bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traumatic injury is associated with reduced deoxyribonuclease activity and dysregulation of the actin scavenging system
Authors: Hazeldine Jon , Dinsdale Robert J , Naumann David N , Acharjee Animesh , Bishop Jonathan R B , Lord Janet M , Harrison Paul 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Traumatic injury is associated with increased concentrations of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the circulation, which contribute to post-injury complications. The endonuclease deoxyribonuclease 1 (DNase-1) is responsible for removing 90% of circulating cfDNA. Recently, DNase activity was reported to be significantly reduced following major non-traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the processes responsible were not investigated. Moreover, it is not known how quickly following injury DNase activity is reduced and whether this also occurs after TBI.

Methods
At 3 post-injury time points (≤1, 4–12 and 48–72 hours), blood samples were obtained from 155 adult trauma patients that had sustained an isolated TBI (n = 21), TBI with accompanying extracranial injury (TBI+) (n = 53) or an extracranial injury only (ECI) (n = 81). In addition to measuring cfDNA levels and the activity and expression of DNase, circulating concentrations of monomeric globular action (G-actin), an inhibitor of DNase-1, and the actin scavenging proteins gelsolin (GSN) and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) were determined and values compared to a cohort of healthy controls.

Results
Significantly elevated concentrations of plasma cfDNA were seen in TBI, TBI+ and ECI patients at all study time points when compared to healthy controls. cfDNA levels were significantly higher at ≤1 hour post-injury in ECI patients who subsequently developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome when compared to those who did not. Plasma DNase-1 protein was significantly elevated in all patient groups at all sampling time points. In contrast, DNase enzyme activity was significantly reduced, with this impaired function evident in TBI+ patients within minutes of injury. Circulating concentrations of G-actin were elevated in all patient cohorts in the immediate aftermath of injury and this was accompanied by a significant reduction in the levels of GSN and VDBP.

Conclusions
The post-traumatic increase in circulating cfDNA that occurs following extracranial trauma and TBI is accompanied by reduced DNase activity. We propose that, secondary to reduced GSN and VDBP levels, elevated circulating concentrations of G-actin underlie the post-injury reduction in DNase activity. Reducing circulating cfDNA levels via therapeutic restoration of DNase-1 activity may improve clinical outcomes post-injury.
Examining the Boundary Sharpness Coefficient as an Index of Cortical Microstructure in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Olafson Emily , Bedford Saashi A , Devenyi Gabriel A , Patel Raihaan , Tullo Stephanie , Park Min Tae M , Parent Olivier , Anagnostou Evdokia , Baron-Cohen Simon , Bullmore Edward T , Chura Lindsay R , Craig Michael C , Ecker Christine , Floris Dorothea L , Holt Rosemary J , Lenroot Rhoshel , Lerch Jason P , Lombardo Michael V , Murphy Declan G M , Raznahan Armin , Ruigrok Amber N V , Spencer Michael D , Suckling John , Taylor Margot J ,   MRC AIMS Consortium, Lai Meng-Chuan , Chakravarty M Mallar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with atypical brain development. However, the phenotype of regionally specific increased cortical thickness observed in ASD may be driven by several independent biological processes that influence the gray/white matter boundary, such as synaptic pruning, myelination, or atypical migration. Here, we propose to use the boundary sharpness coefficient (BSC), a proxy for alterations in microstructure at the cortical gray/white matter boundary, to investigate brain differences in individuals with ASD, including factors that may influence ASD-related heterogeneity (age, sex, and intelligence quotient). Using a vertex-based meta-analysis and a large multicenter structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dataset, with a total of 1136 individuals, 415 with ASD (112 female; 303 male), and 721 controls (283 female; 438 male), we observed that individuals with ASD had significantly greater BSC in the bilateral superior temporal gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus indicating an abrupt transition (high contrast) between white matter and cortical intensities. Individuals with ASD under 18 had significantly greater BSC in the bilateral superior temporal gyrus and right postcentral gyrus; individuals with ASD over 18 had significantly increased BSC in the bilateral precuneus and superior temporal gyrus. Increases were observed in different brain regions in males and females, with larger effect sizes in females. BSC correlated with ADOS-2 Calibrated Severity Score in individuals with ASD in the right medial temporal pole. Importantly, there was a significant spatial overlap between maps of the effect of diagnosis on BSC when compared with cortical thickness. These results invite studies to use BSC as a possible new measure of cortical development in ASD and to further examine the microstructural underpinnings of BSC-related differences and their impact on measures of cortical morphology.
Tracking oxy-thermal habitat compression encountered by Chesapeake Bay striped bass through acoustic telemetry
Authors: Itakura Hikaru , O’Brien Michael H P , Secor David 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In many coastal ecosystems, habitat compression is caused by seasonal combinations of hypoxia and supraoptimal temperatures. These conditions commonly induce avoidance behaviours in mobile species, resulting in the concentrated use of marginal habitats. Using 3 years of acoustic telemetry and high-resolution water quality data recorded throughout Chesapeake Bay, we measured the seasonal movements and exposure of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) to oxy-thermal habitat compression. Striped bass moved to tidal freshwaters in spring (March–May), mesohaline waters in summer (June–August) and fall (September–November), and mesohaline and polyhaline waters in winter (December–February): seasonal patterns consistent with known spawning, foraging, and overwintering migrations. Analyses of habitat selection suggest that during conditions of prevalent sub-pycnocline hypoxia (June–September), striped bass appeared to select surface waters (i.e. they may avoid bottom hypoxic waters). Striped bass detections indicated tolerance of a wide range of surface water temperatures, including those &gt;25°C, which regional regulatory bodies stipulate are stressful for this species. Still, during summer and fall striped bass selected the lowest-available temperature and avoided water temperature &gt;27°C, demonstrating that Chesapeake Bay striped bass can encounter habitat compressions due to the behavioural avoidance of bottom hypoxia and high temperatures.
Asset Pricing with Endogenous Beliefs-Dependent Risk Aversion
Authors: Ouysse Rachida 
Published: January 2021

