bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) silencing protects lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cell injury in human lung fibroblasts WI-38 through acting as miR-141-3p sponge
Authors: Xia Lei , Zhu Guoqing , Huang Haiyun , He Yishui , Liu Xingguang 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) is correlated with cell injuries, including pneumonia. However, its role and mechanism remain vague in pneumonia. The interplay among genes was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down assay. SNHG16 and sushi domain containing 2 (SUSD2) were upregulated, and miRNA (miR)-141-3p was downregulated in the serum of acute pneumonia patients and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged human lung fibroblasts WI-38. LPS induced apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammatory response in WI-38 cells, which was significantly attenuated by SNHG16 knockdown and/or miR-141-3p overexpression. Notably, both SNHG16 and SUSD2 were identified as target genes of miR-141-3p. Besides, the suppressive role of SNHG16 knockdown in LPS-induced in WI-38 cells was partially abolished by miR-141-3p silencing, and the similar inhibition of miR-141-3p overexpression was further blocked by SUSD2 restoration. In conclusion, knockdown of SNHG16 could alleviate LPS-induced apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation in WI-38 cells partially though the SNHG16/miR-141-3p/SUSD2 pathway.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate and its mimetic FTY720 do not protect against radiation-induced ovarian fibrosis in the nonhuman primate†
Authors: Amargant Farners , Manuel Sharrón L , Larmore Megan J , Johnson Brian W , Lawson Maralee , Pritchard Michele T , Zelinski Mary B , Duncan Francesca E 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Oocytes are highly radiosensitive, so agents that prevent radiation-induced ovarian follicle destruction are important fertility preservation strategies. A previous study in rhesus macaques demonstrated that ovarian treatment with antiapoptotic agents, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and FTY720, its long-acting mimetic, preserved follicles following a single dose of 15 Gy X-ray radiation, and live offspring were obtained from FTY720-treated animals. However, it is unknown whether these antiapoptotic agents also protected the ovarian stroma from late effects of radiation, including vascular damage and fibrosis. Using ovarian histological sections from this study, we evaluated the vasculature and extracellular matrix in the following cohorts: vehicle + sham irradiation, vehicle + irradiation (OXI), S1P + irradiation (S1P), and FTY720 + irradiation (FTY720). One ovary from each animal was harvested prior to radiation whereas the contralateral ovary was harvested 10 months post-treatment. We assessed vasculature by immunohistochemistry with a PECAM1 antibody, hyaluronan by a hyaluronan binding protein assay, and collagen by picrosirius red and Masson’s trichrome staining. Disorganized vessels were observed in the medulla in the OXI and S1P cohorts relative to the sham, but the vasculature in the FTY720 cohort appeared intact, which may partially explain fertoprotection. There were no differences in the hyaluronan matrix among the cohorts, but there was thickening of the tunica albuginea and fibrosis in the OXI cohort relative to the sham, which was not mitigated by either S1P or FTY720 treatment. Thus, the fertoprotective properties of S1P and FTY720 may be limited given their inability to protect the ovarian stroma against the late effects of radiation-induced fibrosis.
This is Denmark: Prison Islands and the Detention of Immigrants
Authors: Barker Vanessa , Smith Peter Scharff 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
According to mainstream criminology, Nordic societies with their generous welfare states are supposed to moderate, if not restrict, penal powers. In the case of migration, we see the opposite pattern. In Denmark, we see extended use of penal institutions and penal harms to contain and remove unwanted populations from the region, including proposals for a prison island and the confinement of migrants in 19th century prisons. To make sense of these developments and interpret its social meaning, we unpack the logic of the punishment–welfare nexus and Nordic exceptionalism. We find that Denmark expands penal power to regulate non-citizens, deter migration and uphold national interests. These repressive practices are not exceptions to the rule but rather illustrate the exclusionary edge and very nature of the penal regimes in Denmark, a Nordic welfare state.
“It’s a Man Thing, Gina”: Watching Gender inMartin
Authors: Johnson Patrick 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn the almost three decades since the hit situation-comedy Martin (1992–1997) originally aired on Fox, the show has not only enjoyed a vibrant second life through syndication and streaming platforms, but has functioned as a form of television heritage, reflected in fashion, music, games, and memes. Martin has developed a particularly loyal following among black millennials, many of whom were too young to watch the show during its original network television run. In this article, I explore the series’ representations of black women through individual and focus group interviews with 26 black viewers. My interviews reveal that participants have ambivalent relationships with the show. While several cite Martin as their favorite show of all-time, they were disturbed by the show’s troubling depictions of black heterosexual romantic relationships and its reliance on stereotypical representations of black women.
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Double-Dose Lopinavir/Ritonavir + Rifampin Versus Lopinavir/Ritonavir + Daily Rifabutin for Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Tuberculosis Coinfection
Authors: Kendall Michelle A , Lalloo Umesh , Fletcher Courtney V , Wu Xingye , Podany Anthony T , Cardoso Sandra W , Ive Prudence , Benson Constance A 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy may be used in resource-limited settings in persons with human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis (HIV-TB). Data on safety, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and HIV-TB outcomes for lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) used with rifampin (RIF) or rifabutin (RBT) are limited.

