bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oncological benefit of re‐resection for T1 bladder cancer: a comparative effectiveness study
Authors: Wettstein Marian S. , Baxter Nancy N. , Sutradhar Rinku , Mamdani Muhammad , Song Pham , Qadri Syed R. , Li Kathy , Liu Ning , van der Kwast Theodorus , Hermanns Thomas , Kulkarni Girish S. 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesTo quantify the real‐world survival benefit of re‐resection vs no re‐resection in patients diagnosed with T1 bladder cancer (BC) at the population level.Patients and MethodsRetrospective population‐wide observational cohort study based on pathology reports linked to health administrative data. We identified patients who were diagnosed with T1 BC in the province of Ontario (01/2001–12/2015) and used billing claims to ascertain whether they received re‐resection within 2–10 weeks. The time‐dependent effect of re‐resection on survival outcomes was modelled by Cox proportional hazards regression (unadjusted and adjusted for numerous assumed patient‐ and surgeon‐level confounding variables). Effect measures were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsWe identified 7666 patients of which 2162 (28.7%) underwent re‐resection after a median (interquartile range) time of 45 (35–56) days. Patients who received re‐resection were less likely to die from any causes (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.63–0.74, P < 0.001) and from BC (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57–0.76, P < 0.001) during any time of follow‐up. After adjusting for all assumed confounding variables, re‐resection was still significantly associated with a lower overall mortality (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81–0.95, P < 0.001), while the association with cancer‐specific survival marginally lost its statistical significance (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.75–1.02, P = 0.08).ConclusionsA second transurethral resection within 2–6 weeks after the initial resection (i.e. re‐resection) is recommended for patients diagnosed with primary T1 BC as prior studies suggest therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic benefits. However, results on survival endpoints are sparse, conflicting, and often affected by various biases. To the best of our knowledge, the present population‐wide study represents the largest cohort of patients diagnosed with T1 BC and provides real‐world evidence supporting the utilisation of re‐resection in this group of patients.
Chronic sleep deprivation altered the expression of circadian clock genes and aggravated Alzheimer's disease neuropathology
Authors: Niu Long , Zhang Feng , Xu Xiaojiao , Yang Yuting , Li Song , Liu Hui , Le Weidong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCircadian disruption is prevalent in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may contribute to cognitive impairment, psychological symptoms, and neurodegeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental and genetic factors on the molecular clock and to establish a link between circadian rhythm disturbance and AD. We investigated the pathological effects of chronic sleep deprivation (CSD) in the APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice and their wild‐type (WT) littermates for 2 months and evaluated the expression levels of clock genes in the circadian rhythm‐related nuclei. Our results showed that CSD impaired learning and memory, and further exaggerated disease progression in the AD mice. Furthermore, CSD caused abnormal expression of Bmal1, Clock, and Cry1 in the circadian rhythm‐related nuclei of experimental mice, and these changes are more significant in AD mice. Abnormal expression of clock genes in AD mice suggested that the expression of clock genes is affected by APP/PS1 mutations. In addition, abnormal tau phosphorylation was found in the retrosplenial cortex, which was co‐located with the alteration of BMAL1 protein level. Moreover, the level of tyrosine hydroxylase in the locus coeruleus of AD and WT mice was significantly increased after CSD. There may be a potential link between the molecular clock, Aβ pathology, tauopathy, and the noradrenergic system. The results of this study provided new insights into the potential link between the disruption of circadian rhythm and the development of AD.
