bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unwitting Accomplices: Endocrine Disruptors Confounding Clinical Care
Authors: Genco Matthew , Anderson-Shaw Lisa , Sargis Robert M 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Burgeoning evidence over the last 25 years has identified myriad synthetic chemicals with the capacity to alter various aspects of hormone synthesis and action. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been linked to various diseases, including reproductive disorders, metabolic diseases, and developmental abnormalities, among others. Exposure to EDCs arises from industrial activity, use of personal and home care products, and consumption of contaminated food and water; however, the role of healthcare in exposing individuals to EDCs is grossly underappreciated. Indeed, through the use of medications as well as medical equipment and devices, healthcare providers are unknowing mediators of exposure to EDCs, chemicals that might not only promote disease but that may also antagonize the efficacy of treatments. The ethical implications of provider-dependent exposure are profound. A failure to disclose the endocrine-disrupting properties of medical interventions violates core principles of nonmaleficence, patient autonomy, and justice as well as the practice of informed consent. Furthermore, physicians’ lack of knowledge regarding EDCs in medical practice artificially skews risk–benefit calculations that are fundamental to informed medical decision-making. To combat this underappreciated ethical challenge, urgent action is required. Healthcare providers must be educated about endocrine disruption. Known EDCs, defined by endocrinologists, should be clearly labeled on all medical products, and all medication components and devices should be screened for endocrine-disrupting properties. Finally, communication strategies must be devised to empower patients with knowledge about these risks. Providing ethically competent care requires an open acknowledgment of endocrine risks imposed by the medical community that have heretofore been ignored.
Osteosarcopenia in Reproductive-Aged Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Multicenter Case-Control Study
Authors: Kazemi Maryam , Jarrett Brittany Y , Parry Stephen A , Thalacker-Mercer Anna E , Hoeger Kathleen M , Spandorfer Steven D , Lujan Marla E 
Published: July 2020

AbstractContextOsteosarcopenia (loss of skeletal muscle and bone mass and/or function usually associated with aging) shares pathophysiological mechanisms with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the relationship between osteosarcopenia and PCOS remains unclear.ObjectiveWe evaluated skeletal muscle index% (SMI% = [appendicular muscle mass/weight (kg)] × 100) and bone mineral density (BMD) in PCOS (hyperandrogenism + oligoamenorrhea), and contrasted these musculoskeletal markers against 3 reproductive phenotypes (i): HA (hyperandrogenism + eumenorrhea) (ii); OA (normoandrogenic + oligoamenorrhea) and (iii), controls (normoandrogenic + eumenorrhea). Endocrine predictors of SMI% and BMD were evaluated across the groups.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsMulticenter case-control study of 203 women (18-48 years old) in New York State.ResultsPCOS group exhibited reduced SMI% (mean [95% confidence interval (CI)]; 26.2% [25.1,27.3] vs 28.8% [27.7,29.8]), lower-extremity SMI% (57.6% [56.7,60.0] vs 62.5% [60.3,64.6]), and BMD (1.11 [1.08,1.14] vs 1.17 [1.14,1.20] g/cm2) compared to controls. PCOS group also had decreased upper (0.72 [0.70,0.74] vs 0.77 [0.75,0.79] g/cm2) and lower (1.13 [1.10,1.16] vs 1.19 [1.16,1.22] g/cm2) limb BMD compared to HA. Matsuda index was lower in PCOS vs controls and positively associated with SMI% in all groups (all Ps ≤ 0.05). Only controls showed associations between insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 and upper (r = 0.84) and lower (r = 0.72) limb BMD (all Ps &lt; 0.01). Unlike in PCOS, IGF-binding protein 2 was associated with SMI% in controls (r = 0.45) and HA (r = 0.67), and with upper limb BMD (r = 0.98) in HA (all Ps &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsWomen with PCOS exhibit early signs of osteosarcopenia when compared to controls likely attributed to disrupted insulin function. Understanding the degree of musculoskeletal deterioration in PCOS is critical for implementing targeted interventions that prevent and delay osteosarcopenia in this clinical population.
The Vicious Circle of Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Diabetes: From Pathophysiology to Emerging Treatments
Authors: Cavallari Ilaria , Maddaloni Ernesto , Pieralice Silvia , Mulè Maria Tea , Buzzetti Raffaella , Ussia Gian Paolo , Pozzilli Paolo , Grigioni Francesco 
Published: July 2020

