bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A unique case of a typical carcinoid of the middle mediastinum: en bloc surgical resection on cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Rizzardi Giovanna , Brascia Debora , Marulli Giuseppe , Bortolotti Luigi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We report a unique case of a 67-year-old man with a typical carcinoid of the middle mediastinum that adhered tightly to the pericardium, the posterior part of the ascending aorta and the pulmonary trunk, that was radically resected with the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass by clamping, sectioning and suturing the ascending aorta.
Seasonal variation in mortality and the role of temperature: a multi-country multi-city study
Authors: Madaniyazi Lina , Armstrong Ben , Chung Yeonseung , Ng Chris Fook Sheng , Seposo Xerxes , Kim Yoonhee , Tobias Aurelio , Guo Yuming , Sera Francesco , Honda Yasushi , Gasparrini Antonio , Hashizume Masahiro ,   the Multi-Country Multi-City (MCC) Collaborative Research Network, Abrutzky Rosana , Acquaotta Fiorella , Ameling Caroline , Analitis Antonis , Åström Christofer , Pan Shih-Chun , Coelho Micheline de Sousa Zanotti Stagliorio , Correa Patricia Matus , Dang Tran Ngoc , de'Donato Francesca , Diaz Magali Hurtado , Van Dung Do , Entezari Alireza , Forsberg Bertil , Fratianni Simona , Goodman Patrick , Guo Yue Leon , Holobâca Iulian Horia , Houthuijs Danny , Huber Veronika , Indermitte Ene , Íñiguez Carmen , Jaakkola Jouni , Kan Haidong , Katsouyanni Klea , Kim Ho , Kyselý Jan , Lavigne Eric , Lee Whanhee , Li Shanshan , Mayvaneh Fatemeh , Michelozzi Paola , Nunes Baltazar , Orru Hans , Ortega Nicolás Valdés , Osorio Samuel , Overcenco Ala , Pascal Mathilde , Ragettli Martina S , Rao Shilpa , Ryti Niilo , Saldiva Paulo Hilario Nascimento , Schneider Alexandra , Schwartz Joel , Scovronick Noah , Teixeira João Paulo , Tong Shilu , Urban Aleš , Valencia César De la Cruz , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana Maria , Zanobetti Antonella , Zeka Ariana 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Although seasonal variations in mortality have been recognized for millennia, the role of temperature remains unclear. We aimed to assess seasonal variation in mortality and to examine the contribution of temperature.

Methods
We compiled daily data on all-cause, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, temperature and indicators on location-specific characteristics from 719 locations in tropical, dry, temperate and continental climate zones. We fitted time-series regression models to estimate the amplitude of seasonal variation in mortality on a daily basis, defined as the peak-to-trough ratio (PTR) of maximum mortality estimates to minimum mortality estimates at day of year. Meta-analysis was used to summarize location-specific estimates for each climate zone. We estimated the PTR with and without temperature adjustment, with the differences representing the seasonal effect attributable to temperature. We also evaluated the effect of location-specific characteristics on the PTR across locations by using meta-regression models.

Results
Seasonality estimates and responses to temperature adjustment varied across locations. The unadjusted PTR for all-cause mortality was 1.05 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.11] in the tropical zone and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.20–1.25) in the temperate zone; adjusting for temperature reduced the estimates to 1.02 (95% CI: 0.95–1.09) and 1.10 (95% CI: 1.07–1.12), respectively. Furthermore, the unadjusted PTR was positively associated with average mean temperature.

