bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS-Cov-2 Seroprevalence in a French Kidney Transplant Center Located Within a “High-risk” Zone
Authors: Caillard Sophie , Benotmane Ilies , Meidinger Céline , Jegou Vanessa , Ludwiller Sandra , Rihon Anne , Desmarquets Audrey , Steinmetz Lucille , Morvan Murielle , Kedjam Karima , Bigot Amandine , Roy Danielle , Schmitt Dominique , Marx David , Bassand Xavier , Perrin Peggy , Gautier Vargas Gabriela , Cognard Noelle , Olagne Jérome , Braun Laura , Heibel Francoise , Martzloff Jonas , Moulin Bruno , Fafi Kremer Samira 
Published: March 2021

Background.
Data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remain rare. We sought to shed further light on this issue by conducting a single-center study in a kidney transplant center located in one of the France’s highest risk zone (Grand Est) for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) during the initial disease outbreak.

Methods.
To this aim, we used a survey approach coupled with systematic investigation of SARS-CoV-2 serology in a cohort of 1390 KTRs.

Results.
SARS-CoV-2 serologies were available for 780 survey respondents, among whom 48 had anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (total seroprevalence: 6.2%). Thirty-five of the 48 seropositive KTRs had previously received a diagnosis of Covid-19, whereas the remaining 13 patients were not known to be infected (8 asymptomatic cases). Specifically, 18.7% of seropositive KTRs and 1.1% of the entire cohort were asymptomatic. Household exposure was found to markedly increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Conclusions.
Our findings demonstrate that the overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in KTRs living in one of the France’s highest risk zone for Covid-19 during the first French lockdown was as low as 6.3%. Rapid and strict implementation of protective measures could have significantly mitigated virus spread even in an area of high virus circulation.
The secreted hypersensitive response inducing protein 1 fromBotrytis cinereadisplays non-canonical PAMP-activity
Authors: Jeblick Tanja , Leisen Thomas , Steidele Christina E. , Müller Jonas , Mahler Florian , Sommer Frederik , Keller Sandro , Hückelhoven Ralph , Hahn Matthias , Scheuring David 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAccording to their lifestyle, plant pathogens are divided into biotrophic and necrotrophic organisms. While biotrophic pathogens establish a relationship with living host cells, necrotrophic pathogens rapidly kill host cells and feed on the cell debris. To this end, the necrotrophic ascomycete fungusBotrytis cinereasecretes large amounts of phytotoxic proteins and cell wall degrading enzymes. However, the precise role of these proteins during the infection process is unknown. Here we report on the identification and characterization of the previously unknown toxic protein hypersensitive response inducing protein 1 (Hip1), which induces plant cell death. We found the adoption of a folded protein structure to be a prerequisite for Hip1 to exert its necrosis-inducing activity inNicotiana benthamiana. Localization and the induction of specific plant responses by Hip1 indicate recognition as pathogen-associated molecular pattern at the plant plasma membrane. Our results demonstrate that recognition of Hip1, even in the absence of obvious enzymatic or poreforming activity, induces strong plant defense reactions eventually leading to plant cell death.
Corticosteroids and mortality in patients with severe Covid-19 who have autoantibodies
Authors: Cui Zhu , Roth Maxwell , Averbukh Yelena , Assa Andrei , Ani Azal Al , Southern William , Gil Morayma Reyes , Arora Shitij 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAuto-reactivity in COVID-19 is increasingly being recognized and may identify a group of patients with inflammation severe enough to result in loss of self-tolerance. Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory agents and now the standard of care for patients with severe Covid-19 requiring oxygen support/mechanical ventilation. We studied the outcomes of COVID-19 patients who demonstrated clinically identifiable auto-reactivity and received corticosteroid treatment.In this retrospective cohort study, we included 51 COVID-19 patients admitted between March 10, 2020 and May 2, 2020 who received corticosteroid treatment and also had serum sample in our institution bio-bank available for ANA and RF ELISA. Twelve patients (23.5%) had positive ANA or RF. Mortality rate among patients with positive autoantibodies was significantly higher than those without (9/12 or 75% versus 13/39 or 33.3%, p= 0.02). The high mortality rate in patients with auto-reactivity warrants further investigation and may be the subgroup where additional immunomodulation is effective.
