bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virtual reality video game improves high-fidelity memory in older adults
Authors: Wais Peter E. , Arioli Melissa , Anguera-Singla Roger , Gazzaley Adam 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTherapeutic interventions have not yet been shown to demonstrate restorative effects for declining long-term memory (LTM) that affects many healthy older adults. We developed a virtual reality (VR) spatial wayfinding game (Labyrinth-VR) as a cognitive intervention with the hypothesis that it could improve detailed, high-fidelity LTM capability. Spatial navigation tasks have been used as a means to achieve environmental enrichment via exposure to and learning about novel and complex information. Engagement has been shown to enhance learning and has been linked to the vitality of the LTM system in the brain. In the current study, 48 older adults (mean age 68.7 ± 6.4 years) with average cognitive abilities for their age were randomly assigned to 12 h of computer game play over four weeks in either the Labyrinth-VR or placebo control game arms. Promptly before and after each participant’s treatment regimen, high-fidelity LTM outcome measures were tested to assess mnemonic discrimination and other memory measures. The results showed a post-treatment gain in high-fidelity LTM capability for the Labyrinth-VR arm, relative to placebo, which reached the levels attained by younger adults in another experiment. This novel finding demonstrates generalization of benefits from the VR wayfinding game to important, and untrained, LTM capabilities. These cognitive results are discussed in the light of relevant research for hippocampal-dependent memory functions.
Titi monkey neophobia and visual abilities allow for fast responses to novel stimuli
Authors: Lau Allison R. , Grote Mark N. , Dufek Madison E. , Franzetti Tristan J. , Bales Karen L. , Isbell Lynne A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Snake Detection Theory implicates constricting snakes in the origin of primates, and venomous snakes for differences between catarrhine and platyrrhine primate visual systems. Although many studies using different methods have found very rapid snake detection in catarrhines, including humans, to date no studies have examined how quickly platyrrhine primates can detect snakes. We therefore tested in captive coppery titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus) the latency to detect a small portion of visible snake skin. Because titi monkeys are neophobic, we designed a crossover experiment to compare theirlatency to lookand theirduration of lookingat a snake skin and synthetic feather of two lengths (2.5 cm and uncovered). To test our predictions that thelatency to lookwould be shorter and theduration of lookingwould be longer for the snake skin, we used survival/event time models forlatency to lookand negative binomial mixed models forduration of looking. While titi monkeys looked more quickly and for longer at both the snake skin and feather compared to a control, they also looked more quickly and for longer at larger compared to smaller stimuli. This suggests titi monkeys’ neophobia may augment their visual abilities to help them avoid dangerous stimuli.
Gene-based association analysis identifies 190 genes affecting neuroticism
Authors: Belonogova Nadezhda M. , Zorkoltseva Irina V. , Tsepilov Yakov A. , Axenovich Tatiana I. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNeuroticism is a personality trait, which is an important risk factor for psychiatric disorders. Recent genome-wide studies reported about 600 genes potentially influencing neuroticism. Little is known about the mechanisms of their action. Here, we aimed to conduct a more detailed analysis of genes that can regulate the level of neuroticism. Using UK Biobank-based GWAS summary statistics, we performed a gene-based association analysis using four sets of within-gene variants, each set possessing specific protein-coding properties. To guard against the influence of strong GWAS signals outside the gene, we used a specially designed procedure called “polygene pruning”. As a result, we identified 190 genes associated with neuroticism due to the effect of within-gene variants rather than strong GWAS signals outside the gene. Thirty eight of these genes are new. Within all genes identified, we distinguished two slightly overlapping groups obtained from using protein-coding and non-coding variants. Many genes in the former group included potentially pathogenic variants. For some genes in the latter group, we found evidence of pleiotropy with gene expression. Using a bioinformatics analysis, we prioritized the neuroticism genes and showed that the genes that contribute to neuroticism through their within-gene variants are the most appropriate candidate genes.