AbstractI present an economy where aggregate risk aversion is stochastic, exogenous, and beliefs-dependent. The preferences are conditionally isoelastic álaGordon and St-Amour (2004). Representative consumer forms expectations about aggregate aversion to growth states’ uncertainty and makes beliefs-contingent consumption and investment decisions. The consumer is rewarded for preferences risk in addition to consumption risk. The consumer’s attitudes toward uncertainty about the business cycle are countercyclical, mildly volatile, with volatility clustering in periods of economic bust. When evaluated on cross-sections of stock returns, the model generates economically small unconditional Euler errors. This article presents new evidence that conditioning on a data rich information filtration leads to substantial pricing improvements. There is increased volatility and clustering around recessions in information poor environment.
Struma ovarii in bilateral ovarian teratoma—case report and literature review
Authors: Leite Cláudia , Rodrigues Pedro , Oliveira Susana Lima , Martins Nuno Nogueira , Martins Francisco Nogueira 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Struma ovarii is an uncommon ovarian tumour, defined by the finding of thyroid tissue in the ovary, and more frequently found in teratomas. Symptoms of struma ovarii are nonspecific. The definite diagnosis is made by histological examination. The authors report the case of an asymptomatic 76-year-old female patient, whose ultrasonography, magnetic resonance and computed tomography suggested bilateral ovarian teratoma. Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Assessment score was high. She underwent exploratory laparotomy, peritoneal washing, total hysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy and intra-operative frozen section. The final pathological report described bilateral mature cystic teratoma with benign struma ovarii. Surgery remains the best treatment.
Black swans, dragon kings and the uncertainty in international nuclear law
Authors: Handrlica Jakub 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Black swans and dragon kings both represent metaphors for extremely large adverse events with tremendous impact on society and industry. However, while dragon kings refer to those harmful events, which are predictable to some degree, black swans are a surprise because the consequence of them far exceeds what anyone had previously estimated, even using sophisticated risk analysis of low probability events. Nuclear accidents in Chernobyl and Fukushima represent salient examples of black swans. This article aims to address how international nuclear law copes with dragon kings and how black swans may impact existing legal framework on peaceful uses of nuclear energy worldwide.
SAMHD1 restrains aberrant nucleotide insertions at repair junctions generated by DNA end joining
Authors: Akimova Ekaterina , Gassner Franz Josef , Schubert Maria , Rebhandl Stefan , Arzt Claudia , Rauscher Stefanie , Tober Vanessa , Zaborsky Nadja , Greil Richard , Geisberger Roland 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Aberrant end joining of DNA double strand breaks leads to chromosomal rearrangements and to insertion of nuclear or mitochondrial DNA into breakpoints, which is commonly observed in cancer cells and constitutes a major threat to genome integrity. However, the mechanisms that are causative for these insertions are largely unknown. By monitoring end joining of different linear DNA substrates introduced into HEK293 cells, as well as by examining end joining of CRISPR/Cas9 induced DNA breaks in HEK293 and HeLa cells, we provide evidence that the dNTPase activity of SAMHD1 impedes aberrant DNA resynthesis at DNA breaks during DNA end joining. Hence, SAMHD1 expression or low intracellular dNTP levels lead to shorter repair joints and impede insertion of distant DNA regions prior end repair. Our results reveal a novel role for SAMHD1 in DNA end joining and provide new insights into how loss of SAMHD1 may contribute to genome instability and cancer development.
Effective Containment of a COVID-19 Subregional Outbreak in Italy Through Strict Quarantine and Rearrangement of Local Health Care Services
Authors: Tedeschi Sara , Badia Lorenzo , Berveglieri Fabio , Ferrari Rodolfo , Coladonato Simona , Gabrielli Sabrina , Maestri Antonio , Peroni Gabriele , Giannella Maddalena , Rossi Andrea , Viale Pierluigi ,   COVID-19 Fighting Team, Acanto Alessandra , Battistoni Alessandra , Bendanti Nicoletta , Dalfiume Giancarlo , Fina Antonella , Gardenghi Emanuela , Giulianini Sofia , Grassi Bianca , Neretti Anna , Prantoni Silvia , Zanotti Paola , Zoffoli Lorenza , Assirelli Carlotta , Barilli Gabriele , Brozyna Marta Sylwia , Cafaro Michele , Capoccia Francesco , Momeni Lise Chekam , Contarino Giuseppe , Contos Giorgio , Kanj Mounzer , Krawczyk Alessia , Manara Francesca , Puica Alina 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the epidemiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy has been characterized by the occurrence of subnational outbreaks. The World Health Organization recommended building the capacity to rapidly control COVID-19 clusters of cases in order to avoid the spread of the disease. This study describes a subregional outbreak of COVID-19 that occurred in the Emilia Romagna region, Italy, and the intervention undertaken to successfully control it.

