bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From Power Balance to Dominant Faction in Xi Jinping's China
Authors: Choi Eun Kyong , Givens John Wagner , MacDonald Andrew 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMany China watchers argue that Xi Jinping has concentrated power in his own hands in a manner unprecedented since the death of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. This article tests the extent of Xi's power consolidation by comparing the strength of his faction during his time in power to similar periods under his two immediate predecessors, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao. Furthermore, we investigate whether a dominant faction is emerging under Xi Jinping, replacing the power balancing between factions that was the norm throughout the reform era. Analysing factional affiliations of Chinese leaders in the top four ranks, we find that Xi has formed a dominant faction. Through statistical analysis of the promotion chances of provincial leaders, we find that Xi has been unusually successful when compared to previous leaders at promoting his clients. This suggests that Xi has boosted the power of his faction by elevating provincial leaders to an extent not seen since the death of Mao and Deng.
Molecular basis of resistance to bensulfuron-methyl and cross-resistance patterns to ALS-inhibiting herbicides in Ludwigia prostrata
Authors: Deng Wei , Yang Mengting , Duan Zhiwen , Peng Cheng , Xia Zhiming , Yuan Shuzhong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLudwigia prostrata is a problematic weed in rice fields in China, where acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides (e.g., bensulfuron-methyl) are widely used for the management of broadleaf weeds. Recently, an L. prostrata biotype (JS-R) that failed to be controlled with ALS-inhibiting herbicides was found in Jiangsu Province, China. This study aims to determine the level and molecular mechanism of resistance to bensulfuron-methyl in this JS-R biotype and to evaluate its spectrum of cross-resistance to other ALS-inhibiting herbicides. The dose–response assays indicated that the JS-R L. prostrata biotype had evolved 21.2-fold resistance to bensulfuron-methyl compared with the susceptible biotype (JS-S). ALS gene sequencing revealed that a nucleotide mutation (CCA to TCA) at codon 197, resulting in a Pro-197-Ser mutation, was detected in the resistant plants. Moreover, while the JS-R biotype contained the Pro-197-Ser resistance mutation and showed cross-resistance to pyrazosulfuron-ethyl (12.0-fold), it was sensitive to penoxsulam, bispyribac-sodium, and imazethapyr, which may serve as alternative herbicides to control the resistant L. prostrata biotype. This is the first confirmation of an L. prostrata biotype resistant to bensulfuron-methyl due to a Pro-197-Ser resistance mutation in the ALS gene.
Study of Optimal Perimetric Testing In Children (OPTIC): developing consensus and setting research priorities for perimetry in the management of children with glaucoma
Authors: Patel Dipesh E. , Cumberland Phillippa M. , Walters Bronwen C. , Abbott Joseph , Brookes John , Edmunds Beth , Khaw Peng Tee , Lloyd Ian Christopher , Papadopoulos Maria , Sung Velota , Cortina-Borja Mario , Rahi Jugnoo S. ,   For the OPTIC Study Group, Khaw Peng Tee , Walters Bronwen , Cumberland Phillippa , Russell-Eggitt Isabelle , Timms Christine , Brookes John , Moore Anthony , Papadopoulos Maria , Garway-Heath David , Viswanathan Ananth , Liasis Alki , Crabb David , Cortina-Borja Mario , Patel Dipesh , Rahi Jugnoo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Perimetry is important in the management of children with glaucoma, but there is limited evidence-based guidance on its use. We report an expert consensus-based study to update guidance and identify areas requiring further research.

Methods
Experts were invited to participate in a modified Delphi consensus process. Panel selection was based on clinical experience of managing children with glaucoma and UK-based training to minimise diversity of view due to healthcare setting. Questionnaires were delivered electronically, and analysed to establish ‘agreement’. Divergence of opinions was investigated and resolved where possible through further iterations.

Results
7/9 experts invited agreed to participate. Consensus (≥5/7 (71%) in agreement) was achieved for 21/26 (80.8%) items in 2 rounds, generating recommendations to start perimetry from approximately 7 years of age (IQR: 6.75–7.25), and use qualitative methods in conjunction with automated reliability indices to assess test quality. There was a lack of agreement about defining progressive visual field (VF) loss and methods for implementing perimetry longitudinally.
Panel members highlighted the importance of informing decisions based upon individual circumstances—from gauging maturity/capability when selecting tests and interpreting outcomes, to accounting for specific clinical features (e.g. poor IOP control and/or suspected progressive VF loss) when making decisions about frequency of testing.

