bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine against glyphosate induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in testicular germ cells preventing infertility
Authors: Bhardwaj Jitender K. , Kumar Vijay , Saraf Priyanka , Panchal Harish , Rathee Vishavjeet , Sachdeva Som N. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe present era's demand for continuous pesticides' use to increase the agriculture outcome, has caused numerous health effects among which mammalian infertility, owing to reproductive toxicity, is serious. Thus, the present study emphasizes upon glyphosate (GLY) induced toxicity and mitigating effects of N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) in testicular cells of caprine by using various cytotoxic and biochemical parameters. GLY was found to induce several apoptotic attributes such as pyknotic nuclei, tubular degeneration, increased vacuolization, and so on, in testicular cells. GLY also decreased the cell viability and increased the incidence of apoptosis in testicular cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner as revealed by MTT assay and Fluorescence (ethidium bromide/acridine orange) assay, respectively. It also increased the level of oxidative stress as evident with an increase in lipid peroxidation and decline in antioxidant power along with the decreased enzymatic activity of different antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GST). However, NAC supplementation showed antagonistic results in GLY‐treated testicular tissues with maximum amelioration at the highest dose, thereby decreasing GLY‐mediated apoptosis rate and oxidative stress. Maximum amelioration was reported at 10 mM NAC concentration. Reduced GLY toxicity due to NAC will prove NAC to be an excellent approach for dealing with male reproductive toxicity at the cellular level, benefiting the mammalian reproductive status.
Association of Type 1 diabetes with ulcerative colitis in BALB/c mice: Investigations on sex‐specific differences
Authors: Singla Shivani , Sahu Chittaranjan , Jena Gopabandhu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDiabetes comorbidity in ulcerative colitis (UC) has relevant clinical and therapeutic implications. The link between hyperglycemia and intestinal barrier function with respect to infection and inflammation consequences exists in diabetes. The present study was designed to decipher the molecular mechanisms associated with Type 1 Diabetes mellitus and the UC in both male and female BALB/c mice. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS; 2.5%w/v) dissolved in drinking water was given for three cycles (each cycle; 7 days) with 7 days recovery period in‐between to both male and female BALB/c mice. At the first recovery period, Streptozotocin (40 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered for 5 consecutive days in the case of male BALB/c mice; whereas the same procedure was repeated at the beginning of each recovery period in female animals. In the DSS + DB group of male animals, disease activity index, myeloperoxidase activity, nitrite level, plasma lipopolysaccharides, interleukin‐1β, histological score, % fibrotic area, % TUNEL positive cells were significantly increased. Furthermore, protein expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (pNFκB65), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, interleukin‐6, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase‐recruitment domain, and cysteine‐containing aspartate‐specific proteases‐1 (caspase‐1) significantly increased in the DSS + DB group of male animals as compared to female. The present study findings proved that hyperglycemic conditions exacerbated the pathological conditions in UC of male animals; whereas milder conditions developed in females.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Exposure‐Response Relationships of Astegolimab in Patients With Severe Asthma
Authors: Kotani Naoki , Dolton Michael , Svensson Robin J. , Ribbing Jakob , Friberg Lena E. , Vadhavkar Shweta , Cheung Dorothy , Staton Tracy , Sperinde Gizette , Jin Jin , Putnam Wendy S. , Quartino Angelica 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAstegolimab is a fully human immunoglobulin G2 monoclonal antibody that binds to the ST2 receptor and blocks the interleukin‐33 signaling. It was evaluated in patients with uncontrolled severe asthma in the phase 2b study (Zenyatta) at doses of 70, 210, and 490 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 52 weeks. This work aimed to characterize astegolimab pharmacokinetics, identify influential covariates contributing to its interindividual variability, and make a descriptive assessment of the exposure‐response relationships. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using data from 368 patients in the Zenyatta study. Predicted average steady‐state concentration was used in the subsequent exposure‐response analyses, which evaluated efficacy (asthma exacerbation rate) and biomarker end points including forced expiratory volume in 1 second, fraction exhaled nitric oxide, blood eosinophils, and soluble ST2. A 2‐compartment disposition model with first‐order elimination and first‐order absorption best described the astegolimab pharmacokinetics. The relative bioavailability for the 70‐mg dose was 15.3% lower. Baseline body weight, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and eosinophils were statistically correlated with pharmacokinetic parameters, but only body weight had a clinically meaningful influence on the steady‐state exposure (ratios exceeding 0.8‐1.25). The exposure‐response of efficacy and biomarkers were generally flat with a weak trend in favor of the highest dose/exposure. This study characterized astegolimab pharmacokinetics in patients with asthma and showed typical pharmacokinetic behavior as a monoclonal antibody–based drug. The exposure‐response analyses suggested the highest dose tested in the Zenyatta study (490 mg every 4 weeks) performed close to the maximum effect, and no additional response may be expected above it.
