bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinct patterns of cognitive outcome in young children with autism spectrum disorder receiving the Early Start Denver Model
Authors: Michel Godel , François Robain , Nada Kojovic , Martina Franchini , Hilary Wood de Wilde , Marie Schaer 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEvidence-based, early intervention significantly improves developmental outcome in young children with autism. Nonetheless, there is high interindividual heterogeneity in developmental trajectories during the therapy. It is established that starting intervention as early as possible results in better developmental outcomes. But except for younger age at start, there is no clear consensus about behavioral characteristics that could provide a reliable individual prediction of a child’s developmental outcome after receiving an early intervention. In this study, we analyze developmental trajectories of preschoolers with autism who received 2 years of intervention using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) approach in Geneva, Switzerland in an individual setting (n = 55, aged 28.7 ± 5.1 months with a range of 15 – 42). Our aim was to identify early predictors of response to treatment. We applied a cluster analysis to distinguish between 3 groups based on their cognitive level at intake, and rates of cognitive change over the course of treatment. The first group of children only had a mild cognitive delay at intake and nearly no cognitive delay by the end of treatment (Higher Cognitive at baseline: HC). The children in the two other groups all presented with severe cognitive delay at baseline. However, they had two very different patterns of response to treatment. The majority significantly improved developmental scores over the course of treatment (Optimal Responders: OptR) whereas a minority of children showed little to no improvement (Minimal Responders: MinR). Further analyses showed that children who ended up having an optimal two-year treatment outcome (OptR) were characterized by higher adaptive functioning at baseline combined with rapid developmental improvement during the first 6 months of intervention. Inversely, less significant progress by the sixth month of intervention was associated with a less optimal response to treatment (MinR).
Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Emergency Department Visits: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fontaine Pierre , Osmanlliu Esli , Gravel Jocelyn , Boutin Ariane , D. Trottier Evelyne , Gaucher Nathalie Orr , D’Angelo Antonio , Drouin Olivier 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground & ObjectiveCOVID-19 has caused significant shifts in healthcare utilization, including pediatric emergency departments (EDs). We describe variations in visits made to two large pediatric EDs during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to a historical control period.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of children presenting to two academic pediatric EDs in Quebec, Canada. We compared the number of ED visits during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic (March-May 2020) to historical controls (March-May 2015-2019), using Poisson regression, adjusting for site and the underlying baseline trend. Secondary analyses examined variations in ED visits by acuity, disposition, and disease categories.ResultsFrom 2015 to 2019, the two EDs had a median of 1,632 visits per week [interquartile range (IQR) 1,548; 1,703]; in 2020, this number decreased to 536 visits per week [IQR 446; 744]. In multivariable analyses, this represent a 53.3% (95%CI: 52.1, 54.4) reduction in the number of ED visits. The reduction was larger among visits triage categories 4 and 5 (lower acuity) than categories 1, 2 and 3 (higher acuity): -54.2% vs. -42.0% (p<0.001). A greater proportion of children presenting to these sites were hospitalized during the COVID period than in pre-COVID period: 11.8% vs. 5.5% (p<0.001).ConclusionsDuring the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a large decrease in visits to pediatric EDs. Patients presented with higher acuity at triage and the proportion of patients requiring hospitalization increased.
Does the occurrence of a severe asthma exacerbation change the rate of subsequent events?
