bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ovarian follicular function is not altered by SARS-Cov-2 infection or BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 vaccination
Authors: Bentov Yaakov , Beharier Ofer , Moav-Zafrir Arbel , Kabessa Maor , Godin Miri , Greenfield Caryn S. , Ketzinel-Gilad Mali , Broder Efrat Esh , Holzer Hananel E. G. , Wolf Dana , Oiknine-Djian Esther , Barghouti Iyad , Goldman-Wohl Debra , Yagel Simcha , Walfisch Asnat , Klement Anat Hersko 
Published: April 2021

AbstractImportanceThis is the first study to examine the impact of SARS-Cov-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination on ovarian function.ObjectiveTo characterize anti-COVID-19 antibodies in follicular fluid and compare ovarian follicle function in women following confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccination, and non-infected, unvaccinated controls.DesignThis is a cohort study conducted between February 1 and March 10, 2021.SettingA single university hospital-based IVF clinic.ParticipantsConsecutive sample of female patients undergoing oocyte retrieval.InterventionsConsenting patients were recruited and assigned to one of three study groups: recovering from confirmed COVID 19 (n=9); vaccinated (n=9); and uninfected, non-vaccinated controls (n=14). Serum and follicular fluid samples were taken and analyzed for anti-COVID IgG as well as estrogen, progesterone and HSPG2 concentration, as well as the number and maturity of aspirated oocytes and previous estrogen and progesterone measurements.Main outcome measuresFollicular function, including steroidogenesis, follicular response to the LH/hCG trigger, and oocyte quality biomarkers.ResultsBoth natural and vaccine elicited anti-COVID IgG antibodies were detected in the follicular fluid in levels proportional to the IgG serum concentration. No differences were detected in any of the surrogate ovarian follicle quality reporting parameters.Conclusions and relevanceBoth SARS-COV-2 infection and vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine mediate IgG immunity that crosses into the follicular fluid. No detrimental effect on follicular function was detected.Trial RegistrationCinicalTrials.gov registry number NCT04822012Key PointCOVID 19 disease and BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine induce anti-COVID IgG in follicular fluid; neither recent infection nor vaccination appear to negatively effect follicular function.
Prefrontal glutamate neurotransmission in PTSD: A novel approach to estimate synaptic strength in vivo in humans
Authors: Averill Lynnette A. , Jiang Lihong , Purohit Prerana , Coppoli Anastasia , Averill Christopher L. , Roscoe Jeremy , Kelmendi Benjamin , De Feyter Henk M. , de Graaf Robin A , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Sanacora Gerard , Krystal John H. , Rothman Douglas L. , Mason Graeme F. , Abdallah Chadi G. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTTrauma and chronic stress are believed to induce and exacerbate psychopathology by disrupting glutamate synaptic strength. However, in vivo in human methods to estimate synaptic strength are limited. In this study, we established a novel putative biomarker of glutamatergic synaptic strength, termed energy-per-cycle (EPC). Then, we used EPC to investigate the role of prefrontal neurotransmission in trauma psychopathology. Healthy control (n=18) and patients with posttraumatic stress (PTSD; n=16) completed 13C-acetate magnetic resonance spectroscopy scans to estimate prefrontal EPC, which is the ratio of neuronal energetic needs per glutamate neurotransmission cycle (VTCA/VCycle). Patients with PTSD were found to have 28% reduction in prefrontal EPC (t=3.0; df=32, p=0.005). There was no effect of sex on EPC, but age was negatively associated with prefrontal EPC across groups (r=–0.46, n=34, p=0.006). Controlling for age did not affect the study results. The feasibility and utility of EPC were established. Patients with PTSD were found to have reduced prefrontal glutamatergic synaptic strength. These findings suggest that reduced glutamatergic synaptic strength may contribute to the pathophysiology of PTSD and could be targeted by new treatments.HighlightsGlutamatergic synaptic strength is critical for brain function in health and disease.In vivo in human methods to estimate glutamatergic synaptic strength are limited.We here propose a new approach to estimate glutamatergic synaptic strength.The new method employs carbon-13 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C MRS).The utility of the new approach was demonstrated in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Early Experience With Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody Therapy For COVID-19
