bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropeptides as potential modulators of behavioral transitions in the ant Cataglyphis nodus
Authors: Habenstein Jens , Thamm Markus , Rössler Wolfgang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAge‐related behavioral plasticity is a major prerequisite for the ecological success of insect societies. Although ecological aspects of behavioral flexibility have been targeted in many studies, the underlying intrinsic mechanisms controlling the diverse changes in behavior along the individual life history of social insects are not completely understood. Recently, the neuropeptides allatostatin‐A, corazonin, and tachykinin have been associated with the regulation of behavioral transitions in social insects. Here, we investigated changes in brain localization and expression of these neuropeptides following major behavioral transitions in Cataglyphis nodus ants. Our immunohistochemical analyses in the brain revealed that the overall branching pattern of neurons immunoreactive (ir) for the three neuropeptides is largely independent of the behavioral stages. Numerous allatostatin‐A‐ and tachykinin‐ir neurons innervate primary sensory neuropils and high‐order integration centers of the brain. In contrast, the number of corazonergic neurons is restricted to only four neurons per brain hemisphere with cell bodies located in the pars lateralis and axons extending to the medial protocerebrum and the retrocerebral complex. Most interestingly, the cell‐body volumes of these neurons are significantly increased in foragers compared to freshly eclosed ants and interior workers. Quantification of mRNA expression levels revealed a stage‐related change in the expression of allatostatin‐A and corazonin mRNA in the brain. Given the presence of the neuropeptides in major control centers of the brain and the neurohemal organs, these mRNA‐changes strongly suggest an important modulatory role of both neuropeptides in the behavioral maturation of Cataglyphis ants.
Attention differentially modulates multiunit activity in the lateral geniculate nucleus and V1 of macaque monkeys
Authors: Shah Shraddha , Mancarella Marc , Hembrook‐Short Jacqueline R. , Mock Vanessa L. , Briggs Farran 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAttention promotes the selection of behaviorally relevant sensory signals from the barrage of sensory information available. Visual attention modulates the gain of neuronal activity in all visual brain areas examined, although magnitudes of gain modulations vary across areas. For example, attention gain magnitudes in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and primary visual cortex (V1) vary tremendously across fMRI measurements in humans and electrophysiological recordings in behaving monkeys. We sought to determine whether these discrepancies are due simply to differences in species or measurement, or more nuanced properties unique to each visual brain area. We also explored whether robust and consistent attention effects, comparable to those measured in humans with fMRI, are observable in the LGN or V1 of monkeys. We measured attentional modulation of multiunit activity in the LGN and V1 of macaque monkeys engaged in a contrast change detection task requiring shifts in covert visual spatial attention. Rigorous analyses of LGN and V1 multiunit activity revealed robust and consistent attentional facilitation throughout V1, with magnitudes comparable to those observed with fMRI. Interestingly, attentional modulation in the LGN was consistently negligible. These findings demonstrate that discrepancies in attention effects are not simply due to species or measurement differences. We also examined whether attention effects correlated with the feature selectivity of recorded multiunits. Distinct relationships suggest that attentional modulation of multiunit activity depends upon the unique structure and function of visual brain areas.
