bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postconvalescent SARS-CoV-2 IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies are Elevated in Individuals with Poor Metabolic Health
Authors: Racine-Brzostek Sabrina E , Yang He S , Jack Gwendolyne A , Chen Zhengming , Chadburn Amy , Ketas Thomas J , Francomano Erik , Klasse P J , Moore John P , McDonough Kathleen A , Girardin Roxanne C , Dupuis Alan P , Payne Anne F , Ma Lucy X , Sweeney Jacob , Zhong Elaine , Yee Jim , Cushing Melissa M , Zhao Zhen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Purpose
Comorbidities making up metabolic syndrome (MetS), such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic cardiovascular disease can lead to increased risk of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) with a higher morbidity and mortality. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are higher in severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, but studies have not focused on levels in convalescent patients with MetS, which this study aimed to assess.

Methods
This retrospective study focused on adult convalescent outpatients with SARS-CoV-2 positive serology during the COVID-19 pandemic at NewYork Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. Data collected for descriptive and correlative analysis included SARS-COV-2 immunoglobin G (IgG) levels and history of MetS comorbidities from April 17, 2020 to May 20, 2020. Additional data, including SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and lipid levels were collected and analyzed for a second cohort from May 21, 2020 to June 21, 2020. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were measured in a subset of the study cohort.

Results
SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were significantly higher in convalescent individuals with MetS comorbidities. When adjusted for age, sex, race, and time duration from symptom onset to testing, increased SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels remained significantly associated with obesity (P &lt; 0.0001). SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were significantly higher in patients with HbA1c ≥6.5% compared to those with HbA1c &lt;5.7% (P = 0.0197) and remained significant on multivariable analysis (P = 0.0104). A positive correlation was noted between BMI and antibody levels [95% confidence interval: 0.37 (0.20-0.52) P &lt; 0.0001]. Neutralizing antibody titers were higher in COVID-19 individuals with BMI ≥ 30 (P = 0.0055).

Conclusion
Postconvalescent SARS-CoV-2 IgG and neutralizing antibodies are elevated in obese patients, and a positive correlation exists between BMI and antibody levels.
Feedback control of the Gpr161-Gαs-PKA axis contributes to basal Hedgehog repression in zebrafish
Authors: Tschaikner Philipp M. , Regele Dominik , Röck Ruth , Salvenmoser Willi , Meyer Dirk , Bouvier Michel , Geley Stephan , Stefan Eduard , Aanstad Pia 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Hedgehog (Hh) ligands act as morphogens to direct patterning and proliferation during embryonic development. Protein kinase A (PKA) is a central negative regulator of Hh signalling, and in the absence of Hh ligands, PKA activity prevents inappropriate expression of Hh target genes. The orphan G-protein-coupled receptor Gpr161 contributes to the basal Hh repression machinery by activating PKA. Gpr161 acts as an A-kinase-anchoring protein, and is itself phosphorylated by PKA, but the functional significance of PKA phosphorylation of Gpr161 in the context of Hh signalling remains unknown. Here, we show that loss of Gpr161 in zebrafish leads to constitutive activation of medium and low, but not maximal, levels of Hh target gene expression. Furthermore, we find that PKA phosphorylation-deficient forms of Gpr161, which we show directly couple to Gαs, display an increased sensitivity to Shh, resulting in excess high-level Hh signalling. Our results suggest that PKA feedback-mediated phosphorylation of Gpr161 may provide a mechanism for fine-tuning Gpr161 ciliary localisation and PKA activity.
Roles of developmentally regulated KIF2A alternative isoforms in cortical neuron migration and differentiation
Authors: Akkaya Cansu , Atak Dila , Kamacioglu Altug , Akarlar Busra Aytul , Guner Gokhan , Bayam Efil , Taskin Ali Cihan , Ozlu Nurhan , Ince-Dunn Gulayse 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTKIF2A is a kinesin motor protein with essential roles in neural progenitor division and axonal pruning during brain development. However, how different KIF2A alternative isoforms function during development of the cerebral cortex is not known. Here, we focus on three Kif2a isoforms expressed in the developing cortex. We show that Kif2a is essential for dendritic arborization in mice and that the functions of all three isoforms are sufficient for this process. Interestingly, only two of the isoforms can sustain radial migration of cortical neurons; a third isoform, lacking a key N-terminal region, is ineffective. By proximity-based interactome mapping for individual isoforms, we identify previously known KIF2A interactors, proteins localized to the mitotic spindle poles and, unexpectedly, also translation factors, ribonucleoproteins and proteins that are targeted to organelles, prominently to the mitochondria. In addition, we show that a KIF2A mutation, which causes brain malformations in humans, has extensive changes to its proximity-based interactome, with depletion of mitochondrial proteins identified in the wild-type KIF2A interactome. Our data raises new insights about the importance of alternative splice variants during brain development.
Are the early childhood antecedents of men’s external locus of control similar to those of their female partners?
Authors: Golding Jean , Iles-Caven Yasmin , Ellis Genette , Gregory Steven , Nowicki Stephen 
Published: February 2021