Conclusions
There is commonality of expert views in relation to implementing perimetry and interpreting test quality in the management of children with glaucoma. However, there remains a lack of agreement about defining progressive VF loss, and utilising perimetry over an individuals’ lifetime, highlighting the need for further research.
Longitudinal sampling of external mucosae in farmed European seabass reveals the impact of water temperature on bacterial dynamics
Authors: Rosado Daniela , Xavier Raquel , Cable Jo , Severino Ricardo , Tarroso Pedro , Pérez-Losada Marcos 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Fish microbiota are intrinsically linked to health and fitness, but they are highly variable and influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors. Water temperature particularly limits bacterial adhesion and growth, impacting microbial diversity and bacterial infections on the skin and gills. Aquaculture is heavily affected by infectious diseases, especially in warmer months, and industry practices often promote stress and microbial dysbiosis, leading to an increased abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria. In this regard, fish mucosa health is extremely important because it provides a primary barrier against pathogens. We used 16 rRNA V4 metataxonomics to characterize the skin and gill microbiota of the European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, and the surrounding water over 12 months, assessing the impact of water temperature on microbial diversity and function. We show that the microbiota of external mucosae are highly dynamic with consistent longitudinal trends in taxon diversity. Several potentially pathogenic genera (Aliivibrio, Photobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Vibrio) were highly abundant, showing complex interactions with other bacterial genera, some of which with recognized probiotic activity, and were also significantly impacted by changes in temperature. The surrounding water temperature influenced fish microbial composition, structure and function over time (days and months). Additionally, dysbiosis was more frequent in warmer months and during transitions between cold/warm months. We also detected a strong seasonal effect in the fish microbiota, which is likely to result from the compound action of several unmeasured environmental factors (e.g., pH, nutrient availability) beyond temperature. Our results highlight the importance of performing longitudinal studies to assess the impact of environmental factors on fish microbiotas.
Serum HBV pregenomic RNA exhibited opposite associations with NKdim and NKbright cell immunity in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Gu Yurong , Huang Zexuan , Li Xiaoyan , Chen Youming , Liao Chunhong , Bi Yanhua , Huang Yuehua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) is a new biomarker that reflects HBV replication, but its relationship with natural killer (NK) cell immunity in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is unknown. We assessed serum HBV pgRNA levels in 323 CHB patients by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, assessed cytokine production and activation and inhibitory markers of NK cells by flow cytometry, and measured serum cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Among the different CHB phases, the serum HBV pgRNA level was highest in the immune-tolerant (IT) and immune-active (IA) phases. Regarding NK and NKdim cells, HBV pgRNA was negatively associated with frequencies, but positively associated with NKp44 and NKp46 expression (activation markers). Regarding NKbright cells, serum HBV pgRNA was positively associated with frequency and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) expression (inhibitory marker), but negatively associated with NKp44 and NKp46. Serum HBV pgRNA was not associated with NKp30 (activation marker) on NK cells or subsets. Lastly, serum HBV pgRNA was positively correlated with the levels of serum IL-7 and IL-12P40 (NK cell-promoting cytokines) and negatively correlated with serum prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level (which negatively regulates NK cells). In conclusion, we found varied relationships between serum HBV pgRNA and NK cells and subsets, indicating that HBV pgRNA may play a complicated role in NK cell-related immunity, providing new information on HBV and host immunity.
Evaluation of anticancer effects of Juniperus communis extract on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Huang Nan-Chieh , Huang Ru-Lai , Huang Xiao-Fan , Chang Kai-Fu , Lee Chien-Ju , Hsiao Chih-Yen , Lee Shan-Chih , Tsai Nu-Man 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and accounts for the fourth leading cause of all cancer deaths. Scientific evidence has found that plant extracts seem to be a reliable choice due to their multitarget effects against HCC. Juniperus communis has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and its anticancer properties have been reported. As a result, the purpose of the study was to investigate the anticancer effect and mechanism of J. communis extract (JCo extract) on HCC in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we found that JCo extract inhibited the growth of human HCC cells by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, extensive apoptosis and suppressing metastatic protein expressions in HCC cells. Moreover, the combinational treatment of JCo and VP-16 was found to enhance the anticancer effect, revealing that JCo extract might have the potential to be utilized as an adjuvant to promote HCC treatment. Furthermore, in vivo study, JCo extract significantly suppressed HCC tumor growth and extended the lifespan with no or low systemic and pathological toxicity. JCo extract significantly up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and tumor suppressor p53, suppressed VEGF/VEGFR autocrine signaling, down-regulated cell cycle regulatory proteins and MMP2/MMP9 proteins. Overall, our results provide a basis for exploiting JCo extract as a potential anticancer agent against HCC.
An Objective Approach Toward Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder
Authors: Maggu Akshay R. , Overath Tobias 
Published: June 2021

