bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shorter Telomeres Among Individuals With Physical Disability: The Moderating Role of Perceived Stress
Authors: Lahav Yael , Avidor Sharon , Levy David , Ohry Avi , Zeilig Gabi , Lahav Meir , Golander Hava , Guber Anat-Chacham , Uziel Orit , Defrin Ruth 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Evidence suggests that individuals with physical disability may suffer from psychological distress and accelerated cellular aging, manifested by shortened telomere length (TL), compared with healthy individuals. Studies indicate that high levels of perceived stress and depression may increase the physiological susceptibility and, thus, may contribute to a short TL. However, the moderating role of perceived stress and depression within the relationship between physical disability and TL remains unknown.

Method
The participants consisted of 119 male subjects (mean age 54.36 years, range 35−70). Of them, 30 were able-bodied and 89 had a physical disability: 34 were due to poliomyelitis (polio) and 55 were due to spinal cord injury. Blood samples for TL analysis were collected; the participants completed questionnaires and underwent disability evaluation.

Results
Participants with disability had a shorter TL as well as elevated levels of perceived stress and depression compared with able-bodied controls. Both the perceived stress and depression were correlated with a shorter TL. Nonetheless, perceived stress, rather than depression, moderated the relationship between disability and TL; among participants with higher perceived stress levels, in particular, individuals with physical disability had a shorter TL than the able-bodied controls.

