bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human cell-dependent, directional, time-dependent changes in the mono- and oligonucleotide compositions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes
Authors: Iwasaki Yuki , Abe Takashi , Ikemura Toshimichi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhen a virus that has grown in a nonhuman host starts an epidemic in the human population, human cells may not provide growth conditions ideal for the virus. Therefore, the invasion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is usually prevalent in the bat population, into the human population is thought to have necessitated changes in the viral genome for efficient growth in the new environment. In the present study, to understand host-dependent changes in coronavirus genomes, we focused on the mono- and oligonucleotide compositions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes and investigated how these compositions changed time-dependently in the human cellular environment. We also compared the oligonucleotide compositions of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses prevalent in humans or bats to investigate the causes of changes in the host environment.ResultsTime-series analyses of changes in the nucleotide compositions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes revealed a group of mono- and oligonucleotides whose compositions changed in a common direction for all clades, even though viruses belonging to different clades should evolve independently. Interestingly, the compositions of these oligonucleotides changed towards those of coronaviruses that have been prevalent in humans for a long period and away from those of bat coronaviruses.ConclusionsClade-independent, time-dependent changes are thought to have biological significance and should relate to viral adaptation to a new host environment, providing important clues for understanding viral host adaptation mechanisms.
Complex Systems Analysis Informs on the Spread of COVID-19
Authors: Wang Xia , Washington Dorcas , Weber Georg F. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe non-linear progression of new infection numbers in a pandemic poses challenges to the evaluation of its management. The tools of complex systems research may aid in attaining information that would be difficult to extract with other means. To study the COVID-19 pandemic, we utilize the reported new cases per day for the globe, nine countries and six US states through October 2020. Fourier and univariate wavelet analyses inform on periodicity and extent of change. Evaluating time-lagged data sets of various lag lengths, we find that the autocorrelation function, average mutual information and box counting dimension represent good quantitative readouts for the progression of new infections. Bivariate wavelet analysis and return plots give indications of containment versus exacerbation. Homogeneity or heterogeneity in the population response, uptick versus suppression, and worsening or improving trends are discernible, in part by plotting various time lags in three dimensions. The analysis of epidemic or pandemic progression with the techniques available for observed (noisy) complex data can aid decision making in the public health response.
Maribellus comscasissp. nov., isolated from the deep-sea cold seep
Authors: Zheng Rikuan , Sun Chaomin 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTA facultatively anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, curved rod-shaped bacterium, designated WC007T, was isolated from the deep-sea cold seep, P. R. China. Strain WC007Twas found to grow at temperatures from 28 to 37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH values between pH 6.0 and 8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in 0-5.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.0%). The major fatty acids (>10.0%) were iso-C15:0, C16:0, summed feature 3 and summed feature 8. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. Predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 38.38%. The average nucleotide identity (ANIb and ANIm), amino acid identity (AAI), the tetranucleotide signatures (Tetra) andin silicoDNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH) similarities between the genome sequences of isolate WC007TandMaribellus luteusXSD2Twere 70.11%, 84.94%, 71.0%, 0.92022 and 20.40%, respectively, indicating that strain WC007Twas distinguished fromM. luteus. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed strain WC007Twithin the genusMaribellusand showed the highest similarity to strain XSD2T(95.70%). In combination of the results of phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain WC007Twas considered to represent a novel species of the genusMaribellus, for which the nameMaribellus comscasissp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WC007T(=KCTC 25169T= MCCC 1K04777T). The available of the genome sequence of strain WC007Twould be helpful in understanding the degradation mechanism of difficult-to-degrade polysaccharides.
Coordination of phage genome degradation versus host genome protection by a bifunctional restriction-modification enzyme visualized by CryoEM
Authors: Shen Betty W. , Quispe Joel D. , Luyten Yvette , McGough Benjamin E. , Morgan Richard D. , Stoddard Barry L. 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTRestriction enzymes that combine DNA methylation and cleavage activities into a single polypeptide or protein assemblage and that modify just one DNA strand for host protection are capable of more efficient adaptation towards novel target sites. However, they must solve the problem of discrimination between newly replicated and unmodified host sites (needing methylation) and invasive foreign site (needing to lead to cleavage). One solution to this problem might be that the activity that occurs at any given site is dictated by the oligomeric state of the bound enzyme. Methylation requires just a single bound site and is relatively slow, while cleavage requires that multiple unmethylated target sites (often found in incoming, foreign DNA) be brought together into an enzyme-DNA complex to license rapid cleavage. To validate and visualize the basis for such a mechanism, we have determined the catalytic behavior of a bifunctional Type IIL restriction-modification (‘RM’) enzyme (DrdV) and determined its high-resolution structure at several different stages of assembly and coordination with multiple bound DNA targets using CryoEM. The structures demonstrate a mechanism of cleavage by which an initial dimer is formed between two DNA-bound enzyme molecules, positioning the single endonuclease domain from each enzyme against the other’s DNA and requiring further oligomerization through differing protein-protein contacts of additional DNA-bound enzyme molecules to enable cleavage. The analysis explains how endonuclease activity is licensed by the presence of multiple target-containing DNA duplexes and provides a clear view of the assembly through 3D space of a DNA-bound RM enzyme ‘synapse’ that leads to rapid cleavage of foreign DNA.
