bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infection Prevention and Control practices; an exploratory qualitative study of experiences of health care providers and support staff at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Zimba Martin Magule , Dorothy Chanda O. , Mulubwa Chama , Ngoma-Hazemba Alice 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundInfection Prevention and Control is a public health concern to abate Hospital Acquired Infections. Hospital Acquired Infections are known to complicate clinical care, increase length of stay in hospitals and particularly have disturbing effects on patients’ recovery as well as devastating effects on health care facilities, especially in low resource settings. However, with effective infection prevention practices, the Microorganisms can be eradicated through proper hand hygiene practices of the health workers and proper waste management and disposal/adequate environmental sanitation.We explored the experiences of health care providers and support staffing infection prevention practices in selected clinical areas at the University Teaching Hospital, in Lusaka.Material and MethodsThis was a qualitative study that used an exploratory research design. The exploratory design allowed the participants to give in-depth narratives from their work environments as well as enabled the researcher to observe their Infection Prevention Practices. The observations provided an opportunity to make varied conclusions on compliance to infection prevention practices. The researcher collected data using an interview guide from the thirty (30) study respondents. Observations were conducted in their work environments to strengthen the conclusions made. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and then imported into Nvivo Version 11 for data management and analysis. Thematic analysis guided the conclusions made in the study.ResultsThree main themes emerged from the data analyzed: These were existing guidelines on selected Infection Prevention and Control guidelines; Knowledge and use of the Infection Prevention and Control guidelines, and compliance to Infection Prevention and Control guidelines by health care providers and support staff. The participants demonstrated good understanding of the benefits of observing standard IPC guidelines in the workplace, barriers to compliance were reported in almost all the sites. Staff turnover, limitations in infrastructural, and heavy clinical workloads led to lapses in compliance with Infection Prevention Practices.ConclusionThe study recommends the setting up of an effective and efficient Infection Prevention and Control Committee at the University Teaching Hospital. The committee should oversee the proper functioning of all safety and occupational Health activities and compliance to all infection prevention and control guidelines in the clinical areas and hospital environment by ensuring effective hand hygiene practices using elbow–operated taps and proper medical waste disposal starting with the use of foot-operated bins and compliance to all existing infection prevention guidelines in all clinical areas within the hospital..
Serological Response to Three, Four and Five Doses of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Osmanodja Bilgin , Ronicke Simon , Budde Klemens , Jens Annika , Hammett Charlotte , Koch Nadine , Seelow Evelyn , Waiser Johannes , Zukunft Bianca , Bachmann Friederike , Choi Mira , Weber Ulrike , Eberspächer Bettina , Hofmann Jörg , Grunow Fritz , Mikhailov Michael , Liefeldt Lutz , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Halleck Fabian , Schrezenmeier Eva 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMortality from COVID-19 among kidney transplant recipients (KTR) is high, and their response to three vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 is strongly impaired.We retrospectively analyzed serological response of up to five doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in KTR from December 27, 2020, until December 31, 2021. Particularly, the influence of different dose adjustment regimens for mycophenolic acid (MPA) on serological response to fourth vaccination was analyzed.In total, 4.277 vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 in 1.478 patients were analyzed. Serological response was 19.5% after 1.203 basic immunizations, and increased to 29.4%, 55.6%, and 57.5% in response to 603 third, 250 fourth and 40 fifth vaccinations, resulting in a cumulative response rate of 88.7%.In patients with calcineurin inhibitor and MPA maintenance immunosuppression, pausing MPA and adding 5 mg prednisolone equivalent before the fourth vaccination increased serological response rate to 75% in comparison to no dose adjustment (52%) or dose reduction (46%). Belatacept-treated patients had a response rate of 8.7% (4/46) after three vaccinations and 12.5% (3/25) after four vaccinations.Except for belatacept-treated patients, repeated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of up to five times effectively induces serological response in kidney transplant recipients. It can be enhanced by pausing MPA at the time of vaccination.
