bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The zinc-finger protein OEF-1 stabilizes histone modification patterns and promotes efficient splicing in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline
Authors: McManus Catherine E , Mazzetto Mariateresa , Wei Guifeng , Han Mei , Reinke Valerie 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
To ensure stable transmission of genetic information to the next generation, germ cells frequently silence sex chromosomes, as well as autosomal loci that promote inappropriate differentiation programs. In Caenorhabditis elegans, silenced and active genomic domains are established in germ cells by the histone modification complexes MES-2/3/6 and MES-4, which promote silent and active chromatin states, respectively. These states are generally mutually exclusive and modulation of one state influences the pattern of the other. Here, we identify the zinc-finger protein OEF-1 as a novel modifier of this epigenetic balance in the C. elegans germline. Loss of oef-1 genetically enhances mes mutant phenotypes. Moreover, OEF-1 binding correlates with the active modification H3K36me3 and sustains H3K36me3 levels in the absence of MES-4 activity. OEF-1 also promotes efficient mRNA splicing activity, a process that is influenced by H3K36me3 levels. Finally, OEF-1 limits deposition of the silencing modification H3K27me3 on the X chromosome and at repressed autosomal loci. We propose that OEF-1 might act as an intermediary to mediate the downstream effects of H3K36me3 that promote transcript integrity, and indirectly affect gene silencing as a consequence.
Changes in Older Adults’ Social Contact During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Freedman Vicki A , Hu Mengyao , Kasper Judith D 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To understand changes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in weekly contact with nonresident family and friends for U.S. adults aged 70 and older in residential care and community settings.

Methods
Participants in the National Health and Aging Trends Study COVID-19 mail supplement (N = 3,098) reported frequency of phone, electronic, video, and in-person contact with nonresident family and friends in a typical week before and during the pandemic. We examined less than weekly contact by mode for those in residential care settings and community residents with and without limitations. We estimated multinomial logit models to examine predictors of change to less than weekly contact (vs. maintaining weekly or more contact) by mode, overall, and stratified by setting.

Results
Weekly in-person contact fell substantially (from 61% to 39%) and more so in residential care (from 56% to 22%), where nearly 4 in 10 transitioned to less than weekly in-person contact (doubling to 8 out of 10). Weekly or more contact was largely stable for electronic and telephone modes across settings. Weekly or more video contact increased mainly for community residents without limitations. Compared to community residents without limitations, those in assisted living or nursing homes had more than 5 times the odds (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.3; p = .01) of changing to less than weekly in-person contact; those in independent living also had higher odds of changing to less than weekly in-person (AOR = 2.6; p = .01) and video (AOR = 3.4; p = .01) contact.

