bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
It is not just the category: behavioral effects of fMRI-guided electrical microstimulation result from a complex interplay of factors
Authors: Kumar Satwant , Mergan Eline , Vogels Rufin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Functional imaging and electrophysiological studies in primates revealed the existence of patches selective for visual categories in the inferior temporal cortex. Understanding the contribution of these patches to perception requires causal techniques that assess the effect of neural activity manipulations on perception. We used electrical microstimulation (EM) to determine the role of body patch activity in visual categorization in macaques. We tested the hypothesis that EM in a body patch would affect the categorization of bodies versus objects but not of other visual categories. We employed low-current EM of an anterior body patch (ASB) in the superior temporal sulcus, which was defined by functional magnetic resonance imaging and verified with electrophysiological recordings in each session. EM of ASB affected body categorization, but the EM effects were more complex than the expected increase of body-related choices: EM affected the categorization of both body and inanimate images and showed interaction with the choice target location, but its effect was location-specific (tested in 1 subject) on a millimeter scale. Our findings suggest that the behavioral effects of EM in a category-selective patch are not merely a manifestation of the category selectivity of the underlying neuronal population but reflect a complex interplay of multiple factors.
Inattentive and hyperactive traits differentially associate with interindividual functional synchrony during video viewing in young children without ADHD
Authors: Tansey Ryann , Graff Kirk , Rohr Christiane S , Dimond Dennis , Ip Amanda , Dewey Deborah , Bray Signe 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Inattention and hyperactivity present on a spectrum and may influence the way children perceive and interact with the world. We investigated whether normative variation in inattentive and hyperactive traits was associated with differences in brain function, while children watched clips from an age-appropriate television program. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data and parent reports of inattention and hyperactivity traits were collected from 81 children 4–7 years of age with no parent-reported diagnoses. Data were analyzed using intersubject correlations (ISCs) in mixed effects models to determine if inattentive and hyperactive traits were associated with idiosyncrasy of fMRI response to the video. We hypothesized that pairs of children with higher average inattention and hyperactivity scores would show less interindividual brain synchrony to one another than pairs with lower average scores on these traits. Video watching engaged widespread visual, auditory, default mode and dorsal prefrontal regions. Inattention and hyperactivity were separably associated with ISC in many of these regions. Our findings suggest that the spectrum of inattention and hyperactivity traits in children without ADHD are differentially associated with neural processing of naturalistic video stimuli, which may have implications for understanding how children with different levels of these traits process audiovisual information in unconstrained conditions.
Use of the Three-dimensional Viewing System and Microscope Tilting to Extend the Peripheral Retinal View
Authors: Sandali Otman , Tahiri Joutei Hassani Rachid , Dulière Cedric , El Sanharawi Mohamed , Borderie Vincent , Williams George A. 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
To describe and evaluate the effectiveness of the microscope and lens tilting technique associated with the three-dimensional viewing system for improving the peripheral retinal view in noncontact lens vitreoretinal surgeries.

Methods:
Prospective, single-center, single-surgeon, consecutive case series of 25 patients undergoing vitrectomy for macular surgeries with three-dimensional visualization system. At the end of each surgery, the microscope and the noncontact lens were rotated by 20° in a direction opposite to the rotation of the eye to extend the peripheral visual field.

Results:
Microscope and lens tilting technique extended the edge of the peripheral viewing field relative to its position with the microscope untilted, by 1.72 mm (±0.37) for the superior retina and 1.93 mm (±0.42) for the inferior retina (P < 0.0001). The ora serrata was visualized in 33% and 0% of cases for the superior retina and 91% and 36% of cases for the inferior retina, in tilted and nontilted microscope positions, respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:
Microscope and lens tilting could be useful to extend the peripheral visual field of view in retinal surgery. The three-dimensional system allowed to maintain surgeon comfort and posture during surgery.
Stripping of the Posterior Hyaloid for the Treatment of Vitreomacular Traction
Authors: Rizzo Stanislao , Scampoli Alessandra , Gambini Gloria , D'Amico Guglielmo , Governatori Lorenzo , Baldascino Antonio , Carlà Matteo Mario , Caporossi Tomaso 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
To describe and evaluate the effectiveness of stripping the posterior hyaloid as vitreomacular traction treatment.