PurposeIn the field of audiology, auditory processing disorder (APD) continues to be a topic of ongoing debate for clinicians and scientists alike, both in terms of theory and clinical practice. In the current viewpoint, we first lay out the main issues that are central to the controversy surrounding APD, and then suggest a framework toward their resolution.MethodThe current viewpoint is informed by reviewing existing studies in the field of APD to better understand the issues contributing to the controversies in APD.ResultsWe found that, within the current definition of APD, the two main issues that make the APD diagnosis controversial are (a) comorbidity with other disorders and (b) the lack of domain specificity. These issues remain unresolved, especially with the use of the existing behavioral APD test batteries. In this viewpoint, we shed light on how they can be mitigated by implementing the administration of an objective, physiological test battery.ConclusionsBy administering an objective test battery, as proposed in this viewpoint, we believe that it will be possible to achieve a higher degree of specificity to the auditory domain that will not only contribute towards clinical practice but also contribute towards strengthening APD as a theoretical construct.
ALMA Lensing Cluster Survey: A spectral stacking analysis of [C II] in lensed z ∼ 6 galaxies
Authors: Jolly Jean-Baptiste , Knudsen Kirsten , Laporte Nicolas , Richard Johan , Fujimoto Seiji , Kohno Kotaro , Ao Yiping , Bauer Franz E. , Egami Eiichi , Espada Daniel , Dessauges-Zavadsky Miroslava , Magdis Georgios , Schaerer Daniel , Sun Fengwu , Valentino Francesco , Wang Wei-Hao , Zitrin Adi 
Published: June 2021

Context. The properties of galaxies at redshift z > 6 hold the key to our understanding of the early stages of galaxy evolution and can potentially identify the sources of the ultraviolet radiation that give rise to the epoch of reionisation. The far-infrared cooling line of [C II] at 158 μm is known to be bright and correlate with the star formation rate (SFR) of low-redshift galaxies, and hence is also suggested to be an important tracer of star formation and interstellar medium properties for very high-redshift galaxies.
Aims. With the aim to study the interstellar medium properties of gravitationally lensed galaxies at z > 6, we search for [C II] and thermal dust emission in a sample of 52 z ∼ 6 galaxies observed by the ALMA Lensing Cluster Survey.
Methods. We perform our analysis using LINESTACKER, stacking both [C II] and continuum emission. The target sample is selected from multiple catalogues, and the sample galaxies have spectroscopic redshift or low-uncertainty photometric redshifts (σz < 0.02) in nine galaxy clusters. Source properties of the target galaxies are either extracted from the literature or computed using spectral energy distribution fitting. Both weighted-average and median stacking are used, on both the full sample and three sub-samples.
Results. Our analyses find no detection of either [C II] or continuum. An upper limit on L[CII] is derived, implying that [C II] remains marginally consistent for low-SFR z > 6 galaxies but likely is under-luminous compared to the local L[CII]-SFR relationship. We discuss potential biases and possible physical effects that may be the cause of the non-detection. Further, the upper limit on the dust continuum implies that less than half of the star formation is obscured.
The Impact of Subclinical Hypothyroidism on Patients with Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xing Yuling , Chen Jinhu , Liu Jing , Ma Huijuan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe association between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and polycystic ovary
syndrome (PCOS) has been shown in many studies. These findings are still
controversial, however. It is unclear whether the co-incidence of subclinical
hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome will affect the severity of
metabolism. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to investigate the
association. A comprehensive search strategy was developed to obtain all
relevant studies published in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Chinese
Academic Journal Full-text Database (CNKI) up to 31 December 2020. We adopted
the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals
(CI) for evaluation, and sensitivity analysis was performed. Publication bias
was analyzed and represented by a funnel plot, and funnel plot symmetry was
assessed with Egger’s test. Twenty-seven studies with 4821 participants
(1300 PCOS patients with SCH, 3521 PCOS patients without SCH) were included in
the present meta-analysis,among which 71.31% chinese patients out of the
total. The results showed that PCOS patients with SCH had higher levels of
HOMA-IR, TG, TC, LDL, FBG, FCP, PRL and lower levels of HDL, LH and T. It also
recognized the limitation of the lack of a consistent definition of
hypothyroidism in the 27 studies included. The results of this study indicated
that SCH may aggravate lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with PCOS.
Das Lymphsystem – Synthese von Erfahrungsheilkunde und Wissenschaft
Authors: Frost Jürgen , Tschech Bärbel 
Published: June 2021

