bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standardized Shiga-Toxin Encoding Genes Real-Time PCR Screening Methods Comparison and Development of an Internally Controlled Assay for Pan-stx2 Detection
Authors: Hu Ying , Bai Li , Zhao Linna , Wu Lingling , Lv Hong , Li Qiongqiong , Li Xinpeng , Xie Qingchao , Wang Lili , Liu Chengwei , Liu Na , Cui Shenghui 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Various primer and probe sets have been developed and standardized, but certain sets may have low efficiency or miss some stx-subtypes.

Objective
To compare the efficiency of the recommended stx screening primers and probe sets in four standardized methods and develop a new primers and probe system with an internal amplification control (IAC) for all known stx2 subtypes.

Method
The inclusivity and specificity of recommended screening primers and probe sets in four standardized methods were compared. A new pan-stx2 primer and probe set was adapted from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) method for all known stx2 subtypes. The robustness of the new method was assessed in seven laboratories and also assessed in ground beef and bean sprout samples.

Results
None of the recommended screening primers and probe sets in the four standardized methods could efficiently amplify all the stx2 subtypes because of various mismatches in the primers or the probe sequences. A new primers and probe system adapted from the ISO method, through introducing degenerate bases in primers and probe sequences with an IAC, showed high amplification efficiency and specificity for all known stx2 subtypes in ground beef and bean sprouts samples. The specificity of the new method was assessed in seven laboratories and showed robust and consistent results.

Conclusions
This study provided evidence for Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) screening method development, and the newly developed primers and probes system should be considered in the revision of the standardized methods.