Broad specificity of immune helminth scFv library to identify monoclonal antibodies targeting Strongyloides
Authors: Rahumatullah Anizah , Balachandra Dinesh , Noordin Rahmah , Baharudeen Zamrina , Lim Yee Ying , Choong Yee Siew , Lim Theam Soon 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAntibodies have different chemical properties capable of targeting a diverse nature of antigens. Traditionally, immune antibody libraries are perceived to be disease-specific with a skewed repertoire. The complexity during the generation of a combinatorial antibody library allows for a skewed but diverse repertoire to be generated. Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasite that causes strongyloidiasis, a potentially life-threatening disease with a complex diagnosis that impedes effective control and treatment of the disease. This study describes the isolation of monoclonal antibodies against S. stercoralis NIE recombinant protein using an immune antibody phage display library derived from lymphatic filaria-infected individuals. The isolated antibody clones showed both lambda and kappa light chains gene usage, with diverse amino acid distributions. Structural analysis showed that electropositivity and the interface area could determine the binding affinity of the clones with NIE. The successful identification of S. stercoralis antibodies from the filarial immune library highlights the breadth of antibody gene diversification in an immune antibody library that can be applied for closely related infections.
Preventive efficiency of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit extract in diniconazole fungicide-treated Allium cepa L. roots
Authors: Kalefetoğlu Macar Tuğçe , Macar Oksal , Yalçιn Emine , Çavuşoğlu Kültiğin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a medicinal plant with antioxidant-rich fruits. Diniconazole, a broad-spectrum fungicide, is employed extensively. The present study was designed to evaluate the preventive efficiency of C. mas fruit extract (CME) against the toxic effects of diniconazole on a model organism, Allium cepa L. For this aim, physiological, cytogenetic and biochemical parameters as well as the meristematic cell damages were investigated in A. cepa treated with diniconazole and C. mas extract. A. cepa bulbs were divided into six groups which were treated with tap water, 0.5 g/L CME, 1.0 g/L CME, 100 mg/L diniconazole, 0.5 g/L CME + 100 mg/L diniconazole and 1.0 g/L CME + 100 mg/L diniconazole, respectively. Diniconazole application caused a significant reduction in germination percentage, root elongation and total weight gain. Mitotic index decreased, while chromosomal aberrations increased following diniconazole application. Diniconazole caused significant rises in malondialdehyde content and the total activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes. The meristematic cell damages induced by diniconazole were indistinct transmission tissue, epidermis cell deformation, thickening of the cortex cell wall and flattened cell nucleus. Aqueous C. mas extracts induced a dose-dependent prevention and amelioration in all damages arisen from diniconazole application.
Prevalence of mammary Paget’s disease in urban China in 2016
Authors: Xu Lu , Yin Shilu , Wang Shengfeng , Feng Jingnan , Liu Lili , Liu Guozhen , Wang Jinxi , Zhan Siyan , Zhao Zhenmin , Gao Pei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNo national data have been available on descriptive epidemiology of mammary Paget’s disease (MPD) in China. This population-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MPD and its pattens by sex, age and area in China. We conducted a population-based study using data in 2016 from China’s Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance and Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance, covering approximately 0.43 billion residents. MPD cases were identified based on the diagnostic names and codes in claim data. A total of 825 patients of confirmed diagnosis of MPD were found during the study period. The prevalence of MPD in 2016 was 0.42 per 100,000 population (95% CI 0.19 to 0.73), with marked female predominance. The prevalence rates peaked at 40–59 years and ≥ 80 years in females and males, respectively. The prevalence rates varied among different regions, ranging from 0.06 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.23) in Northeast China to 1.21 (95% CI 0.07 to 3.72) in Northwest China. MPD showed marked female predominance in China. Chinese female patients were much younger, with lower prevalence than that in the United States. Obvious sex difference in the age pattern of MPD prevalence was also observed in China.
