bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence, clinical features, and outcomes of COVID-19 in Canada: impact of sex and age
Authors: O’Brien Jacob , Du Kevin Y. , Peng Chun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMale sex and older age have been reported to be associated with worse outcomes from COVID-19. It was postulated that estrogens may play a role in reducing the severity of the disease and may therefore offer a treatment option for COVID-19 patients. However, more female cases and deaths from COVID-19 have been recorded in Canada. To determine the potential role of estrogens, we analyzed COVID-19 data from Canada, focusing on the impact of sex and age. Although the overall incidence rate is higher in females than in males, when several high risk groups, including health care workers and long-term care residences, which are predominantly females, were excluded, we found that females had a lower incidence rate than males between the ages of 20s to 70s. Interestingly, this sex-based difference is more evident in females of the reproductive ages (20–49) than in postmenopausal patients (60s or older). Males have significantly higher hospitalization, ICU admission, and case fatality rates; however, a greater difference was observed in the older age groups. Finally, symptom manifestation varied between sexes. Some of the symptoms, which were more frequently observed in patients who recovered than patients who died, were more commonly observed in females of the reproductive age compared to their male counterparts. Since only females of the reproductive age have much higher circulating estrogens than males, these findings suggest that estrogens may play a role in reducing COVID-19 incidence and in the development of symptoms, especially those related to better survival.
Simultaneous diagnosis of liver PEComa in a family with known Li–Fraumeni syndrome: a case report
Authors: Galera López María del Mar , Márquez Rodas Iván , Agra Pujol Carolina , García Pérez Ángela , Velasco Sánchez Enrique , Álvarez Álvarez Rosa 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundLi–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease. It is associated with the loss of function of the p53 protein and an increased risk of malignant tumor development at early age. The most frequently detected tumors include breast cancer, sarcomas, leukemia, brain tumors, and adrenocortical carcinomas. While sarcomas account for only 1% of solid tumors, they are more frequently detected in these families.Case presentationWe report a simultaneous diagnosis of hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa), a very rare subtype of sarcoma, in two siblings with a LFS.ConclusionsThe simultaneous diagnosis of PEComa in two siblings presented in this case allowed us to review the frequency of PEComa in this genetic syndrome previously reported, which was very little. Despite its rarity, PEComa must be considered in the differential diagnosis of new-onset liver lesions in patients who were previously diagnosed with LFS.
Teratogenic and developmental toxic effects of etridiazole on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Vasamsetti Bala Murali Krishna , Kim Nam-Seok , Chon Kyongmi , Park Hong-Hyun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEtridiazole (EDZ), a thiadiazole-containing toxic chemical, is widely used as a fungicide. Regular usage of EDZ may reach and contaminate water bodies, but its adverse effects on aquatic vertebrates have not been well studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the harmful effects of EDZ using zebrafish (ZF) (Danio rerio) embryos. ZF embryos were treated with 3.75, 7.5, 15, 30, and 60 mg/L of EDZ. Subsequently, mortality and developmental toxicities were quantified at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post fertilization (hpf). The results showed that embryo mortality was concentration- and time-dependent. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of EDZ at 96-h was 25.58 ± 1.49 mg/L. Besides, EDZ induced a series of morphological deformities, including abnormal somite formation, abnormal eye pigmentation, abnormal tail morphology, tail kinks, skeletal malformations (lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis), and yolk sac edema in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the deformities, the most significant were reduced heartbeat and increased incidence of pericardial edema. The median effective concentration (EC50) of EDZ at 96-h was 17.93 ± 2.22 mg/L and the 96-h teratogenic index (TI) value was 1.52. Taken together, these results indicate that EDZ is a teratogen, and primarily affects the cardiovascular system of ZF.
Soil organic carbon stock and retention rate among land uses along Didessa toposequence in humid Western Ethiopia
Authors: Deressa Abdenna , Yli-Halla Markku , Mohamed Muktar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
There is scarcity of scientific information on stocks and retention rate of soil organic carbon (SOC) among mixed farming systems in humid Western Ethiopia. The objectives of study were to determine the SOC stocks and retention rates along a 53-km long toposequence of Didessa watershed. The study was conducted in mixed farming systems (annual arable cropping, grazing, fallow, grassland, coffee agroforestry, eucalyptus agroforestry and mechanized irrigated sugarcane production) within an elevation range of 1273 to 2543 m above sea level.

Results
The results revealed that land use types greatly affected SOC stocks and retention rates in the upper 20 cm soil depth. The SOC stocks ranged from 9.27 to 13.5 Mg C ha−1 (0–20 cm) while the retention rates were 0.11, 0.20, 0.28, 0.31 and 1.14 Mg C ha−1 year−1 for coffee agroforestry, fallow, grazing, eucalyptus agroforestry and irrigated sugarcane production systems, respectively.