Methods:
This prospective, consecutive, interventional study examined 10 eyes of 10 patients who underwent vitrectomy for vitreomacular traction.

Results:
The best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/63 (0.5 ± 0.18 logMAR) preoperatively to 20/36 (0.25 ± 0.15 logMAR) 3 months after the surgeries. Optical coherence tomography analysis showed a reduction of the mean foveal thickness from 462 ± 82 µ to 372 ± 28 µ at 3-month follow-up in all the eyes. No postoperative complications were reported.

Conclusion:
Stripping of the posterior hyaloid for the treatment of vitreomacular traction could improve the symptoms and visual acuity of patients, alleviating the traction on the macula and avoiding secondary retinal damage as macular hole formation.
A Possible Mechanism for Flecainide Induced Dizziness
Authors: Garaycochea Octavio , Riesgo Álvaro , Manrique-Huarte Raquel , Pérez-Fernández Nicolás 
Published: February 2022

Objective:
Flecainide is an oral class IC antiarrhythmic drug whose most common extracardiac adverse reactions are “dizziness” and “visual disturbances.” We describe a case of flecainide associated- bilateral vestibulopathy and a literature review of this drug's effect on the vestibular system.

Patient:
Sixty-nine-year-old man with a 3-month history of unsteadiness and dizziness after an increase in the dose of flecainide.

Interventions:
Otologic examination, video head-impulse test, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, pure tone audiometry and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:
Otologic examination, including the head-impulse test, and vestibular testing revealed bilateral vestibulopathy.

Conclusions:
Dizziness is a common extracardiac adverse reaction of Flecainide. Based on the clinical case that we present and the literature review carried out, we hypothesized that a possible mechanism by which flecainide might cause dizziness and visual disturbances is bilateral vestibulopathy.
Does Wait Time During Acute Care for Transfer to Rehabilitation Admission Impact the Outcomes After a Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury?
Authors: Richard-Denis Andréane , Dionne Antoine , Bourassa-Moreau Étienne , Khoueir Paul J. , Maurais Gilles , Mac-Thiong Jean-Marc 
Published: February 2022

Background
The objective of this study was to determine the impact of wait time in acute care for inpatient functional rehabilitation admission on the inpatient functional rehabilitation length of stay and functional outcome after a traumatic spinal cord injury.

Methods
A retrospective cohort including 277 patients admitted to a single level 1 spinal cord injury acute care center was completed. Partial correlations were used between wait time (in days) for transfer to inpatient functional rehabilitation, the inpatient functional rehabilitation length of stay, and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure total score in the chronic period, adjusting for confounding variables. Stratified analyses were carried out based on the age group and severity of the injury.

Results
Patients had to wait a mean of 7.3 ± 6.4 days (median = 6 days, interquartile range = 2–10 days, max = 29 days) for inpatient functional rehabilitation admission after rehabilitation readiness, which was not associated with the outcomes when adjusted (P > 0.05). However, individuals 65 yrs or older with a motor-complete injury showed a lower functional status when exposed to wait time for transfer (r = −0.87, P = 0.02).

Conclusions
Wait time up to 29 days may have no impact on the inpatient functional rehabilitation length of stay nor functional outcome after traumatic spinal cord injury. However, additional resources and/or prioritization should be considered for vulnerable subgroups.
Paratriathlon Race Performance in High-Level Athletes With Visual Impairments
Authors: Lima Gabriel Benedito , Kons Rafael Lima , Detanico Daniele , Fischer Gabriela 
Published: February 2022

Objective
The aim of this study was to compare time-trial performances in elite paratriathlon athletes, according to visual classes, sex, and medal distribution.