Online psychological counselling during lockdown reduces anxiety symptoms and negative affect: Insights from Italian framework
Authors: Carbone Giuseppe Alessio , Zarfati Alessandro , Nicoli Maria Sole , Paulis Andrea , Tourjansky Gaia , Valenti Giulia , Valenti Enrico Maria , Massullo Chiara , Farina Benedetto , Imperatori Claudio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSeveral studies have shown how COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and the consequent isolation and quarantine measures could affect physical and mental well‐being. Therefore, the increased request for support and assistance represents a critical challenge for clinicians requiring a reorganization of care systems. In this regard, online counselling has been identified as a useful tool in providing psychological assistance and support. Thus, the main purpose of the current study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of a single online counselling session in reducing psychopathological symptoms (i.e., state anxiety and negative affect) and increasing individual well‐being and positive affect during the first Italian lockdown. Fifty‐three subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive an online counselling session [Online Counselling Group (OCG) = 26] or to act as controls [Waiting List Group (WLG) = 27]. In the post‐assessment, compared to WLG, the OCG showed a significant decrease in negative affect (18.04 ± 6.30 vs. 30.26 ± 8.61; F1:47 = 29.45; p < .001; dppc2 = .92) and state anxiety (36.65 ± 8.35 vs. 48.04 ± 11.51; F1:47 = 17.86; p < .001; dppc2 = .49). Taking into account the cyclical nature of COVID‐19, with the possibility of new peaks and waves, it would be appropriate to consider the versatility and usefulness of online psychological counselling in the management of COVID‐19‐related distress.
Numerical investigation of the plasma processes for propellant heating in electrothermal plasma thruster for nanosatellites
Authors: Ivanov Stoil , Kolev Stanimir , Kiss'ovski Zhivko 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNumerical investigation of the plasma processes in a cylindrical chamber with small dimensions of a novel microwave electrothermal plasma thruster for nanosatellites has been conducted. The absorbed microwave power from the electrons in the plasma column of the surface wave discharge is included in the computational model as a heat source with Gaussian distribution. The computational model takes into account the elastic and inelastic collisions of the electrons with the atoms in the ground state and two excited states (−s, −p) and the processes of recombination and deactivation of the plasma species in the volume and on the walls of the chamber. The computational model includes the flow of neutral gas and the processes in the plasma for effective heating of neutral particles by collisions not only with electrons but also with ions. Selected combinations of input power and propellant mass flow rates are used as initial parameters for the numerical investigation. The results show that at higher mass flow rates the heating of the neutral gas is more effective and at power levels of 4 W and propellant mass flow rate of 3 mg/s the electrothermal plasma thruster demonstrates effective performance and thrust levels in the order of 1 mN.
Size‐asymmetric competition among snails disrupts production of human‐infectious Schistosoma mansoni cercariae
Authors: Civitello David J. , Hartman Rachel B. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractParasites can harm hosts and influence populations, communities, and ecosystems. However, parasites are reciprocally affected by population‐ and community‐level dynamics. Understanding feedbacks between infection dynamics and larger‐scale epidemiological and ecological processes could improve predictions and reveal novel control methods. We evaluated how exploitative resource competition among hosts, a fundamental aspect of population biology, influences within‐host infection dynamics of the widespread human parasite Schistosoma mansoni in its intermediate host, Biomphalaria glabrata. We added size‐dependent consumption of shared resources to a parameterized bioenergetics model to predict a priori the growth, parasite production, and survival of an infected focal host coexisting with an uninfected conspecific competitor in an experiment that varied competitor size. The model quantitatively anticipated that competitors disrupt growth and parasite production and that these effects increase with competitor size. Fitting the model to these data improved its match to host survivorship. Thus, resource competition alters infection dynamics, there are strong size asymmetries in these effects, and size‐asymmetric resource competition effects on infection dynamics can be accurately predicted by bioenergetics theory. More broadly, this framework can assess parasite transmission and control in other contexts, such as in resource competitive host communities, or in response to eutrophication, food supplementation, or culling.
PD‐1 blocking antibodies moonlighting as killers
Authors: Leitner Judith , Battin Claire , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer Katharina , Steinberger Peter 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTherapeutic antibodies that block PD‐1‐mediated inhibition of T cells have revolutionized cancer therapy. Murine cancer models are an essential tool for testing the efficacy of PD‐1 blockers alone or in combination with other treatments. Depending on the isotype of the antibody and the host species, blocking antibodies can also exert cytotoxic activity towards cells expressing the target molecule. In the current issue of the European Journal of Immunology [Eur. J. Immunol. 2021. 51: 1473–1481], Polesso et al. demonstrate that depletion of PD‐1+ T cells by “blocking” PD‐1 antibodies can greatly impact the outcome of preclinical immunotherapy experiments. Whereas some PD‐1 antibodies promoted activation and proliferation of PD‐1‐expressing murine T cells, the authors report that administration of a particular PD‐1 antibody can result in a significant loss of antigen‐specific CD8 T cells in different in vivo models. These findings once more highlight that a comprehensive characterization of antibodies is warranted to avoid misinterpretation of immunotherapy studies.
