bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The UT Health Psychological Autopsy Interview Schedule (UTH- PAIS) – Description and Reliability of Diagnoses and Transdiagnostic Personality Measures
Authors: Meyer Thomas D. , Godfrey Christopher J. , Walss-Bass Consuelo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFew studies have used psychological autopsies to evaluate large and diverse populations on transdiagnostically relevant variables such as personality, temperament, and trauma exposure, rather they tend to focus on specific psychiatric disorders or manner of death. We therefore developed the UT Health Psychological Autopsy Interview Schedule (UTH-PAIS). The measure is described, and our results show that that the PAIS diagnoses and dimensions can be reliably assessed. Furthermore, we were able to show that our sample of donated brains overall matches the demographic characteristics of larger pool of individuals receiving a medical autopsy. In the Discussion we review the strengths and potential limitations of the study and outline in which context the PAIS will prove to be useful.
Impairment and characteristics of postural control sub-components in people with COPD: a scoping review
Authors: Pichon Romain , Van Hove Olivier , Ménard Mathieu , Hearing Diane , Crétual Armel 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTPurposeImpairment of postural control is a common extra-respiratory manifestation in people with COPD. However, the precise characteristics of this alteration are not clearly known. The “Systems Framework for Postural Control” which define postural control sub-components, is a relevant tool to explore this field. The main aim of this review was to identify which postural control sub-components are impaired in patients with COPD and to summarize characteristics for each sub-component. A secondary aim was to precise the relation between postural control and activities of daily living.Materials and methodsA scoping review was conducted, according to the JBI methodology. Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Scielo, Google Scholar, Open Grey and HAL were searched from inception to March 2021. The search was performed in English and French.ResultsSeventy-seven articles were included. There was evidence of a potential impairment for most of the postural control sub-components. Characteristics of every sub-component alteration were heterogeneous. Even if the relation was poorly studied, reduced postural control seemed to be associate with difficulties in activities of daily living.ConclusionPatients with COPD could experiment impairment among a wide range of postural control sub-components. Future research must clarify if a common pattern of modification exits for this alteration.Implications for rehabilitationImpairment of postural control is a common extra-respiratory manifestation in patients with COPD and so clinicians must include it in their clinical reasoningNumerous postural control sub-components could be altered in patients with COPD, suggesting that postural control assessment must be holistic.This scoping review shows that characteristics of postural control impairment are varied and that there may be no common pattern at the COPD population level.
Association between metabolic syndrome and humoral immune response to Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine in healthcare workers
Authors: Hoang Dong Van , Yamamoto Shohei , Fukunaga Ami , Inoue Yosuke , Mizoue Tetsuya , Ohmagari Norio 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPurposeThe clustering of metabolic abnormalities may weaken vaccine-induced immunity, but epidemiological data regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are scarce. The present study examined the cross-sectional association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and humoral immune response to Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine among healthcare workers.MethodsParticipants were 946 healthcare workers, aged 21–75 years, who had completed the second dose of Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine 1–3 months before the survey. MetS was defined according to the Joint Interim Statement. SARS-CoV-2 spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody was measured using quantitative assays. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate the geometric mean titers (GMT) and geometric mean ratio (GMR) of IgG titers, relative to MetS status.ResultsA total of 51 participants (5.4%) had MetS. Healthcare workers with MetS had a significantly lower IgG titer (GMT 3882; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3124–4824) than those without MetS (GMT 5033; 95% CI, 4395–5764); the GMR was 0.77 (95% CI 0.64–0.93). The GMR for IgG titers among those having 0 (reference group), 1, 2, 3, or ≥ 4 MetS components was 1.00, 1.00, 0.89, 0.86 and 0.61, respectively (Ptrend = 0.004).ConclusionResults suggest that having MetS and a greater number of its components are associated with a weaker humoral immune response to the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine.
