bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Validation of N-Acetylputrescine in Combination With Non-Canonical Clinical Features As a Parkinson’s Disease Biomarker Panel
Authors: Peng Kuan-Wei , Klotz Allison , Guven Arcan , Kapadnis Unnati , Ravipaty Shobha , Tolstikov Vladimir , Vemulapalli Vijetha , Rodrigues Leonardo O. , Li Hongyan , Kellogg Mark D. , Kausar Farah , Rees Linda , Sarangarajan Rangaprasad , Schüle Birgitt , Langston William , Narain Paula P. , Narain Niven R. , Kiebish Michael A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractParkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra results in a clinically heterogeneous group with variable motor and non-motor symptoms with a degree of misdiagnosis. Only 3-5% of sporadic Parkinson’s patients present with genetic abnormalities, thus environmental, metabolic, and other unknown causes contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, which highlights the critical need for biomarkers. There could be a significant clinical benefit to treating Parkinson’s disease at the earliest stage and identify at-risk populations once disease-modifying treatments are available. In the present study, we prospectively collected and analyzed plasma samples from 201 Parkinson’s disease patients and 199 age-matched non-diseased controls. Multiomic and Bayesian artificial intelligence analysis of molecular and clinical data identified the diagnostic utility of N-acetyl putrescine (NAP) in combination with smell (B-SIT), depression/anxiety (HADS), and acting out dreams (RBD1Q) clinical measurements. The clinical and biomarker panel demonstrated an area under the curve, AUC = 0.9, positive predictive value, PPV = 0.91, and negative predictive value, NPV = 0.66 utilizing all four variables. The assessed diagnostic panel demonstrates combinatorial utility in diagnosing Parkinson’s disease, allowing for an integrated interpretation of disease pathophysiology and highlighting the use of multi-tiered panels in neurological disease diagnosis.
Effects of climatic change on the potential distribution of Lycoriella species (Diptera: Sciaridae) of economic importance
Authors: Marques Roberta , Pinto Duarte Juliano Lessa , da Fonseca Duarte Adriane , Krüger Rodrigo Ferreira , da Cunha Uemmerson Silva , Osorio-Olvera Luís , Contreras-Díaz Rusby Guadalupe , Jiménez-García Daniel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLycoriella species (Sciaridae) are responsible for significant economic losses in greenhouse production (e.g. mushrooms, strawberry, and nurseries). Current distributions of species in the genus are restricted to cold-climate countries. Three species of Lycoriella are of particular economic concern in view of their ability to invade across the Northern Hemisphere. We used ecological niche models to determine the potential for range expansion under climate change future scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) in distributions of these species of Lycoriella. Stable suitability under climate change was a dominant theme in these species; however, potential range increases were noted for key countries (e.g. USA, Brazil, and China). Our results illustrate the potential for range expansion in these species in the Southern Hemisphere, including some of the highest greenhouse production areas in the world.
Identification of high seed oil yield and high oleic acid content in brazilian germplasm of winter squash (Cucurbita moschata D.)
Authors: Gomes Ronaldo Silva , Júnior Ronaldo Machado , de Almeida Cleverson Freitas , de Oliveira Rebeca Lourenço , Chagas Rafael Ravaneli , Pereira Ednângelo Duarte , Delazari Fabio Teixeira , da Silva Derly José Henriques 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTCucurbita moschata D. seed oil contains approximately 75% unsaturated fatty acids, with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E and carotenoid, constituting a promising food in nutritional terms. Associated to this, the Brazilian germplasm of C. moschata exhibits remarkable variability, representing an important source for the genetic breeding of this vegetable and other cucurbits. In this context, the present study evaluated the productivity and profile of the seed oil of 91 C. moschata accessions from different regions of Brazil and maintained in the Vegetable Germplasm Bank of the Federal University of Viçosa (BGH-UFV). A field experiment was conducted between January and July 2016. The tested C. moschata accessions showed high genetic variability in terms of characteristics related to seed oil productivity (SOP), such as the mass of seeds per fruit and productivity of seeds, providing predicted selection gains of 29.39 g and 0.26 t ha-1, respectively. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic correlations, greater SOP can be achieved while maintaining high oleic acid content and low linoleic acid content, providing oil of better nutritional and chemical quality. In variability analysis, the accessions were clustered into five groups, which presented different averages for SOP and fatty acid content of seed oil; approach that will guide the use of appropriate germplasm in programs aimed at genetic breeding for SOP and seed oil profile. Per se analysis identified BGH-4610, BGH-5485A, BGH-6590, BGH-5556A, BGH-5472A, and BGH-5544A as the most promising accessions in terms of SOP, with average (μ+g) of approximately 0.20 t ha-1. The most promising accessions for higher oleic acid content of seed oil were BGH-5456A, BGH-3333A, BGH-5361A, BGH-5472A, BGH-5544A, BGH-5453A, and BGH-1749, with average (μ+g) of approximately 30%, and almost all of these accessions were also the most promising in terms of lower linoleic acid content of seed oil, with average (μ+g) of approximately 45%. Overall, part of the C. moschata accessions evaluated in the present study can serve as a promising resource in genetic breeding programs for SOP and fatty acid profile, aiming at the production of oil with better nutritional and physicochemical quality.