Incidence and risk factors predicting deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity following spinal fractures
Authors: Ma Jiangtao , Du Pei , Qin Jin , Zhou Yali , Liang Ningxi , Hu Jinglve , Zhang Yingze , Zhu Yanbin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the presence of preoperative DVT following spinal fracture and the association between the presence of DVT and risk factors. Ultrasonography and blood analyses were performed preoperatively in patients diagnosed with spinal fracture between October 2014 and December 2018. Univariate analyses were performed on the data of demographics, comorbidities, location of injury, spinal cord injury (SCI) grading and laboratory biomarkers. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to obtain the optimal D-dimer cut-off value for diagnosis. In total, 2432 patients with spinal fractures were included, among whom 108 (4.4%) patients had preoperative DVTs. The average interval between fracture and initial diagnosis of DVT was 4.7 days (median, 2 days), ranging from 0 to 20 days; 78 (72.2%) were diagnosed within 7 days after injury and 67 (62.0%) within 3 days; 19 (17.5%) patients had proximal vein involved and 89 (82.4%) presented in distal veins. Multivariate logistic regression suggested six risk factors independently correlated to DVT, including delay to DUS (in each day) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11), ASA class III–IV (OR = 2.36), ASIA grade (A/B) (OR = 2.36), ALB < 3.5 g/dL (OR = 2.08), HDL-C < 1.1 mmol/L (OR = 1.68) and d-Dimer > 1.08 µg/ml (OR = 2.49).
HLA-DRB1 allelic epitopes that associate with autoimmune disease risk or protection activate reciprocal macrophage polarization
Authors: van Drongelen Vincent , Scavuzzi Bruna Miglioranza , Nogueira Sarah Veloso , Miller Frederick W. , Sawalha Amr H. , Holoshitz Joseph 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAssociations between particular human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and susceptibility to—or protection from—autoimmune diseases have been long observed. Allele-specific antigen presentation (AP) has been widely proposed as a culprit, but it is unclear whether HLA molecules might also have non-AP, disease-modulating effects. Here we demonstrate differential macrophage activation by HLA-DRB1 alleles known to associate with autoimmune disease risk or protection with resultant polarization of pro-inflammatory (“M1”) versus anti-inflammatory (“M2”) macrophages, respectively. RNA-sequencing analyses of in vitro-polarized macrophages in the presence of AP-incompetent short synthetic peptides corresponding to the third allelic hypervariable regions coded by those two HLA-DRB1 alleles showed reciprocal activation of pro- versus anti-inflammatory transcriptomes, with implication of corresponding gene ontologies and upstream regulators. These results identify a previously unrecognized mechanism of differential immune modulation by short HLA-DRB1-coded allelic epitopes independent of AP, and could shed new light on the mechanistic basis of HLA-disease association.
Proteolytic cleavage of HLA class II by human neutrophil elastase in pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Domon Hisanori , Maekawa Tomoki , Isono Toshihito , Furuta Kazuyuki , Kaito Chikara , Terao Yutaka 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBacterial and viral respiratory infections can initiate acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Neutrophils and their granule enzymes, including neutrophil elastase, are key mediators of the pathophysiology of acute respiratory failure. Although intracellular neutrophil elastase functions as a host defensive factor against pathogens, its leakage into airway spaces induces degradation of host connective tissue components. This leakage disrupts host innate immune responses via proteolytic cleavage of Toll-like receptors and cytokines. Here, we investigated whether neutrophils possess proteases that cleave adaptive immune molecules. We found that expression of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecule HLA-DP β1 was decreased in THP-1-derived macrophages treated with supernatants from dead neutrophils. This decreased HLA-DP β1 expression was counteracted by treatment with neutrophil elastase inhibitor, suggesting proteolytic cleavage of HLA-DP β1 by neutrophil elastase. SDS-PAGE showed that neutrophil elastase cleaved recombinant HLA-DP α1, -DP β1, -DQ α1, -DQ β1, -DR α, and -DR β1. Neutrophil elastase also cleaved HLA-DP β1 on extracellular vesicles isolated from macrophages without triggering morphological changes. Thus, leakage of neutrophil elastase may disrupt innate immune responses, antigen presentation, and T cell activation. Additionally, inhibition of neutrophil elastase is a potential therapeutic option for treating bacterial and viral pneumonia.