Transport properties of imidazolium based ionic liquid electrolytes from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Yang Moon Young , Merinov Boris V. , Zybin Sergey V. , Goddard William A. , Mok Eun Kyung , Hah Hoe Jin , Han Hyea Eun , Choi Young Cheol , Kim Seung Ha 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIonic liquids (ILs) are promising electrolytes for high‐performance Li‐ion batteries (LIBs), which can significantly improve the safety and energy storage capacity. Although extensive experimental and computational studies have reported, further exploration is needed to understand the properties of IL systems, their microscopic structures and dynamics, and the behavior of Li ions in ILs. We report here results of molecular dynamics simulations as a function of electric field for Li diffusion in two IL systems, [EMIM][TFSI] and [BMIM][TFSI] doped with various concentrations of LiTFSI. We find that the migration of each individual Li ion depends largely on its micro‐environment, leading to differences by factors of up to 100 in the diffusivity. The structural and dynamical properties indicate that Li diffusion is affected significantly by the coordination and interaction with the oxygen species in the TFSI anions. Moreover, the IL cations also contribute to the Li diffusion mechanism by attenuating the Li–TFSI interaction.
The Sit Up Squat Stand test and Hand Grip Strength: What is the role of tests of muscle power in risk assessment in Anorexia Nervosa?
Authors: Etemadi Sara , Sun Grey Xiaoliai , Leung Sum‐Ping , Siddique Arshad , Cooper Steven , Ezenwa Nwabunma Christiana , Treasure Janet , Robinson Paul 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the validity and reliability of two variants of the Sit Up Squat Stand Test (SUSS) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) in predicting BMI and BMI risk level in hospitalised patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN).Methods25 inpatients with AN were tested roughly weekly for up to 16 weeks. Muscle power was assessed by two independent researchers.ResultsIntra‐class coefficients (ICCs) indicated high Inter‐Rater Reliability (IRR) for the HGS (10 participants). Cohen's Kappa showed moderate IRR for the SUSS test (25 participants). Stepwise multiple regression showed that the SUSS tests plus HGS predicted BMI and BMI risk level explaining about two‐third of the variance. Each test individually had lower predictive value. There was a little difference between the two versions of the SUSS tested.ConclusionsHGS and SUSS are valid and reliable measurements of muscle power in AN. Together, the SUSS tests and the HGS represent a useful and effective measure of muscle power and hence one aspect of physical risk in Anorexia Nervosa. In the light of Covid restrictions, the SUSS test is one way that physical state can be monitored on video link in a way that is hard to falsify.
The effect of anthocyanins supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Sangsefidi Zohreh Sadat , Mozaffari‐Khosravi Hassan , Sarkhosh‐Khorasani Sahar , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess effect of consuming anthocyanins (ACNs; pure ACNs or products containing ACNs) on liver enzymes levels including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT). Although no significant impact was detected on the liver enzymes, a significant reduction was observed on ALT (WMD = −4.932 U/L, 95% CI = −9.848 to −0.015, p = .049) and AST (WMD = −3.464 U/L, 95% CI = −6.034 to −0.894, p = .008) in the studies that examined them as primary outcomes. A significant decrease was found on AST among the healthy subjects (WMD = −4.325 U/L, 95% CI = −8.516 to −0.134, p = .043) and in the studies that used products containing ACNs as intervention (WMD = −2.201 U/L, 95% CI = −4.275 to −0.127, p = .037). Although no significant relation was detected between ACNs dosage and the liver enzymes, significant associations were found between the duration of trial with ALT (ALT: slope: 0.09, 95% CI = 0.040 to 0.139, p = .0003) and AST (slope: 0.076, 95% CI = 0.037 to 0.115, p = .0001). In conclusion, although ACNs had no significant effect on the liver enzymes, a significant decrease was discovered on ALT and AST in the studies that evaluated them as primary outcomes. A significant reduction was observed in AST in the healthy individuals and in the studies used products containing ACNs as intervention. Significant relations were also found between the duration of trial with ALT and AST. Further studies are required to confirm these results.