Epidemiologic Assessment of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Presentation in NYC During COVID-19
Authors: Rosenbaum Janet , Ochoa Kenny Castro , Hasan Faria , Goldfarb Alexa , Tang Vivian , Tomer Gitit , Wallach Thomas 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSARS-nCoV2 may have increased capacity to generate autoimmune disease; multiple reports suggest increased risk of Type 1 Diabetes, and case reports suggest other autoimmune linkages. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) pathogenesis appears to be a mix of genetic susceptibility, microbial populations, and immune triggers such as infections. Given the perceived role of infection in pathogenesis, decreased incidence of all infections during the pandemic secondary to non-pharmaceutical interventions should decrease IBD incidence rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the Covid-19 pandemic and IBD presentation in NYC using data from new diagnoses at a consortium of institutions.Using EMR systems all diagnoses at 4 collaborating institutions were retrieved from 2015-2021. We fit time series model (ARIMA) to the quarterly number of cases of each disease for January 2016-March 2020 and forecast the subsequent 21 months. We not only did not observe a decline in pediatric IBD secondary to absent viral illness but noted a statistically significant increase in Crohn’s Disease approximately 6 months after the initial 2020 COVID wave in NYC, and trends suggesting increases overall in IBD diagnoses above the existing trend towards increased disease presentation that pre-dated the pandemic. This data suggests that there may be a linkage between SARS-nCoV2 infection rates and subsequent pediatric IBD presentation, warranting further evaluation in the aftermath of the Omicron wave.
The costs of global protected-area expansion (Target 3 of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework) may fall more heavily on lower-income countries
Authors: Waldron A. , Besancon C. , Watson J.E.M. , Adams V.M. , Sumaila U.R. , Garnett S.T. , Balmford A. , Butchart S.H.M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOne of the biggest stumbling blocks for global environmental agreements is how higher-income and lower-income countries share the costs of implementing them. This problem has become particularly acute as biodiversity and climate ambitions have increased across recent COPs (Conferences of Parties). Here, we estimate the likely distribution of costs for one of the most ambitious proposals: draft Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which would increase coverage of protected and conserved areas (PCAs) to 30% of global land and sea area - more than triple the current value. Since the GBF does not specify where new PCAs would be placed, we use three scenarios of how Target 3 might be implemented, cost those scenarios, and then compare the mean distribution of costs across World Bank income groups. We find that in relative terms, lower-income countries could face considerably larger financial burdens than high-income countries, even though the benefits of conservation are disproportionately enjoyed by high-income countries. Lower-income countries would also face larger increases in the amount of land or sea under conservation, implying higher opportunity and establishment costs. Resolving this potential cost-sharing inequity may be a key requirement to achieve consensus on draft Target 3, and indeed on ambitious environmental proposals more generally.