Discussion
The present findings suggest that individuals with physical disability and who exhibit high levels of perceived stress may be particularly vulnerable for accelerated cellular aging, suggesting that perceived stress can be used as a valuable target for intervention.
Protective Effect of Conditioned Media of Human Fetal Dermal Mesenchymal Stem Cells Can Inhibit Burn-induced Microvascular Hyperpermeability
Authors: Pan Yi , Wang Xiao , Wang Xinglei , Shan Fei , Wang Maoying , Zhang Jixun , Zhang Jingjuan , Jia Shanshan , Jiao Ya , Qi Yongjun , Gong Hongmin , Jiang Duyin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Burns often cause loss of skin barrier protection, fluid exudation, and local tissue edema, which hinder functional recovery. Effectively improving the quality of deep burn wound healing, shortening the wound healing time, and reducing tissue fluid leakage are urgent problems in the medical field. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can effectively stabilize vascular endothelial injury. Fetal dermal MSCs (FDMSCs) are a newly discovered source of MSCs derived from the skin of accidentally aborted fetuses. However, the effect of FDMSCs on vascular permeability remains poorly understood. In this study, conditioned media from FDMSCs (F-CM) extracted from fetal skin tissue was prepared. The effect of F-CM on vascular permeability was evaluated using the internal circulation method FITC-dextran in vivo, and several in vitro assays, including cell viability assay, transwell permeability test, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. Altogether, our results demonstrate that F-CM could inhibit burn-induced microvascular hyperpermeability by increasing the protein expression levels of occludin and VE-cadherin, while restoring the expression of endothelial F-actin, and providing the foundation of a novel therapy for the treatment of burns with F-CM.
Risk Sharing in Village Economies Revisited
Authors: Bold Tessa , Broer Tobias 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We quantitatively evaluate a model of insurance with limited commitment where the requirement that contracts be immune to deviations by subcoalitions makes group size endogenous, as proposed by Genicot and Ray. We compare the model’s predictions to panel data from rural Indian villages. Apart from predicting a realistic degree of insurance, the model captures the evidence along two new dimensions: First, the largest coalition-proof groups are substantially smaller than typical villages. Second, with strong insurance in small groups, individual consumption responds symmetrically to income rises and falls, while alternative models predict strong counterfactual asymmetry.
“If You Compete with us, We Shan’T Marry You”The (Mary Paley and) Alfred Marshall Lecture
Authors: Pande Rohini , Roy Helena 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAlfred Marshall and Mary Paley Marshall are often described as the first academic economist couple. Both studied at the University of Cambridge, where Paley became one of the first women to take the Tripos exam and the first female lecturer in economics, with Marshall’s encouragement. But in later life, Marshall opposed granting Cambridge degrees to women and their participation in academic economics. This paper recounts Alfred Marshall’s use of gender norms, born out of a separate spheres ideology, to promote and ingrain women’s exclusion in academic economics and beyond. We demonstrate the persistence of this ideology and resultant norms, drawing parallels between gendered inequities in labor market outcomes for Cambridge graduates in the UK post-Industrial Revolution and those apparent in cross-country data today. We argue that the persistence of the norms produced by separate spheres ideologies is likely to reflect, at least in part, the rents associated with preferential access to better paid, high-skilled labor market opportunities. In doing so, we ask who benefits from gender norms, who enforces them, and suggest relevant policy work and areas for future research.
To be connected or not to be connected? The role of long-haul economies
Authors: Koster Hans R A , Tabuchi Takatoshi , Thisse Jacques-François 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We investigate whether localities gain or lose employment when there are connected to a transportation network, such as a high-speed railway line. We argue that long-haul economies—implying that the marginal transportation cost decreases with network distance—play a pivotal role in understanding the location choices of firms. We develop a new spatial model to show that improvements in transportation infrastructure have nontrivial impacts on the location choices of firms. Using data on Japan’s Shinkansen, we show that ‘in-between’ municipalities that are connected to the Shinkansen witness a sizable decrease in employment.
Early-type galaxies with recent star formation have low metallicities – evidence for star formation triggered by external processes?
Authors: Jeong Hyunjin , Oh Kyuseok , Joo Seok-Joo , Yi Sukyoung K 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTOn the basis of the Galaxy Evolution Explore (GALEX) ultraviolet (UV) data, many studies have demonstrated that recent star formation (RSF) is common in early-type galaxies. In particular, near-ultraviolet (NUV) light is used to investigate star formation activity in early-type galaxies, owing to its high sensitivity to the presence of young stars. This study characterized the stellar population properties of luminous early-type galaxies (Mr ≤ −20.65 mag) in the redshift range 0.005 ≤ z ≤ 0.09 on the basis of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data. Initially, the most frequently used criterion of NUV $-\, r$ ≤ 5.4 was applied to identify early-type galaxies with RSF, and 19  per cent (172/913) of the sample galaxies met this criterion, in agreement with previous studies. A more robust sample of galaxies with RSF along with a stricter criterion (70 galaxies with NUV $-\, r$ ≤ 5.0) were then used for further analysis, and consequently 7.7  per cent (70/913; lower limit of the RSF fraction) of the sample galaxies were classified as early-type galaxies with RSF. These galaxies tended to exhibit higher H β absorption-line strengths and stronger emission lines than quiescent (QST, NUV $-\, r$ &gt; 5.4) early-type galaxies. The most prominent feature of early-type galaxies with RSF identified in this study was that they were more metal-poor than QST galaxies owing to metal-poor stellar populations that were possibly formed from materials accreted from gas-rich satellites during (minor) mergers or interactions. The results strongly indicate that the observed RSF in the sample galaxies at the present epoch is mainly driven by external processes (i.e. mergers or interactions).
Molecular line search towards the flaring 6.7-GHz methanol masers of G 24.33+0.13 and G 359.62−0.24: rare maser transitions detected
Authors: McCarthy T P , Orosz G , Ellingsen S P , Breen S L , Voronkov M A , Burns R A , Olech M , Yonekura Y , Hirota T , Hyland L J , Wolak P 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
We have performed a molecular line search towards the flaring 6.7-GHz masers G 24.33+0.13, and G 359.6−0.24 using the Australia Telescope Compact Array. We present spectra of the 6.7-GHz class II methanol and 22.2-GHz water masers towards these sources and provide a comparison with other recent flaring events these sources have experienced. We also detect the fourth example of a 23.4-GHz class I methanol maser and the 11th example of a 4.8-GHz formaldehyde maser towards G 24.33+0.13. Alongside these results, we also observe the previously detected ammonia (3,3) emission and report upper limits on the presence of various other cm-wavelength methanol, ammonia, and OH transitions. Our results are consistent with the flaring of G 24.33+0.13 being driven by a variable accretion rate in the host high mass young stellar object.
Long-term safety and effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil in adults with lupus nephritis: a real-world study in Japan
Authors: Takeuchi Tsutomu , Hashimoto Hideyuki , Matsumoto Mika 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT

Objectives
To assess the safety and effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in Japanese adults with lupus nephritis (LN) in real-world clinical practice.

Methods
This multicentre, prospective, post-marketing surveillance study investigated the effectiveness and safety of MMF, as induction or maintenance therapy, in LN patients. Primary endpoints were adverse drug reactions (ADRs), changes in renal function from baseline, and relapse rate (RR) after 6 months in the maintenance group, estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR) were estimated by renal measurements.

Results
Overall, 112 patients were enrolled in the induction group and 340 in the maintenance group. Of these 452 patients, 418 were evaluable for safety and 396 for effectiveness. Eighty-three patients (19.85%) experienced ADRs, most commonly herpes zoster (3.34%) and diarrhoea (3.11%). Serious ADRs occurring in more than three patients were cytomegalovirus infections (1.43%), acute pyelonephritis (0.71%), and herpes zoster (0.71%). One patient died from herpes zoster disseminated. CR and PR were 19.54% and 44.82%, respectively, in the induction group, and 40.62% and 66.16%, respectively, in the maintenance group. RR in the maintenance group was 0.70%.

Conclusions
The tolerability of MMF is in line with that reported in other studies. Since the average dose of MMF was &lt;1.5 g/day, research into the optimal dose for achieving effectiveness is required.
Consciousness and the fallacy of misplaced objectivity
Authors: Ellia Francesco , Hendren Jeremiah , Grasso Matteo , Kozma Csaba , Mindt Garrett , P. Lang Jonathan , M. Haun Andrew , Albantakis Larissa , Boly Melanie , Tononi Giulio 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objective correlates—behavioral, functional, and neural—provide essential tools for the scientific study of consciousness. But reliance on these correlates should not lead to the ‘fallacy of misplaced objectivity’: the assumption that only objective properties should and can be accounted for objectively through science. Instead, what needs to be explained scientifically is what experience is intrinsically—its subjective properties—not just what we can do with it extrinsically. And it must be explained; otherwise the way experience feels would turn out to be magical rather than physical. We argue that it is possible to account for subjective properties objectively once we move beyond cognitive functions and realize what experience is and how it is structured. Drawing on integrated information theory, we show how an objective science of the subjective can account, in strictly physical terms, for both the essential properties of every experience and the specific properties that make particular experiences feel the way they do.
Activation of Raf signalling in NF2-null Schwann cells leads to sustained proliferation; an investigation of a new and inducible model for human schwannoma
Authors: Lespade Charlotte , Laraba Liyam , Woodhouse Evyn , Srotyr Marie , Lloyd Alison C , Parkinson David B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aims
The NF2 gene encodes the tumour suppressor Merlin, which is deleted in 100% of patients with the familial tumour predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis type 2 but also in 70% of those who develop sporadic schwannomas. The Raf-TR mouse model uses a tamoxifen-inducible Raf-kinase/ oestrogen receptor fusion protein (Raf-TR) expressed in myelinating Schwann cells to mimic a nerve injury response in Schwann cell by activating Raf/MEK/ERK signalling in the absence of peripheral nerve injury.
We will assess whether Raf/MEK/ERK activation on an NF2 null background leads to tumourigenesis within the vestibular nerves and dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), two tumour sites identified in the Periostin-Cre mouse model in which schwannoma formation is spontaneous, with a view to generating an inducible NF2 null schwannoma mouse model.

