bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glycerol monolaurate ameliorated intestinal barrier and immunity in broilers by regulating intestinal inflammation, antioxidant balance, and intestinal microbiota
Authors: Kong Linglian , Wang Zhenhua , Xiao Chuanpi , Zhu Qidong , Song Zhigang 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTExtensive interactions occur between a poultry host and its gut microbiome. Glycerol monolaurate (GML) possesses a large range of antimicrobial and immunoregulatory properties. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of different doses of GML (basal diets complemented with 0, 300, 600, 900, or 1200 mg/kg GML) on growth performance, intestinal barrier, and cecal microbiota in broiler chicks. Results revealed that feed intake increased after 900 and 1200 mg/kg GML were administered during the entire 14-day experiment period. Dietary GML decreased crypt depth and increased the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio of the jejunum. In the serum and jejunum, supplementation with more than 600 mg/kg GML reduced interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and malondialdehyde levels and increased the levels of immunoglobulin G, jejunal mucin 2, total antioxidant capacity, and total superoxide dismutase. GML down-regulated jejunal interleukin-1β and interferon-γ expression and increased the mRNA level of zonula occludens 1 and occludin. A reduced expression of toll-like receptor 4 and a tendency of down-regulated nuclear factor kappa-B was shown in GML-treated groups. In addition, GML modulated the composition of the cecal microbiota of the broilers, improved microbial diversity, and increased the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that the genera Barnesiella, Coprobacter, Lachnospiraceae, Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides, Odoriacter, and Parabacteroides were related to inflammation and intestinal integrity. In conclusion, GML ameliorated intestinal morphology and barrier function in broiler chicks probably by regulating intestinal immune and antioxidant balance, as well as intestinal microbiota.IMPORTANCEAntibiotic residues and resistance issues led to the ban of antibiotic growth promoters. GML is considered an efficacious antibiotic growth promoter alternative for animal health and has the potential to become a unique fungicide owing to its established safety, antibacterial properties, and immunomodulatory capacity. Despite the potential of GML as an additive in poultry feed, little is known about the influence of GML on cecal microbiota in broilers. The significance of our research was to determine the microbial mechanism by which GML worked.
Dynamic of humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 anti Nucleocapsid and Spike proteins after CoronaVac vaccination
Authors: Bochnia-Bueno Lucas , De Almeida Sergio Monteiro , Raboni Sonia Mara , Adamoski Douglas , Amadeu Ludmilla Louise Moreira , Carstensen Suzana , Nogueira Meri Bordignon 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to calculate the seroconversion rate of the CoronaVac vaccine in healthcare workers (HCWs) after immunization.MethodsSerum samples from 133 HCWs from Southern Brazil were collected one day before (Day 0) and +10, +20, +40, + 60, +110 days after administering the vaccine’s first dose. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was quantified using immunoassays for anti-N-protein (nucleocapsid) antibodies (Abbott, Sligo, Ireland) and for anti-S1 (spike) protein antibodies (Euroimmun, Lübeck, Germany).ResultsSeroconversion by day 40 occurred in 129 (97%) HCWs for the S1 protein, and in 69 (51.87%) HCWs for the N protein. An absence of IgG antibodies (by both methodologies), occurred in two (1.5%) HCWs undergoing semiannual rituximab administration, and also in another two (1.5%) HCWs with no apparent reason.ConclusionThis study showed that CoronaVac has a high seroconversion rate when evaluated in an HCW population.FundingThis work was supported by the PROPLAN/Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba-Paraná, Brazil; FINEP, Funder of Studies and Projects, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Brazil Institutional Network, Project: Laboratories for Diagnostic Tests for COVID-19 (0494/20).