ZusammenfassungIn allen traditionellen Heilsystemen finden sich Techniken, Heilpflanzen und Kräuterrezepturen, die das Lymphsystem beeinflussen – meist ohne diesen Zusammenhang konkret zu benennen. Auch schon unter den ältesten homöopathischen Komplexmitteln findet man Lymphmittel. Das zeigt die Bedeutung des Lymphsystems für die Therapie chronischer Erkrankungen in der Erfahrungsheilkunde. Inzwischen rückt das Lymphsystem auch in den Fokus der Wissenschaft – und erzwingt damit sogar ein Umdenken hinsichtlich des medizinischen Basiswissens.
Über das Lymphsystem
Authors: von Rosen Jürgen Freiherr 
Published: June 2021

ZusammenfassungObwohl die Lymphe und das ganze damit verbundene System rund 20 % des Körpergewichts ausmachen, findet es in der wissenschaftlichen medizinischen Literatur nur wenig Beachtung. Das Lymphsystem ist nur schwer zu untersuchen, da es u. a. keine Laboruntersuchungen dazu gibt. Seine Bedeutung ist jedoch bei vielen Erkrankungen nicht zu unterschätzen, worauf man in der klinischen Ausbildung nur selten hingewiesen wird. Der Beitrag schildert die Wirkungen des Lymphsystems und zeigt wichtige Therapiemöglichkeiten auf, die in der Klinik des Autors praktiziert und durch Fallbeispiele veranschaulicht werden.
Quality of reporting in endoscopic ultrasound: Results of an international multicenter survey (the QUOREUS study)
Authors: Fusaroli Pietro , Eloubeidi Mohamad , Calvanese Claudio , Dietrich Christoph , Jenssen Christian , Saftoiu Adrian , De Angelis Claudio , Varadarajulu Shyam , Napoleon Bertrand , Lisotti Andrea ,   the QUOREUS study group
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background and study aims The endoscopic report has a key role in quality improvement for gastrointestinal endoscopy. High quality standards have been set by the endoscopic societies in this field. Unlike other digestive endoscopy procedures, the quality of reporting in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has not been thoroughly evaluated and a reference standard is lacking.
Methods We performed an international online survey concerning the attitudes of endosonographers towards EUS reports in order to understand the needs for standardization and quality improvement. Endosonographers from different countries and institutional setting, with varying case volume and experience were invited to take part to complete a structured questionnaire.
Results We collected replies from 171 endosonographers. Overall analysis of results according to case volume, experience and working environment of respondents (academic, public hospital, private) are provided. In brief, everyone agreed on the need for standardization of EUS reporting. The use of minimal standard terminology and a structured tree with mandatory items was considered of primary importance. Image documentation was also deemed fundamental in complementing EUS reports both for patient documentation and research purposes. A strong demand for connection and consultation among endosonographers for clinical and training needs was also found. In this respect, a formal expert consultation network was advocated in order to improve the quality of reporting in EUS.
Conclusions Our survey showed a strong agreement among endosonographers who expressed the need for a standardization in order to improve the report and, as a consequence, the quality of EUS.
Calcitonin Stimulation Tests: Rationale, Technical Issues and Side Effects: A Review
Authors: Băetu Mara , Olariu Cristina Alexandra , Moldoveanu Gabriel , Corneci Cristina , Badiu Corin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCalcitonin (CT) stimulation tests have great value and could help to: differentiate thyroid causes of elevated CT apart from non-thyroid sources, determine whether the patients with slightly elevated basal CT could/could not be candidates for surgery, and indicate the right moment for prophylactic thyroidectomy in children with MEN syndromes when with normal basal CT. This triggered the requests for development of CT stimulation tests, taking into consideration their safety and aimed us to write a systematic review of literature regarding the rationale, technical issues, and side effects of CT stimulating tests used for diagnosis of MTC. After a thorough review of the literature, we classified the reported side effects by severity, as defined by United States Food and Drug Administration. A statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Various side effects were noticed during stimulation tests that differ by intensity, duration and severity, depending on types of substances and protocols used. The side effects after pentagastrin test were significantly more severe than those reported after calcium stimulation test (p=0.0396). There are also significant gender-specific differences in side effects induced by stimulation tests. In conclusion, we recommend performing Ca CT stimulation test when needed, considering preventive evaluation of some clinical, instrumental, and biochemical aspects of each patient. Precise instructions should be followed before a stimulation test and furthermore continuous cardiac monitoring is essential during and after the test to minimize the possibility of a serious event.
Laparoskopische Heller-Myotomie zur Therapie der Achalasie
Authors: Rolinger Jens , Miller Johanna , Bolzenius Rupert , Granderath Frank , Kirschniak Andreas , Wilhelm Peter 
Published: June 2021

