bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppression of COVID-19 infection by isolation time control based on the SIR model and an analogy from nuclear fusion research
Authors: Mitarai Osamu , Yanagi Nagato 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been damaging our daily life after declaration of pandemic. Therefore, we have started studying on the characteristics of Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered (SIR) model to know about the truth of infectious disease and our future.After detailed studies on the characteristics of the SIR model for the various parameter dependencies with respect to such as the outing restriction (lockdown) ratio and vaccination rate, we have finally noticed that the second term (isolation term) in the differential equation of the number of the infected is quite similar to the “helium ash particle loss term” in deuterium-tritium (D-T) nuclear fusion. Based on this analogy, we have found that isolation of the infected is not actively controlled in the SIR model. Then we introduce the isolation control time parameter q and have studied its effect on this pandemic. Required isolation time to terminate the COVID-19 can be estimated by this proposed method.To show this isolation control effect, we choose Tokyo for the model calculation because of high population density. We determine the reproduction number and the isolation ratio in the initial uncontrolled phase, and then the future number of the infected is estimated under various conditions. If the confirmed case can be isolated in 3∼8 days by widely performed testing, this pandemic could be suppressed without awaiting vaccination. If the mild outing restriction and vaccination are taken together, the isolation control time can be longer. We consider this isolation time control might be the only solution to overcome the pandemic when vaccine is not available.
PPP6C negatively regulates oncogenic ERK signaling through dephosphorylation of MEK
Authors: Cho Eunice , Lou Hua Jane , Kuruvilla Leena , Calderwood David A. , Turk Benjamin E. 
Published: September 2020

SUMMARYFlux through the RAF-MEK-ERK protein kinase cascade is shaped by phosphatases acting on the core components of the pathway. Despite being an established drug target and a hub for crosstalk regulation, little is known about dephosphorylation of MEK, the central kinase within the cascade. Here, we identify PPP6C, a phosphatase frequently mutated or downregulated in melanoma, as a major MEK phosphatase in cells exhibiting oncogenic ERK pathway activation. Recruitment of MEK to PPP6C occurs through an interaction with its associated regulatory subunits. Loss of PPP6C causes hyperphosphorylation of MEK at both activating and crosstalk phosphorylation sites, promoting signaling through the ERK pathway and resistance to the growth inhibitory effects of MEK inhibitors. Recurrent melanoma-associated PPP6C mutations cause MEK hyperphosphorylation, suggesting that they promote disease at least in part by activating the core oncogenic pathway driving melanoma. Collectively, our studies identify a key negative regulator of ERK signaling that may influence susceptibility to targeted cancer therapies.
The Effects of India’s COVID-19 Lockdown on Critical Non-COVID Health Care and Outcomes: Evidence from a Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Dialysis Patients
Authors: Jain Radhika , Dupas Pascaline 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTIndia’s COVID-19 lockdown, one of the most severe in the world, is widely believed to have disrupted critical non-COVID health services. However, linking these disruptions to effects on health outcomes has been difficult due to the lack of reliable, up-to-date health outcomes data. We identified all dialysis patients under a statewide health insurance program in Rajasthan, India, and conducted surveys to examine the effects of the lockdown on care access, morbidity, and mortality. 63% of patients experienced a disruption to their care. Transport barriers, hospital service disruptions, and difficulty obtaining medicines were the most common causes. We compared monthly mortality in the four months after the lockdown with pre-lockdown mortality trends, as well as with mortality trends for a similar cohort in the previous year. Mortality in May 2020, after a month of exposure to the lockdown, was 1.70 percentage points or 64% (p=0.01) higher than in March 2020 and total excess mortality between April and July was estimated to be 22%. Morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality between May and July were strongly positively associated with lockdown-related disruptions to care, providing further evidence that the uptick in mortality was driven by the lockdown. Females, socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and patients living far from the health system faced worse outcomes. The results highlight the unintended consequences of the lockdown on critical, life-saving non-COVID health services that must be taken into account in the implementation of future policy efforts to control the spread of pandemics.