Patterns and determinants of dispersal in grey wolves (Canis lupus)
Authors: Morales‐González Ana , Fernández‐Gil Alberto , Quevedo Mario , Revilla Eloy 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTDispersal is a key demographic process involving three stages: emigration, transience and settlement; each of which is influenced by individual, social and environmental determinants. An integrated understanding of species dispersal is essential for demographic modelling and conservation planning. Here, we review the dispersal patterns and determinants documented in the scientific literature for the grey wolf (Canis lupus) across its distribution range. We showed a surprisingly high variability within and among study areas on all dispersal parameters – dispersal rate, direction, distance, duration and success. We found that such large variability is due to multiple individual, social and environmental determinants, but also due to previously overlooked methodological research issues. We revealed a potential non‐linear relationship between dispersal rate and population density, with dispersal rate higher at both ends of the gradient of population density. We found that human‐caused mortality reduces distance, duration and success of dispersal events. Furthermore, dispersers avoid interaction with humans, and highly exposed areas like agricultural lands hamper population connectivity in many cases. We identified numerous methodological research problems that make it difficult to obtain robust estimates of dispersal parameters and robust inferences on dispersal patterns and their determinants. In particular, analyses where confounding factors were not accounted for led to substantial knowledge gaps on all aspects of dispersal in an otherwise much‐studied species. Our understanding of wolf biology and management would significantly benefit if wolf dispersal studies reported the results and possible factors affecting wolf dispersal more transparently.
Long‐term outcome of a cohort of 272 patients undergoing sialendoscopy
Authors: Vanden Daele Arike , Drubbel Joekio , Van Lierde Charlotte , Meulemans Jeroen , Delaere Pierre , Vander Poorten Vincent 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the cohort of patients undergoing sialendoscopic intervention for improvement of symptoms and gland‐related quality of life at long‐term follow‐up.DesignThis is a retrospective review of medical records with a prospective follow‐up by questionnaire.Setting & ParticipantsAll patients undergoing sialendoscopy at the University Hospitals Leuven Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery between March 2008 and June 2020.Main outcome measuresThe electronic files of the patients were searched for information about their sialendoscopic procedure and follow‐up consultations. We also send the patients a questionnaire by mail to assess symptom control and gland‐related quality of life at long‐term follow‐up.ResultsTwo hundred seventy‐two sialendoscopies were performed in 221 patients. Median follow‐up time was 37 months. The sialendoscopies were performed in 130 patients for lithiasis, in 66 for stenosis, in 14 for recurrent parotitis of childhood, in 8 for recurrent sialadenitis of unknown origin and in 3 for radioiodine‐induced sialadenitis. Complications occurred in 11 of 272 sialendoscopies (4%). Those were iatrogenic perforations, temporary lingual nerve paresthesia and swelling of the floor of the mouth. 53% of patients returned the questionnaire, for a total of 146 evaluable sialendoscopies. The majority of the responders indicated that sialendoscopy had improved their symptoms (83.6%). Salivary glands could be preserved in 89% of the responder group. The highest percentage of patients reporting residual symptoms was found in the RPC group (81.3%) and the lowest in the lithiasis group (16.2%). Besides age, no statistical differences in demographic and pathological features between the responder and non‐responder groups were found, supporting generalisation of the responders’ results to the entire cohort.ConclusionsThis study confirms the good long‐term outcomes of sialendoscopic interventions in patients with chronic sialadenitis of different aetiologies and a high rate of gland preservation.
The role of gun supply in 1980s and 1990s youth violence
Authors: Bartley Wm. Alan , Williams Geoffrey Fain 
Published: October 2021

AbstractYouth violence surged between 1985 and 1994. We argue that a positive supply shock in autoloading handguns played an important role. By the late 1970s, computer numeric control technology had fallen in cost and the number of installed machines increased by 690% from 1978 to 1988. Consumer durable prices fell throughout this period, including the easily machined autoloading handguns. We document a steep fall in handgun prices, leading to predictable changes in purchasing among all American demographics. Local proxies of gun access predict changes in violence over this period as well or better than measures of crack market activity.