Methods
We randomized adults with HIV-TB from July 2013 to February 2016 to arm A, LPV/r 400 mg/100 mg twice daily + RBT 150 mg/day; arm B, LPV/r 800 mg/200 mg twice daily + RIF 600 mg/day; or arm C, LPV/r 400 mg/100 mg twice daily + raltegravir (RAL) 400 mg twice daily + RBT 150 mg/day. All received two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and other TB drugs. PK visits occurred on day 12 ± 2. Within-arm HIV-TB outcomes were summarized using proportions and 95% CIs; PK were compared using Wilcoxon tests.

Results
Among 71 participants, 52% were women; 72% Black; 46% Hispanic; median age, 37 years; median CD4+ count, 130 cells/mm3; median HIV-1 RNA, 4.6 log10 copies/mL; 46% had confirmed TB. LPV concentrations were similar across arms. Pooled LPV AUC12 (157 203 hours × ng/mL) and Ctrough (9876 ng/mL) were similar to historical controls; RBT AUC24 (7374 hours × ng/mL) and Ctrough (208 ng/mL) were higher, although 3 participants in arm C had RBT Cmax &lt;250 ng/mL. Proportions with week 48 HIV-1 RNA &lt;400 copies/mL were 58%, 67%, and 61%, respectively, in arms A, B, and C.

Conclusions
Double-dose LPV/r+RIF and LPV/r+RBT 150mg/day had acceptable safety, PK and TB outcomes; HIV suppression was suboptimal but unrelated to PK. Faster RBT clearance and low Cmax in 3 participants on RBT+RAL requires further study.
In Utero Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Is Associated With Increased Levels of Putatively Protective Maternal Antibodies in Nonprimary Infection: Evidence for Boosting but Not Protection
Authors: Dorfman Jeffrey R , Balla Sashkia R , Pathirana Jayani , Groome Michelle J , Madhi Shabir A , Moore Penny L 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Although primary maternal cytomegalovirus infections are associated with higher risk of in utero transmission, most fetal infections worldwide result from nonprimary maternal infections. Antibodies directed at glycoprotein B (gB) and the gH/gL/pUL128–130–131 pentamer can neutralize virus, and higher levels of antibody directed at several particular pentamer epitopes defined by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are associated with reduced risk of fetal cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission during primary maternal infection. This had not been explored in maternal nonprimary infection.

