bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Q-chains in the U(1)-gauged Friedberg-Lee-Sirlin model
Authors: Loiko V. , Perapechka I. , Shnir Ya. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We construct static axially symmetric multi-Q-ball configurations in the U(1)-gauged two-component Fridberg-Lee-Sirlin model in a flat spacetime. The solutions represent electromagnetically bounded chains of stationary spinning charged Q-balls placed along the axis of symmetry. We discuss the properties of these configurations and exhibit their domain of existence.
Basal Ganglia Calcification Is Associated With Local and Systemic Metabolic Mechanisms in Adult Hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Zavatta Guido , Tebben Peter J , McCollough Cynthia H , Yu Lifeng , Vrieze Thomas , Clarke Bart L 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by low serum calcium, increased serum phosphorus, and inappropriately low or decreased serum parathyroid hormone, which may be associated with soft tissue calcification in the basal ganglia of the brain.

Objective
To assess the prevalence and factors involved in the pathophysiology of basal ganglia calcification (BGC) in the brain in chronic hypoparathyroidism and to evaluate proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Design
Case-control study with retrospective review of medical records over 20 years.

Setting
Single academic medical center.

Patients
142 patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism and computed tomography (CT) head scans followed between January 1, 2000 and July 9, 2020, and 426 age- and sex-matched controls with CT head scans over the same interval.

Interventions
None.

Main Outcome Measures
Demographic, biochemical, and CT head imaging findings, with semiquantitative assessment of volumetric BGC.

Results
The study found that 25.4% of 142 patients followed for a median of 17 years after diagnosis of chronic hypoparathyroidism had BGC, which developed at a younger age than in controls. BGC was 5.1-fold more common in nonsurgical patients and less common in postsurgical patients. Low serum calcium and low calcium/phosphate ratio correlated with BGC. Neither serum phosphorus nor calcium × phosphate product predicted BGC. Lower serum calcium was associated with greater volume of BGC. The extent of BGC varied widely, with nonsurgical patients generally having a greater volume and distribution of calcification.

Conclusions
BGC is associated with low serum calcium and low serum calcium/phosphate ratio, which may be related to severity of the disease, its etiology, or duration of treatment.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? CRHPVN Neurons Gate State Transitions in Stress-Related Behaviors
Authors: Daviu Nuria , Bains Jaideep S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus are the canonical controllers of the endocrine response to stress. Here we propose a new role for these cells as a gate for state transitions that allow the organism to engage in stress-related behaviors. Specifically, we review evidence indicating that activation of these cells at critical times allows organisms to move to a state that is permissive for motor action. This is evident when the organism is under duress (defensive behavior), when the organism has successfully vanquished a threat (coping behavior), and when an organism initiates approach to a conspecific (social behavior). The motor behavior that follows from the activation of CRH neurons is not necessarily under the control of these cells but is determined by higher order circuits that discriminate more refined features of environmental context to execute the appropriate behavior.
Normal and Premature Adrenarche
Authors: Rosenfield Robert L 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAdrenarche is the maturational increase in adrenal androgen production that normally begins in early childhood. It results from changes in the secretory response to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) that are best indexed by dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) rise. These changes are related to the development of the zona reticularis (ZR) and its unique gene/enzyme expression pattern of low 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 with high cytochrome b5A, sulfotransferase 2A1, and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5. Recently 11-ketotestosterone was identified as an important bioactive adrenarchal androgen. Birth weight, body growth, obesity, and prolactin are related to ZR development. Adrenarchal androgens normally contribute to the onset of sexual pubic hair (pubarche) and sebaceous and apocrine gland development. Premature adrenarche causes ≥90% of premature pubarche (PP). Its cause is unknown. Affected children have a significantly increased growth rate with proportionate bone age advancement that typically does not compromise growth potential. Serum DHEAS and testosterone levels increase to levels normal for early female puberty. It is associated with mildly increased risks for obesity, insulin resistance, and possibly mood disorder and polycystic ovary syndrome. Between 5% and 10% of PP is due to virilizing disorders, which are usually characterized by more rapid advancement of pubarche and compromise of adult height potential than premature adrenarche. Most cases are due to nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Algorithms are presented for the differential diagnosis of PP. This review highlights recent advances in molecular genetic and developmental biologic understanding of ZR development and insights into adrenarche emanating from mass spectrometric steroid assays.
Tumor Shrinkage by Metyrapone in Cushing Disease Exhibiting Glucocorticoid-Induced Positive Feedback
Authors: Tsujimoto Yasutaka , Shichi Hiroki , Fukuoka Hidenori , Yamamoto Masaaki , Sato Itsuko , Imanishi Takamitsu , Nakamura Tomoaki , Inoshita Naoko , Ishida Atsushi , Yamada Shozo , Takahashi Yutaka , Chihara Kazuo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
Paradoxical increases in serum cortisol in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) have been rarely observed in Cushing disease (CD). Its pathophysiology and prevalence remain unclear.