No support for oxytocin modulation of reward-related brain function in autism: evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mayer Annalina V. , Preckel Katrin , Ihle Kristin , Piecha Fabian A. , Junghanns Klaus , Reiche Stefan , Rademacher Lena , Kamp-Becker Inge , Stroth Sanna , Roepke Stefan , Küpper Charlotte , Engert Veronika , Singer Tania , Kanske Philipp , Paulus Frieder M. , Krach Sören 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, which have been related to atypical neural processing of rewards, especially in the social domain. Since intranasal oxytocin has been shown to modulate activation of the brain’s reward circuit, oxytocin could be a useful tool to ameliorate the processing of social rewards in ASD and thus improve social difficulties. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover fMRI study, we examined effects of a 24 IU dose of intranasal oxytocin on reward-related brain function in 37 men with an ASD diagnosis and 37 age- and IQ-matched control participants. Participants performed an incentive delay task that allows the investigation of neural activity associated with the anticipation and receipt of monetary and social rewards. Apart from a specific interaction effect in a single voxel within the left amygdala during the receipt of rewards, oxytocin did not influence neural processes related to the anticipation or consumption of social or monetary rewards in either group. Exploratory analyses suggested that oxytocin may increase ventral striatum sensitivity to monetary, but not social rewards, in individuals with high levels of self-reported anxiety, depression, alexithymia, and autistic traits irrespective of an ASD diagnosis. There were no significant differences in reward-related brain function between the two groups under placebo. Overall, our results do not support the hypothesis that intranasal oxytocin generally enhances activation of reward-related neural circuits in men with and without ASD without intellectual impairment. How and if oxytocin can be beneficial in the treatment of social difficulties in ASD needs to be addressed by examining moderating influences of individual differences and context on reward-related oxytocin effects.
A Differential Equation for Mutation Rates in Environmental Coevolution
Authors: Neal-Sturgess C E 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn their paper Natural selection for least action (Kaila and Annila 2008) they depict evolution as a process conforming to the Principle of Least Action (PLA). From this concept, together with the Coevolution model of Lewontin, an equation of motion for environmental coevolution is derived which shows that it is the time rate (frequency) of evolutionary change of the organism (mutations) that responds to changes in the environment. It is not possible to compare the theory with viral or bacterial mutation rates, as these are not measured on a time base. There is positive evidence from population level avian studies where the coefficient of additive evolvability (Cav) and its square (IA) change with environmental favourability in agreement with this model. Further analysis shows that the time rate of change of the coefficient of additive evolvability (Cav) and its square (IA) are linear with environmental favourability, which could help in defining the Lagrangian of the environmental effects.
Passive clearing and 3D lightsheet imaging of the intact and injured spinal cord in mice
Authors: McCreedy Dylan A. , Jalufka Frank L. , Platt Madison E. , Min Sun Won , Kirchhoff Megan A. , Manlapaz Ron , Mihaly Eszter , Butts Jessica C. , Iyer Nisha R. , Sakiyama-Elbert Shelly E. , Crone Steven A. , McDevitt Todd C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe spinal cord contains a diverse array of sensory and motor circuits that are essential for normal function. Spinal cord injury (SCI) permanently disrupts neural circuits through initial mechanical damage, as well as a cascade of secondary injury events that further expand the spinal cord lesion, resulting in permanent paralysis. Tissue clearing and 3D imaging have recently emerged as promising techniques to improve our understanding of the complex neural circuitry of the spinal cord and the changes that result from damage due to SCI. However, the application of this technology for studying the intact and injured spinal cord remains limited. Here we optimized the passive CLARITY technique (PACT) to obtain gentle and efficient clearing of the murine spinal cord without the need for specialized equipment. We demonstrate that PACT clearing enables 3D imaging of multiple fluorescent labels in the spinal cord to assess molecularly defined neuronal populations, acute inflammation, long-term tissue damage, and cell transplantation. Collectively, these procedures provide a framework for expanding the utility of tissue clearing to enhance the study of spinal cord neural circuits, as well as cellular- and tissue-level changes that occur following SCI.