Analysis of high intensity focused ultrasound in treatment of uterine fibroids on ovarian function and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Ji Jingjing , Liu Jun , Chen Yingzhen , Liu Xi , Hao Lihong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate the ovarian function and pregnancy outcome of patients with uterine fibroids and the influencing factors after high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation treatment.MethodsA total of 80 patients were recruited. All patients were divided into the pregnancy group (64 cases) and the non‐pregnancy group (16 cases). The pregnancy group was categorized into the good pregnancy outcome (GOP) group (46 cases) and adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) group (18 cases). The general data of all study subjects were collected. The changes of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B (INHB), and antral follicle count (AFC) before HIFU and 3, 6, and 12 months after HIFU were compared. The related factors affecting pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed.ResultsThere were no significant differences in AMH, FSH, INHB levels, and AFC at 6 and 12 months after HIFU compared with those before HIFU in pregnancy and non‐pregnancy groups (p > 0.05). This study demonstrated that patients with prior history of pregnancy, younger age, lower body mass index (BMI), and smaller fibroids volume had a higher pregnancy rate (p < 0.05). Besides, younger age and smaller fibroids volume were associated with better pregnancy outcomes (p < 0.05).ConclusionsHIFU in the treatment of uterine fibroids has little effect on ovarian function and does not increase the risk of infertility and adverse pregnancy. The prior history of pregnancy, age, BMI, and fibroids volume are essential factors affecting the postoperative pregnancy.
Transgender patients’ perspectives on their cancer genetic counseling experiences
Authors: Rolle Lathel , Zayhowski Kimberly , Koeller Diane , Chiluiza Dee , Carmichael Nikkola 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTransgender (trans) individuals face many forms of discrimination in accessing health care, including lack of provider knowledge and denial of services. Barriers specific to the cancer setting include limited availability of information concerning cancer management and its potential impact on gender affirmation therapies and minimal training for providers regarding inclusive practices for the trans population. The limited research about the experiences of cancer genetic counseling for trans patients has investigated exclusively the perspective of the provider, not the patient. This constructivist grounded theory study sought to fill this gap in the literature by interviewing trans individuals who had undergone cancer genetic counseling. Participants were recruited through social media platforms, LGBTQ+ advocacy and cancer support groups, and the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ list serv. Six semi‐structured interviews were conducted with participants focusing on their expectations and goals prior to the genetic counseling session, concerns during the session, and reflections on inclusive practices. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using a constant comparative approach and five themes emerged: (a) Anxiety for the consult, (b) Disruptions of familial relationships and emotional support systems, (c) Use of inclusive language during session, (d) Impact on gender affirmation journey, and (e) Lack of appropriate cancer risk information for trans patients. The results from this pilot study suggest that trans patients experience anticipatory anxiety before the genetic counseling appointment, particularly about the potential of a physical examination. They may be more likely to experience disrupted family relationships that impact access to family history information and support. Genetic counselors should utilize inclusive language both when referring to the patient and when discussing cancer risk. Finally, additional research is needed to provide more accurate cancer risk predictions for trans individuals.