Authors: Lee Tae Yoon , Petkau John , Sadatsafavi Mohsen 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundSevere exacerbations requiring hospitalization are an important component of the natural history of asthma and a major source of its burden. Whether the occurrence of a severe exacerbation affects the rate of subsequent events has far-reaching implications in asthma management.MethodsUsing the centralized administrative health databases of British Columbia, Canada (1997/01/01 –2016/03/31), we created an incidence cohort of patients with at least one severe asthma exacerbation, defined as an episode of hospitalization with asthma as the primary diagnosis. We used an accelerated failure time joint frailty model for the time intervals between severe asthma exacerbations. Analyses were conducted separately for pediatric (< 14 years old) and adult (≥14 years old) patients.ResultsThere were 3,039 patients (mean age at baseline 6.4, 35% female) in the pediatric group and 5,459 patients (mean age at baseline 50.8, 68% female) in the adult group, with 16% and 15%, respectively, experiencing at least one severe asthma exacerbation during follow-up. The first follow-up severe asthma exacerbation was associated with an increase of 79% (95% CI: 15% – 186%) in the rate of the subsequent events for the pediatric group. The corresponding value was 186% (95% CI: 85% – 355%) for the adult group. For both groups, the effects of subsequent severe exacerbations were not statistically significant.ConclusionOur findings suggest that among patients who have experienced their first severe asthma exacerbation, preventing the next event can drastically change the course of the disease and reduce the burden of future exacerbations.
Levels of produced antibodies after vaccination with mRNA vaccine; effect of previous infection with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Konstantinidis Theocharis , Zisaki Stavroula , Mitroulis Ioannis , Konstantinidou Eleni , Kontekaki Eftychia G. , Romanidoui Gioulia , Karvelas Alexandros , Nanousi Ioanna , Lazidis Leonidas , Cassimos Dimitrios , Tsigalou Christina , Martinis George , Panopoulou Maria 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to estimate the immunogenic effect of mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. This study included 510 participants who received mRNA vaccine. The measurement of anti-Covid-19 antibodies was performed using the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG quantitative assay (Abbott). Overall, mean title of anti-Spike antibodies was 19319.2±1787.5 AU/ml. Vaccination induced a robust immunogenic response in previous infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared. Additionally, individuals that were asymptomatic after vaccination produced lower levels of antibodies compared to feverish individuals. In conclusion, remarkable high level of anti-Spike Covid-19 antibodies was found after vaccination.
Co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 and P.1
Authors: Stefanelli Paola , Trentini Filippo , Guzzetta Giorgio , Marziano Valentina , Mammone Alessia , Poletti Piero , Grané Carla Molina , Manica Mattia , del Manso Martina , Andrianou Xanthi , Pezzotti Patrizio , Ajelli Marco , Rezza Giovanni , Brusaferro Silvio , Merler Stefano ,   COVID-19 National Microbiology Surveillance Study Group
Published: April 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (B.1.1.7, P.1 and B.1.351) have emerged in different continents of the world. To date, little information is available on their ecological interactions. Based on two genomic surveillance surveys conducted on February 18 and March 18, 2021 across the whole Italian territory and covering over 3,000 clinical samples, we found significant co-circulation of B.1.1.7 and P.1. We showed that B.1.1.7 was already dominant on February 18 in a majority of regions/autonomous provinces (national prevalence 54%) and almost completely replaced historical lineages by March 18 (dominant in all regions/autonomous provinces, national prevalence 86%). At the same time, we found a substantial proportion of cases of the P.1 lineage on February 18, almost exclusively in Central Italy (with an overall prevalence in the macro-area of 18%), which remained at similar values on March 18, suggesting the inability by this lineage to outcompete B.1.1.7. Only 9 cases from variant B.1.351 were identified in the two surveys. At the national level, we estimated a mean relative transmissibility of B.1.1.7 (compared to historical lineages) ranging between 1.55 and 1.57 (with confidence intervals between 1.45 and 1.66). The relative transmissibility of P.1 estimated at the national level varied according to the assumed degree of cross-protection granted by infection with other lineages and ranged from 1.12 (95%CI 1.03-1.23) in the case of complete immune evasion by P.1 to 1.39 (95%CI 1.26-1.56) in the case of complete cross-protection. These observations may have important consequences on the assessment of future pandemic scenarios.
The Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) profile ofPhytophthora agathidicidaand its potential use as diagnostic tool
Authors: Lacey Randy F. , Sullivan-Hill Blake A. , Deslippe Julie R. , Keyzers Robert A. , Gerth Monica L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPhytophthoradiseases cause devastation to crops and native ecosystems worldwide. In New Zealand,Phytophthora agathidicidais threatening the survival of kauri, an endemic, culturally and ecologically important tree species. The current method for detectingP. agathidicidais a soil bating assay that is time-consuming and requires high levels of expertise to assess, thus limiting the analytical sample throughput. Here, we characterized the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profile ofP. agathidicida. We also compared it with the FAME profile ofP. cinnamomiand assessed the efficacy of FAME analysis as a diagnostic tool for detecting the pathogen in soil samples. In FAME analysis, the total fatty acid content is isolated from a sample and converted to FAMEs for analysis, a process that takes less than a day. Unique fatty acid acyl chains can serve as biomarkers for specific organisms. We detected 12 fatty acids inP. agathidicida, two of which (20:4ω6 and 20:5ω3) show promise as potentialPhytophthoraspecific biomarkers. Collectively, these findings advance our fundamental understanding ofP. agathidicidabiology and provide a promising technique to increase the rate of sample processing and the speed of pathogen detection forP. agathidicidain soil.
A novel approach to partitioning evapotranspiration into evaporation and transpiration in flooded ecosystems
Authors: Eichelmann Elke , Mantoani Mauricio C. , Chamberlain Samuel D. , Hemes Kyle S. , Oikawa Patricia Y. , Szutu Daphne , Valach Alex , Verfaillie Joseph , Baldocchi Dennis D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractReliable partitioning of micrometeorologically measured evapotranspiration (ET) into evaporation (E) and transpiration (T) would greatly enhance our understanding of the water cycle and its response to climate change. While some methods on ET partitioning have been developed, their underlying assumptions make them difficult to apply more generally, especially in sites with large contributions of E. Here, we report a novel ET partitioning method using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in combination with a range of environmental input variables to predict daytime E from nighttime ET measurements. The study uses eddy covariance data from four restored wetlands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, USA, as well as leaf-level T data for validation. The four wetlands vary in structure from some with large areas of open water and little vegetation to very densely vegetated wetlands, representing a range of ET conditions. The ANNs were built with increasing complexity by adding the input variable that resulted in the next highest average value of model testing R2across all sites. The order of variable inclusion (and importance) was: vapor pressure deficit (VPD) > gap-filled sensible heat flux (H_gf) > air temperature (Tair) > friction velocity (u∗) > other variables. Overall, 36 ANNs were analyzed. The model using VPD, H_gf, Tair, and u∗(F11), showed an average testing R2value across all sites of 0.853. In comparison with the model that included all 10 variables (F36), F11 generally performed better during validation with independent data. In comparison to other methods described in the literature, the ANN method generated more consistent T/ET partitioning results especially for more complex sites with large E contributions. Our method improves the understanding of T/ET partitioning. While it may be particularly suited to flooded ecosystems, it can also improve T/ET partitioning in other systems, increasing our knowledge of the global water cycle.
Tubular ERGIC (t-ERGIC): a SURF4-mediated expressway for ER-to-Golgi transport
Authors: Yan Rui , Chen Kun , Xu Ke 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi transport is critical to protein secretion and intracellular sorting. Cargo carriers mediating the ER-to-Golgi transport are morphologically diverse, but it remains unclear whether this diversity arises from different cargo receptors, or whether it could lead to differential transport kinetics. Here we report a tubular ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (t-ERGIC) that is induced by the cargo receptor SURF4 and selectively expedites the ER-to-Golgi transport of SURF4 cargoes. Lacking the canonical ERGIC marker ERGIC-53 yet positive for the small GTPase Rab1, the t-ERGIC is further distinct from the stereotypical vesiculo-tubular cluster (VTC) ERGIC by its extremely elongated shape (~10 μm long with <30 nm diameter). With its exceptional surface-to-volume ratio anden bloccargo packaging, high (~2 μm/s) intracellular traveling speeds, and ER-Golgi recycling capability, the t-ERGIC provides an efficient means for trafficking SURF4-bound cargoes. The biogenesis and cargo selectivity of t-ERGIC both depend on SURF4, which recognizes the N-terminus of soluble cargoes and co-clusters with the selected cargoes to expand the ER exit site. At the steady state, the t-ERGIC-mediated fast ER-to-Golgi transport is antagonized by retrograde transport based on the cargo C-terminal ER retrieval signal: we thus demonstrate the fine-tuning of protein trafficking and localization via its primary structure. Together, our results argue that specific cargo-receptor interactions give rise to distinct transport carriers, which in turn regulate the ER-to-Golgi trafficking kinetics.
