bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 and endemic coronaviruses: Comparing symptom presentation and severity of symptomatic illness among Nicaraguan children
Authors: Frutos Aaron M , Kubale John , Kuan Guillermina , Ojeda Sergio , Vydiswaran Nivea , Sanchez Nery , Plazaola Miguel , Patel May , Lopez Roger , Balmaseda Angel , Gordon Aubree 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIt has been proposed that as SARS-CoV-2 transitions to endemicity, children will represent the greatest proportion of SARS-Co-V-2 infections as they currently do with endemic coronavirus infections. While SARS-CoV-2 infection severity is low for children, it is unclear if SARS-CoV-2 infections are distinct in symptom presentation, duration, and severity from endemic coronavirus infections in children. We compared symptom risk and duration of endemic human coronavirus (HCoV) infections from 2011-2016 with SARS-CoV-2 infections from March 2020-September 2021 in a Nicaraguan pediatric cohort. Blood samples were collected from study participants annually in February-April. Respiratory samples were collected from participants that met testing criteria. Blood samples collected in were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and a subset of 2011-2016 blood samples from four-year-old children were tested for endemic HCoV antibodies. Respiratory samples were tested for each of the endemic HCoVs from 2011-2016 and for SARS-CoV-2 from 2020-2021 via rt-PCR. By April 2021, 854 (49%) cohort participants were ELISA positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Most participants had antibodies against one alpha and one beta coronavirus by age four. We observed 595 symptomatic endemic HCoV infections from 2011-2016 and 121 symptomatic with SARS-CoV-2 infections from March 2020-September 2021. Symptom presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and endemic coronavirus infections were very similar, and SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic infections were as or less severe on average than endemic HCoV infections. This suggests that, for children, SARS-CoV-2 may be just another endemic coronavirus. However, questions about the impact of variants and the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 remain.
Proteomic Characterization of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Hospitalized with SARS-CoV2 Infection
Authors: Paranjpe Ishan , Jayaraman Pushkala , Su Chen-Yang , Zhou Sirui , Chen Steven , Thompson Ryan , Del Valle Diane Marie , Kenigsberg Ephraim , Zhao Shan , Jaladanki Suraj , Chaudhary Kumardeep , Ascolillo Steven , Vaid Akhil , Kumar Arvind , Kozlova Edgar , Paranjpe Manish , O’Hagan Ross , Kamat Samir , Gulamali Faris F. , Kauffman Justin , Xie Hui , Harris Joceyln , Patel Manishkumar , Argueta Kimberly , Batchelor Craig , Nie Kai , Dellepiane Sergio , Scott Leisha , Levin Matthew A , He John Cijiang , Suarez-Farinas Mayte , Coca Steven G , Chan Lili , Azeloglu Evren U , Schadt Eric , Beckmann Noam , Gnjatic Sacha , Merad Miram , Kim-Schulze Seunghee , Richards Brent , Glicksberg Benjamin S , Charney Alexander W , Nadkarni Girish N 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a known complication of COVID-19 and is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Unbiased proteomics using biological specimens can lead to improved risk stratification and discover pathophysiological mechanisms. Using measurements of ∼4000 plasma proteins in two cohorts of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, we discovered and validated markers of COVID-associated AKI (stage 2 or 3) and long-term kidney dysfunction. In the discovery cohort (N= 437), we identified 413 higher plasma abundances of protein targets and 40 lower plasma abundances of protein targets associated with COVID-AKI (adjusted p <0.05). Of these, 62 proteins were validated in an external cohort (p <0.05, N =261). We demonstrate that COVID-AKI is associated with increased markers of tubular injury (NGAL) and myocardial injury. Using estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) measurements taken after discharge, we also find that 25 of the 62 AKI-associated proteins are significantly associated with decreased post-discharge eGFR (adjusted p <0.05). Proteins most strongly associated with decreased post-discharge eGFR included desmocollin-2, trefoil factor 3, transmembrane emp24 domain-containing protein 10, and cystatin-C indicating tubular dysfunction and injury. Using clinical and proteomic data, our results suggest that while both acute and long-term COVID-associated kidney dysfunction are associated with markers of tubular dysfunction, AKI is driven by a largely multifactorial process involving hemodynamic instability and myocardial damage.