Inconsistent directions of change in case severity across successive SARS-CoV-2 variant waves suggests an unpredictable future
Authors: Pascall David J. , Vink Elen , Blacow Rachel , Bulteel Naomi , Campbell Alasdair , Campbell Robyn , Clifford Sarah , Davis Chris , Silva Filipe Ana da , Sakka Noha El , Fjodorova Ludmila , Forrest Ruth , Goldstein Emily , Gunson Rory , Haughney John , Holden Matthew T.G. , Honour Patrick , Hughes Joseph , James Edward , Lewis Tim , MacLean Oscar , McHugh Martin , Mollett Guy , Nyberg Tommy , Onishi Yusuke , Parcell Ben , Ray Surajit , Robertson David L. , Seaman Shaun R. , Shabaan Sharif , Shepherd James G. , Smollett Katherine , Templeton Kate , Wastnedge Elizabeth , Wilkie Craig , Williams Thomas ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium, Thomson Emma C. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo determine how the severity of successively dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignRetrospective cohort analysis.SettingCommunity- and hospital-sequenced COVID-19 cases in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GG&C) Health Board.ParticipantsAll sequenced non-nosocomial adult COVID-19 cases in NHS GG&C infected with the relevant SARS-CoV-2 lineages during analysis periods. B.1.177/Alpha: 1st November 2020 - 30th January 2021 (n = 1640). Alpha/Delta: 1st April - 30th June 2021 (n = 5552). AY.4.2 Delta/non-AY.4.2 Delta: 1st July - 31st October 2021 (n = 9613). Non-AY.4.2 Delta/Omicron: 1st - 31st December 2021 (n = 3858).Main outcome measuresAdmission to hospital, ICU, or death within 28 days of positive COVID-19 testResultsFor B.1.177/Alpha, 300 of 807 B.1.177 cases were recorded as hospitalised or worse, compared to 232 of 833 Alpha cases. After adjustment, the cumulative odds ratio was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.08-2.11) for Alpha versus B.1.177. For Alpha/Delta, 113 of 2104 Alpha cases were recorded as hospitalised or worse, compared to 230 of 3448 Delta cases. After adjustment, the cumulative odds ratio was 2.09 (95% CI: 1.42-3.08) for Delta versus Alpha. For non-AY.4.2 Delta/AY.4.2 Delta, 845 of 8644 non-AY.4.2 Delta cases were recorded as hospitalised or worse, compared to 101 of 969 AY.4.2 Delta cases. After adjustment, the cumulative odds ratio was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.76-1.27) for AY.4.2 Delta versus non-AY.4.2 Delta. For non-AY.4.2 Delta/Omicron, 30 of 1164 non-AY.4.2 Delta cases were recorded as hospitalised or worse, compared to 26 of 2694 Omicron cases. After adjustment, the median cumulative odds ratio was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.22-1.06) for Omicron versus non-AY.4.2 Delta.ConclusionsThe direction of change in disease severity between successively emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern was inconsistent. This heterogeneity demonstrates that severity associated with future SARS-CoV-2 variants is unpredictable.
Altered M2 Cortex - Superior Colliculus visual perception circuit in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Conde-Berriozabal Sara , García-Gilabert Lia , García-García Esther , Sitjà-Roqueta Laia , López-Gil Javier , Muñoz-Moreno Emma , Boudjadja Mehdi Boutagouga , Soria Guadalupe , Rodríguez Manuel J , Alberch Jordi , Masana Mercè 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe premotor cortical area -M2 cortex in rodents- connection to the striatum is involved in movement and prominently affected in Huntington’s Disease (HD). M2 cortex also projects to the superior colliculus (SC), implicated in oculomotor functions (i.e. saccades) and visual perception. Here, we investigated the contribution of M2 cortex – SC circuit to HD physiopathology in male mice. Using fMRI, we observed that M2 cortex functional connectivity with the SC was the most prominently affected circuit in the symptomatic R6/1 HD mouse model. Structural alterations were also detected by tractography and viral tracing. HD mice showed decreased defensive behavioral responses towards an unexpected visual stimuli, such as a moving robo-beetle, and decreased locomotion upon unexpected flash of light. Additionally, optogenetic M2 cortex – SC stimulation promoted avoidance responses towards the robo-beetle in WT, but not HD mice. Though, DWI measurements in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiological responses to optogenetic and electrical stimuli in the SC suggested preserved brain structure. Finally, GCamp6f fluorescence recordings with fiber photometry indicated that aberrant M2 cortex engagement might be the underlying mechanism of visual perception alterations in HD. Collectively, our findings point to a key role of M2 cortex - SC circuit alterations in HD pathophysiology.
