bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A polygenic score indexing a DRD2-related co-expression network is associated with striatal dopamine function
Authors: D’Ambrosio Enrico , Pergola Giulio , Pardiñas Antonio F. , Dahoun Tarik , Veronese Mattia , Sportelli Leonardo , Taurisano Paolo , Griffiths Kira , Jauhar Sameer , Rogdaki Maria , Bloomfield Michael A. P. , Froudist-Walsh Sean , Bonoldi Ilaria , Walters James T. R. , Blasi Giuseppe , Bertolino Alessandro , Howes Oliver D. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) is the primary site of the therapeutic action of antipsychotics and is involved in essential brain functions relevant to schizophrenia, such as attention, memory, motivation, and emotion processing. Moreover, the gene coding for D2R (DRD2) has been associated with schizophrenia at a genome-wide level. Recent studies have shown that a polygenic co-expression index (PCI) predicting the brain-specific expression of a network of genes co-expressed with DRD2 was associated with response to antipsychotics, brain function during working memory in patients with schizophrenia, and with the modulation of prefrontal cortex activity after pharmacological stimulation of D2 receptors. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the DRD2 gene network and in vivo striatal dopaminergic function, which is a phenotype robustly associated with psychosis and schizophrenia. To this aim, a sample of 92 healthy subjects underwent 18F-DOPA PET and was genotyped for genetic variations indexing the co-expression of the DRD2-related genetic network in order to calculate the PCI for each subject. The PCI was significantly associated with whole striatal dopamine synthesis capacity (p = 0.038). Exploratory analyses on the striatal subdivisions revealed a numerically larger effect size of the PCI on dopamine function for the associative striatum, although this was not significantly different than effects in other sub-divisions. These results are in line with a possible relationship between the DRD2-related co-expression network and schizophrenia and extend it by identifying a potential mechanism involving the regulation of dopamine synthesis. Future studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms implicated in this relationship.
Non-protein coding RNA sequences mediate specific colorimetric detection of Staphylococcus aureus on unmodified gold nanoparticles
Authors: Gopinath Subash C. B. , Ramanathan Santheraleka , Chinni Suresh V. , Dorairaj Vicneswarry , Lakshmipriya Thangavel 
Published: July 2022

AbstractNonprotein coding RNA (npcRNA) is a transcribed gene sequence that is not able to translate into protein, yet it executes a specific function in modulation and regulation mechanisms. As npcRNA is highly resistant to the mutation, the Sau-02 npcRNA gene and its probe oligonucleotide, which are specifically present in Staphylococcus aureus and in methicillin-resistant S. aureus only, used to develop a highly specific and sensitive colorimetric assay on unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Hybridization between the npcRNA Sau-02 gene sequences was detected through noncrosslinking AuNP aggregation in salt solution in the presence of probe-target gene sequences. AuNPs of 10 and 15 nm in sizes with monovalent ion salt (NaCl) solution were optimized as the ideal tool for investigating the stability of AuNPs upon the addition of gene sequences. The state dispersed and aggregated forms of 10 nm AuNPs with the presented colorimetric assay were justified through field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The particle distribution of two different AuNP states was evaluated through particle distribution analysis. The lowest detection amount of S. aureus npcRNA from the colorimetric assay performed was 6 pg/µL, as the color of AuNPs turned blue with the presence of probe oligonucleotides and target gene sequences.
