bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unresolved advantages of multipartitism in spatially structured environments
Authors: Zwart Mark P , Blanc Stéphane , Johnson Marcelle , Manrubia Susanna , Michalakis Yannis , Sofonea Mircea T 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Multipartite viruses have segmented genomes and package each of their genome segments individually into distinct virus particles. Multipartitism is common among plant viruses, but why this apparently costly genome organization and packaging has evolved remains unclear. Recently Zhang and colleagues developed network epidemiology models to study the epidemic spread of multipartite viruses and their distribution over plant and animal hosts (Phys. Rev. Lett. 2019, 123, 138101). In this short commentary, we call into question the relevance of these results because of key model assumptions. First, the model of plant hosts assumes virus transmission only occurs between adjacent plants. This assumption overlooks the basic but imperative fact that most multipartite viruses are transmitted over variable distances by mobile animal vectors, rendering the model results irrelevant to differences between plant and animal hosts. Second, when not all genome segments of a multipartite virus are transmitted to a host, the model assumes an incessant latent infection occurs. This is a bold assumption for which there is no evidence to date, making the relevance of these results to understanding multipartitism questionable.
Breaking Tradition to Bridge Bench and Bedside: Accelerating the MD-PhD-Residency Pathway
Authors: Modrek Aram S. , Tanese Naoko , Placantonakis Dimitris G. , Sulman Erik P. , Rivera Rafael , Du Kevin L. , Gerber Naamit K. , David Gregory , Chesler Mitchell , Philips Mark R. , Cangiarella Joan 
Published: January 2021

Problem
Physician–scientists are individuals trained in both clinical practice and scientific research. Often, the goal of physician–scientist training is to address pressing questions in biomedical research. The established pathways to formally train such individuals are mainly MD–PhD programs and physician–scientist track residencies. Although graduates of these pathways are well equipped to be physician–scientists, numerous factors, including funding and length of training, discourage application to such programs and impede success rates.

Approach
To address some of the pressing challenges in training and retaining burgeoning physician–scientists, New York University Grossman School of Medicine formed the Accelerated MD-PhD-Residency Pathway in 2016. This pathway builds on the previously established accelerated 3-year MD pathway to residency at the same institution. The Accelerated MD-PhD-Residency Pathway conditionally accepts MD–PhD trainees to a residency position at the same institution through the National Resident Matching Program.

Outcomes
Since its inception, 2 students have joined the Accelerated MD-PhD-Residency Pathway, which provides protected research time in their chosen residency. The pathway reduces the time to earn an MD and PhD by 1 year and reduces the MD training phase to 3 years, reducing the cost and lowering socioeconomic barriers. Remaining at the same institution for residency allows for the growth of strong research collaborations and mentoring opportunities, which foster success.

Next Steps
The authors and institutional leaders plan to increase the number of trainees who are accepted into the Accelerated MD-PhD-Residency Pathway and track the success of these students through residency and into practice to determine if the pathway is meeting its goal of increasing the number of practicing physician–scientists. The authors hope this model can serve as an example to leaders at other institutions who may wish to adopt this pathway for the training of their MD–PhD students.
Examining the Educational Value of Student-Run Clinics for Health Care Students
Authors: Huang Kelly , Maleki Mona , Regehr Glenn , McEwen Heather 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
Student-run clinics (SRCs) are increasingly recognized as an educational experience in many health professions’ curricula. Several benefits have been documented, including students with SRC experience using patient-centered approaches to care, showing interest in working with marginalized populations, and more fully appreciating the care provided by interprofessional teams. Yet, few studies have explored student experiences within SRCs or examined how these experiences affect and shape these documented attitudes. This study explored the experiences of students at an SRC and the effect of these experiences on their learnings.

Method
From November 2016 to July 2017, 23 students in the Community Health Initiative by University Students SRC at the University of British Columbia participated in 2 focus group interviews: the first after their first clinic day and the second on their final clinic day. Open- and closed-ended questions were used to explore participants’ learnings from the SRC. Using a grounded theory approach, the authors iteratively analyzed the transcribed interviews, adjusting questions for subsequent focus groups as new themes evolved. Three investigators each separately coded the data; the full team then collectively consolidated the themes and developed explanatory models for each theme.

Results
Two themes were identified from the focus group input: (1) through managing real, complex patients—in situations unlike those offered in classroom and case-based learning environments—students gained insights into the intricacies of incorporating the patient’s perspective into their definition and management of the patient’s problem, and (2) by working as a team instead of focusing on delineating scopes of practice, students gained a meaningful understanding of the roles of practitioners from other health professions.