AbstractContextDiabetes and heart failure (HF) are 2 deadly and strictly related epidemic disorders. The aim of this review is to present an updated discussion of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment options for HF in diabetes.Evidence AcquisitionRelevant references published up to February 2020 were identified through searches in PubMed. Quality was graded using the Newcastle-Ottawa score in observational studies and the Cochrane Collaboration tool in randomized studies.Evidence SynthesisMetabolic and neurohumoral derangements, oxidative stress, inflammation, micro- and macroangiopathy all contribute through complex molecular and cellular mechanisms to cardiac dysfunction in diabetes, which in turn, results as one the most frequent underlying conditions affecting up to 42% of patients with HF and causing a 34% increased risk of cardiovascular death. On top of traditional guideline-based HF medical and device therapies, equally effective in patients with and without diabetes, a new class of glucose-lowering agents acting through the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition showed impressive results in reducing HF outcomes in individuals with diabetes and represents an active area of investigation.ConclusionsDiabetes and HF are strictly linked in a bidirectional and deadly vicious circle difficult to break. Therefore, preventive strategies and a timely diagnosis are crucial to improve outcomes in such patients. SGLT2 inhibitors represent a major breakthrough with remarkably consistent findings. However, it is still not clear whether their benefits may be definitely extended to patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction, to those without diabetes and in the acute setting.
Estrone Is a Strong Predictor of Circulating Estradiol in Women Age 70 Years and Older
Authors: Davis Susan R , Martinez-Garcia Alejandra , Robinson Penelope J , Handelsman David J , Desai Reena , Wolfe Rory , Bell Robin J ,   ASPREE Investigator Group
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Importance
After menopause, estradiol (E2) is predominately an intracrine hormone circulating in very low serum concentrations.

Objective
The objective of this work is to examine determinants of E2 concentrations in women beyond age 70 years.

Design and Setting
A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted.

Participants
A total of 5325 women participated, with a mean age of 75.1 years (± 4.2 years) and not using any sex steroid, antiandrogen/estrogen, glucocorticoid, or antiglycemic therapy.

Main Outcome Measures
Sex steroids were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Values below the limit of detection (LOD; E2 11 pmol/L [3 pg/mL] were assigned a value of LOD/√2 to estimate total E2.

Results
E2 and estrone (E1) were below the LOD in 66.1% and 0.9% of women, respectively. The median (interdecile ranges) for E1 and detectable E2 were 181.2 pmol/L (range, 88.7-347.6 pmol/L) and 22.0 pmol/L (range, 11.0-58.7 pmol/L). Women with undetectable E2 vs detectable E2 were older (median age 74.1 years vs 73.8, P = .02), leaner (median body mass index [BMI] 26.8 kg/m2 vs 28.5, P &lt; .001), and had lower E1, testosterone and DHEA concentrations (P &lt; .001). A linear regression model, including age, BMI, E1, and testosterone, explained 20.9% of the variation in total E2, but explained only an additional 1.2% of variation over E1 alone. E1 and testosterone made significant contributions (r2 = 0.162, P &lt; .001) in a model for the subset of women with detectable E2.

Conclusions
Our findings support E1 as a principal circulating estrogen and demonstrate a robust association between E1 and E2 concentrations in postmenopausal women. Taken together with prior evidence for associations between E1 and health outcomes, E1 should be included in studies examining associations between estrogen levels and health outcomes in postmenopausal women.
Low Bone Mineral Density in Early Pubertal Transgender/Gender Diverse Youth: Findings From the Trans Youth Care Study
Authors: Lee Janet Y , Finlayson Courtney , Olson-Kennedy Johanna , Garofalo Robert , Chan Yee-Ming , Glidden David V , Rosenthal Stephen M 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Context
Transgender youth may initiate GnRH agonists (GnRHa) to suppress puberty, a critical period for bone-mass accrual. Low bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in late-pubertal transgender girls before gender-affirming therapy, but little is known about BMD in early-pubertal transgender youth.