Conclusion
The retention rates demonstrated that the different farming systems are potential source of C sinks. The study indicated that the farming systems are efficient in sequestering SOC and their benefits can be further adopted for their economic values, social significance, restoration of degraded land, and sequestration of carbon (C) in humid tropical Western Ethiopia.
Self-esteem instability and affective instability in everyday life after remission from borderline personality disorder
Authors: Santangelo Philip S. , Kockler Tobias D. , Zeitler Marie-Luise , Knies Rebekka , Kleindienst Nikolaus , Bohus Martin , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is defined by a pervasive pattern of instability. According to prior findings and clinical theories, self-esteem instability and affective instability are key features of BPD. Previous e-diary studies showed that instability in self-esteem is heightened and that it is highly intertwined with affective instability in BPD in comparison to healthy controls (HC). The present study sought to extend these findings by adding symptomatologically remitted BPD patients (BPD-REM), i.e. former patients with BPD who met four or fewer BPD criteria within the past year, as a comparison group.

Methods
To examine differences regarding self-esteem instability and affective instability, we used e-diaries for repeatedly collecting data on self-esteem, valence, and tense arousal 12 times a day for four consecutive days while participants underwent their daily life activities. Determining three different state-of-the-art instability indices and applying multilevel analyses, we compared 35 BPD-REM participants with previously reported 60 acute BPD patients (BPD-ACU) and 60 HC.

Results
Our results revealed that self-esteem instability was significantly lower in the BPD-REM compared to the BPD-ACU group, irrespective of the instability index. In contrast, there were no significant differences regarding affective instability between the BPD-REM participants and those in the BPD-ACU group. The comparison between the BPD-REM with the HC indicated both a significantly higher instability in self-esteem as well as significantly heightened affective instability in the BPD-REM participants. Moreover, even though the associations were not significant, we found tentative support for the assumption that affective changes that are accompanied by changes in self-esteem are experienced as more burdensome and negatively impact the quality of life of remitted BPD participants.

