bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population-weighted greenspace exposure tied to lower COVID-19 mortality rates: A nationwide dose-response study in the United States
Authors: Yang Yuwen , Lu Yi , Jiang Bin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe COVID-19 outbreak has caused enormous deaths and profound social and economic disruption globally. Accumulating evidence suggests exposure to greenspace may reduce the risk of COVID-19 mortality. Greenspace exposure enhances immune functioning, reduces inflammation, and replenishes gut microbiota may protect against the risk of mortality among those with COVID-19. However, previous studies often fail to distinguish the health effect of different types of greenspace, explore the dose-response association and optimal buffer distance, and consider the spatial dynamics of population distribution and geographic locations of greenspace.This study examined the associations among ratio of different types of greenspaces, population- weighted exposure to different types of greenspaces, and COVID-19 mortality rates using a negative binomial generalized linear mixed effects model across 3,025 counties in the United States, adjusted for socioeconomic, demographic, pre-existing chronic disease, policy and regulation, behavioral, and environmental factors. The population-weighted measure gave proportionally greater weight to greenspace near areas of higher population density.Exposure to forest and pasture was negatively associated with COVID-19 mortality rates, while developed open space has insignificant or positive associations with mortality rates.Forest outside parkhas the largest effect size across all buffer distances, followed byforest inside park. The optimal exposure buffer distance is 1km forforest outside park, with 1 unit of increase in exposure associated with a 9.9% decrease in mortality rates (95% confidence interval: 6.9% -12.8%). The optimal exposure buffer distance offorest inside parkis 400m, with 1 unit of increase in exposure, associated with a 4.7% decrease in mortality rates (95% confidence interval: 2.4% - 6.9%).Greenspaces, especially nearby forest, may be effective at lowering the mortality risk of COVID-19 patients. Our findings suggest that policymakers and planners should prioritize forestry within walking distance of residential clusters to mitigate mortality rates during current and future respiratory pandemics.
Facing the Omicron variant – How well do vaccines protect against mild and severe COVID-19? Third interim analysis of a living systematic review
Authors: Külper-Schiek Wiebe , Piechotta Vanessa , Pilic Antonia , Batke Madeleine , Dreveton Léa-Sophie , Geurts Brogan , Koch Judith , Köppe Stefan , Treskova Marina , Vygen-Bonnet Sabine , Waize Maria , Wichmann Ole , Harder Thomas 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is currently the dominant variant globally. This 3rd interim analysis of a living systematic review summarizes evidence on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) and duration of protection against Omicron.MethodsWe systematically searched the COVID-19 literature for controlled studies evaluating the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines approved in the European Union up to 14/01/2022, complemented by hand-searches of websites and metasearch engines up to 11/02/2022. We considered the following comparisons: full primary immunization vs. no vaccination; booster immunization vs. no vaccination; booster vs. primary immunization. VE against any confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptomatic, and severe COVID-19 (i.e. COVID-19-related hospitalization, ICU-admission, or death) was indicated providing estimate ranges. Meta-analysis was not performed due to high study heterogeneity. Risk of bias was assessed with ROBINS-I, certainty of evidence evaluated using GRADE.ResultsWe identified 26 studies, including 430 to 2.2 million participants.VE against any confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to no vaccination ranged between 0-62% after full primary immunization, and between 34-66% after a booster dose. VE-range for booster vs. primary immunization was 34-54.6%.Against symptomatic COVID-19, VE ranged between 6-76% after full primary immunization, and between 19-73.9% after booster immunization, if compared to no vaccination. When comparing booster vs. primary immunization VE ranged between 56-69%.VE against severe COVID-19 compared to no vaccination ranged between 3-84% after full primary immunization, and between 12-100% after a booster dose. One study compared booster vs. primary immunization (VE 100%, 95% CI 71.4-100).VE was characterized by a moderate to strong decline within three to six months for SARS-CoV-2 infections and symptomatic COVID-19. Against severe COVID-19 protection remained robust at least for up to six months. Waning immunity was more profound after primary than booster immunization.Risk of bias was moderate to critical across studies and outcomes. GRADE-certainty was very low for all outcomes.Author’s conclusionsUnder the Omicron variant, effectiveness of EU-licensed COVID-19 vaccines in preventing any SARS-CoV-2 infection or mild disease is low and only short-lasting after primary immunization, but can be improved by booster vaccination. VE against severe COVID-19 remains high and is long-lasting, especially after receiving the booster vaccination.
