julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
5-Deoxyadenosine Metabolism: More than “Waste Disposal”
2021-01-01

5-Deoxyadenosine (5dAdo) is a by-product of many radical SAM enzyme reactions in all domains of life, and an inhibitor of the radical SAM enzymes themselves. Hence, pathways to recycle or dispose of this toxic by-product must exist but remain largely unexplored. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about canonical and atypical 5dAdo salvage pathways that have been characterized in the last years. We highlight studies that report on how, in certain organisms, the salvage of 5dAdo via specific pathways can confer a growth advantage by providing either intermediates for the synthesis of secondary metabolites or a carbon source for the synthesis of metabolites of the central carbon metabolism. Yet, an alternative recycling route exists in organisms that use 5dAdo as a substrate to synthesize and excrete 7-deoxysedoheptulose, an allelopathic inhibitor of one enzyme of the shikimate pathway, thereby competing for their own niche. Remarkably, most steps of 5dAdo salvage are the result of the activity of promiscuous enzymes. This strategy enables even organisms with a small genome to synthesize bioactive compounds which they can deploy under certain conditions to gain a competitive growth advantage. We conclude emphasizing that, unexpectedly, 5dAdo salvage pathways seem not to be ubiquitously present, raising questions about the fate of such a toxic by-product in those species. This observation also suggests that additional 5dAdo salvage pathways, possibly relying on the activity of promiscuous enzymes, may exist. The future challenge will be to bring to light these “cryptic” 5dAdo recycling pathways.
PVC plasticizer from trimethylolpropane trioleate: synthesis, properties, and application
2021-01-01

Abstract A new oleic acid derivative plasticizer, epoxidized trimethylolpropane trioleate (EPO), has been synthesized and its application in PVC formulations compared with di(2-ethylhexyl) 1,2-cyclohexanoate (DOCH/DEHCH), a commercial phthalate-free plasticizer of petrochemical origin. EPO and their blends with DOCH were added to PVC resin (50 PHR) and the plasticized PVC has been characterized by thermal and mechanical measurements. EPO demonstrated good compatibility with the PVC resin improving the thermal stability and elongation at break. Due to EPO high molar mass, a slight increase in the glass transition temperature and hardness was observed as the content of EPO in the plasticizer blend increased. The results indicate that EPO is a potential plasticizer for PVC when pure and, by replacing 50% of DOCH, the PVC compound shows similar properties to pure DOCH, but better elongation at break and thermal stability.
Is Bridge Plating of Comminuted Humeral Shaft Fractures Advantageous When Using Compression Plates with Three versus Two Screws per Fragment? A Biomechanical Cadaveric Study
2021-01-01

Background . Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is one of the generally accepted surgical techniques for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. However, despite the high bone union rate, a variety of complications are still prevailing. Moreover, the current literature lacks data comparing the anterolateral MIPO approach using dynamic compression plates accommodating different numbers of screws. The aim of this study was to analyze the biomechanical performance of comminuted humeral shaft fractures fixed with dynamic compression plates using either two or three screws per fragment. Methods . Six pairs of fresh‐frozen human cadaveric humeri from donors aged 66.8 ± 5.2 years were randomized to two paired study groups for simulation of bridge‐plated comminuted shaft fracture type AO/OTA 12‐C1/2/3 without interfragmentary bony support, using a dynamic compression plate positioned on the anterolateral surface and fixed with two (group 1) or three (group 2) screws per fragment. All specimens underwent nondestructive quasistatic biomechanical testing under lateral bending, anterior bending, axial bending, and torsion in internal rotation, followed by progressively increasing cyclic torsional loading in internal rotation until failure. Results . Initial stiffness of the plated specimens in lateral bending, anterior bending, axial bending, and torsion was not significantly different between the groups ( P ≥ 0.22). However, cycles to 10°, 15°, and 20° torsional deformation and cycles to construct failure were significantly higher in group 2 compared with group 1 ( P ≤ 0.03). Conclusions . From a biomechanical perspective, no significant superiority is identified in terms of primary stability when using two or three screws per fragment for bridge compression plating of comminuted humeral shaft fractures. However, three‐screw configurations provide better secondary stability and maintain it with a higher resistance towards loss of reduction under dynamic loading. Therefore, the use of a third screw may be justified when such better secondary stability is required.
Unique calibration of passive air sampling for field monitoring of PAHs with polyethylene thin films across seasons and locations
2021-01-01

