bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RPA facilitates rescue of keratinocytes from UVB radiation damage through insulin-like growth factor-I signalling
Authors: Andrade Melisa J. , Van Lonkhuyzen Derek R. , Upton Zee , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
UVBR-induced photolesions in genomic DNA of keratinocytes impair cellular functions and potentially determine the cell fate post-irradiation. The ability of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to rescue epidermal keratinocytes after photodamage via apoptosis prevention and photolesion removal was recently demonstrated using in vitro two-dimensional and three-dimensional skin models. Given the limited knowledge of specific signalling cascades contributing to post-UVBR IGF-I effects, we used inhibitors to investigate the impact of blockade of various signalling mediators on IGF-I photoprotection. IGF-I treatment, in the presence of signalling inhibitors, particularly TDRL-505, which targets replication protein A (RPA), impaired activation of IGF-1R downstream signalling, diminished cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer removal, arrested growth, reduced cell survival and increased apoptosis. Further, the transient partial knockdown of RPA was found to abrogate IGF-I-mediated responses in keratinocytes, ultimately affecting photoprotection and, thereby, establishing that RPA is required for IGF-I function. Our findings thus elucidate the importance of RPA in linking the damage response activation, cell cycle regulation, repair and survival pathways, separately initiated by IGF-I upon UVBR-induced damage. This information is potentially imperative for the development of effective sunburn and photodamage repair strategies.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Does high COVID-19 spread impact neighbouring countries? Evidence from Ireland
Authors: Ahmed Rakesh , May Peter 
Published: May 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has necessitated public health responses on an unprecedented scale. Controlling infectious diseases requires understanding of the conditions that increase spread. Prior studies have identified sociodemographic, epidemiological and geographic associations. Ireland offers an unusual opportunity to quantify how high infection rates in one country impacted cases in a neighbouring country. Methods: We analysed official statistics on confirmed COVID-19 cases on the island of Ireland for 52 weeks from March 2020. Our main research question was: Did higher cases in Northern Ireland (NI) impact the number of cases in the Republic of Ireland (ROI)? We used least squares regression to compare confirmed cases in ROI counties that border NI with the rest of the state. We included in our model sociodemographic, epidemiological and geographic factors. We employed the latitude of each county town as an instrumental variable to isolate a quasi-experimental estimate of the cross-border spread. Results: In the quasi-experimental framework, and controlling for population density, age distribution and circulatory disease prevalence, border counties had an extra 21.0 (95%CI: 8.4-33.6) confirmed COVID-19 cases per 1000 people. This equates to an estimated 9,611 additional cases in ROI, or 4% of the national total in the first year of the pandemic. Our results were substantively similar in non-experimental frameworks, with alternative additional predictors, and in sensitivity analyses. Additionally, population density in ROI counties was positively associated with confirmed cases and higher proportions of residents in the professional classes was negatively associated. Conclusion: On the island of Ireland during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, high infection rates in NI increased cases in the neighbouring ROI. Maximising co-ordination of pandemic responses among neighbouring countries is essential to minimising disease spread, and its associated disruptions to society and the economy. Socioeconomic disadvantage appeared to confer significant additional risk of spread.
Structural coordinates: A novel approach to predict protein backbone conformation
Authors: Milchevskaya Vladislava , Nikitin Alexei M. , Lukshin Sergey A. , Filatov Ivan V. , Kravatsky Yuri V. , Tumanyan Vladimir G. , Esipova Natalia G. , Milchevskiy Yury V. 
Published: May 2021

Motivation
Local protein structure is usually described via classifying each peptide to a unique class from a set of pre-defined structures. These classifications may differ in the number of structural classes, the length of peptides, or class attribution criteria. Most methods that predict the local structure of a protein from its sequence first rely on some classification and only then proceed to the 3D conformation assessment. However, most classification methods rely on homologous proteins’ existence, unavoidably lose information by attributing a peptide to a single class or suffer from a suboptimal choice of the representative classes.

