bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune profiling after minimally invasive lobectomy
Authors: Erus Suat , Öztürk Ayşe Bilge , Albayrak Özgür , İncir Said , Kapdağlı Murat Hüseyin , Cesur Ekin Ezgi , Yavuz Ömer , Tanju Serhan , Dilege Şükrü 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Whether acute phase and immune responses are minimally affected following minimally invasive lung surgery needs further investigation. We performed a pilot study to evaluate the immune profile of patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or robot-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomies for the treatment of suspicious or known stage I non-small-cell lung cancer.

METHODS
Blood samples were taken preoperatively and 3 and 24 h postoperatively were analysed for C-reactive protein, glucose, cortisol, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels. TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-10 were also measured in lung tissues. T (CD4, CD8), B (CD19) and natural killer (CD56, CD16) cell counts and natural killer cell functions were analysed using a flow cytometry-based assay before and after surgery.

RESULTS
Minimally invasive surgery (robot-assisted thoracic surgery + video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) significantly decreased IL-10 (P = 0.016) levels after surgery. No significant differences were detected in TNF-α (P = 0.48) and IL-8 (P = 0.15) levels before and after surgery. C-reactive protein (P &lt; 0.001), cortisol (P &lt; 0.001) and glucose levels (P &lt; 0.001) increased significantly after surgery. Lymphocyte, total T cell, CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ CD16+CD56+ cell counts were significantly lower on postoperative day 1.

CONCLUSION
There seems to be a dynamic balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and immune cells following minimally invasive lobectomy.
Solomon-Tukachinsky’s Versus Welschinger’s Open Gromov-Witten Invariants of Symplectic Six-Folds
Authors: Chen Xujia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOur previous paper describes a geometric translation of the construction of open Gromov–Witten invariants by Solomon and Tukachinsky from a perspective of $A_{\infty }$-algebras of differential forms. We now use this geometric perspective to show that these invariants reduce to Welschinger’s open Gromov–Witten invariants in dimension 6, inline with their and Tian’s expectations. As an immediate corollary, we obtain a translation of Solomon–Tukachinsky’s open WDVV equations into relations for Welschinger’s invariants.
A Critical Role for STING Signaling in Limiting Pathogenesis of Chikungunya Virus
Authors: Geng Tingting , Lin Tao , Yang Duomeng , Harrison Andrew G , Vella Anthony T , Fikrig Erol , Wang Penghua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The stimulator of interferon gene (STING) pathway controls both DNA and RNA virus infection. STING is essential for induction of innate immune responses during DNA virus infection, while its mechanism against RNA virus remains largely elusive. We show that STING signaling is crucial for restricting chikungunya virus infection and arthritis pathogenesis. Sting-deficient mice (Stinggt/gt) had elevated viremia throughout the viremic stage and viral burden in feet transiently, with a normal type I IFN response. Stinggt/gt mice presented much greater foot swelling, joint damage, and immune cell infiltration than wild-type mice. Intriguingly, expression of interferon-γ and Cxcl10 was continuously upregulated by approximately 7 to 10-fold and further elevated in Stinggt/gt mice synchronously with arthritis progression. However, expression of chemoattractants for and activators of neutrophils, Cxcl5, Cxcl7, and Cxcr2 was suppressed in Stinggt/gt joints. These results demonstrate that STING deficiency leads to an aberrant chemokine response that promotes pathogenesis of CHIKV arthritis.
Effects of dietary soluble or insoluble fiber intake in late gestation on litter performance, milk composition, immune function, and redox status of sows around parturition
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Nan , Li Dan , Li Hua , Fang Zhengfeng , Lin Yan , Xu Shengyu , Feng Bin , Zhuo Yong , Wu De , Theil Peter Kappel , Che Lianqiang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary soluble fiber (SF) or insoluble fiber (ISF) intake in late gestation on litter performance, milk composition, immune function, and redox status of sows around parturition. A total of 60 Yorkshire sows were randomly assigned into three dietary treatments: normal level of dietary fiber (CON, 16.16% dietary fiber with 1.78% soluble fiber and 14.38% insoluble fiber), high insoluble fiber (ISF, 30.12% dietary fiber with 2.97% soluble fiber and 27.15% insoluble fiber), and high soluble fiber (SF, 30.15% dietary fiber with 4.57% soluble fiber and 25.58% insoluble fiber). Digestible energy and crude protein intake were comparable among treatments via adjusting feed intake from day 90 of gestation to parturition. After parturition, all sows were fed the same lactation diet. Results showed that litter performance of sows was not markedly affected by maternal fiber intake. However, sows fed ISF or SF diet had increased concentration of plasma mmunoglobulin G at day 107 (P &lt; 0.05) and parturition (P &lt; 0.01), and the SF diet had a tendency to increase fat content in both colostrum and milk relative to the CON diet. Furthermore, sows fed ISF diet had increased glutathione peroxidase activity (P &lt; 0.05) at day 107, but decreased the plasma level of malondialdehyde at parturition (P &lt; 0.05). High maternal SF intake tended to decrease the number of weaned piglets due to the increased preweaning mortality, as compared with sows fed the ISF diet. In conclusion, high fiber intake in late gestation may improve immune function and redox status, but differentially influenced the milk composition and preweaning mortality.
No Justice Without Peace, But What Peace Is on Offer?
Authors: Kersten Mark 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Does the potential investigation into Palestine by the International Criminal Court (ICC) threaten the chances of a lasting ‘peace’ between Israel and Palestine? This article endeavours to answer that question and critically assesses claims that the Court could undermine peace in the Middle East. I first examine the key claims made in the so-called ‘peace versus justice’ debate. I then outline some of the specific arguments made in the context of a possible ICC investigation in Palestine that touch upon concerns over the Court’s impacts on peace processes and negotiations. Following this, I try to assess critically the validity of these claims, arguing that while it would be wrong to conclude that the ICC will invariably have positive impacts on efforts to establish peace, there is no evidence that the Court will undermine whatever ‘peace’ is currently on offer for Palestinians and Israelis. On the contrary, this ‘peace’ may itself be a threat to resolving the conflict peaceably and to long-term stability in the region. Finally, I conclude the article with some reflections on the peace-justice debate and its applicability to the Israel–Palestine situation.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patient-Reported Outcomes of Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors
Authors: Bargon Claudia A , Batenburg Marilot C T , van Stam Lilianne E , Mink van der Molen Dieuwke R , van Dam Iris E , van der Leij Femke , Baas Inge O , Ernst Miranda F , Maarse Wiesje , Vermulst Nieke , Schoenmaeckers Ernst J P , van Dalen Thijs , Bijlsma Rhodé M , Young-Afat Danny A , Doeksen Annemiek , Verkooijen Helena M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (officially declared on the March 11, 2020), and the resulting measures, are impacting daily life and medical management of breast cancer patients and survivors. We evaluated to what extent these changes have affected quality of life, physical, and psychosocial well-being of patients previously or currently being treated for breast cancer.

