bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute and Life-threatening Complications in Cushing Syndrome: Prevalence, Predictors, and Mortality
Authors: Schernthaner-Reiter Marie Helene , Siess Christina , Micko Alexander , Zauner Christian , Wolfsberger Stefan , Scheuba Christian , Riss Philipp , Knosp Engelbert , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Luger Anton , Vila Greisa 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Context
Cushing syndrome (CS) results in significant morbidity and mortality.

Objective
To study acute and life-threatening complications in patients with active CS.

Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study using inpatient and outpatient records of patients with CS in a tertiary center. A total of 242 patients with CS were included, including 213 with benign CS (pituitary n = 101, adrenal n = 99, ectopic n = 13), and 29 with malignant disease. We collected acute complications necessitating hospitalization, from appearance of first symptoms of hypercortisolism until 1 year after biochemical remission. Mortality data were obtained from the national registry. Baseline factors relating to and predicting acute complications were tested using uni- and multivariate analysis.

Results
The prevalence of acute complications was 62% in patients with benign pituitary CS, 40% in patients with benign adrenal CS, and 100% in patients with ectopic CS. Complications observed in patients with benign CS included infections (25%), thromboembolic events (17%), hypokalemia (13%), hypertensive crises (9%), cardiac arrhythmias (5%), and acute coronary events (3%). Among these patients, 23% had already been hospitalized for acute complications before CS was suspected, and half of complications occurred after the first surgery. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and 24-hour urinary free cortisol positively correlated with the number of acute complications per patient. Patients with malignant disease had significantly higher rates of acute complications. Mortality during the observation period was 2.8% and 59% in benign and malignant CS, respectively.

Conclusions
This analysis highlights the whole spectrum of acute and life-threatening complications in CS, and their high prevalence even before disease diagnosis and after successful surgery.
Constructing a New Sexual Paradigm
Authors: Shi Liang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
At the turn of the twentieth century Chinese sexuality underwent a metamorphosis, resulting in the replacement of a rich indigenous discourse by imported Western theories. This article traces the evolution of a modern subject and episteme emerging from the historical transformation in the area of same-sex relations and delineates the perspectives and values that clashed in the encounter of cultures. A key text the author examines is an official decree of 1912 that outlawed xianggong houses in Beijing, signifying the death of the custom of xianggong, which it condemned, in new Western terms, as decadent, immoral, and disgraceful. The study analyzes indigenous terms such as mojing 磨鏡 (mirror rubbing) and nanfeng 男風 (male wind) and compares them with their replacements, for example, tongxing'ai 同性愛 and tongxinglian 同性戀 (homosexuality), to illuminate the differences in their social-historical significations. The author concludes that the Republican era witnessed the construction of a new sexual taxonomy centered on the dichotomy of heterosexuality and homosexuality.
A Study of Early Chinese Concepts of Qing 情 and a Dialogue with Western Emotion Studies
Authors: Cai Zong-qi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The term qing 情 (emotion) has lain at the core of Chinese thinking about literature from antiquity through modern times. It is of profound paradigmatic significance because each major reconceptualization of qing by literary writers and scholars almost invariably signifies and undergirds a new direction of literary production and reception. Mapping out qing's long and complex lexical-conceptual history over the millennia is crucial to the study of Chinese literary thought, premodern and modern alike. In undertaking such a historicized macro study, this article consistently grounds it in the microanalysis of influential and representative statements on qing made since antiquity. Through careful contextualization, it seeks to determine which particular meaning(s) of qing is most likely intended in each instance and if and how an author has reconceptualized the term to present a new understanding of literature. It also strives to assess the theoretical significance of all major qing reconceptualizations in the broader context of Chinese intellectual and literary history. Wherever appropriate, it draws insights from Western emotion studies to illuminate hitherto unrecognized theoretical significance of some major qing reconceptualizations.
Proton pump inhibitors and mandibular bone quality: A preliminary study
Authors: Coşgunarslan Aykağan , Canger Emin Murat , Soydan Çabuk Damla 
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) provide a long-lasting anti-acidic effect by inhibiting the proton pump, and they are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. PPIs adversely affect the bone structure via deficiency of vitamins and minerals. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible PPI-induced bone changes in the mandible on panoramic radiographs with the methods of fractal analysis and panoramic morphometric indices. Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 402 patients were used (201 PPI users, 201 control group). Fractal analysis was performed on 4 regions of interests (ROI): 1- upper part of the ramus, 2- angulus, 3- anterior of the mental foramen, 4- distal of the middle ramus. Also, the panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical width (MCW), and Klemetti index (KI) were performed on radiographs. Results: There were significant differences in terms of ROI3, MCW, and KI between the control and study groups (p < 0.05) while there was no significant difference for ROI1, ROI2, ROI4, and PMI (p > 0.05). Males were severely affected than females. Conclusions: Osteoporotic changes were detected in the trabecular and cortical bone in the mental foramen region in PPI users with fractal analysis and morphometric indices, while there were no differences for mandibular ramus and angulus regions according to fractal analysis.
Population characterization and parasitological assessment of the giant African snail (Achatina fulica) in urban areas of Cartagena, Colombia
Authors: Cano-Pérez Eder , Torres-Pacheco Jaison , Barraza-Quiroz Luis , Morelos-Muñoz Jorge , Gómez-Camargo Doris 
Published: February 2021