Saliva as alternative to naso-oropharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 detection by RT-qPCR: a multicenter cross-sectional diagnostic validation study
Authors: Tee Michael L. , Abrilla Aedrian A. , Tee Cherica A. , Dalmacio Leslie Michelle M. , Villaflor Vivencio Jose P. , Abubakar Al-Zamzam A. , Tagayuna Pedrito Y. , Aquino Sheldon Steven C. , Bernardo Vicente Aaron L. , Matias Ronald R. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSaliva has been demonstrated as feasible alternative to naso-oropharyngeal swab (NOS) for SARS-CoV-2 detection through reverse transcription quantitative/real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). This study compared the diagnostic agreement of conventional NOS, saliva with RNA extraction (SE) and saliva without RNA extraction (SalivaDirect) processing for RT-qPCR in identifying SARS-CoV-2. All techniques were also compared, as separate index tests, to a composite reference standard (CRS) where positive and negative results were defined as SARS-CoV-2 detection in either one or no sample, respectively. Of 517 paired samples, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 150 (29.01%) NOS and 151 (29.21%) saliva specimens. The saliva-based tests were noted to have a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (95% confidence interval) of 92.67% (87.26%, 96.28%), 97.55% (95.40%, 98.87%) and 96.13% (94.09%, 97.62%), respectively, for SE RT-qPCR and 91.33% (85.64%, 95.30%), 98.91% (97.23%, 99.70%) and 96.71% (94.79%, 98.07%), respectively, for SalivaDirect RT-qPCR compared to NOS RT-qPCR. Compared to CRS, all platforms demonstrated statistically similar diagnostic performance. These findings suggest that both conventional and streamlined saliva RT-qPCR are at least non-inferior to conventional NOS RT-qPCR in detecting SARS-CoV-2.
Agro-waste as a substrate for the production of pullulanase by Penicillium viridicatum under solid-state fermentation
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Naik Bindu , Choudhary Megha , Kumar Akhilesh , Khanduri Naresh 
Published: July 2022

AbstractOne of the key enzymes utilized in the food industry is pullulanase. But its major drawbacks are its low yield and high production costs. In this regard, the current research aims to screen agro-waste substrates for optimal pullulanase production in solid-state fermentation. Of various agro-wastes used as a substrate, the maximum enzymic activity (9.74 U/gds) was observed in a medium based on 5 g of green gram husk and incubated for 3 days at 30 °C. The effects of 16 different nutrients on the yield of pullulanase production were studied using the Plackett–Burman experimental design. The incorporation of FeSO4, MnSO4, and MgSO4 into the pullulanase production medium significantly increased the yield and showed a 5.7-fold increase (56.25 U/gds) in comparison with the unoptimized media. The Box-Behnken experimental design was used to study the effect of interactions between Fe2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ on the production of pullulanase. Box-Behnken showed a 1.1-fold increase (62.1 U/gds) in pullulanase production. The total increase in yield after all optimization was 6.37-fold. The present study reports for the first time the applicability of green gram husk as a potent substrate for pullulanase production by Penicillium viridicatum.
Comparative analysis of temperature preference behavior and effects of temperature on daily behavior in 11 Drosophila species
Authors: Ito Fumihiro , Awasaki Takeshi 
Published: July 2022

AbstractTemperature is one of the most critical environmental factors that influence various biological processes. Species distributed in different temperature regions are considered to have different optimal temperatures for daily life activities. However, how organisms have acquired various features to cope with particular temperature environments remains to be elucidated. In this study, we have systematically analyzed the temperature preference behavior and effects of temperatures on daily locomotor activity and sleep using 11 Drosophila species. We also investigated the function of antennae in the temperature preference behavior of these species. We found that, (1) an optimal temperature for daily locomotor activity and sleep of each species approximately matches with temperatures it frequently encounters in its habitat, (2) effects of temperature on locomotor activity and sleep are diverse among species, but each species maintains its daily activity and sleep pattern even at different temperatures, and (3) each species has a unique temperature preference behavior, and the contribution of antennae to this behavior is diverse among species. These results suggest that Drosophila species inhabiting different climatic environments have acquired species-specific temperature response systems according to their life strategies. This study provides fundamental information for understanding the mechanisms underlying their temperature adaptation and lifestyle diversification.