Methods
This study was conducted within a prospective, multicenter cohort of breast cancer patients and survivors (Utrecht cohort for Multiple BREast cancer intervention studies and Long-term evaLuAtion). Shortly after the implementation of COVID-19 measures, an extra survey was sent to 1595 participants, including the validated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core (C30) and breast cancer-
specific (BR23) Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30/BR23) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared with the most recent PROs collected within UMBRELLA pre–COVID-19. The impact of COVID-19 on PROs was assessed using mixed model analysis, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results
1051 patients and survivors (65.9%) completed the survey; 31.1% (n = 327) reported a higher threshold to contact their general practitioner amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A statistically significant deterioration in emotional functioning was observed (mean = 82.6 [SD = 18.7] to 77.9 [SD = 17.3]; P &lt; .001), and 505 (48.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 45.0% to 51.1%) patients and survivors reported moderate to severe loneliness. Small improvements were observed in quality of life and physical, social, and role functioning. In the subgroup of 51 patients under active treatment, social functioning strongly deteriorated (77.3 [95% CI = 69.4 to 85.2] to 61.3 [95% CI = 52.6 to 70.1]; P = .002).

Conclusion
During the COVID-19 pandemic, breast cancer patients and survivors were less likely to contact physicians and experienced a deterioration in their emotional functioning. Patients undergoing active treatment reported a substantial drop in social functioning. One in 2 reported loneliness that was moderate or severe. Online interventions supporting mental health and social interaction are needed during times of social distancing and lockdowns.
Arabidopsis ORANGE protein regulates plastid pre-protein import through interacting with Tic proteins
Authors: Yuan Hui , Pawlowski Emily G , Yang Yong , Sun Tianhu , Thannhauser Theodore W , Mazourek Michael , Schnell Danny , Li Li 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Chloroplast-targeted proteins are actively imported into chloroplasts via the machinery spanning the double-layered membranes of chloroplasts. While the key translocons at the outer (TOC) and inner (TIC) membranes of chloroplasts are defined, proteins that interact with the core components to facilitate pre-protein import are continuously being discovered. A DnaJ-like chaperone ORANGE (OR) protein is known to regulate carotenoid biosynthesis as well as plastid biogenesis and development. In this study, we found that OR physically interacts with several Tic proteins including Tic20, Tic40, and Tic110 in the classic TIC core complex of the chloroplast import machinery. Knocking out or and its homolog or-like greatly affects the import efficiency of some photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic pre-proteins. Consistent with the direct interactions of OR with Tic proteins, the binding efficiency assay revealed that the effect of OR occurs at translocation at the inner envelope membrane (i.e. at the TIC complex). OR is able to reduce the Tic40 protein turnover rate through its chaperone activity. Moreover, OR was found to interfere with the interaction between Tic40 and Tic110, and reduces the binding of pre-proteins to Tic110 in aiding their release for translocation and processing. Our findings suggest that OR plays a new and regulatory role in stabilizing key translocons and in facilitating the late stage of plastid pre-protein translocation to regulate plastid pre-protein import.
Stellar parameter determination from photometry using invertible neural networks
Authors: Ksoll Victor F , Ardizzone Lynton , Klessen Ralf , Koethe Ullrich , Sabbi Elena , Robberto Massimo , Gouliermis Dimitrios , Rother Carsten , Zeidler Peter , Gennaro Mario 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT
Photometric surveys with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) allow us to study stellar populations with high-resolution and deep coverage, with estimates of the physical parameters of the constituent stars being typically obtained by comparing the survey data with adequate stellar evolutionary models. This is a highly non-trivial task due to effects such as differential extinction, photometric errors, low filter coverage, or uncertainties in the stellar evolution calculations. These introduce degeneracies that are difficult to detect and break. To improve this situation, we introduce a novel deep learning approach, called conditional invertible neural network (cINN), to solve the inverse problem of predicting physical parameters from photometry on an individual star basis and to obtain the full posterior distributions. We build a carefully curated synthetic training data set derived from the PARSEC stellar evolution models to predict stellar age, initial/current mass, luminosity, effective temperature, and surface gravity. We perform tests on synthetic data from the MIST and Dartmouth models, and benchmark our approach on HST data of two well-studied stellar clusters, Westerlund 2 and NGC 6397. For the synthetic data, we find overall excellent performance, and note that age is the most difficult parameter to constrain. For the benchmark clusters, we retrieve reasonable results and confirm previous findings for Westerlund 2 on cluster age ($1.04_{-0.90}^{+8.48}\, \mathrm{Myr}$), mass segregation, and the stellar initial mass function. For NGC 6397, we recover plausible estimates for masses, luminosities, and temperatures, however, discrepancies between stellar evolution models and observations prevent an acceptable recovery of age for old stars.
Source and symptoms of COVID-19 among hospital workers in Milan
Authors: Mandić-Rajčević S , Masci F , Crespi E , Franchetti S , Longo A , Bollina I , Velocci S , Amorosi A , Baldelli R , Boselli L , Negroni L , Zà A , Orfeo N V , Ortisi G , Centanni S , Colosio C 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are commonly infected by SARS-CoV-2 and represent one of the most vulnerable groups. Adequate prevention strategies are necessary to guarantee HCWs’ safety, as well as to prevent dissemination of the infection among patients.

Aims
To describe a case series of SARS-CoV-2-positive HCWs in a large public healthcare organization in Milan (Italy) during the most devastating weeks of the epidemic and analyse the sources, symptoms and duration of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods
This study included 172 SARS-CoV-2-positive HCWs who were infected between the 25th of February and the 7th of April 2020. A nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) and RT-PCR were used to indicate.

Results
Initially, the most common sources of infection were other positive HCWs (49%). Medical doctors and nursing assistants were most frequently infected, with infection rates of 53/1000 and 50/1000, respectively. COVID-19 departments were less affected than internal medicine, surgery, intensive care, or emergency room. The most commonly reported symptom was mild cough, while loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (ageusia) were reported as moderate and severe by 30–40% of HCWs. The time necessary for 50% of workers to recover from the infection was 23 days, while it took 41 days for 95% of HCWs to become virus-free.

Conclusions
HCWs are commonly infected due to close contacts with other positive HCWs, and non-COVID departments were most affected. Most HCWs were asymptomatic or subclinical but contact tracing and testing of asymptomatic HCWs help identify and isolate infected workers.
Development and internal validation of a diagnostic prediction model for COVID-19 at time of admission to hospital
Authors: Fink D L , Khan P Y , Goldman N , Cai J , Hone L , Mooney C , El-Shakankery K H , Sismey G , Whitford V , Marks M , Thomas S 
Published: October 2020

Summary

Background
Early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis prior to laboratory testing results is crucial for infection control in hospitals. Models exist predicting COVID-19 diagnosis, but significant concerns exist regarding methodology and generalizability.

Aim
To generate the first COVID-19 diagnosis risk score for use at the time of hospital admission using the TRIPOD (transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis) checklist.

Design
A multivariable diagnostic prediction model for COVID-19 using the TRIPOD checklist applied to a large single-centre retrospective observational study of patients with suspected COVID-19.

