julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Laminar-specific interhemispheric connectivity mapping with bilateral line-scanning fMRI
2021-03-09

ABSTRACT Despite extensive studies detecting blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI signals across two hemispheres to present cognitive processes in normal and diseased brains, the role of corpus callosum (CC) to mediate interhemispheric functional connectivity remains controversial. Several studies show maintaining low-frequency fluctuation of resting-state (rs)-fMRI signals in homotopic brain areas of acallosal humans and post-callosotomy animals, raising the question: how can we specify the circuit-specific rs-fMRI signal fluctuation from other sources? To address this question, we have developed a bilateral line-scanning fMRI (BiLS) method to detect bilateral laminar BOLD fMRI signals from symmetric cortical regions with high spatial (100 μm) and temporal (100 ms) resolution in rodents under anesthesia. In addition to ultra-slow oscillation (0.01-0.02 Hz) patterns across all cortical layers, a layer-specific bilateral coherence pattern was observed with a peak at Layer (L)2/3, where callosal projection neurons are primarily located and reciprocal transcallosal projections are received. In particular, the L2/3-specific coherence pattern showed a peak at 0.05 Hz based on the stimulation paradigm, depending on the interhemispheric CC activation. Meanwhile, the L2/3-specific rs-fMRI coherence was peaked at 0.08-0.1Hz which was independent of the varied ultra-slow oscillation patterns (0.01-0.02 Hz) presumably involved with global neuromodulation. This work provides a unique laminar fMRI mapping scheme to characterize the CC-mediated evoked fMRI and frequency-dependent rs-fMRI responses, presenting crucial evidence to distinguish the circuit-specific fMRI signal fluctuations across two hemispheres. Significance statement Laminar fMRI is a promising method to better understand neuronal circuit contribution to functional connectivity (FC) across cortical layers. Here, we developed a bilateral line-scanning fMRI method, allowing the detection of laminar-specific BOLD-fMRI signals from homologous cortical regions in rodents with high spatial and temporal resolution. Laminar coherence patterns of both evoked and rs-fMRI signals revealed that CC-dependent interhemispheric FC is significantly strong at Layer 2/3, where callosal projection neurons are primarily located. The Layer 2/3-specific rs-fMRI coherence is independent of ultra-slow oscillation based on global neuromodulation, distinguishing the circuit-specific rs-fMRI signal fluctuation from different regulatory sources.
Ficolin‐3 in chronic Chagas disease: Low serum levels associated with the risk of cardiac insufficiency
2021-03-09

Abstract Aims To investigate whether FCN3 polymorphisms and circulating ficolin‐3 levels were associated with clinical forms of chronic Chagas disease (CD) and to assess their potential use as biomarkers for the disease or its severity. Methods and Results FCN3 polymorphisms ( g.1637delC (rs532781899) in exon 5; g.3524_3532insTATTTGGCC (rs28362807) in intron 5 and g.4473C &gt; A ) (rs4494157) in intron 7) were determined in 178 chronic CD patients (65 asymptomatic, 68 cardiac, 21 digestive and 24 cardiodigestive), and 285 healthy controls by sequence‐specific PCR. Ficolin‐3 serum levels, measured by ELISA in 80 patients and 80 controls, did not differ between groups. On the other hand, ficolin‐3 levels were positively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction ( P = .002; r = .5), with lower levels associated with increased risk of cardiac insufficiency ( P = .033; OR 7.21, 95%IC 1.17‐44.4). Ficolin‐3 levels were positively correlated with ficolin‐2 ( P = .021; r = .63), and negatively with MBL ( P = .002; r = −.36) and pentraxin‐3 ( P = .04; r = −.32) levels. No significant results were observed for the investigated FCN3 polymorphisms and CD. The g.1637del/1637C heterozygotes presented lower ficolin‐3 levels than g.1637C/1637C homozygotes in the control group ( P = .023). Conclusion Low ficolin‐3 levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of cardiac insufficiency associated with CD.
Taking the Historical-Social Dimension Seriously: A Reply to Bandini et al.
2021-03-09