Evaluation of silver nanoparticles for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health workers: in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Almanza-Reyes Horacio , Moreno Sandra , Plascencia-López Ismael , Alvarado-Vera Martha , Patrón-Romero Leslie , Borrego Belén , Reyes-Escamilla Alberto , Valencia-Manzo Daniel , Brun Alejandro , Pestryakov Alexey , Bogdanchikova Nina 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 infection in hospital areas is of a particular concern, since the close interaction between health care personnel and patients diagnosed with COVID-19, which allows virus to be easily spread between them and subsequently to their families and communities. Preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare personnel is essential to reduce the frequency of infections and outbreaks during the pandemic considering that they work in high-risk areas. In this research, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were tested in vitro and shown to have an inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection in cultured cells. Subsequently, we assess the effects of mouthwash and nose rinse with ARGOVIT® silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 contagion in health workers consider as high-risk group of acquiring the infection in the General Tijuana Hospital, Mexico, a hospital for the exclusive recruitment of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. We present a prospective randomized study of 231 participants that was carried out for 9 weeks (during the declaration of a pandemic). The “experimental” group was instructed to do mouthwash and nose rinse with the AgNPs solution; the “control” group was instructed to do mouthwashes and nose rinse in a conventional way. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was significantly lower in the “experimental” group (two participants of 114, 1.8%) compared to the “control” group (thirty-three participants of 117, 28.2%), with a 84.8% efficiency. We conclude that the mouth and nasal rinse with AgNPs helps in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health personnel who are exposed to patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
Clinical utility of home versus hospital spirometry in fibrotic ILD: evaluation following INJUSTIS interim analysis
Authors: Khan Fasihul , Howard Lucy , Hearson Glenn , Edwards Colin , Barber Chris , Jones Steve , Wilson Andrew M , Maher Toby M , Saini Gauri , Stewart Iain , Jenkins Gisli 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic identified an urgent need to re-evaluate the provision of spirometry for clinical monitoring. Home spirometry offers the opportunity for real-time disease evaluation without risk of nosocomial infection. To determine the utility of home spirometry in interstitial lung disease (ILD), interim data from the ongoing INJUSTIS study was evaluated. High correlation was observed between home and hospital spirometry at baseline(r=0.89) and three-months(r=0.82). Over 90% of home spirometry values were within Bland-Altman agreement limits at both time points, although frequently underestimated hospital values. Home spirometry is feasible in people with fibrotic ILD.
COVID symptoms, testing, shielding impact on patient reported outcomes and early vaccine responses in individuals with multiple myeloma
Authors: Ramasamy Karthik , Sadler Ross , Jeans Sally , Varghese Sherin , Turner Alison , Larham Jemma , Gray Nathanael , Barrett Joe , Bowcock Stella , Cook Gordon , Kyriakou Chara , Smith Dean , Drayson Mark , Basu Supratik , Moore Sally , McDonald Sarah , Gooding Sarah , Javaid Muhammad K 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveMultiple myeloma (MM)-related morbidity has a profound effect on quality of life (QoL), and immune function, but few studies have prospectively examined the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and attendant vaccination on both immunity and QoL of patients with MM. We aimed to characterise these effects in a prospective cohort study.DesignWe initiated a prospective national cohort study of patients with MM from start of the second wave of SARS CoV-2 infections in December 2020 and resultant COVID lockdown in the United Kingdom. We assessed current myeloma status, history of COVID19 symptoms, testing and vaccination including response using the rudystudy.org platform. In addition, healthcare resource use, mental and social well being and loneliness (Lubben scale) from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed.ParticipantsWe report data from the first one hundred and nine adults with MM who completed the questionnaires and the first round of blood testing in the cohort.ResultsFive patients (4.5%) had COVID-19 infection confirmed by history and/or testing (Nucleocapsid antibody). Up to 98% of patients shielded completely or partially during both waves of the pandemic, with 18% of patients consequently changing antimyeloma therapy in the shielding period. Using the Lubben scale, 21/99 (21.2 %) reported social isolation. Using HADS scale 23.1% of patients reported symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety or mild to moderate depression during this period. Humoral immune response (spike ab) tested 3 weeks after first vaccination was detected in 17/28 (60%) patients.ConclusionMyeloma patients shielded during waves of the pandemic with significant change to therapy, low level natural COVID-19 infection (4%) and social isolation. Humoral response following the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine is lower than that reported in non-myeloma cohorts.What is already known on this topicLimited published data exist on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on myeloma patients. Post first vaccine response in myeloma patients has been reported in a small number of patients from two studies ranging from 25 % to 56%.What this study addsThis study reports myeloma patients shielded during waves of the pandemic and demonstrates consequent significant social isolation and changes to therapy. Low level natural COVID-19 infection (4%) was noted in the study and humoral response following first dose of COVID-19 vaccine was lower than that reported in non-myeloma cohorts.
