bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth, growth potential, and influences on adult height in the transgender and gender‐diverse population
Authors: Roberts Stephanie A. , Carswell Jeremi M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe sexually dimorphic trait of height is one aspect of the experience of transgender and gender‐diverse (TGD) individuals that may influence their gender dysphoria and satisfaction with their transition. In this article, we have reviewed the current knowledge of the factors that contribute to one's final adult height and how it might be affected in TGD youth who have not experienced their gonadal puberty in the setting of receiving gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) and gender‐affirming hormonal treatment. Additional research is needed to characterize the influence of growth and final adult height on the lived experience of TGD youth and adults and how to best assess their growth, predict their final adult height, and how medical transition can be potentially modified to help them meet their goals.
Double-negative (DN) B cells: an under-recognized effector memory B cell subset in autoimmunity
Authors: Li Yuzi , Li Zhanguo , Hu Fanlei 
Published: May 2021

SummaryHuman B cells could be divided into four classical subsets based on CD27 and immunoglobulin (Ig)D expression. Distinct from the other three well-studied subsets, CD27−IgD− B cells, also termed as double-negative (DN) B cells, have long been neglected. However, in recent years emerging evidence shows that DN B cells are unique memory B cells with important functions. They are expanded in a variety of diseases, especially in autoimmune diseases, contributing to the disease pathogenesis. Here, we briefly review the studies on DN B cells, including their origins, characteristics, subsets and roles in diseases, to try to bring new insights into this under-recognized B cell subset.
Landscape features causing the local congregation of honeybee males (Apismellifera L.)
Authors: Hayashi Shinya , Satoh Toshiyuki 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAerial male congregation has been observed in eusocial Hymenoptera such as ants and bees. It is associated with mating and can help to minimize the frequency of inbreeding, which contributes to sustaining their society consisting of relatives. Male congregation often occurs at the same site each year. It has been suggested that there are factors defining the location for male congregation, but empirical evidence for this is currently scarce. In this study, landscape features for European honeybee male congregation areas, called drone congregation areas (DCAs), were evaluated by comparing DCA and non‐DCA landscapes as well as those of the entire surveyed study area using a digital elevation model, digital surface model, and land‐cover data. The observed DCAs were generally characterized as being open fields with few structures, having high levels of sun irradiance, and low elevation. The effective range of models that predicted the DCAs was smaller in the model with parameters considering objects above the terrain surface. The results provide an insight into the cues used by the bees to orientate and navigate themselves toward specific mating places, the mechanisms promoting the formation of local male congregations, and why certain locations are selected as mating places.
Molecular toxicological alterations in the mouse hearts induced by sub‐chronic thiazolidinedione drugs administration
Authors: Jarrar Yazun Bashir , Jarrar Qais , Abaalkhail Sara J. , Moh'd Kalloush Hanin , Naser Wisam , Zihlif Malek , Al Shhab Mohammad , El Madani Abdulla , Jamous Yahya , Lee Su‐Jun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThiazolidinediones are well‐known anti‐diabetic drugs. However, they are not widely used due to their cardiotoxic effects. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the molecular toxicological alterations induced in the mouse hearts after thiazolidinedione administration. Balb/c mice received doses clinically equivalent to those given to humans of the most commonly used thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone, and rosiglitazone for 30 days. After that, RNA samples were isolated from the hearts. The mRNA expression of cytochrome (cyp) p450 genes that synthesize the cardiotoxic 20‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20‐HETE) in addition to 92 cardiotoxicity biomarker genes were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction array technique. The analysis demonstrated that thiazolidinediones caused a significant upregulation (p < 0.5) of the mRNA expression of cyp1a1, cyp4a12, itpr1, ccl7, ccr1, and b2 m genes. In addition, thiazolidinediones caused a significant (p < 0.05) downregulation of the mRNA expression of adra2a, bsn, col15a1, fosl1, Il6, bpifa1, plau, and reg3b genes. The most affected gene was itpr1 gene, which was upregulated by pioglitazone and rosiglitazone by sevenfold and 3.5‐fold, respectively. In addition, pioglitazone caused significant upregulation of (p < 0.05) hamp, ppbp, psma2, sik1, timp1, and ucp1 genes, which were not affected significantly (p > 0.05) by rosiglitazone administration. In conclusion, this study showed that thiazolidinediones induce toxicological molecular alterations in the mouse hearts, such as the induction of cyp450s that synthesize 20‐HETE, chemokine activation, inflammatory responses, blood clotting, and oxidative stress. These findings may help us understand the mechanism of cardiotoxicity involved in thiazolidinedione administration.