Methods
581 individuals were admitted with suspected COVID-19; the majority had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 (420/581, 72.2%). Retrospective collection was performed of electronic clinical records and pathology data.

Results
The final multivariable model demonstrated AUC 0.8535 (95% confidence interval 0.8121–0.8950). The final model used six clinical variables that are routinely available in most low and high-resource settings. Using a cut-off of 2, the derived risk score has a sensitivity of 78.1% and specificity of 86.8%. At COVID-19 prevalence of 10% the model has a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.5%.

Conclusions
Our risk score is intended for diagnosis of COVID-19 in individuals admitted to hospital with suspected COVID-19. The score is the first developed for COVID-19 diagnosis using the TRIPOD checklist. It may be effective as a tool to rule out COVID-19 and function at different pandemic phases of variable COVID-19 prevalence. The simple score could be used by any healthcare worker to support hospital infection control prior to laboratory testing results.
Motivational Ratings
Authors: Hörner Johannes , Lambert Nicolas S 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPerformance evaluation (“rating”) systems not only provide information to users but also motivate the rated worker. This article solves for the optimal (effort-maximizing) rating within the standard career concerns framework. We prove that this rating is a linear function of past observations. The rating, however, is not a Markov process, but rather the sum of two Markov processes. We show how it combines information of different types and vintages. An increase in effort may adversely affect some (but not all) future ratings.
Osteosarcopenia: where osteoporosis and sarcopenia collide
Authors: Clynes Michael A , Gregson Celia L , Bruyère Olivier , Cooper Cyrus , Dennison Elaine M 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe coexistence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia has been recently considered in some groups as a syndrome termed ‘osteosarcopenia’. Osteoporosis describes low bone mass and deterioration of the micro-architecture of the bone, whereas sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass, strength and function. With an ageing population the prevalence of both conditions is likely to increase substantially over the coming decades and is associated with significant personal and societal burden. The sequelae for an individual suffering from both conditions together include a greater risk of falls, fractures, institutionalization and mortality. The aetiology of ‘osteosarcopenia’ is multifactorial with several factors linking muscle and bone function, including genetics, age, inflammation and obesity. Several biochemical pathways have been identified that are facilitating the development of several promising therapeutic agents, which target both muscle and bone. In the current review we outline the epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical consequences of ‘osteosarcopenia’ and explore current and potential future management strategies.
Equilibrium Asset Pricing in Directed Networks*
Authors: Branger Nicole , Konermann Patrick , Meinerding Christoph , Schlag Christian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Directed links in cash flow networks affect the cross-section of risk premia through three channels. In a tractable consumption-based equilibrium asset pricing model, we obtain closed-form solutions that disentangle these channels for arbitrary directed networks. First, shocks that can propagate through the economy command a higher market price of risk. Second, shock-receiving assets earn an extra premium since their valuation ratios drop upon shocks in connected assets. Third, a hedge effect pushes risk premia down: when a shock propagates through the economy, an asset that is unconnected becomes relatively more attractive and its valuation ratio increases.
Time to Mycoplasma Pneumoniae RNA Clearance for Wheezy vs. Non-Wheezy Young Children with Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Chen Jiande , Ji Fengjuan , Yin Yong , Yuan Shuhua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objectives
We sought to investigate the dynamics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) RNA in hospitalized young children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and to explore whether Mp RNA clearance differed for wheezy and non-wheezy group after the onset of azithromycin treatment.

Methods
We included hospitalized young children (1–72 months of age) with CAP caused by Mp infection. Mp RNA was detected as soon as the patient was admitted and the dynamics of Mp-RNA were monitored after the beginning of azithromycin treatment on Days 4, 7, 14 and 28.

Results
Among 40 hospitalized young children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (Mpp), 16 had wheezing. Time to first positive Mp-RNA confirmation after symptom onset of Mpp was similar for the wheezy group (median 7 days, interquartile range 7–10.5) and the non-wheezy group (median 7 days, interquartile range 5.8–8.3). The duration of positive Mp-RNA detection after the onset of azithromycin treatment was shorter among the wheezy group than in the non-wheezy group (median 4 vs. 7 days; hazard ratio 2.083; 95% confidence interval: 1.023–4.244).

Conclusions
Mp-RNA clearance was significantly faster among Mpp young children with wheezing than in those without wheezing after the onset of azithromycin treatment.
Lay summary
We sought to investigate the dynamics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) RNA in hospitalized young children with community-acquired pneumonia and to explore whether Mp RNA clearance differed for wheezy and non-wheezy group after the onset of azithromycin treatment. Our study suggested that Mp-RNA clearance was significantly faster among Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia young children with wheezing than in those without wheezing after the onset of azithromycin treatment.