The age-dependent immunogenicity after two doses of MVC-COV1901 vaccine
Authors: Lien Chia En , Lin Yi-Jiun , Lin Yi-Ling , Tai I-Chen , Chen Charles 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA post-hoc analysis of the phase 2 data was performed for the SARS-COV-2 subunit protein vaccine MVC-COV1901. Anti-spike IgG, neutralization assays with live virus and pseudovirus were used to demonstrate age-dependent vaccine-induced antibody response to the vaccine. Results showed that an association exists between age and immune responses to the vaccine, providing further support for the need of booster shots, especially for the older age groups.
Modelling the recovery of elective waiting lists following COVID-19: scenario projections for England
Authors: Howlett Nicholas C , Wood Richard M 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundA significant indirect impact of COVID-19 has been the increasing elective waiting times observed in many countries. In England’s National Health Service, the waiting list has grown from 4.4 million in February 2020 to 5.7m by August 2021.AimsThe objective of this study was to estimate the trajectory of future waiting list size and waiting times to December 2025.MethodsA scenario analysis was performed using computer simulation and publicly available data as of November 2021. Future demand assumed a phased return of various proportions (0, 25, 50 and 75%) of the estimated 7.1 million referrals ‘missed’ during the pandemic. Future capacity assumed 90, 100 and 110% of that provided in the 12 months immediately before the pandemic.ResultsAs a worst case, the waiting list would reach 13.6m (95% CI: 12.4m to 15.6m) by Autumn 2022, if 75% of missed referrals returned and only 90% of pre pandemic capacity could be achieved. Under this scenario, the proportion of patients waiting under 18 weeks would reduce from 67.6% in August 2021 to 42.2% (37.4% to 46.2%) with the number waiting over 52 weeks reaching 1.6m (0.8m to 3.1m) by Summer 2023. At this time, 29.0% (21.3% to 36.8%) of patients would be leaving the waiting list before treatment. Waiting lists would remain pressured under even the most optimistic of scenarios considered, with 18-week performance struggling to maintain 60% (against the 92% constitutional target).ConclusionsThis study reveals the long-term challenge for the NHS in recovering elective waiting lists as well as potential implications for patient outcomes and experience.
Determinants of RSV epidemiology following suppression through pandemic contact restrictions
Authors: Koltai Mihaly , Krauer Fabienne , Hodgson David , van Leeuwen Edwin , Treskova-Schwarzbach Marina , Jit Mark , Flasche Stefan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionCOVID-19 related non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) led to a suppression of RSV circulation in winter 2020/21 throughout Europe and an off-season resurgence in Summer 2021 in several European countries. We explore how such temporary interruption may shape future RSV epidemiology and what factors drive the associated uncertainty.MethodsWe developed an age-structured dynamic transmission model to simulate pre-pandemic RSV infections and hospitalisations. We sampled parameters governing RSV seasonality, immunity acquisition and duration of post-infection immunity and retained those simulations that qualitatively fit the UK’s pre-pandemic epidemiology. From Spring 2020 to Summer 2021 we assumed a 50% reduced contact frequency, returning to pre-pandemic levels from mid-May 2021. We simulated transmission forwards until 2023 and evaluated the impact of the sampled parameters on the projected trajectories of RSV hospitalisations.ResultsFollowing a lifting of contact restrictions in summer 2021 the model replicated an out-of-season resurgence of RSV. If unmitigated, paediatric RSV hospitalisation incidence in the 2021/22 season was projected to increase by 32% to 67% compared to pre-pandemic levels. The size of the increase depended most on whether infection risk was primarily determined by immunity acquired from previous exposure or general immune maturation. While infants were less affected, the increase in seasonal hospitalisation incidence exceeded 100% in 1-2 year old children and 275% in 2-5 year old children, respectively, in some simulations where immunity from previous exposure dominated. Consequently, the average age of a case increased by 1 to 5 months, most markedly if there was strong immunity acquisition from previous exposure. If immunity to infection was largely determined by age rather than previous exposure, the 2021/22 season started earlier and lasted longer but with a peak incidence lower or similar to pre-pandemic levels. For subsequent seasons, simulations suggested a quick return to pre-pandemic epidemiology, with some slight oscillating behaviour possible depending on the strength of post-exposure immunity.ConclusionCOVID-19 mitigation measures stopped RSV circulation in the 2020/21 season and generated immunity debt that will likely lead to a temporary increase in RSV burden in the season following the lifting of restrictions, particularly in 1 to 5 year old children. A more accurate understanding of immunity drivers for RSV is needed to better predict the size of such an increase and plan a potential expansion of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical mitigation measures.