Case Description
A 62-year-old woman with suspected CD showed paradoxical increases in cortisol after both 1-mg and 8-mg DST (1.95-fold and 2.52-fold, respectively). The initiation of metyrapone paradoxically decreased plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels and suppressed cortisol levels. Moreover, the pituitary tumor considerably shrank during metyrapone treatment.

Ex Vivo Experiments
The resected tumor tissue was enzymatically digested, dispersed, and embedded into Matrigel as 3D cultured cells. ACTH levels in the media were measured. In this tumor culture, ACTH levels increased 1.3-fold after dexamethasone treatment (P &lt; 0.01) while control tumor cultures exhibited no increase in ACTH levels, but rather a 20% to 40% suppression (P &lt; 0.05).

Clinical Study
A cross-sectional, retrospective, multicenter study that included 92 patients with CD who underwent both low-dose and high-dose DST from 2014 to 2020 was performed. Eight cases (8.7%) showed an increase in serum cortisol after both low-dose and high-dose DST.

Conclusion
This is the first report of a patient with glucocorticoid (GC)-driven positive feedback CD who showed both ACTH suppression and tumor shrinkage by metyrapone. Our cohort study revealed that 8.7% of patients with CD patients possibly possess GC-driven positive-feedback systems, thereby suggesting the presence of a new subtype of CD that is different from the majority of CD cases. The mechanisms exhibiting GC positive feedback in CD and the therapeutic approach for these patients remain to be investigated.
Case of Cyclic Cushing’s Disease with Improvement of Psoriatic Skin Lesions During a Period of Hypercortisolemia
Authors: Nakatake Nobuhiro , Hiraoka Fumihiro , Yano Shigetoshi , Hara Takeshi , Matsubayashi Sunao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is known to involve periodic cortisol secretion in some patients. It has also been demonstrated that resolution of cortisol hypersecretion in CS may cause autoimmune-related disease to become apparent. At least 3 cases of psoriasis that became apparent after resolution of hypercortisolism in CS have been reported. We describe a 45-year-old man with cyclic Cushing’s disease in whom psoriasis vulgaris, an autoimmune-related disease, was ameliorated during a period of hypercortisolemia. He had complained of intermittent sensations of “whole-body swelling” and improvement of his psoriatic skin lesions, which lasted 2 to 3 weeks at 2- to 3-month intervals over several years. During a 2-week hospitalization for endocrine investigations, an episode of hypercortisolemia appeared unexpectedly. During this time period, the peak serum cortisol level reached 75.7 µg/mL (adrenocorticotropic hormone level, 585 pg/mL) and 24-hour urinary free cortisol reached 10 500 µg/day. A diagnosis of Cushing’s disease was made based on a markedly elevated urinary free cortisol level, an adequate increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone level in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation, and the presence of a giant pituitary tumor with a maximum diameter of approximately 4 cm. Interestingly, during this time period, there was a marked improvement in the psoriatic skin lesions and whole-body swelling sensations.
Quantifying energetic costs and defining energy landscapes experienced by grizzly bears