Background:The concept of locus of control of reinforcement was introduced by Julian Rotter and has been the focus of intense research for nearly half a century. Surprisingly little research has been directed at clarifying antecedents of locus of control (LOC) orientations in adult men apart from a few small studies. We previously identified a number of independent antecedents associated with women’s LOC, including features of their parents and early childhood. This raised the question as to whether these factors were also associated with the development of LOC in men.Methods:To identify antecedents of LOC orientations in a representative population of women we previously analysed information concerning characteristics of their parents and their own childhood experiences using pregnant women taking part in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Here we use the same design to determine whether their male partners have similar antecedents of LOC orientation. As previously, we use a hypothesis-free exposome technique using all available information on the parents and childhood of the individuals.Results:We show that men had many of the same antecedent characteristics as the women – in particular, their mother’s year of birth and father’s social group, being exposed to cigarette smoke prenatally, starting to smoke regularly before the age of 11, and having a friend die were all associated with being external. Associations of internality common to both were warm maternal care, being breast fed, being born in an area other than that where they currently live, attending boarding school and having a parent admitted to hospital.Conclusions:In general, the antecedents of male external and internal personalities have many similarities to those of women, thus providing some features to inform the possible theoretical background as to how LOC might develop over time.
Development of an educational program using ultrasonography in vascular access for nurse practitioner students
Authors: Kaganovskaya Marcel , Wuerz Lorelle 
Published: February 2021

HIGHLIGHTS Ultrasonography is an important tool for vascular access practice. Ultrasound should be used for vascular access assessment and insertion. Ultrasonography should be incorporated into formal nursing education curriculum and simulation training. Background: This study analyzed nurse practitioner students' knowledge of ultrasound-guided vascular access after the implementation of an educational and simulation course. Methods: Nurses' knowledge of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous catheter placement was analyzed using a ten-item questionnaire both before and after course. A sample of bachelor's degree-prepared nurses voluntarily participated in this study. Ultrasonography simulation was carried out with two handheld ultrasound devices and two ultrasound blocks. Results: The findings demonstrated that there is a statistically significant increased comprehension of ultrasoundguided vascular access after simulation courses. Conclusion: This study illuminates the need for formal education both in academic curriculum and through simulation to improve ultrasound-guided vascular access knowledge for patient care.
Maximising the opportunity of a self-administration outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy pathway
Authors: Bodycot Jake , Mashonganyika Linda , Kucziw Nicola , Ingham Chanelle , Bhukera Samira , White Helena A 
Published: February 2021