Spatiotemporal variations of surface water microplastics near Kyushu, Japan: A quali-quantitative analysis
Authors: Kobayashi Tsunefumi , Yagi Mitsuharu , Kawaguchi Toshiya , Hata Toshiro , Shimizu Kenichi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMicroplastics in the ocean are threatening marine ecosystems. Although plastic contaminants are ubiquitous from rivers to polar oceans, their distribution is thought to be heterogeneous, implying that both spatial and temporal variability exist. Here, we elucidate the significant spatial and temporal (seasonal) variations in the quanti-qualitative characteristics of microplastics off the west coast of Kyushu, Japan in the East China Sea. Six surveys across nine stations (n = 54) were conducted over a 14-month period, and a total of 6131 plastic items were identified. The average microplastic abundance (items ·m-3) and size (mm) ± S.D. were 0.49 ± 0.92 (n = 54), and 1.71 ± 0.93 (n = 6131), respectively. Differences between the highest and lowest abundances were 50-fold among monthly means (1.97 ± 1.49, n = 9; 0.04 ± 0.03, n = 9), and 550-fold across all net tows (5.50; 0.01). With respect to colour, polymer type, and shape, white and transparent (68.5%), polyethylene (80%) fragments (76.0%) were the dominant composition. There were statistically significant differences for each of the analytical microplastic parameters among survey months (p < 0.02). Our results provide baseline data, and lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal characteristics of microplastic pollution.HighlightsSignificant spatiotemporal variability in microplastic litter was detected based on the quali-quantitative analyses.Average (± S.D.) microplastic abundance was 0.49 ± 0.92 (items ·m-3) and size was 1.71 ± 0.93 (mm).Differences between highest and lowest abundances were 50-fold among monthly means, and 550-fold across all net tows.White and transparent polyethylene fragments were the dominant composition.
Chimpanzees communicate to coordinate a cultural practice
Authors: Goldsborough Zoë , Schel Anne Marijke , van Leeuwen Edwin J. C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHuman culture thrives by virtue of communication, yet whether communication plays an influential role in the cultural lives of other animals remains understudied. Here, we investigated whether chimpanzees use communication to engage in a cultural practice by analyzing grooming handclasp (GHC) interactions – a socio-cultural behavior requiring inter-individual coordination for its successful execution. Previous accounts attributed GHC initiations to behavioral shaping whereby the initiator physically molds the partner’s arm into the desired GHC posture. Using frame-by-frame analysis and matched-control methodology, we find that chimpanzees do not only shape their partner’s posture (22%), but also use gestural communication to initiate GHC (44%), which requires an active and synchronized response from the partner. Moreover, in a third (34%) of the GHC initiations, the requisite coordination was achieved by seemingly effortless (i.e., no shaping or communication) synchrony. Lastly, using a longitudinal approach, we find that communication occurs more frequently than shaping in experienced dyads and less in mother-offspring dyads. These findings are consistent with the theory of ontogenetic ritualization, thereby reflecting the first documentation of learned communication in a cultural context. We conclude that chimpanzees show situation-contingent interactional flexibility in the socio-cultural domain, opening the possibility that the interplay between communication and culture is rooted in our deep evolutionary history.