Conclusions
This study suggests that seasonality of mortality is importantly driven by temperature, most evidently in temperate/continental climate zones, and that warmer locations show stronger seasonal variations in mortality, which is related to a stronger effect of temperature.
Placental Expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in Maternal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: Are Placental Defenses Mediated by Fetal Sex?
Authors: Shook Lydia L , Bordt Evan A , Meinsohn Marie-Charlotte , Pepin David , De Guzman Rose M , Brigida Sara , Yockey Laura J , James Kaitlyn E , Sullivan Mackenzie W , Bebell Lisa M , Roberts Drucilla J , Kaimal Anjali J , Li Jonathan Z , Schust Danny , Gray Kathryn J , Edlow Andrea G 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and type II transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2), host molecules required for viral entry, may underlie sex differences in vulnerability to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We investigated whether placental ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression vary by fetal sex in the presence of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods
Placental ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by Western blot in 68 pregnant women (38 SARS-CoV-2 positive, 30 SARS-CoV-2 negative) delivering at Mass General Brigham from April to June 2020. The impact of fetal sex and maternal SARS-CoV-2 exposure on ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results
Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection impacted placental TMPRSS2 expression in a sexually dimorphic fashion (2-way ANOVA interaction, P = .002). We observed no impact of fetal sex or maternal SARS-CoV-2 status on ACE2. TMPRSS2 expression was significantly correlated with ACE2 expression in males (Spearman ρ = 0.54, P = .02) but not females (ρ = 0.23, P = .34) exposed to maternal SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions
Sex differences in placental TMPRSS2 but not ACE2 were observed in the setting of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may have implications for offspring vulnerability to placental infection.
Combination treatment of liposomal amphotericin B and isavuconazole is synergistic in treating experimental mucormycosis
Authors: Gebremariam Teclegiorgis , Gu Yiyou , Singh Shakti , Kitt Therese M , Ibrahim Ashraf S 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) and isavuconazonium sulphate are commonly used antifungal drugs to treat mucormycosis. However, the efficacy of combination therapy of L-AMB/isavuconazonium sulphate versus monotherapy is unknown. We used an immunosuppressed mouse model of pulmonary mucormycosis to compare the efficacy of L-AMB/isavuconazonium sulphate versus either drug alone.

Methods
Neutropenic mice were intratracheally infected with either Rhizopus delemar or Mucor circinelloides. Treatment with L-AMB, isavuconazonium sulphate, or a combination of both started 8 h post-infection and continued through to Day +4. Placebo mice received vehicle control. Survival to Day +21 and tissue fungal burden (by conidial equivalent using quantitative PCR) on Day +4, served as primary and secondary endpoints, respectively.

Results
For mice infected with R. delemar, L-AMB and isavuconazonium sulphate equally prolonged median survival time and enhanced survival versus placebo (an overall survival of 50% for either drug alone, versus 5% for placebo). Importantly, combination treatment resulted in an overall survival of 80%. Both antifungal drugs reduced tissue fungal burden of lungs and brain by ∼1.0–2.0 log versus placebo-treated mice. Treatment with combination therapy resulted in 2.0–3.5 log reduction in fungal burden of either organ versus placebo and 1.0 log reduction versus either drug alone. Similar treatment outcomes were obtained using mice infected with M. circinelloides.