Background: The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) service has expanded rapidly with more nurse-led direction. Aims: A retrospective study between 1 July 2014 and 31 December 2019 was undertaken to assess the impact of OPAT expansion on beds released for further utilisation, clinical outcomes, adverse vascular access device (VAD) outcome, and self- and family-administered parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Method: Data were extracted from the OPAT Patient Management System and from a patient questionnaire survey. Findings: 1084 completed patient episodes were recorded in 958 patients, rising from 39 episodes in 2014 to 265 in 2019. The number of beds released for further utilisation correspondingly rose from 828 in 2014 to 8462 in 2019. The proportion of patients/family members trained to self-administer rose from 25% to 75%, with clinical cure/improvement of infection remaining high at between 84.6% and 92.8% of patients annually. Serious adverse VAD events remained low throughout. The patient response was generally positive. Conclusion: Nurse empowerment within OPAT can lead to significant improvements and patient benefits, while maintaining clinical outcomes.
Socratic Dialogues on a Complex Body–Soul Relation in Plato’s Phaedo and Olga Tokarczuk’s Flights
Authors: Bendrat Anna 
Published: February 2021

Este artículo plantea la posibilidad de leer la novela Flights de Olga Tokarczuk en el contexto del método dialéctico de Platón. La filosofía platónica sobre la relación cuerpo-alma que se expone en el Fedro sirve de base para plantear la discusión sobre el pensamiento metafísico de Toakrczuk alrededor de experiencias extracorpóreas (amputación o miembros fantasma) y su proyección en la concepción humana de la naturaleza del alma.
Lectura SMART o cómo enseñar a leer literatura con colecciones y ediciones digitales (Mnemosine y Ciberia)
Authors: Romero López Dolores 
Published: February 2021

En respuesta a los nuevos hábitos de lectura y escritura que están surgiendo a raíz de la edición digital este artículo expone las principales características que los expertos consideran que deben valorarse en la lectura académica y propone dos bibliotecas digitales (Mnemosine y Ciberia) como apoyo para el desarrollo de la lectura orgánica de textos digitalizados, interactivos y nativos digitales. Otro de los objetivos es exponer y valorar los resultados de investigación nuestras colecciones interactivas que pretenden editar, enriquecer y compartir en formato digital libros con el fin de enriquecer didácticamente los usos del pasado. Fruto de esta experiencia de edición interactiva ofreceremos unas reflexiones teóricas. Los beneficios que la lectura digital aporta al individuo a nivel cognitivo siguen los cinco principios de la lectura inteligente: (1) Simplicidad (2) Motivación (3) Accesibilidad (4) Reciclaje y (5) Transferencia a la comunidad global para permitir nuevas relecturas del legado cultural. Este modelo de lectura SMART que proponemos puede alcanzar un gran desarrollo si se vinculan contenidos entre distintos libros interactivos que fomenten tanto el aprendizaje significativo como la conciencia literaria.
High-power ASE-free fast wavelength-switchable external cavity diode laser
Authors: Mine Sota , Kawase Kodo , Murate Kosuke 
Published: February 2021

We developed a high-power amplified spontaneous emission (ASE)-free fast wavelength-switchable external cavity diode laser (ECDL) using a digital micromirror device (DMD) as the wavelength selector. Generally, with a conventional fast wavelength-switchable ECDL with a DMD, the output power is limited by the damage threshold of the DMD. However, with our ECDL, a high-power output was realized by optimizing the beam focus on the DMD. In addition, an ASE-free stable output was realized through the introduction of a ring cavity. As a result, we successfully developed a fast wavelength-switchable ECDL realizing a high-power ASE-free output of over 300 mW.
Analysis of a SiGe Mach–Zehnder modulator for 400G data communication
Authors: Mishra Darpan , Sonkar Ramesh Kumar 
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the performance of a silicon (Si) Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM) is enhanced by implanting germanium (Ge) on Si, forming a graded Si–Ge (SiGe) core. A process simulation study is done, and the effect of substrate temperature, implantation energy, and pre-amorphization on the Ge composition and developed in-plane stress is observed. The dependence of active dopant concentration and defect-cluster formation on the annealing conditions is discussed. A comparison of the process simulated SiGe phase shifter with a Si phase shifter shows