Imbalanced expression for predicted high-impact, autosomal-dominant variants in a cohort of 3,818 healthy samples
Authors: de Klein Niek , van Dijk Freerk , Deelen Patrick , Urzua Carlos G. , Claringbould Annique , Võsa Urmo , Verlouw Joost A.M. , Monajemi Ramin , ‘t Hoen Peter A.C. , Sinke Richard J. ,   BIOS Consortium, Swertz Morris A. , Franke Lude 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundOne of the growing problems in genome diagnostics is the increasing number of variants that get identified through genetic testing but for which it is unknown what the significance for the disease is (Variants of Unknown Significance - VUS)1,2. When these variants are observed in patients, clinicians need to be able to determine their relevance for causing the patient’s disease. Here we investigated whether allele-specific expression (ASE) can be used to prioritize disease-relevant VUS and therefore assist diagnostics. In order to do so, we conducted ASE analysis in RNA-seq data from 3,818 blood samples (part of the the Dutch BIOS biobank consortium), to ascertain how VUS affect gene expression. We compared the effect of VUS variants to variants that are predicted to have a high impact, and variants that are predicted to be pathogenic but are either recessive or autosomal-dominant with low penetrance.ResultsFor immune and haematological disorders, we observed that 24.7% of known pathogenic variants from ClinVar show allelic imbalance in blood, as compared to 6.6% of known benign variants with matching allele frequencies. However, for other types of disorders, ASE information from blood did not distinguish (likely) pathogenic variants from benign variants. Unexpectedly, we identified 5 genes (ALOX5, COMT, PRPF8, PSTPIP1 and SH3BP2) in which seven population-based samples had a predicted high impact, autosomal-dominant variant. For these genes the imbalanced expression of the major allele compensates for the lower expression of the minor allele.ConclusionsOur analysis in a large population-based gene expression cohort reveals examples of high impact, autosomal-dominant variants that are compensated for by imbalanced expression. Additionally, we observed that ASE analyses in blood are informative for predicting pathogenic variants that are associated with immune and haematological conditions. We have made all our ASE results, including many ASE calls for rare variants (MAF < 1%), available at https://molgenis15.gcc.rug.nl/.
F-domain valency determines outcome of signaling through the angiopoietin pathway
Authors: Zhao Yan Ting , Fallas Jorge A. , Saini Shally , Ueda George , Somasundaram Logeshwaran , Zhou Ziben , Xavier Infencia , Ehnes Devon , Xu Chunfu , Carter Lauren , Wrenn Samuel , Mathieu Julie , Sellers Drew L. , Baker David , Ruohola-Baker Hannele 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTAngiopoietin 1 and 2 (Ang1 and Ang2) modulate angiogenesis and vascular homeostasis through engagement of their very similar F-domain modules with the Tie2 receptor tyrosine kinase on endothelial cells. Despite this similarity in the underlying receptor binding interaction, the two angiopoietins have opposite effects: Ang1 induces phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), strengthens cell-cell junctions and enhances endothelial cell survival while Ang2 antagonizes these effects1–4. To investigate the molecular basis for the opposing effects, we examined the protein kinase activation and morphological phenotypes produced by a series of computationally designed protein scaffolds presenting the Ang1 F-domain in a wide range of valencies and geometries. We find two broad phenotypic classes distinguished by the number of presented F-domains: scaffolds presenting 4 F-domains have Ang2 like activity, upregulating pFAK and pERK but not pAKT, and failing to induce cell migration and tube formation, while scaffolds presenting 6 or more F-domains have Ang1 like activity, upregulating pAKT and inducing migration and tube formation. The scaffolds with 8 or more F-domains display superagonist activity, producing stronger phenotypes at lower concentrations than Ang1. When examinedin vivo, superagonist icosahedral self-assembling nanoparticles caused significant revascularization in hemorrhagic brains after a controlled cortical impact injury.