Authors: Jarrett Mark , Licht Warren B. , Bock Kevin , Brown Zenobia , Hirsch Jamie S. , Coppa Kevin , Brar Rajdeep , Bello Steven , Nash Ira S. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTImportanceNeutralizing monoclonal antibody (MAB) therapies may benefit patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. Studies documenting approaches to deliver MAB infusions as well as demonstrating their efficacy are lacking.ObjectiveWe describe our experience and patient outcomes of almost 3,000 patients who received MAB infusion therapy at Northwell Health, a large integrated health care system in New York.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis is a descriptive study of adult patients who received MAB therapy between November 20, 2020, to January 31, 2021, and a retrospective cohort survival analysis comparing patients who received MAB therapy prior to admission versus those who did not. A multivariable Cox model with inverse probability weighting according to the propensity score including covariates (sociodemographic, comorbidities, and presenting vital signs) was used.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome was in-hospital mortality; additional evaluations included ED utilization and hospitalization within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test for patients who received MAB therapy.ResultsDuring the study period, 2818 adult patients received MAB infusion. Following therapy and within 28 days of COVID-19 test, 123 patients (4.4%) presented to the ED and were released and 145 patients (5.1%) were hospitalized. These 145 patients were compared with 200 controls who were eligible for but did not receive MAB therapy, and were hospitalized. In the MAB group, 16 (11%) patients met the primary outcome of in-hospital mortality, versus 21 (10.5%) in the control group. In an unadjusted Cox model, the hazard ratio (HR) for time to in-hospital mortality for the MAB group was 1.38 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.696-2.719). Models adjusting for demographics (HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.53-2.23), demographics and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.573-2.59), and with inverse probability weighting according to propensity scores (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.619-2.29) did not demonstrate significance. The hospitalization rate was 4.4% for patients who received MAB therapy within 0-4 days, 5% within 5-7 days, and 6.1% within ≥8 days of symptom onset (p-value = 0.15).Conclusions and relevanceEstablishing the capability to provide neutralizing MAB infusion therapy requires significant planning and coordination. While this therapy may be an important treatment option for early mild to moderate COVID-19 in high-risk patients, further investigations are needed to define the optimal timing of MAB treatment in order to reduce hospitalization and mortality.
Contrasting patterns and co-occurrence network of soil bacterial and fungal community along depth profiles in cold temperate montane forests of China
Authors: Ji Li , Shen Fangyuan , Liu Yue , Yang Yuchun , Wang Jun , Yang Lixue 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSoil bacterial and fungal communities with different key ecological functions play an important role in the boreal forest ecosystem. Despite several studies have reported the microbial altitudinal distribution patterns, our understanding about the characteristics of the microbial community and the core composition of the microbiome in cold-temperate mountain forests is still limited. In this study, Illumina MiSeq sequencing was used to investigate the changes in soil bacterial and fungal communities in surface and subsurface soils along at an altitudinal gradient (from 830 m to 1300 m) on Oakley Mountain in the northern Greater Khingan Mountains. Altitude and soil depth had significant impacts on the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria (dominant phylum for bacteria), and altitude had significant impacts on the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Mucoromycota (dominant phylum for fungi). The diversity of bacterial and fungal communities showed a monotonous decrease and increase with altitude. The influence of altitude on bacterial and fungal community composition was greater than that of soil depth. The variation of pH and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) content in different altitudes were the main factors driving the bacterial and fungal community structure, respectively. There is no obvious difference between the network structure of surface and subsurface soil fungal communities, while the network of subsurface soil bacterial communities was more complex and compact than the surface layer. The network nodes mainly belonging to Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria are the key species in the two soil layers. Our results demonstrated that the altitude had a stronger influence on soil bacterial and fungal communities than soil depth, and bacterial and fungal communities showed divergent patterns along the altitudes and soil profiles.