Objective
To describe BMD in early-pubertal transgender youth.

Design
Cross-sectional analysis of the prospective, observational, longitudinal Trans Youth Care Study cohort.

Setting
Four multidisciplinary academic pediatric gender centers in the United States.

Participants
Early-pubertal transgender youth initiating GnRHa.

Main Outcome Measures
Areal and volumetric BMD Z-scores.

Results
Designated males at birth (DMAB) had below-average BMD Z-scores when compared with male reference standards, and designated females at birth (DFAB) had below-average BMD Z-scores when compared with female reference standards except at hip sites. At least 1 BMD Z-score was &lt; -2 in 30% of DMAB and 13% of DFAB. Youth with low BMD scored lower on the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children than youth with normal BMD, 2.32 ± 0.71 vs. 2.76 ± 0.61 (P = 0.01). There were no significant deficiencies in vitamin D, but dietary calcium intake was suboptimal in all youth.

Conclusions
In early-pubertal transgender youth, BMD was lower than reference standards for sex designated at birth. This lower BMD may be explained, in part, by suboptimal calcium intake and decreased physical activity–potential targets for intervention. Our results suggest a potential need for assessment of BMD in prepubertal gender-diverse youth and continued monitoring of BMD throughout the pubertal period of gender-affirming therapy.
The Impact of SARS-Cov-2 Virus Infection on the Endocrine System
Authors: Somasundaram Noel Pratheepan , Ranathunga Ishara , Ratnasamy Vithiya , Wijewickrama Piyumi Sachindra Alwis , Dissanayake Harsha Anuruddhika , Yogendranathan Nilukshana , Gamage Kavinga Kalhari Kobawaka , de Silva Nipun Lakshitha , Sumanatilleke Manilka , Katulanda Prasad , Grossman Ashley Barry 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has spread across the globe rapidly causing an unprecedented pandemic. Because of the novelty of the disease, the possible impact on the endocrine system is not clear. To compile a mini-review describing possible endocrine consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we performed a literature survey using the key words Covid-19, Coronavirus, SARS CoV-1, SARS Cov-2, Endocrine, and related terms in medical databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and MedARXiv from the year 2000. Additional references were identified through manual screening of bibliographies and via citations in the selected articles. The literature review is current until April 28, 2020. In light of the literature, we discuss SARS-CoV-2 and explore the endocrine consequences based on the experience with structurally-similar SARS-CoV-1. Studies from the SARS -CoV-1 epidemic have reported variable changes in the endocrine organs. SARS-CoV-2 attaches to the ACE2 system in the pancreas causing perturbation of insulin production resulting in hyperglycemic emergencies. In patients with preexisting endocrine disorders who develop COVID-19, several factors warrant management decisions. Hydrocortisone dose adjustments are required in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Identification and management of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency is crucial. Patients with Cushing syndrome may have poorer outcomes because of the associated immunodeficiency and coagulopathy. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be associated with increased susceptibility or severity to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and replacement may improve outcomes. Robust strategies required for the optimal management of endocrinopathies in COVID-19 are discussed extensively in this mini-review.
A Rare Case of Recurrent Pituitary Collision Tumors
Authors: Shakally Almoutaz , Tahara Naoyuki , Clark Brent , Tummala Ramachandra , Caicedo-Granados Emiro , Kawakami Yasuhiko , Araki Takako 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Pituitary collision tumors are sporadically reported and rare. We present a case of pituitary collision tumors with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) and craniopharyngioma. In order to look for any common activated pathway, we examined WNT/β-CATENIN signaling activation, known to be involved in tumorigenesis in both craniopharyngioma and NFPA. We found nuclear accumulation of β-CATENIN protein and expression of LEF1 protein, markers of active β-CATENIN signaling in the craniopharyngioma but not in the pituitary adenomas. In our case, the NFPA is invasive macroadenoma, which is a frequently identified type of pituitary adenoma in collision tumor cases. Recurrence of this tumor was first observed after 8 years of follow-up. Based on this case, we suggest that pituitary collision tumors require long-term follow-up.