Results
To alleviate the above challenges, we propose a method that constructs a peptide’s structural representation from the sequence, reflecting its similarity to several basic representative structures. For 5-mer peptides and 16 representative structures, we achieved the Q16 classification accuracy of 67.9%, which is higher than what is currently reported in the literature. Our prediction method does not utilize information about protein homologues but relies only on the amino acids’ physicochemical properties and the resolved structures’ statistics. We also show that the 3D coordinates of a peptide can be uniquely recovered from its structural coordinates, and show the required conditions under various geometric constraints.
Shared decision making in Australian physiotherapy practice: A survey of knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported use
Authors: Hoffmann Tammy , Gibson Elizabeth , Barnett Christopher , Maher Christopher 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo assess Australian physiotherapists’ knowledge about, attitudes towards, and self-reported use of shared decision making, as well as perceived barriers to its implementation in practice.MethodsPhysiotherapists registered for a national Australian physiotherapy conference were invited via email and the conference app to complete a self-administered online questionnaire about shared decision making, including: a) knowledge, b) attitude to and reported approach in practice, c) behaviours used, d) barriers, e) previous training and future training interest. Responses were analysed descriptively and open-ended questions synthesised narratively.Results372 physiotherapists (71% female, mean age 45 years, mean experience 23 years) completed the survey. Respondents had a good level of knowledge on most questions, with correct responses ranging from 39.5% to 98.5% of participants, and a generally positive attitude towards shared decision making, believing it useful to most practice areas. Sixty percent indicated they make decisions with their patients and there was general agreement between how decisions should be made and how they are actually made. The behaviour with the lowest reported occurrence was explaining the relevant research evidence about the benefits and harms of the options. The main perceived barriers were patient knowledge and confidence, consequent fewer physiotherapy sessions, and time constraints. Most (79%) were keen to learn more about shared decision making.ConclusionsShared decision making is of growing importance to all health professions and rarely studied in physical therapy. This sample of Australian physiotherapists had a generally positive attitude to shared decision making and learning more about it. Opportunities for providing such skills training at the undergraduate level and in continuing professional development should be explored. This training should ensure that the communicating evidence component of shared decision making is addressed as well as debunking myths about perceived barriers to its implementation.
Activation of GABA(A) receptors inhibits T cell proliferation
Authors: Sparrow Emma L. , James Sonya , Hussain Khiyam , Beers Stephen A. , Cragg Mark S. , Bogdanov Yury D. 
Published: May 2021

Background
The major sites for fast synaptic inhibition in the central nervous system (CNS) are ion channels activated by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These receptors are referred as GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)R). Recent evidence indicates a role of GABA(A)R in modulating the immune response. This work aimed to discern the role of GABA and GABA(A)Rs in human and mouse T cell activity.

Methods
Mouse splenocytes or human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were activated with anti-CD3 antibodies and the proliferation of both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells assessed through flow cytometry. Subsequently, the effects on T cell proliferation of either GABA(A)R modulation by diazepam that is also capable of activating mitochondrial based translocator protein (TSPO), alprazolam and allopregnanolone or inhibition by bicucculine methiodide (BMI) and (1,2,5,6-Tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylphosphinic acid (TPMPA) were assessed.

Results
Positive modulation of GABA(A)Rs either by benzodiazepines or the neurosteroid allopregnanolone inhibits both mouse and human T cell proliferation. GABAergic inhibition of T cell proliferation by benzodiazepines could be rescued by GABA(A)R blocking. Our data suggest that benzodiazepines influence T cell proliferation through both TSPO and GABA(A)Rs activation.

Conclusions
We conclude that activation of GABA(A)Rs provides immunosuppression by inhibiting T cell proliferation.
Influence of genetic background and dietary oleic acid on gut microbiota composition in Duroc and Iberian pigs
Authors: López-García Adrián , Benítez Rita , Núñez Yolanda , Gómez-Izquierdo Emilio , de Mercado Eduardo , García-Casco Juan M. , González-Recio Óscar , López-Bote Clemente , Estellé Jordi , Óvilo Cristina 
Published: May 2021

Background
Phenotypic variability for productive and meat quality traits has been largely studied in Iberian pigs, especially in genetic selection and nutritional experiments. Complex interactions among genetic background, diet composition and gut microbiota hinder the correct assessment of each factor’s contribution on phenotypes. In order to disentangle these interactions, we evaluated changes in gut microbiota composition comparing 48 Iberian and Duroc pigs fed diets with different energy source (standard diet with carbohydrates vs sunflower oil-enriched diet with high oleic acid content).

Results
A higher richness was observed for Iberian pigs (p < 0.05) and compositional analysis was applied for beta-diversity, differential abundance and pairwise log-ratio analyses. We found significant differences in overall microbiota composition between breeds, and also between diets inside breeds, to a lesser extent. Differential abundance analysis revealed that Duroc animals have more proportion of Actinobacteria and Prevotella, while Iberian replace those microorganisms with other more variable taxa. According to dietary differences, high-oleic fed animals were richer in Prevotella. We also found microbial ratios capable of separating animals by breeds and diets, mostly related to Actinobacteria.