Behavioural activation for co- morbid depression in people with non-communicable disease in India: Protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial (BEACON)
Authors: Zainab Rayeesa , Kandasamy Arun , Bhat Naseer Ahmad , Dsouza Chrishma Violla , Jennings Hannah , Jackson Cath , Mazumdar Papiya , Hewitt Catherine , Ekers David , Narayanan Gitanjali , Rao Girish N , Coales Karen , Muliyala Krishna Prasad , Chaturvedi Santosh Kumar , Murthy Pratima , Siddiqi Najma 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe increasing burden of depression and non-communicable disease (NCD) is a global challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) considering the resource constraints and lack of manpower in these settings. Brief psychological therapies such as behavioural activation (BA), have shown to be effective for the treatment of depression. However, their feasibility and effectiveness for depression in people with NCDs in Indian community setting has not been systematically evaluated. Hence, in this study, we conceptualize to adapt BA into Indian NCD context, thus to improve the management of depression in people with NCD in India.AimsTo (1) adapt BA for the Indian NCD context, (2) test the acceptability, feasibility and implementation of the adapted BA intervention (BEACON intervention package, BIP), and (3) test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial evaluation of BIP for the treatment of depression compared with enhanced usual care.MethodsFollowing well-established frameworks for intervention adaptation, we first adapted BA (to fit the linguistic, cultural and resource context) for delivery in India. The intervention was also adapted for potential remote delivery via telephone.In a randomised controlled trial, we will then test acceptability, feasibility and implementation of the adapted BA intervention (BEACON Intervention package, BIP). We also test if a randomised controlled feasibility trial can be delivered effectively and estimate important parameters (e.g. recruitment and retention rates and completeness of follow up) needed to design a future definitive trial.Findings will be used to refine procedures for a future definitive trial evaluation of the effectiveness (and cost-effectiveness) of the BIP compared with enhanced usual care for the treatment of depression in NCDs.Ethics and disseminationThe study has received ethics approval by the University of York Health Sciences Research Governance Committee, UK; the Health Ministry Screening Committee, India; and the Ethics Committee (Behavioural Sciences Division), NIMHANS, Bangalore, India.Trial RegistrationCTRI/2020/05/025048 [Registered on: 06/05/2020], http://ctri.nic.inThis research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (17/63/130) using UK aid from the UK Government to support global health research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK government.
Translation is a key determinant controlling the fate of cytoplasmic long non-coding RNAs
Authors: Andjus Sara , Szachnowski Ugo , Vogt Nicolas , Hatin Isabelle , Cornu David , Papadopoulos Chris , Lopes Anne , Namy Olivier , Wery Maxime , Morillon Antonin 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTDespite being predicted to lack coding potential, cytoplasmic long non-coding (lnc)RNAs can associate with ribosomes, which may result in the production of functional peptides. However, the landscape and biological relevance of lncRNAs translation remains poorly studied. In the budding yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae, cytoplasmic Xrn1-sensitive lncRNAs (XUTs) are targeted by the Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD), suggesting a translation-dependent degradation process. Here, we report that XUTs are translated, which impacts their abundance. We show that XUTs globally accumulate upon translation elongation inhibition, but not when initial ribosome loading is impaired. Translation also affects XUTs independently of NMD, in some cases interfering with their decapping. Ribo-Seq confirmed ribosomes binding to XUTs and identified actively translated small ORFs in their 5’-proximal region. Mechanistic analyses revealed that their NMD-sensitivity mainly depends on the 3’-untranslated region length. Finally, we detected the peptide derived from the translation of an NMD-sensitive XUT reporter in NMD-competent cells. Our work highlights the role of translation in the post-transcriptional metabolism of XUTs, acting as a modulator of their expression. We propose that XUT-derived peptides could be exposed to the natural selection, while NMD restricts XUTs levels.
A whole blood approach improves speed and accuracy when measuring mitochondrial respiration in intact avian hematocytes
Authors: Nord Andreas , Chamkha Imen , Elmér Eskil 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTUnderstanding mitochondrial biology and pathology is key to understanding the evolution of animal form and function. However, mitochondrial measurement often involves invasive, or even terminal, sampling, which can be difficult to reconcile in wild models or in longitudinal studies. Non-mammal vertebrates contain mitochondria in their red blood cells, which can be exploited for minimally invasive mitochondrial measurement. Several recent bird studies have measured mitochondrial function using isolated blood cells. Isolation adds time in the laboratory and might be associated with physiological complications. Inference may also be constrained on biological grounds by lack of tissue context. We developed and validated a protocol to measure mitochondrial respiration in bird whole blood. Endogenous respiration was comparable between isolated blood cells and whole blood. However, oxidative respiration was higher in whole blood, and whole blood mitochondria were better coupled and had higher maximum working capacity. Whole blood measurement was also more reproducible than measurement on isolated cells for all traits considered. Measurements were feasible over a 10-fold range of sample volumes, though both small and large volumes were associated with changes to respiratory traits. The protocol was compatible with long-term storage: after 24 h at 5 °C without agitation all respiration traits but maximum working capacity remained unchanged, the latter decreasing by 14%. Our study suggests that whole blood measurement provides faster, more reproducible, and more biologically (tissue context) and physiologically (mitochondrial integrity) relevant assessment of mitochondrial respiration. We recommend future studies to take a whole blood approach unless specific circumstances require the use of isolated blood cells.