Investigating the role of social networking technology on the organizational agility: a structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Ahmadi Shadi , Ershadi Mohammad Javad 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe current extensive business ecosystem, characterized by technological advances and development, impressive customers, and increasing social concerns, has exerted great pressure on business organizations. Among different business values for affording this pressure, organizational agility is a critical factor that should be carefully incorporated in business processes. The main purpose of the present study is to investigate the role of social networking technology, as a crucial collaborative tool, on organizational agility.Design/methodology/approachA model based on structural equations was designed in this regard. The constructs of this model are quality of service, varieties of services, costs and speed of service as independent variables and also agility management as a dependent variable. Based on the conceptual model, a questionnaire was prepared and distributed among the experts of social networking technology and agility management. Based on Cochran's formula the sample size was 384. The response rate was 100%. The main statistical measures such as Chi-square ratio to the degree of freedom, Non-soft Fitness Index (RMSEA), Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) and Modified fitness index (AGFI) were employed for analyzing the model.FindingsResults of obtained data indicated that a variety of services as the main factor of social networking technology has the most impact on the agility of a company. Then, the speed of service, service quality and costs were ranked respectively in second to fourth. Providing information technology (IT) service perceptions, promoting the service climate and thorough identification of IT requirements are the main critical success factors for maintaining a robust impact of social networking technology on organizational agility. Moreover, a well-designed enterprise structure alongside employing newly developed IT infrastructures such as cloud computing certainly improves the capabilities of organizations to improve their agility.Originality/valueAlthough the literature suggests a positive impact among IT or social networks on organizational agility, it is deficient in relation to considering the impact of social networking. Furthermore, a structural equation model (SEM) is used for assessing unobservable latent constructs and their related interrelationship.
Navigating heutagogic learning: mapping the learning journey in management education through the OEPA model
Authors: Stoten David William 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this conceptual paper is to advocate the adoption of heutagogic principles within management education and to show how it could be implemented.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is the outcome of a review of the literature on learning theory and management education.FindingsThis paper demonstrates how heutagogic principles have been introduced in three areas: entrepreneurial education, executive coaching and e-learning.Originality/valueThis paper makes an original contribution to the discourse on heutagogy through the OEPA model that maps the heutagogic learning journey.
Welsh Devolution and the Union: Reform Debates after Brexit
Authors: Bradbury Jonathan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe survey addresses three key reform debates relating to devolution in Wales. These concern first, the case for the further devolution of powers, notably those over criminal justice and policing; second, the defence of Wales’ devolved powers in the context of Brexit; and third, the rooting of devolution in new constitutional ideals, primarily the Welsh government’s preferred model of the UK as a voluntary association of nations, or the alternative pressed by the independence movement. In each case, there are strong pressures within Wales for resolutions which sustain and develop devolution; and in the case of independence, have the potential, with reform debates elsewhere, to transform the UK Union. However, there are also grounds for reflecting on the contested nature of further change, the long road that a case for independence may yet have to travel, and the interests of UK government.
Discharge Prediction for Patients Undergoing Inpatient Surgery: Development and validation of the DEPENDENSE score
Authors: Hammer Maximilian , Althoff Friederike C. , Platzbecker Katharina , Wachtendorf Luca J. , Teja Bijan , Raub Dana , Schaefer Maximilian S. , Wongtangman Karuna , Xu Xinling , Houle Timothy T. , Eikermann Matthias , Murugappan Kadhiresan R. 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundA substantial proportion of patients undergoing inpatient surgery each year is at risk for postoperative institutionalization and loss of independence. Reliable individualized preoperative prediction of adverse discharge can facilitate advanced care planning and shared decision making.MethodsUsing hospital registry data from previously home‐dwelling adults undergoing inpatient surgery, we retrospectively developed and externally validated a score predicting adverse discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and bootstrapping were used to develop the score. Adverse discharge was defined as in‐hospital mortality or discharge to a skilled nursing facility. The model was subsequently externally validated in a cohort of patients from an independent hospital.ResultsIn total, 106 164 patients in the development cohort and 92 962 patients in the validation cohort were included, of which 16 624 (15.7%) and 7717 (8.3%) patients experienced adverse discharge, respectively. The model was predictive of adverse discharge with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.87 (95% CI 0.87‐0.88) in the development cohort and an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.86‐0.87) in the validation cohort.ConclusionUsing preoperatively available data, we developed and validated a prediction instrument for adverse discharge following inpatient surgery. Reliable prediction of this patient centered outcome can facilitate individualized operative planning to maximize value of care.
