evaluate the performance of the first commercial surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT, GenScript Biotech) against SARS-CoV-2 plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) in convalescent and vaccinated individuals. We compare it to five other ELISAs, two of which are designed to detect neutralizing antibodies.ResultsIn 491 pre-vaccination serum samples, sVNT missed 23.6% of PRNT-positive samples when using the manufacturer-recommended cutoff of 30% binding inhibition. Introducing a equivocal area between 15 and 35% maximized sensitivity and specificity against PRNT to 72.8–93.1 % and 73.5– 97.6%, respectively. The overall diagnostic performance of the other ELISAs for neutralizing antibodies was below that of sVNT. Vaccinated individuals exhibited higher antibody titers by PRNT (median 119.8, IQR 56.7–160) and binding inhibition by sVNT (median 95.7, IQR 88.1–96.8) than convalescent patients (median 49.1, IQR 20–62; median 52.9, IQR 31.2–76.2).ConclusionGenScript sVNT is suitable to screen for SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies; however, to obtain accurate results, confirmatory testing by PRNT in a equivocal area is required. This equivocal area may require adaptation for use in vaccinated individuals, due to higher antibody titers.
Breastfeeding infants receive neutralizing antibodies and cytokines from mothers immunized with a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine
Authors: Narayanaswamy Vignesh , Pentecost Brian , Schoen Corina N. , Alfandari Dominique , Schneider Sallie S. , Baker Ryan , Arcaro Kathleen F. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the immune response to COVID-19 mRNA-based vaccines present in breastmilk and the transfer of the immune response to the breastfeeding child.MethodsA prospective cohort study enrolled 30 lactating women who received an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine between January and April 2021. Women provided serial milk samples, which included milk expressed before vaccination, milk expressed across 2-3 weeks after the first dose, and milk expressed across 3 weeks after the second dose. Women also were asked to provide their blood, spotted on cards (dried blood spots; DBS) 19 days after the first dose and 21 days after the second dose. Stool samples from the breastfed infants were collected 21 days after mothers received their second dose. Pre-pandemic samples of milk, DBS cards, and infant stool from prior studies were also utilized. Milk and infant stool samples were tested by ELISA for receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific IgA and IgG. Milk samples were tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies against the spike and four variants of concern (VOCs): D614G, B.1.1.7 (alpha), B.1.351 (beta), and P.1 (gamma). Milk samples were also tested by electrochemiluminescence assay for levels of 10 cytokines.ResultsMilk from COVID-19-immunized women neutralized the spike and four VOCs and this response is primarily IgG-driven. The immune response in milk also included significantly elevated levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The immune response to maternal vaccination was reflected in breastfed babies; anti-RBD IgG and anti-RBD IgA was detected in 33% and 30% of infant stool samples, respectively. Levels of anti-RBD antibodies in infant stool correlated with maternal vaccine side-effects.ConclusionHumoral and cellular immune responses to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination are present in the breastmilk of most women. The milk anti-RBD antibodies can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 spike and VOCs. Importantly, we describe for the first time the transfer of anti-RBD antibodies to breastfed infants, with the potential to confer passive immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
Leaders’ gender and the fight against COVID-19: investigation, replication, and a possible explanation
Authors: Maaravi Yossi , Gur Tamar , Arie Yossi Gur 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the alleged relationship between leaders’ gender and COVID-19 related cases and deaths in different countries across the globe.Study designThe relationship between leaders’ gender and percent of women in parliament to COVID-19 cases and death per million was investigated in three time points (10 months) across 180 countries, controlling for possible covariates.MethodsThree different types of analyses were run: (1) Six basic t-tests; (2) Two repeated-measure ANOVA tests analyzing change over time; (3) Six stepwise regression analyses for both leaders’ gender and the percentage of women in parliament.ResultsOur findings suggest that, contrary to some research and popular media headlines, and in-line with recent academic research, leadership gender is not a significant factor in explaining the variation between countries in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionsWe suggest that this alleged relationship may stem from an illusory correlation. We argue that the uncertainty, stress, and anxiety that prevail in these times of global pandemic may be the breeding ground for judgmental biases of this sort.
Cnidarian hair cell development illuminates an ancient role for the class IV POU transcription factor in defining mechanoreceptor identity
Authors: Ozment Ethan , Tamvacakis Arianna N. , Zhou Jianhong , Rosiles-Loeza Pablo Yamild , Escobar-Hernandez Esteban Elías , Fernandez-Valverde Selene L. , Nakanishi Nagayasu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAlthough specialized mechanosensory cells are found across animal phylogeny, early evolutionary histories of mechanoreceptor development remain enigmatic. Cnidaria (e.g. sea anemones and jellyfishes) is the sister group to well-studied Bilateria (e.g. flies and vertebrates), and has two mechanosensory cell types – a lineage-specific sensory-effector known as the cnidocyte, and a classical mechanosensory neuron referred to as the hair cell. While developmental genetics of cnidocytes is increasingly understood, genes essential for hair cell development are unknown. Here we show that the class IV POU homeodomain transcription factor (POU-IV) – an indispensable regulator of mechanosensory cell differentiation in Bilateria and cnidocyte differentiation in Cnidaria – controls hair cell development in the sea anemone cnidarian Nematostella vectensis. N. vectensis POU-IV is postmitotically expressed in tentacular hair cells, and is necessary for development of the apical mechanosensory apparatus, but not of neurites, in hair cells. Moreover, it binds to deeply conserved DNA recognition elements, and turns on a unique set of effector genes – including the transmembrane-receptor-encoding gene polycystin 1 – specifically in hair cells. Our results suggest that POU-IV directs differentiation of cnidarian hair cells and cnidocytes via distinct gene regulatory mechanisms, and support an evolutionarily ancient role for POU-IV in defining the mature state of mechanosensory neurons.