Do exercise-associated genes explain phenotypic variance in the three components of fitness? A Systematic review & Meta-analysis
Authors: Chung Henry C , Keiller Don R , Roberts Justin D , Gordon Dan A 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify a list of common, candidate genes associated with the three components of fitness, specifically cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and anaerobic power, and how these genes are associated with exercise response phenotype variability, in previously untrained participants. A total of 3,969 potentially relevant papers were identified and processed for inclusion. After eligibility and study selection assessment, 24 studies were selected for meta-analysis, comprising a total of 3,012 participants. Meta-Essentials spreadsheet 1.4 (Microsoft Excel) was used in creating the forest plots and meta-analysis. IBM SPSS statistics V24 was implemented for the statistical analyses and the alpha was set atp≤ 0.05. 13 candidate genes and their associated alleles were identified, which were associated with the phenotypes of interest. Analysis of training group data showed significant differential phenotypic responses. Subgroup analysis showed; 44%, 72% and 10% of the response variance in aerobic, strength and power phenotypes, respectively, were explained by genetic influences. This analysis established that genetic variability explained a significant proportion of the adaptation differences across the three components of fitness in the participants post-training. The results also showed the importance of analysing and reporting specific gene alleles. Information obtained from these findings has the potential to inform and influence future exercise-related genes and training studies.
Individualized Spatial Network Predictions Using Siamese Convolutional Neural Networks: A Resting-State fMRI Study of over 11,000 Unaffected Individuals
Authors: Hassanzadeh Reihaneh , Silva Rogers F. , Abrol Anees , Salman Mustafa , Bonkhoff Anna , Du Yuhui , Fu Zening , DeRamus Thomas , Damaraju Eswar , Baker Bradley , Calhoun Vince D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIndividuals can be characterized in a population according to their brain measurements and activity, given the inter-subject variability in brain anatomy, structure-function relationships, or life experience. Many neuroimaging studies have demonstrated the potential of functional network connectivity patterns estimated from resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to discriminate groups and predict information about individual subjects. However, the predictive signal present in the spatial heterogeneity of brain connectivity networks is yet to be extensively studied. In this study, we investigate, for the first time, the use of pairwise-relationships between resting-state independentspatial mapsto characterize individuals. To do this, we develop a deep Siamese framework comprising three-dimensional convolution neural networks for contrastive learning based on individual-level spatial maps estimated via a fully automated fMRI independent component analysis approach. The proposed framework evaluates whether pairs of spatial networks (e.g., visual network and auditory network) are capable of subject identification and assesses the spatial variability in different network pairs’ predictive power in an extensive whole-brain analysis. Our analysis on nearly 12,000 unaffected individuals from the UK Biobank study demonstrates that the proposed approach can discriminate subjects with an accuracy of up to 88% for a single network pair on the test set (best model, after several runs), and 82% average accuracy at the subcortical domain level, notably the highest average domain level accuracy attained. Further investigation of our network’s learned features revealed a higher spatial variability in predictive accuracy among younger brains and significantly higher discriminative power among males. In sum, the relationship among spatial networks appears to be both informative and discriminative of individuals and should be studied further as putative brain-based biomarkers.
Failure of the brain glucagon-like peptide-1-mediated control of intestinal redox homeostasis in a rat model of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Homolak Jan , Perhoc Ana Babic , Knezovic Ana , Barilar Jelena Osmanovic , Salkovic-Petrisic Melita 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe gastrointestinal system may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of the insulin-resistant brain state (IRBS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Gastrointestinal hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is being explored as a potential therapy as activation of brain GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) exerts neuroprotection and controls peripheral metabolism. Intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin (STZ-icv) is used to model IRBS and GLP-1 dyshomeostasis seems to be involved in the development of neuropathological changes. The aim was to explore i) gastrointestinal homeostasis in the STZ-icv model ii) assess whether the brain GLP-1 is involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal redox homeostasis and iii) analyze whether brain-gut GLP-1 axis is functional in the STZ-icv animals. Acute intracerebroventricular treatment with exendin-3(9-39)amide was used for pharmacological inhibition of brain GLP-1R in the control and STZ-icv rats, and oxidative stress was assessed in plasma, duodenum and ileum. Acute inhibition of brain GLP-1R increased plasma oxidative stress. TBARS were increased, and LMWT, SH, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were decreased in the duodenum, but not in the ileum of the controls. In the STZ-icv, TBARS and CAT were increased, LMWT and SH were decreased at baseline, and no further increment of oxidative stress was observed upon central GLP-1R inhibition. The presented results indicate that i) oxidative stress is increased in the duodenum of the STZ-icv rat model of AD, ii) brain GLP-1R signaling is involved in systemic redox regulation, iii) brain-gut GLP-1 axis regulates duodenal, but not ileal redox homeostasis, and iv) brain-gut GLP-1 axis is dysfunctional in the STZ-icv model.