Angle-Tuned TMS Coils: Building Blocks for Brain Stimulation with Improved Depth-Spread Performance
Authors: Bagherzadeh Hedyeh , Meng Qinglei , Deng Zhi-De , Lu Hanbing , Hong Elliott , Yang Yihong , Choa Fow-Sen 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTCoordinated whole-brain neural dynamics are essential for proper control of the functionality of different brain systems. Multisite simultaneous or sequential stimulations may provide tools for mechanistic studies of brain functions and the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Conventional circular and figure-8 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) coils occupy a large footprint, and it is difficult to reach desired multiple stimulation locations with close proximity for comprehensive multisite stimulations. These conventional coils, limited by the depth-spread tradeoff rule, also lack the required focality for targeted stimulations. In this work, we propose and demonstrate angle-tuned TMS (AT) coils with an intrinsically reduced footprint with their geometric arrangements of stacking and angle tuning. The stimulation depth can be adjusted with the coil stacking number, and the field spread can be reduced by increasing the tilted wire-wrapping angle of the coils. With either smaller or larger diameter coils than a standard commercial figure-8 coil, we show, theoretically and experimentally, improved field decay rate and field intensity, and the reduced field spread spot size at different stimulation depths. These results indicate that the proposed novel coil establishes a better depth-spread tradeoff curve than the conventional circular and figure-8 coils. This coil design has a simple and single element structure and provides a promising solution for an improved multisite brain stimulation performance and serves as the building block of more complex coils for further depth-spread improvements.
Differentiation signals from glia are fine-tuned to set neuronal numbers during development
Authors: Prasad Anadika R. , Lago-Baldaia Inês , Bostock Matthew P. , Housseini Zaynab , Fernandes Vilaiwan M. 
Published: December 2021

SummaryNeural circuit formation and function require that diverse neurons are specified in appropriate numbers. Known strategies for controlling neuronal numbers involve regulating either cell proliferation or survival. We used the Drosophila visual system to probe how neuronal numbers are set. Photoreceptors from the eye-disc induce their target field, the lamina, such that for every unit eye there is a corresponding lamina unit (column). Although each column initially contains ∼6 post-mitotic lamina precursors, only 5 differentiate into neurons, called L1-L5; the ‘extra’ precursor, which is invariantly positioned above the L5 neuron in each column, undergoes apoptosis. Here, we showed that a glial population called the outer chiasm giant glia (xgO), which resides below the lamina, secretes multiple ligands to induce L5 differentiation in response to EGF from photoreceptors. By forcing neuronal differentiation in the lamina, we uncovered that though fated to die, the ‘extra’ precursor is specified as an L5. Therefore, two precursors are specified as L5s but only one differentiates during normal development. We found that the row of precursors nearest to xgO differentiate into L5s and, in turn, antagonise differentiation signalling to prevent the ‘extra’ precursors from differentiating, resulting in their death. Thus, an intricate interplay of glial signals and feedback from differentiating neurons defines an invariant and stereotyped pattern of neuronal differentiation and programmed cell death to ensure that lamina columns each contain exactly one L5 neuron.
Improvement in peripherical visual attentional performance in professional soccer players following a single neurofeedback training
Authors: Assadourian Sacha , Lopes Antony Branco , Saj Arnaud 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe effectiveness of EEG-neurofeedback (EEG-NFB) in modulating cognition has been the subject of much research for several years, particularly in relation to attentional functions in healthy subjects and those with attentional deficits. However, its effectiveness on sports performance remains poorly studied and its use is not widely practised among athletes, notably because of its accessibility and questionable effectiveness. The aim of this study is to show that this technology can be accessible, and that Alpha EEG-NFB is immediately effective. Fifteen professional soccer players took part in this study. Using a novel EEG headset that can be installed in less than one minute, and new processing software, the players performed two peripherical attentional tasks before and after, immediately and one month, a single Alpha EEG-NFB training session. The results showed a significant effect on both tasks immediately after EEG-NFB training, with a benefit of more than 30% and this performance continued after one month (20%). This study, the first to use this headset and software, shows that the improvement in sports performance can be related to cognitive performance, especially peripherical visual attentional functions. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the use of the EEG-NFB is accessible and effective for high-level athletes.