Consumptive and non‐consumptive effects of wolf spiders on cucumber beetles and cucumber plant damage
Authors: Kahl Hanna M. , Leslie Alan W. , Hooks Cerruti R. R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBiological control research often focuses on the ability of predators to reduce pest densities and protect crops through consumption. Less studied is their ability to protect crops by altering pest behaviour (non‐consumptive effects). Lab experiments were conducted to test predation rates of striped cucumber beetles (Acalymma vittatum; Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and spotted cucumber beetles (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi; Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) by large (>10 mm) wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae). Field experiments were conducted to examine how the physical presence and/or cues of spiders impact the behaviour and mortality of A. vittatum (specialist) and D. undecimpunctata (generalist) cucumber beetles as well as growth and damage of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus; Cucurbitaceae). A. vittatum and D. undecimpunctata adults were added to caged cucumber plants without a spider, with spider cues only (spider removed before beetle inclusion), with spider only (spider introduced to plants immediately before beetle inclusion), and with spiders and their cues present (spiders introduced 24 hr in advance of beetle inclusion). A. vittatum responded to spider cues primarily by emigrating from plants. Contrarily, D. undecimpunctata did not display obvious responses, such as reduced feeding or increased emigration, to spider foraging and/or cues. Actively foraging lycosids increased A. vittatum mortality and reduced densities of D. undecimpunctata in the field when cucumber plants were flowering. This study highlights how non‐consumptive and consumptive effects can play a role in modifying pest populations, and how these effects can vary across species and plant growth stages.
Cortical responses to whole‐body balance perturbations index perturbation magnitude and predict reactive stepping behavior
Authors: Solis‐Escalante Teodoro , Stokkermans Mitchel , Cohen Michael X. , Weerdesteyn Vivian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe goal of this study was to determine whether the cortical responses elicited by whole‐body balance perturbations were similar to established cortical markers of action monitoring. Postural changes imposed by balance perturbations elicit a robust negative potential (N1) and a brisk increase of theta activity in the electroencephalogram recorded over midfrontal scalp areas. Because action monitoring is a cognitive function proposed to detect errors and initiate corrective adjustments, we hypothesized that the possible cortical markers of action monitoring during balance control (N1 potential and theta rhythm) scale with perturbation intensity and the eventual execution of reactive stepping responses (as opposed to feet‐in‐place responses). We recorded high‐density electroencephalogram from eleven young individuals, who participated in an experimental balance assessment. The participants were asked to recover balance following anteroposterior translations of the support surface at various intensities, while attempting to maintain both feet in place. We estimated source‐resolved cortical activity using independent component analysis. Combining time‐frequency decomposition and group‐level general linear modeling of single‐trial responses, we found a significant relation of the interaction between perturbation intensity and stepping responses with multiple cortical features from the midfrontal cortex, including the N1 potential, and theta, alpha, and beta rhythms. Our findings suggest that the cortical responses to balance perturbations index the magnitude of a deviation from a stable postural state to predict the need for reactive stepping responses. We propose that the cortical control of balance may involve cognitive control mechanisms (i.e., action monitoring) that facilitate postural adjustments to maintain postural stability.
An integrative review of nursing staff experiences in high secure forensic mental health settings: Implications for recruitment and retention strategies
Authors: Oates Jennifer , Topping Alice , Ezhova Ivanka , Wadey Emma , Marie Rafferty Anne 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsTo identify the experiences of nursing in high secure forensic mental health settings that may affect staff recruitment and retention.BackgroundRecruitment and retention of Registered Nurses is a vital international concern in the field of mental health. The high secure forensic setting presents unique challenges for the nurse. Studies of nurse's experiences in this setting have not previously been reviewed in the context of workforce sustainability pressures.DesignAn integrative review (Whittemore and Knapfl, 2005).Data sourcesA systematic search of data sources: MEDLINE (PubMed), PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), Social Services Abstracts, ProQuest Social Sciences Premium collection (IBSS, PAIS, and Sociological Abstracts), and Web of Science from inception to December 2019.Review methodsData extraction, quality appraisal, and convergent qualitative synthesis.ResultsFifteen papers were selected for inclusion in the review, describing 13 studies. Six studies were quantitative, all cross‐sectional surveys. There were seven qualitative studies, using a variety of methodologies. Four themes were identified: engagement with the patient group, the ward social environment, impact on the nurse, and implications for practice.ConclusionWhen policymakers address workforce shortages in high secure forensic nursing they must take account of the unique features of the setting and patient group. Nurses must be adequately prepared and supported to function in an ethically and emotionally challenging environment.ImpactThis study identified factors affecting workforce pressures in the speciality of forensic mental health nursing. Findings are of interest to national nursing policymakers and workforce leads in mental health service provider organizations, seeking to promote forensic nursing as a career option and retain nursing staff.