Cardiorespiratory fitness predicts cortical thickness of medial temporal brain areas associated with spatial cognition in young but not older adults
Authors: Rosario Michael A. , Kern Kathryn L. , Mumtaz Shiraz , Storer Thomas W. , Schon Karin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has been shown to have a potent effect on neurocognitive health. However, less is known about the impact of CRF on extrahippocampal neocortical regions in the medial temporal lobes (MTL). Specifically, it is unclear whether CRF modulates these MTL regions in young adulthood and if these brain areas are differentially related to CRF in young vs. older adults. The primary goal of the current study was to investigate if CRF predicted cortical thickness of MTL neocortical regions that, along with the hippocampus, are critical for spatial learning and memory. Additionally, given the established role of the MTL cortices in spatial navigation, we sought to determine if CRF and MTL cortical thickness would predict greater subjective sense of direction in both young and older adults. Cross-sectional data from 56 young adults (20-35 years) and 44 older adults (55-85 years) were included. Using hierarchical multiple regression analyses, we confirmed significant positive relationships between greater CRF and greater left entorhinal, left parahippocampal, and left perirhinal cortical thickness in young, but not older, adults. Left parahippocampal thickness interacted with age group to differentially predict sense of direction in young and older adults. Young adults displayed a positive, and older adults a negative, relationship between left parahippocampal thickness and sense of direction. Our findings extend previous work on the association between CRF and hippocampal subfield structure in young adulthood to left MTL neocortical regions.HighlightsCardiorespiratory fitness assessed in young and older adults using a submaximal treadmill test.Surface-based structural analysis of cortical thickness of medial temporal regions.Cardiorespiratory fitness predicted left medial temporal cortical thickness in young but not older adults.Left parahippocampal thickness differentially predicted sense of direction in young and older adults.
Survey of Behaviour Attitudes Towards Preventive Measures Following COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Rahamim-Cohen Daniella , Gazit Sivan , Perez Galit , Nada Barak , Moshe Shay Ben , Mizrahi-Reuveni Miri , Azuri Joseph , Patalon Tal 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFollowing the widespread vaccination program for COVID-19 carried out in Israel, a survey was conducted to preliminarily assess behavior changes in the vaccinated population, prior to the expected upcoming policy change as to mask wearing and social distancing regulation in Israel. 200 people answered at least one question pertaining to preventive behaviour. Among the respondents, 21.1% reported a decrease in mask wearing compared to 47.3% who reported a decrease in social distancing. There was no difference in these measures between the sexes. However, people under the age of 50 were more likely to decrease mask wearing (28.1%) and decrease social distancing (56.1%), as compared with people over the age of 50 (17.2% and 41.8%, respectively). Among health care workers, there was a minimal decrease in mask wearing (1/23 people) compared to a more widespread decrease in social distancing (10/23). These data suggest that preventive attitudes change following COVID-19 vaccination, with less adherence to social distancing as compared to mask wearing, and should be taken into account when planning public policy in the future.
Long COVID In Adults at 12 Months After Mild-to-Moderate SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Boscolo-Rizzo Paolo , Guida Francesco , Polesel Jerry , Marcuzzo Alberto Vito , Capriotti Vincenzo , D’Alessandro Andrea , Zanelli Enrico , Marzolino Riccardo , Lazzarin Chiara , Antonucci Paolo , Sacchet Erica , Tofanelli Margherita , Borsetto Daniele , Gardenal Nicoletta , Pengo Martino , Tirelli Giancarlo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn a proportion of patients recovered from the acute COVID-19 phase, a variable range of symptoms has been observed to persist for at least 6-months.ObjectivesThe main aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-related symptoms 12-months after the onset of mild-to-moderate disease.MethodsProspective study based on structured questionnaires and additional outcomes.Results304/354 patients completing the survey at baseline also completed the follow-up interview (85.9%; median [range] age, 47 [18-76] years; 185 [60.9%] women). Persistence of at least one symptom at 12-months follow-up was reported by 161 patients (53.0%). The most commonly reported symptom of long COVID was felt tired (n=83, 27.3%), followed by smell or taste impairment (n=67, 22.0%), shortness of breath (n=39, 12.8%) and muscle pain (n=28, 9.2%). Being females (OR=1.64; 95% CI: 1.00-2.70), aged between 40-54 (OR=1.92; 95% CI: 1.07-3.44), having a BMI ≥25 (OR=1.67; 95% CI: 1.00-2.78), and experiencing more symptoms during the acute phase of the disease (OR=8.71 for ≥8 symptoms; 95% CI: 2.73-27.76) were associated with long COVID. Persistence of symptoms showed a significant impact on quality of life (p<0.0001) and depression scale scores (p=0.0102).ConclusionMore than half of patients with previous mild-to-moderate symptomatic COVID-19 complained the persistence of at least one symptom 12-months after the onset of the illness.