Methods
In a setting where most maternal CMV infections are nonprimary, 42 mothers of infants with congenital CMV infections (transmitters) were compared to 75 CMV-seropositive mothers whose infants were CMV-uninfected (nontransmitters). Control infants were matched by sex, maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, and gestational age. We measured the ability of maternal antibodies to block 3 key pentameric epitopes: one in the gH subunit, another straddling UL130/UL131, and the third straddling gH/gL/UL128/UL130. We tested if levels of antibodies directed at these epitopes were higher in nontransmitters compared to transmitters.

Results
Levels of all 3 putatively protective pentamer-directed antibodies were significantly higher in transmitters compared to nontransmitters. In contrast, antibodies targeting an epitope on gB were not different. Total antibody specific for pentamer and for gB were also higher in transmitters.

Conclusions
We found no evidence that higher levels of any CMV-specific antibodies were associated with reduced risk of congenital CMV infection in nonprimary maternal infection. Instead, we found higher maternal antibody targeting epitopes on CMV pentamer in transmitters than nontransmitters, providing evidence for antibody boosting but not protection.
Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction for Assessment of Mutant Mitochondrial Carry-over after Nuclear Transfer for In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Tytgat Olivier , Tang Mao-Xing , van Snippenberg Willem , Boel Annekatrien , Guggilla Ramesh Reddy , Gansemans Yannick , Van Herp Michiel , Symoens Sofie , Trypsteen Wim , Deforce Dieter , Heindryckx Björn , Coucke Paul , De Spiegelaere Ward , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
The quantification of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy for the diagnosis of mitochondrial disease or after mitochondrial donation, is performed mainly using next-generation sequencing strategies (NGS). Digital PCR (dPCR) has the potential to offer an accurate alternative for mutation load quantification.

Methods
We assessed the mutation load of 23 low-input human samples at the m.11778 locus, which is associated with Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) using 2 droplet digital PCR platforms (Stilla Naica and Bio-Rad QX200) and the standard NGS strategy. Assay validation was performed by analyzing a titration series with mutation loads ranging from 50% to 0.01%.

Results
A good concordance in mutation rates was observed between both dPCR techniques and NGS. dPCR established a distinctly lower level of background noise compared to NGS. Minor alleles with mutation loads lower than 1% could still be detected, with standard deviations of the technical replicates varying between 0.07% and 0.44% mutation load. Although no significant systematic bias was observed when comparing dPCR and NGS, a minor proportional bias was detected. A slight overestimation of the minor allele was observed for the NGS data, most probably due to amplification and sequencing errors in the NGS workflow.

Conclusion
dPCR has proven to be an accurate tool for the quantification of mitochondrial heteroplasmy, even for samples harboring a low mutation load (&lt;1%). In addition, this alternative technique holds multiple benefits compared to NGS (e.g., less hands-on time, more straightforward data-analysis, and a lower up-front capital investment).
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes After Ileal Pouch-anal Anastomosis in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Barnes Edward L , Holubar Stefan D , Herfarth Hans H 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
The optimal restorative surgical management of patients with concomitant diagnoses of primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis [PSC-UC] who require colectomy is controversial, given that patients may have an increased risk for pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis [IPAA]. We aimed to compare rates of pouchitis and pouch failure among patients with and without PSC by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods
A systematic search performed through August 18, 2020, identified 12 studies that compared the rates of pouchitis [n = 11] and/or pouch failure [n = 6] among patients with PSC-UC and UC alone. We then performed a meta-analysis using random effects modelling to estimate the odds of developing any episodes of pouchitis or pouch failure.

Results
A total of 4108 patients underwent an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis after proctocolectomy for UC. Of these, 3799 [92%] were performed for UC alone and 309 [8%] were performed for PSC-UC. In a meta-analysis of 11 studies, patients with PSC-UC compared with UC alone were significantly more likely to develop any pouchitis (63% vs 30%, odds ratio [OR] 4.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.86–6.18), chronic pouchitis [47% vs 15%, OR 6.37, 95% CI 3.41–11.9], and pouch failure [10% vs 7%, OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.08–3.17].

