bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SERRATE interacts with the nuclear exosome targeting (NEXT) complex to degrade primary miRNA precursors in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bajczyk Mateusz , Lange Heike , Bielewicz Dawid , Szewc Lukasz , Bhat Susheel S , Dolata Jakub , Kuhn Lauriane , Szweykowska-Kulinska Zofia , Gagliardi Dominique , Jarmolowski Artur 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
SERRATE/ARS2 is a conserved RNA effector protein involved in transcription, processing and export of different types of RNAs. In Arabidopsis, the best-studied function of SERRATE (SE) is to promote miRNA processing. Here, we report that SE interacts with the nuclear exosome targeting (NEXT) complex, comprising the RNA helicase HEN2, the RNA binding protein RBM7 and one of the two zinc-knuckle proteins ZCCHC8A/ZCCHC8B. The identification of common targets of SE and HEN2 by RNA-seq supports the idea that SE cooperates with NEXT for RNA surveillance by the nuclear exosome. Among the RNA targets accumulating in absence of SE or NEXT are miRNA precursors. Loss of NEXT components results in the accumulation of pri-miRNAs without affecting levels of miRNAs, indicating that NEXT is, unlike SE, not required for miRNA processing. As compared to se-2, se-2 hen2-2 double mutants showed increased accumulation of pri-miRNAs, but partially restored levels of mature miRNAs and attenuated developmental defects. We propose that the slow degradation of pri-miRNAs caused by loss of HEN2 compensates for the poor miRNA processing efficiency in se-2 mutants, and that SE regulates miRNA biogenesis through its double contribution in promoting miRNA processing but also pri-miRNA degradation through the recruitment of the NEXT complex.
RNF8 has both KU-dependent and independent roles in chromosomal break repair
Authors: Tsai Linda Jillianne , Lopezcolorado Felicia Wednesday , Bhargava Ragini , Mendez-Dorantes Carlos , Jahanshir Eva , Stark Jeremy M 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Chromosomal double strand breaks (DSBs) can initiate several signaling events, such as ubiquitination, however the precise influence of such signaling on DSB repair outcomes remains poorly understood. With an RNA interference screen, we found that the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF8 suppresses a deletion rearrangement mediated by canonical non-homologous end joining (C-NHEJ). We also found that RNF8 suppresses EJ without insertion/deletion mutations, which is a hallmark of C-NHEJ. Conversely, RNF8 promotes alternative EJ (ALT-EJ) events involving microhomology that is embedded from the edge of the DSB. These ALT-EJ events likely require limited end resection, whereas RNF8 is not required for single-strand annealing repair involving extensive end resection. Thus, RNF8 appears to specifically facilitate repair events requiring limited end resection, which we find is dependent on the DSB end protection factor KU. However, we also find that RNF8 is important for homology-directed repair (HDR) independently of KU, which appears linked to promoting PALB2 function. Finally, the influence of RNF8 on EJ is distinct from 53BP1 and the ALT-EJ factor, POLQ. We suggest that RNF8 mediates both ALT-EJ and HDR, but via distinct mechanisms, since only the former is dependent on KU.
COVID-19 and the future of microfinance: evidence and insights from Pakistan
Authors: Malik Kashif , Meki Muhammad , Morduch Jonathan , Ogden Timothy , Quinn Simon , Said Farah 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic threatens lives and livelihoods, and, with that, has created immediate challenges for institutions that serve affected communities. We focus on implications for local microfinance institutions in Pakistan, a country with a mature microfinance sector, serving a large number of households. The institutions serve populations poorly-served by traditional commercial banks, helping customers invest in microenterprises, save, and maintain liquidity. We report results from ‘rapid response’ phone surveys of about 1,000 microenterprise owners, a survey of about 200 microfinance loan officers, and interviews with regulators and senior representatives of microfinance institutions. We ran these surveys starting about a week after the country went into lockdown to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. We find that, on average, week-on-week sales and household income both fell by about 90 per cent. Households’ primary immediate concern in early April became how to secure food. As a result, 70 per cent of the sample of current microfinance borrowers reported that they could not repay their loans; loan officers anticipated a repayment rate of just 34 per cent in April 2020. We build from the results to argue that COVID-19 represents a crisis for microfinance in low-income communities. It is also a chance to consider the future of microfinance, and we suggest insights for policy reform.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: Considerations and Costs of Telehealth Exercise Programs for Older Adults With Functional Impairments Living at Home—Lessons Learned From a Pilot Case Study
Authors: Middleton Addie , Simpson Kit N , Bettger Janet Prvu , Bowden Mark G 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to describe the process and cost of delivering a physical therapist–guided synchronous telehealth exercise program appropriate for older adults with functional limitations. Such programs may help alleviate some of the detrimental impacts of social distancing and quarantine on older adults at-risk of decline.MethodsData were derived from the feasibility arm of a parent study, which piloted the telehealth program for 36 sessions with 1 participant. The steps involved in each phase (ie, development, delivery) were documented, along with participant and program provider considerations for each step. Time-driven activity-based costing was used to track all costs over the course of the study. Costs were categorized as program development or delivery and estimated per session and per participant.ResultsA list of the steps and the participant and provider considerations involved in developing and delivering a synchronous telehealth exercise program for older adults with functional impairments was developed. Resources used, fixed and variable costs, per-session cost estimates, and total cost per person were reported. Two potential measures of the “value proposition” of this type of intervention were also reported. Per-session cost of $158 appeared to be a feasible business case, especially if the physical therapist to trained assistant personnel mix could be improved.ConclusionsThe findings provide insight into the process and costs of developing and delivering telehealth exercise programs for older adults with functional impairments. The information presented may provide a “blue print” for developing and implementing new telehealth programs or for transitioning in-person services to telehealth delivery during periods of social distancing and quarantine.ImpactAs movement experts, physical therapists are uniquely positioned to play an important role in the current COVID-19 pandemic and to help individuals who are at risk of functional decline during periods of social distancing and quarantine. Lessons learned from this study’s experience can provide guidance on the process and cost of developing and delivering a telehealth exercise program for older adults with functional impairments. The findings also can inform new telehealth programs, as well as assist in transitioning in-person care to a telehealth format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Dead Bodies Talk: Colonial and Ritual Autopsies in French-Ruled Africa (1918–1945)
Authors: Ginio Ruth 
Published: April 2020

