bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracerebral Iron Accumulation may be Associated with Secondary Brain Injury in Patients with Poor Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Helbok Raimund , Rass Verena , Kofler Mario , Talasz Heribert , Schiefecker Alois , Gaasch Max , Scherfler Christoph , Pfausler Bettina , Thomé Claudius , Beer Ronny , Lindner Herbert H. , Schmutzhard Erich 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The amount of intracranial blood is a strong predictor of poor outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Here, we aimed to measure iron concentrations in the cerebral white matter, using the cerebral microdialysis (CMD) technique, and to associate iron levels with the local metabolic profile, complications, and functional outcome.

Methods
For the observational cohort study, 36 patients with consecutive poor grade SAH (Hunt & Hess grade of 4 or 5, Glasgow Coma Scale Score ≤ 8) undergoing multimodal neuromonitoring were analyzed for brain metabolic changes, including CMD iron levels quantified by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The study time encompassed 14 days after admission. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations.

Results
Patients were admitted in a poor clinical grade (n = 26, 72%) or deteriorated within 24 h (n = 10, 28%). The median blood volume in the subarachnoid space was high (SAH sum score = 26, interquartile range 20–28). Initial CMD iron was 44 µg/L (25–65 µg/L), which significantly decreased to a level of 25 µg/L (14–30 µg/L) at day 4 and then constantly increased over the remaining neuromonitoring days (p < 0.01). A higher intraventricular hemorrhage sum score (≥ 5) was associated with higher CMD iron levels (Wald-statistic = 4.1, df  = 1, p = 0.04) but not with the hemorrhage load in the subarachnoid space (p = 0.8). In patients developing vasospasm, the CMD iron load was higher, compared with patients without vasospasm (Wald-statistic = 4.1, degree of freedom = 1, p = 0.04), which was not true for delayed cerebral infarction (p = 0.4). Higher iron concentrations in the brain extracellular fluid (34 µg/L, 36–56 µg/L vs. 23 µg/L, 15–37 µg/L) were associated with mitochondrial dysfunction (CMD lactate to pyruvate ratio > 30 and CMD-pyruvate > 70 µM/L, p < 0.001). Brain extracellular iron load was not associated with functional outcome after 3 months (p > 0.5).

Conclusions
This study suggests that iron accumulates in the cerebral white matter in patients with poor grade SAH. These findings may support trials aiming to scavenger brain extracellular iron based on the hypothesis that iron-mediated neurotoxicity may contribute to acute and secondary brain injury following SAH.
Physical activity, dietary intake and quality of life during COVID-19 lockdown in patients awaiting transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: van Erck D. , Dolman C. D. , Snaterse M. , Tieland M. , Driessen A. H. G. , Weijs P. J. M. , Scholte op Reimer W. J. M. , Henriques J. P. , Schoufour J. D. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a national lockdown in the Netherlands, which also affected transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) patients. The objective of the study was to describe physical activity, dietary intake and quality of life (QoL) in patients on the waiting list for TAVI pre-lockdown and during lockdown.

Methods
Consecutive patients awaiting TAVI at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers, the Netherlands were included. Measurements were self-reported effect of lockdown, physical activity, dietary intake and QoL.

Results
In total, 58 patients (median age 80, interquartile range (IQR) 76–84, 45% female) were observed pre-lockdown and 16 patients (median age 78, IQR 76–82, 25% female) during lockdown. Ten of the 16 patients during lockdown reported a decline in physical activity. However, we observed a median number of 5861 steps a day (IQR 4579–7074) pre-lockdown and 8404 steps a day (IQR 7653–10,829) during lockdown. Median daily protein intake was 69 g (IQR 59–82) pre-lockdown and 90 g (IQR 68–107) during lockdown. Self-rated health on a visual analogue scale was 63 points (IQR 51–74) pre-lockdown and 73 points (IQR 65–86) during lockdown.