Low dose ultraviolet B irradiation at 308 nm with light-emitting diode device effectively increases serum levels of 25(OH)D
Authors: Lin Ming-Yen , Lim Lee Moay , Tsai Siao-Ping , Jian Feng-Xuan , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Chiu Yi-Wen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis animal study aimed to elucidate the relationship of low-dose, narrow-band UVB at 308 nm with vitamin D synthesis. C57BL/6 female mice, at 3 weeks-of-age, were randomly divided into the following six groups (n = 6 at each time point of vitamin D measurement), which were: (1) normal diet without UVB irradiation; (2) VDd diet without UVB irradiation; and (3)–(6) VDd diet with 308 nm-UVB irradiation of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μω/cm2, respectively. All of the groups needing UVB irradiation received an exposure of 10 min per day, five days per week, and a duration of 3–5 weeks. The mice recovering from severe VDd (plasma total 25-hydroxyvitamin D level increasing from approximately 3 to over 30 ng/mL) only occurred in groups with a UVB irradiation dosage of either 50 or 100 μω/cm2. The optimal, estimated dosage for mice to recover from severe VDd was 355 mJ/cm2 within 3 weeks. Low-dose, narrow-band UVB irradiation at 308 nm is effective in improving VDd in mice. The results obtained, in addition to the especially small side effects of the above UVB irradiation formula, could be further translated to treating VDd-related disorders.
The physiological correlates of interpersonal space
Authors: Candini Michela , Battaglia Simone , Benassi Mariagrazia , di Pellegrino Giuseppe , Frassinetti Francesca 
Published: January 2021

AbstractInterpersonal space (IPS) is the area around the body that individuals maintain between themselves and others during social interactions. When others violate our IPS, feeling of discomfort rise up, urging us to move farther away and reinstate an appropriate interpersonal distance. Previous studies showed that when individuals are exposed to closeness of an unknown person (a confederate), the skin conductance response (SCR) increases. However, if the SCR is modulated according to participant’s preferred IPS is still an open question. To test this hypothesis, we recorded the SCR in healthy participants when a confederate stood in front of them at various distances simulating either an approach or withdrawal movement (Experiment 1). Then, the comfort-distance task was adopted to measure IPS: participants stop the confederate, who moved either toward or away from them, when they felt comfortable with other’s proximity (Experiment 2). We found higher SCR when the confederate stood closer to participants simulating an IPS intrusion, compared to when the confederate moved farther away. Crucially, we provide the first evidence that SCR, acting as a warning signal, contributes to interpersonal distance preference suggesting a functional link between behavioral components of IPS regulation and the underlying physiological processes.
Elucidation of the mechanism of subunit exchange in αB crystallin oligomers
Authors: Inoue Rintaro , Sakamaki Yusuke , Takata Takumi , Wood Kathleen , Morishima Ken , Sato Nobuhiro , Okuda Aya , Shimizu Masahiro , Urade Reiko , Fujii Noriko , Sugiyama Masaaki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAlphaB crystallin (αB-crystallin) is a key protein for maintaining the long-term transparency of the eye lens. In the eye lens, αB-crystallin is a “dynamical” oligomer regulated by subunit exchange between the oligomers. To elucidate the unsettled mechanism of subunit exchange in αB-crystallin oligomers, the study was carried out at two different protein concentrations, 28.5 mg/mL (dense sample) and 0.45 mg/mL (dilute sample), through inverse contrast matching small-angle neutron scattering. Interestingly, the exchange rate of the dense sample was the same as that of the dilute sample. From analytical ultracentrifuge measurements, the coexistence of small molecular weight components and oligomers was detected, regardless of the protein concentration. The model proposed that subunit exchange could proceed through the assistance of monomers and other small oligomers; the key mechanism is attaching/detaching monomers and other small oligomers to/from oligomers. Moreover, this model successfully reproduced the experimental results for both dense and dilute solutions. It is concluded that the monomer and other small oligomers attaching/detaching mainly regulates the subunit exchange in αB-crystallin oligomer.