Intra‐industry spill‐over effect of default: Evidence from the Chinese bond market
Authors: Hu Xiaolu , Luo Haoyi , Xu Zijin , Li Jiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe investigate the intra‐industry spill‐over effect of defaults in the Chinese bond market by using a sample of public corporate debt securities for the period 2014–2018. We find that both industry portfolios and individual firms witness a strong contagion effect, which further spreads to the primary bond market, triggering a surge in the debt financing cost for default industries. Moreover, this contagion effect is stronger for low‐competition industries and regulated industries, as well as when a default happens to state‐owned enterprises. Better information access and higher bond liquidity alleviate the contagion effect, lending support to the information updates and liquidity dry‐up hypotheses.
Social group memberships, physical activity, and physical health following retirement: A six‐year follow‐up from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Stevens Mark , Cruwys Tegan , Haslam Catherine , Wang Valerie 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate whether belonging to more social groups supports people to be physically active following retirement and confers physical health benefits as a result.DesignA longitudinal design was used, drawing on data spanning an eight‐year period from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.MethodsIn a population sample of retirees (N = 243), mediation models were used to examine relationships between number of post‐retirement group memberships, subsequent post‐retirement physical activity, and subsequent physical health.ResultsBelonging to a greater number of social groups predicted greater physical activity following retirement. More group memberships also consistently predicted both subjective and objective indicators of greater physical health via greater physical activity.ConclusionsSupporting people to maintain – and ideally increase – their group memberships in retirement may have benefits for their engagement in physical activity and long‐term physical health.
Ocular manifestations of rosacea: A clinical review
Authors: Tavassoli Shokufeh , Wong Nathan , Chan Elsie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOcular rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that can occur in the absence of cutaneous features. The most common ocular features are chronic blepharoconjunctivitis with eyelid margin inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction. Corneal complications include corneal vascularization, ulceration, scarring and, rarely, perforation. Diagnosis is largely based on clinical signs, although it is often delayed in the absence of cutaneous changes, particularly in children. It can also be associated with systemic disorders such as cardiovascular disease. Management ranges from local therapy to systemic treatment, depending on the severity of the disease. In this review, we describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features and treatment of rosacea and ocular rosacea.
The quality, suitability, content and readability of online health‐related information regarding sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Brissette Vincent , Alnaki Ali , Garfinkle Richard , Lloyd Marshall , Demian Marie , Vasilevsky Carol‐Ann , Morin Nancy , Boutros Marylise 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimPatients are not well informed about sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery and often turn to the Internet for information. The purpose of this study was to assess online information for patients on sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery.MethodsAn online search of Google, Yahoo and Bing was performed using specific (e.g., rectal cancer surgery and vaginal pain) and general (e.g., rectal cancer surgery and sex) search terms. Inclusion criteria were websites in English, designed for patients, and including content regarding sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery. Websites were assessed for readability (nine standardized tests), quality (DISCERN tool), suitability (Suitability Assessment of Materials tool), and content.ResultsOf 5040 websites identified, 99 unique websites met inclusion criteria. Three (3%) websites fulfilled the American Medical Association recommendation of a 6th‐grade reading level. Using the DISCERN instrument, two (2%) websites were assigned good/excellent quality, nineteen (19%) referenced their sources of information, and thirty‐one (31%) fully discussed the impact of sexual dysfunction on quality of life. Using the SAM instrument, three (3%) websites were classified as highly suitable for rectal cancer patients, sixty‐five (66%) were adequate, and thirty‐one (31%) were inadequate. With regards to content, nine (9%) websites fully discussed the impact of sexual dysfunction on patients partners and fifty‐one (52%) websites did not cover prognosis.ConclusionOnline health information available to patients on sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery is suboptimal. Websites are not suitable, lack important content, and are written at too complex a reading level for patients.