Conclusions
More than half of the patients during lockdown reported less physical activity, while we observed a higher number of steps a day, a similar dietary intake and a higher QoL. Therefore, patients on the TAVI waiting list appeared to be able to cope with the lockdown measures.
Nuclear cGAS: sequestration and beyond
Authors: Bai Juli , Liu Feng 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) has been identified as a cytosolic double stranded DNA sensor that plays a pivotal role in the type I interferon and inflammation responses via the STING-dependent signaling pathway. In the past several years, a growing body of evidence has revealed that cGAS is also localized in the nucleus where it is associated with distinct nuclear substructures such as nucleosomes, DNA replication forks, the double-stranded breaks, and centromeres, suggesting that cGAS may have other functions in addition to its role in DNA sensing. However, while the innate immune function of cGAS is well established, the non-canonical nuclear function of cGAS remains poorly understood. Here, we review our current understanding of the complex nature of nuclear cGAS and point to open questions on the novel roles and the mechanisms of action of this protein as a key regulator of cell nuclear function, beyond its well-established role in dsDNA sensing and innate immune response.
On a new distribution based on the arccosine function
Authors: Chesneau Christophe , Tomy Lishamol , Gillariose Jiju 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis note focuses on a new one-parameter unit probability distribution centered around the inverse cosine and power functions. A special case of this distribution has the exact inverse cosine function as a probability density function. To our knowledge, despite obvious mathematical interest, such a probability density function has never been considered in Probability and Statistics. Here, we fill this gap by pointing out the main properties of the proposed distribution, from both the theoretical and practical aspects. Specifically, we provide the analytical form expressions for its cumulative distribution function, survival function, hazard rate function, raw moments and incomplete moments. The asymptotes and shape properties of the probability density and hazard rate functions are described, as well as the skewness and kurtosis properties, revealing the flexible nature of the new distribution. In particular, it appears to be “round mesokurtic” and “left skewed”. With these features in mind, special attention is given to find empirical applications of the new distribution to real data sets. Accordingly, the proposed distribution is compared with the well-known power distribution by means of two real data sets.
Il ruolo della renina plasmatica nella titolazione della terapia sostitutiva con mineralcorticoidi in pazienti affetti da insufficienza surrenalica primaria
Authors: Pofi Riccardo , Giannetta Elisa 
Published: August 2021

SommarioL’ottimizzazione della terapia con mineralcorticoidi in pazienti con insufficienza surrenalica primaria non ha ancora trovato consenso universale. Questa rassegna riporta i dati di una vasta coorte di pazienti affetti da insufficienza surrenalica primaria con l’obiettivo di esplorare la relazione tra la dose sostitutiva dei mineralcorticoidi (MC), la concentrazione plasmatica di renina (CPR) e variabili cliniche ambulatoriali (elettroliti, pressione sanguigna, PA, e parametri antropometrici) al fine di identificare marcatori utili per guidare la titolazione della dose MC. I risultati hanno mostrato un’estrema variabilità nei valori di CPR e nella dose di MC. Nell’analisi univariata, la dose di MC era direttamente proporzionale alla CPR ma non correlava con i livelli di PA. Utilizzando modelli di regressione multipla, il sodio era l’unica variabile utile a predire la CPR. Nell’analisi longitudinale, la variazione della dose di MC era correlata alla variazione dei livelli sierici di potassio ma non alla PA o alla CPR. In conclusione, la relazione tra la dose di MC e la CPR è complessa e, pertanto, la titolazione dei MC non dovrebbe essere basata solo sulla normalizzazione della CPR, ma anche su parametri clinici come la PA e la concentrazione di elettroliti.
Dendrite-Free and Stable Lithium Metal Battery Achieved by a Model of Stepwise Lithium Deposition and Stripping
Authors: Liu Tiancun , Wang Jinlong , Xu Yi , Zhang Yifan , Wang Yong 
Published: August 2021

Highlights

A facile method is adopted to obtain cucumber-like lithiophilic composite skeleton.

Massive lithiophilic sites in cucumber-like lithiophilic composite skeleton can promote and guide uniform Li depositions.

A unique model of stepwise Li deposition and stripping is determined.