Genome-wide chromosomal association of Upf1 is linked to Pol II transcription inSchizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: De Sandip , Dwivedi Vibha , Wang Jianming , Edwards David M. , Varsally Wazeer , Singh Anand K. , Dixon Hannah L. , Wojewodzic Marcin W. , Falciani Francesco , Hodges Nikolas J. , Saponaro Marco , Tanaka Kayoko , Azzalin Claus M. , Baumann Peter , Hebenstreit Daniel , Brogna Saverio 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough the RNA helicase Upf1 has hitherto been examined mostly in relation to its cytoplasmic role in nonsense mediated mRNA decay (NMD), here we report high-throughput ChIP data indicating genome-wide association of Upf1 with active genes inSchizosaccharomyces pombe. This association is RNase sensitive and it correlates with Pol II transcription and mRNA expression levels. While changes in Pol II occupancy were detected at only some genes in a Upf1-deficient (upf1Δ) strain, there is an increased Ser2 Pol II signal at all highly transcribed genes examined by ChIP-qPCR. Furthermore,upf1Δcells are hypersensitive to the transcription elongation inhibitor 6-azauracil and display Pol II abnormalities suggestive of Pol II hyperphosphorylation. A significant proportion of the genes associated with Upf1 in wild-type conditions are also mis-regulated inupf1Δ.These data envisage that by operating on the nascent transcript Upf1 might influence Pol II phosphorylation and transcription.
LRR protein RNH1 dampens the inflammasome activation and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Bombaci Giuseppe , Sarangdhar Mayuresh Anant , Andina Nicola , Tardivel Aubry , Yu Eric Chi-Wang , Mackie Gillian M. , Pugh Matthew , Ozan Vedat Burak , Banz Yara , Spinetti Thibaud , Hirzel Cedric , Youd Esther , Schefold Joerg C. , Taylor Graham , Gazdhar Amiq , Bonadies Nicolas , Angelillo-Scherrer Anne , Schneider Pascal , Maslowski Kendle M. , Allam Ramanjaneyulu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractInflammasomes are cytosolic innate immune sensors of pathogen infection and cellular damage that induce caspase-1 mediated inflammation upon activation. Although inflammation is protective, uncontrolled excessive inflammation can cause inflammatory diseases and can be detrimental, such as in COVID-19. However, the underlying mechanisms that control inflammasome activation are incompletely understood. Here we report that the leucine rich repeat (LRR) protein Ribonuclease inhibitor (RNH1), which shares homology with LRRs of NLRP proteins, attenuates inflammasome activation. Deletion of RNH1 in macrophages increases IL-1β production and caspase-1 activation for inflammasome stimuli. Mechanistically, RNH1 decreases pro-IL-1β expression and induces proteasome-mediated caspase-1 degradation. Corroborating this, mouse models of monosodium urate (MSU)-induced peritonitis and LPS-induced endotoxemia, which are dependent on caspase-1, respectively show increased neutrophil infiltration and lethality inRnh1-/-mice compared to WT mice. Furthermore, RNH1 protein levels are negatively correlated with inflammation and disease severity in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We propose that RNH1 is a new inflammasome regulator with relevance to COVID-19 severity.