Conclusions
The L-AMB/isavuconazonium sulphate combination demonstrated greater activity versus monotherapy in immunosuppressed mice infected with either of the two most common causes of mucormycosis. These studies warrant further investigation of L-AMB/isavuconazonium sulphate combination therapy as an optimal therapy of human mucormycosis.
Generative design and fabrication of a locust-inspired gliding wing prototype for micro aerial robots
Authors: Isakhani Hamid , Bellotto Nicola , Fu Qinbing , Yue Shigang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGliding is generally one of the most efficient modes of flight in natural fliers that can be further emphasized in the aircraft industry to reduce emissions and facilitate endured flights. Natural wings being fundamentally responsible for this phenomenon are developed over millions of years of evolution. Artificial wings, on the other hand, are limited to the human-proposed conceptual design phase often leading to sub-optimal results. However, the novel Generative Design (GD) method claims to produce mechanically improved solutions based on robust and rigorous models of design conditions and performance criteria. This study investigates the potential applications of this Computer-Associated Design (CAsD) technology to generate novel micro aerial vehicle wing concepts that are structurally more stable and efficient. Multiple performance-driven solutions (wings) with high-level goals are generated by an infinite scale cloud computing solution executing a machine learning-based GD algorithm. Ultimately, the highest performing CAsD concepts are numerically analysed, fabricated, and mechanically tested according to our previous study, and the results are compared to the literature for qualitative as well as quantitative analysis and validations. It was concluded that the GD-based tandem wings’ (forewing and hindwing) ability to withstand fracture failure without compromising structural rigidity was optimized by 78% compared to its peer models. However, the weight was slightly increased by 11% with 14% drop in stiffness when compared to our models from previous study.
Whole-cell display of Pyrococcus horikoshii glutamate decarboxylase in Escherichia coli for high-titer extracellular gamma-aminobutyric acid production
Authors: Somasundaram Sivachandiran , Jeong Jaehoon , Kumaravel Ashokkumar , Hong Soon Ho 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We investigated the effect of cell-surface display of glutamate decarboxylase (GadB) on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production in recombinant Escherichia coli. We integrated GadB from the hyperthermophilic, anaerobic archaeon Pyrococcus horikoshii to the C-terminus of the E. coli outer membrane protein C (OmpC). After 12 hr of culturing GadB-displaying cells, the GABA concentration in the extracellular medium increased to 3.2 g/l, which is eight times that obtained with cells expressing GadB in the cytosol. To further enhance GABA production, we increased the temperatures of the culture. At 60°C, the obtained GABA concentration was 4.62 g/l after 12 hr of culture, and 5.35 g/l after 24 hr, which corresponds to a yield of 87.7%.
ABA signalling promotes cell totipotency in the shoot apex of germinating embryos
Authors: Chen Baojian , Fiers Martijn , Dekkers Bas J W , Maas Lena , van Esse G Wilma , Angenent Gerco C , Zhao Yang , Boutilier Kim 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSomatic embryogenesis (SE) is a type of induced cell totipotency where embryos develop from vegetative tissues of the plant instead of from gamete fusion after fertilization. SE can be induced in vitro by exposing explants to growth regulators, such as the auxinic herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) has been proposed to be a downstream signalling component at the intersection between 2,4-D- and stress-induced SE, but it is not known how these pathways interact to induce cell totipotency. Here we show that 2,4-D-induced SE from the shoot apex of germinating Arabidopsis thaliana seeds is characterized by transcriptional maintenance of an ABA-dependent seed maturation pathway. Molecular–genetic analysis of Arabidopsis mutants revealed a role for ABA in promoting SE at three different levels: ABA biosynthesis, ABA receptor complex signalling, and ABA-mediated transcription, with essential roles for the ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 (ABI3) and ABI4 transcription factors. Our data suggest that the ability of mature Arabidopsis embryos to maintain the ABA seed maturation environment is an important first step in establishing competence for auxin-induced cell totipotency. This finding provides further support for the role of ABA in directing processes other than abiotic stress response.
Constraining alternatives to the Kerr black hole
Authors: Shaikh Rajibul , Pal Kunal , Pal Kuntal , Sarkar Tapobrata 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
The recent observation of the shadow of the supermassive compact object M87* by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration has opened up a new window to probe the strong gravity regime. In this paper, we study shadows cast by two viable alternatives to the Kerr black hole, and compare them with the shadow of M87*. The first alternative is a horizonless compact object (HCO) having radius r0 and exterior Kerr geometry. The second one is a rotating generalization of the recently obtained one parameter (r0) static metric by Simpson and Visser. This latter metric, constructed using the Newman–Janis algorithm, is a special case of a parametrized rotating non-Kerr geometry obtained by Johannsen. Here, we constrain the parameter r0 of these alternatives using the results from M87* observation. We find that, for the mass, inclination angle and the angular diameter of the shadow of M87* reported by the EHT collaboration, the maximum value of the parameter r0 must be in the range 2.54r+ ≤ r0, max ≤ 3.51r+ for the dimensionless spin range 0.5 ≤ a* ≤ 0.94, with r+ being the outer horizon radius of the Kerr black hole at the corresponding spin value. We conclude that these black hole alternatives having r0 below this maximum range (i.e. r0 ≤ r0, max) is consistent with the size and deviation from circularity of the observed shadow of M87*.