Community health and human-animal contacts on the edges of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Authors: Muylaert Renata L. , Davidson Ben , Ngabirano Alex , Kalema-Zikusoka Gladys , MacGregor Hayley , Lloyd-Smith James O. , Fayaz Ahmed , Knox Matthew A. , Hayman David T. S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCross-species transmission of pathogens is intimately linked to human and environmental health. With limited healthcare and challenging living conditions, people living in poverty may be particularly susceptible to endemic and emerging diseases. Similarly, wildlife is impacted by human influences, including pathogen sharing, especially for species in close contact with people and domesticated animals. Here we investigate human and animal contacts and human health in a community living around the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), Uganda. We used contact and health survey data to identify opportunities for cross-species pathogen transmission, focusing mostly on people and the endangered mountain gorilla. We conducted a survey with background questions and self-reported diaries to investigate 100 participants’ health, such as symptoms and behaviours, and contact patterns, including direct contacts and sightings over a week. Contacts were revealed through networks, including humans, domestic, peri-domestic, and wild animals for 1) network of contacts seen in the week of background questionnaire completion, 2) network of contacts seen during the diary week. Participants frequently felt unwell during the study, reporting from one to 10 disease symptoms at different intensity levels (maximum of seven symptoms in one day), with severe symptoms comprising 6.4% of the diary records and tiredness and headaches the most common symptoms. Besides human-human contacts, direct contacts with livestock and peri-domestic animals were the most common. Wildlife contacts were the rarest, including one direct contact with gorilla with a concerning timeline of reported symptoms. The contact networks were moderately connected and revealing a preference in contacts within the same species or taxon and within their groups. Despite sightings of wildlife being much more common than touching, one participant declared direct contact with a mountain gorilla during the week. Gorillas were seen very close to six animal taxa (including themselves) considering all interaction types, mostly seen closer to other gorillas, but also people and domestic animals. Our findings reveal a local human population with recurrent symptoms of illness in a location with intense exposure to factors that can increase pathogen transmission, such as direct contact with domestic and wild animals and proximity among animal species. Despite significant biases and study limitations, the information generated here can guide future studies, such as models for disease spread and One Health interventions.
Performance of deep convolutional neural network approaches and human level in detecting mosquito species
Authors: Jomtarak Rangsan , Kittichai Veerayuth , Pengsakul Theerakamol , Phatthamolrat Naphop , Naing Kaung Myat , Tongloy Teerawat , Chuwongin Santhad , Boonsang Siridech 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRecently, mosquito-borne diseases have been a significant problem for public health worldwide. These diseases include dengue, ZIKA and malaria. Reducing disease spread stimulates researchers to develop automatic methods beyond traditional surveillance Well-known Deep Convolutional Neural Network, YOLO v3 algorithm, was applied to classify mosquito vector species and showed a high average accuracy of 97.7 per cent. While one-stage learning methods have provided impressive output in Aedes albopictus, Anopheles sinensis and Culex pipiens, the use of image annotation functions may help boost model capability in the identification of other low-sensitivity (< 60 per cent) mosquito images for Cu. tritaeniorhynchus and low-precision Ae. vexans (< 80 per cent). The optimal condition of the data increase (rotation, contrast and blurredness and Gaussian noise) was investigated within the limited amount of biological samples to increase the selected model efficiency. As a result, it produced a higher potential of 96.6 percent for sensitivity, 99.6 percent for specificity, 99.1 percent for accuracy, and 98.1 percent for precision. The ROC Curve Area (AUC) endorsed the ability of the model to differentiate between groups at a value of 0.985. Inter-and intra-rater heterogeneity between ground realities (entomological labeling) with the highest model was studied and compared to research by other independent entomologists. A substantial degree of near-perfect compatibility between the ground truth label and the proposed model (k = 0.950 ± 0.035) was examined in both examinations. In comparison, a high degree of consensus was assessed for entomologists with greater experience than 5-10 years (k = 0.875 ± 0.053 and 0.900 ± 0.048). The proposed YOLO v3 network algorithm has the largest capacity for support-devices used by entomological technicians during local area detection. In the future, introducing the appropriate network model based methods to find qualitative and quantitative information will help to make local workers work quicker. It may also assist in the preparation of strategies to help deter the transmission of arthropod-transmitted diseases.