Discussion
The pandemic revealed the importance of ensuring that communication technologies to maintain social ties are available to and usable by older adults, particularly for those living in residential care settings.
Public finance of universal routine childhood immunization in India: district-level cost estimates
Authors: Schueller Emily , Nandi Arindam , Summan Amit , Chatterjee Susmita , Ray Arindam , Haldar Pradeep , Laxminarayan Ramanan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIndia’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is among the largest routine childhood vaccination programmes in the world. However, only an estimated 65% of Indian children under the age 2 years were fully vaccinated in 2019. We estimated the cost of raising childhood vaccination coverage to a minimum of 90% in each district in India. We obtained vaccine price data from India’s comprehensive multi-year strategic plan for immunization. Cost of vaccine delivery by district was derived from a 2018 field study in 24 districts. We used propensity score matching methods to match the remaining Indian districts with these 24, based on indicators from the National Family Health Survey (2015–16). We assumed the same unit cost of vaccine delivery in matched pair districts and estimated the total and incremental cost of providing routine vaccines to 90% of the current cohort of children in each district. The estimated national cost of providing basic vaccinations—one dose each of Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) and measles vaccines, and three doses each of oral polio (OPV) and diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccines—was $784.91 million (2020 US$). Considering all childhood vaccines included in UIP during 2018–22 (one dose each of BCG, hepatitis B and measles–rubella; four doses of OPV; two doses of inactivated polio; and three doses each of rotavirus, pneumococcal and pentavalent vaccines), the estimated national cost of vaccines and delivery to 90% of target children in each district was $1.73 billion. The 2018 UIP budget for vaccinating children, pregnant women and adults was $1.17 billion (2020 US$). In comparison, $1.73 billion would be needed to vaccinate 90% of children in all Indian districts with the recommended schedule of routine childhood vaccines. Additional costs for infrastructural investments and communication activities, not incorporated in this study, may also be necessary.
Neuroligin-3 and neuroligin-4X form nanoscopic clusters and regulate growth cone organization and size
Authors: Gatford Nicholas J F , Deans P J Michael , Duarte Rodrigo R R , Chennell George , Sellers Katherine J , Raval Pooja , Srivastava Deepak P 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The cell-adhesion proteins neuroligin-3 and neuroligin-4X (NLGN3/4X) have well described roles in synapse formation. NLGN3/4X are also expressed highly during neurodevelopment. However, the role these proteins play during this period is unknown. Here we show that NLGN3/4X localized to the leading edge of growth cones where it promoted neuritogenesis in immature human neurons. Super-resolution microscopy revealed that NLGN3/4X clustering induced growth cone enlargement and influenced actin filament organization. Critically, these morphological effects were not induced by autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-associated NLGN3/4X variants. Finally, actin regulators p21-activated kinase 1 and cofilin were found to be activated by NLGN3/4X and involved in mediating the effects of these adhesion proteins on actin filaments, growth cones and neuritogenesis. These data reveal a novel role for NLGN3 and NLGN4X in the development of neuronal architecture, which may be altered in the presence of ASD-associated variants.
Before the Gig Economy: UK Employment Policy and the Casual Labour Question
Authors: Whiteside Noel 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Focussing on the UK, this paper considers how employment has been understood and identifies the policies pursued to promote specific models of working life over the course of the twentieth century. In recent decades, jobs on offer in Britain have become increasingly precarious, a trend actively promoted by governments of all political complexions. Labour markets have been deregulated, flexibility of employment promoted. As work is consistently identified as the sole route out of poverty, a category of ‘working poor’ has emerged. Such government strategies present as a volte face to the politics of the early twentieth century, when social investigation exposed irregular work as a cause of poverty, not its cure, and as the main factor causing a rising incidence of social dependency. The UK’s earliest labour market policies sought to eradicate casual work and to encourage permanent employment—policies promoted assiduously for most of the twentieth century. Using convention theory, this paper examines these historical dimensions, to explain why and how governments sought to structure labour market operations—and the legacies bequeathed to us as a result. The principal object of the paper is the analysis of public policy—its rationale and its shortcomings—on which current employment law is founded. The paper exposes how our current understanding of ‘traditional’ or ‘regular’ job contracts came to be constructed and why ‘work on demand’ is understood as ‘irregular’, that is, as a deviant form of established employment norms.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and syndromic treatment of men with urethral discharge in Kingston, Jamaica, 2018–19
Authors: Cameron-McDermott Suzette M , Barrow Geoffrey J , Webster Alicia M , De La Haye Carrington O , Wood Denise H E , Lewis Violet M , Nicholson Alison , Reynolds-Campbell Glendee Y , Thoms-Rodriguez Camille-Ann A , Roye-Green Karen J , Otto-Stewart Nakeisha , Miller Zahra N , Tomlinson Jennifer A , Skyers Nicola , Unemo Magnus , Anzinger Joshua J 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To quantitatively determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from men with urethral discharge in Jamaica and to describe the syndromic treatment therapies administered.

Methods
Urethral eSwabs (Copan) were collected from 175 men presenting with urethral discharge to the Comprehensive Health Centre STI Clinic, Kingston, Jamaica. Clinical information was collected and MICs of eight antimicrobials were determined for N. gonorrhoeae isolates (n = 96) using Etest and interpreted using CLSI criteria.

Results
The median age of the subjects was 28 years (range: 18–73 years) with a median of 2 sexual partners (range: 1–25) per male in the previous 3 months. All examined N. gonorrhoeae isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone (96/96), azithromycin (91/91), cefixime (91/91) and spectinomycin (91/91). For ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, respectively, 98.9% (91/92) and 91.3% (84/92) of the isolates were susceptible and 1.1% (1/92) and 8.7% (8/92) showed intermediate susceptibility/resistance. For tetracycline and benzylpenicillin, respectively, 38.0% (35/92) and 22.0% (20/91) of the isolates were susceptible, 52.2% (48/92) and 74.7% (68/91) showed intermediate susceptibility/resistance and 9.8% (9/92) and 3.3% (3/91) were resistant. Syndromic treatment was administered as follows: 93.1% received 250 mg of ceftriaxone intramuscularly plus 100 mg of doxycycline orally q12h for 1–2 weeks and 6.9% received 500 mg of ciprofloxacin orally plus 100 mg of doxycycline orally q12h for 1 week.

