bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adequacy Of Salt Iodization, Retailers’ Knowledge And Associated Factors About Iodized Salt In Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne, Ethiopia
Authors: kebede Meron , Alemu Zewdie Aderaw , Gutata Dano 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere are laws to enforce the universal iodization of salt to check the consequences of iodine deficiency in Ethiopia. These laws are to ensure that there are production and sales of iodized salt in the country. Yet, the adequacy of iodized salt in the retailers’ level is not determined.ObjectiveThis study is aimed to investigate the adequacy of salt iodization, retailers’ knowledge, and associated factors about iodized salt among retailers in Addis Ababa surrounding finfinne Special Zone, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 iodized salt retailers that were selected by using a simple random sampling technique. Data among the shop retailers for the assessment of knowledge was collected by using a structured questionnaire, and titration test method was done to determine the adequacy of salt iodization. The data management and analysis were done by using Statistical Packages for Social Scientists Version 23. Descriptive statistics such as mean, median, standard deviation, and frequency were computed to describe the data. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to examine the association between the dependent and independent variables. The strength of association between the dependent and independent variables was explained by using the odds ratio and the level of statistical significance was accepted at a p-value of less than 0.05. Finally, the results were presented by using graphs and tables.ResultA total of 202 salt retailers were approached in this study with a mean age of 28.78±7.548 years. Nearly around two-thirds of the study participants were male. Of the total retailers’ salt samples, 95(57.2%) were adequately (20-40ppm) iodized, and the educational level of the retailers was significantly associated with the adequacy of salt iodization. From the total salt retailer, 113(55.9%) had good knowledge, and retailers who heard about iodized salt (AOR=0.043, CI: 0.017-0.109, p<0.001) and having legal framework/law (AOR=0.24, CI: 0.098-0.61, p=0.003) that prohibits the selling of non-iodized salt were significantly associated with good knowledge level.Conclusion and RecommendationStill policies have been implemented to promote the production and consumption of iodized salt, the iodine content of salt in retail shops in the Oromia Special Zone Finfinne, Oromia regional state is not encouraging. We recommend the establishment of checkpoints along the production and distribution chain to ensure salt with adequate iodine reaches the consumer. Again, traders of iodized salt should have regular training on ways to preserve salt to maintain its iodine content
Racial/Ethnic, Biomedical, and Sociodemographic Risk Factors for COVID-19 Positivity and Hospitalization in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Tam Cho Wendy K. , Hwang David G. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe COVID-19 pandemic has uncovered clinically meaningful racial/ethnic disparities in COVID-19-related health outcomes. Current understanding of the basis for such an observation remains incomplete, with both biomedical and social/contextual variables proposed as potential factors.PURPOSEUsing a logistic regression model, we examined the relative contributions of race/ethnicity, biomedical, and socioeconomic factors to COVID-19 test positivity and hospitalization rates in a large academic health care system in the San Francisco Bay Area prior to the advent of vaccination and other pharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19.RESULTSWhereas socioeconomic factors, particularly those contributing to increased social vulnerability, were associated with test positivity for COVID-19, biomedical factors and disease co-morbidities were the major factors associated with increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization. Hispanic individuals had a higher rate of COVID-19 positivity, while Asian persons had higher rates of COVID-19 hospitalization. Diabetes was an important risk factor for COVID-19 hospitalization, particularly among Asian patients, for whom diabetes tended to be more frequently undiagnosed and higher in severity.CONCLUSIONSWe observed that biomedical, racial/ethnic, and socioeconomic factors all contributed in varying but distinct ways to COVID-19 test positivity and hospitalization rates in a large, multiracial, socioeconomically diverse metropolitan area of the United States. The impact of a number of these factors differed according to race/ethnicity. Improving over-all COVID-19 health outcomes and addressing racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 out-comes will likely require a comprehensive approach that incorporates strategies that target both individual-specific and group contextual factors.