Population size, density, and ranging behaviour in a key leopard population in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Müller Lana , Briers-Louw Willem D. , Seele Barbara , Lochner Christiaan , Amin Rajan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGlobally, leopards are the most widespread large felid. However, mounting anthropogenic threats are rapidly reducing viable leopard populations and their range. Despite the clear pressures facing this species, there is a dearth of robust and reliable population and density estimates for leopards across their range, which is particularly important in landscapes that consist of protected and non-protected areas. We conducted a camera trapping survey between 2017 and 2018 in the Western Cape, South Africa to estimate the occupancy, density, and population size of a leopard population. Leopards were recorded at 95% of camera trapping sites, which resulted in a high occupancy that showed no significant variation between seasons, habitat types, or along an altitudinal gradient. Our results indicated a low leopard density in the study area, with an estimated 1.53 leopards/100 km2in summer and 1.62 leopards/100 km2in winter. Mean leopard population size was therefore estimated at 107 and 113 individuals in the winter and summer respectively. Leopard activity centres for female ranges were centred in the core study area and could be predicted with good certainty, while males appeared to move out of the study area during winter which resulted in a higher uncertainty in locations of activity centres. Interestingly, livestock depredation events in the surrounding farmlands were significantly higher in winter, which coincides with male leopards moving outside the core protected area into the surrounding farmlands. To reduce livestock losses and retaliatory leopard killings, we suggest that human-carnivore conflict mitigation measures be intensely monitored during the winter months in the study area. We also suggest that future leopard conservation efforts should focus on privately-owned land as these non-protected areas contain the majority of the remaining suitable leopard habitat and may provide important dispersal corridors and buffer zones on which the long-term sustainability of leopard populations depends.
Verification of our empirical understanding of the physiology and ecology of two contrasting plantation species using a trait database
Authors: Osone Yoko , Hashimoto Shoji , Kenzo Tanaka 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe effects of climate change on forest ecosystems take on increasing importance more than ever. Information on plant traits is a powerful predictor of ecosystem dynamics and functioning. We reviewed the major ecological traits, such as foliar gas exchange and nutrients, xylem morphology and drought tolerance, ofCryptomeria japonicaandChamaecyparis obtusa, which are major timber species in East Asia, especially in Japan, by using a recently developed functional trait database for both species (SugiHinokiDB). Empirically,C. obtusahas been planted under drier conditions, whereasC. japonicahas been planted under wetter conditions. Our analyses revealed followings: The maximum photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, foliar nutrient content and soil-to-foliage hydraulic conductance were higher inC. japonicathan inC. obtusaand were consistent with the higher growth rate ofC. japonica. In contrast, the foliar turgor loss point and xylem pressure corresponding to 50% conductivity, which indicate drought tolerance, were lower inC. obtusathan inC. japonicaand are consistent with the drier habitat ofC. obtusa. Ontogenetic shifts were also observed; as the age and height of the trees increased, many foliar nutrient concentrations decreased, and the foliar minimum midday water potential and specific leaf area also decreased. This suggests that an ontogenetic reduction in photosynthesis occurred due to an increase in drought stress with tree height and age. However, among the Cupressaceae worldwide, the drought tolerance ofC. japonicaandC. obtusais not as high. This may be related to the fact that the Japanese archipelago has historically not been subjected to strong dryness. The maximum photosynthetic rate showed intermediate values within the family, indicating thatC. japonicaandC. obtusaexhibit relatively high growth rates in the Cupressaceae family, and this is thought to be the reason why they have been selected as economically suitable timber species in Japanese forestry. This study clearly demonstrated that the plant trait database provides us a promising opportunity to verify out empirical knowledge of plantation management and helps us to understand effect of climate change on plantation forests by using trait-based modelling.