For better insight into passive air sampling, we monitored PAHs with PE sheets during 8 seasons at 3 locations. A numerical model was applied to fit the limiting air-side boundary layer, which was surprisingly stable around 1 mm in all locations.
Treatment of post-biopsy arteriovenous fistula of a renal graft by selective embolization
2021-01-01

The development of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) after renal graft biopsy is a rare complication, it is associated in most cases with spontaneous resolution. However, interventional therapies are required in some cases, to prevent graft loss. Selective embolization has been described as an alternative treatment. In the present study, we describes our experience on AVF after biopsy in kidney transplant patients, which was managed with selective embolization. From 2005 to 2015, a total of 452 kidney transplant biopsies were performed, 12 had an AVF requiring embolization. In 92% of cases, this was successful. Beforehand, mean serum creatinine levels were 2.45 mg/dL, after the procedure, that increased to 3.05, however, 3 months later, mean creatinine levels dropped to 1.85 mg/dL. Graft survival after 2 follow-up years was 72%. Our experience demonstrates that selective embolization of the AVF after kidney transplant biopsy is a safe procedure, and that transplant function can be maintained in patients with this complication.
W2O3I4 and WO2I2: metallic phases in the chemical transport reaction of tungsten
2021-01-01

WO<sub>2</sub>I<sub>2</sub>, a compound important in the chemical transport reaction of elemental tungsten and the hitherto unknown W<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>I<sub>4</sub> are reported with their layered structures. Increasing iodine content increases the metallicity of the compounds.
A deep intronic substitution in CNGB3 is one of the major causes of achromatopsia among Jewish patients.
2021-01-01

<i>CNGB3</i> is the most common cause of ACHM in patients of European descent; this is mainly due to a panethnic founder mutation, c.1148del. Here, we report on an intronic <i>CNGB3</i> variant that is more frequent than the c.1148del mutation in our cohort of Jewish patients. Among our ACHM cohort, 63.7% of patients had biallelic <i>CNGA3</i> mutations and 26.4% had biallelic <i>CNGB3</i> mutations. The phenotype of patients harboring the intronic mutation falls largely within the spectrum commonly seen in ACHM. Since gene therapy for <i>CNGB3</i> is currently under investigation, these patients might benefit from this promising therapy. Given that this variant is not detectable by current commonly used genetic testing platforms, these patients could easily be missed.
Social Studies Textbook Effects: Evidence From Texas
2021-01-01

Well-informed decisions on curricular materials can be an efficient way to boost student achievement. Prior studies have employed experimental and quasi-experimental designs to investigate the effects of textbooks on mathematics achievement. This is the first study to consider textbook effects in social studies education. Within the context of a textbook adoption cycle in Texas, we use a difference-in-differences approach with district-level administrative data and estimate the effects of adopting a state-approved textbook on social studies achievement. We find no evidence of a practically meaningful adoption effect. We conclude by highlighting the need for further high-quality research in this often-overlooked school subject area.
Bronchoscopic performance of bronchoalveolar lavage in germany - a call for standardization.
2021-01-01

This study shows the broad spectrum of variations in the performance of BAL in Germany, which could have a negative effect on the method's clinical value. There is a need for training and standardization of BAL performance.
Effects of an online treatment for pediatric sleep problems on emotion dysregulation in young children
2021-01-01