Loss of CHGA protein as a potential biomarker for colon cancer diagnosis: a study on biomarker discovery by machine learning and confirmation by immunohistochemistry in colorectal cancer tissue microarrays
Authors: Zhang Xueli , Zhang Hong , Fan Chuanwen , Shen Bairong , Sun Xiao-Feng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundIncidences of colon and rectal cancers have been parallelly and constantly increased, however, the mortality has been slightly decreased due to early diagnosis and better therapies during the last decades. Precise early diagnosis for colorectal cancer has been a great challenge in order to win chances for the best choices of cancer therapies.Patients and methodsWe have started with searching protein biomarkers based on our colorectal biomarker database (CBD), finding differential expressed genes (GEGs) and non-DEGs from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data, and further predicted new biomarkers on protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks by machine learning (ML) methods. The best-selected biomarker was further verified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) test from microarray and RNA-seq data, biological network and functional analysis, and immunohistochemistry in the tissue arrays from 198 specimens.ResultsThere were twelve proteins (MYO5A, CHGA, MAPK13, VDAC1, CCNA2, YWHAZ, CDK5, GNB3, CAMK2G, MAPK10, SDC2, and ADCY5) which were predicted by ML as colon cancer candidate diagnosis biomarkers. These predicted biomarkers showed close relationships with reported biomarkers on PPI network and shared some pathways. ROC test showed CHGA protein with the best diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.9 in microarray data and 0.995 in RNA-seq data) among these candidate protein biomarkers. Furthermore, CHGA performed well in the immunohistochemistry test.ConclusionsProtein expression of CHGA in the normal colorectal mucosa was lost in the colorectal cancers and the lose of CHGA protein might be a potential candidate biomarker for colon or even colorectal cancer diagnosis.TopicCHGA expression, colon cancer diagnosisKey MessageThe results of this study suggest that lose of CHGA expression from the normal colon and adjacent mucosa to colon cancer may be used as a valuable biomarker for early diagnosis of colon adenocarcinoma
Use of face masks did not impact COVID-19 incidence among 10–12-year-olds in Finland
Authors: Juutinen Aapo , Sarvikivi Emmi , Laukkanen-Nevala Päivi , Helve Otto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn fall 2021 in Finland, the recommendation to use face masks in schools for pupils ages 12 years and above was in place nationwide. Some cities recommended face masks for younger pupils as well. Our aim was to compare COVID-19 incidence among 10–12-year-olds between cities with different recommendations on the use of face masks in schools. COVID-19 case numbers were obtained from the National Infectious Disease Registry (NIDR) of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, where clinical microbiology laboratories report all positive SARS-CoV-2 tests with unique identifiers in a timely manner, including information such as date of birth, gender, and place of residence. The NIDR is linked to the population data registry, enabling calculation of incidences. We compared the differences in trends of 14-day incidences between Helsinki and Turku among 10–12-year-olds, and for comparison, also among ages 7–9 and 30–49 by using joinpoint regression. According to our analysis, no additional effect seemed to be gained from this, based on comparisons between the cities and between the age groups of the unvaccinated children (10–12 years versus 7–9 years).
Early SARS-CoV-2 reinfections within 60 days highlight the need to consider antigenic variations together with duration of immunity in defining retesting policies
Authors: Nevejan Louis , Cuypers Lize , Laenen Lies , Van Loo Liselotte , Vermeulen François , Wollants Elke , Van Hecke Ignace , Desmet Stefanie , Lagrou Katrien , Maes Piet , André Emmanuel 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, characterized by a significant antigenic diversity compared to the previous Delta variant, had led to a decrease in antibody efficacy in both convalescent and vaccinees’ sera resulting in high number of reinfections and breakthrough cases worldwide. However, to date, reinfections are defined by the ECDC as two positive tests ≥60 days apart, influencing retesting policies after an initial positive test in several European countries. We illustrate by a clinical case supplemental by epidemiological data that early reinfections do occur within 60 days especially in young, unvaccinated individuals. In older patient groups, unvaccinated and patients with a basic vaccination scheme are more vulnerable to reinfections compared to patients who received a first booster vaccine. For this reason, we consider that the duration of protection offered by a previous infection should be reconsidered, in particular when a shift between consecutive SARS-CoV-2 variants occurs.
Toward an optimal contraception dosing strategy
Authors: Gavina Brenda Lyn A. , de los Reyes Aurelio A. , Olufsen Mette S. , Lenhart Suzanne , Ottesen Johnny T. 