“You are not a man”: a multi‐method study of trans stigma and risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among trans men in Uganda
Authors: Mujugira Andrew , Kasiita Vicent , Bagaya Monica , Nakyanzi Agnes , Bambia Felix , Nampewo Oliva , Kamusiime Brenda , Mugisha Jackson , Nalumansi Alisaati , Twesigye Collin C. , Muwonge Timothy R. , Baeten Jared M. , Wyatt Monique A. , Tsai Alexander C. , Ware Norma C. , Haberer Jessica E. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionTransgender (trans) men in sub‐Saharan Africa are a hidden and vulnerable population who may engage in sex work due to socio‐economic exclusion and lack of alternative employment opportunities. Little is known about HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk among trans men in this setting. We conducted a multi‐method study to characterize HIV/STI risk among trans men in Uganda.MethodsBetween January and October 2020, we enrolled 50 trans men into a cross‐sectional study through snowball sampling. Data were collected on socio‐demographic characteristics, sexual practices and depression. We conducted 20 qualitative interviews to explore: (1) descriptions of sexual practices that could increase HIV/STI exposure; (2) experiences of accessing public healthcare facilities; (3) perceptions of HIV or STI testing; (4) HIV and STI service delivery; and (5) drug and alcohol use. We used an inductive content analytic approach centring on descriptive category development to analyse the data.ResultsThe median age was 25 years (interquartile range 23–28). The prevalence of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B was 4%, 6% and 8%, respectively. We observed multiple levels of intersecting individual, interpersonal and structural stigmas. (1) Trans men reported transphobic rape motivated by interpersonal stigma that was psychologically traumatizing to the survivor. The resultant stigma and shame hindered healthcare access. (2) Structural stigma and economic vulnerability led to sex work, which increased the risk of HIV and other STIs. Sex work stigma further compounded vulnerability. (3) Individualized stigma led to fear of disclosure of gender identity and HIV status. Concealment was used as a form of stigma management. (4) Multiple levels of stigma hampered access to healthcare services. Preference for trans‐friendly care was motivated by stigma avoidance in public facilities. Overall, the lived experiences of trans men highlight the intertwined relationship between stigma and sexual health.ConclusionsIn this sample from Uganda, trans men experienced stigma at multiple levels, highlighting the need for gender‐sensitive healthcare delivery. Stigma reduction interventions, including provider training, non‐discrimination policies, support groups and stigma counselling, could strengthen uptake and utilization of prevention services by this marginalized population.
The macroeconomic impact of COVID‐19 in Mozambique: A social accounting matrix approach
Authors: Betho Rosario , Chelengo Marcia , Jones Sam , Keller Michael , Mussagy Ibraimo Hassane , van Seventer Dirk , Tarp Finn 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study assesses the economic costs of COVID‐19 and the state of emergency implemented by the Government of Mozambique. We use a social accounting matrix multiplier analysis to estimate the effects of the pandemic on the economy. Our simulations suggest that the Mozambican economy lost 3.6 percentage points of GDP growth in 2020 and that employment was 1.9 percentage points down. These losses were primarily driven by export shocks, the most heavily affected sectors being trade and accommodation and mining. Mozambique faces a critical challenge of how to promote economic diversification and reduce vulnerability to foreign shocks.
Extended recovery of cardiac function after severe infantile cardiomyopathy presentation of Barth syndrome
Authors: Yester Jessie , Feingold Brian 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCardiomyopathy is the most common presenting feature of Barth syndrome, often presenting in infancy with severe heart failure and cardiac dysfunction. Historically, affected infants commonly died early after presentation, sometimes before a diagnosis of Barth syndrome was made. With increases in awareness of Barth syndrome and in the care of infants with severe heart failure, survival of children with Barth syndrome and severe heart failure has improved. We describe our experience caring for five unrelated boys with Barth syndrome who presented with severe cardiomyopathy and heart failure prior to age 2 who have had marked improvement with long‐term response to medical heart failure therapy.