Background: The giant African snail, Achatina fulica, is an invasive species recognized for being a serious agricultural pest and an intermediary vector for diverse parasites that cause diseases in humans. The knowledge of the state of African snail populations in urban areas is of great ecological and public health importance. Therefore, our objective was to characterize the status of giant African snail populations present in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, including the assessment of nematode parasites in the specimens. Methods. Sites were visited following information from citizens affected by the presence of the African snail. The specimens were collected and transported to the laboratory; subsequently, they were weighed, measured, and classified by size. Dissections of lung tissue and soft organs were performed to search for and identify nematode parasites. Size measurement between the sampled sites was statistically compared and density and biomass indicators were established. Results. In total, 204 snails were collected distributed among four sites within Cartagena city. Of these, 50% were juvenile specimens (10-40 mm). The size of the specimens showed significant differences between the sampling areas. The calculated density was between 0.0019-0.68 ind/m2 and the biomass between 3.92-48.75 kg/ha. No presence of nematode parasites was observed in these specimens. Conclusions. Densities and biomasses of A. fulica in Cartagena do not reach levels considered highly harmful. On the other hand, although no parasites were found in these snails, it is relevant to continue with studies on the human health risks that represent the presence of this invasive species in urban areas of Cartagena.
Assessing the conservation value of medicinal plant collections in Bogor Botanic Gardens, Indonesia
Authors: Hidayat Syamsul , Zuhud Ervizal A.M. , Widyatmoko Didik , BAHRUNI Bahruni 
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Hidayat S, Zuhud EAM, Widyatmoko D, Bahruni. 2021. Assessing the conservation value of medicinal plant collections in Bogor Botanic Gardens, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 696-706. Botanic gardens contain plant collections for the purpose primarily for ex-situ conservation, yet the public rarely appreciates these collections. As such, assessing the conservation value of botanic gardens collections is very important as an effort to increase public awareness of the importance of botanic gardens and their plant collections. This research aimed to assess the conservation value of plant collection in Bogor Botanic Gardens (BBG), Indonesia using quantitative and qualitative methods. We focused our assessment on medicinal plant collections with the habitus of tree. Conservation value of a plant collection was approached by preservation value and utilization value both quantitatively using monetary units and qualitatively using non-monetary index. Based on these two approaches, quantitatively most (91%) of the medicinal plant collections in BBG assessed in this study have a value of more than one million rupiahs, even 21% have a value of more than 100 million rupiahs, implying the high monetary value of medicinal plant collection in Bogor Botanic Gardens. Meanwhile, qualitatively, the conservation value score of a species will be strongly influenced by the existence of protection laws issued by the government and the cultural level of plants' use by the community. Our framework of assessing the conservation value of plant collections, especially those with medicinal purposes, can be replicated in other botanic gardens.
Molecular characterization of a farmer-preferred maize landrace population from a multiple-stress-prone subtropical lowland environment
Authors: Makore Fortunate , Gasura Edmore , Souta Caleb , Mazarura Upenyu , Derera John , Zikhali Meluleki , Kamutando Casper , Magorokosho Cosmos , Dari Shorai 
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Makore F, Gasura E, Souta C, Mazamura U, Derera J, Zikhali M, Kamutando CN, Magorokosho C, Dari S. 2021. Molecular characterization of a farmer-preferred maize landrace population from a multiple-stress-prone subtropical lowland environment. Biodiversitas 22: 769-777. The study was conducted to assess genetic diversity of 372 maize lines using 116 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Three hundred and forty-seven lines were S1 lines (coded J lines) from a local maize landrace population and twenty-five were the widely used standard lines. The number of alleles per marker ranged from two to four and the average was three alleles. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.405 indicates high genetic diversity for maize lines evaluated in this study. Population structure revealed three distinct sub-populations. Sub-population 1 contained two J lines; sub-population 2 contained five J lines and sub-population 3 contained the rest of the J lines and all the standard lines. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) identified 22% variance among and 78% variance within the three subpopulations, indicating high gene exchange and low genetic differentiation. Hierarchical cluster analysis further divided the lines into nine subgroups placing some of the J lines into known heterotic groups', i.e., J30_3, J393_4, J393_3, and J393_1 in CIMMYT heterotic group B. Allelic variation observed can be a source of allele combination for breeding programs interested in widening their genetic base. The private alleles that were present in the J lines suggest availability of stress-tolerant genes that breeders can incorporate in new hybrids.
Identification of fermentative bacteria on local microorganisms of golden snail (Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck, 1822)
Authors: RETNOWATI YULIANA , Katili Abubakar Sidik 
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Retnowati Y, Katili AS. 2021. Identification of fermentative bacteria on local microorganisms of golden snail (Pomacea canaliculate Lamarck, 1822). Biodiversitas 22: 778-784. Local Microorganisms (LMo) is a fermented liquid containing various microorganisms that potentially act as decomposers and bio-fertilizer. P. canaliculata is one of the rice pests that is a basic ingredient of LMo because of its high protein content. The objective of this study was to determine the types of fermentative bacteria on Local Microorganisms of P. canaliculata. The fermentation of LMo was conducted for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. Microbial population was determined at 7-day intervals based on the TPC method. Characterization and identification based on polyphasic taxonomy including macroscopic and microscopic morphological characters., Molecular identification was based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. The results showed that LMo of P. canaliculata had a low degree of acidity and tended to decrease during the incubation period, from pH 5.3 to 4.0. Bacterial population tends to increase at 0-14 fermentation days and decreases after 21 days. The isolation results showed that the 3 bacterial isolates namely BFPc-01, BFPc-02, and BFPc-03 were isolated based on morphological differences. The morphological characters of BFPc-01 was milky white color colony, Gram-negative, coccus; BFPc-02 isolate was pink, colony color, Gram-negative, coccus; and BFPc-03 isolate was yellow color colony, bacillus, Gram-positive. The results of molecular characterization based on the 16s rRNA gene sequence showed that BFPc-01 isolate similar to Klebsiella pneumoniae MT604895.1 (99.04%), BFPc-02 isolate closely related to Serratia sp. (100%), and BFPc-03 isolate similar to Microbacterium sp. (100%).
Identification of Drought Tolerant and Molecular Analysis of DREB2A and BADH2 Genes and Yield Potensial of Lines from Single Crossing Bengkulu Local Rice Varieties
Authors: Herawati Reny , ALNOPRI ALNOPRI , MASDAR MASDAR , SIMARMATA MARULAK , SIPRIYADI SIPRIYADI , SUTRAWATI MIMI 
Published: January 2021