Plasticity of mitochondrial function safeguards phosphorylating respiration during in vitro simulation of rest-phase hypothermia
Authors: García-Díaz Carmen C. , Chamkha Imen , Elmér Eskil , Nord Andreas 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTMany animals downregulate body temperature to save energy when resting (rest-phase hypothermia). Small birds that winter at high latitude have comparatively limited capacity for hypothermia and so pay large energy costs for thermoregulation during cold nights. Available evidence suggests this process is fuelled by adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent mechanisms. Most ATP is produced by oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria, but mitochondrial respiration can be lower during hypothermia because of the temperature-dependence of biological processes. This can create conflict between increased organismal ATP demand and a lower mitochondrial capacity to provide it. We studied this in blood cell mitochondria of wild great tits (Parus major) by simulating rest-phase hypothermia via a 6°C reduction in assay temperature in vitro. The birds had spent the night preceding the experiment in thermoneutrality or in temperatures representing mild or very cold winter nights. Night temperature did not affect mitochondrial respiration. Across treatments, endogenous respiration was 14% lower in hypothermia. This did not reflect general thermal suppression because phosphorylating respiration was unaffected by thermal state. Instead, hypothermia was associated with a threefold reduction of leak respiration, from 17% in normothermia to 4% in hypothermia. Thus, coupling of total respiration to ATP production was 96% in hypothermia, compared to 83% in normothermia. Our study shows that thermal insensitivity of phosphorylation combined with short-term plasticity of leak respiration may safeguard ATP production when endogenous respiration is suppressed. This casts new light on the process by which small birds endure harsh winter cold and warrants future tests across tissues in vivo.
p53 mRNA availability during the cellular stress response is controlled by Cdc73 sequestration to stress granules
Authors: Lee Hojin , Kim Tae-Hyeon , Yoo Joo-Yeon 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTCells trigger the assembly of stress granules (SGs) under various stress conditions. Among the many proteins recruited to SGs are RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and regulators of transcription. Here, we report the translocation of hCdc73, a component of the PAF1 transcription complex, to cytosolic SGs in response to sodium arsenite, MG132, thapsigargin (TG) or heat treatment. The hCdc73 protein possesses a long intrinsically disordered region (IDR) from amino acids 256-416, the presence of which is required and essential for the translocation of hCdc73 to cytosolic SGs. The purified hCdc73 IDR formed droplets in vitro, and the light-activated assembly of hCdc73 IDR-Cry2 was also verified. Alone, the hCdc73 IDR, however, was not sufficient for the translocation of hCdc73 to SGs, as physical interactions with the scaffold proteins of SGs, such as FMR1, were needed. Selective sequestration of cytosolic hCdc73 into SGs coincided with the dissociation of p53 mRNA from the hCdc73/Ski8/eEF1Bγ complex, resulting in a transient rise in p53 mRNA at the posttranscriptional level. In conclusion, we propose that in addition to the storage of nontranslating mRNAs, SGs also function to control the availability of mRNAs for stress response genes by restraining their negative regulators within SGs.
The locus coeruleus directs sensory-motor reflex amplitude across environmental contexts
Authors: Witts Emily C. , Mathews Miranda A. , Murray Andrew J. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAnimals possess a remarkable ability to quickly and accurately respond to challenges to their balance and posture. Postural corrections are the implementation of a motor act by the nervous system that counteracts a perturbation and returns the body to a stable state. These corrections must respect both the current position of the limbs and trunk, as well as the external environment. However, how motor circuits integrate multiple streams of information regarding both these internal and external factors, and adjust motor actions accordingly, are poorly understood. Here we show that the lateral vestibular nucleus in the brainstem generates motor corrections following perturbation, and that this reflex can be altered by manipulating the surrounding environment. The strength of the motor correction is influenced by noradrenergic signalling from the locus coeruleus, suggesting a potential link between forebrain structures which convey sensory information about the environment, and brainstem circuits that generate motor corrections.