Abstract In our recent article, "Where Does Cumulative Culture Begin? A Plea for a Sociologically Informed Perspective" (Haidle and Schlaudt in Biol Theory 15:161–174, 2020) we commented on a fundamental notion in current approaches to cultural evolution, the “zones of latent solutions” (henceforth ZLS), and proposed a modification of it, namely a social and dynamic interpretation of the latent solutions which were originally introduced within an individualistic framework and as static, genetically fixed entities. This modification seemed, and still seems, relevant to us and, in particular, more adequate for coping with the archaeological record. Bandini et al. (Biol Theory, 2021) rejected our proposition and deemed it unnecessary. In their critique, they focused on: (1) our reservations about an individualistic approach; (2) our objections to the presumption of fully naive individuals; and (3) our demand for an extended consideration of forms of social learning simpler than emulation and imitation. We will briefly reply to their critique in order to clarify some misunderstandings. However, the criticisms also show that we are at an impasse on certain crucial topics, such as the meaning of ZLS and the scope and nature of culture in general. Thus, we consider it necessary to make an additional effort to identify the conceptual roots which are at the very basis of the dissent with Bandini et al.
Trust predicts COVID-19 prescribed and discretionary behavioral intentions in 23 countries
2021-03-10

The worldwide spread of a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) since December 2019 has posed a severe threat to individuals’ well-being. While the world at large is waiting that the released vaccines immunize most citizens, public health experts suggest that, in the meantime, it is only through behavior change that the spread of COVID-19 can be controlled. Importantly, the required behaviors are aimed not only at safeguarding one’s own health. Instead, individuals are asked to adapt their behaviors to protect the community at large. This raises the question of which social concerns and moral principles make people willing to do so. We considered in 23 countries ( N = 6948) individuals’ willingness to engage in prescribed and discretionary behaviors, as well as country-level and individual-level factors that might drive such behavioral intentions. Results from multilevel multiple regressions, with country as the nesting variable, showed that publicized number of infections were not significantly related to individual intentions to comply with the prescribed measures and intentions to engage in discretionary prosocial behaviors. Instead, psychological differences in terms of trust in government, citizens, and in particular toward science predicted individuals’ behavioral intentions across countries. The more people endorsed moral principles of fairness and care (vs. loyalty and authority), the more they were inclined to report trust in science, which, in turn, statistically predicted prescribed and discretionary behavioral intentions. Results have implications for the type of intervention and public communication strategies that should be most effective to induce the behavioral changes that are needed to control the COVID-19 outbreak.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Is Associated With Insulin Secretion
2021-03-10

Abstract Context Pharmacological lowering of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol potently reduces cardiovascular risk while concurrently increasing type 2 diabetes risk. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between LDL cholesterol concentrations and insulin secretion and glucagon levels. Methods A total of 3039 individuals without cholesterol-lowering therapy, but with increased risk for diabetes, underwent routine blood tests and a 5-point oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Glucagon concentrations, insulin secretion, and insulin clearance indices were derived from the OGTT. Results There was no association between LDL cholesterol and fasting glucagon (P = .7, β = –.01) or post–glucose load glucagon levels (P = .7, β = –.07), but we detected significant positive associations of LDL cholesterol and C-peptide–based indices of insulin secretion (area under the curve [AUC]C-Peptide(0-30min)/AUCGlucose(0-30min): P &amp;lt; .001, β = .06; AUCC-Peptide(0-120min) /AUCGlucose(0-120min): P &amp;lt; .001, β = –.08). In contrast, we found a negative association of insulin-based insulin secretion indices with LDL concentrations (insulinogenic index: P = .01, β = –.04; disposition index: P &amp;lt; .001, β = –.06). LDL cholesterol levels, however, were positively associated with insulin clearance assessed from C-peptide and insulin concentrations, both in the fasting state and post–glucose load (P &amp;lt; .001, β = .09 and P &amp;lt; .001, β = .06, respectively). Conclusion As C-peptide based indices reflect insulin secretion independent of hepatic clearance, our results indicate lower insulin secretion in case of lesser LDL cholesterol. This could explain deteriorating glycemic control in response to cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Interaction of Remdesivir with Clinically Relevant Hepatic Drug Uptake Transporters
2021-03-10