Rapid displacement of SARS-CoV-2 variants within Japan correlates with cycle threshold values on routine RT-PCR testing
Authors: Wright Danelle , Chan Carmen , Chaochaisit Wirawit , Ogawa Mio , Tanaka Junko , Nozaki Satoshi , Narita Shinji , Shimizu Eisuke , Aoshima Hideyuki , Baran Iri Sato 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide has led to the emergence of new variants due to the presence of mutations that alter viral characteristics, but there have been few studies on trends in viral lineages in Japan, an island country. We hypothesized that changes in cycle threshold (Ct) values on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) reflect the prevalent variants during a given period.MethodsWe performed next-generation sequencing of positive samples to identify the viral lineages in Japan in 2021 and compared variant prevalence with the average Ct values on routine RT-PCR using 4 primer sets.ResultsBased on 3 sequencing runs, the highly transmissible Alpha variant, which prevailed over other lineages, such as R.1, from April 2021, was dominated by the even stronger Delta variant between July and August 2021 in Japan. The decrease in our routine RT-PCR Ct values with 4 primer sets correlated with these fluctuations in lineage prevalence over time.ConclusionsWe confirmed that our RT-PCR protocol reflects the trends in SARS-CoV-2 variant prevalence over time regardless of sequence mutation. This may aid in the tracking of new variants in the population.
Comparison of the accuracy of 9 intraocular lens power calculation formulas using partial coherence interferometry
Authors: Maroun Anthony , El Shami Mohamad , Hoyek Sandra , Antoun Joelle 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPurposeTo compare the accuracy of 9 intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas (SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Haigis, Barrett Universal II, Kane, EVO 2.0, Ladas Super formula and Hill-RBF 3.0) using partial coherence interferometry (PCI).MethodsData from patients having uncomplicated cataract surgery with the insertion of 1 of 3 IOL types were included. All preoperative biometric measurements were performed using PCI. Prediction errors (PE) were deduced from refractive outcomes evaluated 3 months after surgery. The mean prediction error (ME), mean absolute prediction error (MAE), median absolute prediction error (MedAE), and standard deviation of prediction error (SD) were calculated, as well as the percentage of eyes with a PE within ±0.25, ±0.50, ±0.75 and ±1.00D for each formula.ResultsIncluded in the study were 126 eyes of 126 patients. Kane achieved the lowest MAE and SD across the entire sample as well as the highest percentage of PE within ±0.50D, and was proven to be more accurate than Haigis and Hoffer Q (P <.001). For an axial length of more than 26.0 mm, EVO 2.0 and Barrett obtained the lowest MAEs, with EVO 2.0 and Kane showing a higher percentage of prediction at ±0.50D compared to old generation formulas except for SRK/T (P =.04).ConclusionAll investigated formulas achieved good results; there was a tendency towards better outcomes with new generation formulas, especially in atypical eyes.
Theoretical derivation and clinical validation of the resolution limit of human eye to spherical lens change:A Self-controlled Study
Authors: Yi Zhen , Jie Gao , Kai Cao , Jing Shen , wei Zhang , Yun Dai 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground/AimsTo deduce theoretically and verify the resolution limit of human eye to spherical lens change for more reasonable design of the trial lenses.MethodsFirst, the resolution limit of discernible change in spherical power was derived based on the optical model. Then, the volunteers were observed to see if they could perceive the changes in spherical power as per the resolution limit and compare the difference in the best corrected visual acuity obtained with the resolution limit and interval of 0.25D.ResultsAssuming that the cone cell diameter is 3 μm and the pupil diameter of 4 mm, the theoretically resolution limit was 0.05D. When the diopter of spherical power was increased, the ratios of ability to perceive 0.05D spherical lens change were 98.3% and 96.7% in right and left eyes. When the diopter of spherical power was decreased, the ratios of ability to perceive 0.05D spherical lens change were 78.9% and 83.2% in right and left eyes. The best corrected visual acuity obtained with the 0.05 D interval trial lens was significantly better than in the 0.25 D interval on both eyes (Right eye -0.04±0.07 vs -0.02±0.06, t=6.729, P<0.001; Left eye -0.07±0.06 vs -0.04±0.06, t=8.825, P<0.001).ConclusionThe resolution limit of human eye to spherical lens change was about 0.05D and the better corrected visual acuity can be obtained by adjusting the spherical power at an interval of 0.05D.What is already known on this topicAt present, the spherical power is generally adjusted at 0.25D for optometry. In clinical practice, we find that a more than 80% of myopia patients with clear red prototypes will directly see clear green in case of a decrease by 0.25D, unable to achieve the red-green balance.What this study addsMore than 80% of myopia patients can perceive the changes in spherical power as per 0.05D.How this study might affect research, practice or policyAdjusting the spherical power per 0.05 D can help us to achieve a higher full correction rate (>80%) and realize better visual acuity.[Synopsis/Precis]The resolution limit of human eye to spherical lens change is about 0.05D and better corrected visual acuity can be obtained by adjusting the spherical power at an interval of 0.05D than 0.25D.