Authors: Carnahan Anthony M. , van Manen Frank T. , Haroldson Mark A. , Stenhouse Gordon B. , Robbins Charles T. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Animal movements are major determinants of energy expenditure and ultimately the cost–benefit of landscape use. Thus, we sought to understand those costs and how grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) move in mountainous landscapes. We trained captive grizzly bears to walk on a horizontal treadmill and up and down 10% and 20% slopes. The cost of moving upslope increased linearly with speed and slope angle, and this was more costly than moving horizontally. The cost of downslope travel at slower speeds was greater than the cost of traveling horizontally but appeared to decrease at higher speeds. The most efficient walking speed that minimized cost per unit distance was 1.19±0.11 m s−1. However, grizzly bears fitted with GPS collars in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem moved at an average velocity of 0.61±0.28 m s−1 and preferred to travel on near-horizontal slopes at twice their occurrence. When traveling uphill or downhill, grizzly bears chose paths across all slopes that were ∼54% less steep and costly than the maximum available slope. The net costs (J kg−1 m−1) of moving horizontally and uphill were the same for grizzly bears, humans and digitigrade carnivores, but those costs were 46% higher than movement costs for ungulates. These movement costs and characteristics of landscape use determined using captive and wild grizzly bears were used to understand the strategies that grizzly bears use for preying on large ungulates and the similarities in travel between people and grizzly bears that might affect the risk of encountering each other on shared landscapes.
Exercise training has morph-specific effects on telomere, body condition and growth dynamics in a color-polymorphic lizard
Authors: Friesen Christopher R. , Wilson Mark , Rollings Nicky , Sudyka Joanna , Giraudeau Mathieu , Whittington Camilla M. , Olsson Mats 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) are correlated suites of sexually selected traits that are likely to impose differential physiological costs on different individuals. While moderate activity might be beneficial, animals living in the wild often work at the margins of their resources and performance limits. Individuals using ARTs may have divergent capacities for activity. When pushed beyond their respective capacities, they may experience condition loss, oxidative stress, and molecular damage that must be repaired with limited resources. We used the Australian painted dragon lizard that exhibits color polymorphism as a model to experimentally test the effect of exercise on body condition, growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and telomere dynamics – a potential marker of stress and aging and a correlate of longevity. For most males, ROS levels tended to be lower with greater exercise; however, males with yellow throat patches – or bibs – had higher ROS levels than non-bibbed males. At the highest level of exercise, bibbed males exhibited telomere loss, while non-bibbed males gained telomere length; the opposite pattern was observed in the no-exercise controls. Growth was positively related to food intake but negatively correlated with telomere length at the end of the experiment. Body condition was not related to food intake but was positively correlated with increases in telomere length. These results, along with our previous work, suggest that aggressive – territory holding – bibbed males suffer physiological costs that may reduce longevity compared with non-bibbed males with superior postcopulatory traits.
Hedge Fund Activism and Corporate M&A Decisions
Authors: Wu Szu-Yin (Jennifer) , Chung Kee H. 
Published: March 2021