Background: Pediatric sleep problems are strongly linked to future emotional problems. However, research regarding the effect of internet-based cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (iCBT-I) in early childhood on the outcome of emotion dysregulation is missing. Participants: 200 children (47% female) aged 7 to 63 months (M = 23.13) suffering from behavioral insomnia participated in the Mini-KiSS 6-week online treatment. Methods: A prepost- follow-up design was implemented. Sleep disorders were stated according to ICSD-3 and DSM-5 criteria and emotional dysregulation was assessed with an emotion dysregulation profile for children. Difference scores were calculated, a repeated-measures ANOVA, and stepwise multiple linear regression was performed. Results: After iCBT-I Mini-KiSS for young children, emotion dysregulation significantly declined immediately after the intervention (p = 0.000) and in the follow-up measurement after three months (p = 0.002). Age was associated with the change in emotion dysregulation at follow-up measurement (p = 0.017). Gender or the type of sleep disturbance did not have statistically significant impact on change in emotion dysregulation at any measurement (p ≥ 0.05). Clinically significant improvement of emotional dysregulation was achieved in 14.5% of the children from pre- to post-measurement, and 25.3% improved at follow-up. Conclusions: The findings show that treatment of pediatric insomnia reduce emotion dysregulation of infants and toddlers. Therefore, early sleep intervention might prevent mental disorder in young children. In future, an extended longitudinal design is needed to examine the preventing power of early-improved sleep on later psychopathological disorders. Beyond, future studies should examine underlying mechanisms in more detail.
(Un-)Sichtbare Routen
2021-01-01

Zusammenfassung This paper focusses on intermedial translation processes in the production of Early Modern maps. Around 1700, the French geographers Claude and Guillaume Delisle collected travelogues from many different authors as sources for their maps of North America. The numerous drafts they created on the basis of these travelogues demonstrate how narrative texts were transformed for use as cartographic representations. As will become apparent, father and son Delisle did not simply translate individual pieces of geographical information into cartographic signs. Rather, they translated spatial conceptions in the form of itineraries by adapting them to the logic and specific characteristics of the medium of maps. In consequence, the itineraries and the actors who had travelled and described them became invisible for readers of maps.
An alternative in vivo model to evaluate pluripotency of patient-specific iPSCs
2021-01-01

The generation of autologous human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from a patient’s somatic cells and the subsequent differentiation of these cells into desired cell types offer innovative treatment options for tissue regeneration. The hiPSCs obtained are usually implanted in immunodeficient mice, and teratoma formation is analyzed after 4 to 6 weeks to assess the cells’ pluripotency. In this study, an alternative in vivo model based on chicken egg chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was established to analyze the pluripotency of newly created hiPSCs. 0.5, 1, 2, 4 x 106 hiPSCs generated from urine-derived renal epithelial cells were seeded on CAM and incubated for 9 days. Teratoma formation was detected in 70% of eggs inoculated with 2 x 106 hiPSCs and in 100% of eggs inoculated with 4 x 106 hiPSCs. All teratomas exhibited vascular structures. The robustness of the CAM model was confirmed using two additional hiPSC lines derived from human fibroblasts (NuFFs) or jaw periosteal cells. The presence of all three germ layers within the teratomas was successfully verified by histochemical and immunofluorescence staining and gene expression analysis of germ layer-specific markers. Urine-derived renal epithelial cells were used as negative control and showed no teratoma formation. The CAM-based in vivo model provides an optimal in vivo test environment for the pluripotency evaluation of newly generated hiPSC lines. This simple, fast, inexpensive and reproducible method reduces the suffering of animals and thus implements the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement).
Epidemiological analysis of 3,219 COVID-19 outbreaks in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
2021-01-01