Conclusions
Ceftriaxone (250 mg) remains appropriate for gonorrhoea treatment in the examined population of men in Kingston, Jamaica. Surveillance of N. gonorrhoeae AMR should be expanded in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries to guide evidence-based treatment guidelines.
Trajectory of genetic alterations associated with colistin resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii during an in-hospital outbreak of infection
Authors: Yoon Eun-Jeong , Kim Hyun Soo , Woo Heungjeong , Choi You Jeong , Won Dongju , Choi Jong Rak , Kim Young Ah , Jeong Seok Hoon 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
As carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is dominant in clinical settings, the old polymyxin antibiotic colistin has been revived as a therapeutic option. The development of colistin resistance during treatment is becoming a growing concern.

Objectives
To access low- to mid-level colistin-resistant A. baumannii blood isolates recovered from an outbreak in a tertiary care hospital from a national antimicrobial surveillance study.

Methods
The entire bacterial genome was sequenced through long-read sequencing methodology. Quantitative RT–PCR was carried out to determine the level of gene expression. Relative growth rates were determined to estimate fitness costs of each isolate caused by the genetic alterations.

Results
The A. baumannii isolates belonged to global clone 2 harbouring two intrinsic phosphoethanolamine transferases. Cumulative alterations continuing the colistin resistance were observed. PmrC overproduction caused by the PmrBA226T alteration was identified in A. baumannii isolates with low-level colistin resistance and an additional PmrCR109H substitution led to mid-level colistin resistance. Truncation of the PmrC enzyme by insertion of ISAba59 was compensated by ISAba10-mediated overproduction of EptA and, in the last isolate, the complete PmrAB two-component regulatory system was eliminated to restore the biological cost of the bacterial host.

Conclusions
During the in-hospital outbreak, a trajectory of genetic modification in colistin-resistant A. baumannii isolates was observed for survival in the harsh conditions imposed by life-threatening drugs with the clear purpose of maintaining drug resistance above a certain level with a reasonable fitness cost.
Tolerance to Glucose and Lipid High Metabolic Reactions After Burns in an Obese Rat Model
Authors: Yu Huiting , Nie Chan , Zhou Yanna , Wang Xue , Wang Haiyan , Shi Xiuquan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine what effect obese body weight and a burn injury can have on the metabolism of glucose and lipids in rats. We used a 3 * 3 factorial model design to provide basic glucose and lipid metabolic data characterizing the interaction between different weight and burn injury groups. Two hundred Sprague Dawley rats were categorized into three weight groups (normal, overweight, obese) and then further divided into control, second-degree, and third-degree burn groups. Our model compared interactions between weight and burn injury factors according to the above groups. Blood glucose and lipid metabolism indicators were monitored on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 14th days after burn injury occurred, and burned skin and blood samples were collected for testing. Compared with the normal weight group, the overweight group’s fast blood glucose, fast insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were higher (P &lt; .05), and FBG in the obese group was higher than the normal weight group (P &lt; .05). Burn injuries combined with obese body weight had an interactive effect on fast blood glucose, fast insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance after burn injury (P &lt; .05). Burn injury combined with obese body weight had an interaction on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on the 3rd day after burn injury (P &lt; .05). Burn injury combined with obese weight had no interaction on triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P &gt; .05). Rats in the overweight and obese weight groups were observed to develop an adaptation and tolerance to a higher metabolic rate after burn injuries occurred.
Microbial valorization of underutilized and nonconventional waste streams
Authors: Lad Beena C , Coleman Sarah M , Alper Hal S 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The growing burden of waste disposal coupled with natural resource scarcity has renewed interest in the remediation, valorization, and/or repurposing of waste. Traditional approaches such as composting, anaerobic digestion, use in fertilizers or animal feed, or incineration for energy production extract very little value out of these waste streams. In contrast, waste valorization into fuels and other biochemicals via microbial fermentation is an area of growing interest. In this review, we discuss microbial valorization of nonconventional, aqueous waste streams such as food processing effluents, wastewater streams, and other industrial wastes. We categorize these waste streams as carbohydrate-rich food wastes, lipid-rich wastes, and other industrial wastes. Recent advances in microbial valorization of these nonconventional waste streams are highlighted, along with a discussion of the specific challenges and opportunities associated with impurities, nitrogen content, toxicity, and low productivity.
The Value of Confidential Policy Information: Persuasion, Transparency, and Influence
Authors: Minaudier Clement 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Transparency of the lobbying process is hailed as an effective means to limit the influence of special interest groups, but should transparency also apply to the information obtained by policy makers (PMs)? This article extends theories of informational lobbying by explicitly modeling the choice of PMs to obtain information before interacting with lobbyists. This approach reveals a new channel for the value of confidentiality: extracting evidence from special interest groups. It shows that, counter-intuitively, the influence of special interest groups can increase as PMs become more expert. These results shed light on the relationship between confidentiality, good governance, and influence.
Lipid-Lowering Drug Use and Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the ARIC Study
Authors: Marrone Michael T , Mondul Alison M , Prizment Anna E , Couper David , Barber John R , Chappidi Meera R , Joshu Corinne E , Platz Elizabeth A 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Lipid-lowering drugs, particularly statins, are associated with reduced incidence of certain cancers in some studies. Associations with cancer mortality are not well studied, and whether associations are similar across race is unknown.