The Global Magneto-Ionic Medium Survey (GMIMS): the brightest polarized region in the southern sky at 75 cm and its implications for Radio Loop II
Authors: Thomson Alec J M , Landecker T L , McClure-Griffiths N M , Dickey John M , Campbell J L , Carretti Ettore , Clark S E , Federrath Christoph , Gaensler B M , Han J L , Haverkorn Marijke , Hill Alex S , Mao S A , Ordog Anna , Pratley Luke , Reich Wolfgang , Van Eck Cameron L , West J L , Wolleben M 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Using the Global Magneto-Ionic Medium Survey (GMIMS) Low-Band South (LBS) southern sky polarization survey, covering 300–480 MHz at 81  arcmin resolution, we reveal the brightest region in the southern polarized sky at these frequencies. The region, G150−50, covers nearly 20 $\deg ^2$, near (l, b) ≈ (150○, −50○). Using GMIMS-LBS and complementary data at higher frequencies (∼0.6–30 GHz), we apply Faraday tomography and Stokes QU-fitting techniques. We find that the magnetic field associated with G150−50 is both coherent and primarily in the plane of the sky, and indicates that the region is associated with Radio Loop II. The Faraday depth spectra across G150−50 are broad and contain a large-scale spatial gradient. We model the magnetic field in the region as an expanding shell, and we can reproduce both the observed Faraday rotation and the synchrotron emission in the GMIMS-LBS band. Using QU fitting, we find that the Faraday spectra are produced by several Faraday dispersive sources along the line of sight. Alternatively, polarization horizon effects that we cannot model are adding complexity to the high-frequency polarized spectra. The magnetic field structure of Loop II dominates a large fraction of the sky, and studies of the large-scale polarized sky will need to account for this object. Studies of G150−50 with high angular resolution could mitigate polarization horizon effects, and clarify the nature of G150−50.
Uptake, transport, and metabolism of selenium and its protective effects against toxic metals in plants: a review
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Lin Weiqiang , Jiao Hongpeng , Liu Jinggong , Chan Leung , Liu Xiaoying , Wang Rui , Chen Tianfeng 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of fundamental importance to humans, animals, and plants. However, the uptake, transport, and metabolic processes of Se and its underlying mechanisms in plants have not been well characterized. Here, we review our current understanding of the adsorption and assimilation of Se in plants. First, we discussed the conversion of Se from inorganic Se into organic forms, the mechanisms underlying the formation of seleno-amino acids, and the detoxification of Se. We then discussed the ways in which Se protects plants against toxic metal ions in the environment, such as by alleviating oxidative stress, regulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes, sequestering metal ions, and preventing metal ion uptake and accumulation. Generally, this review will aid future research examining the molecular mechanisms underlying the antagonistic relationships between Se and toxic metals in plants.
Rank-in: enabling integrative analysis across microarray and RNA-seq for cancer
Authors: Tang Kailin , Ji Xuejie , Zhou Mengdi , Deng Zeliang , Huang Yuwei , Zheng Genhui , Cao Zhiwei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Though transcriptomics technologies evolve rapidly in the past decades, integrative analysis of mixed data between microarray and RNA-seq remains challenging due to the inherent variability difference between them. Here, Rank-In was proposed to correct the nonbiological effects across the two technologies, enabling freely blended data for consolidated analysis. Rank-In was rigorously validated via the public cell and tissue samples tested by both technologies. On the two reference samples of the SEQC project, Rank-In not only perfectly classified the 44 profiles but also achieved the best accuracy of 0.9 on predicting TaqMan-validated DEGs. More importantly, on 327 Glioblastoma (GBM) profiles and 248, 523 heterogeneous colon cancer profiles respectively, only Rank-In can successfully discriminate every single cancer profile from normal controls, while the others cannot. Further on different sizes of mixed seq-array GBM profiles, Rank-In can robustly reproduce a median range of DEG overlapping from 0.74 to 0.83 among top genes, whereas the others never exceed 0.72. Being the first effective method enabling mixed data of cross-technology analysis, Rank-In welcomes hybrid of array and seq profiles for integrative study on large/small, paired/unpaired and balanced/imbalanced samples, opening possibility to reduce sampling space of clinical cancer patients. Rank-In can be accessed at http://www.badd-cao.net/rank-in/index.html.
Temporal changes and risk factors for death from early withdrawal within 12 months of dialysis initiation—a cohort study
Authors: Chen Jenny H C , Brown Mark A , Jose Matthew , Brennan Frank , Johnson David W , Roberts Matthew A , Wong Germaine , Cheikh Hassan Hicham , Kennard Alice , Walker Rachael , Davies Christopher E , Boudville Neil , Borlace Monique , Hawley Carmel , Lim Wai H 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Mortality risk is high soon after dialysis initiation in patients with kidney failure, and dialysis withdrawal is a major cause of early mortality, attributed to psychosocial or medical reasons. The temporal trends and risk factors associated with cause-specific early dialysis withdrawal within 12 months of dialysis initiation remain uncertain.