Abstract The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has emerged as an unprecedented global crisis challenging health systems. This paper aims to assess and characterise SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg to identify groups at greatest risk, to establish early measures to curb transmission. We analysed all mandatory notified (i.e. laboratory-confirmed) coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreaks with more than two cases in Baden-Wuerttemberg from calendar weeks 18–49 (from 27 April to 6 December 2020). We used the following classification for settings: asylum and refugee accommodation, care homes, care facilities, day care child centres, hobby-related, hospitality, hospitals, households, other, residence halls, schools, supported housing, training schools, transportation, treatment facilities and workplace (occupational). We used R program version 3.6.3 for analysis. In our analysis, 3219 outbreaks with 22 238 individuals were included. About 48% were in household and hobby-related settings. Care homes accounted for 9.5% of outbreaks and 21.6% of cases. The median age across all settings was 43 (interquartile range (IQR) 24–63). The median age of cases in care homes was 81 (IQR 56–88). Of all reported cases in care homes, 72.1% were women. Over 30% (466/1511) of hospitalisations were among cases in care homes compared to 17.7% (268/1511) in households. Overall, 70% (500/715) of all deceased persons in outbreaks in the study period were in care homes compared to 4.2% in household settings (30/715). We observed an exponential increase in the number of notified outbreaks starting around the 41st week with N = 291 outbreaks reported in week 49. The median number of cases in outbreaks in care homes and care facilities after the 40th week was 14 (IQR 5–29) and 11 (IQR 5–20), respectively, compared to 3 (IQR 3–5) in households. We observed an increase in hospitalisations, and mortality associated with COVID-19 outbreaks in care homes after the 40th week. We found the care home demographic to be at greatest risk after the 40th week, based on the exponential increase in outbreaks, the number of cases, hospitalisations and mortality trends. Our analysis highlights the necessity of targeted, setting-specific approaches to control transmission in this vulnerable population. Regular screening of staff members and visitors' using rapid antigen point-of-care-tests could be a game-changer in curbing transmission in this setting.
Enhanced Intraperitoneal Delivery of Charged, Aerosolized Curcumin Nanoparticles by Electrostatic Precipitation
2021-01-01

<b>Aims:</b> To investigate the potential of curcumin-loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (CUR-PLGA-NPs), alone and with electrostatic precipitation, for improving tissue uptake during pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). <b>Methods:</b> Positively and negatively charged CUR-PLGA-NPs were delivered as PIPAC into inverted bovine urinary bladders <i>ex vivo</i>. The experiment was repeated with the additional use of electrostatic precipitation pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (electrostatic PIPAC). <b>Results:</b> Positively charged CUR-PLGA-NPs increased depth of tissue penetration by 81.5% and tissue concentration by 80%. Electrostatic precipitation further improved the uptake of positively charged CUR-PLGA-NPs by 41.8%. <b>Conclusion:</b> The combination of positive charge and electrostatic precipitation have significant potential to improve tissue uptake of nanoparticles during intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Investigation of protein expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells in quiescent and proliferating state before and after toxic stress
2021-01-01

The focus of the present study is to determine proteins responsible for the oxidative and toxic stress response in proliferating and stationary phase (G0) cultures. Therefore, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was treated with oxidative and drug compounds (H2O2, menadione, zeocin, and ibuprofen) in both phases. These substances were chosen to determine the redox status of the yeast. S. cerevisiae appeared to employ different strategies to ensure their antioxidant defence metabolism. Analysis, including sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) coupled with mass spectrometry, was used in the search. The proteins were identified by SDS-PAGE, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry analysis, and Mascot database-fingerprint. The final step was determination of protein profiles of yeast S. cerevisiae in proliferating (M) and stationary phase (G0). Seven bands were determined and the corresponding proteins were proposed: cytochrome c peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase omega-like, NAPDH-dependent diflavin reductase, DNA replication fork-blocking protein, putative aryl alcohol dehydrogenase, AP-1-like transcription factor YAP5, GTP-binding protein. All putative proteins coincide with the literature database. A typical example of such an adaptation mechanism in the defence against oxidative damage is the synthesis of several glutathione and thioredoxin peroxidases in the yeast cell. A deeper investigation of the conserved mechanisms responsible for entry into, survival, and exit from quiescence in higher eukaryotes will help the development of new anticancer therapies, the study in the process of ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.
Challenges and Opportunities for Real-World Evidence in Metastatic Luminal Breast Cancer
2021-01-01