Abstract
The uncontrolled formation of lithium (Li) dendrites and the unnecessary consumption of electrolyte during the Li plating/stripping process have been major obstacles in developing safe and stable Li metal batteries. Herein, we report a cucumber-like lithiophilic composite skeleton (CLCS) fabricated through a facile oxidation-immersion-reduction method. The stepwise Li deposition and stripping, determined using in situ Raman spectra during the galvanostatic Li charging/discharging process, promote the formation of a dendrite-free Li metal anode. Furthermore, numerous pyridinic N, pyrrolic N, and CuxN sites with excellent lithiophilicity work synergistically to distribute Li ions and suppress the formation of Li dendrites. Owing to these advantages, cells based on CLCS exhibit a high Coulombic efficiency of 97.3% for 700 cycles and an improved lifespan of 2000 h for symmetric cells. The full cells assembled with LiFePO4 (LFP), SeS2 cathodes and CLCS@Li anodes demonstrate high capacities of 110.1 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 in CLCS@Li|LFP and 491.8 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1 in CLCS@Li|SeS2. The unique design of CLCS may accelerate the application of Li metal anodes in commercial Li metal batteries.
Das Ende des Politischen? Demokratische Politik und Künstliche Intelligenz
Authors: Koster Ann-Kathrin 
Published: August 2021