Summary
This article examines the practice of autopsies in French-ruled West Africa in the interwar era. It contributes to the discussion of medical knowledge and its employment in the colonies and raises a set of questions regarding the administration’s motives for performing autopsies and the African responses to this practice. In order to answer these questions, I briefly examine the practice of autopsies in France and move to the colonies to look at the problematic ways in which they were performed under colonial conditions. I then delve into local practices of ritual autopsies that also aim to explain death, but in different ways. Finally, I demonstrate what the differences and similarities between practices of colonial and ritual autopsies can teach us about the idea of the Civilising Mission and its perception by African colonial subjects.
Swiss foundation law reform: profound game-changer or a case of “never change a winning formula”?
Authors: Studen Goran 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In the words of the dramatist George Bernard Shaw: “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” While Swiss foundation law has undergone changes since 1912, these have been rather modest compared to the substantial overhauls of Swiss corporate or family law in the same period. Nevertheless, the question remains: Does Switzerland really need to reform its foundation law? While the sector is currently debating the pros and cons of a parliamentary initiative that could bring substantial changes, this article aims to systematize the various proposals from a practical perspective.
Measuring Employment: Experimental Evidence from Urban Ghana
Authors: Heath Rachel , Mansuri Ghazala , Rijkers Bob , Seitz William , Sharma Dhiraj 
Published: May 2020

AbstractUsing a randomized survey experiment in urban Ghana, this paper demonstrates that the length of the reference period and the interview modality (in-person or over the phone) affect how people respond in labor surveys, with impacts varying markedly by job type. Survey participants report significantly more self-employment spells when the reference period is shorter than the traditional one week, with the impacts concentrated among those in home-based and mobile self-employment. In contrast, the reference period has no impact on the incidence of wage-employment. The wage-employed do report working fewer days and hours when confronted with a shorter reference period. Finally, interviews conducted on the phone yield lower estimates of employment, hours worked, and days worked among the self-employed who are working from home or a mobile location as compared to in-person interviews.
Posterior Direct Reduction of Lateral Atlantoaxial Joints for Rigid Pediatric Atlantoaxial Subluxation
Authors: Yamagata Toru , Nishijima Shugo , Kou Saya , Naito Kentaro , Nagm Alhusain , Ishibashi Kenichi , Ohata Kenji , Takami Toshihiro 
Published: April 2020

Study Design.
Clinical case series.

Objective.
To present a surgical technique and results of posterior direct reduction of lateral atlantoaxial joints for rigid pediatric atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) using a fulcrum lever technique.

Summary of Background Data.
The surgical treatment of pediatric rigid AAS is still technically challenging. Several factors contribute to the surgical difficulty, such as small vertebrae, incomplete bone formation, dysplasia, the difficulty of reduction and external fixation are considered as a surgical daunting challenge. Herein, the surgical technique of posterior direct reduction of lateral atlantoaxial joints for rigid pediatric AAS using a fulcrum lever technique is presented.