Abnormal prediction error processing in schizophrenia and depression
Authors: Yaple Zachary Adam , Tolomeo Serenella , Yu Rongjun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTo make adaptive decisions under uncertainty, individuals need to actively monitor the discrepancy between expected outcomes and actual outcomes, known as prediction errors. Reward‐based learning deficits have been shown in both depression and schizophrenia patients. For this study, we compiled studies that investigated prediction error processing in depression and schizophrenia patients and performed a series of meta‐analyses. In both groups, positive t‐maps of prediction error tend to yield striatum activity across studies. The analysis of negative t‐maps of prediction error revealed two large clusters within the right superior and inferior frontal lobes in schizophrenia and the medial prefrontal cortex and bilateral insula in depression. The concordant posterior cingulate activity was observed in both patient groups, more prominent in the depression group and absent in the healthy control group. These findings suggest a possible role in dopamine‐rich areas associated with the encoding of prediction errors in depression and schizophrenia.
Reliability of the 100 mL water swallow test in patients with head and neck cancer and healthy subjects
Authors: Vermaire Jorine A. , Terhaard Chris H. J. , Verdonck‐de Leeuw Irma M. , Raaijmakers Cornelis P. J. , Speksnijder Caroline M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundDysphagia may occur in up to 44% of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiation therapy and up to 84% of patients treated with surgery. To test the extent of dysphagia, the 100 mL water swallow test (WST) was developed. In this study, reliability of the 100 mL WST was determined in patients with HNC and healthy subjects.MethodsThirty‐three patients and 40 healthy subjects performed the WST twice on the same day. To assess reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), standard error of measurement, smallest detectable change, and limits of agreement were calculated.ResultsGood to excellent correlations were found for patients with HNC (number of swallows; ICC = 0.923, duration; ICC = 0.893), and excellent correlations for healthy subjects (number of swallows; ICC = 0.950, duration; ICC = 0.916).ConclusionThe 100 mL WST has a good to excellent reliability in patients with HNC and healthy subjects.
Nasal nitric oxide testing for allergic rhinitis patients: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Bingbing , Wu Zhenchao , Wang Feifei , Yin Zuojuan , Shi Lei , Liu Yi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundNasal nitric oxide (nNO) levels in allergic rhinitis (AR), healthy people or nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) have shown contradicting results in previous studies. By meta‐analysis, we reviewed studies that measured nNO in AR patients to assess nNO's ability to discriminate AR from healthy people or NAR.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science, Wanfang Data, CNKI until December 15, 2020. Differences were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI), by random‐effects method.ResultsA total of 10 original studies with 561 AR patients, 327 healthy controls, 123 NAR patients were included in the narrative synthesis and 9 studies in the meta‐analysis. nNO in AR was significantly increased compared with healthy controls (SMD: 0.989; 95% CI: 0.402, 1.576; p = .001) or NAR (SMD: 0.680; 95% CI: 0.101, 1.259; p = 0.021). However, subgroup analysis based on measuring process and patient characteristics showed that no significant differences were detected in nNO between AR patients with nasal polyps or sinusitis or marked ostial obstruction and healthy controls.ConclusionsnNO is a potential indicator for recognizing AR. Nasal polyps, sinusitis and marked ostial obstruction should be considered before nNO is applied to detect AR.