Comparison of soil and corn residue cutting performance of different discs used for vertical tillage
Authors: Zeng Zhiwei , Thoms Dillon , Chen Ying , Ma Xu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHigh amount of corn (Zea mays L.) residue left in the field interferes with seeding operations, which hinders the viability of conservation agriculture. Vertical tillage is a promising practice in dealing with heavy crop residue, but its effectiveness largely depends on the design and use of tillage machines. In this study, three vertical tillage discs with different shapes, namely notched, plain, and rippled, were tested in a soil bin at two different working depths, shallow (63.5 mm) and deep (127 mm). Corn residues were spread on top of the soil as surface residue. soil cutting forces, soil displacement, and residue mixing with soil, as well as residue cutting were measured. The results showed that the working depth had a stronger effect on the performance of discs as compared to the disc type. No difference in residue cutting was found between the treatments. The deep working depth resulted in 5.1% higher residue mixing, 53.4% greater soil cutting forces, and 34.9% larger soil displacements, as compared to the shallow depth. The rippled disc resulted in the largest soil displacements with the greatest demand in soil cutting forces. Overall, the rippled disc was the most aggressive among the three discs with regard to the performance indicators measured. The results suggested that varying working depth would be an effective approach in changing the soil dynamics and residue cutting performance of the discs for vertical tillage.
Preoperative imaging findings in patients undergoing transcranial magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy
Authors: Gagliardo Cesare , Cannella Roberto , Filorizzo Giuseppe , Toia Patrizia , Salvaggio Giuseppe , Collura Giorgio , Pignolo Antonia , Maugeri Rosario , Napoli Alessandro , D’amelio Marco , Bartolotta Tommaso Vincenzo , Marrale Maurizio , Iacopino Gerardo Domenico , Catalano Carlo , Midiri Massimo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe prevalence and impact of imaging findings detected during screening procedures in patients undergoing transcranial MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (tcMRgFUS) thalamotomy for functional neurological disorders has not been assessed yet. This study included 90 patients who fully completed clinical and neuroradiological screenings for tcMRgFUS in a single-center. The presence and location of preoperative imaging findings that could impact the treatment were recorded and classified in three different groups according to their relevance for the eligibility and treatment planning. Furthermore, tcMRgFUS treatments were reviewed to evaluate the number of transducer elements turned off after marking as no pass regions the depicted imaging finding. A total of 146 preoperative imaging findings in 79 (87.8%) patients were detected in the screening population, with a significant correlation with patients’ age (rho = 483, p < 0.001). With regard of the group classification, 119 (81.5%), 26 (17.8%) were classified as group 1 or 2, respectively. One patient had group 3 finding and was considered ineligible. No complications related to the preoperative imaging findings occurred in treated patients. Preoperative neuroradiological findings are frequent in candidates to tcMRgFUS and their identification may require the placement of additional no-pass regions to prevent harmful non-targeted heating.
Prevalence of chronic post-thoracotomy pain in patients with traumatic multiple rib fractures in South Korea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Kun Hyung , Lee Chan Kyu , Kim Seon Hee , Kim Youngwoong , Kim Jung Eun , Shin Yu Kyung , Seok Junepill , Cho Hyun Min 
Published: January 2021

AbstractChronic post-thoracotomy pain is a debilitating condition after traumatic multiple rib fractures and surgery. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic post-thoracotomy pain after traumatic multiple rib fractures in South Korea and explore factors associated with it. From October 2017 to June 2019, a cross-sectional survey of 100 adults, who had undergone thoracotomy due to traumatic fractures of two or more ribs 2 years to 3 months prior to the survey, was conducted in the regional trauma center in South Korea. In total, 80% and 65% patients reported any level and above moderate chronic pain, respectively. Quality of life was mostly below the normative value of the US general population. Forty-six percent patients had restrictive respiratory dysfunction, and 47% and 59% patients were classified as being at risk of above mild-level anxiety and depression, respectively. More than 70% of patients had a current opioid prescription. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed weak evidence of association between acute, severe postoperative pain and chronic postsurgical pain (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence intervals 0.9 to 6.4). Collectively, chronic post-thoracotomy pain and associated incomplete recovery regarding respiratory, functional, and psychological outcomes were prevalent in patients with traumatic multiple rib fractures in South Korea.