Shared and Unique Evolutionary Trajectories to Ciprofloxacin Resistance in Gram-negative Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Zlamal Jaime E. , Leyn Semen A. , Iyer Mallika , Elane Marinela L. , Wong Nicholas A. , Wamsley James W. , Vercruysse Maarten , Garcia-Alcalde Fernando , Osterman Andrei L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotic ciprofloxacin is detected in high rates for a wide range of bacterial pathogens. To investigate dynamics of ciprofloxacin resistance development we proposed a comparative resistomics workflow for three clinically relevant species of Gram-negative bacteria:Escherichia coli,Acinetobacter baumannii, andPseudomonas aeruginosa. We combined experimental evolution in a morbidostat with deep sequencing of evolving bacterial populations in time series that reveals both shared and unique aspects of evolutionary trajectories patterns. Representative clone characterization by sequencing and MIC measurements enabled direct assessment of mutations impact on the extent of acquired drug resistance. In all three species we observed a two-stage evolution: (1) early ciprofloxacin resistance reaching 4-16-fold of wildtype MIC commonly as a result of single mutations in DNA gyrase target genes (gyrAorgyrB) and (2) additional genetic alterations affecting transcriptional control of drug efflux machinery or secondary target genes (DNA topoisomeraseparCorparE).ImportanceThe challenge of spreading antibiotic resistance calls for systematic efforts to develop more “irresistible” drugs based on deeper understanding of dynamics and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance acquisition. To address this challenge, we have established a comparative resistomics approach which combines experimental evolution in a continuous culturing device, the morbidostat, with ultradeep sequencing of evolving microbial populations to identify evolutionary trajectories (mutations and genome rearrangements) leading to antibiotic resistance over a range of target pathogens. Here we report the comparative resistomics study of three Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli,Acinetobacter baumannii, andPseudomonas aeruginosa),which revealed shared and species-specific aspects of the evolutionary landscape leading to robust resistance against the clinically important antibiotic ciprofloxacin. In addition to specific findings, the impact of this study is in highlighting the anticipated utility of a morbidostat-based comparative genomic approach to guide rational optimization of treatment regimens for current antibiotics and development of novel antibiotics with minimized resistance propensities.
The SARS-CoV-2 Nsp3 macrodomain reverses PARP9/DTX3L-dependent ADP-ribosylation induced by interferon signalling
Authors: Russo Lillian Cristina , Tomasin Rebeka , Araújo Matos Isaac , Manucci Antonio Carlos , Sowa Sven T. , Dale Katie , Caldecott Keith W. , Lehtiö Lari , Schechtman Deborah , Meotti Flavia Carla , Bruni-Cardoso Alexandre , Hoch Nicolas Carlos 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 3 (Nsp3) contains a macrodomain that is essential for virus replication and is thus an attractive target for drug development. This macrodomain is thought to counteract the host interferon (IFN) response, an important antiviral signalling cascade, via the removal of ADP-ribose modifications catalysed by host poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Here, we show that activation of the IFN response induces ADP-ribosylation of host proteins and that ectopic expression of the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp3 macrodomain reverses this modification in human cells. We further demonstrate that this can be used to screen for cell-active macrodomain inhibitors without the requirement for BSL-3 facilities. This IFN-induced ADP-ribosylation is dependent on the PARP9/DTX3L heterodimer, but surprisingly the expression of Nsp3 macrodomain or PARP9/DTX3L deletion do not impair STAT1 phosphorylation or the induction of IFN-responsive genes. Our results suggest that PARP9/DTX3L-dependent ADP-ribosylation is a downstream effector of the host IFN response and that the cellular function of the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp3 macrodomain is to hydrolyse this end product of IFN signalling, and not to suppress the IFN response itself.