Method
Mice with a Schwann cell specific loss of Merlin were crossed with mice carrying a tamoxifen-inducible Raf-TR gene to generate Raf-TR+/-; P0-Cre+/-; NF2fl/fl (Cre+) mice which were NF2 null and compared to Raf-TR+/-; P0-Cre-/-; NF2fl/fl (Cre-) littermate controls. Mice were injected with tamoxifen or vehicle for five consecutive days and their vestibular nerves and dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) were analysed at various timepoints . An EdU proliferation assay was used to quantify the proliferation in the vestibular ganglia, as well as the DRGs. Rates of proliferation were compared to Cre- age-matched littermate controls treated with tamoxifen or vehicle.

Results
In the Periostin-Cre NF2 null schwannoma model, tumours form spontaneously in the DRGs and vestibular ganglia. In our new model, we see a clear increase in proliferation at 21 d post-injection in the NF2 null (Cre+) tamoxifen-treated mice compared to control (Cre-) tamoxifen-treated controls in both DRGs and vestibular ganglia. Cre- tamoxifen-treated mice do not show increased proliferation compared to Cre- vehicle controls. Taken together, this shows that activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in Schwann cells only causes a sustained proliferation response on an NF2 null background in the DRGs and vestibular ganglia. We are assessing later timepoints to further characterise tumour development in these mice.

Conclusion
Combining the Raf-TR mouse model to create a demyelinating phenotype with an NF2 null background leads to vastly increased rates of proliferation at the sites of schwannoma tumourigenesis within the peripheral nervous system: the DRGs and the vestibular ganglia. The high proliferation in the vestibular ganglia in particular is similar to the development of vestibular schwannomas in patients with Neurofibromatosis type 2. The new mouse model used in this study shows potential to be very useful as an inducible schwannoma tumour model, in which we can study the early events of tumour formation.
Evaluating the impact of a joint Clinical Nurse Specialist and Allied Health Care Professional clinic for neuro-oncology patients attending Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff
Authors: Evans Rachel , Burke Rhian , Lewis Cathryn , Goode Helena , Ellam Sarah , Gee Amy , Mullan Deborah , Begum Rehana , Powell James , MacLean Jillian , Iqbal Najmus , Tilsley Owen , Love-Gould Lisa , Baker Kate 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aims
Key governing guidelines recognise that the holistic and complex needs of neuro-oncology patients are best served by a cohesive multidisciplinary team (MDT). Achieving a joint Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Allied Healthcare Professional (AHP) clinic (including Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Occupational Therapy) for neuro-oncology patients has been a longstanding vision at Velindre Cancer Centre (VCC) in Cardiff. A successful funding application to Welsh Government in July 2020 allowed the establishment of a virtual “one stop shop” clinic with CNS and AHPs available along the care trajectory to improve patient and carer quality of life. The project reports on whether this innovative clinic model successfully achieved the desired coordinated, anticipatory and holistic care.

Method
The project utilised service improvement methodology principles with aims inherent within quarterly timeframes. This included robust data collection on patient attendances and interventions, improving patient education and self-management and wide patient, care and staff engagement by means of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The mixed methods approach yielded rich quantitative and qualitative data.

Results
The data demonstrates an increasing demand for the joint neuro-oncology clinic indicating that additional resources may be required. From triangulation of patient, carer and wider team engagement the key benefits were perceived to be having accessibility to the team in a convenient way, the provision of support and timely information and the overall perception of enhanced holistic care.

Conclusion
The data demonstrates the huge successes of the joint neuro-oncology clinic so far, including improvements to patient and carer quality of life, wider VCC benefits and cost saves. The persuasive case was presented to Welsh Government, and ongoing endorsement has been achieved for the next financial year.
Re-operation for recurrent intracranial meningioma – is it worth it?
Authors: Richardson George , Gillespie Conor , Mustafa Mohammad , Taweel Basel , Millward Christopher , Islim Abdurrahman , Jenkinson Michael 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aims
Meningioma is the commonest primary brain tumour. Despite surgery, meningiomas can recur. Surgery is usually the first line treatment for recurrent meningioma. The aim was to determine the risk factors associated with clinical outcomes (performance status, morbidity, mortality, recurrence) following re-operation for recurrence of intracranial meningioma.