The multi-functional reovirus σ3 protein is a virulence factor that suppresses stress granule formation to allow viral replication and myocardial injury
Authors: Guo Yingying , Hinchman Meleana , Lewandrowski Mercedes , Cross Shaun , Sutherland Danica M. , Welsh Olivia L. , Dermody Terence S. , Parker John S. L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe mammalian orthoreovirus double-stranded (ds) RNA binding protein σ3 is a multifunctional protein that promotes viral protein synthesis and facilitates viral entry and assembly. The dsRNA-binding capacity of σ3 correlates with its capacity to prevent dsRNA-mediated activation of protein kinase R (PKR). However, the effect of σ3 binding to dsRNA during viral infection remains largely unknown. To identify functions of σ3 dsRNA-binding activity during reovirus infection, we engineered a panel of 13 σ3 mutants and screened them for the capacity to bind dsRNA. Six mutants were defective in dsRNA binding, and mutations in these constructs cluster in a putative dsRNA-binding region on the surface of σ3. Two recombinant viruses expressing these σ3 dsRNA-binding mutants, K287T and R296T, display strikingly different phenotypes. In a cell-type dependent manner, K287T, but not R296T, replicates less efficiently than wild-type (WT) virus. In cells in which K287T virus demonstrates a replication deficit, PKR activation occurs and abundant stress granules (SGs) are produced at late times post-infection. In contrast, the R296T virus retains the capacity to suppress activation of PKR and does not form SGs at late times post-infection. These findings indicate that σ3 inhibits PKR independently of its capacity to bind dsRNA. In infected mice, K287T produces lower viral titers in the spleen, liver, lungs, and heart relative to WT or R296T. Moreover, mice inoculated with WT or R296T viruses develop myocarditis, whereas those inoculated with K287T do not. Overall, our results indicate that σ3 functions to suppress PKR activation and subsequent SG formation during viral infection and that these functions correlate with virulence in mice.
Computational Structure Prediction Provides a Plausible Mechanism for Electron Transfer by the Outer Membrane Protein Cyc2 fromAcidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Jiang Virginia , Khare Sagar D. , Banta Scott 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCyc2 is the key protein in the outer membrane ofAcidithiobacillus ferrooxidansthat mediates electron transfer between extracellular inorganic iron and the intracellular central metabolism. This cytochrome c is specific for iron and interacts with periplasmic proteins to complete a reversible electron transport chain. A structure of Cyc2 has not yet been characterized experimentally. Here we describe a structural model of Cyc2, and associated proteins, to highlight a plausible mechanism for the ferrous iron electron transfer chain. A comparative modeling protocol specific for trans membrane beta barrel (TMBB) proteins in acidophilic conditions (pH ~2) was applied to the primary sequence of Cyc2. The proposed structure has three main regimes: extracellular loops exposed to low-pH conditions, a TMBB, and a N-terminal cytochrome-like region within the periplasmic space. The Cyc2 model was further refined by identifying likely iron and heme docking sites. This represents the first computational model of Cyc2 that accounts for the membrane microenvironment and the acidity in the extracellular matrix. This approach can be used to model other TMBBs which can be critical for chemolithotrophic microbial growth.Importance of workAcidithiobacillus ferrooxidanscan oxidize both iron and reduced sulfur compounds and plays a key role in metal sulfide ore bioleaching used for the industrial recovery of metals.A. ferrooxidanshas also been explored as a potential organism for emerging technologies such as e-waste recycling and biofuel production. Synthetic biology efforts are hampered by lack of knowledge about the mechanisms of iron oxidation and reduction, which is mediated by the Cyc2 transmembrane beta barrel (TMBB) protein.