2.27
×

higher phase shift at

−

5

V

for 1550 nm wavelength of operation. A dual-arm drive with quadrature operation is investigated for both SiGe and Si MZMs. A traveling-wave electrode is used to enhance the modulation bandwidth. The SiGe MZM achieves better performance in terms of modulation bandwidth, modulation speed, fiber transmission length, energy per bit, and dispersion tolerance compared to the Si MZM. The dual-arm driven SiGe MZM can achieve 62 Gbps error-free 2 km fiber transmission with energy per bit of 1.92 pJ/bit and 3 dB bandwidth of 62.8 GHz at

−

2.5

V

bias using

3

V

p
p

on–off keying modulation.
A cohort analysis of survival and outcomes in severely anaemic children with moderate to severe acute malnutrition in Malawi
Authors: Nkosi-Gondwe Thandile , Calis Job , Boele van Hensbroek Michael , Bates Imelda , Blomberg Björn , Phiri Kamija S. 
Published: February 2021

Introduction
Moderate to severe acute malnutrition (SAM/MAM) and severe anaemia are important and associated co-morbidities in children aged less than five years. Independently, these two morbidities are responsible for high risk of in-hospital and post-discharge deaths and hospital readmissions. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the risk of death among severely anaemic children with moderate to severe acute malnutrition compared to children with severe anaemia alone.

Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of data collected from a large prospective study that was investigating severe anaemia in children aged less than 5 years old. The study was conducted at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre and Chikhwawa district hospital in southern Malawi. Children aged less than five years old; with severe anaemia were screened and enrolled. Each child was followed up for eighteen months at one, three, six, twelve and eighteen months after enrolment. Data were analysed using STATA 15.

Results
Between July 2002 and July 2004, 382 severely anaemic children were enrolled in the main study. A total of 52 children were excluded due to missing anthropometric data. Out of the 330 included, 53 children were moderately to severely malnourished and 277 were not. At the end of the 18-month follow period, 28.3% of children with MAM/SAM died compared to 13% of children without MAM/SAM (RR 2.1, CI 0.9–4.2, p = 0.03). Similarly, children with moderate to severe malnutrition reported a significantly higher number of malaria infection cases (33.9%) compared to children with severe anaemia alone (27.9%, p = 0.02). However, the number of hospitalizations and recurrence of severe anaemia was similar and not statistically significant between the two groups (RR 0.8 (0.4–1.4), p = 0.6 and RR 1.1 (0.3–2.8), p = 0.8).

Conclusion
Among children with severe anaemia, those who also had moderate to severe malnutrition had a twofold higher risk of dying compared to those who did not. It is therefore crucial to investigate acute malnutrition among severely anaemic children, as this might be treatable factor associated with high mortality.
Sex-related differences in the effects of nutritional status and body composition on functional disability in the elderly
Authors: Sawada Mika , Kubota Naoto , Sekine Rie , Yakabe Mitsutaka , Kojima Taro , Umeda-Kameyama Yumi , Usami Satoshi , Akishita Masahiro , Ogawa Sumito 
Published: February 2021

Background
The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of changes of nutritional status and body composition on the results of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in inpatients of a geriatric ward. Sex differences in these relationships were also investigated.

Methods
A total of 212 elderly patients (>65 years old) admitted to the geriatric ward at the University of Tokyo hospital between 2012 and 2019 were enrolled in this study. CGA (ADL, IADL, MMSE, GDS, Vitality Index) was performed, along with assessment of body compositions (appendicular muscle mass, abdominal muscle mass, body fat mass) and blood malnutrition biomarkers (serum albumin, pre-albumin, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, zinc, hemoglobin concentrations).

Results
Multiple linear regression analysis showed that upper, lower limbs and abdominal muscle masses were significantly associated with the score on ADL in men. On the other hand, abdominal muscle mass was negatively associated with the scores on GDS. Body fat mass was also negatively associated with the score on IADL. In contrast, in women, multiple linear regression analysis failed to show any significant associations between body composition parameters and scores on any domains of CGA. Unlike in men, however, blood malnutrition biomarkers were significantly associated with ADL, IADL, MMSE, and Vitality Index in women.