Modified Preparation Method of Ideal Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) from Whole Blood
Authors: Reksodiputro Mirta Hediyati , Harahap Alida Roswita , Setiawan Lyana , Yosia Mikhael 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOne bioproduct that is widely used in the wound healing process is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). PRP is a liquid solution with high autologous platelet concentration, making it a good source of growth factors to accelerate wound healing. Recent development in PRP had created a new product called Platelet Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM), which has a denser and more flexible structure. PRFM is the newest generation of platelet concentrate with a fibrin matrix that holds platelet in it. The key concept in creating PRFM from PRP is the addition of CaCl2 followed by centrifugation, which converts fibrinogen to fibrin, and the fibrin cross-links to form a matrix that contains viable platelets. There are many commercially available kits to create PRFM, but they are often expensive and uneconomical. This research will test a modified method of making ideal PRFM from PRP without any commercial kits. The modified method will include determining the minimum level of CaCl2 used, the type of centrifuge, and the speed and duration of centrifugation. By performing a modified preparation method on five samples of whole blood, it was found that the ideal PRFM could be made by mixing PRP with 25 mM CaCl2 1M and centrifuging it at a speed of 2264 G for 25 minutes at room temperature. The PRP and PRFM platelet counts of this method tend to be lower than the platelet counts found in other studies. Although visually comparable, further study is needed to compare the performance of PRFMs made with this method and PRFMs made with commercial kits.
Sex differences in the association of mild behavioral impairment with cognitive aging
Authors: Wolfova Katrin , Creese Byron , Aarsland Dag , Ismail Zahinoor , Corbett Anne , Ballard Clive , Hampshire Adam , Cermakova Pavla 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTIONWe aimed to explore sex differences in the association of mild behavioral impairment (MBI) with the level of cognitive performance and its rate of decline in a cohort of people without dementia with the longest term follow up of cognition.METHODSWe studied 8,181 older adults enrolled in the online PROTECT UK Study. MBI was assessed using the MBI Checklist and cognition was measured by digit span, paired associate learning, spatial working memory and verbal reasoning. Statistical analysis was conducted using linear regression models and linear mixed-effects models.RESULTSMales exhibited more often symptoms of decreased motivation, impulse dyscontrol and social inappropriateness, while less often symptoms of emotional dysregulation. The associations of MBI domains with some measures of cognitive performance and decline was stronger in males than females, with the exception of emotional dysregulation.DISCUSSIONMBI may influence cognition to a greater extent in males than in females.
Late Combination shows that MEG adds to MRI in classifying MCI versus Controls
Authors: Vaghari Delshad , Kabir Ehsanollah , Henson Richard N. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEarly detection of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is essential for developing effective treatments. Neuroimaging techniques like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have the potential to detect brain changes before symptoms emerge. Structural MRI can detect atrophy related to AD, but it is possible that functional changes are observed even earlier. We therefore examined the potential of Magnetoencephalography (MEG) to detect differences in functional brain activity in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) – a state at risk of early AD. We introduce a framework for multimodal combination to ask whether MEG data from a resting-state provides complementary information beyond structural MRI data in the classification of MCI versus controls. More specifically, we used multi-kernel learning of support vector machines to classify 163 MCI cases versus 144 healthy elderly controls from the BioFIND dataset. When using the covariance of planar gradiometer data in the low Gamma range (30-48Hz), we found that adding a MEG kernel improved classification accuracy above kernels that captured several potential confounds (e.g., age, education, time-of-day, head motion). However accuracy using MEG alone (67%) was worse than MRI alone (72%). When simply concatenating (normalized) features from MEG and MRI into one kernel (early combination), there was no advantage of combining MEG with MRI versus MRI alone. When combining kernels of modality-specific features (intermediate combination), there was an improvement in multimodal classification to 75%. The biggest multimodal improvement however occurred when we combined kernels from the predictions of modality-specific classifiers (late combination), which achieved 78% accuracy (a reliable improvement in terms of permutation testing). We also explored other MEG features, such as the variance versus covariance of magnetometer versus planar gradiometer data within each of 6 frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta, low gamma or high gamma), and found that they generally provided complementary information for classification above MRI, provided the frequency band was beta or higher. We conclude that high frequency information in MEG can improve on MRI-based classification of mild cognitive impairment.