Methods
Cases of COVID-19 were defined by a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on nasopharyngeal swab. The outbreak involved the residential area of a small town, with ~10 500 inhabitants in an area of 9 km2. After the recognition of the outbreak, local health care authorities implemented strict quarantine and a rearrangement of health care services, consisting of closure of general practitioner outpatient clinics, telephone contact with all residents, activation of health care units to visit at-home patients with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and a dedicated Infectious Diseases ambulatory unit at the nearest hospital.

Results
The outbreak lasted from February 24 to April 6, 2020, involving at least 170 people with a cumulative incidence of 160 cases/10 000 inhabitants; overall, 448 inhabitants of the municipality underwent at least 1 nasopharyngeal swab to detect SARS-CoV-2 (positivity rate, 38%). Ninety-three people presented symptoms before March 11 (pre-intervention period), and 77 presented symptoms during the postintervention period (March 11–April 6).

Conclusions
It was possible to control this COVID-19 outbreak by prompt recognition and implementation of a targeted local intervention.
A mixed-linkage (1,3;1,4)-β-D-glucan specific hydrolase mediates dark-triggered degradation of this plant cell wall polysaccharide
Authors: Kraemer Florian J , Lunde China , Koch Moritz , Kuhn Benjamin M , Ruehl Clemens , Brown Patrick J , Hoffmann Philipp , Göhre Vera , Hake Sarah , Pauly Markus , Ramírez Vicente 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The presence of mixed-linkage (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan (MLG) in plant cell walls is a key feature of grass species such as cereals, the main source of calorie intake for humans and cattle. Accumulation of this polysaccharide involves the coordinated regulation of biosynthetic and metabolic machineries. While several components of the MLG biosynthesis machinery have been identified in diverse plant species, degradation of MLG is poorly understood. In this study, we performed a large-scale forward genetic screen for maize (Zea mays) mutants with altered cell wall polysaccharide structural properties. As a result, we identified a maize mutant with increased MLG content in several tissues, including adult leaves and senesced organs, where only trace amounts of MLG are usually detected. The causative mutation was found in the GRMZM2G137535 gene, encoding a GH17 licheninase as demonstrated by an in vitro activity assay of the heterologously expressed protein. In addition, maize plants overexpressing GRMZM2G137535 exhibit a 90% reduction in MLG content, indicating that the protein is not only required, but its expression is sufficient to degrade MLG. Accordingly, the mutant was named MLG hydrolase 1 (mlgh1). mlgh1 plants show increased saccharification yields upon enzymatic digestion. Stacking mlgh1 with lignin-deficient mutations results in synergistic increases in saccharification. Time profiling experiments indicate that wall MLG content is modulated during day/night cycles, inversely associated with MLGH1 transcript accumulation. This cycling is absent in the mlgh1 mutant, suggesting that the mechanism involved requires MLG degradation, which may in turn regulate MLGH1 gene expression.
Working on the Frontlines of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of Physical Therapists’ Experience in Spain
Authors: Palacios-Ceña Domingo , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Palacios-Ceña María , de-la-Llave-Rincón Ana I , Florencio Lidiane L 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective
Knowledge of the experiences of health care professionals who have actively worked on the first line of the COVID-19 pandemic could help to identify specific professional duties focused on health assistance objectives. No qualitative study has yet been published, to our knowledge, describing the experience of physical therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to describe and explore the experiences and perspectives of physical therapists working in public hospitals in Madrid, Spain, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
A qualitative exploratory study was conducted based on an interpretive framework. Thirty physical therapists working at 11 national public hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak were recruited by purposeful sampling and snowball techniques. In-depth interviews and researchers’ field notes were used to collect data. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes.