Conclusions
This study builds on growing evidence for the importance of self-esteem instability in BPD. Whereas affective instability has been reported in various psychiatric disorders and might indeed constitute a transdiagnostic marker of affective dysregulation, our results indicate that self-esteem instability might be a specific symptom that construes the unique pathology in BPD.
Hydrological functioning of forested catchments, Central Himalayan Region, India
Authors: Qazi Nuzhat 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundCentral Himalayan forested catchments provide fresh water supply and innumerable ecosystem services to millions of people. Hence, the understanding of linkages between forests and water is very crucial for availability and quality of water at catchment scale. Therefore, the present study aims to understand the hydrological response of two forested catchments (namely, Arnigad and Bansigad) in the Central Himalayan Region.MethodsThree-years’ data (March, 2008 to February, 2011) were collected from meteorological and hydrological stations in Arnigad and Bansigad catchments. The present paper describes the mean hydrological response of these forested catchments investigated through detailed field investigation.ResultsThe annual hyetograph analysis revealed that the rainfall at both the catchments was highly seasonal, and wet-period (June–September) plays a key role in catchment functioning. Exceedance of rainfall threshold of ~ 200 mm (~ 10% of annual rainfall) significantly increased streamflow generation in both catchments. In Arnigad, the stream was perennial with a mean baseflow of ~ 83 mm per month (~ 6% of annual baseflow) whereas, Bansigad had greater seasonality due to lack of streamflow during the pre-wet-period (March–May). Separation of hydrographs in Arnigad and Bansigad catchments i.e. stormflow (6% and 31%, respectively) and baseflow (50% and 32%, respectively) helped to understand the probability of flooding during wet-period and drought during dry-period. The forest ecosystem in Arnigad displayed healthier hydrological functioning in terms of reduced stormflow (82%), and enhanced baseflow (52%), soil moisture (13%), steady infiltration rate (22%) and lag time (~ 15 min) relative to Bansigad. These enhanced values indicated soil capability to store water in the forested catchment (Arnigad) and helped to understand the volume of water (discharge) that was available during dry-period. The lower denudation rate at Arnigad by 41% resulted in decreased suspended sediment (18%) and bed load (75%) compared to Bansigad. Further, the enhanced dissolved solids in the Arnigad stream resulted from the higher organic matter generated in the forest floor.ConclusionThis study shows that rainfall during the wet-period was the main driver of hydrological functioning, whereas, forests provided substantial services by regulating water balance, soil moisture and sediment budget through different mechanisms of forest components at catchment-scale in the Central Himalayan Region.
Two novel likely pathogenic variants of HARS2 identified in a Chinese family with sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Yu Jing , Jiang Wei , Cao Li , Na Xiaoxue , Yang Jiyun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMutations in HARS2 are one of the genetic causes of Perrault syndrome, characterized by sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and ovarian dysfunction. Here, we identified two novel putative pathogenic variants of HARS2 in a Chinese family with sensorineural hearing loss including two affected male siblings, c.349G > A (p.Asp117Asn) and c.908 T > C (p.Leu303Pro), through targeted next-generation sequencing methods. The two affected siblings (13 and 11 years old) presented with early-onset, rapidly progressive SNHL. The affected siblings did not have any inner ear malformations or delays in gross motor development. Combined with preexisting clinical reports, Perrault syndrome may be latent in some families with non-syndromic deafness associated with HARS2 mutations. The definitive diagnosis of Perrault syndrome based on clinical features alone is a challenge in sporadic males, and preadolescent females with no signs of POI. Our findings further expanded the existing spectrum of HARS2 variants and Perrault syndrome phenotypes, which will assist in molecular diagnosis and genetic counselling of patients with HARS2 mutations.
NOACs: an emerging class of oral anticoagulants-a review article
Authors: Paul Chithra , Baby Mable , Anthraper Alfet Raju , K Krishnakumar 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundNOACs, commonly known as novel oral anticoagulants, are the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants which are relatively newer in the market. It has displaced vitamin K antagonists, notably warfarin, for many indications. These agents are dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban.Main bodyThe drugs are licenced to prevent stroke and also systemic embolism in patients on treatment for atrial fibrillation and prevent venous thromboembolism. Rivaroxaban and apixaban are approved for prophylaxis of thrombus following surgical hip or knee arthroplasty. The recent surveys reveal that use of NOACs has steeply increased due to its safety profile and convenience to use. Also, the studies have shown that NOACs have lesser bleeding complications and associated mortality in contrast to traditional anticoagulants. The upcoming years are known to be NOACs’ age due to the significant findings in this area.ConclusionTherefore, a basic understanding on these drugs is highly recommended to provide a better service to the patients. This article aims to provide quick and brief information on the novel class of drugs. It equips an overview of NOAC and deals with the following areas: (i) pharmacology, (ii) laboratory methods, (iii) peri-operative management, (iv) advantages, (v) challenges, and (vi) future.
Interpreting the pathogenicity of Joubert syndrome missense variants in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lange Karen I. , Tsiropoulou Sofia , Kucharska Katarzyna , Blacque Oliver E. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
Ciliopathies are inherited disorders caused by defects in motile and non-motile (primary) cilia. Ciliopathy syndromes and associated gene variants are often highly pleiotropic and represent exemplars for interrogating genotype-phenotype correlations. Towards understanding disease mechanisms in the context of ciliopathy mutations, we have used a leading model organism for cilia and ciliopathy research, Caenorhabditis elegans, together with gene editing, to characterise two missense variants (P74S and G155S) in mksr-2/B9D2 associated with Joubert syndrome (JBTS). B9D2 functions within the Meckel syndrome (MKS) module at the ciliary base transition zone (TZ) compartment and regulates the molecular composition and sensory/signalling functions of the cilium. Quantitative assays of cilium/TZ structure and function, together with knock-in reporters, confirm that both variant alleles are pathogenic in worms. G155S causes a more severe overall phenotype and disrupts endogenous MKSR-2 organisation at the TZ. Recapitulation of the patient biallelic genotype shows that compound heterozygous worms phenocopy worms homozygous for P74S. The P74S and G155S alleles also reveal evidence of a very close functional association between the B9D2-associated B9 complex and MKS-2/TMEM216. Together, these data establish C. elegans as a model for interpreting JBTS mutations and provide further insight into MKS module organisation.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Impaired muscle morphology in a Drosophila model of myosin storage myopathy was suppressed by overexpression of an E3 ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Dahl-Halvarsson Martin , Olive Montse , Pokrzywa Malgorzata , Norum Michaela , Ejeskär Katarina , Tajsharghi Homa 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
Myosin is vital for body movement and heart contractility. Mutations in MYH7, encoding slow/β-cardiac myosin heavy chain, are an important cause of hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, as well as skeletal muscle disease. A dominant missense mutation (R1845W) in MYH7 has been reported in several unrelated cases of myosin storage myopathy. We have developed a Drosophila model for a myosin storage myopathy in order to investigate the dose-dependent mechanisms underlying the pathological roles of the R1845W mutation. This study shows that a higher expression level of the mutated allele is concomitant with severe impairment of muscle function and progressively disrupted muscle morphology. The impaired muscle morphology associated with the mutant allele was suppressed by expression of Thin (herein referred to as Abba), an E3 ubiquitin ligase. This Drosophila model recapitulates pathological features seen in myopathy patients with the R1845W mutation and severe ultrastructural abnormalities, including extensive loss of thick filaments with selective A-band loss, and preservation of I-band and Z-disks were observed in indirect flight muscles of flies with exclusive expression of mutant myosin. Furthermore, the impaired muscle morphology associated with the mutant allele was suppressed by expression of Abba. These findings suggest that modification of the ubiquitin proteasome system may be beneficial in myosin storage myopathy by reducing the impact of MYH7 mutation in patients.
Assembly and Active Control of Nanoparticles using Polymer Brushes as a Scaffold
Authors: Nakamura Satoshi , Mitomo Hideyuki , Ijiro Kuniharu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Inorganic nanoparticles are an attractive material that shows unique properties that differ from their bulk counterparts. Assembly of nanoparticles with soft materials is an effective approach to leverage their unusual properties for the fabrication of functional devices. Among the various soft materials, polymer brushes are expected to offer exciting opportunities due to their unique conformational properties. Here, we review research progress in the assembly and active control of gold nanoparticles with polymer brushes as a scaffold.
Funding and COVID-19 research priorities - are the research needs for Africa being met?
Authors: Antonio Emilia , Alobo Moses , Tufet Bayona Marta , Marsh Kevin , Norton Alice 
Published: November 2020