Impact of being physically active on the brain electrocortical activity, brain volumetry and performance in the Stroop color and word test in women with fibromyalgia
Authors: Villafaina Santos , Leon-Llamas Juan Luis , Murillo-Garcia Alvaro , Gusi Narcis 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPhysical exercise is one of the treatment approaches with the most robust evidence against fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the impact of being physically active on the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) performance as well as to investigate and compare the brain electrocortical activity during SCWT. A total of 31 women completed the SCWT while EEG was recorded. People with FM were divided into two groups (physically and non-physically active) according to the WHO guidelines. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging was acquired and health-related quality of life, the impact of the disease, and the six-minute walking test were administered. Physically active group showed better performance in the SCWT, exhibiting less error in name different color patches condition (C), more correct responses in named color-word condition (CW) and higher interference score than non-physically active group. Moreover, a significantly higher theta power spectrum in the Fp1 during the condition C in the SCWT and a higher volume in the right rostral middle frontal gyrus have been found in the physically active group. Furthermore, physically active women with FM showed positively correlations between correct responses in names of colors printed in black condition (W) in the SCWT and theta power in the F3, Fz, Fp2 and F4 scalp positions. Regarding non-physically active women with FM, errors in condition CW negatively correlated with the volume of left superior frontal gyrus, left rostral middle frontal gyrus, right rostral middle frontal gyrus, left caudal middle frontal gyrus and right caudal middle frontal gyrus. Furthermore, physically active group showed increased performance in the 6 min walking test and lower disease impact. Fulfil the physical activity recommendation seems to protect brain health since better SCWT performance, greater frontal theta power and higher volume in the right rostral middle frontal gyrus have been found in physically active women with FM.
Prevalence and associated factors of osteoarthritis in the Ural Eye and Medical Study and the Ural Very Old Study
Authors: Bikbov Mukharram M. , Kazakbaeva Gyulli M. , Gilmanshin Timur R. , Zainullin Rinat M. , Rakhimova Ellina M. , Fakhretdinova Albina A. , Tuliakova Azaliia M. , Rusakova Iuliia A. , Panda-Jonas Songhomitra , Nuriev Ildar F. , Zaynetdinov Artur F. , Zinnatullin Ainur A. , Arslangareeva Inga I. , Gizzatov Ainur V. , Bolshakova Natalia I. , Safiullina Kamilia R. , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractTo determine the prevalence of osteoarthritis and its associated factors in populations from Russia. The population-based Ural Eye and Medical Study (UEMS) and the population-based Ural Very Old Study (UVOS) were conducted in a rural and urban region in Bashkortostan/Russia and included participants aged 40+ and 85+ years, respectively. As part of a detailed systematic examination, we assessed the osteoarthritis prevalence in an interview including questions on the self-reported presence of osteoarthritis, the joints affected and osteoarthritis-related pain-relieving therapy taken. Out of 5898 participants of the UEMS, 1636 individuals had osteoarthritis [prevalence: 27.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 26.7, 28.7], with 816 individuals (13.8%; 95% CI 12.8, 14.8) taking pain-relieving medication. A higher osteoarthritis prevalence was associated (multivariable analysis) with older age [odds ratio (OR 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.05], urban region of residence (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.07, 1.45), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03, 1.06), lower monthly income (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.68, 0.90), higher physical activity score (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03), higher prevalence of a history of cardiovascular disease including stroke (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.33, 1.81), previous bone fractures (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04, 1.40) and previous falls (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.03, 1.45), higher hearing loss score (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01, 1.02), and less alcohol consumption (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.65, 0.93). Out of 1526 UVOS participants, 567 individuals had osteoarthritis (prevalence: 37.2%; 95% CI 35.0, 40.0), with 195 (12.8%; 95% CI 11.3, 14.3) individuals taking pain-relieving medication. Higher osteoarthritis prevalence was associated with rural region of habitation (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.20, 2.38), lower monthly income (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.46, 0.84), higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.30, 2.36), and higher anxiety score (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03, 1.06). Osteoarthritis and use of pain-relieving medication are common in these populations in Russia. Main associated factors were older age and lower monthly income in both study populations, female sex, higher BMI, urban region, and previous falls and bone fractures in the UEMS population, and rural region and a higher anxiety score in the UVOS study population.