The accumulation of lncRNAs in hybrid with DNA in patients with psoriasis reveals a decrease in the levels of RNase HII transcripts in the skin
Authors: Mehmetbeyoglu Ecmel , Kianmehr Leila , Borlu Murat , Yilmaz Zeynep , Kılıc Seyma Basar , Rajabi-Maham Hassan , Taheri Serpil , Rassoulzadegan Minoo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLong functional non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been in the limelight in aging research because short telomeres are associated with higher levels of TERRA (Telomeric Repeat containing RNA). The genomic instability caused in Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) especially in patients with psoriasis, which lead to short telomeres in psoriasis lesions, is a mechanism leading to cell aging. Research on the fraction of TERRA in hybrid with DNA offers avenues for new strategies. Skin samples were fractionated to obtain the RNA associated with DNA as a R-loop structure. TERRA analysis was performed by RT-qPCR and RNA-seq analysis. The higher amount of TERRA levels attached with each chromosome end was found with psoriasis patients. The increased levels of TERRA linked with telomeres correlate with the decrease in the RNase-HII transcript which means the unresolved DNA/RNA hybrids may ultimately facilitate the formation of skin lesions. LncRNAs have multiple molecular functions, including the regulation of heterochromatin, which controls genome stability and epigenome shaping and may be used as a trans-generational prognostic marker in patients with psoriasis.
Evaluation of real-life use of Point-Of-Care Rapid Antigen TEsting for SARS-CoV-2 in schools (EPOCRATES)
Authors: Blanchard Ana C. , Desforges Marc , Labbé Annie-Claude , Nguyen Cat Tuong , Petit Yves , Besner Dominic , Zinszer Kate , Séguin Olivier , Laghdir Zineb , Adams Kelsey , Benoit Marie-Ève , Leduc Geneviève , Longtin Jean , Ragoussis Ioannis , Buckeridge David L. , Quach Caroline 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe evaluated the use of rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) for the diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in school settings to determine RADT’s performance compared to PCR.MethodsIn this real-world, prospective observational cohort study, high-school students and staff were recruited from two high-schools in Montreal (Canada) and followed from January 25th to June 10th, 2021. Twenty-five percent of asymptomatic participants were tested weekly by RADT (nasal) and PCR (gargle). Class contacts of cases were tested. Symptomatic participants were tested by RADT (nasal) and PCR (nasal and gargle). The number of cases and outbreaks were compared to other high schools in the same area.ResultsOverall, 2,099 students and 286 school staff members consented to participate. The overall RADT’s specificity varied from 99.8 to 100%, with a lower sensitivity, varying from 28.6% in asymptomatic to 83.3% in symptomatic participants. Secondary cases were identified in 10 of 35 classes. Returning students to school after a 7-day quarantine, with a negative PCR on D6-7 after exposure, did not lead to subsequent outbreaks. Of cases for whom the source was known, 37 of 57 (72.5%) were secondary to household transmission, 13 (25%) to intra-school transmission and one to community contacts between students in the same school.ConclusionRADT did not perform well as a screening tool in asymptomatic individuals. Reinforcing policies for symptom screening when entering schools and testing symptomatic individuals with RADT on the spot may avoid subsequent significant exposures in class.Table of Contents SummaryRapid antigen tests were compared to standard PCR to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infections in high-school students. They performed better in symptomatic individuals.What’s Known on This SubjectRapid antigen detection tests (RADT) are often used to diagnose respiratory pathogens at the point-of-care. Their performance characteristics vary, but they usually have high specificity and moderate sensitivity compared with PCR.What This Study AddsRADT sensitivity ranged from 28.6% in asymptomatic individuals to 83.3% in symptomatic individuals. Return to school after 7 days of quarantine was safe in exposed students. Secondary cases were identified in 28% of classes with an index case.
Examining the Association between the COVID-19 Pandemic and Self-Harm Death Counts in Four Canadian Provinces
Authors: Isnar Shelly , Oremus Mark 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGovernments implemented lockdowns and other physical distancing measures to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Resulting unemployment, income loss, poverty, and social isolation, coupled with daily reports of dire news about the COVID-19 pandemic, could serve as catalysts for increased self-harm deaths (SHD). This ecological study examined whether observed SHD counts were higher than predicted SHD counts during the pandemic period in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Québec. The study also explored whether SHD counts during the pandemic were affected by lockdown severity (measured using the lockdown stringency index [LSI]) and COVID-19 case numbers. We utilized publicly available SHD data from January 2018 through November 2020, and employed AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) modelling, to predict SHD during the COVID-19 period (March 21 to November 28, 2020). We used Poisson and negative binomial regression to assess ecological associations between the LSI and COVID-19 case numbers, controlling for seasonality, and SHD counts during the COVID-19 period. On average, observed SHD counts were lower than predicted counts during this period (p < 0.05 [except Alberta]). Additionally, LSI and COVID-19 case numbers were not statistically significantly associated with SHD counts.