bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Do Consociations Craft Asylum Policy? Lebanon’s Response to Conflict-Induced Displacement as an Exploratory Case
Authors: Fakhoury Tamirace , McCulloch Allison 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
How do consociations craft their asylum policy, and how do they deal with the rights of “others”? Research has started to explore the relationship between consociational governance and non-ethnic or non-sectarian social groups. Yet, we still know little about how consociations interact with refugee flight on the one hand, and with the ethics of refugee protection on the other. As a form of thick institutional complexity, consociationalism risks limiting the ability of the state to respond to refugee displacement in a manner that is timely, effective, and which respects the rights and dignity of displaced individuals. We draw on Lebanon’s response to the arrival of some 1.5 million displaced individuals in the country since the start of Syria’s lethal conflict in 2011 as an exploratory case study that seeks to further knowledge on how consociations craft and implement their asylum policy. Specifically, we consider three mechanisms of immobilism that constrain the crafting of unified, responsive, and inclusive asylum policy and that are posed by the consociational state apparatus itself: ethnicization/sectarianization, procrastination, and fragmentation. Building on Lebanon’s patterns of refugee policymaking, we show how these mechanisms mutually reinforce one another, backfiring on policy congruence as well as refugee rights and protection.
Hospitalizations and severe complications following acute sinusitis in general practice: a registry-based cohort study
Authors: Skow Marius , Fossum Guro H , Høye Sigurd , Straand Jørund , Brænd Anja Maria , Emilsson Louise 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate complication rates of acute sinusitis in general practice, and whether antibiotic prescribing had an impact on complication rate.

Methods
All adult patients diagnosed with sinusitis in Norwegian general practice between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2019 were included. GP consultation data from the Norwegian Control and Payment for Health Reimbursements Database were linked with antibiotic prescriptions (Norwegian Prescription Database) and hospital admissions (Norwegian Patient Registry). Main outcomes were sinusitis-related hospitalizations and severe complications within 30 days. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between antibiotic prescriptions, prespecified risk factors, individual GP prescribing quintile, and outcomes.

Results
A total of 711 069 episodes of acute sinusitis in 415 781 patients were identified. During the study period, both annual episode rate (from 30.2 to 21.2 per 1000 inhabitants) and antibiotic prescription rate (63.3% to 46.5%; P &lt; 0.001) decreased. Yearly hospitalization rate was stable at 10.0 cases per 10 000 sinusitis episodes and the corresponding rate of severe complications was 3.2, with no yearly change (P = 0.765). Antibiotic prescribing was associated with increased risk of hospitalization [adjusted OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.5–2.1)] but not with severe complications. Individual GP prescribing quintile was not associated with any of the outcomes, whereas risk factors such as previous drug abuse, or head injury, skull surgery or malformations, and being immunocompromised were significantly associated with increased risk of both outcomes.

