bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Understanding persistent Pain Where it ResiDes study of low back pain cohort profile
Authors: Jenkins Luke C , Chang Wei-Ju , Buscemi Valentina , Liston Matthew , Nicholas Michael , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Hodges Paul W , Wasinger Valerie C , Stone Laura S , Dorsey Susan G , McAuley James H , Schabrun Siobhan M 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundDespite chronic low back pain (LBP) being considered a biopsychosocial condition for diagnosis and management, few studies have investigated neurophysiological or neurobiological risk factors thought to underpin the transition from acute to chronic LBP. The aim of this cohort profile is to describe the methodology, compare baseline characteristics between acute LBP participants and pain-free controls, and compare LBP participants with or without completed follow-up.Methods120 individuals experiencing acute LBP and 57 pain-free controls were recruited to participate in the Understanding Persistent Pain Where it Resides (UPWaRD) study. Screening was conducted via email and phone. Neurobiological, psychological, and sociodemographic data were collected at baseline, three- and six-months. LBP status was assessed using the numerical rating scale and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire at three and six-month follow-up.Results95 participants (79%) provided outcome data at three-month follow-up and 96 participants (80%) at six-months. Participants who did not complete follow-up at three- and six-months within the UPWaRD LBP cohort had higher psychological distress, higher pain interference, higher levels of moderate physical activity, and reported occupational difficulties due to pain (P = <0.05). Compared to controls, LBP participants in the UPWaRD cohort were older, had a higher BMI, a higher prevalence of comorbidities and higher medication usage. Higher depression, anxiety and stress, lower pain self-efficacy and higher pain catastrophizing during acute LBP were correlated with higher six-month pain and disability (P = < 0.01).ConclusionsThis cohort profile reports baseline characteristics of the UPWaRD LBP and pain-free control cohort.
Are disturbances in mentalization ability similar between schizophrenic patients and borderline personality disorder patients? A pilot study
Authors: Bar Tair , Ikshaibon Issam , Abu-Alhiga Muhammad , Peleg Tamar , Awad Yaseen , Plazur Eilam , Golani Idit , Peleg Ido , Shamir Alon 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThere is a growing interest in theory of mind (ToM) performance among individuals with psychiatric disorders, however, the difference and the performance level between different diagnoses is unclear. Here, we compared the ToM abilities of schizophrenia, schizoaffective and borderline personality individuals (BPD) with healthy individuals, and searched for a correlation between ToM ability, social skills, and empathy. Overall, diagnostic groups performed worse in the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test and recognized fewer Faux Pax motifs than healthy individuals recognize. No difference was observed in the ability to perform the eyes test between schizophrenic patients with and without the affective components and BPD patients. Both schizophrenia and BPD patients received a higher score in the autism-spectrum questioner, while all the diagnostic groups scored lower on the empathy quotient scale than healthy individuals. Finally, a correlation was found between ToM ability and empathy, but not with autistic-related traits. Results indicate that both cognitive and affective aspects of ToM are impaired across all the diagnostic groups, challenge the ability to use ToM as a differential diagnostic tool, and strengthens the correlation between decreased empathy and impaired ToM.
A population framework for predicting the proportion of people infected by the far-field airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 indoors
Authors: Iddon Christopher , Jones Benjamin , Sharpe Patrick , Cevik Muge , Fitzgerald Shaun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe number of occupants in a space influences the risk of far-field airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 because the likelihood of having infectious and susceptible people both correlate with the number of occupants. This paper explores the relationship between occupancy and the probability of infection, and how this affects an individual person and a population of people. Mass-balance and dose-response models determine far-field transmission risks for an individual person and a population of people after sub-dividing a large reference space into 10 identical comparator spaces.For a single infected person, the dose received by an individual person in the comparator space is 10-times higher because the equivalent ventilation rate per infected person is lower when the per capita ventilation rate is preserved.However, accounting for population dispersion, such as the community prevalence of the virus, the probability of an infected person being present and uncertainty in their viral load, shows the transmission probability increases with occupancy and the reference space has a higher transmission risk. Also, far-field transmission is likely to be a rare event that requires a high emission rate, and there are a set of Goldilocks conditions that are just right when ventilation is effective at mitigating against transmission. These conditions depend on the viral load, because when they are very high or low, ventilation has little effect on transmission risk.Nevertheless, resilient buildings should deliver the equivalent ventilation rate required by standards as minimum.