Background: Emerging data from Africa indicates remarkably low numbers of reported COVID-19 deaths despite high levels of disease transmission. However, evolution of these trends as the pandemic progresses remains unknown. More certain are the devastating long-term impacts of the pandemic on health and development evident globally. Research tailored to the unique needs of African countries is crucial. UKCDR and GloPID-R have launched a tracker of funded COVID-19 projects mapped to the WHO research priorities and research priorities of Africa and less-resourced countries and published a baseline analysis of a living systematic review (LSR) of these projects. Methods: In-depth analyses of the baseline LSR for COVID-19 funded research projects in Africa (as of 15th July 2020) to determine the funding landscape and alignment of the projects to research priorities of relevance to Africa. Results: The limited COVID-19 related research across Africa appears to be supported mainly by international funding, especially from Europe, although with notably limited funding from United States-based funders. At the time of this analysis no research projects funded by an African-based funder were identified in the tracker although there are several active funding calls geared at research in Africa and there may be funding data that has not been made publicly available. Many projects mapped to the WHO research priorities and five particular gaps in research funding were identified, namely: investigating the role of children in COVID-19 transmission; effective modes of community engagement; health systems research; communication of uncertainties surrounding mother-to-child transmission of COVID-19; and identifying ways to promote international cooperation. Capacity strengthening was identified as a dominant theme in funded research project plans. Conclusions: We found significantly lower funding investments in COVID-19 research in Africa compared to high-income countries, seven months into the pandemic, indicating a paucity of research targeting the research priorities of relevance to Africa.
Burden and determinants of multimorbidity among women in reproductive age group: a cross-sectional study based in India
Authors: Puri Parul , Kothavale Ajinkya , Singh S.K. , Pati Sanghamitra 
Published: November 2020

Background: India's government is currently running several programs with a sole focus on women's health during their child-bearing years. However, none of these programs incorporate the management of chronic health conditions during the reproductive span. This issue is an emerging public health concern; therefore, the present study aims to identify the patterns and correlates of multimorbidity among women in reproductive age groups in India. Methods: The study utilizes nationally-representative cross-sectional data from the Demographic and Health Survey on 661,811 women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years. The study uses information on seven chronic morbidities, namely asthma, cancers, heart disease, diabetes, tuberculosis, hypertension, and thyroid disorder. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable techniques were utilized to accomplish the study objective. Results: The findings show that 17.4 and 3.5 per 100 women of reproductive age suffered from any one morbidity and multimorbidity, respectively. Hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders were commonly occurring morbidities. The prevalence of having any one morbidity or multimorbidity increased with age. Variables like religion, wealth, parity, menopause, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, body mass index, and type of diet were found to be significantly related to the burden of multimorbidity. The prevalence of multimorbidity was found to be higher for women who belong to the Southern, Eastern, and North-Eastern regions of India. Conclusions: Findings suggest the importance of multimorbidity in the context of women of reproductive age. Inclusion of chronic disease management strategies with maternal and child health services needs to be taken into consideration by the program and policymakers. The annexation of social marketing approaches at the primary level of healthcare would assist policy-makers in educating women about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Practicing dietary diversity can help in maintaining optimal estrogen levels, which would further help in decreasing multimorbidity rates among women in India.