Conclusions
Severe complications of acute sinusitis were rare and no protective effect of high prescribing practice among GPs was found. Recommendations to further reduce antibiotic prescribing are generally encouraged, except for high-risk groups.
ISW1a modulates cohesin distribution in centromeric and pericentromeric regions
Authors: Litwin Ireneusz , Nowicka Małgorzata , Markowska Katarzyna , Maciaszczyk-Dziubińska Ewa , Tomaszewska Paulina , Wysocki Robert , Kramarz Karol 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Cohesin is a highly conserved, multiprotein complex whose canonical function is to hold sister chromatids together to ensure accurate chromosome segregation. Cohesin association with chromatin relies on the Scc2-Scc4 cohesin loading complex that enables cohesin ring opening and topological entrapment of sister DNAs. To better understand how sister chromatid cohesion is regulated, we performed a proteomic screen in budding yeast that identified the Isw1 chromatin remodeler as a cohesin binding partner. In addition, we found that Isw1 also interacts with Scc2-Scc4. Lack of Isw1 protein, the Ioc3 subunit of ISW1a or Isw1 chromatin remodeling activity resulted in increased accumulation of cohesin at centromeres and pericentromeres, suggesting that ISW1a may promote efficient translocation of cohesin from the centromeric site of loading to neighboring regions. Consistent with the role of ISW1a in the chromatin organization of centromeric regions, Isw1 was found to be recruited to centromeres. In its absence we observed changes in the nucleosomal landscape at centromeres and pericentromeres. Finally, we discovered that upon loss of RSC functionality, ISW1a activity leads to reduced cohesin binding and cohesion defect. Taken together, our results support the notion of a key role of chromatin remodelers in the regulation of cohesin distribution on chromosomes.
Identification of mammalian transcription factors that bind to inaccessible chromatin
Authors: Pop Romana T , Pisante Alessandra , Nagy Dorka , Martin Patrick C N , Mikheeva Liudmila A , Hayat Ateequllah , Ficz Gabriella , Zabet Nicolae Radu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are proteins that affect gene expression by binding to regulatory regions of DNA in a sequence specific manner. The binding of TFs to DNA is controlled by many factors, including the DNA sequence, concentration of TF, chromatin accessibility and co-factors. Here, we systematically investigated the binding mechanism of hundreds of TFs by analysing ChIP-seq data with our explainable statistical model, ChIPanalyser. This tool uses as inputs the DNA sequence binding motif; the capacity to distinguish between strong and weak binding sites; the concentration of TF; and chromatin accessibility. We found that approximately one third of TFs are predicted to bind the genome in a DNA accessibility independent fashion, which includes TFs that can open the chromatin, their co-factors and TFs with similar motifs. Our model predicted this to be the case when the TF binds to its strongest binding regions in the genome, and only a small number of TFs have the capacity to bind dense chromatin at their weakest binding regions, such as CTCF, USF2 and CEBPB. Our study demonstrated that the binding of hundreds of human and mouse TFs is predicted by ChIPanalyser with high accuracy and showed that many TFs can bind dense chromatin.
Structural basis for cloverleaf RNA-initiated viral genome replication
Authors: Gottipati Keerthi , McNeme Sean C , Tipo Jerricho , White Mark A , Choi Kyung H 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The genomes of positive-strand RNA viruses serve as a template for both protein translation and genome replication. In enteroviruses, a cloverleaf RNA structure at the 5′ end of the genome functions as a switch to transition from viral translation to replication by interacting with host poly(C)-binding protein 2 (PCBP2) and the viral 3CDpro protein. We determined the structures of cloverleaf RNA from coxsackievirus and poliovirus. Cloverleaf RNA folds into an H-type four-way junction and is stabilized by a unique adenosine-cytidine-uridine (A•C-U) base triple involving the conserved pyrimidine mismatch region. The two PCBP2 binding sites are spatially proximal and are located on the opposite end from the 3CDpro binding site on cloverleaf. We determined that the A•C-U base triple restricts the flexibility of the cloverleaf stem–loops resulting in partial occlusion of the PCBP2 binding site, and elimination of the A•C-U base triple increases the binding affinity of PCBP2 to the cloverleaf RNA. Based on the cloverleaf structures and biophysical assays, we propose a new mechanistic model by which enteroviruses use the cloverleaf structure as a molecular switch to transition from viral protein translation to genome replication.
Efficacy and safety of CM310 in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhang Jianzhong , Yang Bin , Li Jingyi , Ding Yangfeng , Wu Liming , Zhang Litao , Wang Jinyan , Zhu Xiaohong , Zhang Furen , Tao Xiaohua , Li Yumei , Zhang Chunlei , Li Linfeng , Lu Jianyun , Diao Qingchun , Lu Qianjin , Man Xiaoyong , Li Fuqiu , Xia Xiujuan , Cheng Hao , Jia Yingmin , Zhao Guoqing , Yan Jinchun , Chen Bo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects approximately 10% of adults worldwide. CM310 is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-4 receptor alpha that blocks interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signaling. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CM310 in Chinese adults with moderate-to-severe AD.