Genetic Inhibition of Serum Glucocorticoid Kinase 1 Prevents Obesity-related Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Bapat Aneesh , Li Guoping , Xiao Ling , Hulsmans Maarten , Schloss Maximillian J , Iwamoto Yoshiko , Tedeschi Justin , Yang Xinyu , Nahrendorf Matthias , Rosenzweig Anthony , Ellinor Patrick , Das Saumya , Milan David 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTRationaleGiven its rising prevalence in both the adult and pediatric populations, obesity has become an increasingly important risk factor in the development of atrial fibrillation. However, a better mechanistic understanding of obesity-related atrial fibrillation is required. Serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 (SGK1) is a kinase positioned downstream of multiple obesity-related pathways, and prior work has shown a pathologic role for SGK1 signaling in ventricular remodeling and arrhythmias.ObjectiveTo determine the mechanistic basis of obesity associated atrial fibrillation and explore the therapeutic potential of targeting SGK1 in this context.Methods and ResultsWe utilized a mouse model of diet induced obesity to determine the atrial electrophysiologic effects of obesity using electrophysiologic studies, optical mapping, and biochemical analyses. In C57BL/6J mice fed a high fat diet, there was upregulation of SGK1 signaling along with an increase in AF inducibility determined at electrophysiology (EP) study. These changes were associated with an increase in fibrotic and inflammatory signaling. Transgenic mice expressing a cardiac specific dominant negative SGK1 (SGK1 DN) were protected from obesity-related AF as well as the fibrotic and inflammatory consequences of AF. Finally, optical mapping demonstrated a shorter action potential duration and patch clamp revealed effects onINa, with a decreased peak current as well as a depolarizing shift in activation/inactivation properties in atrial myocytes.ConclusionsDiet induced obesity leads to increased cardiac SGK1 signaling as well as an increase in AF inducibility in obese mice. Genetic SGK1 inhibition reduced AF inducibility, and this effect may be mediated by effects on inflammation, fibrosis, and cellular electrophysiology.
Circulating proteins reveal prior use of menopausal hormonal therapy and increased risk of breast cancer
Authors: Thomas Cecilia E. , Dahl Leo , Byström Sanna , Chen Yan , Uhlén Mathias , Mälarstig Anders , Czene Kamila , Hall Per , Schwenk Jochen M. , Gabrielson Marike 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundRisk prediction is crucial for early detection and prognosis of breast cancer. Circulating plasma proteins could provide a valuable source to increase the validity of risk prediction models, however, no such markers have yet been identified for clinical use.MethodsEDTA plasma samples from 183 breast cancer cases and 366 age-matched controls were collected prior to diagnosis from the Swedish breast cancer cohort KARMA. The samples were profiled on 700 circulating proteins using an exploratory affinity proteomics approach. Linear association analyses were performed on case-control status and a data-driven analysis strategy was applied to cluster the women on their plasma proteome profiles in an unsupervised manner. The resulting clusters were subsequently annotated for the differences in phenotypic characteristics, clinical parameters, and genetic risk.ResultsUsing the data-driven approach we identified five clusters with distinct proteomic plasma profiles. Women in a particular sub-group (cluster 1) were significantly more likely to have used menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT), more likely to get a breast cancer diagnosis, and were older compared to the remaining clusters. The levels of circulating proteins in cluster 1 were decreased for proteins related to DNA repair and cell replication and increased for proteins related to mammographic density and female tissues. In contrast, classical dichotomous case-control analyses did not reveal any proteins significantly associated with future breast cancer.ConclusionUsing a data-driven approach, we identified a subset of women with circulating proteins associated with previous use of MHT and risk of breast cancer. Our findings point to the potential long-lasting effects of MHT on the circulating proteome even after ending the treatment, and hence provide valuable insights concerning risk predication of breast cancer.HighlightsCurrent risk prediction models use a variety of factors to identify women at risk of developing breast cancer.Proteins circulating in blood represent an attractive but currently still underrepresented source of candidates serving as molecular risk factors.Plasma proteomes from women participating in a prospective breast cancer cohort study were studied for proteomic risk factors related to a future breast cancer diagnosis.Using data-driven approaches, women with future breast cancers and previous use of menopausal hormone therapy were identified based on their circulating proteins.Menopausal hormone therapy was found to altered the levels of the circulating proteins even years after the treatment ended.