Conclusions
Patients with PSC-UC were more likely to experience pouchitis and pouch failure than patients with UC alone. The risks of inflammatory complications after IPAA must be weighed against the potential complications with other surgical procedures, and future studies comparing outcomes among these procedures may inform decision making in this population.
Assessing proportionate and disproportionate functional mitral regurgitation with individualized thresholds
Authors: Lopes Pedro M , Albuquerque Francisco , Freitas Pedro , Gama Francisco , Horta Eduarda , Reis Carla , Abecasis João , Trabulo Marisa , Ferreira António M , Aguiar Carlos , Canada Manuel , Ribeiras Regina , Mendes Miguel , Andrade Maria J 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Aims
The concept of proportionate/disproportionate functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) has been limited by the lack of a simple way to assess it and by the paucity of data showing its prognostic superiority. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of an individualized method of assessing FMR proportionality.

Methods and results
We retrospectively identified 572 patients with at least mild FMR and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (&lt;50%) under medical therapy. To determine FMR proportionality status, we used an approach where a simple equation determined the individualized theoretical regurgitant volume (or effective regurgitant orifice area) threshold associated with haemodynamically significant FMR. Then, we compared the measured with the theoretical value to categorize the population into non-severe, proportionate, and disproportionate FMR. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. During a median follow-up of 3.8 years (interquartile range: 1.8–6.2), 254 patients died. The unadjusted mortality incidence per 100 persons-year rose as the degree of FMR disproportionality worsened. On multivariable analysis, disproportionate FMR remained independently associated with all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio: 1.785; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.249–2.550; P = 0.001]. The FMR proportionality concept showed greater discriminative power (C-statistic 0.639; 95% CI: 0.597–0.680) than the American (C-statistic 0.583; 95% CI: 0.546–0.621; P for comparison &lt;0.001) and European guidelines (C-statistic 0.584; 95% CI: 0.547–0.620; P for comparison &lt;0.001). When added to any of the before-mentioned guidelines, FMR proportionality also improved risk stratification by reclassifying patients into lower and higher risk subsets.

Conclusion
Disproportionate FMR is independently associated with all-cause mortality and improves the risk stratification of current guidelines.
Kindness as the Foundation to Community: For a ‘Radical Equality Tempered by Benevolence’. Joseph Rey of Grenoble (1779-1855)
Authors: Drolet Michael , Frobert Ludovic 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This article examines the work of the jurist and political and social theorist, Joseph Rey. It explores Rey’s role within a French and international network of intellectuals and conspirators who sought to overthrow established monarchies and replace them with popularly elected democratic republics. The article shows how Rey’s extensive writings on legal, political, social and educational questions give a unique insight into France’s political, intellectual, social and ideological life in the first decades of the nineteenth century. We argue that Rey’s contribution to the debates that defined the modern ideological categories of liberalism, republicanism and socialism was significant in its endeavour to reconcile all three. This attempt at reconciliation was motivated by a powerful desire to end the internecine struggles that marked France in the aftermath of the Revolution and Empire. This led Rey to draw on the utilitarianism of Jeremy Bentham and the Philosophical Radicals in order to nourish a French republican liberalism rooted in the work of the Idéologues and combine this with his profound reading of Robert Owen’s work on co-operation. It goes on to show how Rey became known as France’s principal representative of Owenism, and sought to shape the debates between the dominant schools of French Socialist thought, Fourierism and Saint-Simonianism, by introducing into those discussions a radical conception of equality and the idea of co-operation. Rey’s attempts to reconcile the liberal-republican preoccupation with liberty and self-governance with socialist considerations on equality and social justice stand out from the works of his contemporaries. It is this unique, and long-forgotten, contribution to French and European political and social thought that makes Rey worthy of renewed attention.
Cytokine storms, evolution and COVID-19
Authors: Alcock Joe , Masters Alix 
Published: February 2021