Methods.
This retrospective study included 10 pediatric patients with rigid AAS who underwent posterior direct reduction of bilateral C1/2 facet joints via a fulcrum lever technique. The indication for surgery was the presence of neurological symptoms and spinal cord atrophy with an intramedullary high signal at the C1 level on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. The surgical procedure consisted of three steps: (1) opening and distraction of the C1/2 facet joints and placement of tricortical bone as a spacer and fulcrum; (2) placement of C1 and C2 screws; and finally, (3) compression between the C1 posterior arch and C2 lamina and constructing C1/2 fusion. All patients underwent the neurological and radiological evaluations before and after surgery.

Results.
Eight of 10 patients demonstrated genetic disorders, either Down syndrome or chondrodysplasia punctate. Besides, all cases documented congenital anomaly of the odontoid process. Bilateral C1 lateral mass screws were successfully placed in all cases. No evidence of postoperative neurovascular complications. Radiological evaluation showed the corrections and bony fusions of C1/2 facet joint in all cases.

Conclusion.
The fulcrum lever technique for rigid pediatric AAS can be one of the effective surgical solutions to this challenging pediatric spinal disorder.

Level of Evidence: 4
Prevalence of Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Liao Xinyuan , Jin Zhenxiong , Shi Lei , Zhao Yin , Zhou Shengyuan , Chen Deyu , Tang Dezhi , Yang Lili , Chen Xiongsheng 
Published: April 2020

Study Design.
A cross-sectional study.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

Summary of Background Data.
OPLL of the cervical spine is one of the main entities of DCM in Asian populations. However, few studies have reported the prevalence of cervical OPLL in DCM patients.

Methods.
A total of 7210 DCM patients (4546 males and 2664 females; mean age: 54 years) who underwent cervical spine three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) at the Shanghai Changzheng Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016 were included in this study. Demographic data including age, sex, height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension were recorded. The imaging diagnosis criterion for OPLL was thickness >2 mm on axial imaging.

Results.
The overall prevalence of OPLL in the 7210 DCM patients was 18.22%, including 19.73% in males and 15.65% in females, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). The prevalence of OPLL in DM and hypertensive patients was significantly higher than that in non-DM and normotensive patients (24.16% vs. 18.76% and 22.26% vs. 17.91%, both P < 0.001). Comparison by age and BMI showed that the prevalence of OPLL was the highest in the 70- to 79-year age group (21.91%) and obesity group (26.51%), respectively.

Conclusion.
This CT-based study revealed that the overall prevalence of OPLL in DCM patients was 18.22%. Furthermore, old age, male sex, comorbid hypertension or DM, and high BMI were risk factors for cervical OPLL. Given its high prevalence, CT examination is suggested to identify possible OPLL in DCM patients.

Level of Evidence: 2
Fluid Accumulation in Critically Ill Children*
Authors: Alobaidi Rashid , Basu Rajit K. , DeCaen Allan , Joffe Ari R. , Lequier Laurance , Pannu Neesh , Bagshaw Sean M. 
Published: April 2020

Objectives:
To describe the characteristics of fluid accumulation in critically ill children and evaluate the association between the degree, timing, duration, and rate of fluid accumulation and patient outcomes.

Design:
Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:
PICUs in Alberta, Canada.

Patients:
All children admitted to PICU in Alberta, Canada, between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015.

Interventions:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
A total of 1,017 patients were included. Fluid overload % increased from median (interquartile range) 1.58% (0.23–3.56%; n = 1,017) on day 1 to 16.42% (7.53–27.34%; n = 111) on day 10 among those remaining in PICU. The proportion of patients (95% CI) with peak fluid overload % greater than 10% and greater than 20% was 32.7% (29.8–35.7%) and 9.1% (7.4–11.1%), respectively. Thirty-two children died (3.1%) in PICU. Peak fluid overload % was associated with greater PICU mortality (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.09; p = 0.001). Greater peak fluid overload % was associated with Major Adverse Kidney Events within 30 days (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.08; p = 0.001), length of mechanical ventilation (B coefficient, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.54–0.77; p < 0.001), and length of PICU stay (B coefficient, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.46–0.58; p < 0.001). The rate of fluid accumulation was associated with PICU mortality (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01–1.31; p = 0.04), Major Adverse Kidney Events within 30 days (odds ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03–1.30; p = 0.02), length of mechanical ventilation (B coefficient, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.24–1.36; p = 0.005), and length of PICU stay (B coefficient, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.11–0.66; p = 0.007).