Evaluation of new polymer-iodine complexes for the fabrication of medical devices
Authors: López-Álvarez Marina , Ulmer Herb , Klay Nico , van Dijl Jan Maarten 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPovidone-iodine has been a true success story in the fight against infections by harnessing the antimicrobial and antiviral properties of elemental iodine for water-based applications. However, to date there has been little success in implementing iodine attributes in water-insoluble engineering plastics. Here, we describe the first development of biocidal active polyamide- and polyurethane-iodine complexes at laboratory and commercially relevant scales. These polymer-iodine materials are active against a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast and fungi, and can be used as base materials for medical devices. The use of new polymer-iodine complexes for infection prevention in medical devices, such as sutures, catheters and drains, or wound care is expected to have significant positive effects at reducing healthcare-acquired infections. In addition, the materials are expected to find significant applications in other fields, such as air handling with the production of biocidal face masks and air filters to control spread of pathogens.
Number of detected proteins as the function of the sensitivity of proteomic technology in human liver cells
Authors: Vavilov Nikita , Ilgisonis Ekaterina , Lisitsa Andrey , Ponomarenko Elena , Farafonova Tatiana , Tikhonova Olga , Zgoda Victor , Archakov Alexander 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe main goal of the Russian part of C-HPP is to detect and functionally annotate missing proteins (PE2-PE4) encoded by human chromosome 18. However, identifying such proteins in a complex biological mixture using mass spectrometry (MS)-based methods is difficult due to the insufficient sensitivity of proteomic analysis methods. In this study, we determined the proteomic technology sensitivity using a standard set of UPS1 proteins as an example. The results revealed that 100% of proteins in a mixture could only be identified at a concentration of at least 10−9 M. The decrease in concentration leads to protein losses associated with technology sensitivity, and no UPS1 protein is detected at a concentration of 10−13 M. Therefore, two-dimensional fractionation of samples was applied to improve sensitivity. The human liver tissue was examined by selected reaction monitoring and shotgun methods of MS analysis using one-dimensional and two-dimensional fractionation to identify the proteins encoded by human chromosome 18. A total of 134 proteins were identified. The overlap between proteomic and transcriptomic data in human liver tissue was ~50%. This weak convergence is due to the low sensitivity of proteomic technology compared to transcriptomic approaches. Data is available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD026997.
FAMOSS, a conserved 41-aa peptide involved in plant tip growth regulation
Authors: Mamaeva Anna , Kniazev Andrey , Sedlov Ilia , Golub Nina , Kharlampieva Daria , Manuvera Valentin , Rakitin Victor , Nosov Alexander , Fomenkov Artem , Pavlyukov Marat , Kovalchuk Sergey , Ziganshin Rustam , Glushkevich Anna , Lazarev Vassili , Fesenko Igor 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRecent evidence shows that small open reading frame (smORF; <100 codons)-encoded peptides (SEPs) containing transmembrane domains are preadapted to be progenitors of novel functional genes. A dozen of such SEPs translated from long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are already functionally characterised in animals. However, functional plant lncRNA-smORF-coded peptides are not yet described. Here, we report detailed functional characterization of a 41-aa peptide encoded by lncRNA-smORFs in the moss Physcomitrium patens, which was named “FAst-growing MOSS” (FAMOSS). We found that the FAMOSS interacts with the Rab-type small GTPase proteins and its overexpression leads to faster moss growth rate and more intensive vesicular transport in apical cells, while its knockout results in the opposite effect. The FAMOSS contains a predicted transmembrane domain and possible orthologs from streptophyta algae to flowering plants have a very conserved structure. Thus, the FAMOSS peptide is a previously unknown conserved player of Rab-mediated processes in plants. Our findings are in line with functional studies of transmembrane SEPs in animals and prove the principles of SEPs evolution. This study provides new insights into functions of plant lncRNA-smORFs.