Zusammenfassung
Zielsetzung In der Literatur bezeichnet die Achalasie eine primär ösophageale Motilitätsstörung, die durch das Fehlen von Peristaltik und durch inkomplette oder vollständig fehlende Relaxation des unteren Ösophagussphinkters charakterisiert ist. Leitsymptom ist die Dysphagie. Das Therapieziel besteht in der chirurgischen oder interventionellen Behebung der ösophagealen Ausflussbahn auf Höhe der ösophagogastralen Übergangszone.
Indikation Wir präsentieren den Fall eines 24-jährigen Patienten, der sich mit einer seit 2 Jahren bestehenden Dysphagie, begleitet von Regurgitationen, Odynophagie sowie einem unbeabsichtigten Gewichtsverlust, vorstellt.
Methoden Das Video erläutert die präoperativen bildgebenden sowie endoskopischen Befunde und zeigt die Technik der laparoskopischen Heller-Myotomie mit partieller Fundoplicatio nach Dor.
Schlussfolgerung Hinsichtlich der Therapie der klassischen Achalasie kann die laparoskopische Heller-Myotomie mit partieller Fundoplicatio nach Dor – trotz Kontroversen hinsichtlich der peroralen endoskopischen Myotomie als alternative Therapieoption – als etabliertes Standardverfahren angesehen werden.
Dissecting and modeling photic and melanopsin effects to predict sleep disturbances induced by irregular light exposure in mice
Authors: Hubbard Jeffrey , Kobayashi Frisk Mio , Ruppert Elisabeth , Tsai Jessica W. , Fuchs Fanny , Robin-Choteau Ludivine , Husse Jana , Calvel Laurent , Eichele Gregor , Franken Paul , Bourgin Patrice 
Published: June 2021

Significance
Light pervasively affects physiology and behavior, especially the sleep–wake cycle (SWc), which is generated by clock signaling in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Light synchronizes this clock and additionally exerts direct (circadian-independent) acute effects on sleep. However, it has never been clarified whether longer photic exposure, as experienced daily, might exert long-term sustained direct light effects (SDLE). Recording sleep in mice lacking a functional clock and/or the retinal photopigment melanopsin, we uncovered that circadian-driven input and SDLE equally contribute to SWc. SDLE were primarily mediated through melanopsin, with half relayed through SCN, redefining the latter’s role. Modeling allowed SWc prediction under simulated jet lags, further demonstrating SDLE as an important mechanism to consider when managing health consequences of light exposure.