Generation and characterization of iPSC lines (UOHi001-A, UOHi002-A) From a patient with SHANK3 mutation and her healthy mother
Authors: Nayak Ritu , Rosh Idan , Rabinski Tatiana , Percia Menachem Mendel , Stern Shani 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPhelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a rare genetic condition that causes global developmental disability, delayed or absent speech, and autism spectrum disorder. The loss of function of one copy of SHANK3, which codes for a scaffolding protein found in the postsynaptic density of synapses, has been identified as the main cause of PMS. We report the generation and characterization of two induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines derived from one patient with a SHANK3 mutation and the patient’s mother as a control. Both lines expressed pluripotency markers, differentiated into the three germ layers, retained the disease-causing mutation, and displayed normal karyotypes.
Sun4 is a type II transmembrane protein of the spermatid inner nuclear membrane that forms heteromeric assemblies with Sun3 and interacts with Lamin B3
Authors: Thoma Hanna , Grünewald Luisa , Pasch Elisabeth , Alsheimer Manfred 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSUN domain proteins are conserved proteins of the nuclear envelope and key components of the LINC complexes (linkers of the nucleoskeleton and the cytoskeleton). Previous studies have demonstrated that the testis-specific SUN domain protein Sun4 is a vital player in spermatogenesis, critically involved in the directed shaping of the spermatid nucleus. Its molecular properties relating to this crucial function, however, have remained largely unknown. Previous studies presented quite controversial data for the general organization and orientation of Sun4 within the spermatid nuclear envelope. In the present study, we have re-evaluated this issue in detail and present new robust data on the Sun4 topology and its interactions at the nucleo-cytoplasmic junction. We identified Sun4 as an integral protein of the inner nuclear membrane, sharing a classical SUN domain protein topology. Similar to other SUN domain proteins, the C-terminal SUN domain of Sun4 locates to the perinuclear space and the N-terminus is directed to the nucleoplasm, where it interacts with the spermiogenesis specific Lamin B3. We found that Sun4 in its natural environment forms heteromeric assemblies with Sun3 and, beyond this, it is crucially involved in the regulation of Sun3 expression. Together, our results contribute to a better understanding of the specific function of Sun4 at the spermatid nucleo-cytoplasmic junction and the entire process of sperm-head formation.Summary statementIn our current study, we have analyzed in detail the biochemical and dynamic properties of the testis-specific SUN domain protein Sun4 and we provide novel insights into its interaction behavior at the spermatid nucleo-cytoplasmic junction.