Reducing voltage-dependent potassium channel Kv3.4 levels ameliorates synapse loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yeap Jie , Sathyaprakash Chaitra , Toombs Jamie , Tulloch Jane , Scutariu Cristina , Rose Jamie , Burr Karen , Davies Caitlin , Colom-Cadena Marti , Chandran Siddharthan , Large Charles H , Rowan Matthew JM , Gunthorpe Martin J , Spires-Jones Tara L 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSynapse loss is associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and owing to their plastic nature, synapses are an ideal target for therapeutic intervention. Oligomeric amyloid beta (Aβ) around amyloid plaques is known to contribute to synapse loss in mouse models and is associated with synapse loss in human AD brain tissue, but the mechanisms leading from Aβ to synapse loss remain unclear. Recent data suggest that the fast-activating and -inactivating voltagegated potassium channel subtype 3.4 (Kv3.4) may play a role in Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity. Here, we tested whether this channel could also be involved in Aβ synaptotoxicity. Using adeno-associated virus and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology, we reduced Kv3.4 expression in neurons of the somatosensory cortex of APP/PS1 mice. These mice express human familial AD associated mutations in amyloid precursor protein and presenilin 1 and develop amyloid plaques and plaque-associated synapse loss similar to that observed in AD brain. We observe that reducing Kv3.4 levels ameliorates dendritic spine loss and changes spine morphology compared to control virus. In support of translational relevance, Kv3.4 protein was observed in human AD and control brain and is associated with synapses in human iPSC-derived cortical neurons. Interestingly, we observe a decrease in Kv3.4 expression in iPSC derived cortical neurons when they are challenged with human Alzheimer’s disease derived brain homogenate. These results suggest that approaches to reduce Kv3.4 expression and/or function could be protective against Aβ-induced synaptic alterations.
Vertebrate extracellular matrix protein hemicentin-1 interacts physically and genetically with basement membrane protein nidogen-2
Authors: Zhang Jin-Li , Richetti Stefania , Ramezani Thomas , Welcker Daniela , Lütke Steffen , Pogoda Hans-Martin , Hatzold Julia , Zaucke Frank , Keene Douglas R. , Bloch Wilhelm , Sengle Gerhard , Hammerschmidt Matthias 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHemicentins are large proteins of the extracellular matrix that belong to the fibulin family and play pivotal roles during development and homeostasis of a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate tissues. However, bona fide interaction partners of hemicentins have not been described as yet. Here, applying surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and co-immunoprecipitation, we identify the basement membrane protein nidogen-2 (NID2) as a binding partner of mouse and zebrafish hemicentin-1 (HMCN1), in line with the formerly described essential role of mouse HMCN1 in basement membrane integrity. We show that HMCN1 binds to the same protein domain of NID2 (G2) as formerly shown for laminins, but with an approximately ten-fold lower affinity and in a competitive manner. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and immunogold labelling revealed that HMCN1/Hmcn1 is localized close to basement membranes and in partial overlap with NID2/Nid2a in different tissues of mouse and zebrafish. Genetic knockout and antisense-mediated knockdown studies in zebrafish further show that loss of Nid2a leads to similar defects in fin fold morphogenesis as the loss of Laminin-α5 (Lama5) or Hmcn1. Finally, combined partial loss-of-function studies indicated that nid2a genetically interacts with both hmcn1 and lama5. Together, these findings suggest that despite their mutually exclusive physical binding, hemicentins, nidogens, and laminins tightly cooperate and support each other during formation, maintenance, and function of basement membranes to confer tissue linkage.