Methods
We conducted a prospective analysis of 12 997 cancer-free participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study who were never users at visit 1 (1987-1989). Ever use, duration of use, and age at first use were modeled as time-dependent variables using Cox regression to estimate associations with total, obesity- and smoking-associated, bladder, breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer incidence and mortality.

Results
We ascertained 3869 cancer cases and 1661 cancer deaths in 237 999 or more person-years. At 6 years of follow-up, 70.8% of lipid-lowering drug use was a statin. Compared with never use, ever use was associated with lower total, obesity- and smoking-associated cancer mortality and with colorectal cancer mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.32 to 0.79) and incidence (HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.92). Inverse associations were consistent by sex and race. Shorter-term use was associated with bladder cancer incidence in men (&lt;10 years: HR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.02 to 2.73). First use at age 60 years or older was inversely associated with: total mortality, obesity- and smoking-associated mortality, and colorectal cancer mortality; and total incidence, obesity- and smoking-associated incidence, and breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer incidence.

Conclusions
This study provides additional evidence for inverse associations between lipid-lowering drug use and cancer incidence and mortality but a positive association with bladder cancer incidence in men. Evaluation of the impact of chemoprevention strategies that include lipid-lowering drugs on population-level cancer burden is needed.
Problem-Solving Skills Groups for Female Syrian Refugees in Lebanon: A Study of a Mental Health Intervention
Authors: Khoury Brigitte , Daouk Sariah 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Lebanon has witnessed an influx of over one million refugees. This has placed a serious strain on Lebanon’s mental healthcare system, creating the need for an efficient intervention for refugees. Health workers were recruited from various centres and trained to deliver a module of 12 sessions in problem-solving skills in group format. Then, they recruited female Syrian refugees and Lebanese women to form groups and deliver the intervention in the host communities. Results showed that levels of anxiety and depression, as reported by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist screening tool, seemed to decrease significantly after the intervention. An additional outcome was that most of the participants felt supported by other women. These results demonstrated that a direct and short intervention with female refugees can lead to measurable improvements in their mental1 health and was perceived by participants as highly beneficial.
Trans-aortic left ventricular thrombo-embolectomy following COVID-19 infection
Authors: Janula Michael , Navarro Andre , Bonello John , Schembri Kevin , Borg Alex 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Left ventricular thrombosis is a known complication of myocardial infarction. COVID 19 has been shown to produce a procoagulant state resulting in venous and less commonly arterial thrombosis. Here, we describe a patient who presented with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), in the context of a COVID 19 infection. This NSTEMI resulted in the formation of a large pedunculated apical thrombus, which was initially managed conservatively, however ultimately required surgical thromboembolectomy. Access to the left ventricle was gained via the transaortic route in order to avoid ventriculotomy in a patient with a reduced LV systolic function. Post-operative imaging confirmed complete resection of thrombus.
POWDERY MILDEW RESISTENT4-dependent cell wall deposition is a consequence but not the cause of temperature-induced autoimmunity
Authors: Hessler Giuliana , Portheine Stephan M , Gerlach Eva-Maria , Lienemann Tim , Koch Gerald , Voigt Christian A , Hoth Stefan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPlants possess a well-balanced immune system that is required for defense against pathogen infections. In autoimmune mutants or necrotic crosses, an intrinsic temperature-dependent imbalance leads to constitutive immune activation, resulting in severe damage or even death of plants. Recently, cell wall deposition was described as one of the symptoms following induction of the autoimmune phenotype in Arabidopsis saul1-1 mutants. However, the regulation and function of this deposition remained unclear. Here, we show that cell wall deposits, containing lignin and callose, were a common autoimmune feature and occurred in proportion to the severity of the autoimmune phenotype at reduced ambient temperatures. When plants were exposed to reduced temperature for periods insufficient to induce an autoimmune phenotype, the cell wall deposits were not present. After low temperature intervals, sufficient to induce autoimmune responses, cell wall deposits correlated with a point of no return in saul1-1 autoimmunity. Although cell wall deposition was largely abolished in saul1-1 pmr4-1 double mutants lacking SAUL1 and the callose synthase gene GSL5/PMR4, their phenotype remained unchanged compared with that of the saul1-1 single mutant. Our data showed that cell wall deposition generally occurs in autoimmunity, but appears not to be the cause of autoimmune phenotypes.