Conclusions
This study provides insights into the unique opportunities SRCs offer health care students early in their training, enabling them to develop a richer understanding and appreciation of holistic and interprofessional approaches to patient care.
Blastocyst and cleavage stage embryo biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing of the sickle cell gene in carrier couples: the experience of an IVF clinic in a developing country: a retrospective study
Authors: Ashiru Oladapo A. , Ogbeche Rose O. , Oladimeji Moruf O. , Iloabachie Ebele C. , Umana Akemini E. , Osumah Jumoke G. 
Published: January 2021

Introduction:
Embryo biopsy is a prerequisite for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Although cleavage stage biopsy is very common, trophectoderm biopsy at blastocyst stage has become increasingly popular in recent times. This study describes the clinical success of PGT cycles for sickle cell anemia using both cleavage and trophectoderm biopsy in a developing country.

Materials and Methods:
All patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and PGT for sickle cell anemia from April 2011 to February 2017. Embryos were biopsied either on day 3 (blastomere) or day 5/6 (trophectoderm). Laser pulses (ZILOS-tk Laser) perforating the zona pellucida were followed by either blastomere aspiration from a day 3 cleavage stage embryo or trophectoderm biospy from a day 5/6 blastocyst. Embryos were vitrified awaiting subsequent thaw and transfer. After excluding homozygous hemoglobin SS embryos, frequencies of positive human chorionic gonadotrophin, clinical pregnancy, implantation rate and live birth rate were recorded for day 3 cleavage stage embryos (group A) and day 5/6 blastocysts (group B).

Results:
Of the 34 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization PGT for sickle cell anemia, embryos from 18 underwent day 3 blastomere aspiration (group A) whereas embryos from 16 underwent day 5/6 trophectoderm biopsies (group B). The mean patient age was 34.4 years for group A and 34.1 years for group B. A total of 131 embryos were biopsied in group A and 106 in group B. Percentages of unaffected embryos (ie, HB AA and AS) in groups A and B were 40.4% and 68.0%, respectively. Positive human chorionic gonadotrophin rates were 7.7% and 60%, clinical pregnancy rates 7.7% and 20%, implantation rates 3.7% and 32.1%, and live birth rates 3.7% and 20%, respectively.

Conclusions:
In this developing country, the use of trophectoderm biopsy for interrogating embryos at risk for sickle cell anemia appeared superior to blastomere aspiration at the cleavage stage for the purpose of PGT.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide/vasoactive intestinal peptide [Part 1]: biology, pharmacology, and new insights into their cellular basis of action/signaling which are providing new therapeutic targets
Authors: Moody Terry W. , Jensen Robert T. 
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review
To discuss recent advances of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) receptors in pharmacology, cell biology, and intracellular signaling in cancer.

Recent findings
Recent studies provide new insights into the pharmacology, cell biology of the VIP/PACAP system and show they play important roles in a number of human cancers, as well as in tumor growth/differentiation and are providing an increased understanding of their signaling cascade that is suggesting new treatment targets/approaches.

