bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coordinated IgG2 and IgE responses as a marker of allergen immunotherapy efficacy
Authors: Bordas‐Le Floch Véronique , Berjont Nathalie , Batard Thierry , Varese Nirupama , O’Hehir Robyn E. , Canonica Walter G , van Zelm Menno C. , Mascarell Laurent 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundIgG2 responses are associated with repeated antigen exposure and display highly mutated variable domains. A recent study highlighted a role of IgG2+ memory B cells and allergen‐specific IgG2 levels after a 3rd consecutive pre‐seasonal sublingual allergen immunotherapy (AIT) with grass pollen tablet. Herein, we aim to explore changes in allergen‐specific IgG2 in individuals undergoing house dust mite immunotherapy (HDM‐AIT) and explore whether the interrelationship with other humoral responses (i.e., IgG4 and IgE) may discriminate between high and low responders.MethodsLevels of serum Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae‐specific IgG2, IgG4, and IgE antibodies were measured by ELISA or ImmunoCap in a sub‐group of individuals enrolled in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, sublingual AIT study evaluating the safety and efficacy of a 300 IR HDM tablet.ResultsAfter 1‐year sublingual AIT, HDM‐specific serum IgG2 responses increase mostly in high versus low responders and are distinctive according to the clinical benefit. Higher correlation between HDM‐specific IgG2, IgE, and/or IgG4 responses is seen in subjects benefiting the most from HDM‐AIT as indicated by changes in Average Total Combined Scores. More strikingly, statistically significant correlation between HDM‐specific IgG2 and IgE responses is only observed in individuals stratified as high responders.ConclusionsWe provide evidence for coordinated serum immune responses upon AIT in HDM‐allergic subjects exhibiting high clinical benefit when compared with low responders. Assessing HDM‐specific IgE, IgG2, and IgG4 in serum could be used as follow‐up combined markers to support decision as to AIT continuation and/or adaptation.
Association between obstructive sleep apnea and male serum testosterone: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Su Liang , Meng Yu‐Hang , Zhang Si‐Zheng , Cao Yan , Zhu Jian , Qu Hua , Jiao Yong‐Zheng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, there is no consensus on the effect of obstructive sleep apnea on male serum testosterone levels. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine the association between obstructive sleep apnea and male serum testosterone level.MethodsThe literature related to obstructive sleep apnea and male serum testosterone in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from their inception to June 10, 2021. Data were pooled using the Stata 15 software. We performed a subgroup analysis of studies after matching the age and body mass index, as well as according to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.ResultsEighteen studies involving 1823 men were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. A significant inverse association between obstructive sleep apnea and male serum testosterone (SMD = −0.76; 95% CI: −1.18, −0.33; p = 0.001) was found. After adjusting for age and body mass index, this inverse association still existed (SMD = −0.8; 95% CI = −1.41, −0.18, p = 0.012). According to the subgroup analysis of obstructive sleep apnea severity, our results showed that serum testosterone was not significantly decreased in mild (SMD = −0.58; 95% CI = −1.88, 0.73, p = 0.386) and moderate obstructive sleep apnea patients (SMD = −0.94; 95% CI = −2.04, 0.15, p = 0.092), whereas it was significantly reduced in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (SMD = −1.21; 95% CI = −2.02, −0.41, p = 0.003).ConclusionsObstructive sleep apnea is inversely associated with male serum testosterone levels, independent of body mass index and age. Notably, the severity of obstructive sleep apnea is also correlated with male serum testosterone, which is significantly reduced in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Busulfan impairs blood–testis barrier and spermatogenesis by increasing noncollagenous 1 domain peptide via matrix metalloproteinase 9