Methods:
This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial was conducted in 21 medical institutions in China from February to November 2021. Totally 120 eligible patients were enrolled and randomized (1:1:1) to receive subcutaneous injections of 300 mg CM310, 150 mg CM310, or placebo every 2 weeks for 16 weeks, followed by an 8-week follow-up period. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving ≥75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75) score from baseline at week 16. Safety and pharmacodynamics were also studied.

Results:
At week 16, the proportion of EASI-75 responders from baseline was significantly higher in the CM310 groups (70% [28/40] for high-dose and 65% [26/40] for low-dose) than that in the placebo group (20%[8/40]). The differences in EASI-75 response rate were 50% (high vs. placebo, 95% CI 31%–69%) and 45% (low vs. placebo, 95% CI 26%–64%), with both P values <0.0001. CM310 at both doses also significantly improved the EASI score, Investigator's Global Assessment score, daily peak pruritus Numerical Rating Scale, AD-affected body surface area, and Dermatology Life Quality Index compared with placebo. CM310 treatment reduced levels of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, total immunoglobulin E, lactate dehydrogenase, and blood eosinophils. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was similar among all three groups, with the most common TEAEs reported being upper respiratory tract infection, atopic dermatitis, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia. No severe adverse events were deemed to be attributed to CM310.

Conclusion:
CM310 at 150 mg and 300 mg every 2 weeks demonstrated significant efficacy and was well-tolerated in adults with moderate-to-severe AD.
The evolutionary impact and influence of oestrogens on adipose tissue structure and function
Authors: Bardhi Olgert , Palmer Biff F. , Clegg Deborah J. 
Published: July 2023

Oestrogens are sex steroid hormones that have gained prominence over the years owing to their crucial roles in human health and reproduction functions which have been preserved throughout evolution. One of oestrogens actions, and the focus of this review, is their ability to determine adipose tissue distribution, function and adipose tissue ‘health’. Body fat distribution is sexually dimorphic, affecting males and females differently. These differences are also apparent in the development of the metabolic syndrome and other chronic conditions where oestrogens are critical. In this review, we summarize the different molecular mechanisms, pathways and resulting pathophysiology which are a result of oestrogens actions in and on adipose tissues.
This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Causes of obesity: theories, conjectures and evidence (Part I)’.
Is there a role for higher cognitive processes in the development of obesity in humans?
Authors: Higgs Suzanne 
Published: July 2023

Cognition underpins the flexibility of human eating and disruption to higher cognitive processes, such as inhibitory control and memory, and can result in increased food intake, which in the long term could result in weight gain. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current evidence on cognition as a causal factor in the development of obesity in humans. Evidence from meta-analyses supports the suggestion that cognitive function is cross-sectionally associated with obesity even when controlling for a range of confounding variables. However, this association could be explained by reverse causality because there is also evidence that the metabolic syndrome and a history of excess western diet consumption alters brain structure and cognitive function. Data from longitudinal and interventional studies and from non-human animal models suggest a reciprocal relationship between obesity and cognitive function exists but whether disruption to higher cognitive processes is a primary cause of obesity in humans remains unclear.
This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Causes of obesity: theories, conjectures and evidence (Part I)’.
Limosilactobacillus kribbianus sp. nov., isolated from pig faeces
Authors: Bai Lu , Paek Jayoung , Kim Hongik , Kim Si Hyun , Shin Jeong Hwan , Kook Joong-Ki , Chang Young Hyo 
Published: July 2023

A rod-shaped, aerotolerant, Gram-stain-positive bacterium isolated from pig faeces was designated as strain YH-lim2214T. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the isolate was most closely related to