Summary
Recent insights from studies of VIP/PACAP and their receptors in both central nervous system disorders and inflammatory disorders suggest possible new treatment approaches. Elucidation of the exact roles of VIP/PACAP in these disorders and development of new therapeutic approaches involving these peptides have been limited by lack of specific pharmacological tools, and exact signaling mechanisms involved, mediating their effects. Reviewed here are recent insights from the elucidation of structural basis for VIP/PACAP receptor activation as well as the signaling cascades mediating their cellular effects (using results primarily from the study of their effects in cancer) that will likely lead to novel targets and treatment approaches in these diseases.
Diagnosis of Vascular Rupture Due to Arteriovenous Malformation Using Postmortem Angiography and 3-Dimensonal Printing
Authors: Mi Jingya , Dong Hewen , Wan Lei , Zou Donghua , Li Zhengdong , Tian Zhiling , Wang Zhuoqun , Liu Ningguo , Chen Yijiu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), PMCT angiography, and 3-dimensonal (3D) printing technology are increasingly applied to forensic practice. Although their effectiveness is undeniably confirmed, their potential role in practice still needs to be further explored. Here, we report a typical case in which such 4 technologies were applied to a woman found dead with stomach content beneath the head on the pillow in her residence. At first, the cause of death was simply considered as hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage after preliminary examination. However, the initial judgment was questioned by her family for her devoid of hypertension history. As indicated by the targeted PMCT with cerebral angiography, the woman died of pathological cerebral hemorrhage due to arteriovenous malformation, which was still unconvincing enough for the family because in violent death, some cerebral hemorrhage could also be located in the same position. Finally, the family came to be convinced when the close connection between the deformed blood vessels and hematoma was perfectly demonstrated by the application of 3D printing technology. This study proved that it can be an efficient tool for identifying the cause of death when the integration is made of 3D printing technology and PMCT angiography, as a more intuitive evidence of forensic science.
Global gradients in intertidal species richness and functional groups
Authors: Thyrring Jakob , Peck Lloyd S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWhether global latitudinal diversity gradients exist in rocky intertidal α-diversity and across functional groups remains unknown. Using literature data from 433 intertidal sites, we investigated α-diversity patterns across 155° of latitude, and whether local-scale or global-scale structuring processes control α-diversity. We, furthermore, investigated how the relative composition of functional groups (algae, grazers, predators and suspension-feeders) changes with latitude. α-diversity differed among hemispheres with a mid-latitudinal peak in the north, and a non-significant unimodal pattern in the south, but there was no support for a latitudinal diversity gradient. Although global-scale drivers had no discernible effect, the local-scale drivers significantly affected α-diversity, and our results reveal that latitudinal diversity gradients are outweighed by local-processes. In three functional groups: predators, grazers and suspension-feeders diversity declined with latitude, coinciding with an inverse gradient in algae. Overall, we propose more studies are needed on the magnitude and influence of physical and biotic drivers across multiple scales.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen from serum can aid in timing of COVID-19 infection
Authors: Ahava MJ , Kurkela S , Kuivanen S , Lappalainen M , Jarva H , Jääskeläinen AJ 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in respiratory samples for weeks or even months after onset of COVID-19 disease. Therefore, one of the diagnostic challenges of PCR positive cases is differentiating between acute COVID-19 disease and convalescent phase. Recently, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen in serum samples of COVID-19 patients was published [Le Hingrat et al. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 N-antigen in blood during acute COVID-19 provides a sensitive new marker and new testing alternatives, Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2020].Our study aimed to characterize the analytical specificity and sensitivity of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Salocor SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Quantitative Assay Kit© (Salofa Ltd, Salo, Finland)) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen in serum, and to characterize the kinetics of antigenemia. The evaluation material included a negative serum panel of 155 samples, and 126 serum samples from patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19.The specificity of the Salocor SARS-CoV-2 serum N antigen test was 98.0%. In comparison with simultaneous positive PCR from upper respiratory tract (URT) specimens, the test sensitivity was 91.7%. In a serum panel in which the earliest serum sample was collected two days before the collection of positive URT specimen, and the latest 48 days after (median 1 day post URT sample collection), the serum N antigen test sensitivity was 94% within 14 days post onset of symptoms. The antigenemia resolved approximately two weeks after the onset of disease and diagnostic PCR.The combination of simultaneous SARS-CoV-2 antigen and antibody testing appeared to provide useful information for the timing of COVID-19. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 N-antigenemia may be used as a diagnostic marker in acute COVID-19.
Individual prediction of trauma-focused psychotherapy response in youth with posttraumatic stress disorder using resting-state functional connectivity