Authors: Jiang Shuyi , Xu Ying , Fan Yunxia , Hu Ying , Zhang Qiang , Su Wenhui 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundsSterility induced by anti‐cancer treatments has caused significant concern, yet the mechanism and treatment exploration are little for male infertility after cancer therapy. Busulfan, the antineoplastic that was widely applied before bone marrow transplantation, was known to induce male reproductive disorder.ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of busulfan on blood–testis barrier function in adult rats and determine whether noncollagenous 1 domain peptide, the biologically active fragment proteolyzed from the collagen α3 chain (IV) by matrix metalloproteinase 9, was involved during this process.Materials and methodsAdult male rats were treated with one‐dose or double‐dose of busulfan (10 mg/kg) before euthanized at day 35. Blood–testis barrier integrity assay, HE staining, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used to validate the effect of busulfan on blood–testis barrier permeability and spermatogenesis. JNJ0966 was applied to specifically inhibit the matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity. The polymerization activity of F‐actin/G‐actin and microtubule/tubulin in the testis were assessed by using commercial kits.ResultsA noteworthy blood–testis barrier injury and significant up‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity and noncollagenous 1 level after a single‐dose busulfan (10 mg/kg) treatment in adult rat testis were revealed. The application of JNJ0966 was found to decrease noncollagenous 1 level and rescue the busulfan‐induced blood–testis barrier injury including the mis‐localization of junction proteins across the seminiferous epithelium, by recovering the organization and polymerization of both F‐actin and microtubule. The busulfan‐induced spermatogenesis impairment was also improved by JNJ0966.ConclusionThese findings thus demonstrate that the elevation in matrix metalloproteinase 9 and noncollagenous 1 might participate in busulfan‐induced blood–testis barrier disruption in adult male rats. As such, busulfan‐induced male infertility could possibly be managed through interventions on noncollagenous 1 production.
Very preterm infants admitted to a tertiary neonatal unit in central Vietnam showed poor postnatal growth
Authors: Tran Hoang Thi , Le Thao Dieu , Skinner Alyson , Narchi Hassib 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimWe aimed to evaluate the postnatal growth of very preterm infants.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional observational study of neonates born before 32 weeks of gestation and admitted to the neonatal unit at Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children, Vietnam, between 1 February 2020 and 30 September 2020. Morbidities, therapies, nutrition modalities and growth status were recorded from admission to discharge.ResultsThe 78 infants (51% female) were born at a median of 29 weeks and mean birth weight of 1247 grams. The mean weight gain velocity from regaining their birth weight until discharge was 12.7 ± 4.9 g/kg/d. At discharge, the Z‐scores for weight, length, both weight and length and weight for length were lower than at birth in 94%, 67%, 64% and 95% of infants and the Delta Z‐scores were less than −1 in 73%, 44%, 39% and 82%. Late‐onset sepsis (LOS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were significantly associated with growth failure, with adjusted odds ratios of 3.6 and 20.1, respectively.ConclusionThe high rate of poor growth among the very preterm infants in our study indicates the need to reduce LOS and BPD and ensure the availability of human milk fortifier, vitamin and mineral supplements.
Grassland reclamation of a copper mine tailings facility: Long‐term effects of biosolids on plant community responses
Authors: Gagnon Alyson , Ploughe Laura W , Harris Michelle P , Gardner Wendy C , Pypker Thomas , Fraser Lauchlan H 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimWe explore long‐term plant community responses 17 years after a one‐time application of biosolids (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 dry Mg/ha) to determine: (a) whether the land application of biosolids on mine tailings, seeded with an agronomic grass‐legume mixture, affects long‐term plant community responses; (b) how application rates and soil texture influenced plant community responses and community structure; and (c) whether native plant species have colonized and contributed to the reclaimed plant community.LocationTwo tailings deposits (sand and silt loam) generated by a copper–molybdenum (Cu–Mo) mine in southern British Columbia, Canada.MethodsPlant communities were sampled by visual evaluation of cover percentage to the lowest taxonomic level possible. Vegetation surveys were completed on two mine tailings deposits within the storage facility that have different soil textures (sand and silt loam).ResultsResults showed that the interaction of biosolids applications and soil texture impacted multiple community plant responses, including increasing plant cover at both sites, and increasing richness, evenness and diversity at the sandy site. Biosolids application enhanced the performance of spontaneously established species (volunteer species) and non‐native/naturalized grasses.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that biosolids application facilitates ecological succession by enhancing the establishment of non‐native volunteer species over the long term, which increases vegetative cover on both deposits and promotes plant communities’ diversity on sites with sandy soil texture.