Association between plasma phospho-tau181 and cognitive change from age 73 to 82: Lothian Birth Cohort 1936
Authors: Saunders Tyler S. , Heslegrave Amanda , King Declan , Harris Sarah , Ritchie Craig , Muniz-Terrera Graciela , Deary Ian J. , Cox Simon R. , Zetterberg Henrik , Spires-Jones Tara 
Published: November 2021

AbstractINTRODUCTIONPlasma phospho-tau 181 (p-tau181) is a promising blood biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease. However, its predictive validity for age-related cognitive decline without dementia remains unclear. Several forms of p-tau have been shown to contribute to synapse degeneration, but it is unknown whether p-tau181 is present in synapses. Here, we tested whether plasma p-tau181predicts cognitive decline and whether it is present in synapses in human brain.METHODSGeneral cognitive ability and plasma p-tau181 concentration were measured in 195 participants at ages 72 and 82. Levels of p-tau181 in total homogenate and synaptic fractions were compared with western blot (n=10-12 per group), and synaptic localisation was examined using array tomography.RESULTSElevated baseline plasma p-tau181 and increasing p-tau181 over time predicted steeper general cognitive decline. We observe p-tau181 in neurites, presynapses, and post-synapses in the brain.DISCUSSIONBaseline and subsequent change in plasma p-tau181 may represent rare biomarkers of differences in cognitive ageing across the 8th decade of life and may play a role in synaptic function in the brain.
Generation of Infant-dedicated Fine-grained Functional Parcellation Maps of Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Wang Fan , Zhang Han , Wu Zhengwang , Hu Dan , Zhou Zhen , Wang Li , Lin Weili , Li Gang ,   for UNC/UMN Baby Connectome Project Consortium
Published: November 2021

AbstractInfancy is a dynamic and immensely important period in human brain development. Studies of infant functional development using resting-state fMRI rely on precisely defined cortical parcellation maps. However, available adult-based functional parcellation maps are not applicable for infants due to their substantial differences in functional organizations. Fine-grained infant-dedicated cortical parcellation maps are highly desired but remain scarce, due to difficulties ranging from acquiring to processing of infant brain MRIs. In this study, leveraging 1,064 high-resolution longitudinal rs-fMRIs from 197 infants from birth to 24 months and advanced infant-dedicated processing tools, we create the first set of infant-specific, fine-grained cortical functional parcellation maps. Besides the conventional folding-based cortical registration, we specifically establish the functional correspondences across individuals using functional gradient densities and generate both age-specific and age-common fine-grained parcellation maps. The first set of comprehensive brain functional developmental maps are accordingly derived, and reveals a complex, hitherto unseen multi-peak fluctuation development pattern in temporal variations of gradient density, network sizes, and local efficiency, with more dynamic changes during the first 9 months than other ages. Our proposed method is applicable in generating fine-grained parcellations for the whole lifespan, and our parcellation maps will be available online to advance the neuroimaging field.
Septin-7 is indispensable for proper skeletal muscle architecture and function
Authors: Gönczi Mónika , Ráduly Zsolt , Szabó László , Fodor János , Telek Andrea , Dobrosi Nóra , Balogh Norbert , Szentesi Péter , Kis Gréta , Antal Miklós , Trencsényi György , Dienes Beatrix , Csernoch László 
Published: November 2021

AbstractToday septins are considered as the fourth component of the cytoskeleton with the Septin-7 isoform playing a critical role in the formation of higher order structures. While its importance has already been confirmed in several intracellular processes of different organs, very little is known about its role in skeletal muscle. Here, using Septin-7 conditional knock-down mouse model, the C2C12 cell line, and enzymatically isolated adult muscle fibers the organization and localization of septin filaments is revealed, and an ontogenesis-dependent expression of Septin-7 is demonstrated. KD mice displayed a characteristic hunchback phenotype with skeletal deformities, reduction in vivo and in vitro force generation, and disorganized mitochondrial networks. Furthermore, knock-out of Septin-7 in C2C12 cells resulted in complete loss of cell division while KD cells provided evidence that Septin-7 is essential in proper myotube differentiation. These and the transient increase in Septin-7 expression following muscle injury demonstrate its vital contribution to muscle regeneration and development.