Highlights
None of the recommended screening primer and probe set in the four official methods could efficiently amplify all the stx2 subtypes. A new developed primer and probe set showed high amplification efficiency and specificity for all known stx2 subtypes in fresh ground beef and bean sprouts samples. The newly developed stx2 screening system showed robustness and consistency during interlaboratory study.
Novel hybrid endoscopy-assisted larynx-preserving esophagectomy for cervical esophageal cancer (with video)
Authors: Abe Seiichiro , Oguma Junya , Nonaka Satoru , Suzuki Haruhisa , Yoshinaga Shigetaka , Oda Ichiro , Saito Yutaka , Daiko Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Hybrid endoscopy-assisted larynx-preserving esophagectomy is developed for cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma encroaching or extending above the upper esophageal sphincter. First, a cervical incision was surgically performed followed by cervical lymph node dissection. Second, the margin of cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was endoscopically identified with iodine staining and marked endoscopically followed by semi-circumferential or circumferential endoscopic full-thickness excision around the lumen of the esophagus. The distal margin was surgically resected and reconstruction was performed. Among six consecutive patients with cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing hybrid endoscopy-assisted larynx-preserving esophagectomy, proximal surgical margin was histologically negative in five patients. During a median follow-up period of 15.5 months, all patients tolerated oral intake and were alive without evidence of recurrence. None of the patients experienced aspiration pneumonia, vocal disorder or postoperative anastomotic stricture. Hybrid endoscopy-assisted larynx-preserving esophagectomy could be a clinically feasible treatment for cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma providing accurate proximal resection margin with the benefit of laryngeal function preservation.
Metabolic Regulation of Hippocampal Neuronal Development and Its Inhibition After Irradiation
Authors: Li Yu-Qing , Wong C Shun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
5′-Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, plays a role in cell fate determination. Whether AMPK regulates hippocampal neuronal development remains unclear. Hippocampal neurogenesis is abrogated after DNA damage. Here, we asked whether AMPK regulates adult hippocampal neurogenesis and its inhibition following irradiation. Adult Cre-lox mice deficient in AMPK in brain, and wild-type mice were used in a birth-dating study using bromodeoxyuridine to evaluate hippocampal neurogenesis. There was no evidence of AMPK or phospho-AMPK immunoreactivity in hippocampus. Increase in p-AMPK but not AMPK expression was observed in granule neurons and subgranular neuroprogenitor cells (NPCs) in the dentate gyrus within 24 hours and persisted up to 9 weeks after irradiation. AMPK deficiency in Cre-lox mice did not alter neuroblast and newborn neuron numbers but resulted in decreased newborn and proliferating NPCs. Inhibition of neurogenesis was observed after irradiation regardless of genotypes. In Cre-lox mice, there was further loss of newborn early NPCs and neuroblasts but not newborn neurons after irradiation compared with wild-type mice. These results are consistent with differential negative effect of AMPK on hippocampal neuronal development and its inhibition after irradiation.
“In de Affica Soil”: Slavery, Ethnography, and Recovery in Zora Neale Hurston’sBarracoon: The Story of the “Last Black Cargo”
Authors: Kennon Raquel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractI explore the relationship between Hurston as ethnographer and Kossola as subject in Zora Neale Hurston’s Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo,” posthumously published in 2018 but extant since 1931. Barracoon reveals how Hurston wrestles with her dual identity as fiction writer and cultural anthropologist as it crafts a narrative of slavery and liberation around conjured memory and the ethnographic relationship. The essay considers how Hurston harnesses her rhetorical powers to convince Kossola to share recollections of his life “in Affica soil,” and examines how the themes of loss and recovery emerge in Hurston’s recording of Kossola’s narrative of capture, enslavement, and free life in Africatown, the construction of an archive of transatlantic slavery, and the extraliterary narrative of Alice Walker’s reclamation of Hurston’s own voice into the canon.
Critical decay index for eruptions of ‘short’ filaments
Authors: Filippov B 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Model of a partial current-carrying torus loop anchored to the photosphere is analysed. Conditions of the catastrophic loss of equilibrium are considered and corresponding value of the critical decay index of external magnetic field is found. Taking into account line-tying conditions leads to non-monotonous dependence of the critical decay index on the height of the apex and length of the flux rope (its endpoints separation). For relatively short flux ropes, the critical decay index is significantly lower than unity, which is in contrast to widespread models with the typical critical decay index above unity. The steep decrease of the critical index with height at low heights is due to the sharp increase of the curvature of the flux-rope axis that transforms from a nearly straight line to a crescent.
Shaping public opinion through the lens of agenda setting in rolling out COVID-19 vaccination program
Authors: Medina Leslie M , Rodriguez Janette R , Sarmiento Philip Joseph D 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination hesitancy is a concern that the world faces. The government and private sectors are initiating measures to address this problem. Media plays a crucial role in information and extensive dissemination. This paper highlights the role of the agenda setting platform in shaping public opinion on COVID-19 vaccination program. Massive information dissemination through media can be an effective tool in educating the public regarding the efficacy of anti-COVID 19 vaccines both for self-preservation and promotion of the common good.
High nocturnal sleep fragmentation is associated with low T lymphocyte P2Y11 protein levels in narcolepsy type 1
Authors: Viste Rannveig , Viken Marte K , Lie Benedicte A , Juvodden Hilde T , Nordstrand Sebjørg E H , Thorsby Per M , Rootwelt Terje , Kornum Birgitte R , Knudsen-Heier Stine 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Study Objectives
Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is associated with hypocretin neuron loss. However, there are still unexplained phenotypic NT1 features. We investigated the associations between clinical and sleep phenotypic characteristics, the NT1-associated P2RY11 polymorphism rs2305795, and P2Y11 protein levels in T lymphocytes in patients with NT1, their first-degree relatives and unrelated controls.

Methods
The P2RY11 SNP was genotyped in 100 patients (90/100 H1N1-(Pandemrix)-vaccinated), 119 related and 123 non-related controls. CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte P2Y11 protein levels were quantified using flow cytometry in 167 patients and relatives. Symptoms and sleep recording parameters were also collected.