Physical model of electrical synapses in a neural network
Authors: Pekker M. , Shneider M.N. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA theoretical model of electrical synapses is proposed, in which connexons play the role of “nails” that hold unmyelinated areas of neurons at a distance of about 3.5 nm, and the electrical connection between them is provided by charging the membrane of an inactive neuron with currents generated in the intercellular electrolyte (saline) by the action potential in the active neuron. This mechanism is similar to the salutatory conduction of the action potential between the nodes of Ranvier in myelinated axons and the ephaptic coupling of sufficiently close spaced neurons.
Direct linkage detection with multimodal IVA fusion reveals markers of age, sex, cognition, and schizophrenia in large neuroimaging studies
Authors: Silva Rogers F. , Damaraju Eswar , Li Xinhui , Kochunov Peter , Belger Aysenil , Ford Judith M. , Mathalon Daniel H. , Mueller Bryon A. , Potkin Steven G. , Preda Adrian , Turner Jessica A. , van Erp Theo G.M. , Adali Tulay , Calhoun Vince D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWith the increasing availability of large-scale multimodal neuroimaging datasets, it is necessary to develop data fusion methods which can extract cross-modal features. A general framework, multidataset independent subspace analysis (MISA), has been developed to encompass multiple blind source separation approaches and identify linked cross-modal sources in multiple datasets. In this work we utilized the multimodal independent vector analysis model in MISA to directly identify meaningful linked features across three neuroimaging modalities — structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), resting state functional MRI and diffusion MRI — in two large independent datasets, one comprising of control subjects and the other including patients with schizophrenia. Results show several linked subject profiles (the sources/components) that capture age-associated decline, schizophrenia-related biomarkers, sex effects, and cognitive performance. For sources associated with age, both shared and modality-specific brain-age deltas were evaluated for association with non-imaging variables. In addition, each set of linked sources reveals a corresponding set of multi-tissue spatial patterns that can be studied jointly.
Slow conformational changes of blue light sensor BLUF proteins in milliseconds
Authors: Tokonami Shunrou , Onose Morihiko , Nakasone Yusuke , Terazima Masahide 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBLUF (blue light sensor using flavin) proteins consist of flavin-binding BLUF domains and functional domains. Upon blue light excitation, the hydrogen bond network around the flavin chromophore changes, and the absorption spectrum in the visible region exhibits red-shift. Ultimately, the light information received in the BLUF domain is transmitted to the functional region. It has been believed that this red-shift is complete within nanoseconds. Contrary to this commonly accepted scheme, in this study, slow reaction kinetics were discovered in milliseconds (τ1- and τ2-phase) for all the BLUF proteins examined (AppA, OaPAC, BlrP1, YcgF, PapB, SyPixD, and TePixD). Despite extensive reports on BLUF, this is the first clear observation of the BLUF protein absorption change with the duration in the millisecond time region. From the measurements of some domain-deleted mutants of OaPAC and two chimeric mutants of PixD proteins, it was found that the slower dynamics (τ2-phase) are strongly affected by the size and nature of the C-terminal region adjacent to the BLUF domain. Hence, this millisecond reaction is a significant indicator of conformational changes in the C-terminal region, which is essential for the biological functions. On the other hand, the τ1-phase commonly exists in all BLUF proteins, including any mutants. The origin of the slow dynamics was studied using site-specific mutants. These results clearly show the importance of Trp in the BLUF domain. Based on this, a reaction scheme for the BLUF reaction is proposed.Graphical Abstract
Reliable hypotheses testing in animal social network analyses: global index, index of interactions and residual regression