Remdesivir has been approved for treatment of COVID-19 and shortens the time to recovery in hospitalized patients. Drug transporters removing remdesivir from the circulation may reduce efficacy of treatment by lowering its plasma levels. Information on the interaction of remdesivir with drug transporters is limited. We therefore assessed remdesivir as substrate and inhibitor of the clinically relevant hepatic drug uptake transporters organic anion transporting poly-peptide (OATP)-1B1 (SLCO1B1), its common genetic variants OATP1B1*1b, OATP1B1*5, OATP1B1*15, as well as OATP1B3 (SLCO1B3), OATP2B1 (SLCO2B1) and organic cation transporter (OCT)-1 (SLC22A1). Previously established transporter-overexpressing cells were used to measure (i) cellular remdesivir uptake and (ii) cellular uptake of transporter probe substrates in the presence of remdesivir. There was a high remdesivir uptake into vector-transfected control cells. Moderate, but statistically significant higher uptake was detected only for OATP1B1-, OATP1B1*1b and OATP1B1*15-expressing cells when compared with control cells at 5 μM. Remdesivir inhibited all investigated transporters at 10 μM and above. In conclusion, the low uptake rates suggest that OATP1B1 and its genetic variants, OATP1B3, OATP2B1 and OCT1 are not relevant for hepatocellular uptake of remdesivir in humans. Due to the rapid clearance of remdesivir, no clinically relevant transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions are expected.
Immune response to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in vaccinated individuals
2021-03-10

Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic virus is consistently evolving with mutations within the receptor binding domain (RBD) 1 being of particular concern 2-4 . To date, there is little research into protection offered following vaccination or infection against RBD mutants in emerging variants of concern (UK 3 , South African 5 , Mink 6 and Southern California 7 ). To investigate this, serum and saliva samples were obtained from groups of vaccinated (Pfizer BNT-162b2 8 ), infected and uninfected individuals. Antibody responses among groups, including salivary antibody response and antibody binding to RBD mutant strains were examined. The neutralization capacity of the antibody response against a patient-isolated South African variant was tested by viral neutralization tests and further verified by an ACE2 competition assay. We found that humoral responses in vaccinated individuals showed a robust response after the second dose. Interestingly, IgG antibodies were detected in large titers in the saliva of vaccinated subjects. Antibody responses showed considerable differences in binding to RBD mutants in emerging variants of concern. A substantial reduction in RBD binding and neutralization was detected for the South African variant. Taken together our data reinforces the importance of administering the second dose of Pfizer BNT-162b2 to acquire high levels of neutralizing antibodies. High antibody titers in saliva suggest that vaccinated individuals may have reduced transmission potential. Substantially reduced neutralization for the South African variant highlights importance of surveillance strategies to detect new variants and targeting these in future vaccines.
Adjective–noun compounds in Mandarin: a study on productivity
2021-03-10

Abstract In structuralist linguistics, compounds are argued not to constitute morphological categories, due to the absence of systematic form-meaning correspondences. This study investigates subsets of compounds for which systematic form-meaning correspondences are present: adjective–noun compounds in Mandarin. We show that there are substantial differences in the productivity of these compounds. One set of productivity measures (the count of types, the count of hapax legomena, and the estimated count of unseen types) reflect compounds’ profitability. By contrast, the category-conditioned degree of productivity is found to correlate with the internal semantic transparency of the words belonging to a morphological category. Greater semantic transparency, gauged by distributional semantics, predicts greater category-conditioned productivity. This dovetails well with the hypothesis that semantic transparency is a prerequisite for a word formation process to be productive.
Who buys into curricular reforms and why? Investigating predictors of reform ratings from teachers in Germany
2021-03-10