Brain fractalkine-CX3CR1 signalling is anti-obesity system as anorexigenic and anti-inflammatory actions in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Kawamura Namiko , Katsuura Goro , Yamada-Goto Nobuko , Nakama Riho , Kambe Yuki , Miyata Atsuro , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki , Narumiya Shuh , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Inui Akio 
Published: July 2022

AbstractFractalkine is one of the CX3C chemokine family, and it is widely expressed in the brain including the hypothalamus. In the brain, fractalkine is expressed in neurons and binds to a CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) in microglia. The hypothalamus regulates energy homeostasis of which dysregulation is associated with obesity. Therefore, we examined whether fractalkine-CX3CR1 signalling involved in regulating food intake and hypothalamic inflammation associated with obesity pathogenesis. In the present study, fractalkine significantly reduced food intake induced by several experimental stimuli and significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Moreover, tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) antagonist impaired fractalkine-induced anorexigenic actions. In addition, compared with wild-type mice, CX3CR1-deficient mice showed a significant increase in food intake and a significant decrease in BDNF mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks showed hypothalamic inflammation and reduced fractalkine mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Intracerebroventricular administration of fractalkine significantly suppressed HFD-induced hypothalamic inflammation in mice. HFD intake for 4 weeks caused hypothalamic inflammation in CX3CR1-deficient mice, but not in wild-type mice. These findings suggest that fractalkine-CX3CR1 signalling induces anorexigenic actions via activation of the BDNF-TrkB pathway and suppresses HFD-induced hypothalamic inflammation in mice.
Soil microbes and associated extracellular enzymes largely impact nutrient bioavailability in acidic and nutrient poor grassland ecosystem soils
Authors: Ndabankulu Khululwa , Egbewale Samson O. , Tsvuura Zivanai , Magadlela Anathi 
Published: July 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the role of soil microbes and their associated extracellular enzymes in long-term grassland experiments presents an opportunity for testing relevant ecological questions on grassland nutrient dynamics and functioning. Veld fertilizer trials initiated in 1951 in South Africa were used to assess soil functional microbial diversity and their metabolic activities in the nutrient-poor grassland soils. Phosphorus and liming trials used for this specific study comprised of superphosphate (336 kg ha−1) and dolomitic lime (2250 kg ha−1) (P + L), superphosphate (336 kg ha−1) (+ P) and control trials. These soils were analyzed for their nutrient concentrations, pH, total cations and exchange acidity, microflora and extracellular enzyme activities. The analysed soil characteristics showed significant differences except nitrogen (N) and organic carbon (C) concentrations showing no significant differences. P-solubilizing, N-cycling and N-fixing microbial diversity varied among the different soil treatments. β-glucosaminidase enzyme activity was high in control soils compared to P-fertilized and limed soils. Alkaline phosphatase showed increased activity in P-fertilized soils, whereas acid phosphatase showed increased activity in control soils. Therefore, the application of superphosphate and liming influences the relative abundance of bacterial communities with nutrient cycling and fixing functions which account for nutrient bioavailability in acidic and nutrient stressed grassland ecosystem soils.
In vitro activity of therapeutic antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5
Authors: Touret Franck , Baronti Cécile , Pastorino Boris , Villarroel Paola Mariela Saba , Ninove Laetitia , Nougairède Antoine , de Lamballerie Xavier 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe replacement of the Omicron BA.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 by the BA.2 and the rapid growth of the BA.5 sub lineage, which have both different sets of mutations in the spike glycoprotein, alters the spectrum of activity of therapeutic antibodies currently licensed in the European Union. Using clinical strains of the Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 variants, we compared the neutralising power of monoclonal antibodies against the Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5 variants, using an ancestral strain (lineage B.1, D614G) and a Delta variant strain as reference. Sotrovimab/Vir-7831 is less active against BA.2 than against BA.1 (fold change reduction ~ 1,4) and even less active against BA.5 (fold change reduction ~ 2.7). Within the Evusheld /AZD7442 cocktail, Cilgavimab/AZD1061 is more active against BA.2 and BA.5 than against BA.1 (fold change increase ~ 32), whilst the very low activity of Tixagevimab/AZD8895 against BA.1 is not enhanced against BA.2 nor BA.5. In total, compared to BA.1, the activity of the Evusheld/AZD7442 is significantly improved against BA.2 while BA.5 is intermediate but closer to BA.2.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the EuroQol-5D-5L in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors with long COVID