Published: April 2022

Anovulation refers to a menstrual cycle characterized by the absence of ovulation. Exogenous hormones such as synthetic progesterone and estrogen have been used to attain this state to achieve contraception. However, large doses are associated with adverse effects such as increased risk for thrombosis and myocardial infarction. This study utilizes optimal control theory on a modified menstrual cycle model to determine the minimum total exogenous estrogen/progesterone dose, and timing of administration to induce anovulation. The mathematical model correctly predicts the mean daily levels of pituitary hormones LH and FSH, and ovarian hormones E2, P4, and Inh throughout a normal menstrual cycle and reflects the reduction in these hormone levels caused by exogenous estrogen and/or progesterone. Results show that it is possible to reduce the total dose by 92% in estrogen monotherapy, 43% in progesterone monotherapy, and that it is most effective to deliver the estrogen contraceptive in the mid follicular phase. Finally, we show that by combining estrogen and progesterone the dose can be lowered even more. These results may give clinicians insights into optimal formulations and schedule of therapy that can suppress ovulation.AUTHOR SUMMARYHormonal contraceptives composed of exogenous estrogen and/or progesterone are commonly administered artificial means of birth control. Despite many benefits, adverse side effects associated with high doses such as thrombosis and myocardial infarction, cause hesitation to usage. Our study presents an improved mathematical model for hormonal control of the menstrual cycle and applies optimal control theory to minimize total exogenous estrogen and/or progesterone dose, and determine timing of administration that lead to contraception. We observe a reduction in dosage of about 92% in estrogen monotherapy and 43% in progesterone monotherapy. Our simulations show that it is most effective to deliver the estrogen contraceptive in the mid follicular phase. In addition, we illustrate that combination therapy significantly lower doses further. Our findings may give clinicians insights into optimal dosing scheme for contraception.
State Dependent Anionic Pore Currents Conducted by Single Countercharge Mutants in a Voltage-Sensing Phosphatase
Authors: Shen Rong , Roux Benoît , Perozo Eduardo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMutating gating charge residues in the S4 segment of voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) can cause ionic leak currents through the VSDs. These leak currents, known as gating pore or omega currents, play important pathophysiological role in many diseases. Here, we show that mutations in a key countercharge residue, D129, in the Ciona intestinalis voltage-sensing phosphatase (Ci-VSP) facilitate conduction of unique anionic omega currents. Neutralization of D129 causes a dramatic positive shift of activation, facilitates the formation of a continuous water path through the intermediate state VSD, and creates a positive electrostatic potential landscape inside the VSD leading to anion selectivity. Increasing the population or duration of the conducting state by a high external pH or an engineered Cd2+ bridge markedly increases the current magnitude. Our findings uncover a new role of countercharge residues and could inform on the mechanisms of channelopathies linked to countercharge residue mutations.
Advanced transcriptomic analysis reveals the role of efflux pumps and media composition in antibiotic responses ofPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Rajput Akanksha , Tsunemoto Hannah , Sastry Anand V. , Szubin Richard , Rychel Kevin , Chauhan Siddharth M. , Pogliano Joe , Palsson Bernhard O. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen and major cause of hospital acquired infections. The pathogenicity and virulence ofP. aeruginosais largely determined by its transcriptional regulatory network (TRN). We used 411 transcription profiles ofP. aeruginosafrom diverse growth conditions to construct a quantitative TRN by identifying independently modulated sets of genes (called iModulons) and their condition-specific activity levels. The current study focused on the use of iModulons to analyze pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance ofP. aeruginosa. Our analysis revealed: 1) 116 iModulons, 81 of which show strong association with known regulators; 2) novel roles of two-component systems in regulating antibiotics efflux pumps; 3) substrate-efflux pump associations; 4) differential iModulon activity in response to beta-lactam antibiotics in bacteriological and physiological media; 5) differential activation of ‘Cell Division’ iModulon resulting from exposure to different beta-lactam antibiotics; and 6) a role of the PprB iModulon in the stress-induced transition from planktonic to biofilm lifestyle. In light of these results, the construction of an iModulon-based TRN provides a transcriptional regulatory basis for key aspects ofP. aeruginosainfection, such as antibiotic stress responses and biofilm formation. Taken together, our results offer a novel mechanistic understanding ofP. aeruginosapathogenicity.SignificanceLarge data sets and machine learning are impacting a growing number of areas of research in the life sciences. Once the compendia of bacterial transcriptomes reached a critical size, we could use source signal extraction algorithms to find lists of co-regulated genes (called iModulons) associated with a transcription factor (TF) to them. The gene composition of iModulons and their condition-dependent activity levels constitute a quantitative description of the composition of bacterial transcriptomes. This study shows how this approach can be used to reveal the responses ofP. aeruginosato antibiotics and thus yield a deep regulatory understanding of pathogenicity properties. This study motivates the execution of similar studies for the other ESKAPEEs to yield a broad understanding of the role of TRNs in antibiotic responses to these urgent threat bacterial pathogens.