Antibody Activities in Hyperimmune Plasma Against theRhodococcus equiVirulence-Associated Protein A or Poly-N-Acetyl Glucosamine are Associated with Protection of Foals Against Rhodococcal Pneumonia
Authors: Kahn Susanne K. , Cywes-Bentley Colette , Blodgett Glenn P. , Canaday Nathan M. , Turner-Garcia Carly E. , Vinacur Mariana , Cortez-Ramirez Sophia C. , Sutter Patrick J. , Meyer Sarah C. , Bordin Angela I. , Vlock Daniel R. , Pier Gerald B. , Cohen Noah D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe efficacy of transfusion with hyperimmune plasma (HIP) for preventing pneumonia caused byRhodococcus equiremains ill-defined. Quarter Horse foals at 2 large breeding farms were randomly assigned to be transfused with 2 L of HIP from adult donors hyperimmunized either withR. equi(RE HIP) or a conjugate vaccine eliciting antibody to the surface polysaccharide β-1→6-poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG HIP) within 24 hours of birth. Antibody activities against PNAG and the rhodococcal virulence-associated protein A (VapA), and to deposition of complement component 1q (C’1q) onto PNAG were determined by ELISA, and then associated with either clinical pneumonia at Farm A (n=119) or subclinical pneumonia at Farm B (n=114). Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Among RE HIP-transfused foals, the odds of pneumonia were approximately 6-fold higher (P = 0.0005) among foals with VapA antibody activity ≤ the population median. Among PNAG HIP-transfused foals, the odds of pneumonia were approximately 3-fold (P = 0.0347) and 11-fold (P = 0.0034) higher for foals with antibody activities ≤ the population median for PNAG or C’1q deposition, respectively. Results indicated that levels of activity of antibodies againstR. equiantigens are correlates of protection against both subclinical and clinicalR. equipneumonia in field settings. Among PNAG HIP-transfused foals, activity of antibodies with C’1q deposition (an indicator of functional antibodies) were a stronger predictor of protection than was PNAG antibody activity alone. Collectively, these findings suggest that the amount and activity of antibodies in HIP (i.e., plasma volume and/or antibody activity) is positively associated with protection againstR. equipneumonia in foals.
Effects of potassium fertilizer on dry matter accumulation and potassium absorption characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines with different yield types
Authors: Fan Ya-fang , Gao Ju-lin , Sun Ji-ying , Liu Jian , Su Zhi-jun , Hu Shu-ping , Wang Zhi-gang , Yu Xiao-fang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this experiment, 20 different maize inbred lines were used as basic materials, which were divided into high-yield type, middle-yield type and low-yield type by yield cluster analysis. A 3-year long-term positioning field experiment (2016–2018) was carried out to assess the effects of potassium fertilizer on dry matter, potassium absorption and potassium absorption efficiency of maize inbred lines with different yield types. The results showed that the dry matter, potassium absorption and potassium absorption efficiency of leaf, stem, bract, rachis and grain of maize inbred lines have been significantly increased with potassium application in comparison with no potassium application. Potassium fertilizer could improve the dry matter accumulation capacity and potassium absorption characteristics of maize, promote the potassium absorption by maize plants, influence the growth and development of maize, and then improve the maize yield. The decrease of dry matter, potassium absorption and potassium absorption efficiency of high-yield maize inbred lines was smaller under low potassium stress. The high-yield maize inbred lines had stronger ability to maintain higher dry matter accumulation and potassium absorption characteristics under low potassium stress. The study provided a theoretical basis for the breeding of potassium-efficient maize materials.