This paper shows that hedge fund activism is associated with a decrease in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and offer premiums and an increase in stock and operating performance. Activist hedge funds improve target firms’ M&A performance by reducing poor M&A, diversifying M&A, and the M&A of firms with multiple business segments. Activist hedge funds improve target firms’ M&A decisions by influencing their governance practices. We show that our results are unlikely driven by selection bias. Overall, activist hedge funds play an important role in the market for corporate control by increasing the efficiency of target firms’ M&A activities through interventions. This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Efficacy of adjuvant intrastromal and combination of intrastromal and intracameral voriconazole in <em>Aspergillus fumigatus</em>-induced moderate fungal keratitis in rabbits
Authors: Sarika Dyah Tjintya , Louisa Melva , Rozaliyani Anna , Evelina  , Susiyanti Made 
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND There is no in vivo evidence for the effectiveness of adjuvant intrastromal and combination of intrastromal and intracameral voriconazole (VCZ) for treating Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of both agents against it.
METHODS A randomized, masked, controlled experimental study was conducted on 11 albino New Zealand white rabbits in which moderate fungal keratitis was induced by inoculating spores of A. fumigatus to the cornea. The rabbits were allocated into 3 groups: 50 μg/0.1 ml intrastromal VCZ injection, 50 μg/0.1 ml intrastromal VCZ and intracameral VCZ injections, and topical VCZ (control). The treatment was given 5 days after inoculation. Epithelial defect, infiltrate size, corneal ulcer depth, and hypopyon were evaluated clinically. Histopathological and mycological examinations were also done 14 days after treatment.
RESULTS All rabbits in the adjuvant treatment groups demonstrated a tendency of a better clinical response with decreasing size of epithelial defect (p = 0.679) and infiltrate (p = 0.755) than in the control group. Direct microscopy, corneal culture, and chop corneal tissue culture were still positive in most of the rabbits from all groups. Histopathological examination showed an increase of inflammatory cells after treatment in all groups, especially in rabbits which were inoculated with A. fumigatus spores in both eyes.
CONCLUSIONS An adjuvant combination of intrastromal and intracameral VCZ showed a tendency of better clinical response for A. fumigatus-induced moderate fungal keratitis in rabbits.
Factors associated with delay in diagnosis among tuberculosis patients in the north of Iran
Authors: Moosazadeh Mahmood , Kheradmand Motahareh , Aarabi Mohsen , Afshari Mahdi , Parsaee Mohammadreza , Nezammahalleh Asghar , Hessami Amirhossein 
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND Recognizing factors that affect delay in diagnosis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is critical. This study aimed to identify such factors among TB patients in the north of Iran.
METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed patient’s medical records from the TB registration system of the Health Deputy of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran that was responsible for the TB registry in the province from 2007 to 2017. All hospitals affiliated with the university, including private hospitals, reported TB cases directly to the health deputy. Patient’s gender, age, TB smear result, TB type, imprisonment, diabetes, nationality, residence area, and drug use were considered factors of delay in diagnosis, which was defined as a delay of >30 days between symptom onset and diagnosis. Data from 3,453 patients were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression models.
RESULTS The frequency of patients with delay in diagnosis was 67.7%. There was no association between delay in diagnosis and gender (p = 0.194), TB type (p = 0.140), and diabetes (p = 0.198). On the other hand, old age (≥60 years) was related to delay in diagnosis (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.12–1.68; p = 0.002). The chance of delay in diagnosis in prisoners was lower than in non-prisoners (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.46–0.82; p = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS Old age was a risk factor for delay in diagnosis, and interestingly, prisoners had been diagnosed significantly faster.
High-speed and high-responsivity p-i-n waveguide photodetector at a 2  µm wavelength with a Ge0.92Sn0.08/Ge multiple-quantum-well active layer
Authors: Wang Haibo , Zhang Jishen , Zhang Gong , Chen Yue , Huang Yi-Chiau , Gong Xiao 
Published: March 2021

We report on p-i-n waveguide photodetectors with a

G
e

0.92

S
n

0.08

/

G
e

multiple-quantum-well (MQW) active layer on a strain-relaxed Ge-buffered silicon substrate. The waveguide-photodetector structure is used to elongate the photo-absorption path and keeps a short photo-generated carrier transmission path. In addition, the double-mesa structure with a low substrate doping concentration is implemented, which minimizes the parasitic capacitance. As a result, a high responsivity of 119 mA/W at

−

1

V

and a high bandwidth of more than 10 GHz at

−

7

V

were achieved at a 2 µm wavelength. Compared with the surface-illuminated photodetector, the responsivity was improved by

∼

8

times at a 2 µm wavelength, while keeping the comparable bandwidth.
Validation of a human-serum-based in vitro growth method for drug screening on juvenile development stages of Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Buchter Valentin , Schneeberger Pierre H. H. , Keiser Jennifer 
Published: March 2021

Background
Schistosomiasis affects over 200 million people worldwide but only praziquantel is available for treatment and control. Drug discovery is often based on phenotypic drug screening, involving different parasite stages retrieved from infected mice. Aiming to reduce animal use, we validated an in vitro growth method for juvenile Schistosoma mansoni for the purpose of drug sensitivity assays.