Homosexualizing “Boys Love” in China
Authors: Tian Xi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Originating in Japan, “boys love” (BL) manga and fiction that focus on romantic or homoerotic male-male relationships are considered by most of their writers, readers, and scholars to be primarily by women and for women and are purposely differentiated from gay fiction and manga by both commentators and practitioners. However, BL's increasing interweaving with homosexuality and sexual minorities in China requires scholars to reread and redefine BL practice in its Chinese context. This article discusses some of the recent transformations of the BL genre in China, examines the significant role female practitioners have played in indigenizing BL, and ultimately points to the trend of consciously writing and reading BL through a homosexual lens. By reflexively constructing “gayness” in BL works, these practices have also created a peer-led educational space on nonnormative sexuality and gender identity. The author also examines how BL “poaches” official and mainstream cultures, resulting in their considering BL the primary fictional vehicle of homosexuality. She therefore suggests that the trend of conflating BL with homosexuality and the deliberate homosexualization of BL in both texts and real life have ultimately extended the cultural identity of BL, as well as its political meaning, and in practice have created a porous culture that welcomes gender diversity and helps increase the visibility of the gay community, revealing a significant social and cultural shift that cannot be ignored or reversed.
Embracing human genetics: a primer for developmental biologists
Authors: Leslie Elizabeth J. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
Understanding the etiology of congenital disorders requires interdisciplinary research and close collaborations between clinicians, geneticists and developmental biologists. The pace of gene discovery has quickened due to advances in sequencing technology, resulting in a wealth of publicly available sequence data but also a gap between gene discovery and crucial mechanistic insights provided by studies in model systems. In this Spotlight, I highlight the opportunities for developmental biologists to engage with human geneticists and genetic resources to advance the study of congenital disorders.
Experimental toolbox for quantitative evaluation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in the plant model Arabidopsis
Authors: Johnson Alexander , Gnyliukh Nataliia , Kaufmann Walter A. , Narasimhan Madhumitha , Vert Grégory , Bednarek Sebastian Y. , Friml Jiří 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a crucial cellular process implicated in many aspects of plant growth, development, intra- and intercellular signaling, nutrient uptake and pathogen defense. Despite these significant roles, little is known about the precise molecular details of how CME functions in planta. To facilitate the direct quantitative study of plant CME, we review current routinely used methods and present refined, standardized quantitative imaging protocols that allow the detailed characterization of CME at multiple scales in plant tissues. These protocols include: (1) an efficient electron microscopy protocol for the imaging of Arabidopsis CME vesicles in situ, thus providing a method for the detailed characterization of the ultrastructure of clathrin-coated vesicles; (2) a detailed protocol and analysis for quantitative live-cell fluorescence microscopy to precisely examine the temporal interplay of endocytosis components during single CME events; (3) a semi-automated analysis to allow the quantitative characterization of global internalization of cargos in whole plant tissues; and (4) an overview and validation of useful genetic and pharmacological tools to interrogate the molecular mechanisms and function of CME in intact plant samples.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Voxel based evaluation of sequential radiotherapy treatment plans with different dose fractionation schemes
Authors: Singh Gaganpreet , Kamal Rose , Thaper Deepak , Oinam Arun Singh , Handa Bhumika , Kumar Vivek , Kumar Narendra 
Published: July 2020

Objective:
This study presents a methodology for voxel-based evaluation of two phase sequential radiotherapy treatment plans having conventional dose scheme in the first phase and subsequent hypofractionation dose scheme in the second phase based upon different priority [planning target volume (PTV), clinical target volume (CTV) and organs at risk (OAR)] of display modes.