The cost of conformity to good governance: Board design and compensation
Authors: Ponomareva Yuliya , Federo Ryan , Aguilera Ruth V. , Collin Sven‐Olof 
Published: October 2021

AbstractResearch question/issueAlbeit the fact that the “one‐size‐fits‐all” corporate governance model has been mostly discarded, the debate on what constitutes a well‐governed firm has converged toward a set of practices that comprise what we refer to as the global good governance norm. Whereas extant research has focused mainly on the benefits of good governance, we build on neo‐institutional theory to explore how firm conformity or nonconformity to this global norm is associated with the cost of board governance, captured as board compensation.Research findings/insightsUsing a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of firms listed in the Stockholm Stock Exchange, we find that the configurations of board practices conforming to the global good governance norm are associated with higher board compensation than those that score low on conformity. Based on our findings, we deduce four archetypical board design strategies jointly shaped by two central forces: the pressure toward conformity to the good governance norm and the extent of governance discretion, denoting firm agentic behavior.Theoretical/academic implicationsFirst, our study highlights that conformity to the global good governance norm is accompanied with higher costs than nonconformity. Second, while most of the extant research discusses conformity and agentic behavior as two opposing forces, we uncover that they simultaneously co‐exist in board governance, stressing their interconnectedness.Practitioner/policy implicationsConformity to the global good governance norm influences the strategic choices of board designs and the costs associated with such choices.
MNSFβ regulates placental development by conjugating IGF2BP2 to enhance trophoblast cell invasiveness
Authors: Yang Qian , Ma Yeling , Liu Yanlei , Shao Xuan , Jia Wentong , Yu Xin , Li Yu‐xia , Yang Long , Gu Wenwen , Wang Haibin , Wang Jian , Wang Yan‐Ling 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesSuccess in pregnancy in mammals predominantly depends on a well‐developed placenta. The differentiation of invasive trophoblasts is a fundamental process of placentation, the abnormalities of which are tightly associated with pregnancy disorders including preeclampsia (PE). Monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor beta (MNSFβ) is an immunosuppressive factor. Its conventional knockout in mice induced embryonic lethality, whereas the underlying mechanism of MNSFβ in regulating placentation and pregnancy maintenance remains to be elucidated.MethodsTrophoblast‐specific knockout of MNSFβ was generated using Cyp19‐Cre mice. In situ hybridization (ISH), haematoxylin and eosin (HE), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) were performed to examine the distribution of MNSFβ and insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) at the foeto‐maternal interface. The interaction and expression of MNSFβ, IGF2BP2 and invasion‐related molecules were detected by immunoprecipitation (IP), immunoblotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The cell invasion ability was measured by the Transwell insert assay.ResultsWe found that deficiency of MNSFβ in trophoblasts led to embryonic growth retardation by mid‐gestation and subsequent foetal loss, primarily shown as apparently limited trophoblast invasion. In vitro experiments in human trophoblasts demonstrated that the conjugation of MNSFβ with IGF2BP2 and thus the stabilization of IGF2BP2 essentially mediated the invasion‐promoting effect of MNSFβ. In the placentas from MNSFβ‐deficient mice and severe preeclamptic (PE) patients, downregulation of MNSFβ was evidently associated with the repressed IGF2BP2 expression.ConclusionsThe findings reveal the crucial role of MNSFβ in governing the trophoblast invasion and therefore foetal development, and add novel hints to reveal the placental pathology of PE.
SARS‐CoV‐2 and lung injury: Dysregulation of immune response but not hyperimmune response as in “cytokine storm syndrome”
Authors: Öcal Serpil 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 infection can present either an asymptomatic or symptomatic; the spectrum of symptomatic infection ranges from mild to critical. A majority of patients have experienced mild symptoms with a good prognosis. But approximately 14% of them have severe infection presenting with hypoxemia and extensive lung involvement. The current mini‐review describes the dysregulation of immune response for SARS‐CoV‐2 viral pneumonia and virus‐induced lung injury. Also, many confounding factors can increase lung injury, in addition to virus‐induced lung injury. Especially in critically ill patients, confounding factors can cause the inflammatory cascade, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mortality.