Conclusion
This study reveals that both genetic background and diet composition might have a relevant impact in gut microbiota composition. The application of compositional data analysis has facilitated the identification of microorganisms and ratios as possibly related to metabolic changes due to genetic background and, to a lower extent, to dietary changes. This may lead to a relevant progress in the knowledge of interactions between pig genetics, environment and gut microbiota.
Impact of serum magnesium and bone mineral density on systemic fractures in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Hori Mayuko , Yasuda Kaoru , Takahashi Hiroshi , Yamazaki Chikao , Morozumi Kunio , Maruyama Shoichi 
Published: May 2021

Introduction
Bone mineral density (BMD) measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can be used to predict fractures, but its clinical utility has not been fully established in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Magnesium is an essential trace element. Although magnesium is associated with the risk of fractures in non-CKD populations, the relationship is unknown in CKD patients.

Methods
BMD and serum magnesium levels were measured in 358 stable outpatients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis therapy. The primary outcome was fragility fracture. Patients were divided into groups according to the median level of magnesium and the normal threshold value of lumbar spine BMD.

Results
During the median follow-up period of 36 months, 36 (10.0%) fractures occurred. The cumulative incidence rates of fractures were 17.6% and 5.2% [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–5.17, P = 0.030] in the lower (<2.6 mg/dL) and higher (≥2.6 mg/dL) magnesium (Mg) groups, respectively, and 21.2% and 7.3% (aHR 2.59, 95% CI 1.09–6.16, P = 0.027) in the low- and high-BMD groups, respectively. The lower-Mg and low-BMD group had a 9.21-fold higher risk of fractures (95% CI; 2.35–47.00; P = 0.0010) than the higher-Mg and high-BMD group. Furthermore, adding both magnesium levels and lumbar spine BMD levels to the established risk factors significantly improved the prediction of fractures (C-index: 0.784 to 0.830, p = 0.041).

Discussion/Conclusions
The combination of serum magnesium and lumbar spine BMD can be used for fracture risk stratification and synergistically improves the prediction of fractures in CKD patients.
Association of hydroxychloroquine and cardiac arrhythmia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A population-based case control study
Authors: Lo Chien-Hsien , Wang Yu-Hsun , Tsai Chin-Feng , Chan Kuei-Chuan , Li Li-Ching , Lo Tse-Hsien , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Su Chun-Hung 
Published: May 2021

Objectives
Hydroxychloroquine is widely used to treat certain viral and rheumatic diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus. Cardiac arrhythmia is an important safety issue with hydroxychloroquine. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hydroxychloroquine increases new-onset arrhythmia among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods
This was a nested case-control study using data from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database of Taiwan. A conditional logistic regression model was used to analyse differences in the risk of arrhythmia between systemic lupus erythematosus patients with and without hydroxychloroquine treatment after controlling for related variables.

Results
A total of 2499 patients with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus were identified (81% females), of whom 251 were enrolled in the new-onset arrhythmia group (mean age 50.4 years) and 251 in the non-arrhythmia group (mean age 49.1 years). There was no significantly increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia (adjusted odds ratio = 1.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.98–2.25) or ventricular arrhythmia (adjusted odds ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 0.19–5.41) between the patients with and without hydroxychloroquine treatment. In addition, there were no significant differences in the risk of arrhythmia between those receiving hydroxychloroquine treatment for <180 days or ≥180 days, with a drug adherence rate of <50% or ≥50%, and receiving a daily dose of <400 mg or ≥400 mg.

Conclusion
In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, hydroxychloroquine treatment did not significantly increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia or life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia regardless of the different hydroxychloroquine treatment duration, drug adherence rate, or daily dose.
Introduction
Authors: Munson Kim A. 
Published: May 2021

This introduction to the book Comic Art in Museums by art historian Kim A. Munson explores the history, controversies, and trends that have shaped comic art exhibitions, important publications, and key museums, galleries, and collecting institutions. Munson explains how the six sections of the book map out the history of influential shows of original comic art from newly rediscovered shows of the 1930’s to contemporary blockbusters like High and Low: Modern Art, Popular Culture and Masters of American Comics, as well as the critical dialogue surrounding these exhibitions. This introduction also contains a brief discussion on shows of fine art influenced by comics, such as Splat, Boom, Pow! The Influence of Comics on Contemporary Art. Includes exhibition photos: Marvel (Seattle), Krazy Kat (Madrid), Rube Goldberg (San Francisco), Mangasia (Nantes).
Our Heroes: African American Artists and Images in the American Comic Book
Authors: McDuffie Dwayne 
Published: May 2021

This chapter contains a 1992 exhibition catalog essay for Black Ink: African American Cartoonist Showcase at the Cartoon Art Museum (San Francisco), written by the late comics and television writer Dwayne McDuffie (Ben 10, Justice League Unlimited, Milestone Media), who shares a heartfelt childhood story of his discovery of the world of the Black Panther and the citizens of Wakanda, and the importance of racial representation in both life and art. Black Ink was a survey show curated by Rochon Perry, featuring work by over fifty African American cartoonists with a spotlight on Jackie Ormes’s comic Torchy Brown.
Deviating from “Art”: Japanese Manga Exhibitions, 1990–2015
Authors: Berndt Jaqueline 
Published: May 2021