Methods:
A case of carcinoma prostate was selected for demonstration. Varian Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) was used for contouring and planning. In the first phase, a dose of 52 Gy in 26 fractions to the PTV and in the second phase, a dose of 19.5 Gy in 3 fractions to the PTV Boost was planned on the same CT data set. Both the plans (Phase 1 and Phase 2) were exported and processed using “Voxel-based radiobiology display (VRb) tool”. Plan Sum for Biologically effective dose (BED)-Cube and equivalent dose of 2Gy (EQD2)-Cube was reconstructed using a combination of linear quadratic (LQ) and linear quadratic-linear (LQ-L) radiobiological models. Tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for different target volumes and organs were also calculated using EQD2-volume histograms of the Plan Sum.

Results:
An in-house graphical user interface (GUI) is developed to present the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the multiphase treatment plans with different display modes and dose regimens. The voxel based TCP obtained for the combined target volume was 90.56%. NTCP for the bladder and rectum was calculated from the Plan Sum histograms and found to be 0.33% and ~0.0% respectively.

Conclusion:
The proposed methodology using the VRb tool offers superior plan evaluation for multiphase sequential radiotherapy treatment plans over the existing methods.

Advances in knowledge:
PTV, CTV and OAR priority based display modes in VRb tool offers better understanding of radiobiological evaluation of sequential radiotherapy treatment plans.
Congenital intrahepatic aorto-portal fistula presenting with cardiac failure
Authors: Pathanki Adithya , Sharif Khalid , McCafferty Ian , Hartley Jane , McGuirk Simon 
Published: July 2020

Congenital intrahepatic arterio-portal fistulae (cIAPF) are rare, high-flow vascular malformations that usually present with portal hypertension. They almost never cause heart failure, unless there is associated congenital heart disease or the ductus venosus in patent. We present an unusual case of IAPF in an 11-day-old boy, who presented with features of cardiac failure associated with increased N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP). The IAPF arose directly from the aorta, separated from the hepatic artery and divided to separately supply both left and right portal veins. The ductus venosus was occluded. The IAPF was treated with embolization of the aorto-portal fistula, accessed through a direct percutaneous puncture of the fistula. Embolization was associated with an immediate clinical improvement and a rapid and sustained normalization of the NT pro-BNP level. A similar re-presentation was noted and treated with repeat embolization. The child is well on follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case of cIAPF, which was presented with cardiac failure when the ductus venosus has closed and has been treated successfully with direct, percutaneous transhepatic embolization of the fistula, twice. Serial clinical follow-up and ultrasonographical examinations have proven to be an effective strategy to detect recurrent fistulae.
QUALITY OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND CAREER OF HR MANAGERS (IN THE ASSESSMENT OF GRADUATES)
Authors: Chernyak T. 
Published: July 2020

The article discusses the current problems of assessing the quality of professional training of HR managers from the perspective of graduates of the HR direction working in this area.For ten years the author of the article has been assessing the quality of training university graduates as deputy vice rector for organizing practice, employment and promoting employment of graduates.
The results of annual studies of satisfaction with the quality of education of all participants in the educational process: students; employers and graduates of the university were an indispensable indicator in the preparation and conduct of accreditation of the university, it has repeatedly reported at conferences and published. The accumulated experience allowed us to conduct annual monitoring studies on the problem of satisfaction with the quality of professional training of graduates of the Department of Personnel Management of the Siberian Institute of Management, a branch of the RANEPA.
The article provides only some generalized results of the author's studies in 2017 - 2019 on assessing the quality of professional training and career of specialists from the position of graduates of the department. The author conducts a brief analysis of theoretical foreign and domestic sources to study the problems of assessing the quality of education and training of specialists; considers the problems of development of criteria for assessing the quality of training, external and internal assessment, and the inclusion of certain assessment objects in the assessment, relevant to universities.
The practical focus of the article allows us to see both the positive aspects in the training of future specialists in the field of personnel management, and some omissions, which will improve the quality and applied nature of training, taking into account the identified needs of graduates oriented to the demands of the labor market.