Systematic profiling and identification of the peptide‐mediated interactions between human Yes‐associated protein and its partners in esophageal cancer
Authors: Chen Fei , Wang Qifei , Mu Yushu , Sun Shibin , Yuan Xulong , Shang Pan , Ji Bo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHuman Yes‐associated protein (YAP) is involved in the Hippo signaling pathway and serves as a coactivator to modulate gene expression, which contains a transactivation domain (TD) responsible for binding to the downstream TEA domain family (TEAD) of transcription factors and two WW1/2 domains that recognize the proline‐rich motifs (PRMs) present in a variety of upstream protein partners through peptide‐mediated interactions (PMIs). The downstream YAP TD‐TEAD interactions are closely associated with gastric cancer, and a number of therapeutic agents have been developed to target the interactions. In contrast, the upstream YAP WW1/2‐partner interactions are thought to be involved in esophageal cancer but still remain largely unexplored. Here, we attempted to elucidate the complicated PMIs between the YAP WW1/2 domains and various PRMs of YAP‐interacting proteins. A total of 106 peptide segments carrying the class I WW‐binding motif [P/L]Px[Y/P] were extracted from 22 partner candidates, which are potential recognition sites of YAP WW1/2 domains. Structural and energetic analyses of the intermolecular interactions between the domains and peptides created a systematic domain‐peptide binding profile, from which a number of biologically functional PMIs were identified and then substantiated in vitro using fluorescence spectroscopy assays. It is revealed that: (a) The sequence requirement for the partner recognition site binding to YAP WW1/2 domains is a decapeptide segment that contains a core PRM motif as well as two three‐residue extensions from each side of the motif; the core motif and extended sections are responsible for the binding stability and recognition specificity of domain‐peptide interaction, respectively. (b) There is an exquisite difference in the recognition specificity of the two domains; the LPxP and PPxP appear to more prefer WW1 than WW2, whereas the WW2 can bind more effectively to LPxY and PPxY than WW1. (c) WW2 generally exhibits a higher affinity to the panel of recognition site candidates than WW1. In addition, a number of partner peptides were found as promising recognition sites of the two domains and/or to have a good selectivity between the two domains. For example, the DVL1 peptide was determined to have moderate affinity to WW2 and strong selectivity for WW2 over WW1. Hydrogen bonds play a central role in selectivity.
Epidemiology of influenza under the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Nanjing, China
Authors: Wu Kangjun , Wu Xiaoqing , Wang Weixiang , Hong Lei 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPurposeSince the pandemic of coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19), the incidence of influenza has decreased significantly, but there are still few reports in the short period before and after the pandemic period. This study aimed to explore influenza activity and dynamic changes before and during the pandemic.MethodsA total of 1 324 357 influenza‐like illness (ILI) cases were reported under the ILI surveillance network from January 1, 2018, to September 5, 2021, in Nanjing, of which 16 158 cases were detected in a laboratory. Differences in ILI and influenza were conducted with the χ2 test.ResultsThe number of ILI cases accounted for 8.97% of outpatient and emergency department visits. The influenza‐positive ratio (IPR) was 7.84% in ILI cases. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, ILI% and IPR dropped by 6.03% and 11.83% on average, respectively. Besides this, IPR rose slightly in Week 30–35 of 2021. Not only differences in gender, age, and employment status, but also the circulating strains had changed from type A to B through the COVID‐19 pandemic.ConclusionThe level of influenza activity was severely affected by COVID‐19, but it seems that it is inevitable to be vigilant against the co‐circulation in the future.