Authors: Zhutovsky Paul , Zantvoord Jasper B. , Ensink Judith B.M. , Kelder Rosanne Op den , Lindauer Ramon J.L. , Wingen Guido A. van 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRandomized controlled trials have shown efficacy of trauma-focused psychotherapies in youth with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, response varies considerably among individuals. Currently, no biomarkers are available to assist clinicians in identifying youth who are most likely to benefit from treatment. In this study, we investigated whether resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) could distinguish between responders and non-responders on the group- and individual patient level.Pre-treatment rs-fMRI was recorded in 40 youth (ages 8-17 years) with (partial) PTSD before trauma-focused psychotherapy. Change in symptom severity from pre- to post-treatment was assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD scale for Children and Adolescents to divide participants into responders (≥30% symptom reduction) and non-responders. Functional networks were identified using meta-independent component analysis. Group-differences within- and between-network connectivity between responders and non-responders were tested using permutation testing. Individual predictions were made using multivariate, cross-validated support vector machine classification.A network centered on the bilateral superior temporal gyrus predicted treatment response for individual patients with 76.17% accuracy (pFWE = 0.018, 87.14% sensitivity, 65.20% specificity, area-under-receiver-operator-curve of 0.82). Functional connectivity between the frontoparietal and sensorimotor network was significantly stronger in non-responders (pFWE = 0.012) on the group-level. Within-network connectivity was not significantly different between groups.This study provides proof-of-concept evidence for the feasibility to predict trauma-focused psychotherapy response in youth with PTSD at an individual-level. Future studies are required to test if larger cohorts could increase accuracy and to test further generalizability of the prediction models.
Heading for personalized rTMS in tinnitus: reliability of individualized stimulation protocols in behavioral and electrophysiological responses
Authors: Schoisswohl Stefan , Langguth Berthold , Hebel Tobias , Abdelnaim Mohamed A. , Volberg Gregor , Schecklmann Martin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation tool potentially modulating pathological brain activity. Its clinical effectiveness is hampered by varying results and characterized by inter-individual variability in treatment responses. RTMS individualization might constitute a useful strategy to overcome this variability. A precondition for this approach would be that repeatedly applied protocols result in reliable effects. The condition tinnitus provides the advantage of immediate behavioral consequences (tinnitus loudness changes) after interventions and thus offers an excellent model to exemplify TMS personalization.ObjectiveThe aim was to investigate the test-retest reliability of short rTMS stimulations in modifying tinnitus loudness and oscillatory brain activity as well as to examine the feasibility of rTMS individualization in tinnitus.MethodsThree short verum (1Hz, 10Hz, 20Hz; 200 pulses) and one sham (0.1Hz; 20 pulses) rTMS protocol were administered on two different days in 22 tinnitus patients. Before and after each protocol, oscillatory brain activity was recorded with electroencephalography (EEG) together with behavioral tinnitus loudness ratings. RTMS individualization was executed by dint of behavioral and electrophysiological responses. Stimulation responders were identified via consistent sham-superior increases in tinnitus loudness (behavioral responders) and alpha power increases or gamma power decreases (alpha responders/ gamma responders) in accordance to the prevalent neurophysiological models for tinnitus.ResultsIt was feasible to identify individualized rTMS protocols featuring reliable tinnitus loudness changes (55% behavioral responder), alpha increases (91% alpha responder) and gamma decreases (100% gamma responder) respectively. Alpha responses primary occurred over parieto-occipital areas, whereas gamma responses mainly appeared over frontal regions. Contrary, test-retest correlation analyses per protocol on a group-level were not significant neither for behavioral nor for electrophysiological effects. No associations between behavioral and EEG responses were given.ConclusionRTMS individualization via behavioral and electrophysiological data in tinnitus can be considered as a feasible approach to overcome low reliability on group-level. The present results open the discussion favoring personalization utilizing neurophysiological markers rather than behavioral responses. These insights are not only useful for the rTMS treatment of tinnitus but also for neuromodulation interventions in other pathologies as our results suggest that the individualization of stimulation protocols is feasible despite absent group-level reliability.
Aerosol tracer testing in Boeing 767 and 777 aircraft to simulate exposure potential of infectious aerosol such as SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kinahan Sean M , Silcott David B , Silcott Blake E , Silcott Ryan M , Silcott Peter J , Silcott Braden J , Distelhorst Steven L , Herrera Vicki L , Rivera Danielle N , Crown Kevin K , Lucero Gabriel A , Santarpia Joshua L 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has reintroduced questions regarding the potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure amongst passengers on an aircraft. Quantifying risk with computational fluid dynamics models or contact tracing methods alone is challenging, as experimental results for inflight biological aerosols is lacking. Using fluorescent aerosol tracers and real time optical sensors, coupled with DNA-tagged tracers for aerosol deposition, we executed ground and inflight testing on Boeing 767 and 777 airframes.Analysis here represents tracer particles released from a simulated infected passenger, in multiple rows and seats, to determine the exposure risk via penetration into breathing zones in that row and numerous rows ahead and behind the index case. We completed over 65 releases of 180,000,000 fluorescent particles from the source, with 40+ Instantaneous Biological Analyzer and Collector sensors placed in passenger breathing zones for real-time measurement of simulated virus particle penetration.Results from both airframes showed a minimum reduction of 99.54% of 1 µm aerosols from the index source to the breathing zone of a typical passenger seated directly next to the source. An average 99.97 to 99.98% reduction was measured for the breathing zones tested in the 767 and 777, respectively. Contamination of surfaces from aerosol sources was minimal, and DNA-tagged 3 µm tracer aerosol collection techniques agreed with fluorescent methodologies.