Prefrontal, striatal, and VTA subnetwork dynamics during novelty and exploration
Authors: Dede Adam J.O. , Marzban Nader , Mishra Ashutosh , Reichert Robert , Anderson Paul M. , Cohen Michael X 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMultiple distinct brain areas have been implicated in memory including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatum (STR), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Information-exchange across these widespread networks requires flexible coordination at a fine time-scale. In the present study, we collected high-density recordings from the PFC, STR, and VTA of male rats during baseline, encoding, consolidation, and retrieval stages of memory formation. Novel sub-regional clustering analyses identified patterns of spatially restricted, temporally coherent, and frequency specific signals that were reproducible across days and were modulated by behavioral states. Clustering identified miniscule patches of neural tissue. Generalized eigen decomposition (GED) reduced each cluster to a single time series. Amplitude envelope correlation of the cluster time series was used to assess functional connectivity between clusters. Dense intra- and inter regional functional connectivity characterized the baseline period, with delta oscillations playing an outsized role. There was a dramatic pruning of network connectivity during encoding. Connectivity rebounded during consolidation, but connections in the theta band became stronger, and those in the delta band were weaker. Finally, during retrieval, connections were not as severely reduced as they had been during encoding, and specifically theta and higher-frequency connections were stronger. Underlying these connectivity changes, the anatomical extent of clusters observed in the gamma band in the PFC and in both the gamma and delta bands in the VTA changed markedly across behavioral conditions. These results demonstrate the brain’s ability to reorganize functionally at both the intra- and inter-regional levels during different stages of memory processing.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe brain is often thought of as a mosaic of areas each with static functions that activate or deactivate with task demands. Here, we used large-scale recordings (196 simultaneous electrodes) and developed a multivariate analysis approach to analyze data from all our recording locations simultaneously. This analysis revealed that the brain dramatically reorganized itself at both local and long-distance spatial scales during different stages of memory processing. These results demonstrate an extreme degree of flexibility in functional anatomy. Rather than thinking about the brain as a set of static mosaic tiles, it may better be characterized as a quickly moldable piece of clay where each part’s function changes as the whole is reshaped from moment to moment.
Human-in-the-loop optimization of visual prosthetic stimulation
Authors: Fauvel Tristan , Chalk Matthew 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRetinal prostheses are a promising strategy to restore sight to patients with retinal degenerative diseases. These devices compensate for the loss of photoreceptors by electrically stimulating neurons in the retina. Currently, the visual function that can be recovered with such devices is very limited. This is due, in part, to current spread, unintended axonal activation, and the limited resolution of existing devices. Here we show, using a recent model of prosthetic vision, that optimizing how visual stimuli are encoded by the device can help overcome some of these limitations, leading to dramatic improvements in visual perception. We propose a strategy to do this in practice, using patients’ feedback in a visual task. The main challenge of our approach comes from the fact that, typically, one only has access to a limited number of noisy responses from patients. We propose two ways to deal with this: first, we use a model of prosthetic vision to constrain and simplify the optimization; second, we use preferential Bayesian optimization to efficiently learn the encoder using minimal trials. To test our approach, we presented healthy subjects with visual stimuli generated by a recent model of prosthetic vision, to replicate the perceptual experience of patients fitted with an implant. Our optimization procedure led to significant and robust improvements in perceived image quality, that transferred to increased performance in other tasks. Importantly, our strategy is agnostic to the type of prosthesis and thus could readily be implemented in existing implants.