Methodology/Principal findings
We compared inter–batch variability of serum, worm size and organ development, gender distribution, and drug sensitivity between in vitro and in vivo grown worms over different life stages. In vitro developed S. mansoni in Hybridoma medium supplemented with 20% human serum were similar in size as in vivo worms until 28 days of incubation (males 1.4 ± 0.2 mm, females 1.1 ± 0.5 mm long). qPCR analysis revealed similar gender distribution both on newly transformed schistosomula and worms grown for 21 days. Worms developed in vitro and in vivo were similarly sensitive to praziquantel from 7 to 35 days of development with the exception of 21 days of development, where a slightly lower activity was observed for the in vitro grown worms (IC50: 0.54 μM in vitro, 0.14 μM in vivo 72 hours post-incubation). The evaluation of five additional drugs revealed a similar sensitivity on worms developed for 21 days, with the exception of mefloquine, where we observed a 10-fold lower sensitivity on in vitro developed schistosomes when compared to in vivo grown (IC50: 4.43 μM in vitro, 0.48 μM in vivo).

Conclusion
A large number of juvenile S. mansoni worms can be grown in vitro, which show similar drug sensitivity, gender distribution, size and morphology as the worms recovered from rodents, supporting the use of this method in drug screening efforts.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes for 7,995 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: McPadden Jacob , Warner Frederick , Young H. Patrick , Hurley Nathan C. , Pulk Rebecca A. , Singh Avinainder , Durant Thomas J. S. , Gong Guannan , Desai Nihar , Haimovich Adrian , Taylor Richard Andrew , Gunel Murat , Dela Cruz Charles S. , Farhadian Shelli F. , Siner Jonathan , Villanueva Merceditas , Churchwell Keith , Hsiao Allen , Torre Charles J. , Velazquez Eric J. , Herbst Roy S. , Iwasaki Akiko , Ko Albert I. , Mortazavi Bobak J. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Schulz Wade L. 
Published: March 2021

Objective
Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions of people worldwide. Our goal was to identify risk factors associated with admission and disease severity in patients with SARS-CoV-2.

Design
This was an observational, retrospective study based on real-world data for 7,995 patients with SARS-CoV-2 from a clinical data repository.

Setting
Yale New Haven Health (YNHH) is a five-hospital academic health system serving a diverse patient population with community and teaching facilities in both urban and suburban areas.

Populations
The study included adult patients who had SARS-CoV-2 testing at YNHH between March 1 and April 30, 2020.

Main outcome and performance measures
Primary outcomes were admission and in-hospital mortality for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection as determined by RT-PCR testing. We also assessed features associated with the need for respiratory support.

Results
Of the 28605 patients tested for SARS-CoV-2, 7995 patients (27.9%) had an infection (median age 52.3 years) and 2154 (26.9%) of these had an associated admission (median age 66.2 years). Of admitted patients, 2152 (99.9%) had a discharge disposition at the end of the study period. Of these, 329 (15.3%) required invasive mechanical ventilation and 305 (14.2%) expired. Increased age and male sex were positively associated with admission and in-hospital mortality (median age 80.7 years), while comorbidities had a much weaker association with the risk of admission or mortality. Black race (OR 1.43, 95%CI 1.14–1.78) and Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.81, 95%CI 1.50–2.18) were identified as risk factors for admission, but, among discharged patients, age-adjusted in-hospital mortality was not significantly different among racial and ethnic groups.

Conclusions
This observational study identified, among people testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, older age and male sex as the most strongly associated risks for admission and in-hospital mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. While minority racial and ethnic groups had increased burden of disease and risk of admission, age-adjusted in-hospital mortality for discharged patients was not significantly different among racial and ethnic groups. Ongoing studies will be needed to continue to evaluate these risks, particularly in the setting of evolving treatment guidelines.