ReducedShmt2expression impairs mitochondrial folate accumulation and respiration, and leads to uracil accumulation in mouse mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Fiddler Joanna L. , Xiu Yuwen , Blum Jamie E. , Lamarre Simon G. , Phinney Whitney N. , Stabler Sally P. , Brosnan Margaret E. , Brosnan John T. , Thalacker-Mercer Anna E. , Field Martha S. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundAdequate cellular thymidylate (dTMP) pools are essential for preservation of nuclear and mitochondrial genome stability. Previous studies have indicated that disruption in dTMP synthesis in the nucleus leads to increased uracil misincorporation into DNA affecting genome stability. To date, the effects of impaired mitochondrial dTMP synthesis in non- transformed tissues have been understudied.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effects of decreased serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (Shmt2)expression and dietary folate deficiency on mitochondrial DNA integrity and mitochondrial function in mouse tissues.MethodsLiver mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, and uracil content in liver mtDNA was measured inShmt2+/-andShmt2+/+mice weaned onto either a folate-sufficient control diet (2 mg/kg folic acid, C) or a modified diet lacking folic acid (0 mg/kg folic acid, FD) for 7 wks.Shmt2+/-andShmt2+/+mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF cells) were cultured in defined culture medium containing either 0 or 25 nM folate to assess proliferative capacity and mitochondrial function.ResultsShmt2+/-mice exhibited 48-67% reduction in SHMT2 protein levels in tissues. Interestingly,Shmt2+/-mice consuming the folate-sufficient C diet exhibited a 25% reduction in total folate in liver mitochondria. There was also a >20-fold increase in uracil in liver mtDNA inShmt2+/-mice consuming the C diet, and dietary folate deficiency also increased uracil content in mouse liver mtDNA from bothShmt2+/+andShmt2+/-mice. Furthermore, decreasedShmt2expression in MEF cells reduced cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and oxygen consumption rate.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates thatShmt2heterozygosity and dietary folate deficiency impair mitochondrial dTMP synthesis, as evidenced by the increased uracil in mtDNA. In addition,Shmt2heterozygosity impairs mitochondrial function in MEF cells. These findings suggest that elevated uracil in mtDNA may impair mitochondrial function.
Vitamin C – protective role in oxidative stress conditions induced in human normal colon cells by label free Raman spectroscopy and imaging
Authors: Beton K. , Brozek-Pluska B. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractColorectal cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. Conventional diagnostics methods of colorectal cancer, can detect it in advanced stage.Spectroscopic methods, including Raman spectroscopy and imaging, are becoming more and more popular in medical applications, and allow fast, precise and unambiguous differentiation of healthy and cancerous samples. the most important advantage of Raman spectroscopy is ability to identify biomarkers that help in differentiation of healthy and cancerous cells based on biochemistry of sample and spectra typical for: lipids, proteins, DNA.The aim of the study was to evaluate the biochemical and structural features of human colon cell lines based on Raman spectroscopy and imaging: normal cells CCD-18 Co, normal cells CCD-18 Co under oxidative stress conditions, normal cells CCD-18 Co at first treated by using tert-Butyl hydroperoxide and then supplemented by vitamin C in high concentration to show the protective role of vitamin C in micromolar concentrations against ROS by spectroscopic methods. Raman data obtained for normal cells injured by ROS were compared with spectra typical for cancerous cells.Statistically assisted analysis has shown that normal, ROS injured and cancerous human colon cells can be distinguished based on their unique vibrational properties.The research carried out proves that label-free Raman spectroscopy may play an important role in clinical diagnostics differentiation of normal and cancerous colon cells and may be a source of intraoperative information supporting histopathological analysis.
Phumdis-A Promising Alternative Energy Resource
Authors: Siddiqua Ayesha , Kanodia Sweekrity , Jacob Jincy , Khumanthem Darwilin , Thakhell Keke , Babu C.K Chandra , Vinjamuri Saisha 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTThe inadequate sources of energy coupled with the increasing demands of power have necessitated the search for novel renewable energy resources. ‘Phumdis’ are one such promising alternative. Phumdis are floating mats of heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter found in Loktak Lake in Manipur, North Eastern India. This paper delineates the use of Phumdis as an alternative energy source. Phumdis from Loktak Lake, Manipur were processed and analyzed for their biofuel capabilities. The Results indicate that the phumdis have high calorific content, cloudpoint and flash point indicating that they are at par with other fuels.