Conclusions:
Fluid accumulation occurs commonly during PICU course and is associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. These findings highlight the need for the development and evaluation of interventional strategies to mitigate the potential harm associated with fluid accumulation.
Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II Score as a Predictor of Hospital Mortality in Patients of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Zou Xiaojing , Li Shusheng , Fang Minghao , Hu Ming , Bian Yi , Ling Jianmin , Yu Shanshan , Jing Liang , Li Donghui , Huang Jiao 
Published: April 2020

Objectives:
Coronavirus disease 2019 has emerged as a major global health threat with a great number of deaths in China. We aimed to assess the association between Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and hospital mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019, and to compare the predictive ability of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, Age 65 (CURB65) score.

Design:
Retrospective observational cohort.

Setting:
Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China.

Subjects:
Confirmed patients with coronavirus disease 2019 hospitalized in the ICU of Tongji hospital from January 10, 2020, to February 10, 2020.

Interventions:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
Of 178 potentially eligible patients with symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019, 23 patients (12.92%) were diagnosed as suspected cases, and one patient (0.56%) suffered from cardiac arrest immediately after admission. Ultimately, 154 patients were enrolled in the analysis and 52 patients (33.77%) died. Mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (23.23 ± 6.05) was much higher in deaths compared with the mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 10.87 ± 4.40 in survivors (p < 0.001). Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was independently associated with hospital mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01–1.13). In predicting hospital mortality, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score demonstrated better discriminative ability (area under the curve, 0.966; 95% CI, 0.942–0.990) than Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (area under the curve, 0.867; 95% CI, 0.808–0.926) and CURB65 score (area under the curve, 0.844; 95% CI, 0.784–0.905). Based on the cut-off value of 17, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score could predict the death of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 with a sensitivity of 96.15% and a specificity of 86.27%. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the survivor probability of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score less than 17 was notably higher than that of patients with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score greater than or equal to 17 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was an effective clinical tool to predict hospital mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 compared with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and CURB65 score. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score greater than or equal to 17 serves as an early warning indicator of death and may provide guidance to make further clinical decisions.
Best Local Flaps for Lower Extremity Reconstruction
Authors: AlMugaren Faris M. , Pak Changsik John , Suh Hyunsuk Peter , Hong Joon Pio 
Published: April 2020

Summary:
The ideal reconstruction of lower limb defects should replace like with like and minimize morbidity to the donor site, achieving the best possible esthetic and functional outcome. The goal is to obtain stable healing and to resume daily life in an efficient manner. Although the classical local flaps such as gastrocnemius, soleus muscle flap, and the reverse sural flap have allowed to achieve those goals, perforator flaps are now added on to the armamentarium in lower extremity reconstruction using local flaps. A perforator-based local flap, such as a propeller or keystone flap, has made reconstruction efficient while further reducing donor-site morbidity. This article aims to provide a useful review of the best available local flaps for lower limb defects.
Development of Feasible Methods to Image the Eyelid Margin Using In Vivo Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Zhou Nanyu , Edwards Katie , Colorado Luisa H. , Schmid Katrina L. 
Published: April 2020

Purpose:
To develop a feasible method to image eyelid margin structures using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) for use in clinical research. Second, to assess the association between IVCM and meibography images.

Methods:
IVCM was performed on the central upper eyelid margin of 13 healthy participants (31 ± 5 years). Overall morphology montages (1600 × 1600 μm) were created of 3 participants. Single frames (400 × 400 μm) of 10 participants were imaged to determine the feasibility of measuring eyelid features. Meibography was performed with EASYTEARview+ in the same 10 participants. ImageJ software was used to quantify image structures.

Results:
In the montages, structures of rete ridges, meibomian gland openings, and the lid wiper region were observed. The maximum possible montage size, using multiple single frames, was approximately 5200 × 1500 × 150 μm in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The mean number, density, area, perimeter, and shortest and longest diameters of rete ridges of the 9 nonoverlapped frames were 12 ± 2/frame, 73 ± 5/mm2, 2504 ± 403 μm2, 250 ± 33 μm, 40 ± 6 μm, and 84 ± 13 μm, respectively. Sampling analysis determined at least 5 nonoverlapped frames were necessary to accurately represent the parameters of the ridges. The mean areas of 3 meibomian openings were 785 ± 784 μm2, 1036 ± 963 μm2, 950 ± 1071 μm2, 848 ± 954 μm2, 737 ± 831 μm2, 735 ± 743 μm2, and from 30 μm to 130 μm at 20-μm depth intervals, respectively. No significant association between IVCM and meibography parameters (P = 0.53) was found.

Conclusions:
Imaging rete ridges with IVCM should include at least 5 nonoverlapping single frames in the upper eyelid margin. At least 3 openings imaged between 30 and 130 μm at 20-μm depth intervals are recommended to determine the opening area.