Results
We found an association between NT1 and the rs2305795 A allele (OR = 2, 95% CI (1.3, 3.0), p = 0.001). T lymphocyte P2Y11 protein levels were significantly lower in patients and relatives homozygous for the rs2305795 risk A allele (CD4: p = 0.012; CD8: p = 0.007). The nocturnal sleep fragmentation index was significantly negatively correlated with patients’ P2Y11 protein levels (CD4: p = 0.004; CD8: p = 0.006). Mean MSLT sleep latency, REM-sleep latency, and core clinical symptoms were not associated with P2Y11 protein levels.

Conclusions
We confirmed that the P2RY11 polymorphism rs2305795 is associated with NT1 also in a mainly H1N1-(Pandemrix)-vaccinated cohort. We demonstrated that homozygosity for the A risk allele is associated with lower P2Y11 protein levels. A high level of nocturnal sleep fragmentation was associated with low P2Y11 levels in patients. This suggests that P2Y11 has a previously unknown function in sleep-wake stabilization that affects the severity of NT1.
Risk of in-hospital falls among medications commonly used for insomnia in hospitalized patients
Authors: Herzig Shoshana J , Rothberg Michael B , Moss Caitlyn R , Maddaleni Geeda , Bertisch Suzanne M , Wong Jenna , Zhou Wenxiao , Ngo Long , Anderson Timothy S , Gurwitz Jerry H , Marcantonio Edward R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Study Objectives
To investigate the risk of in-hospital falls among patients receiving medications commonly used for insomnia in the hospital setting.

Methods
Retrospective cohort study of all adult hospitalizations to a large academic medical center from January, 2007 to July, 2013. We excluded patients admitted for a primary psychiatric disorder. Medication exposures of interest, defined by pharmacy charges, included benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists, trazodone, atypical antipsychotics, and diphenhydramine. In-hospital falls were ascertained from an online patient safety reporting system.

Results
Among the 225,498 hospitalizations (median age = 57 years; 57.9% female) in our cohort, 84,911 (37.7%) had exposure to at least one of the five medication classes of interest; benzodiazepines were the most commonly used (23.5%), followed by diphenhydramine (8.3%), trazodone (6.6%), benzodiazepine receptor agonists (6.4%), and atypical antipsychotics (6.3%). A fall occurred in 2,427 hospitalizations (1.1%). The rate of falls per 1,000 hospital days was greater among hospitalizations with exposure to each of the medications of interest, compared to unexposed: 3.6 versus 1.7 for benzodiazepines (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.8, 95%CI 1.6–1.9); 5.4 versus 1.8 for atypical antipsychotics (aHR 1.6, 95%CI 1.4–1.8); 3.0 versus 2.0 for benzodiazepine receptor agonists (aHR 1.5, 95%CI 1.3–1.8); 3.3 versus 2.0 for trazodone (aHR 1.2, 95%CI 1.1–1.5); and 2.5 versus 2.0 for diphenhydramine (aHR 1.2, 95%CI 1.03–1.5).

Conclusions
In this large cohort of hospitalizations at an academic medical center, we found an association between each of the sedating medications examined and in-hospital falls. Benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine receptor agonists, and atypical antipsychotics had the strongest associations.
K-complexes are a sensitive marker of noise-related sensory processing during sleep: a pilot study
Authors: Lechat Bastien , Hansen Kristy , Micic Gorica , Decup Felix , Dunbar Claire , Liebich Tessa , Catcheside Peter , Zajamsek Branko 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Study Objectives
The primary aim of this study was to examine dose–response relationships between sound pressure levels (SPLs) and K-complex occurrence probability for wind farm and road traffic noise. A secondary aim was to compare K-complex dose–responses to manually scored electroencephalography arousals and awakenings.

Methods
Twenty-five participants underwent polysomnography recordings and noise exposure during sleep in a laboratory. Wind farm and road traffic noise recordings of 20-sec duration were played in random order at 6 SPLs between 33 and 48 dBA during established N2 or deeper sleep. Noise periods were separated with periods of 23 dBA background noise. K-complexes were scored using a validated algorithm. K-complex occurrence probability was compared between noise types controlling for noise SPL, subjective noise sensitivity, and measured hearing acuity.