Challenges encountered when doing research back home: Perspectives from African conservation scientists in the diaspora
Authors: Mwampamba Tuyeni H. , Egoh Benis N. , Borokini Israel , Njabo Kevin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAfrican conservation scientists in the diaspora are still a largely untapped resource for conservation efforts in Africa. Institutions that harbor diaspora scientists from Africa should view their presence, motivation, and skills as an excellent opportunity to build strong bridges with the continent and undercut parachute science. Yet, parachute science is still the prominent way of doing conservation science in Africa and it can be difficult to escape, even for Africans working abroad and conducting research in their home countries. Espousing an alternative model to parachute science is possible, but it requires conscious effort and systemic changes at all scales (individual, departmental, universities). In this perspective, we describe six situations that help illuminate the layers of factors that diaspora African researchers must navigate while building cross‐continental collaborations in the absence of adequate institutional support. They include the questioning of our “local‐ness,” accusations of nepotism, over‐explaining our intentions and dealing with the demand for “ground‐breaking and globally relevant research.” We propose actions and best practices for harnessing the potential of diaspora faculty to build meaningful, equitable and long‐term research collaborations with partners in Africa.
Risk of post‐transplant cardiovascular events in kidney transplant recipients with preexisting aortoiliac stenosis
Authors: Babakry Shabnam , Rijkse Elsaline , Roodnat Joke I. , Bijdevaate Diederik C. , IJzermans Jan N.M. , Minnee Robert C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPrediction of the risk of cardiovascular events (CVE's) is important to optimize outcomes after kidney transplantation. Aortoiliac stenosis is frequently observed during pre‐transplant screening. We hypothesized that these patients are at higher risk of post‐transplant CVE's due to the joint underlying atherosclerotic disease. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether aortoiliac stenosis was associated with post‐transplant CVE's. This retrospective, single‐center cohort study included adult kidney transplant recipients, transplanted between 2000 and 2016, with contrast‐enhanced imaging available. Aortoiliac stenosis was classified according to the Trans‐Atlantic Inter‐Society Consensus (TASC) II classification and was defined as significant in case of ≥50% lumen narrowing. The primary outcome was CVE‐free survival. Eighty‐nine of 367 patients had significant aortoiliac stenosis and were found to have worse CVE‐free survival (median CVE‐free survival: stenosis 4.5 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8–6.2), controls 8.9 years (95% CI 6.8–11.0); log‐rank test P < .001). TASC II C and D lesions were independent risk factors for a post‐transplant CVE with a hazard ratio of 2.15 (95% CI 1.05–4.38) and 6.56 (95% CI 2.74–15.70), respectively. Thus, kidney transplant recipients with TASC II C and D aortoiliac stenosis require extensive cardiovascular risk management pre‐, peri,‐ and post‐transplantation.
Pregnancy related changes in Doppler gradients and left ventricular mechanics in women with sub‐valvular or valvular aortic stenosis
Authors: Chang Soohyun A. , Khakh Parm , Janzen Mikyla , Kiess Marla , Rychel Valerie , Grewal Jasmine 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of our study was to characterize echocardiographic changes during pregnancy in women with known LVOT obstruction or AS compared to the healthy pregnancy controls, and to assess the relationship with pregnancy outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 34 pregnant patients with congenital LVOT obstruction or AS with healthy age‐matched pregnant controls. Patients with other significant valvular lesions, structural heart disease (LVEF < 40%), or prior valve surgery were excluded. All LVOTO/AS patients underwent a minimum of two consecutive echocardiograms between 1 year pre‐conception and 1 year postpartum, with at least two studies during the pregnancy. Comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation was performed including speckle‐tracking LV global longitudinal strain.ResultsA total of 83 echocardiograms from the study group and 34 echocardiograms from the control group were evaluated. Over the range of LVOTO/AS, a significantly greater increase in the AV gradients and LV and LA volumes were observed as compared with the controls. In the sub‐group of LVOTO/AS pregnant women with ≥ moderate (n = 8) versus < moderate LVOTO/AS (n = 26), averaged 2nd/3rd trimester LVEF was lower (51 ± 12)% versus (58 ± 4)%, (p = 0.02) and GLS was lower (−19.5 ± 2.8) versus (21.2 ± 2.4), (p = 0.06). Pregnancy was well tolerated despite these changes.ConclusionAmong pregnant women with even milder forms of LVOTO/AS, increases in cardiac volumes and AV gradients can be expected over the course of pregnancy. Significant decreases in LV function and mechanics were only observed in women with moderate or greater LVOTO/AS, although still remained in normal range.