The role of endothelial shear stress on haemodynamics, inflammation, coagulation and glycocalyx during sepsis
Authors: Lupu Florea , Kinasewitz Gary , Dormer Kenneth 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSepsis is a multifactorial syndrome primarily determined by the host response to an invading pathogen. It is common, with over 48 million cases worldwide in 2017, and often lethal. The sequence of events in sepsis begins with the damage of endothelium within the microvasculature, as a consequence of the inflammatory and coagulopathic responses to the pathogen that can progress to multiple organ failure and death. Most therapeutic interventions target the inflammation and coagulation pathways that act as an auto‐amplified vicious cycle, which, if unchecked can be fatal. Normal blood flow and shear stress acting on a healthy endothelium and intact glycocalyx have anti‐inflammatory, anticoagulant and self‐repairing effects. During early stages of sepsis, the vascular endothelium and its glycocalyx become dysfunctional, yet they are essential components of resuscitation and recovery from sepsis. The effects of shear forces on sepsis‐induced endothelial dysfunction, including inflammation, coagulation, complement activation and microcirculatory breakdown are reviewed. It is suggested that early therapeutic strategies should prioritize on the restoration of shear forces and endothelial function and on the preservation of the endothelial‐glycocalyx barrier.
Benzodiazepine Use among Medicare, Commercially Insured, and Veteran Older Adults, 2013–2017
Authors: Maust Donovan T. , Kim H. Myra , Wiechers Ilse R. , Ignacio Rosalinda V. , Bohnert Amy S.B. , Blow Frederic C. 
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESBenzodiazepines (BZDs) are widely prescribed to older adults. Although prescribing has declined in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Medicare introduced BZD coverage in 2013. It is unknown whether declines in the VA have been widespread among older adults in the United States.DESIGNObservational study in traditional fee‐for‐service Medicare, commercial insurance, and the VA.SETTINGUnited States, 2013–2017.PARTICIPANTSAdults aged 55 and older in traditional Medicare (234,290,693 person‐months), commercial insurance (337,827,125 person‐months), and the VA (256,590,369 person‐months).MEASUREMENTS(1) Change in BZD and BZD‐opioid co‐prescribing modeled by Poisson regression over time; and (2) standardized ratios of BZD and BZD‐opioid co‐prescribing, using Medicare as the reference.RESULTSFrom April 2013 to December 2017, the monthly percentage of adults aged 55 and older who received BZDs fell from 10.4% to 9.3% in Medicare, 6.6% to 6.5% in commercial insurance, and 5.7% to 3.0% in the VA. Monthly BZD‐opioid co‐prescribing over the same time fell from 4.0% to 3.0% in Medicare, 2.3% to 2.0% in commercial, and 2.2% to .6% for the VA. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted rates of decline for BZD and BZD‐opioid co‐prescribing were statistically significant for all systems. Annual BZD rate reductions were .98 (Medicare), .99 (commercial), and .87 (VA; P < .001 for all); co‐prescribing rate reductions were .95, .99, and .75 (P < .001 for all). Using standardized ratios accounting for demographic and clinical characteristics, both prescribing and co‐prescribing were lowest for the VA relative to Medicare (standardized BZD ratio = .40; 95% confidence interval [CI] = .39–.40; standardized BZD‐opioid co‐prescribing ratio = .35; 95% CI = .35–.35). Prescribing in commercial insurance was also lower (BZD = .65; 95% CI = .65–.65; BZD‐opioid co‐prescribing = .65; 95% CI = .65–.65).CONCLUSIONBZD prescribing has declined much more to older adults receiving care through the VA than Medicare or commercial insurance. Other systems may learn from strategies implemented in the VA.