A matching procedure for sequential experiments that iteratively learns which covariates improve power
Authors: Kapelner Adam , Krieger Abba 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe propose a dynamic allocation procedure that increases power and efficiency when measuring an average treatment effect in sequential randomized trials exploiting some subjects' previous assessed responses. Subjects arrive sequentially and are either randomized or paired to a previously randomized subject and administered the alternate treatment. The pairing is made via a dynamic matching criterion that iteratively learns which specific covariates are important to the response. We develop estimators for the average treatment effect as well as an exact test. We illustrate our method's increase in efficiency and power over other allocation procedures in both simulated scenarios and a clinical trial dataset. An R package “SeqExpMatch” for use by practitioners is available on CRAN.
Health care provider support and factors associated with breastfeeding beyond infancy: A cross‐national study
Authors: Keim Sarah A. , Tchaconas Alexis , Ford Jane B. , Nickel Nathan C. , Heffern Debbi , Adesman Andrew 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundBreastfeeding beyond infancy (12 months) remains atypical in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and the role of health care providers is unclear. The objective of this study was to compare women's perceptions of provider support and other factors affecting breastfeeding beyond infancy across countries, among women who had each successfully breastfed at least one child that long.MethodsWomen completed an online questionnaire distributed via La Leche League, USA (2013), about sources and ratings of support for breastfeeding for their oldest child who was breastfed at least 12 months and participant demographics. Multivariable log‐binomial regression was used to compare ratings of health care provider support and the importance of 13 factors by country.ResultsSome similarities and many differences were observed across countries in support received from providers, whereas modest or no differences were observed in the importance women placed on factors like health benefits and enjoyment of breastfeeding. Of 59 581 women, less than half discussed their decision to breastfeed beyond infancy with their child's provider. United Kingdom women rated their comfort in discussing breastfeeding beyond 12 months with their providers and the support received as lower than United States women. Canadian women gave lower ratings than United States women, but inconsistently. Australian women rarely differed from United States women in their responses. Providers’ recommendations were not important to the decision to breastfeed beyond infancy, especially for United Kingdom women.DiscussionRates of breastfeeding beyond infancy are low in these countries; improving provider support may help achieve global breastfeeding goals.
Intravitreous treatment of severe ocular von Hippel–Lindau disease using a combination of the VEGF inhibitor, ranibizumab and PDGF inhibitor, E10030: Results from a phase 1/2 clinical trial
Authors: Hwang Christopher K. , Chew Emily Y. , Cukras Catherine A. , Keenan Tiarnan D. L. , Wong Wai T. , Linehan W. Marston , Chittiboina Prashant , Pacak Karel , Wiley Henry E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundTreatment options for severe ocular von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease are limited. This trial evaluated preliminary safety and potential efficacy of combination intravitreous injection with ranibizumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, and E10030, a PDGF inhibitor, for eyes with VHL disease‐associated retinal hemangioblastoma (RH) not amenable or responsive to thermal laser photocoagulation.MethodsThis was a prospective, single‐arm, open‐label phase 1/2 study, comprised of three adults with VHL‐associated RH and vision loss. Intravitreous injections of ranibizumab (0.5 mg) and E10030 (1.5 mg) were given unilaterally every 4 weeks in the study eye through 16 weeks, then every 8 weeks through 48 weeks. Supplementary standard care therapies were allowed without restriction after 40 weeks. The primary outcome was the ocular and systemic adverse effect profile at 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), RH size, exudation, epiretinal proliferation and retinal traction, and need for ablative treatment of RH or ocular surgery at week 52.ResultsThree participants each received nine injections prior to week 52 and were followed for 104 weeks. One participant manifested mild episodic ocular hypertension in the study eye. Change in BCVA in the study eye at week 52 for the three participants was −5, −12 and +2 letters. No reduction in RH size was measured at 52 weeks. Variable mild improvements in exudation in two participants at week 16 were not sustained through week 52.ConclusionsCombination intravitreous injection with ranibizumab and E10030 demonstrated a reasonable preliminary safety profile, but limited treatment effect.