Understanding the role of personality in explaining L2 learners’ DMC disposition
Authors: Sak Mehmet 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecent years have seen a growing research interest in the notion of directed motivational currents (DMCs) that defines highly intense motivational surges oriented to a much‐desired goal of personal significance. However, the learner characteristics that induce individual‐level variability in DMCs have yet to be explored. In particular, the role of personality in explaining variations in the DMC disposition remains empirically unresolved. The current study addresses this gap by looking at whether the five‐factor model (FFM) personality traits help explain variations in the DMC disposition among 172 Turkish undergraduate students majoring in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) at a state university in Turkey. Data were gathered using the 50‐item version of International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) and the 12‐item DMC Disposition Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that personality traits significantly predicted variability in the DMC disposition, together accounting for 42% of the variance. Conscientiousness and extraversion appeared as the strongest predictors. The findings in general bring preliminary insights into the learner characteristics that underlie individual‐level variability in DMCs, as well as having implications in particular for facilitating individual‐level DMC practices in the context of second/foreign language (L2) learning.
Model‐based decomposition of environmental, spatial and species‐interaction effects on the community structure of common fish species in 772 European lakes
Authors: Mehner Thomas , Argillier Christine , Hesthagen Trygve , Holmgren Kerstin , Jeppesen Erik , Kelly Fiona , Krause Teet , Olin Mikko , Volta Pietro , Winfield Ian J. , Brucet Sandra 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimWe tested whether there is a strong effect of species interactions on assembly of local lake fish communities, in addition to environmental filters and dispersal.LocationSeven hundred and seventy‐two European lakes and reservoirs.Time period1993–2012.Major taxa studiedNineteen species of freshwater fishes.MethodsWe applied a latent variable approach using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms (R package “BORAL”). We compared the contributions of six environmental predictors and the spatial organization of 772 European lakes in 209 river basins on the presence/absence of the 19 most frequent fish species and on the biomass and mean mass of the six dominant species. We inspected the residual correlation matrix for positive and negative correlations between species.ResultsEnvironmental (50%) and spatial (10%) predictors contributed to the presence/absence assembly of lake fish communities, whereas lake size and productivity contributed strongly to the biomass and mean mass structures. We found highly significant negative correlations between predator and prey fish species pairs in the presence/absence, biomass and mean mass datasets. There were more significantly positive than negative correlations between species pairs in all three datasets. In addition, unmeasured abiotic predictors might explain some of the correlations between species.Main conclusionsStrong effects of species interactions on assembly of lake fish communities are very likely. We admit that our approach is of a correlational nature and does not generate mechanistic evidence that interactions strongly shape fish community structures; however, the results fit with present knowledge about the interactions between the most frequent fish species in European lakes and they support the assumption that, in particular, the mean masses of fish species in lakes are modified by species interactions.
Ubiquitination‐dependent and ‐independent repression of target genes by SETDB1 reveal a context‐dependent role for its methyltransferase activity during adipogenesis
Authors: Zhang Ji , Matsumura Yoshihiro , Kano Yuka , Yoshida Ayano , Kawamura Takeshi , Hirakawa Hiroyuki , Inagaki Takeshi , Tanaka Toshiya , Kimura Hiroshi , Yanagi Shigeru , Fukami Kiyoko , Doi Takefumi , Osborne Timothy F. , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Sakai Juro 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe lysine methyltransferase SETDB1, an enzyme responsible for methylation of histone H3 at lysine 9, plays a key role in H3K9 tri‐methylation‐dependent silencing of endogenous retroviruses and developmental genes. Recent studies have shown that ubiquitination of human SETDB1 complements its catalytic activity and the silencing of endogenous retroviruses in human embryonic stem cells. However, it is not known whether SETDB1 ubiquitination is essential for its other major role in epigenetic silencing of developmental gene programs. We previously showed that SETDB1 contributes to the formation of H3K4/H3K9me3 bivalent chromatin domains that keep adipogenic Cebpa and Pparg genes in a poised state for activation and restricts the differentiation potential of pre‐adipocytes. Here, we show that ubiquitin‐resistant K885A mutant of SETDB1 represses adipogenic genes and inhibits pre‐adipocyte differentiation similar to wild‐type SETDB1. We show this was due to a compensation mechanism for H3K9me3 chromatin modifications on the Cebpa locus by other H3K9 methyltransferases Suv39H1 and Suv39H2. In contrast, the K885A mutant did not repress other SETDB1 target genes such as Tril and Gas6 suggesting SETDB1 represses its target genes by two mechanisms; one that requires its ubiquitination and another that still requires SETDB1 but not its enzyme activity.