Landscape structure is a key driver of protist diversity along elevation gradients in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Seppey Christophe V.W. , Lara Enrique , Broennimann Olivier , Guisan Antoine , Malard Lucie , Singer David , Yashiro Erika , Fournier Bertrand 
Published: April 2022

AbstractContextHuman-induced changes in landscape structure are among the main causes of biodiversity loss. Despite their important contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, microbes - and particularly protists - remain spatially understudied. Soil microbiota are most often driven by local soil properties, but the influence of the surrounding landscape is rarely assessed.ObjectivesWe assessed the effect of landscape structure on soil protist alpha and beta diversity in meadows in the western Swiss Alps.MethodsWe sampled 178 plots along an elevation gradient representing a broad range of environmental conditions and land-use. We measured landscape structure around each plot at 5 successive spatial scales (i.e. neighbourhood windows of increasing radius, ranging from 100 to 2000 m around a plot). We investigated the changes of protist alpha and beta diversity as a function of landscape structure, local environmental conditions and geographic distance.ResultsLandscape structures played a key role for protist alpha and beta diversity. The percentage of meadows, forests, or open habitats had the highest influence among all landscape metrics. The importance of landscape structure was comparable to that of environmental conditions and spatial variables, and increased with the size of the neighbourhood window considered.ConclusionsOur results suggest that dispersal from neighbouring habitats is a key driver of protist alpha and beta diversity which highlight the importance of landscape-scale assembly mechanisms for microbial diversity. Landscape structure emerges as a key driver of microbial communities which has profound implications for our understanding of the consequences of land-use change on soil microbial communities and their associated functions.
Efficient and sensitive profiling of RNA-protein interactions using TLC-CLIP
Authors: Ernst Christina , Duc Julien , Trono Didier 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTRNA-binding proteins are instrumental for post-transcriptional gene regulation, yet transcriptomewide methods to profile RNA-protein interactions remain technically challenging. We present an improved library preparation strategy for crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) that involves tailing and ligation of cDNA molecules (TLC) for increased sensitivity and efficiency. TLC-CLIP eliminates time-consumingpurifications, reduces sample loss and minimises experimental steps, allowing precise profiling of RNA-protein interactions from limited starting material at nucleotide resolution.
Comprehensive validation of fasting- and oral glucose tolerance test-based indices of insulin secretion against gold-standard measures
Authors: Prystupa Katsiaryna , Renklint Rebecka , Chninou Youssef , Otten Julia , Fritsche Louise , Hörber Sebastian , Peter Andreas , Birkenfeld Andreas , Fritsche Andreas , Heni Martin , Wagner Robert 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsWith prediabetes and diabetes increasingly recognized as heterogenous conditions, assessment of beta-cell function is gaining clinical importance to identify disease subphenotypes. Our study aims to comprehensively validate all types of surrogate indices based on OGTT- and fasting-measurements in comparison with gold standard methods.Materials and methodsThe hyperglycaemic clamp extended with GLP-1 infusion and IVGTT, as well as OGTT, was performed in two well-phenotyped cohorts. The gold-standard-derived indices were compared with surrogate insulin secretion markers, derived from fasting state and OGTT, using both Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients. The insulin- and C-peptide-based indices were analysed separately in different groups of glucose tolerance and the entire cohorts.ResultsThe highest correlation coefficients were found for AUC (I0-30)/AUC (G0-30), first-phase Stumvoll and Kadowaki model. These indices have high correlation coefficients with measures obtained from both insulin and C-peptide levels from IVGTT and hyperglycaemic clamp. AUC (I0-30)/AUC (G0-30), first-phase Stumvoll, AUC (I0-120)/AUC (G0-120) and BIGTT-AIR0-60-120 demonstrated the strongest association with incretin-stimulated insulin response.ConclusionWe have identified glucose- and GLP-1-stimulated insulin secretion indices, derived from OGTT and fasting state, that have the strongest correlation with gold-standard measures and could be potentially used in future researches and clinical practice.