Impulse dispersion of aerosols during playing the recorder and evaluation of safety measures
Authors: Köberlein Marie , Hermann Laila , Gantner Sophia , Tur Bogac , Peters Gregor , Westphalen Caroline , Benthaus Tobias , Döllinger Michael , Kniesburges Stefan , Echternach Matthias 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionGroup musical activities using wind instruments have been restricted during the CoVID19 pandemic due to suspected higher risk of virus transmission. It was presumed that the aerosols exhaled through the tubes while playing would be ejected over larger distances and spread into the room due to jet stream effects. In particular, the soprano recorder is widely used as instrument in school classes and for beginners of all age groups in their musical education, as well as in contexts of leisure activities and in professional concert performances.Understanding the aerosol impulse dispersion characteristics of playing the soprano recorder could assist with the establishment of concepts for safe music-making.MethodsFive adult professionally trained soprano recorder players (4 female, 1 male) played four bars of the main theme of L. van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” in low and in high octaves, as well as with 3 different potential protection devices in the high octave. For comparison they spoke the corresponding text by F. Schiller. Before each task, they inhaled .5 L of vapor from an e-cigarette filled with base liquid. The vapor cloud escaping during speaking or playing was recorded by cameras and its spread was measured as a function of time in the three spatial dimensions. The potential safety devices were rated in practicability with a questionnaire, and their influence on the sound was compared, generating a long-term average spectrum from the audio data.ResultsWhen playing in the high octave, at the end of the task the clouds showed a median distance of 1.06 m to the front and .57 m diameter laterally (maxima: x: 1.35 m and y: .97 m). It was found that the clouds’ expansion values in playing the recorder with and without safety measures are mostly lower when compared to the ordinary, raised speaking voice of the same subjects.The safety devices which covered the instrument did not show clear advantages and were rated as unpractical by the subjects. The most effective reduction of the cloud was reached when playing into a suction funnel.ConclusionThe aerosol dispersion characteristics of soprano recorders seem comparable to clarinets. The tested safety devices which covered holes of the instrument did not show clear benefits.
Antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with acute leukaemia and high risk MDS on active anti-cancer therapies
Authors: Chan W.Y. , Zhu C. , Sanchez E. , Gupta R. , Fielding A.K , Khwaja A. , Payne E.M. , O’Nions J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPatients with haematological malignancies, such as acute leukaemia and high-risk MDS (HR-MDS), have significantly increased mortality and morbidity from COVID-19. However vaccine efficacy in these patients and the impact of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) on vaccine response remains to be fully established. SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in 53 patients with ALL, AML or HR-MDS receiving SACT were characterised following two doses of either BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1nCoV-19. All patients were tested for anti-S antibodies after 2 doses, 60% after the first dose and anti-N antibody testing was performed on 46 patients (87%). Seropositivity rates after 2 vaccine doses were 95% in AML/HR-MDS patients and 79% in ALL. After stratification by prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, naïve patients with AML/HR-MDS had higher seroconversion rates and median anti-S antibody titres compared to ALL (median 291U/mL versus 5.06U/mL), and significant increases in anti-S titres with consecutive vaccine doses, not seen in ALL. No difference was seen in serological response between patients receiving intensive chemotherapy or non-intensive therapies (HMA) but significantly reduced titres were present in AML/HR-MDS patients who received venetoclax-based regimens compared to other therapies. All ALL patients received intensive chemotherapy, with no further impact of anti-CD20 immunotherapy on serological response. Understanding the impact of disease subtypes and therapy on vaccine response is essential to enable decisions on modifying or delaying treatment in the context of either SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination.
Predictors for Reactogenicity and Humoral Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 Following Infection and mRNA Vaccination: A Regularized Mixed-Effects Modelling Approach
Authors: Williams Erin C. , Kizhner Alexander , Stark Valerie S. , Nawab Aria , Muniz Daniel D. , Tribin Felipe Echeverri , Carreño Juan Manuel , Bielak Dominika , Singh Gagandeep , Hoffer Michael E. , Krammer Florian , Pallikkuth Suresh , Pahwa Savita 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe influence of pre-existing humoral immunity, inter-individual demographic factors, and vaccine-associated reactogenicity on immunogenicity following COVID vaccination remains poorly understood.MethodsTen-fold cross-validated least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate symptoms experienced during natural infection and following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination along with demographics as predictors for antibody (AB) responses in COVID+ participants in a longitudinal cohort study.ResultsIn previously infected individuals, AB were more durable and robust following vaccination when compared to natural infection alone. Higher AB were associated with experiencing dyspnea during natural infection, as was the total number of symptoms reported during the COVID-19 disease course. Both local and systemic symptoms following 1st and 2nd dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines were predictive of higher AB after vaccination, as were the demographic factors of age and Hispanic ethnicity. Lastly, there was a significant temporal relationship between AB and days since infection or vaccination.ConclusionVaccination in COVID+ individuals ensures a more robust immune response. Experiencing systemic and local symptoms post-vaccine is suggestive of higher AB, which may confer greater protection. Age and Hispanic ethnicity are predictive of higher AB.