Climate change, human migration, and skin disease: is there a link?
Authors: Dayrit Johannes F. , Sugiharto Audi , Coates Sarah J. , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo , Davis Mark Denis D. , Andersen Louise K. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractClimate change, exemplified by higher average global temperatures resulting in more frequent extreme weather events, has the potential to significantly impact human migration patterns and health. The consequences of environmental catastrophes further destabilize regions with pre‐existing states of conflict due to social, political, and/or economic unrest. Migrants may carry diseases from their place of origin to their destinations and once there may be susceptible to diseases in which they had not been previously exposed to. Skin diseases are among the most commonly observed health conditions observed in migrant populations. To improve awareness among dermatologists of the burden of skin diseases among migrants, the group searched the English language scientific literature to identify articles linking climate change, migration, and skin disease. Skin diseases associated with human migration fall into three major categories: (i) communicable diseases, (ii) noncommunicable diseases, and (iii) environmentally mediated diseases. Adopting comprehensive global strategies to improve the health of migrants requires urgent attention.
Shrinkage rate control during a flash state by current‐ramping for 3 mol% Y2O3‐doped ZrO2 polycrystals
Authors: Ishino Yuki , Taguchi Kimihiro , Koike Masao , Tokunaga Tomoharu , Yamamoto Takahisa 
Published: May 2021

Abstract3 mol% Y2O3‐doped ZrO2 green compacts with rectangular shapes were sintered by maintaining the shrinkage rates at constant values under alternating electric fields by ramping the electric current during flash states. Green compacts were furnace‐heated under 40‐100 Vrms/cm until current hits an initial current limit of 100 mArms. After then, current‐ramping was started to keep the shrinkage rates constant by increasing the limit current value using a programmable power supply operating in a current control mode. Highly densified 3 mol% Y2O3‐doped ZrO2 polycrystals with a density of 6.05 g/cm3 as a bulk density and a grain size of about 0.4 μm were obtained at a furnace temperature of about 930℃, 50 Vrms/cm with 1000 Hz and shrinkage rate of about 120 μm/min (0.8%/min against initial lengths of green compacts). The Vickers hardness and indentation fracture toughness of the compact exhibit similar values to those obtained from thermally sintered compacts.
Prone‐position computed tomography in the late phase for detecting intracardiac thrombi in the left atrial appendage before catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nakamura Rena , Oda Atsuhito , Tachibana Shinichi , Sudo Koji , Shigeta Takatoshi , Sagawa Yuichiro , Kurabayashi Manabu , Goya Masahiko , Okishige Kaoru , Sasano Tetsuo , Yamauchi Yasuteru 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundContrast computed tomography (CT) is a useful tool for the detection of intracardiac thrombi. We aimed to assess the accuracy of the late‐phase prone‐position contrast CT (late‐pCT) for thrombus detection in patients with persistent or long‐standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsEarly and late‐phase pCT were performed in 300 patients with persistent or long‐standing AF. If late‐pCT did not show an intracardiac contrast defect (CD), catheter ablation (CA) was performed. Immediately before CA, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) from the left atrium was performed to confirm thrombus absence and the estimation of the blood velocity of the left atrial appendage (LAA). For patients with CDs on late‐pCT, CA performance was delayed, and late‐pCT was performed again after several months following oral anticoagulant alterations or dosage increases.ResultsOf the 40 patients who exhibited CDs in the early phase of pCT, six showed persistent CDs on late‐pCT. In the remaining 294 patients without CDs on late‐pCT, the absence of a thrombus was confirmed by ICE during CA. In all six patients with CD‐positivity on late‐pCT, the CDs vanished under the same CT conditions after subsequent anticoagulation therapy, and CA was successfully performed. Furthermore, the presence of residual contrast medium in the LAA on late‐pCT suggested a decreased blood velocity in the LAA ( ≤ 15 cm/s) (sensitivity = 0.900 and specificity = 0.621).ConclusionsLate‐pCT is a valuable tool for the assessment of intracardiac thrombi and LAA dysfunction in patients with persistent or long‐standing persistent AF before CA.