Design
The data were acquired from official books on Para Triathlon World Cups (2018–2020). The sample included 150 athletes with visual impairment, in classes: PTVI1, PTVI2, and PTVI3. One-way analysis of variance, the Student t test, and χ2 were used to compare the performance variables and association between visual impairment classes and distribution of medals within different visual impairment classes.

Results
Sex comparisons demonstrated better performance for male athletes compared with female athletes (P < 0.05). In the sex-specific analysis, only cycling velocity was higher for female, being lower for PTVI1 compared with PTVI3 (P = 0.012). In visual impairment class results, the first transition time was higher for PTVI1 compared with PTVI2 (P = 0.050) and PTVI3 (P = 0.027) and, in the second transition, higher for PTVI1 compared with PTVI2 (P = 0.001). The χ2 test showed a higher percentage of gold medals for PTVI3 athletes considering the whole group (P = 0.050).

Conclusions
These results indicate that male athletes have better performance than female athletes. PTVI1 female athletes showed lower cycling velocity compared with PTVI3. Considering both male and female groups, blind athletes presented higher transition times and a lower percentage of medals.
Using molecular epidemiology to trace the history of the injection-related HIV epidemic in New York City, 1985–2019
Authors: Torian Lucia V. , Forgione Lisa , Wertheim Joel O. 
Published: February 2022

Objective:
Unintentional drug poisoning and overdose deaths in New York City (NYC) increased 175% between 2010 and 2017, partly due to the transition from noninjectable opioids to heroin injection. This transition has led to concern of a resurgent HIV epidemic among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in NYC. Thus, we sought to characterize HIV transmission dynamics in PWID.

Design:
Genetic network analysis of HIV-1 public health surveillance data.

Methods:
We analyzed HIV diagnoses reported to public health surveillance to determine the trajectory of the HIV epidemic among PWID in NYC, from 1985 through 2019. Genetic distance-based clustering was performed using HIV-TRACE to reconstruct transmission patterns among PWID.

Results:
The majority of the genetic links to PWID diagnosed in the 1980s and 1990s are to other PWID. However, since 2011, there has been a continued decline in new diagnoses among PWID, and genetic links between PWID have become increasingly rare, although links to noninjecting MSM and other people reporting sexual transmission risk have become increasingly common. However, we also find evidence suggestive of a resurgence of genetic links among PWID in 2018–2019. PWID who reported male-male sexual contact were not preferentially genetically linked to PWID over the surveillance period, emphasizing their distinct risk profile from other PWID.