Results
Noise-induced K-complexes were observed in N2 sleep at SPLs as low as 33 dBA (Odds ratio, 33 dBA vs 23 dBA, mean (95% confidence interval); 1.75 (1.16, 2.66)) and increased with SPL. EEG arousals and awakenings were only associated with noise above 39 dBA in N2 sleep. K-complexes were 2 times more likely to occur in response to noise than EEG arousals or awakenings. Subjective noise sensitivity and hearing acuity were associated with the K-complex occurrence, but not arousal or awakening. Noise type did not detectably influence K-complexes, EEG arousals, or awakening responses.

Conclusion
These findings support that K-complexes are a sensitive marker of sensory processing of environmental noise during sleep and that increased hearing acuity and decreased self-reported noise sensitivity increase K-complex probability.
Social Stratification Theory and Population Aging Reconsidered
Authors: SHIRAHASE Sawako 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Japan has the world’s most aged population. To examine this aging population from a theoretical perspective of social stratification, we focused on household structure, income structure, and economic well-being, including both disposable income and savings. Two main topics are discussed in this paper: first, the relationship between the aging population and income inequality, focusing on changes in household structure and income structure; and second, the level of economic well-being in old age (when the relationship to the labor market becomes blurred) considering individuals’ previous work life. I analyzed two survey datasets: the Comprehensive Survey of People’s Living Conditions, conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare since the mid-1980s, and the 2015 National Survey of Social Stratification and Social Mobility. These analyses confirmed that the change in household structure (more elderly heads of household) explains the growth of income inequality since the mid-1980s. While income inequality among households with working-age heads increased, its impact was limited to an overall increase in income inequality due to declining household size. On the other hand, income inequality among households with older heads was largely explained by market income, and this scenario has not changed for the past 30 years. The level of economic well-being among older adults was determined by age, marital status, educational credentials, and work situation at age 50 for both genders.
Evolutionary Sample Size and Consilience in Phylogenetic Comparative Analysis
Authors: Gardner Jacob D , Organ Chris L 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPhylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs) are commonly used to study evolution and adaptation. However, frequently used PCMs for discrete traits mishandle single evolutionary transitions. They erroneously detect correlated evolution in these situations. For example, hair and mammary glands cannot be said to have evolved in a correlated fashion because each evolved only once in mammals, but a commonly used model (Pagel’s Discrete) statistically supports correlated (dependent) evolution. Using simulations, we find that rate parameter estimation, which is central for model selection, is poor in these scenarios due to small effective (evolutionary) sample sizes of independent character state change. Pagel’s Discrete model also tends to favor dependent evolution in these scenarios, in part, because it forces evolution through state combinations unobserved in the tip data. This model prohibits simultaneous dual transitions along branches. Models with underlying continuous data distributions (e.g., Threshold and GLMM) are less prone to favor correlated evolution but are still susceptible when evolutionary sample sizes are small. We provide three general recommendations for researchers who encounter these common situations: i) create study designs that evaluate a priori hypotheses and maximize evolutionary sample sizes; ii) assess the suitability of evolutionary models—for discrete traits, we introduce the phylogenetic imbalance ratio; and iii) evaluate evolutionary hypotheses with a consilience of evidence from disparate fields, like biogeography and developmental biology. Consilience plays a central role in hypothesis testing within the historical sciences where experiments are difficult or impossible to conduct, such as many hypotheses about correlated evolution. These recommendations are useful for investigations that employ any type of PCM. [Class imbalance; consilience; correlated evolution; evolutionary sample size; phylogenetic comparative methods.]
Further Mathematics, student choice and transition to university: part 2—non-mathematics STEM degrees