Host stress hormones affect host, but not vector, infectiousness for West Nile virus
Authors: Martin Lynn B. , Kernbach Meredith E. , Koller Kyle , Burkett-Cadena Nathan D. , Unnasch Thomas R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHormones that help hosts cope with stressors also affect how hosts regulate the processes that influence their susceptibility to parasites as well as their propensity to transmit pathogens to other hosts and vectors. In birds, corticosterone (CORT), influences timing of activity, feeding behaviors, and various immune defenses that influence the number and outcomes of host interactions with vectors and parasites. No study to our knowledge, though, has investigated whether CORT in hosts affects the extrinsic incubation period (EIP) of a vector for a virus, one of the strongest drivers of vector-borne disease cycles. Our goal here was to discern whether experimental CORT alterations in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) affected EIP for West Nile virus (WNV) in the mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, a common vector of WNV and other infections in the southern US. We experimentally manipulated CORT in birds, infected them with WNV, and then investigated whether EIP differed between vectors fed on CORT-treated or control birds. Although CORT enhanced WNV viremia in hosts, as we have observed previously, we found no effects of CORT on vector EIP or post-feeding mortality rates, another important component of epidemiological models. These results, plus our prior observations that CORT enhances host attractiveness, indicate that some but not all stages of host-vector-virus interactions are sensitive to host stress.
Kmerator Suite: design of specific k-mer signatures and automatic metadata discovery in large RNA-Seq datasets
Authors: Riquier Sébastien , Bessiere Chloé , Guibert Benoit , Bouge Anne-Laure , Boureux Anthony , Ruffle Florence , Audoux Jérôme , Gilbert Nicolas , Xue Haoliang , Gautheret Daniel , Commes Thérèse 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTThe huge body of publicly available RNA-seq libraries is a treasure of functional information allowing to quantify the expression of known or novel transcripts in tissues. However, transcript quantification commonly relies on alignment methods requiring a lot of computational resources and processing time, which does not scale easily to large datasets. K-mer decomposition constitutes a new way to process RNA-seq data for the identification of transcriptional signatures, as k-mers can be used to quantify accurately gene expression in a less resource-consuming way. We present the Kmerator Suite, a set of three tools designed to extract specific k-mer signatures, quantify these k-mers into RNA-seq datasets and quickly visualize large datasets characteristics. The core tool, Kmerator, produces specific k-mers for 97% of human genes, enabling the measure of gene expression with high accuracy in simulated datasets. KmerExploR, a direct application of Kmerator, uses a set of predictor genes specific k-mers to infer metadata including library protocol, sample features or contaminations from RNA-seq datasets. KmerExploR results are visualised through a user-friendly interface. Moreover, we demonstrate that the Kmerator Suite can be used for advanced queries targeting known or new biomarkers such as mutations, gene fusions or long non coding-RNAs for human health applications.