Conclusion:
These trends suggest a transition from parenteral to sexual transmission among PWID in NYC, suggesting that harm reduction, syringe exchange programs, and legalization of over-the-counter syringe sales in pharmacies have mitigated HIV risk by facilitating well tolerated injection among new PWID.
High Cellular Uptake Gene Delivery Platform with Chitosan and L-arginine Complex for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Wang Maidou , Zhang Hongqian , Yang Chuanxu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGene therapy outperforms chemotherapy in limiting the harm to human body. A major impediment to the progress of gene therapy is a lack of proper carriers. Chitosan, derived from shellfish, is a desirable candidate for nucleic acid delivery because of its outstanding biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, previous works show that chitosan has poor cell membrane permeability. In this study, we synthesize a complex delivery system for gene therapy by compounding chitosan with L-arginine, and test the encapsulation, uptake, and cancer cell treatment power. Encapsulation efficiency of the chitosan/L-arginine complex (CA) can reach more than 90% in weight. Flow cytometry reveal that siRNA delivered by the complex can be taken in by cells 10 times better than free siRNA and 2 times better than chitosan alone. Confocal imaging confirmed the high cellular uptake, and siRNA tests in HeLa cells indicate the successful silencing of the target gene (RRM2). The complex serves as a gene delivery system that is capable of loading and delivering a variety of genetic materials in which the specific nucleic acid molecule to be delivered could be altered at will.
Risk of Long Covid in people infected with SARS-CoV-2 after two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine: community-based, matched cohort study
Authors: Ayoubkhani Daniel , Bosworth Matthew L. , King Sasha , Pouwels Koen B. , Glickman Myer , Nafilyan Vahé , Zaccardi Francesco , Khunti Kamlesh , Alwan Nisreen A. , Walker A. Sarah 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundIt is unclear whether receiving two COVID-19 vaccinations before SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces the risk of developing Long Covid symptoms. We examined whether the likelihood of symptoms 12 weeks after infection differed by vaccination status.MethodsWe included COVID-19 Infection Survey participants aged 18-69 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between 26 April 2020 and 30 November 2021; we excluded participants who, before their first test-confirmed infection, had suspected COVID-19 or Long Covid symptoms, or were single-vaccinated. Participants who were double-vaccinated ≥14 days before infection were 1:1 propensity-score matched, based on socio-demographic characteristics and time from infection to follow-up for Long Covid, to those unvaccinated at time of infection. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of Long Covid symptoms ≥12 weeks post-infection, comparing double-vaccinated with unvaccinated (reference group) participants.ResultsThe study sample comprised 3,090 double-vaccinated participants (mean age 49 years, 54% female, 92% white, median follow-up from infection 96 days) and matched control participants. Long Covid symptoms were reported by 294 double-vaccinated participants (prevalence 9.5%) compared with 452 unvaccinated participants (14.6%), corresponding to an aOR for Long Covid symptoms of 0.59 (95% CI: 0.50 to 0.69). There was no evidence of heterogeneity by adenovirus vector versus messenger ribonucleic acid vaccines (p=0.25).ConclusionsCOVID-19 vaccination is associated with reduced risk of Long Covid, emphasising the need for public health initiatives to increase population-level vaccine uptake. Longer follow-up is needed, as is the assessment of further vaccine doses and the Omicron variant.
COVID-19 mortality in the United States: It’s been two Americas from the start
Authors: Stoto Michael A. , Schlageter Samantha , Kraemer John 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDuring the summer of 2021, a narrative of “two Americas” emerged: one with high demand for the COVID-19 vaccine and the second with widespread vaccine hesitancy and opposition to masks and vaccines.We analyzed “excess mortality” rates (the difference between total deaths and what would have been expected based on earlier time periods) prepared by the CDC for the United States from January 3, 2020 to September 26, 2021.Between Jan. 3, 2020 and Sept. 26, 2021, there were 895,693 excess deaths associated with COVID-19, 26% more than reported as such. The proportion of deaths estimated by the excess mortality method that were reported as COVID-19 was highest in Northeast (92%) and lowest in the West (72%) and South (76%).Of the estimated deaths, 43% occurred between Oct. 4, 2020 and Feb. 27, 2021. Before May 31, 2020, approximately 56% of deaths were in the Northeast, where 17% of the population resides. Subsequently, 48% of deaths were in the South, which makes up 38% of the population. Since May 31, 2020, the South experienced COVID-19 mortality 26% higher than the national rate, whereas the Northeast’s rate was 42% lower.If each region had the same mortality rate as the Northeast, more than 316,234 COVID-19 deaths between May 31, 2020 and Sept. 26, 2021 were “avoidable.” More than half (63%) of the avoidable deaths occurred between May 31, 2020 and February, 2021, and more than half (60%) were in the South.Regional differences in COVID-19 mortality have been strong throughout the pandemic. The South has had higher mortality rates than the rest of the U.S. since May 31, 2020, and experienced 62% of the avoidable deaths. A comprehensive COVID-19 policy, including population-based restrictions as well as vaccines, is needed to control the pandemic.