Acute shock efficacy of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator according to the implantation technique
Authors: Francia Pietro , Adduci Carmen , Angeletti Andrea , Ottaviano Luca , Perrotta Laura , De Vivo Stefano , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , Migliore Federico , Russo Antonio Dello , De Filippo Paolo , Caravati Fabrizio , Nigro Gerardo , Palmisano Pietro , Viani Stefano , D'Onofrio Antonio , Lovecchio Mariolina , Valsecchi Sergio , Ziacchi Matteo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe traditional technique for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) implantation involves three incisions and a subcutaneous (SC) pocket. An intermuscular (IM) 2‐incision technique has been recently adopted.AimsWe assessed acute defibrillation efficacy (DE) of S‐ICD (DE ≤65 J) according to the implantation technique.MethodsWe analyzed consecutive patients who underwent S‐ICD implantation and DE testing at 53 Italian centers. Regression analysis was used to determine the association between DFT and implantation technique.ResultsA total of 805 patients were enrolled. Four groups were assessed: IM + 2 incisions (n = 546), SC + 2 incisions (n = 133), SC + 3 incisions (n = 111), and IM + 3 incisions (n = 15). DE was ≤65 J in 782 (97.1%) patients. Patients with DE ≤65 J showed a trend towards lower body mass index (25.1 vs. 26.5; p = .12), were less frequently on antiarrhythmic drugs (13% vs. 26%; p = .06) and more commonly underwent implantation with the 2‐incision technique (85% vs. 70%; p = .04). The IM + 2‐incision technique showed the lowest defibrillation failure rate (2.2%) and shock impedance (66 Ohm, interquartile range: 57–77). On multivariate analysis, the 2‐incision technique was associated with a lower incidence of shock failure (hazard ratio: 0.305; 95% confidence interval: 0.102–0.907; p = .033). Shock impedance was lower with the IM than with the SC approach (66 vs. 70 Ohm p = .002) and with the 2‐incision than the 3‐incision technique (67 vs. 72 Ohm; p = .006).ConclusionsIn a large population of S‐ICD patients, we observed a high defibrillation success rate. The IM + 2‐incision technique provides lower shock impedance and a higher likelihood of successful defibrillation.
U.S. trends in elective and emergent major abdominal surgical procedures from 2002 to 2014 in older adults
Authors: Rubin Daniel S. , Huisingh‐Scheetz Megan , Ferguson Mark K. , Nagele Peter , Peden Carol J. , Lauderdale Diane S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe U.S. population is aging and projected to undergo an increasing number of general surgical procedures. However, recent trends in the frequency of major abdominal procedures in older adults are currently unknown as improvements in non‐operative interventions may obviate the need for major surgery. Thus, we evaluated the trends of major abdominal surgical procedures in older adults in the United States.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2014 with trend analysis using National Cancer Institute's Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software. We identified the average annual percent change (AAPC) in the yearly frequency of major abdominal surgical procedures in older adults (≥50 years of age).ResultsOur cohort included a total of 3,951,947 survey‐weighted discharges that included a major abdominal surgery in adults ≥50 years of age between 2002 and 2014. Of these discharges, 2,529,507 (64.0%) were for elective abdominal surgeries, 2,062,835 (52.0%) were for female patients, and mean (SD) age was 61.4 (15.9) years. The frequency of major abdominal procedures (elective and emergent) decreased for adults aged 65–74 (AAPC: −1.43, −1.75, −1.11, p < 0.0001), 75–84 (AAPC: −2.75, −3.33, −2.16, p < 0.001), and ≥85 (AAPC: −4.07, −4.67, −3.47, p < 0.0001). The AAPC for elective procedures decreased for older adults aged 75–84 (AAPC = −1.65; −2.44, −0.85: p = 0.0001) and >85 (AAPC = −3.53; −4.57, −2.48: p < 0.0001). All age groups showed decreases in emergent procedures in 50–64 (AAPC = −1.76, −2.00, −1.52, p < 0.0001), 65–74 (AAPC = −3.59, −4.03, −3.14, p < 0.0001), 75–84 (AAPC = −3.90, −4.34, −3.46, p < 0.0001), ≥85 (AAPC = −4.58, −4.98, −4.17, p < 0.0001) age groups.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort of older adults, the frequency of emergent and elective major abdominal procedures in adults ≥65 years of age decreased with significant variation among individual procedure types. Future studies are needed to identify the generalizability of our findings to other surgical procedures.