Authors: Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Rodríguez-Jiménez Jorge , Moro-López-Menchero Paloma , Cancela-Cilleruelo Ignacio , Pardo-Hernández Alberto , Hernández-Barrera Valentín , Gil-de-Miguel Ángel 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L) is a generic patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) used for evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQoL). No data on its psychometric properties in COVID-19 survivors is available. We aimed to describe internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity of the EQ-5D-5L in people with long-COVID. Ninety-three (n = 93) individuals previously hospitalized due to COVID-19 with post-COVID symptoms completed the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire twice one year after hospital discharge in a three-week interval. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha and Omega value), test–retest reliability (kappa and ICC2,1) and construct validity (factor analysis), and floor/ceiling effects were calculated. No ceiling effect was observed in any dimension whereas the floor effect ranged from 53.76 to 94.62%. The overall Cronbach’s α value was 0.75 (95%CI 0.64–0.83) and the Omega ω value was 0.77 (95%CI 0.66–0.84), showing good internal consistency of the questionnaire. Further, Cronbach’s alpha values the of each dimension ranged from 0.63 to 0.77 whereas those for Omega values ranged from 0.70 to 0.79. The test–retest reliability of the total score was excellent (ICC2,1 0.86, 95%CI 0.798–0.911). The agreement percentage ranged from 85.13 to 96.77%; but kappa coefficients ranged from fair (κ: 0.37) to good (κ: 0.61). The factor analysis showed factor loadings from 0.585 to 0.813 supporting good construct validity. The EQ-5D-5L has good psychometric properties to be used as a PROM to assess HRQoL in hospitalized COVID-19 survivors with long-COVID.
Multimodal anatomy of the human forniceal commissure
Authors: Akeret Kevin , Forkel Stephanie J. , Buzzi Raphael M. , Vasella Flavio , Amrein Irmgard , Colacicco Giovanni , Serra Carlo , Krayenbühl Niklaus 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAmbiguity surrounds the existence and morphology of the human forniceal commissure. We combine advanced in-vivo tractography, multidirectional ex-vivo fiber dissection, and multiplanar histological analysis to characterize this structure’s anatomy. Across all 178 subjects, in-vivo fiber dissection based on the Human Connectome Project 7 T MRI data identifies no interhemispheric connections between the crura fornicis. Multidirectional ex-vivo fiber dissection under the operating microscope demonstrates the psalterium as a thin soft-tissue membrane spanning between the right and left crus fornicis, but exposes no commissural fibers. Multiplanar histological analysis with myelin and Bielchowsky silver staining, however, visualizes delicate cruciform fibers extending between the crura fornicis, enclosed by connective tissue, the psalterium. The human forniceal commissure is therefore much more delicate than previously described and presented in anatomical textbooks. This finding is consistent with the observed phylogenetic trend of a reduction of the forniceal commissure in non-human primates compared to non-primate eutherian mammals.
Two-pore channel blockade by phosphoinositide kinase inhibitors YM201636 and PI-103 determined by a histidine residue near pore-entrance
Authors: Du Canwei , Guan Xin , Yan Jiusheng 
Published: July 2022

AbstractHuman two-pore channels (TPCs) are endolysosomal cation channels and play an important role in NAADP-evoked Ca2+release and endomembrane dynamics. We found that YM201636, a PIKfyve inhibitor, potently inhibits PI(3,5)P2-activated human TPC2 with an IC50of 0.16 μM. YM201636 also effectively inhibits NAADP-activated TPC2 and a constitutively-open TPC2 L690A/L694A mutant channel; whereas it exerts little effect when applied in the channel’s closed state. PI-103, a YM201636 analog and an inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR, also inhibits human TPC2 with an IC50of 0.64 μM. With mutational, virtual docking, and molecular dynamic simulation analyses, we found that YM201636 and PI-103 directly block the TPC2’s open-state channel pore at the bundle-cross pore-gate region where a nearby H699 residue is a key determinant for channel’s sensitivity to the inhibitors. H699 likely interacts with the blockers around the pore entrance and facilitates their access to the pore. Substitution of a Phe for H699 largely accounts for the TPC1 channel’s insensitivity to YM201636. These findings identify two potent TPC2 channel blockers, reveal a channel pore entrance blockade mechanism, and provide an ion channel target in interpreting the pharmacological effects of two commonly used phosphoinositide kinase inhibitors.