In vitroevolution ofListeria monocytogenesreveals selective pressure for loss of SigB and AgrA function at different incubation temperatures
Authors: Guerreiro Duarte N. , Wu Jialun , McDermott Emma , Garmyn Dominique , Dockery Peter , Boyd Aoife , Piveteau Pascal , O’Byrne Conor P. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe alternative sigma factor B (σB) contributes to the stress tolerance of the foodborne pathogenListeria monocytogenesby upregulating the General Stress Response. We previously showed that σBloss-of-function mutations arise frequently in strains ofL. monocytogenes, and suggested that mild stresses might favour the selection of such mutations. In this study, we performedin vitroevolution experiments (IVEE) whereL. monocytogeneswas allowed to evolve over 30 days at elevated (42°C) or lower (30°C) incubation temperatures. Isolates purified throughout the IVEE revealed the emergence ofsigBoperon mutations at 42°C. However, at 30°C independent alleles in theagrlocus arose, resulting in the inactivation of the Agr quorum sensing. Colonies of bothsigB−andagr−strains exhibited a greyer colouration on 7-days-old agar plates compared with the parental strain. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a more complex colony architecture in the wild type than in the mutant strains.sigB−strains outcompeted the parental strain at 42°C, but not at 30°C, whilstagr−strains showed a small increase in competitive fitness at 30°C. Analysis of 40,080L. monocytogenespublicly available genome sequences revealed a high occurrence rate of premature stop codons in both thesigBandagrCAloci. An analysis of a localL. monocytogenesstrain collection revealed 5 out of 168 strains carryingagrCAalleles. Our results suggest that the loss of σBor Agr confer an increased competitive fitness in some specific conditions and this likely contributes to the emergence of these alleles in strains ofL. monocytogenes.ImportanceTo withstand environmental aggressionsL. monocytogenesupregulates a large regulon through the action of the alternative sigma factor B (σB). However, σBbecomes detrimental forL. monocytogenesgrowth under mild stresses, which confer a competitive advantage to σBloss-of-function alleles. Temperatures of 42°C, a mild stress, are often employed in mutagenesis protocols ofL. monocytogenesand promote the emergence of σBloss-of-function alleles in thesigBoperon. In contrast, lower temperatures of 30°C promote the emergence of Agr loss-of-function alleles, a cell-cell communication mechanism inL. monocytogenes. Our findings demonstrate that loss-of-function alleles emerge spontaneously in laboratory-grown strains. These alleles rise in the population as a consequence of the trade-off between growth and survival imposed by the activation of σBinL. monocytogenes. Additionally, our results demonstrate the importance of identifying unwanted hitchhiker mutations in newly constructed mutant strains.
The ankyrin repeat protein RARP-1 is a periplasmic factor that supportsRickettsia parkerigrowth and host cell invasion
Authors: Sanderlin Allen G. , Hanna Ruth E. , Lamason Rebecca L. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractRickettsiaspp. are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens that have evolved a variety of strategies to exploit their host cell niche. However, the bacterial factors that contribute to this intracellular lifestyle are poorly understood. Here, we show that the conserved ankyrin repeat protein RARP-1 supportsRickettsia parkeriinfection. Specifically, RARP-1 promotes efficient host cell entry and growth within the host cytoplasm, but it is not necessary for cell-to-cell spread or evasion of host autophagy. We further demonstrate that RARP-1 is not secreted into the host cytoplasm byR. parkeri. Instead, RARP-1 resides in the periplasm, and we identify several binding partners that are predicted to work in concert with RARP-1 during infection. Altogether, our data reveal that RARP-1 plays a critical role in the rickettsial life cycle.ImportanceRickettsiaspp. are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens that pose a growing threat to human health. Nevertheless, their strict reliance on a host cell niche has hindered investigation of the molecular mechanisms driving rickettsial infection. This study yields much needed insight into theRickettsiaankyrin repeat protein RARP-1, which is conserved across the genus but has not yet been functionally characterized. Earlier work had suggested that RARP-1 is secreted into the host cytoplasm. However, the results from this work demonstrate thatR. parkeriRARP-1 resides in the periplasm and is important both for invasion of host cells and for growth in the host cell cytoplasm. These results reveal RARP-1 as a novel regulator of the rickettsial life cycle.