Lay SummaryMany treatments for COVID-19 are aimed at calming a cytokine storm, a dangerous immune overreaction to the infection. Treating cytokine storms has been tried for decades in sepsis and other viral illnesses, but these treatments most often do not work. We explain why cytokine storms should be rare, and what special evolutionary circumstances can cause them to occur.
Split-wrmScarlet and split-sfGFP: tools for faster, easier fluorescent labeling of endogenous proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Goudeau Jérôme , Sharp Catherine S , Paw Jonathan , Savy Laura , Leonetti Manuel D , York Andrew G , Updike Dustin L , Kenyon Cynthia , Ingaramo Maria 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We create and share a new red fluorophore, along with a set of strains, reagents and protocols, to make it faster and easier to label endogenous Caenorhabditis elegans proteins with fluorescent tags. CRISPR-mediated fluorescent labeling of C. elegans proteins is an invaluable tool, but it is much more difficult to insert fluorophore-size DNA segments than it is to make small gene edits. In principle, high-affinity asymmetrically split fluorescent proteins solve this problem in C. elegans: the small fragment can quickly and easily be fused to almost any protein of interest, and can be detected wherever the large fragment is expressed and complemented. However, there is currently only one available strain stably expressing the large fragment of a split fluorescent protein, restricting this solution to a single tissue (the germline) in the highly autofluorescent green channel. No available C. elegans lines express unbound large fragments of split red fluorescent proteins, and even state-of-the-art split red fluorescent proteins are dim compared to the canonical split-sfGFP protein. In this study, we engineer a bright, high-affinity new split red fluorophore, split-wrmScarlet. We generate transgenic C. elegans lines to allow easy single-color labeling in muscle or germline cells and dual-color labeling in somatic cells. We also describe a novel expression strategy for the germline, where traditional expression strategies struggle. We validate these strains by targeting split-wrmScarlet to several genes whose products label distinct organelles, and we provide a protocol for easy, cloning-free CRISPR/Cas9 editing. As the collection of split-FP strains for labeling in different tissues or organelles expands, we will post updates at doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3993663
The Nexus Between Telomere Length and Lymphocyte Count in Seniors Hospitalized With COVID-19
Authors: Benetos Athanase , Lai Tsung-Po , Toupance Simon , Labat Carlos , Verhulst Simon , Gautier Sylvie , Ungeheuer Marie-Noelle , Perret-Guillaume Christine , Levy Daniel , Susser Ezra , Aviv Abraham 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Profound T-cell lymphopenia is the hallmark of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). T-cell proliferation is telomere length (TL) dependent and telomeres shorten with age. Older COVID-19 patients, we hypothesize, are, therefore, at a higher risk of having TL-dependent lymphopenia. We measured TL by the novel Telomere Shortest Length Assay (TeSLA), and by Southern blotting (SB) of the terminal restriction fragments in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 17 COVID-19 and 21 non-COVID-19 patients, aged 87 ± 8 (mean ± SD) and 87 ± 9 years, respectively. TeSLA tallies and measures single telomeres, including short telomeres undetected by SB. Such telomeres are relevant to TL-mediated biological processes, including cell viability and senescence. TeSLA yields 2 key metrics: the proportions of telomeres with different lengths (expressed in %) and their mean (TeSLA mTL), (expressed in kb). Lymphocyte count (109/L) was 0.91 ± 0.42 in COVID-19 patients and 1.50 ± 0.50 in non-COVID-19 patients (p &lt; .001). In COVID-19 patients, but not in non-COVID-19 patients, lymphocyte count was inversely correlated with the proportion of telomeres shorter than 2 kb (p = .005) and positively correlated with TeSLA mTL (p = .03). Lymphocyte count was not significantly correlated with SB mTL in either COVID-19 or non-COVID-19 patients. We propose that compromised TL-dependent T-cell proliferative response, driven by short telomere in the TL distribution, contributes to COVID-19 lymphopenia among old adults. We infer that infection with SARS-CoV-2 uncovers the limits of the TL reserves of older persons.
Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT04325646.