As comics exhibits expanded and diversified in the US and in Europe, the Western way of exhibiting comic art became influential internationally. Up to the 1990’s, the Japanese considered manga to be a strictly literary genre, not a form of art. People went to the manga museum to read, not to look at displays of drawings. In this 2017 essay, manga scholar Jaqueline Berndt analyzes a series of influential Japanese exhibitions at institutions like the Kyoto International Manga Museum and the Kawasaki City Museum, as well as shows by individual artists to demonstrate how exhibits of manga evolved over a ten year period from a library-like environment to western style displays in museums and art exhibitions. Images: 3 exhibition photos
The Glimmering Glow of Comic Art amidst the Blinding Glitter of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Lent John A. 
Published: May 2021

This chapter includes a 2016 essay by comics studies pioneer John A. Lent about the Cartoon Art Gallery in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai is home to the Middle East Film and Comic Con (the largest regional convention), Comicave (the largest comics related store in the region), and Majid, the most popular comics character (published since 1979). A group of dedicated young people with faith in comics as an essential form of art and communication have nurtured a small cartoon art museum and an active comics community amongst the glittering skyscrapers. Lent visited the museum, talking with the founder, Melvin Matthew, about their exhibition style and sense of community. This chapter discusses popular comics titles and cartoonists in the UAE. Images: 3 gallery photos.
An Uneasy Accord: LA Museums Open Their Walls to Comics as True Works of Art
Authors: Timberg Scott 
Published: May 2021

This chapter contains an in-depth exploration of the issues surrounding comics and museums written by cultural journalist Scott Timberg for the Los Angeles Times in 2005 during the opening of the Masters of American Comics exhibition at the Hammer Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. This chapter includes interviews with Ann Philbin, Art Spiegelman, John Carlin, and Brian Walker about the organization of the show. This chapter discusses the valuation of comic art versus fine art, the disillusionment some cartoonists feel about art school and contemporary fine art, and opinions on the future of comic art shows from curators at other museums.
Introduction to Comic Book Apocalypse: The Graphic World of Jack Kirby
Authors: Hatfield Charles 
Published: May 2021

This chapter includes a 2016 article by California State University Northridge professor and author of Hand of Fire: The Comic Art of Jack Kirby, Charles Hatfield, explaining the genesis of and his curatorial strategy for the exhibition Comic Book Apocalypse: The Graphic World of Jack Kirby at CSUN. This chapter discusses the culture of collectors of original Kirby art, narrative in exhibits, displaying the complete Kamandi #14 and Thor #155, and the importance of murals and color in exhibit design. Images: 2 exhibit photos
Blue Funk
Authors: Bolden Tony 
Published: May 2021

This chapter examines the development of funk as a distinct concept in black vernacular culture, and explains how blues artists, modern jazz musicians, and political attitudes during the civil rights movement combined to establish the foundation for the musical genre of funk as well as the non-conformist aesthetics and attitudes the music expressed. The central argument is therefore two-fold: that blues artists formulated the concept now known as funk, and that funk became the epistemic centerpiece of a broader cultural aesthetics in black working-class environments. As with the previous chapter, “Blue Funk: The Ugly Beauty of Stank ” foregrounds the central role of kinesthesia in blues-oriented approaches to music-making. Using insights and methods from multiple areas of scholarship, including musicology, ethnomusicology, philosophy, literary criticism, dance criticism, and art history, Bolden explains how the concept of funk and/or precepts associated with funk were not only exemplified in several black musical genres but also dancing, literature, and visual art as well. In this way, black artists working in several mediums contributed to the transformation of “funky” from a stigmatizing signification, that is, a negative, stereotypical expression into a metaphor of black cultural affirmation.
The Kinkiness of Turquoise
Authors: Bolden Tony 
Published: May 2021

This chapter showcases Betty Davis’s transposition of women’s blues into rock-inflected version of funk. Bolden advances two key arguments. First, Davis reprised the sexual politics and rebellious spirit exemplified by singers Bessie Smith and Ida Cox, for instance, and reinterpreted those principles in modern America. Second, Davis’s eroticism and sui generis style of funk, which she expressed in her recordings and onstage, reflected a sexual politics that served as a counterpart to those of black feminists writers such as Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and many others who were publishing coextensively. But whereas black feminist writers often wrote about black women in previous generations, Davis not only addressed contradictions that black women encountered in contemporary street culture; she also represented such X-rated sexual desires as sadomasochism in her songwriting. In addition, the chapter provides biographical information that contextualizes Davis’s route to the music industry, and Bolden uses critical methods from scholarship on African American poetry to illuminate Davis’s vocal technique.