Method
Retrospective cohort study (1998-2018). Eligible patients had re-operation for local recurrence of a previously operated meningioma. Collected data included baseline clinical and imaging characteristic. Primary outcome measure was performance status after each re-operation. Secondary outcome measures were medical and surgical morbidity, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results
Fifty-eight patients were eligible (38 female, mean age at 1st re-operation 56 years (SD=11.4)). Eleven patients (18.9%) had 2 re-operations and 3 patients (3.4%) had 3 re-operations. Median follow up was 125.5 months (IQR 73-191.5). Median time to 1st recurrence and 1st re-operation were 36.5 (IQR 24.2–79.1) and 43.8 months (IQR 22.9–102.7), respectively. Fifteen patients (25.9%) had worse performance status after 1st re-operation, compared to 6.9% (n=4) after the primary operation (Figure 1). Complication rate was 32.8% (n=19) after the primary operation compared to 46.6% (n=27) after 1st re-operation. At primary operation, there were 29 (50%) grade 1, 26 (44.8%) grade 2, and 1 (1.7%) grade 3 tumours. Median RFS after first re-operation was 68 months (95% CI 45.5-90.5) (figure 2). Median OS was 312 months (95% CI 236.9-387.1) (Figure 3). Post-operative complications were a risk factor for worsened performance status following re-operation (OR 4.91, 95% CI 1.3-18.4).

Conclusion
Re-operation is associated with a worse performance status and increased risk of complications. Re-operating meningiomas for radiological recurrence without symptoms increases patient morbidity. Shared-care management decision should be made with patients when considering operating for radiological recurrence only.
Measuring tuberculosis medication adherence: a comparison of multiple approaches in relation to urine isoniazid metabolite testing within a cohort study in India
Authors: Subbaraman Ramnath , Thomas Beena E , Kumar J Vignesh , Lubeck-Schricker Maya , Khandewale Amit , Thies William , Eliasziw Misha , Mayer Kenneth H , Haberer Jessica E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Nonadherence to tuberculosis medications is associated with poor outcomes. However, measuring adherence in practice is challenging. In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of multiple tuberculosis adherence measures.

Methods
We enrolled adult Indians with drug-susceptible tuberculosis who were monitored using 99DOTS, a cellphone-based technology. During an unannounced home visit with each participant, we assessed adherence using a pill estimate, four-day dose recall, a last missed dose question, and urine isoniazid metabolite testing. We estimated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for each alternate measure in comparison to urine testing. 99DOTS data were analyzed using patient-reported doses alone and patient- and provider-reported doses, the latter reflecting how 99DOTS is implemented in practice. We assessed each measure’s operating characteristics, with particular interest in specificity—i.e., the percentage of participants detected as being nonadherent by each alternate measure, among those who were nonadherent by urine testing.

Results
Compared to urine testing, alternate measures had the following characteristics: 99DOTS patient-reported doses alone (AUC 0.65, specificity 70%, 95%CI:58—81%), 99DOTS patient- and provider-reported doses (AUC 0.61, specificity 33%, 95%CI: 22—45%), pill estimate (AUC 0.55, specificity 21%, 95%CI:12—32%), four-day recall (AUC 0.60, specificity 23%, 95%CI: 14—34%), and last missed dose question (AUC 0.65, specificity 52%, 95%CI:40—63%).

Conclusions
Alternate measures missed detecting at least 30% of people who were nonadherent by urine testing. The last missed dose question performed similarly to 99DOTS using patient-reported doses alone. Tuberculosis programs should evaluate the feasibility of integrating more accurate, objective measures, such as urine testing, into routine care.