The emerging roles of the CDK/cyclin complexes in antiviral innate immunity
Authors: Zheng Chunfu , Tang Yan‐Dong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMore than 20 members of the human cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) family share the feature of being activated by cyclins. CDKs have been involved in diverse biological processes, such as cell cycle, transcription, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. If CDKs are not properly regulated, they can cause diseases like cancer. CDKs are Ser/Thr kinases that work with cyclins to control cell cycle progression. Various CDK‐cyclin complexes phosphorylate particular target proteins and drive different cell cycle stages. Accumulating evidence demonstrated that CDKs play an essential role in the cell cycle; however, their roles in antiviral innate immunity are just emerging. This minireview summarizes how CDKs play their roles in antiviral innate immunity. Our goal is to draw attention to the involvement of CDKs in antiviral innate immunity, whether as separate entities or as components of CDK/cyclin complexes that have gotten less attention in the past.
New insights into cave hyena ethology and the implications for territorial competition with hominins in Late Pleistocene north‐west Europe: the case of Caverne Marie‐Jeanne (Belgium)
Authors: Jimenez Elodie‐Laure , GERMONPRÉ MIETJE , BOUDIN MATHIEU 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMegacarnivore behaviours shape ecological dynamics between their prey and competitors and therefore play a key role in structuring ecosystems. In Late Pleistocene Eurasia, hominins and hyenas were sympatric predators. Since the first discoveries of Crocuta c. spelaea in the 19th century, this ‘bone‐crushing’ species has been identified at most Palaeolithic sites and has inspired many taphonomic studies. Nonetheless, there is still very little known about its reproductive, social and spatial behaviours. We believe that exploring the complexity of the cave hyena's ethology is a way to better understand spatial relationships and niche sharing/partitioning between hominins and other top predators in Pleistocene ecosystems. This paper focuses on the study of Caverne Marie‐Jeanne Layer 4 (Hastière, Belgium), one of the best‐preserved palaeontological sites in the region. The exceptional number of hyena neonates in this assemblage (minimum number of individuals >300) has led us to describe, for the first time, a Late Pleistocene hyena birth den that was reused over a long period of time around 47.6–43k a
bp. By bridging the gap between archaeology and palaeontology, we explore the potential of carnivore socio‐spatial organisation and denning habits as an ecological proxy and discuss how these new unique data could help us further understand hominins’ spatial strategy in southern Belgium.
Mineralogy of the RBT 04262 Martian meteorite as determined by micro‐Raman and micro‐X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopies
Authors: Huidobro Jennifer , Aramendia Julene , García‐Florentino Cristina , Ruiz‐Galende Patricia , Torre‐Fdez Imanol , Castro Kepa , Arana Gorka , Madariaga Juan Manuel 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMartian meteorites and terrestrial analogs represent the only samples available on Earth for studying mineralogy features of our neighbor planet Mars. This work characterizes the Roberts Massif (RBT) 04262 Martian meteorite by using mainly Raman spectroscopy. By means of this technique, it was confirmed that the meteorite matrix is composed by pyroxene and plagioclase (converted to maskelynite due to the shock pressure). Olivine‐coarse grains embedded in the matrix were also observed. These grains were coated by hydrated magnesium and calcium sulfates, which would belong to the Mars sulfate deposits or to the terrestrial weathering. Although the sulfates could be formed on Mars due to the oxidation of sulfides or elemental sulfur along the sulfur Mars cycle, their distribution along cracks and fractures confirm that are weathering products. However, other S‐bearing compounds that belong to Mars were found, such as elemental sulfur and a thermally transformed iron sulfide. Finally, the calcium phosphate merrillite and titanomagnetite were also detected. Taking this into account, the minerals found were classified into primary minerals that belong to Mars (pyroxene, olivine, elemental sulfur, and titanomagnetite), secondary ones that are alteration products of the primary minerals (maskelynite, iron sulfide, and merrillite), and terrestrial weathering products (sulfates gypsum and epsomite).