Limosilactobacillus pontis

KCTC 25258T with 98.0 % similarity. The average nucleotide identity and average amino acid identity values between YH-lim2214T and the most closely related strain Lm. pontis KCTC 25258T were 81.4 and 81.3 %, respectively. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1
ω9c, summed feature 7 and C16 : 0. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was A4α l-Lys–d-Asp. The genomic DNA G+C content was 51.1 mol%. The chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and phylogenetic properties of YH-lim2214T (=KCTC 25572T=JCM 35701T) suggest that it represents a novel taxon, for which the name Limosilactobacillus kribbianus sp. nov. is proposed.
Phylogeny and evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 spike gene from December 2022 to February 2023
Authors: Kao Hsiao-Wei 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundBy the end of 2022, new variants of SARS-CoV-2, such as BQ.1.1.10, BA.4.6.3, XBB, and CH.1.1, emerged with higher fitness than BA.5.MethodsThe file (spikeprot0304), which contains spike protein sequences, isolates collected before March, 4, 2023, was downloaded from Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). A total of 188 different spike protein sequences were chosen, of which their isolates were collected from December 2022 to February 2023. These sequences did not contain undetermined amino acid X, and each spike protein sequence had at least 100 identical isolate sequences in GISAID. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using IQ-TREE and MrBayes softwares. A median-join network was reconstructed using PopART software. Selection analyses were conducted using site model of PAML software.ResultsThe phylogenetic tree of the spike DNA sequences revealed that the majority of variants belonged to three major lineages: BA.2 (BA.1.1.529.2), BA.5 (BA.1.1.529.5), and XBB. The median network showed that these lineages had at least six major diversifying centers. The spike DNA sequences of these diversifying centers had the representative accession IDs (EPI_ISL_) of 16040256 (BN.1.2), 15970311 (BA.5), 16028739 (BA.5.11), 16028774 (BQ.1), 16027638 (BQ.1.1.23), and 16044705 (XBB.1.5). Selection analyses revealed 26 amino-acid sites under positive selection. These sites included L5, V83, W152, G181, N185, V213, H245, Y248, D253, S255, S256, G257, R346, R408, K444, V445, G446, N450, L452, N460, F486, Q613, Q675, T883, P1162, and V1264.ConclusionThe spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 from December 2022 to February 2023 were characterized by a swarm of variants that were evolved from three major lineages: BA.2 (BA.1.1.529.2), BA.5 (BA.1.1.529.5), and XBB. These lineages had at least six diversifying centers. Selection analysis identified 26 amino acid sites were under positive selection. Continued surveillance and research are necessary to monitor the evolution and potential impact of these variants on public health.
Effect of bilateral and multilateral concessional debts on public investment in Africa: A contingency analysis
Authors: Ezeaku Hillary Chijindu , Ugwunta David Okelue , Ibe Godwin Imo , Igwemeka Ebele , Eze Eze Festus , Egbo Obiamaka P. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relative influence of bilateral and multilateral concessional debts on public investment in 32 sub‐Saharan African countries over the period 1985–2020. Dynamic panel autoregressive distributed lag models comprising the mean group, pooled mean group and dynamic fixed effect estimators were employed in our model estimations. The results revealed that bilateral and multilateral concessional debts had a long‐run positive and significant effect on public investment. The findings indicated that a 1% change in bilateral and multilateral concessional debt was associated with 8.6 and 11.3% increases in public investment, respectively. While the short‐run influence of bilateral concessional debts was significantly positive, multilateral concessional debts had a short‐run positive but insignificant effect on public investment. It is discovered that institutional quality is associated with declines in public investment. The contingency analysis shows that institutional quality explains a lot about how well bilateral and multilateral concessional debts drive public investment. The evidence suggests that poor institutional quality is more likely to undermine the effectiveness of bilateral concessional debts on productive investment than multilateral concessional debts.
Extensive profiling of histidine‐containing dipeptides reveals species‐ and tissue‐specific distribution and metabolism in mice, rats, and humans