Tree species and genetic diversity increase productivity via functional diversity and trophic feedbacks
Authors: Tang Ting , Zhang Naili , Bongers Franca J. , Staab Michael , Schuldt Andreas , Fornoff Felix , Lin Hong , Cavender-Bares Jeannine , Hipp Andrew , Li Shan , Liang Yu , Han Baocai , Klein Alexandra-Maria , Bruelheide Helge , Durka Walter , Schmid Bernhard , Ma Keping , Liu Xiaojuan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAddressing global biodiversity loss requires an expanded focus on multiple dimensions of biodiversity. While most studies have focused on the consequences of plant interspecific diversity, our mechanistic understanding of how the diversity within a given plant species (genetic diversity) affects plant productivity remains limited. Here, we use a tree species × genetic diversity experiment to disentangle the effects of species diversity and genetic diversity, and how they are related to tree functional diversity and trophic feedbacks. Tree species as well as genetic diversity increased tree productivity via increased tree functional diversity, reduced soil fungal diversity and marginally reduced herbivory. The effect of tree genetic diversity on productivity was partly different between tree species monocultures and mixtures: the functional diversity effect resulting from tree genetic diversity was only found in tree species monocultures, but the trophic feedbacks via herbivory were similar in species monocultures and mixtures. Given the complexity of interactions between tree species and genetic diversity, tree functional diversity and trophic feedbacks on productivity, we suggest that both tree species and genetic diversity should be considered in reforestation.
A toolkit of highly selective and sensitive genetically encoded neuropeptide sensors
Authors: Wang Huan , Qian Tongrui , Zhao Yulin , Zhuo Yizhou , Wu Chunling , Osakada Takuya , Chen Peng , Ren Huixia , Yan Yuqi , Geng Lan , Fu Shengwei , Mei Long , Li Guochuan , Wu Ling , Jiang Yiwen , Qian Weiran , Peng Wanling , Xu Min , Hu Ji , Chen Liangyi , Tang Chao , Lin Dayu , Zhou Jiang-Ning , Li Yulong 
Published: March 2022

SUMMARYNeuropeptides are key signaling molecules in the endocrine and nervous systems that regulate many critical physiological processes, including energy balance, sleep and circadian rhythms, stress, and social behaviors. Understanding the functions of neuropeptides in vivo requires the ability to monitor their dynamics with high specificity, sensitivity, and spatiotemporal resolution; however, this has been hindered by the lack of direct, sensitive and non-invasive tools. Here, we developed a series of GRAB (G protein-coupled receptor activation‒based) sensors for detecting somatostatin (SST), cholecystokinin (CCK), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), neuropeptide Y (NPY), neurotensin (NTS), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). These fluorescent sensors utilize the corresponding GPCRs as the neuropeptide-sensing module with the insertion of a circular-permutated GFP as the optical reporter. This design detects the binding of specific neuropeptides at nanomolar concentration with a robust increase in fluorescence. We used these GRAB neuropeptide sensors to measure the spatiotemporal dynamics of endogenous SST release in isolated pancreatic islets and to detect the release of both CCK and CRF in acute brain slices. Moreover, we detect endogenous CRF release induced by stressful experiences in vivo using fiber photometry and 2-photon imaging in mice. Together, these new sensors establish a robust toolkit for studying the release, function, and regulation of neuropeptides under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
CryoET Reveals Organelle Phenotypes in Huntington Disease Patient iPSC-Derived and Mouse Primary Neurons
Authors: Wu Gong-Her , Smith-Geater Charlene , Galaz-Montoya Jesús G. , Gu Yingli , Gupte Sanket R. , Aviner Ranen , Mitchell Patrick G. , Hsu Joy , Miramontes Ricardo , Wang Keona Q. , Geller Nicolette R. , Danita Cristina , Joubert Lydia-Marie , Schmid Michael F. , Yeung Serena , Frydman Judith , Mobley William , Wu Chengbiao , Thompson Leslie M. , Chiu Wah 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHuntington’s Disease (HD) is caused by an expanded CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene, yielding a Huntingtin protein with an expanded polyglutamine tract. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can help understand disease; however, defining pathological biomarkers is challenging. Here, we used cryogenic electron tomography to visualize neurites in HD patient iPSC-derived neurons with varying CAG repeats, and primary cortical neurons from BACHD, deltaN17-BACHD, and wild-type mice. In HD models, we discovered mitochondria with enlarged granules and distorted cristae, and thin sheet aggregates in double membrane-bound organelles. We used artificial intelligence to quantify mitochondrial granules, and proteomics to show differential protein content in HD mitochondria. Knockdown of Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT1 ameliorated aberrant phenotypes in iPSC-neurons and reduced phenotypes in BACHD neurons. We show that integrated ultrastructural and proteomic approaches may uncover early HD phenotypes to accelerate diagnostics and the development of targeted therapeutics for HD.