ZusammenfassungIn jüngster Zeit findet innerhalb der politiktheoretischen Forschung eine vermehrte Auseinandersetzung mit algorithmenbasierten Systemen statt. Diese ist geprägt von der Behauptung einer neuen algorithmischen Regierungsweise, die aufgrund ihrer reduktionistisch-formalen Logik sowohl plurale Sinnzusammenhänge untergräbt als auch die individuelle Entfaltung reflexiver Urteilsbildung unterminiert. Entgegen dieser Annahmen argumentiert der vorliegende Beitrag, dass der Einsatz dieser digitalen Technologien im politischen Kontext nicht zwangsläufig in eine post-politische Verfasstheit von Gesellschaft münden muss. Algorithmische Systeme lassen sich als spezifische epistemische Verfahren verstehen, deren operativer Gebrauch symbolischer Inputs zwar einer schließenden, ontologisierenden Logik folgt und für sich genommen kontingenzreduzierende und latent anti-politische Wirkungen zeitigt. Demokratische Gesellschaften zeichnen sich aber hinsichtlich ihrer kontingenztheoretischen Verfahren gerade dadurch aus, dass ihre befragende Logik eine Inkorporation solcher Ontologisierungen ermöglicht. Es geht dann vielmehr darum, die Bedingungen ihrer Politisierung in den Blick zu nehmen.
Endogenous Deficiency of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Induces the Downregulation ofTryptophan Hydroxylase-2Expression in Raphe Nuclei of Rapid Ejaculator Rats
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Peng Dangwei , Geng Hao , Dai Yutian , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xiansheng 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundPremature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common ejaculatory disorders. Recent studies have suggested a close relationship between the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) system and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), raising the question of whether BDNF plays a role in ejaculation regulation. To our knowledge, no previous studies have explored BDNF level of the central nervous system in ejaculatory disorders. At the same time, the interaction of central BDNF and 5-HT systems has not been undertaken in ejaculation regulation field.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between BDNF and 5-HT levels in raphe nuclei which contains the serotonergic neurons in a rat animal model with different ejaculatory behavior.MethodsEighteen male rats were selected and classified as “sluggish,” “normal,” and “rapid” ejaculators on the basis of ejaculation frequency during copulatory behavioral testing. BDNF and 5-HT levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-Time Quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses were used to measure the mRNA level of Tryptophan Hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) gene and the expression of TPH2 protein (the rate-limiting enzyme in central 5-HT synthesis) in raphe nuclei, respectively.OutcomesMale rat sexual behavior, the levels of BDNF and 5-HT in raphe nuclei of rats with different ejaculatory behavior, the mRNA level of gene encoding TPH2 and the expression of TPH2 protein in raphe nuclei.RESULTSThe primary finding of our study was that BDNF concentration was significantly decreased in raphe nuclei of rapid ejaculators. There was a strong positive correlation between the levels of BDNF and 5-HT (r = 0.944, P &lt; .001). Further results showed that decreased TPH2 gene expression accompanied by TPH2 protein was shown in rapid ejaculators with lower BDNF level.Clinical ImplicationsWith refinement of current knowledge, BDNF may eventually serve as a promising biomarker in patients with PE.Strengths & LimitationsThere are no previous studies examining the interaction of the brain BDNF and 5-HT in ejaculation regulation field. The main limitation is the limited sample size.CONCLUSIONBDNF may act via increasing the synthesis of central 5-HT in the process of ejaculation regulation. Our results suggest lack of endogenous BDNF induces the downregulation of TPH2 gene expression and the decrease of 5-HT synthesis in raphe nuclei of rapid ejaculator rats.
An integrative review and practical guide to team development interventions for translational science teams: One size does not fit all
Authors: Begerowski Sydney R. , Traylor Allison M. , Shuffler Marissa L. , Salas Eduardo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAs the need to tackle complex clinical and societal problems rises, researchers are increasingly taking on a translational approach. This approach, which seeks to integrate theories, methodologies, and frameworks from various disciplines across a team of researchers, places emphasis on translation of findings in order to offer practical solutions to real-world problems. While translational research leads to a number of positive outcomes, there are also a multitude of barriers to conducting effective team science, such as effective coordination and communication across the organizational, disciplinary, and even geographic boundaries of science teams. Given these barriers to success, there is a significant need to establish team interventions that increase science team effectiveness as translational research becomes the new face of science. This review is intended to provide translational scientists with an understanding of barriers to effective team science and equip them with the necessary tools to overcome such barriers. We provide an overview of translational science teams, discuss barriers to science team effectiveness, demonstrate the lacking state of current interventions, and present recommendations for improving interventions in science teams by applying best practices from the teams and groups literature across the four phases of transdisciplinary research.
Serologic Status and SARS-CoV-2 Infection over 6 Months of Follow Up in Healthcare Workers in Chicago: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wilkins John T. , Hirschhorn Lisa R. , Gray Elizabeth L. , Wallia Amisha , Carnethon Mercedes , Zembower Teresa R. , Ho Joyce , DeYoung Benjamin J. , Zhu Alex , Rasmussen-Torvik Laura J. , Taiwo Babafemi , Evans Charlesnika T. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjective:To determine the changes in severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) serologic status and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in healthcare workers (HCWs) over 6-months of follow-up.Design:Prospective cohort study.Setting and participants:HCWs in the Chicago area.Methods:Cohort participants were recruited in May and June 2020 for baseline serology testing (Abbott anti-nucleocapsid IgG) and were then invited for follow-up serology testing 6 months later. Participants completed monthly online surveys that assessed demographics, medical history, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and exposures to SARS-CoV-2. The electronic medical record was used to identify SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity during follow-up. Serologic conversion and SARS-CoV-2 infection or possible reinfection rates (cases per 10,000 person days) by antibody status at baseline and follow-up were assessed.Results:In total, 6,510 HCWs were followed for a total of 1,285,395 person days (median follow-up, 216 days). For participants who had baseline and follow-up serology checked, 285 (6.1%) of the 4,681 seronegative participants at baseline seroconverted to positive at follow-up; 138 (48%) of the 263 who were seropositive at baseline were seronegative at follow-up. When analyzed by baseline serostatus alone, 519 (8.4%) of 6,194 baseline seronegative participants had a positive PCR after baseline serology testing (4.25 per 10,000 person days). Of 316 participants who were seropositive at baseline, 8 (2.5%) met criteria for possible SARS-CoV-2 reinfection (ie, PCR positive >90 days after baseline serology) during follow-up, a rate of 1.27 per 10,000 days at risk. The adjusted rate ratio for possible reinfection in baseline seropositive compared to infection in baseline seronegative participants was 0.26 (95% confidence interval, 0.13–0.53).Conclusions:Seropositivity in HCWs is associated with moderate protection from future SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Cobalamin and folate status in women during early pregnancy in Bhaktapur, Nepal
Authors: Schwinger Catherine , Sharma Shakun , Chandyo Ram K. , Hysing Mari , Kvestad Ingrid , Ulak Manjeswori , Ranjitkar Suman , Shrestha Merina , Shrestha Laxman P. , McCann Adrian , Ueland Per M. , Strand Tor A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The demand for cobalamin (vitamin B12) and folate is increased during pregnancy, and deficiency during pregnancy may lead to complications and adverse outcomes. Yet, the status of these micronutrients is unknown in many populations. We assessed the concentration of cobalamin, folate and their functional biomarkers, total homocysteine (tHcy) and methylmalonic acid (MMA), in 561 pregnant women enrolled in a community-based randomised controlled trial in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Plasma concentrations of cobalamin, folate, tHcy and MMA were measured and a combined indicator of vitamin B12 status (3cB12) was calculated. We report mean or median concentrations and the prevalence of deficiency according to commonly used cut-offs, and assessed their association with indicators of socio-economic status, and maternal and dietary characteristics by linear regression. Among the women at gestational week less than 15, deficiencies of cobalamin and folate were seen in 24 and 1 %, respectively. Being a vegetarian was associated with lower plasma cobalamin, and a higher socio-economic status was associated with a better micronutrient status. We conclude that cobalamin deficiency defined by commonly used cut-offs was common in Nepalese women in early pregnancy. In contrast, folate deficiency was rare. As there is no consensus on cut-off points for vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy, future studies are needed to assess the potential functional consequences of these low values.
The GLINT South testbed for nulling interferometry with photonics: Design and on-sky results at the Anglo-Australian Telescope
Authors: Lagadec T. , Norris B. , Gross S. , Arriola A. , Gretzinger T. , Cvetojevic N. , Martinod M.-A. , Jovanovic N. , Withford M. , Tuthill P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn 1978, Bracewell suggested the technique of nulling interferometry to directly image exoplanets which would enable characterisation of their surfaces, atmospheres, weather, and possibly determine their capacity to host life. The contrast needed to discriminate starlight reflected by a terrestrial-type planet from the glare of its host star lies at or beyond a forbidding$10^{-10}$for an exo-Earth in the habitable zone around a Sun-like star at near-infrared wavelengths, necessitating instrumentation with extremely precise control of the light. Guided Light Interferometric Nulling Technology (GLINT) is a testbed for new photonic devices conceived to overcome the challenges posed by nulling interferometry. At its heart, GLINT employs a single-mode nulling photonic chip fabricated by direct-write technology to coherently combine starlight from an arbitrarily large telescope at 1 550 nm. It operates in combination with an actuated segmented mirror in a closed-loop control system, to produce and sustain a deep null throughout observations. The GLINT South prototype interfacesthe 3.9-m Anglo-Australian Telescope and was tested on a sample of bright Mira variable stars. Successful and continuous starlight injection into the photonic chip was achieved. A statistical model of the data was constructed, enabling a data reduction algorithm to retrieve contrast ratios of about$10^{-3}$. As a byproduct of this analysis, stellar angular diameters that were below the telescope diffraction limit($\sim$100 mas) were recovered with1$\sigma$accuracy and shown to be in agreement with literature values despite working in the seeing-limited regime. GLINT South serves as a demonstration of the capability of direct-write photonic technology for achieving coherent, stable nulling of starlight, which will encourage further technological developments towards the goal of directly imaging exoplanets with future large ground based and space telescopes.
Conservation status and recovery of Podocarpus angustifolius: a threatened tree of Cuba
Authors: Testé Ernesto , Hernández Majela , Bécquer Eldis R. , Valle Oliver , González-Torres Luis R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe recovery of species’ populations is one of the most challenging tasks in conservation, which is why species recovery is most likely to be successful if it involves as many stakeholders as possible. Podocarpus angustifolius, a tree endemic to Cuba, is potentially threatened by overexploitation, deforestation and expansion of exotic species. In December of 2017, in two protected areas containing the only known subpopulations of this species, we recorded the geographical position, height, and diameter at breast height of each individual, and calculated the extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO). We recorded a total of 575 individuals, 174 of which were adult (defined as ≥ 6 m height on the basis of the occurrence of reproductive structures), and most of which occurred in Lomas de Banao Ecological Reserve. The EOO and AOO were 125.8 km2 and 6.0 km2, respectively. All P. angustifolius that remain in the wild are within two protected areas, either in rainforest relicts or in coffee plantations. The size structure indicates a growing population. Based on our findings we recommend that P. angustifolius should be recategorized from Vulnerable (on the IUCN Red List) and Critically Endangered (on the national Red List) to Endangered, based on criterion D (small population size). We recommend the continued reinforcement of the population at Topes de Collantes Natural Protected Landscape and the continued engagement of local stakeholders for the long-term conservation of this species.