Validation of Oxford Cognitive Screen: Executive Function (OCS‐EF), a tablet‐based executive function assessment tool amongst adolescent females in rural South Africa
Authors: Rowe Kirsten , Duta Mihaela , Demeyere Nele , Wagner Ryan G. , Pettifor Audrey , Kahn Kathleen , Tollman Stephen , Scerif Gaia , Stein Alan 
Published: May 2021

Short, reliable, easily administered executive function (EF) assessment tools are needed to measure EF in low‐ and middle‐income countries, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa given the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐associated neurocognitive disorder. We administered Oxford Cognitive Screen—Executive Function (OCS‐EF) to 932 rural South African females (mean age 19.7 years). OCS‐EF includes seven tasks: two hot inhibition tasks (a modified Iowa Gambling Task, emotional go/no‐go) and five cool EF tasks, two switching tasks (visuospatial rule‐finding, geometric trails) and three working memory tasks (digit recall, selection and figure drawing). We performed confirmatory factor analysis testing whether a three‐factor, two‐factor hot‐cool, two‐factor working memory and inhibition/switching, or one‐factor EF model fitted the data better. The three‐factor (switching, inhibition and working memory) model had the best local and global fit (χ2 (11) 24.21, p = 0.012; RMSEA 0.036; CFI 0.920; CD 0.617). We demonstrated the feasibility of OCS‐EF administration by trained laypeople, the tripartite structure of EF amongst adolescent females and the factorial validity of OCS‐EF in this population and context. OCS‐EF tablet‐based cognitive assessment tool can be administered by trained laypeople and is a valid tool for assessing cognition at scale amongst adolescents in rural South Africa and similar environments.
Therapeutic dendritic cell cancer vaccines in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Bindal Poorva , Rosenblatt Jacalyn , Avigan David 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTumor cells present antigen in the context of negative costimulation and immunosuppressive factors, resulting in the inhibition of T cell activation and immune tolerance. Dendritic cells (DCs) are a complex network of antigen presenting cells that play a critical role in maintaining the equilibrium between immune activation directed against pathogens and tolerance necessary to prevent damage mediated by autoreactive T cell clones. DCs uniquely induce primary immune responses through the constitutive and enhanced expression of positive costimulatory molecules and inflammatory cytokines necessary for T cell activation. In this context, the design of a cancer vaccine is based on the effective presentation tumor associated antigens to evoke an antigen specific activated T cell response, and importantly, immune memory. As such, DCs have played a major role in the development of cancer vaccine therapy as critical mediators of antigen presentation reversing a major component of tumor mediated immune suppression. DC based vaccines have involved the loading of individual tumor associated antigens or the use of whole tumor cells and have demonstrated potent induction of tumor specific immunity. The correlation of immune response with clinical outcome and integration of DC vaccines with other immune based therapy is currently being explored.
Sparking collaboration and instilling core competencies through training a statewide workforce in Infant Mental Health: Report from the field
Authors: Dealy Jennifer , Robinson JoAnn , Eaves Tanika , Maderia Heidi 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTFostering collaboration and instilling core competencies across the diverse Infant Mental Health systems and understanding their training needs are crucial endeavors to support the delivery of evidence‐based care and treatment continuity for infants and their families. This paper details the Connecticut Association for Infant Mental Health's use of a comprehensive infant mental health training series as a vehicle to achieve these aims. The training series, and the steps taken to execute and evaluate it are described to provide a framework for future collaborative training initiatives. Evaluation efforts were designed to address knowledge sought and gained and included pre and posttraining tests, participant reports of their training goals and needs, and interviews with trainers regarding the series’ strengths and limitations. Findings suggest significant improvements in participants’ knowledge of training content across trainings. Participants indicated a desire for trainings on working with the whole family and their plan to integrate skills from the training into their work. Recommendations from trainers and evaluators are provided to spark future trainings and collaborative efforts.