Serious fungal disease incidence and prevalence in Indonesia
Authors: Wahyuningsih Retno , Adawiyah Robiatul , Sjam Ridhawati , Prihartono Joedo , Ayu Tri Wulandari Endah , Rozaliyani Anna , Ronny Robertus , Imran Darma , Tugiran Mulyati , Siagian Forman E. , Denning David W. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIndonesia is a tropical country, warm and humid, with numerous environmental fungi. Data on fungal disease burden help policymakers and clinicians.ObjectivesWe have estimated the incidence and prevalence of serious fungal diseases.MethodsWe found all published and unpublished data and estimated the incidence and prevalence of fungal diseases based on populations at risk. HIV data were derived from UNAIDS (2017), pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) data from 2013–2019, data on chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) were used to estimate CPA prevalence and likely deaths, COPD data from Hammond (2020), lung cancer incidence was from Globocan 2018, and fungal rhinosinusitis was estimated using community data from India.ResultsOverall ~7.7 million Indonesians (2.89%) have a serious fungal infection each year. The annual incidence of cryptococcosis in AIDS was 7,540. Pneumocystis pneumonia incidence was estimated at 15,400 in HIV and an equal number in non‐HIV patients. An estimated 1% and 0.2% of new AIDS patients have disseminated histoplasmosis or Talaromyces marneffei infection. The incidence of candidaemia is 26,710. The annual incidence of invasive aspergillosis was estimated at 49,500 and the prevalence of CPA is at 378,700 cases. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis prevalence in adults is estimated at 336,200, severe asthma with fungal sensitisation at 443,800, and fungal rhinosinusitis at 294,000. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is estimated at 5 million/year (15–50 years old). The incidence of fungal keratitis around 40,050. Tinea capitis prevalence in schoolchildren about 729,000.ConclusionsIndonesia has a high burden of fungal infections.
Quality protein maize (QPM): Importance, genetics, timeline of different events, breeding strategies and varietal adoption
Authors: Maqbool Muhammad Amir , Beshir Issa AbduRahman , Khokhar Ehtisham Shakeel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLysine and tryptophan are two essential amino acids and these are deficit in maize grain thus posing the problem of nutritional deficiencies in the consumers. A wide range of deficiency symptoms like cognitive disorder, kwashiorkor disease, reduced appetite, impaired skeleton development, delayed growth and aberrant behaviour are associated with lysine and tryptophan deficiency. These amino acids are also important to cure the Pellagra disease. Researchers identified several mutants in maize especially opaque‐2 which are responsible for higher lysine and tryptophan contents. Few years later, it was observed that opaque‐2 mutant has several pleiotropic effects on maize grain and plant. Efforts of researchers are spanning over the period of four decades to develop quality protein maize (QPM). QPM is described as nutritionally superior maize with high lysine and tryptophan contents and desired kernel characteristics as compared to its normal maize counterparts. Biological value of QPM was almost equivalent to egg protein. Breeding of maize for quality protein is based on three genetic systems like opaque‐2 genetic system, endosperm modifier genetic system and associated gene systems. Keeping in view the importance of QPM, current review article is compiled to discuss the genetic basis, genetic systems and breeding strategies. Timeline for various events is also drafted like discovery of various mutants, several conventional and modern approaches for development and deployment of QPM varieties across the world. Despite its nutritional benefits, the rate of adoption of QPM is generally at low pace in the developing world and this review article discuss the challenges and potential opportunities for QPM adoption.