Altered pre-existing SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses in elderly individuals
Authors: Taira Naoyuki , Toguchi Sakura , Miyagi Mio , Mori Tomoari , Tomori Hiroaki , Oshiro Koichi , Tamai Osamu , Kina Mitsuo , Miyagi Masatake , Tamaki Kentaro , Collins Mary K , Ishikawa Hiroki 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPre-existing SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells, but not antibodies, have been detected in some unexposed individuals. This may account for some of the diversity in clinical outcomes ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe COVID-19. Although age is a risk factor for COVID-19, how age affects SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses remains unknown. We found that some pre-existing T cell responses to specific SARS-CoV-2 proteins, Spike (S) and Nucleoprotein (N), were significantly lower in elderly donors (>70 years old) who were seronegative for S than in young donors. However, substantial pre-existing T cell responses to the viral membrane (M) protein were detected in some elderly donors. These responses likely compensate for loss of T cell responses specific to S and N. In contrast, young and elderly donors exhibited comparable T cell responses to S, N, and M proteins after infection with SARS-CoV-2. M-specific responses were mediated by CD4 T cells producing interferon-γ in both seronegative and seropositive individuals. T cells in seronegative elderly donors responded to various M-derived peptides, while the response after SARS-CoV-2 infection was apparently focused on a single peptide. These data suggest that diversity of target antigen repertoire for pre-existing SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells declines with age, but the magnitude of pre-existing T cell responses is maintained by T cells reactive to specific viral proteins such as M. A better understanding of the role of pre-existing SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells that are less susceptible to age-related loss may contribute to development of more effective vaccines for elderly people.
“Increased risk of thrombocytopenia and death in patients with bacteremia caused by high alpha toxin-producing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus”
Authors: Alhurayri Fatimah , Porter Edith , Douglas-Louis Rachid , Minejima Emi , Wardenburg Julianne Bubeck , Wong-Beringer Annie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlpha toxin (Hla) is a major virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus that targets platelets but clinical data on Hla pathogenesis in bacteremia (SAB) is limited.ObjectiveWe examined the link between in vitro Hla activity and outcome.MethodsStudy isolates obtained from 100 patients with SAB (50 survivors; 50 non-survivors) were assessed for in vitro Hla production and activity by Western immunoblotting and hemolysis assay, respectively. Relevant demographics, laboratory and clinical data were extracted from patients’ medical records to correlate Hla activity of the infecting isolates with outcome.ResultsHla production strongly correlated with hemolytic activity (rs=0.93) in vitro. A trend towards higher hemolytic activity was observed for MRSA compared to MSSA and with high-risk source infection. Significantly higher hemolytic activity was noted for MRSA strains isolated from patients who developed thrombocytopenia (median 52.48 vs 16.55 HU/ml in normal platelet count, p=0.012) and from non survivors (median 30.96 vs 14.87 HU/ml in survivors, p= 0.014) but hemolytic activity of MSSA strains did not differ between patient groups.ConclusionsIn vitro Hla activity of S. aureus strains obtained from patients with bacteremia may be used to predict risk for thrombocytopenia and death which supports bedside phenotyping and therapeutic targeting in the future.
Heritable changes in division speed accompany the diversification of single T cell fate
Authors: Plambeck Marten , Kazeroonian Atefeh , Loeffler Dirk , Schroeder Timm , Busch Dirk H. , Flossdorf Michael , Buchholz Veit R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRapid clonal expansion of antigen specific T cells is a fundamental feature of adaptive immune responses. It enables the outgrowth of an individual T cell into thousands of clonal descendants that diversify into short-lived effectors and long-lived memory cells. Clonal expansion is thought to be programmed upon priming of a single naïve T cell and then executed by homogenously fast divisions of all of its descendants. However, the actual speed of cell divisions in such an emerging ‘T cell family’ has never been measured with single-cell resolution. Here, we utilize continuous live-cell imagingin vitroto track the division speed and genealogical connections of all descendants derived from a single naïve CD8+T cell throughout up to ten divisions of activation-induced proliferation. This comprehensive mapping of T cell family trees identifies a short burst phase, in which division speed is homogenously fast and maintained independent of external cytokine availability or continued T cell receptor stimulation. Thereafter, however, division speed diversifies and model-based computational analysis using a novel Bayesian inference framework for tree-structured data reveals a segregation into heritably fast and slow dividing branches. This diversification of division speed is preceded already during the burst phase by variable expression of the interleukin-2 receptor alpha chain. Later it is accompanied by selective expression of memory marker CD62L in slower dividing branches. Taken together, these data demonstrate that T cell clonal expansion is structured into subsequent burst and diversification phases the latter of which coincides with specification of memory vs. effector fate.SignificanceRapid clonal expansion of antigen-specific T cells is a fundamental feature of adaptive immune responses. Here, we utilize continuous live-cell imagingin vitroto track the division speed and genealogical connections of all descendants derived from a single naïve CD8+T cell throughout up to ten divisions of activation-induced proliferation. Bayesian inference of tree-structured data reveals that clonal expansion is divided into a homogenously fast burst phase encompassing two to three divisions and a subsequent diversification phase during which T cells segregate into quickly dividing effector T cells and more slowly cycling memory precursors. Our work highlights cell cycle speed as a major heritable property that is regulated in parallel to key lineage decisions of activated T cells.