Authors: Sosa Sebastian , Pasquaretta Cristian , Puga-Gonzalez Ivan , Dobson F Stephen , Viblanc Vincent A , Hoppitt William 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAnimal social network analyses (ASNA) have led to a foundational shift in our understanding of animal sociality that transcends the disciplinary boundaries of genetics, spatial movements, epidemiology, information transmission, evolution, species assemblages and conservation. However, some analytical protocols (i.e., permutation tests) used in ASNA have recently been called into question due to the unacceptable rates of false negatives (type I error) and false positives (type II error) they generate in statistical hypothesis testing. Here, we show that these rates are related to the way in which observation heterogeneity is accounted for in association indices. To solve this issue, we propose a method termed the “global index” (GI) that consists of computing the average of individual associations indices per unit of time. In addition, we developed an “index of interactions” (II) that allows the use of the GI approach for directed behaviours. Our simulations show that GI: 1) returns more reasonable rates of false negatives and positives, with or without observational biases in the collected data, 2) can be applied to both directed and undirected behaviours, 3) can be applied to focal sampling, scan sampling or “gambit of the group” data collection protocols, and 4) can be applied to first- and second-order social network measures. Finally, we provide a method to control for non-social biological confounding factors using linear regression residuals. By providing a reliable approach for a wide range of scenarios, we propose a novel methodology in ASNA with the aim of better understanding social interactions from a mechanistic, ecological and evolutionary perspective.
Genetic, parental and lifestyle factors influence telomere length
Authors: Andreu-Sánchez Sergio , Aubert Geraldine , Ripoll-Cladellas Aida , Henkelman Sandra , Zhernakova Daria V. , Sinha Trishla , Kurilshikov Alexander , Cenit Maria Carmen , Bonder Marc Jan ,   Lifelines cohort study, Franke Lude , Wijmenga Cisca , Fu Jingyuan , van der Wijst Monique G.P. , Melé Marta , Lansdorp Peter , Zhernakova Alexandra 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe average length of telomere repeats (TL) declines with age and is considered to be a marker of biological ageing. Here, we measured TL in six blood cell types from 1,046 individuals using the clinically validated Flow-FISH method. We identified remarkable cell-type-specific variations in TL. Host genetics, environmental, parental and intrinsic factors such as sex, parental age, and smoking are associated to variations in TL. By analysing the genome-wide methylation patterns, we identified that the association of maternal, but not paternal, age to TL is mediated by epigenetics. Coupling these measurements to single-cell RNA-sequencing data for 62 participants revealed differential gene expression in T-cells. Genes negatively associated with TL were enriched for pathways related to translation and nonsense-mediated decay. Altogether, this study addresses cell-type-specific differences in telomere biology and its relation to cell-type-specific gene expression and highlights how perinatal factors play a role in determining TL, on top of genetics and lifestyle.
Noninvasive Stimulation of Peripheral Nerves using Temporally-Interfering Electrical Fields
Authors: Botzanowski Boris , Donahue Mary J. , Ejneby Malin Silverå , Gallina Alessandro L. , Ngom Ibrahima , Missey Florian , Acerbo Emma , Byun Donghak , Carron Romain , Cassarà Antonino M. , Neufeld Esra , Jirsa Viktor , Olofsson Peder S. , Głowacki Eric Daniel , Williamson Adam 
Published: December 2021

AbstractElectrical stimulation of peripheral nerves is a cornerstone of bioelectronic medicine. Effective ways to accomplish peripheral nerve stimulation noninvasively without surgically implanted devices is enabling for fundamental research and clinical translation. Here we demonstrate how relatively high frequency sine-wave carriers (3 kHz) emitted by two pairs of cutaneous electrodes can temporally interfere at deep peripheral nerve targets. The effective stimulation frequency is equal to the offset frequency (0.5 – 4 Hz) between the two carriers. We validate this principle of temporal interference nerve stimulation (TINS) in vivo using the murine sciatic nerve model. Effective actuation is delivered at significantly lower current amplitudes than standard transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Further, we demonstrate how flexible and conformable on-skin multielectrode arrays can facilitate precise alignment of TINS onto a nerve. Our method is simple, relying on repurposing of existing clinically-approved hardware. TINS opens the possibility of precise noninvasive stimulation with depth and efficiency previously impossible with transcutaneous techniques.