Massive inversion polymorphisms shape the genomic landscape of deer mice
Authors: Harringmeyer Olivia S. , Hoekstra Hopi E. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractChromosomal inversions are an important form of structural variation that can affect recombination, chromosome structure and fitness. However, because inversions can be challenging to detect, the prevalence and hence significance of inversions segregating within species remains largely unknown, especially in natural populations of mammals. Here, by combining population-genomic and long-read sequencing analyses in a single, widespread species of deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), we identified 21 polymorphic inversions, which are large (1.5-43.8 Mb) and cause near complete suppression of recombination when heterozygous (0-0.03 cM/Mb). We found that inversion breakpoints frequently occur in centromeric and telomeric regions and are often flanked by long inverted repeats (0.5-50 kb), suggesting that they likely arose via ectopic recombination. By genotyping the inversions in populations across the species’ range, we found that the inversions are often widespread, do not harbor deleterious mutational loads, and many are likely maintained as polymorphisms by divergent selection. Comparisons of forest and prairie ecotypes of deer mice revealed 13 inversions that contribute to differentiation between populations, of which five exhibit significant associations with traits implicated in local adaptation. Together, we found that inversion polymorphisms have a significant impact on recombination, genome structure and genetic diversity in deer mice, and likely facilitate local adaptation across this species’ widespread range.
Epidemiological Interactions of Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 within a University Population During Omicron B.1.1.529 Outbreak
Authors: Malampy Rachel Christine , Ganz Troy James , DeOliveira Gabriel M , Le Catherine T , Li Kurvin M , Auclair Jared 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe COVID-19 Pandemic has prompted innovation and research to further understand not only SARS-CoV-2, but other respiratory viruses as well. Since the start of the pandemic there has been a lack in influenza collection and surveillance. In October 2021 the Life Sciences Testing Center at Northeastern University implemented the TaqPath™ COVID-19, Flu A, Flu B combo kit to test for multiple respiratory diseases among the University’s population. During this time the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, Omicron B.1.1.529, became the dominant strain in the greater Boston area. During this time an inverse correlation in the detection of positive SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A was observed. More data is needed to determine if this observed inverse correlation on positivity rate is linked to public health measures or biological mechanism within the immune system.
Sexual and reproductive health service needs associated with underage initiation of selling sex among adult female sex workers in Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Grosso Ashley , Berg Lindsay , Rucinski Katherine , Rao Amrita , Djaló Mamadú Aliu , Diouf Daouda , Baral Stefan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and predictors of underage initiation of selling sex among female sex workers (FSW) in Guinea-Bissau.Methods505 adult FSW recruited using respondent-driven sampling were surveyed in 2017. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial characteristics associated with initiation of selling sex while underage (<18 years).Results26.3% (133/505) of FSW started selling sex before age 18. Underage initiation of selling sex was associated with experiencing forced sex before age 18 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:6.74;95% confidence interval [CI]:2.05-22.13], and never being tested for HIV (aOR:0.43;95%CI:0.02-0.91). Despite having lower odds of wanting to have children or more children (aOR:0.31;95%CI:0.17-0.56), FSW who started selling sex while underage had lower odds of using highly effective contraception such as implants (aOR:0.43;95%CI:0.24-0.77). Among those who were ever pregnant, a lower percentage of FSW who started selling sex while underage accessed antenatal care (56.6% v. 74.7%, p=0.008).ConclusionThese data suggest that early initiation of selling sex among adult FSW in Guinea-Bissau is common. Social services for youth and integrated HIV and reproductive health services are critical to address the persisting sexual and reproductive health needs of FSW who started selling sex while underage.SynopsisAdult female sex workers in Guinea-Bissau who started selling sex while underage had lower uptake of health services including HIV testing and antenatal care.
A rapid One-Pot RNA-isolation method for simplified clinical detection of SARS-COV-2 infection in India
Authors: Jain Sonia , Bhowmick Arghya , Pandey Anil Kumar 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundWith the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases and the discovery of new viral variants within India over multiple waves, the expensive reagents and time-consuming sample pretreatment required for qPCR analysis have led to slower detection of the disease. The vast Indian population demands an inexpensive and competent sample preparation strategy for rapid detection of the disease facilitating early and efficient containment of the disease.MethodsIn this study, we have surveyed the spread of COVID-19 infection over Faridabad, Haryana, India for 6 months. We also devised a simple single-step method for total RNA extraction using a single tube and compared its efficacy with the commercially available kits.FindingsOur findings suggest that determining Ct values for samples subjected to the One Pot (OP) RNA extraction method was as efficient as the commercially available kits but delivers a subtle advantage in a way, by minimizing the cost, labor, and sample preparation time.ConclusionThis novel crude RNA extraction method is stable and capable of operating in developing countries like India for low resource settings, without the use of expensive reagents and instruments. Additionally, this method can be further adapted to pooling samples strategies owing to its high sensitivity.