Results
After identifying 3912 codes and 13 categories, 3 themes emerged. The first theme was “call of duty”; as COVID-19 infection dramatically spread, the hospitals were contaminated and overwhelmed, and all floors were converted into COVID-19 wards. The second theme was “working in war time.” Every day, therapists were given “the war report,” receiving their orders, meeting protective personal equipment requirements, and confronting fear. The third theme was “when I arrive at home.” Working during the pandemic had an impact on the therapists’ families and the information shared with them.

Conclusions
Physical therapists described the COVID-19 outbreak as an apocalyptic and unexpected war. Comprehensive support is needed for all frontline health care professionals. The COVID-19 outbreak revealed that health care systems were not prepared for a pandemic.

Impact
To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study to be published describing the experience of physical therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the spectral asymptotics of waves in periodic media with Dirichlet or Neumann exclusions
Authors: Oudghiri-Idrissi Othman , Guzina Bojan B , Meng Shixu 
Published: January 2021

Summary
We consider homogenization of the scalar wave equation in periodic media at finite wavenumbers and frequencies, with the focus on continua characterized by: (a) arbitrary Bravais lattice in $\mathbb{R}^d$, $d \geqslant 2$, and (b) exclusions, that is, ‘voids’ that are subject to homogeneous (Neumann or Dirichlet) boundary conditions. Making use of the Bloch-wave expansion, we pursue this goal via asymptotic ansatz featuring the ‘spectral distance’ from a given wavenumber-eigenfrequency pair (situated anywhere within the first Brillouin zone) as the perturbation parameter. We then introduce the effective wave motion via projection(s) of the scalar wavefield onto the Bloch eigenfunction(s) for the unit cell of periodicity, evaluated at the origin of a spectral neighborhood. For generality, we account for the presence of the source term in the wave equation and we consider—at a given wavenumber—generic cases of isolated, repeated, and nearby eigenvalues. In this way, we obtain a palette of effective models, featuring both wave- and Dirac-type behaviors, whose applicability is controlled by the local band structure and eigenfunction basis. In all spectral regimes, we pursue the homogenized description up to at least first order of expansion, featuring asymptotic corrections of the homogenized Bloch-wave operator and the homogenized source term. Inherently, such framework provides a convenient platform for the synthesis of a wide range of intriguing wave phenomena, including negative refraction and topologically protected states in metamaterials and phononic crystals. The proposed homogenization framework is illustrated by approximating asymptotically the dispersion relationships for (i) Kagome lattice featuring hexagonal Neumann exclusions and (ii) square lattice of circular Dirichlet exclusions. We complete the numerical portrayal of analytical developments by studying the response of a Kagome lattice due to a dipole-like source term acting near the edge of a band gap.
Central sensitization, illness perception and obesity should be considered when interpreting disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Kieskamp Stan C , Paap Davy , Carbo Marlies J G , Wink Freke , Bos Reinhard , Bootsma Hendrika , Arends Suzanne , Spoorenberg Anneke 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Many patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) report persistent pain even when treated with anti-inflammatory agents. Our aim was to explore the presence of central sensitization (CS) and different types of illness perceptions in patients with axSpA, and to assess their associations with disease activity assessments.

Methods
Consecutive outpatients from the Groningen Leeuwarden Axial Spondyloarthritis (GLAS) cohort were included. Besides standardized assessments, patients filled out the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to investigate the association between questionnaire scores, patient characteristics and disease activity assessments ASDASCRP, BASDAI and CRP.

Results
We included 182 patients with a mean symptom duration of 21.6 years. Mean ASDASCRP was 2.1, mean BASDAI 3.9, and median CRP 2.9. Mean CSI score was 37.8 (scale 0–100) and 45% of patients scored ≥40, indicating a high probability of CS. CSI score, IPQ-R domain identity (number of symptoms the patient attributes to their illness), and IPQ-R domain treatment control (perceived treatment efficacy), and obesity were significantly and independently associated with both ASDASCRP and BASDAI, explaining a substantial proportion of variation in these disease activity scores (R2=0.35 and R2=0.47, respectively). Only obesity was also independently associated with CRP.

Conclusion
CS may be common in patients with long-term axSpA. CS, as well as specific illness perceptions and obesity were all independently associated with the widely used (partially) patient-reported disease activity assessments ASDASCRP and BASDAI. Treating physicians should take this into account in the follow-up and treatment of their patients.