Methods
Using data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, we examined the temporal trends and risk factors associated with mortality attributed to early psychosocial and medical withdrawals in incident adult dialysis patients in Australia between 2005 and 2018 using adjusted competing risk analyses.

Results
Of 32 274 incident dialysis patients, 3390 (11%) experienced death within 12 months post-dialysis initiation. Of these, 1225 (36%) were attributed to dialysis withdrawal, with 484 (14%) psychosocial withdrawals and 741 (22%) medical withdrawals. These patterns remained unchanged over the past two decades. Factors associated with increased risk of death from early psychosocial and medical withdrawals were older age, dialysis via central venous catheter, late referral and the presence of cerebrovascular disease; obesity and Asian ethnicity were associated with decreased risk. Risk factors associated with early psychosocial withdrawals were underweight and higher socioeconomic status. Presence of peripheral vascular disease, chronic lung disease and cancers were associated with early medical withdrawals.

Conclusions
Death from dialysis withdrawal accounted for &gt;30% of early deaths in kidney failure patients initiated on dialysis and remained unchanged over the past two decades. Several shared risk factors were observed between mortality attributed to early psychosocial and medical withdrawals.
Association Between Statewide Opioid Prescribing Interventions and Opioid Prescribing Patterns in North Carolina, 2006–2018
Authors: Maierhofer Courtney N , Ranapurwala Shabbar I , DiPrete Bethany L , Fulcher Naoko , Ringwalt Christopher L , Chelminski Paul R , Ives Timothy J , Dasgupta Nabarun , Go Vivian F , Pence Brian W 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Objective
To examine the impact of three sequential statewide policy and legislative interventions on opioid prescribing practices among privately insured individuals in North Carolina.

Methods
An interrupted time series approach was used to examine level and trajectory changes of new and prevalent opioid prescription rates, days’ supply, and daily morphine milligram equivalents before and after implementation of a 1) prescription drug monitoring program, 2) state medical board initiative, and 3) legislative action. Analyses were conducted using individual-level claims data from a large private health insurance provider serving North Carolina residents, ages 18–64 years, from January 2006 to August 2018.

Results
Rates of new and prevalent prescription opioid patients were relatively unaffected by the prescription monitoring program but sharply declined in the months immediately following both medical board (−3.7 new and −19.3 prevalent patients per 10,000 person months) and legislative (−14.1 new and −26.7 prevalent patients) actions. Among all opioid prescriptions, days’ supply steadily increased on average over the study period but declined after legislative action (−1.5 days’ supply per year).

Conclusions
The voluntary prescription drug monitoring program launched in 2010 only marginally affected opioid prescribing patterns on its own, but its redeployment as an investigative and clinical tool in multifaceted public policy approaches by the state medical board and legislature later in the decade plausibly contributed to notable declines in prescription rates and days’ supply. This study lends new emphasis to the importance of enforcement mechanisms for state and national policies seeking to reverse this critical public health crisis.
Global health governance and disaster recovery for rebel returnees during COVID-19
Authors: Kahambing Jan Gresil 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This article highlights the need for governing some gradual ruptures from the past to achieve a sense of new normalcy in public health. The rebel returnees during the pandemic form a case of a vulnerable group who triply experience disasters: from the pandemic and natural disasters to terrorism. Global health governance carries on the management of past problems attaining their maturation and faces new ones for disaster recovery.