Authors: Lyakhova Sofya , Neate Andrew 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis is the second paper reporting the results of a study investigating student choices of optional post-16 advanced-level (A-level) Mathematics and Further Mathematics qualifications in the UK and their impact on the transition from school to university mathematics. Here, the opinions of non-mathematics Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) undergraduate students (all of whom had previously studied A-level Mathematics) were accessed via a survey and individual interviews. The study found that Further Mathematics qualifications are perceived as advantageous for non-mathematics STEM degrees by students once they are at university but not when making A-level choices. While the students often perceived mathematics positively, this appears to influence the choice of A-level Mathematics but not Further Mathematics. The lack of support from teachers and parents, the lack of perceived utility of Further Mathematics qualifications and a perception that Further Mathematics is only useful for studying a mathematics degree could all be factors affecting the uptake of Further Mathematics. The identified perceived impact of Further Mathematics on the university transition is linked to studying more pure mathematics which may give students a better understanding of how to apply mathematics in the context of their degree.Some comparisons between the findings in Parts 1 and 2 of the study are included which suggests that the Further Mathematics qualification is better serving students intending to study a non-mathematics STEM degree rather than mathematics itself.
Mitochondrial bioenergetic pathways in blood leukocyte transcriptome decrease after intensive weight loss but are rescued following weight regain in female physique athletes
Authors: Sarin Heikki V. , Pirinen Eija , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Isola Ville , Häkkinen Keijo , Perola Markus , Hulmi Juha J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractProlonged periods of energy deficit leading to weight loss induce metabolic adaptations resulting in reduced energy expenditure, but the mechanisms for energy conservation are incompletely understood. We examined 42 healthy athletic females (age 27.5 ± 4.0 years, body mass index 23.4 ± 1.7 kg/m2) who volunteered into either a group dieting for physique competition (n = 25) or a control group (n = 17). The diet group substantially reduced their energy intake and moderately increased exercise levels to induce loss of fat mass that was regained during a voluntary weight regain period. The control group maintained their typical lifestyle habits and body mass as instructed. From the diet group, fasting blood samples were drawn at baseline (PRE), after 4‐ to 5‐month weight loss (PRE‐MID), and after 4‐ to 5‐month weight regain (MID‐POST) as well as from the control group at similar intervals. Blood was analyzed to determine leukocyte transcriptome by RNA‐Sequencing and serum metabolome by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) platform. The intensive weight loss period induced several metabolic adaptations, including a prominent suppression of transcriptomic signature for mitochondrial OXPHOS and ribosome biogenesis. The upstream regulator analysis suggested that this reprogramming of cellular energy metabolism may be mediated via AMPK/PGC1‐α signaling and mTOR/eIF2 signaling‐dependent pathways. Our findings show for the first time that prolonged energy deprivation induced modulation of mitochondrial metabolism can be observed through minimally invasive measures of leukocyte transcriptome and serum metabolome at systemic level, suggesting that adaptation to energy deficit is broader in humans than previously thought.
Ethylene glycol butyl ether deteriorates oocyte quality via impairing mitochondrial function
Authors: Shi Xiaoyan , Miao Yilong , Zhang Kemei , Gong Shuai , Xiong Bo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEthylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant that is commonly used in maquillage, industrial, and household products. EGBE has been shown to cause blood toxicity, carcinogenicity, and organ malformations. However, little is known about the impact of EGBE on the female reproductive system, especially oocyte quality. Here, we reported that EGBE influenced oocyte quality by showing the disturbed oocyte meiotic capacity, fertilization potential, and early embryonic development competency. Specifically, EGBE exposure impaired spindle/chromosome structure, microtubule stability, and actin polymerization to result in the oocyte maturation arrest and aneuploidy. In addition, EGBE exposure compromised the dynamics of cortical granules and their component ovastacin, leading to the failure of sperm binding and fertilization. Last, single‐cell transcriptome analysis revealed that EGBE‐induced oocyte deterioration was caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, which led to the accumulation of ROS and occurrence of apoptosis. Altogether, our study illustrates that mitochondrial dysfunction and redox perturbation is the major cause of the poor quality of oocytes exposed to EGBE.