Trends in risk factors of anastomotic leakage after colorectal cancer surgery (2011–2019): A Dutch population‐based study
Authors: Arron Melissa N. N. , Greijdanus Nynke G. , ten Broek Richard P. G. , Dekker Jan Willem T. , van Workum Frans , van Goor Harry , Tanis Pieter J. , de Wilt Johannes H. W. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimAnastomotic leakage (AL) after colon cancer (CC) and rectal cancer (RC) surgery often requires reintervention. Prevalence and morbidity may change over time with evolutions in treatment strategies and changes in patient characteristics. This nationwide study aimed to evaluate changes in the incidence, risk factors and mortality from AL during the past nine years.MethodsData of CC and RC resections with primary anastomosis were extracted from the Dutch Colorectal Audit (2011–2019). AL was registered if requiring reintervention. Three consecutive cohorts were compared using logistic regression analysis.ResultsIncidence of AL after CC surgery decreased from 6.6% in 2011–2013 to 4.8% in 2017–2019 and increased from 8.6% to 11.9% after RC surgery. In 2011–2013, male sex, ASA ≥3, (y)pT3‐4, neoadjuvant therapy, emergency surgery and multivisceral resection were identified as risk factors for AL after CC surgery. In 2017–2019, only male sex and ASA ≥3 were risk factors for AL. For RC patients, male sex and neoadjuvant therapy were a risk factor for AL in 2011–2013. In 2017–2019, transanal approach was also a risk factor for AL. Postoperative mortality rate after AL was 12% (CC) and 2% (RC) in 2017–2019, without significant changes over time.ConclusionContradictory trends in incidence and mortality for AL were observed among CC and RC surgery with changing risk factors over the past 9 years. High mortality after AL is only observed after CC surgery and remains unchanged. Continued efforts should be made to improve early detection and treatment of AL for these patients.
Acute kidney injury is a common and significant complication following ileostomy formation
Authors: Loria Anthony , Melucci Alexa , Speranza Jenny , Cellini Christina , Salloum Rabih , Temple Larissa K. , Fleming Fergal J. , Justiniano Carla F. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimThe aim was to characterize the incidence and short‐term prognostic value of an acute kidney injury (AKI) during the admission where an ileostomy is formed.MethodsAdults with a baseline serum creatinine measurement discharged alive after ileostomy formation from 2014 to 2016 were included. All patients had daily basic metabolic panels and the Kidney Diseases Improving Global Outcomes criteria were used to determine the presence and severity of any AKI. Dehydration was defined by a single urine abnormality or clinical criteria combined with an objective abnormality in vitals or basic metabolic panels.ResultsOf 262 patients, 19.4% sustained an AKI (74.5% Stage I, 15.7% Stage II, 9.8% Stage III) during the index admission. Predictors of incident AKI were increasing age, male sex, higher baseline creatinine and open surgery. Patients with AKI had significantly longer length of stay and 45% had creatinine <1.0 mg/dl at discharge. Of the total cohort, 11% were readmitted with dehydration and the independent predictors were AKI during the index admission, high ileostomy output, age >65 years, male sex and prior ileostomy. Of those readmitted with dehydration, 79% had AKI at readmission.ConclusionsNearly 20% of patients with ileostomies develop an AKI during the index admission with almost half resolving by discharge. Patients with AKIs are at high risk for 30‐day dehydration‐related readmission and AKI is present in nearly 80% of those readmitted with dehydration. Since AKI is objective, based on routine laboratory measures, and has known prognostic value it is probably a more robust outcome than dehydration for researchers, surgeons and patients.
Do terrorist attacks matter to dividend policy?