Authors: Van der Stede Thibaux , Spaas Jan , de Jager Sarah , De Brandt Jana , Hansen Camilla , Stautemas Jan , Vercammen Bjarne , De Baere Siegrid , Croubels Siska , Van Assche Charles‐Henri , Pastor Berta Cillero , Vandenbosch Michiel , Van Thienen Ruud , Verboven Kenneth , Hansen Dominique , Bové Thierry , Lapauw Bruno , Van Praet Charles , Decaestecker Karel , Vanaudenaerde Bart , Eijnde Bert O. , Gliemann Lasse , Hellsten Ylva , Derave Wim 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimHistidine‐containing dipeptides (HCDs) are pleiotropic homeostatic molecules with potent antioxidative and carbonyl quenching properties linked to various inflammatory, metabolic, and neurological diseases, as well as exercise performance. However, the distribution and metabolism of HCDs across tissues and species are still unclear.MethodsUsing a sensitive UHPLC–MS/MS approach and an optimized quantification method, we performed a systematic and extensive profiling of HCDs in the mouse, rat, and human body (inn = 26,n = 25, andn = 19 tissues, respectively).ResultsOur data show that tissue HCD levels are uniquely produced by carnosine synthase (CARNS1), an enzyme that was preferentially expressed by fast‐twitch skeletal muscle fibres and brain oligodendrocytes. Cardiac HCD levels are remarkably low compared to other excitable tissues. Carnosine is unstable in human plasma, but is preferentially transported within red blood cells in humans but not rodents. The low abundant carnosine analogue N‐acetylcarnosine is the most stable plasma HCD, and is enriched in human skeletal muscles. Here, N‐acetylcarnosine is continuously secreted into the circulation, which is further induced by acute exercise in a myokine‐like fashion.ConclusionCollectively, we provide a novel basis to unravel tissue‐specific, paracrine, and endocrine roles of HCDs in human health and disease.
In vivo evaluation of bone regeneration using ZIF8‐modified polypropylene membrane in rat calvarium defects
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Javad , Ejeian Fatemeh , Razmjou Amir , Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad Hossein 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimThe profound potential of zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF8) thin film for inducing osteogenesis has been previously established under in vitro conditions. As the next step towards the clinical application of ZIF8‐modified substrates in periodontology, this in vivo study aimed to evaluate the ability of the ZIF8 crystalline layer to induce bone regeneration in an animal model defect.Materials and MethodsFollowing the mechanical characterization of the membranes and analysing the in vitro degradation of the ZIF8 layer, in vivo bone regeneration was evaluated in a critical‐sized (5‐mm) rat calvarial bone defect model. For each animal, one defect was randomly covered with either a polypropylene (PP) or a ZIF8‐modified membrane (n = 7 per group), while the other defect was left untreated as a control. Eight weeks post surgery, bone formation was assessed by microcomputed tomography scanning, haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsThe ZIF8‐modified membrane outperformed the PP membrane in terms of mechanical properties and revealed a trace Zn+2 release. Results of in vivo evaluation verified the superior barrier function of the ZIF8‐coated membrane compared with pristine PP membrane. Compared with the limited marginal bone formation in the control and PP groups, the defect area was almost filled with mature bone in the ZIF8‐coated membrane group.ConclusionsOur results support the effectiveness of the ZIF8‐coated membrane as a promising material for improving clinical outcomes of guided bone regeneration procedures, without using biological components.
Aggression in toddlers: Associations with temper loss and parent‐child conflict
Authors: Del Vecchio Tamara , Lorber Michael F. , Peets Kätlin , Edelman Brooke , Slep Amy M. S. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUsing a normative US sample of 477 mothers of 6‐ to 24‐ month‐old children, we explored the relations among toddlers’ physical aggression, child temper loss, and parent‐child conflict to gain a better understanding of how aggression develops from infancy to toddlerhood. An inventory of specific aggressive acts was subject to factor analysis to test whether the acts clustered as hypothesized. Consistent with our hypothesis, confirmatory factor analyses supported the distinction between the two types of aggression, directed and exploratory physical aggression. Although the two types were correlated, they showed differential associations with temper loss and parent‐child conflict consistent with theory. Directed aggression had a relatively stronger relation with child defiance and temper loss than did exploratory aggression. Moreover, the association between directed aggression and defiance was stronger for older children. The findings from this cross‐sectional study provide preliminary support for two forms of early aggression that may differ in trajectory and context.