Education and digital inequalities during COVID‐19 confinement: From the perspective of teachers in the French speaking Community of Belgium
Authors: Duroisin Natacha , Beauset Romain , Tanghe Chloé 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTo curb the spread of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the federal government and the federated entities of Belgium suspended all face‐to‐face learning starting 14 March, 2020. A continuity of learning was to be ensured by teachers through distance‐learning. However, teaching during the confinement period was complicated for teachers: the respect for policies and rules differs from one teacher to another and there has been a lack of follow‐up on online learning for some learners. The purpose of this article is to contribute to initial responses to the vast question of educational inequalities created and exacerbated during the crisis. More particularly, this article provides a situational analysis of some potential causes for inequalities in primary and secondary schools and identifies differences between the two education levels. Our analysis draws on responses from almost 500 teachers participating in a large‐scale survey in the French speaking Community of Belgium. The analysis focuses on teaching practices and observations made by teachers during the confinement period. Various factors contributing to inequalities are identified as well as differences between the two levels of education. Relevant factors include the technological equipment available to students, and the use of pedagogical practices such asdifferentiationandRemediation‐Consolidation‐Surpassing(RCS). After confinement, at the beginning of the 2020–2021 school year, teachers have faced more diverse classes, with learners who have experienced very different confinement situations. In light of our analysis of survey responses, we highlight the role of the technological equipment used by the teacher as a factor that increases inequalities.
Families between care, education and work: The effects of the pandemic on educational inequalities in Italy and Milan
Authors: Cordini Marta , De Angelis Gianluca 
Published: October 2021

AbstractItaly was the first Western country affected by the pandemic. The school closures that followed lasted for a full school semester, including final exams. Italy is already known as a country with a high degree of educational inequality, where reproduction of social disadvantages by social origins is prominent. In such a situation, we hypothesise that a prolonged lockdown and the consequent reliance on remote education have played an important role in exacerbating existing inequalities. Families were forced to take on the full responsibility of educating their children, which has reinforced the role of household resources. The analysis presented in this article draws on results from an online survey of the effects of school closures on educational practices, the analysis focused on responses from parents of primary school students. The survey was carried out in Milan in June 2020 and was disseminated through institutional and informal channels after two months of school closure in Italy. Results were re‐balanced to represent different social classes. The survey explored the relationships between economic and social inequalities on the one hand, and school activity experienced at home during the lockdown on the other. It also explored the involvement of pupils and their parents in school activities. We aimed to capture what educational and organisational resources families were able to mobilise in this situation, and to what extent these are unequally distributed. Our results contribute to an understanding of the impact of family resources on educational chances, identifying resources and how they are distributed through the population. Our findings confirm that the pandemic has exacerbated already existing inequalities.
The impact of individual variation on abrupt collapses in mutualistic networks
Authors: Baruah Gaurav 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIndividual variation is central to species involved in complex interactions with others in an ecological system. Such ecological systems could exhibit tipping points in response to changes in the environment, consequently leading to abrupt transitions to alternative, often less desirable states. However, little is known about how individual trait variation could influence the timing and occurrence of abrupt transitions. Using 101 empirical mutualistic networks, I model the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of such networks in response to gradual changes in strength of co‐evolutionary interactions. Results indicated that individual variation facilitates the timing of transition in such networks, albeit slightly. In addition, individual variation significantly increases the occurrence of large abrupt transitions. Furthermore, topological network features also positively influence the occurrence of such abrupt transitions. These findings argue for understanding tipping points using an eco‐evolutionary perspective to better forecast abrupt transitions in ecological systems.