Authors: Do Trung K. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractResearch Question/IssueMotivated by the importance of dividend policy in corporate finance as well as the rising frequency and severity of terrorism in society, this study aims to investigate whether and how dividend policy is influenced by terrorist attacks.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a comprehensive sample of terrorist attacks occurring in the United States between 1994 and 2015, we find that relative to firms located in safety areas (nonimpact firms), firms headquartered in terrorism‐affected areas (impact firms) are more likely to pay dividends and pay higher amount of cash dividends. We further find that the effect of terrorist attacks on dividends is driven by agency costs of free cash flow.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe contribute to the literature by shedding light on how terrorism affects firms' dividend preferences. We highlight that uncertainty caused by terrorism heightens the need for dividend payouts in the presence of free cash flow. Our paper also adds to the existing literature by showing that better corporate governance quality as defined by a more independent board featuring CEO–chairman separation and greater presence of independent directors coupled with larger institutional ownership has a crucial role in mitigating the impact of terrorism on corporate payout policy.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsPublic firms should regard dividend policy as a governance tool that reduces agency costs during times of uncertainty. The results of this study strengthen the idea that institutional investors can play a key role in corporate governance. As such, for investors, as far as agency costs are concerned, investments in firms that have a higher proportion of institutional holdings are sensible.
Early versus delayed feeding after therapeutic endoscopic procedures: Meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kan Sheau Wen , Huang Ting‐Yun , Ma Hon‐Ping , Tay Ming Zhe , Tam Ka‐Wai , Tsai Tung‐Yao 
Published: September 2021

IntroductionEarly feeding was previously considered to increase the risk of postprocedural bleeding. However, many trials have demonstrated the benefits of early feeding after therapeutic endoscopic procedures. We conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the safety and outcomes between early feeding and delayed feeding after therapeutic endoscopic procedures.MethodsMedline (PubMed), Embase, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched to identify randomized controlled trials that met our inclusion criteria. The pooled data for the mortality rate, postprocedural bleeding rate, and length of hospital stay were analyzed.ResultsA total of seven trials consisting of 717 patients were reviewed. These seven trials examined various therapeutic endoscopic procedures. Three trials included patients undergoing endoscopic hemostasis for upper gastrointestinal bleeding, two included patients undergoing esophageal variceal ligation, and two included patients with gastric neoplasm treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection. Although no significant differences were observed in the postprocedural bleeding rate or the mortality rate between patients who received early feeding and those who received delayed feeding, early feeding resulted in shorter hospital stays (weighted mean difference −1.04, 95% confidence interval −1.45 to 0.63).ConclusionEarly feeding appears to be a safe management method for patients undergoing therapeutic endoscopic procedures. Therefore, we recommend early feeding for these patients.
Neurological impairment and disability in children in rural Kenya
Authors: Abuga Jonathan A , Kariuki Symon M , Abubakar Amina , Nyundo Christopher , Kinyanjui Samson M , Van Hensbroek Michael Boele , Newton Charles RJC 
Published: September 2021

AimTo investigate geographical change over time in the burden of neurological impairments in school‐aged children in a demographic surveillance area.MethodWe investigated changes in neurological impairment prevalence in five domains (epilepsy and cognitive, hearing, vision, and motor impairments) using similar two‐phase surveys conducted in 2001 (n=10 218) and 2015 (n=11 223) and determined changes in location‐level prevalence, geographical clustering, and significant risk factors for children aged 6 to 9 years (mean 7y 6mo, SD 1y) of whom 50.4% were males. Admission trends for preterm birth, low birthweight (LBW), and encephalopathy were determined using admission data to a local hospital.ResultsOverall prevalence for any neurological impairment decreased from 61 per 1000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 48.0–74.0) in 2001 to 44.7 per 1000 (95% CI 40.9–48.6) in 2015 (p<0.001). There was little evidence of geographical variation in the prevalence of neurological impairments in either survey. The association between neurological impairments and some risk factors changed significantly with year of survey; for example, the increased association of adverse perinatal events with hearing impairments (exponentiated coefficient for the interaction=5.94, p=0.03). Annual admission rates with preterm birth (rate ratio 1.08, range 1.07–1.09), LBW (rate ratio 1.08, range 1.06–1.10), and encephalopathy (rate ratio 1.08, range 1.06–1.09) significantly increased between 2005 and 2016 (p<0.001).InterpretationThere was a significant decline in the prevalence of neurological impairments and differential changes in the associations of some risk factors with neurological impairments over the study period. Limited geographical variation suggests that similar interventions are appropriate across the defined area.