Prior research suggests that teachers’ positive perceptions of a reform are key when it comes to its successful implementation. The importance of teachers as enactors of change efforts results from their close tie to what is happening in the classroom. This suggests that without persuaded change agents, innovations are unlikely to be implemented coherently, and in turn, likely to fail. In this study, we investigated the relationships between different sets of predictors (specific to the teacher, the school, the reform, or support structures) and teachers’ overall rating of a curricular reform. We found that teachers’ perceived added value and their perceptions of specific reform aspects predicted overall reform ratings. Furthermore, we identified heterogeneity regarding the importance of specific predictors between different school tracks, which calls for increased attention to school context when considering teachers’ perceptions of reforms.
Functional analysis of information rates conveyed by rat whisker-related trigeminal nuclei neurons
2021-03-10

We studied two trigeminal nuclei containing the second neuron on the tactile pathway of whisker-related tactile information in rats. We found that the subnuclei, traditionally assumed to give rise to functional tactile channels, nevertheless transfer primary afferent information with quite similar properties in terms of integration time and kinematic profile. We discuss whether such commonality may be due the requirement to adapt to physical constraints of frictional whisker contact.
Interaction of Full-Length Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Proteins with Serum Proteins and Their Translocation to Cells In Vitro Depend on the (Pre-)Diabetic State in Rats and Humans
2021-03-10

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (GPI-APs), which are anchored at the surface of mammalian cultured and tissue cells through a carboxy-terminal GPI glycolipid, are susceptible to release into incubation medium and (rat and human) blood, respectively, in response to metabolic stress and ageing. Those GPI-APs with the complete GPI still attached form micelle-like complexes together with (lyso)phospholipids and cholesterol and are prone to degradation by serum GPI-specific phospholipase D (GPLD1), as well as translocation to the surface of acceptor cells in vitro. In this study, the interaction of GPI-APs with GPLD1 or other serum proteins derived from metabolically deranged rat and humans and their translocation were measured by microfluidic chip- and surface acoustic wave-based sensing of micelle-like complexes reconstituted with model GPI-APs. The effect of GPI-AP translocation on the integrity of the acceptor cell surface was studied as lactate dehydrogenase release. For both rats and humans, the dependence of serum GPLD1 activity on the hyperglycemic/hyperinsulinemic state was found to be primarily based on upregulation of the interaction of GPLD1 with micelle-like GPI-AP complexes, rather than on its amount. In addition to GPLD1, other serum proteins were found to interact with the GPI phosphoinositolglycan of full-length GPI-APs. Upon incubation of rat adipocytes with full-length GPI-APs, their translocation from the micelle-like complexes (and also with lower efficacy from reconstituted high-density lipoproteins and liposomes) to acceptor cells was observed, accompanied by upregulation of their lysis. Both GPI-AP translocation and adipocyte lysis became reduced in the presence of serum proteins, including (inhibited) GPLD1. The reduction was higher with serum from hyperglycemic/hyperinsulinemic rats and diabetic humans compared to healthy ones. These findings suggest that the deleterious effects of full-length GPI-APs following spontaneous release into the circulation of metabolically deranged rats and humans are counterbalanced by upregulated interaction of their GPI anchor with GPLD1 and other serum proteins. Thereby, translocation of GPI-APs to blood and tissue cells and their lysis are prevented. The identification of GPI-APs and serum proteins interacting within micelle-like complexes may facilitate the prediction and stratification of diseases that are associated with impaired cell-surface anchorage of GPI-APs, such as obesity and diabetes.
Challenges to Manage Pandemic of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Iranian Special Situation: A Qualitative Multi-Method Study
2021-03-10