Conclusions
Our study findings revealed that the association of the nutritional status and body composition with the functional status in the elderly differs by sex. These results suggest that intensification of exercise in men and improvement of the nutritional status in women are particularly useful to maintain the functional status.
Early differences in dynamic uptake of 68Ga-PSMA-11 in primary prostate cancer: A test-retest study
Authors: olde Heuvel J. , de Wit-van der Veen B. J. , Sinaasappel M. , Slump C. H. , Stokkel M. P. M. 
Published: February 2021

Introduction
Dynamic PET/CT allows visualization of pharmacokinetics over the time, in contrast to static whole body PET/CT. The objective of this study was to assess 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake in pathological lesions and benign tissue, within 30 minutes after injection in primary prostate cancer (PCa) patients in test-retest setting.

Materials and methods
Five patients, with biopsy proven PCa, were scanned dynamically in list mode for 30 minutes on a digital PET/CT-scanner directly after an intravenous bolus injection of 100 MBq 68Ga-PSMA-11. Approximately 45 minutes after injection a static whole body scan was acquired, followed by a one bed position scan of the pelvic region. The scans were repeated approximately four weeks later, without any intervention in between. Semi-quantitative assessment was performed using regions-of-interest in the prostate tumor, bladder, gluteal muscle and iliac artery. Time-activity curves were extracted from the counts in these regions and the intra-patient variability between both scans was assessed.

Results
The uptake of the iliac artery and gluteal muscle reached a plateau after 5 and 3 minutes, respectively. The population fell apart in two groups with respect to tumor uptake: in some patients the tumor uptake reached a plateau after 5 minutes, whereas in other patients the uptake kept increasing, which correlated with larger tumor volumes on PET/CT scan. Median intra-patient variation between both scans was 12.2% for artery, 9.7% for tumor, 32.7% for the bladder and 14.1% for the gluteal muscle.

Conclusion
Dynamic 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scans, with a time interval of four weeks, are reproducible with a 10% variation in uptake in the primary prostate tumor. An uptake plateau was reached for the iliac artery and gluteal muscle within 5 minutes post-injection. A larger tumor volume seems to be related to continued tumor uptake. This information might be relevant for both response monitoring and PSMA-based radionuclide therapies.
Longitudinal telomere length and body composition in healthy term-born infants during the first two years of life
Authors: de Fluiter Kirsten S. , Codd Veryan , Denniff Matthew , Kerkhof Gerthe F. , van Beijsterveldt Inge A. L. P. , Breij Laura M. , Samani Nilesh J. , Abrahamse-Berkeveld Marieke , Hokken-Koelega Anita C. S. 
Published: February 2021

Objective
Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is one of the markers of biological aging as shortening occurs over time. Shorter LTL has been associated with adiposity and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. The objective was to assess LTL and LTL shortening during the first 2 years of life in healthy, term-born infants and to associate LTL shortening with potential stressors and body composition.

Study design
In 145 healthy, term-born infants (85 boys), we measured LTL in blood, expressed as telomere to single-gene copy ratio (T/S ratio), at 3 months and 2 years by quantitative PCR technique. Fat mass (FM) was assessed longitudinally by PEAPOD, DXA, and abdominal FM by ultrasound.

Results
LTL decreased by 8.5% from 3 months to 2 years (T/S ratio 4.10 vs 3.75, p<0.001). LTL shortening from 3 months to 2 years associated with FM%(R = 0.254), FM index(R = 0.243) and visceral FM(R = 0.287) at 2 years. LTL shortening tended to associate with gain in FM% from 3 to 6 months (R = 0.155, p = 0.11), in the critical window for adiposity programming. There was a trend to a shorter LTL in boys at 2 years(p = 0.056). LTL shortening from 3 months to 2 years was not different between sexes.

Conclusion
We present longitudinal LTL values and show that LTL shortens considerably (8.5%) during the first 2 years of life. LTL shortening during first 2 years of life was associated with FM%, FMI and visceral FM at age 2 years, suggesting that adverse adiposity programming in early life could contribute to more LTL shortening.