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The therapeutic armamentarium for patients with metastatic breast cancer is becoming more and more specific. Recommendations from clinical trials are not available for all treatment situations and patient subgroups, and it is therefore important to collect real-world data. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Summary:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; To develop recommendations for up-to-date treatments and participation in clinical trials for patients with metastatic breast cancer, the Prospective Academic Translational Research PRAEGNANT Network was established to optimize the quality of oncological care in the advanced therapeutic setting. The main aim of PRAEGNANT is to systematically record medical care for patients with metastatic breast cancer in the real-life setting, including the outcome and side effects of different treatment strategies, to monitor quality-of-life changes during therapy, to identify patients eligible for participation in clinical studies, and to allow targeted therapies based on the molecular structures of breast carcinomas. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Key Messages:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; This article describes the PRAEGNANT network and sheds light on the question of whether the various end points from clinical trials can be transferred to the real-world treatment situation.
ROFF - A Romanian Twitter Dataset for Offensive Language
2021-01-01

This paper describes the annotation process of an offensive language data set for Romanian on social media.To facilitate comparable multi-lingual research on offensive language, the annotation guidelines follow some of the recent annotation efforts for other languages.The final corpus contains 5000 micro-blogging posts annotated by a large number of volunteer annotators.The inter-annotator agreement and the initial automatic discrimination results we present are in line with earlier annotation efforts.
Classification of pseudocalcium visual responses from mouse retinal ganglion cells
2021-01-01

Abstract Recently, a detailed catalog of 32 retinal ganglion cell (RGC) visual response patterns in mouse has emerged. However, the 10,000 samples required for this catalog—based on fluorescent signals from a calcium indicator dye—are much harder to acquire from the extracellular spike train recordings underlying our bionic vision research. Therefore, we sought to convert spike trains into pseudocalcium signals so that our data could be directly matched to the 32 predefined, calcium signal-based groups. A microelectrode array (MEA) was used to record spike trains from mouse RGCs of 29 retinas. Visual stimuli were adapted from the Baden et al. study; including moving bars, full-field contrast and temporal frequency chirps, and black–white and UV-green color flashes. Spike train histograms were converted into pseudocalcium traces with an OGB-1 convolution kernel. Response features were extracted using sparse principal components analysis to match each RGC to one of the 32 RGC groups. These responses mapped onto of the 32 previously described groups; however, some of the groups remained unmatched. Thus, adaptation of the Baden et al. methodology for MEA recordings of spike trains instead of calcium recordings was partially successful. Different classification methods, however, will be needed to define clear RGC groups from MEA data for our bionic vision research. Nevertheless, others may pursue a pseudocalcium approach to reconcile spike trains with calcium signals. This work will help to guide them on the limitations and potential pitfalls of such an approach.
THE EFFECT OF GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION AND EMPLOYMENT FLUCTUATIONS ON RURAL SETTLEMENT TRENDS
2021-01-01

Structural changes in the economy and spatial and inter-settlement differences in living standards and quality of life lead to fundamental alterations in the national settlement system. Settlement polarisation is gathering momentum, along with the movement of rural population from Russia’s east and north to its southern and metropolitan regions. These processes benefit urban agglomerations. Typological differences between regional settlement systems, still poorly understood but essential for strategic and spatial planning, are growing. This article draws on the concept of the geographical demographic situation; it uses official statistics on Russian regions and Kaliningrad municipalities and settlements to explore the connection between rural settlement trends and employment fluctuations caused by structural shifts in Russian regional economies. It is shown how settlement polarisation affects differences in settlement trends of meso- and microdistrict levels. Regions are identified that have a capacity for rural-urban migration and corresponding rural employment structure and trends.