Abstract Background With the unprecedented expansion of COVID-19 in the world since December 2019, the Iranian health system like other countries faced various challenges in managing the disease, which led to obtaining numerous experiences and lessons learned. The aim of this study is to identify these challenges, in regard with unique political, economic, and cultural issues which could help to other countries with similar situation. Methods The present study was performed using a qualitative multi-method approach with a content analysis method. The data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews and Focused Group Discussions with 60 key persons, policy makers, health care workers and affected people by the disease, and the review of all available national reports between February 21, 2020, and December 22, 2020. The data collection and analysis process took place simultaneously. Results In this study, critical challenges related to the management of COVID-19 in the health system were, including; The limited evidence and scientific controversies, Poor social prevention and social inequalities, Burnout and sustained workload among health care workers, Improper management of resources and equipment, Lack of guideline for case contact tracing and patient-flow, Community mental health problem. Conclusions According to the study, measurements should be taken to conduct a continuous comprehensive risk assessment and develop a national response plan with an emphasis on exact case contact tracing, active screening, patient flow, paying attention to the psychological and social dimensions of the disease and also transparency of social inequalities in the face of risk factors of the COVID-19. And finally, supporting vulnerable groups using community capacity and cooperating international community to provide vaccine which is difficult to procure due to the sanction.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Sattazolin-Producing Strain Pseudonocardia sp. C8, Isolated from a Mud Dauber Wasp Nest in Nepal
2021-03-10

Here, we report a 6.2-Mbp draft genome sequence of the bacterium Pseudonocardia sp. strain C8, which gave insight into the complete secondary metabolite production capacity of the strain and hinted that the strain possibly represents a new species.
Did Students Learn Less During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Reading and Mathematics Competencies Before and After the First Pandemic Wave
2021-03-11

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted regular classes in spring 2020. Temporary school closures supposedly led to a considerable learning loss, particularly for low-achieving students. Schools in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, were closed for two months. Although distance learning was implemented, students spent less time learning. Additionally, teachers were faced with organizational and technological challenges of remote learning environments. The present study investigates the competencies of fifth-graders, using large-scale assessment results in reading and mathematics from annual mandatory tests in September (each n &amp;gt; 80,000). In line with studies from other countries, competence scores were slightly lower in 2020 compared with the three previous years (–0.07 standard deviations for reading comprehension, –0.09 for operations, and –0.03 for numbers). Low-achieving readers managed to attain pre-pandemic competence levels. Regarding mathematics competencies, low-achieving students seem to have a learning backlog that deserves attention in future education. School characteristic such as the average socio-cultural capital and the proportion of students with migration background played a minor role in mediating the schools' learning loss. Still, lower socio-cultural capital was positively associated with larger learning loss in mathematics.
COVID-19 in Children With Liver Disease
2021-03-11

Background: The global pandemic caused by novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) is a major threat to the general population and for patients with pre-existing chronic conditions. We report data concerning SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with chronic liver disease (CLD). Methods: A literature review using the online database PubMed was performed to summarize available findings on the association between pre-existing liver disease and COVID-19 infection in children. Results: Children with COVID-19 have preserved effector and immunosuppressive components resulting in a milder disease compared to adults. The most common hepatic manifestation is an elevation of hepatic transaminases. Liver damage may be directly caused by viral infection of liver cells, by medications or by the chronic hypoxia seen in COVID-19 patients. A multicenter study reported that the majority of children with a CLD remained healthy during the outbreak. Similarly, studies reported that children on immunosuppressive treatment, including patients with autoimmune liver disease (AILD) and liver transplantation (LT), maintained good health during the outbreak without experiencing major complications even if infected with COVID-19. Conclusion: COVID-19-related liver injury presents with a mild elevation of transaminases, although its clinical significance is unclear. Children with CLD, including those with AILD and post-LT, do not have an increased risk for severe disease course of SARS-CoV-2 infection with little or no liver dysfunction. These data highlight the necessity to ensure normal standards of care while adhering to national Covid-19 guidelines, and particularly to maintain immunosuppressive medication to prevent relapse or rejection. Further research is required to evaluate the differences in clinical course between immunosuppressed adults and children and in particular whether asymptomatic infection is a concern.