Investigating the nutritional advice and support given to colorectal cancer survivors in the UK: is it fit for purpose and does it address their needs?
Authors: Matsell S. L. , Sánchez‐García M. A. , Halliday V. , Williams E. A. , Corfe B. M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe present study assessed the quantity and quality of nutritional advice and support given to colorectal cancer survivors in the UK.MethodsA descriptive cross‐sectional survey was completed by 75 colorectal cancer survivors recruited through social media and bowel cancer support groups in the UK. The survey consisted of open‐ended and closed questions that aimed to explore the nutritional needs, nutritional advice given and other sources of information accessed by colorectal cancer survivors.ResultsSixty‐nine percent of respondents reported that they did not receive any nutritional advice or support from their healthcare team throughout diagnosis, treatment and post‐treatment. Colorectal cancer survivors accessed nutritional advice from a variety of sources, mainly cancer charity websites. Respondents expressed their desire for individualised advice relating to their nutritional problems.ConclusionsThe results obtained in the present study indicate that a high proportion of colorectal cancer patients are not receiving the nutritional support that they need to overcome nutritional difficulties. There is an urgent need to improve clinical practice to ensure colorectal patients receive nutritional advice that is both consistent between healthcare professionals and personalised throughout each stage of diagnosis, treatment and post‐treatment.
Wild ungulate overabundance in Europe: contexts, causes, monitoring and management recommendations
Authors: Carpio Antonio J. , Apollonio Marco , Acevedo Pelayo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

High‐density populations of large ungulates are now widespread. However, the perception of overabundance only appears when it produces a problem for humans, such as a loss of plant diversity, damage to agricultural crops and forestry, ungulate‐vehicle collisions, a nuisance to humans, disease transmission to livestock or changes in habitat for other species. The admissible level of density depends on the ecological and socio‐economic context in which the population is located, and defining this level is important, in order to determine management strategies and actions.

We describe the main contexts in which ungulate overabundance occurs in Europe, record the causes of overabundance and evaluate which set of indicators of ecological change is the most appropriate for monitoring and diagnosing overabundance in each scenario.

Our review of 318 published papers revealed six contexts of wild ungulate overabundance in Europe (protected areas, hunting areas, forestry, arable farming, livestock farming and [peri]urban areas). In addition to population abundance, four sets of indicators of environmental change could be used to monitor overabundance within these contexts (impacts on habitats, impact on animal performance, increments in diseases and parasite loads, and increments in nuisance to humans).

Nine species of ungulate were found to be overabundant. Red deer Cervus elaphus was the species most likely to be overabundant in the contexts of protected areas (detailed in 27% of papers on that context) and hunting areas (38%); roe deer Capreolus capreolus in forestry (28%); wild boar Sus scrofa in arable farming (60%), livestock farming (29%) and (peri)urban areas (38%). Our evidence shows that the diagnosis and monitoring of ungulate population overabundance via indicators of ecological change, and the management actions required to control these undesirable situations, are strongly context‐dependent.
Learning to pop blisters in epidermolysis bullosa with a simple model
Authors: Sathishkumar Dharshini , Jacob Anandha Ruby 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEpidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genetic disorder with skin fragility resulting in easy blistering of skin and mucous membranes. A plane of cleavage exists even where there is no visible blister, so new blisters should be drained as soon as possible to prevent their expansion. Although, learning how to drain blisters safely and painlessly without introducing infection is essential, it can be a major challenge, especially for new parents and children. To avoid demonstrating the technique directly on patient's skin, we have devised a simple teaching aid simulating a hand and forearm with multiple blisters, created with readily available materials. In our experience, we have found this low‐cost model to be extremely useful to teach patients, families, and professional groups, how to drain EB blisters and it provides an effective, low‐cost, painless substitute for real‐life blisters, empowering parents and engaging children.