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine provoke arrhythmias at concentrations higher than those clinically used to treat COVID‐19: A simulation study
Authors: Okada Jun‐ichi , Yoshinaga Takashi , Washio Takumi , Sawada Kohei , Sugiura Seiryo , Hisada Toshiaki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe risk of fatal arrhythmias is the major concern for using chloroquine (CQ) or hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), but the reported number of life‐threatening arrhythmic events or deaths is relatively small. The objective of this study was to assess the arrhythmogenic risk of these two drugs using a multiscale heart simulation, which allows testing even at high concentrations, including those that cause fatal arrhythmias. We measured the inhibitory action of CQ, HCQ, and HCQ with 30 μM azithromycin (AZ) on six ion currents (fast [INa] and late [INa,L] components of the sodium current, L‐type calcium current [ICa,L], rapid [IKr/hERG], and slow [IKs] components of delayed rectifier potassium, and inward rectifier potassium [IK1]) over a wide range of concentrations using the automated patch‐clamp system. Using the concentration–inhibition relationship that was thus obtained, we simulated the drug effects while increasing the concentration until the life‐threatening arrhythmia, torsade de pointes (TdP), was observed. The obtained threshold concentrations for TdP were 12.5, 35, and 22.5 μM for CQ, HCQ, and HCQ with AZ, respectively. Adding therapeutic concentrations of mexiletine or verapamil successfully prevented the occurrence of TdP, and verapamil was more effective. CQ, HCQ, and HCQ with AZ thresholds for TdP were larger than both antiviral concentrations that were reported by in vitro experiments and free plasma concentrations that were attained by the clinically used dosage. The current simulation data provided a safety margin to the currently used clinical dose for CQ and HCQ/AZ.
Study Highlights

WHAT IS THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE TOPIC?

Despite the potent in vitro antiviral effect, clinical trials have failed to show the therapeutic effects of chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)/azithromycin (AZ) to treat coronavirus disease 2019. Torsadogenic potentials may limit the dosage of these drugs, but the reported incidence of fatal arrhythmias is rare.

WHAT QUESTION DID THIS STUDY ADDRESS?
Our objective was to assess the arrhythmogenicity of CQ and HCQ/AZ over a wide range of drug concentrations using a multiscale heart simulation.

WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD TO OUR KNOWLEDGE?
Our study showed that CQ and HCQ/AZ do not induce fatal arrhythmias even at concentrations much higher than in vitro antiviral half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) values at which QT prolongation exceeds 150 ms. We also found that estimated free plasma concentrations of CQ and HCQ/AZ achieved by currently used dosing protocols are lower than the antiviral EC50 for these drugs.

HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OR TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE?
Our simulation data provided a safety margin to the currently used clinical dose for CQ and HCQ/AZ.
Increased muscle echointensity correlates with clinical disability and muscle strength in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Fisse Anna Lena , Fiegert Sean , Stoykova Zornitsa , Brünger Jil , Athanasopoulos Diamantis , Grüter Thomas , Motte Jeremias , Gold Ralf , Pitarokoili Kalliopi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeWe evaluated muscle echointensity as a marker for secondary axonal damage in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) using ultrasonography. Findings were correlated with clinical disability and muscular strength.MethodsEighty patients with CIDP (40 with typical and 40 with atypical CIDP) were examined clinically, including assessment of Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score and Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment Overall Disability Sum Score (INCAT‐ODSS). Echointensity in eight proximal and distal muscles of the arms and legs was evaluated by muscle ultrasonography using the Heckmatt scale.ResultsAlterations of echointensity occurred most frequently in the distal leg muscles, with a median (range) Heckmatt score of 1.5 (1–4). There were no differences between typical and atypical CIDP patients with regard to Heckmatt score. Alterations of echointensity correlated to disability and muscle strength. The arm score of the INCAT‐ODSS correlated to Heckmatt score for the distal arm muscles (r = 0.23, p = 0.046) and the leg score of the INCAT‐ODSS correlated to Heckmatt scores for the proximal (r = 0.34, p = 0.002) and distal leg muscles (r = 0.33, p = 0.004). MRC sum score, as well as individual MRC scores for arm and leg muscles, correlated to Heckmatt scores of the corresponding muscle groups (r = −0.25, p = 0.02 for MRC sum score).ConclusionIncreased muscle echointensity, reflecting fibrosis and fatty infiltration due to secondary axonal damage, correlated to muscular strength and disability in a large cohort of CIDP patients. Alterations of echointensity occur in both typical and atypical CIDP patients and are pronounced in the distal leg muscles.