The aggregation potential of Zika virus proteome
Authors: Giri Rajanish , Bhardwaj Taniya , Saumya Kumar Udit , Gadhave Kundlik , Kapuganti Shivani K , Sharma Nitin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe ability of human encoded soluble proteins to convert into amyloid fibrils is now recognized as a generic phenomenon in several human illnesses. Typically, such disease causal proteins/peptides consist of aggregation-prone regions (APR) that make them susceptible to misfolding and assemble into highly ordered β-sheet rich fibrils, distinct from their native soluble state. Here, we show that the zika virus (ZIKV) consists of several such aggregation prone hotspots spread across its entire proteome. Using a combination of high-accuracy prediction tools, we identified APRs in both structural and non-structural proteins of ZIKV. Furthermore, we have experimentally validated the bioinformatic results by subjecting the ZIKV proteins and peptides to artificial aggregation inducing environment. Using a combination of dye-based assays (ThT and ANS) and microscopy techniques (HR-TEM and AFM), we further characterized the morphological features of amyloid-like fibrils. We found that Envelope domain III (EDIII) protein, NS1 β-roll peptide, membrane-embedded signal peptide 2K, and cytosolic region of NS4B protein to be highly aggregating in the experimental setup. Our findings also pave the way for an extensive and detailed functional analysis of these predicted APRs in the future to enhance our understanding of the role played by amyloids in the pathogenesis of flavivirus.Graphical Abstract
The role of repetitive DNA in re-patterning of major rDNA clusters in Lepidoptera
Authors: Dalíková Martina , Provazníková Irena , Provazník Jan , Grof-Tisza Patrick , Pepi Adam , Nguyen Petr 
Published: March 2022

AbstractGenes for major ribosomal RNAs (rDNA) are present in multiple copies organized in tandem arrays. Number and position of rDNA loci can change dynamically and their re-patterning is presumably driven by repetitive sequences. We explored a peculiar rDNA organization in several representatives of Lepidoptera with either extremely large or numerous rDNA clusters. We combined molecular cytogenetics with analyses of second and third generation sequencing data to show that rDNA spreads as a transcription unit and reveal association between rDNA and various repeats. Furthermore, we performed comparative long read analyses between the species with derived rDNA distribution and moths with a single rDNA locus, which is considered ancestral. Our results suggest that satellite arrays, rather than mobile elements, facilitate homology-mediated spread of rDNA via either integration of extrachromosomal rDNA circles or ectopic recombination. The latter arguably better explains preferential spread of rDNA into terminal regions of lepidopteran chromosomes as efficiency of ectopic recombination depends on proximity of homologous sequences to telomeres.
3D-printed decoys are as effective as taxidermied decoys in attracting red-breasted sapsuckers for mist-netting
Authors: Natola Libby , Tousley Frankie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDecoys often improve targeted mist-netting efforts by drawing the species of interest to a specific area nearer the net. Traditional decoy constructions include taxidermied carcasses, hand-made wood or clay figures, or professionally made products purchased from companies that provide a limited number of species, sizes, shapes, and markings. 3D-printing allows ornithologists to customize decoys to their own study species’ specifications using cheap, durable, and replaceable materials. We show that red-breasted sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus ruber ruber) respond with equivocal aggression towards 3D-printed decoys and taxidermied decoys, demonstrating 3D-printed decoys as an effective tool in attracting birds towards a mist net for capture.