Chromatin remodeler developmental pluripotency associated factor 4 (DPPA4) is a candidate gene for alcohol-induced developmental disorders
Authors: Auvinen P , Vehviläinen J , Marjonen H , Modhukur V , Sokka J , Wallén E , Rämö K , Ahola L , Salumets A , Otonkoski T , Skottman H , Ollikainen M , Trokovic R , Kahila H , Kaminen-Ahola N 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTAlcohol affects embryonic development, causing a variable fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) phenotype with neuronal disorders and birth defects. To explore the etiology of FASD, we collected an exceptional cohort of 80 severely alcohol-exposed and 100 control newborns and performed genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression analyses of placentas. DPPA4, FOXP2, and TACR3 with significantly decreased DNA methylation were discovered – particularly the regulatory region of DPPA4 in the early alcohol-exposed placentas. When human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were exposed to alcohol in vitro, significantly altered regulation of DPPA2, a closely linked heterodimer of DPPA4, was observed. While the regulatory region of DPPA4 was unmethylated in both control and alcohol-exposed hESCs, alcohol-induced decreased DNA methylation similar to placenta was seen in in vitro differentiated mesodermal and ectodermal cells. Furthermore, common genes with alcohol-associated DNA methylation changes in placenta and hESCs were linked exclusively to the neurodevelopmental pathways, which emphasizes the value of placental tissue when analyzing the effects of prenatal environment on human development. Our study shows the effects of early alcohol exposure on human embryonic and extraembryonic cells, introduces candidate genes for alcohol-induced developmental disorders, and reveals potential biomarkers for prenatal alcohol exposure.
To mask, or not to mask, Alice and Bob’s dating dilemma
Authors: (Sam) Ma Zhanshan , Zhang Ya-Ping 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFace masking in current COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a deceivingly simple decision-making problem due to its multifaceted nature. Questions arising from masking span biomedicine, epidemiology, physics, and human behaviors. While science has shown masks work generally, human behaviors (particularly under influences of politics) complicate the problem significantly given science generally assumes rationality and our minds are not always rational and/or honest. Minding minds, a legitimate concern, can also make masking legitimately confusing. To disentangle the potential confusions, particularly, the ramifications of irrationality and dishonesty, here we resort to evolutionary game theory. Specifically, we formulate and analyze the masking problem with a fictitious pair of young lovers, Alice and Bob, as a Sir Philip Sydney (SPS) evolutionary game, inspired by the handicap principle in evolutionary biology and cryptography figures in computer science. With the proposed ABD (Alice and Bob’s dating dilemma) as an asymmetric four-by-four strategic-form game, 16 strategic interactions were identified, and six of which may reach equilibriums with different characteristics such as separating, pooling, and polymorphic hybrid, being Nash, evolutionarily stable or neutrally stable. The six equilibrium types seem to mirror the diverse behaviors of mask believers, skeptics, converted, universal masking, voluntarily masking, coexisted and/or divided world of believers and skeptics. We suggest that the apparently simple ABD game is sufficiently general not only for studying masking policies for populations (viareplicator dynamics), but also for investigating other complex decision-making problems with COVID-19 pandemic including lockdownvs. reopening, herd immunityvs. quarantines, and aggressive tracingvs. privacy protection.
Coupling and Heterogeneity Modulate Pacemaking Capability in Healthy and Diseased Two-Dimensional Sinoatrial Node Tissue Models
Authors: Campana Chiara , Ricci Eugenio , Bartolucci Chiara , Severi Stefano , Sobie Eric A. 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTBoth experimental and modeling studies have attempted to determine mechanisms by which a small anatomical region, such as the sinoatrial node (SAN), can robustly drive electrical conduction in the human heart. However, despite important advances from prior research, important questions remain unanswered. This study aimed to investigate, through mathematical modeling, the role of intercellular coupling and cellular heterogeneity in synchronization and pacemaking within the healthy and diseased SAN. In a multicellular computational model of a monolayer of either human or rabbit SAN cells, simulations revealed that heterogenous cells synchronize their discharge frequency into a unique beating rhythm across a wide range of cellular heterogeneity and intercellular coupling. However, an insightful and unanticipated behavior appears in pathological conditions precipitated by perturbations of certain ionic currents (gCaL= 0.5): an intermediate range of intercellular coupling (900-4000 MΩ) is beneficial to the human SAN automaticity, enabling a very small portion of tissue (3.4%) to drive propagation, which fails with both lower and higher resistances. This protective effect of intercellular coupling and heterogeneity, seen in both human and rabbit tissues, highlights the remarkable resilience of the SAN. Overall, the model here developed allowed insight into the mechanisms of automaticity of the human sinoatrial node. The simulations suggest that certain degrees of gap junctional expressions protect the SAN from ionic perturbations that might be caused by drugs or mutations.