Screening in the seedling stage of 39 progeny of F6 lines to drought stress was carried out in the greenhouse. Drought tolerant and sensitive varieties of IR 20 and Salumpikit, respectively, were used as control plants. The methods for traits identification of leaf curled, dried, and recovery ability after exposure to severe drought for two weeks was following the Standard Evaluation System (SES) developed by IRRI. Molecular analysis to detect the presence of the DREB2A gene was carried out by PCR amplification of genomic DNA using forward- and reverse- oligonucleotide primers of CCTCATTGGGTCAGGAAGAA and GGATCTCAGCCACCCACTTA, respectively, while for BADH2 gene using forward- and reverse- oligonucleotide primers of GGCCAAGTACCTCAAGGCGA and TGTCCCCAGCTGCTTCATCC, respectively. Molecular markers of DREB2A and BADH2 genes were also identified in 39 tested lines with approximately 250 and 2300 bp length, respectively. This study concluded that the progeny of F6 lines generating from the crossing of local varieties of IR7858 and IR148 is the potential to become a drought-tolerant variety of upland rice. Line numbers BKL2 B-2-264-6 and BKL4 B-1-268-10 have a potential yield of more than 12 tonnes/ha. These line has the potential to be developed on rainfed lowland rice or dry land because it has drought resistance.
Brightness enhancement in random Raman fiber laser based on a graded-index fiber with high-power multimode pumping
Authors: Chen Yizhu , Fan Chenchen , Yao Tianfu , Xiao Hu , Leng Jinyong , Zhou Pu , Nemov Ilya N. , Kuznetsov Alexey G. , Babin Sergey A. 
Published: February 2021

A brightness-enhanced random Raman fiber laser (RRFL) with maximum power of 306 W at 1120 nm is demonstrated. A half-open cavity is built based on a graded-index (GRIN) passive fiber and single high-reflective fiber Bragg grating written in it directly. Due to the beam cleanup effect in the GRIN fiber enhanced in the half-open RRFL cavity, the output beam quality factor

M

2

is improved from 9.15 (pump) to 1.76–2.35 (Stokes) depending on power, while the pump–Stokes brightness enhancement (BE) factor increases proportionally to output power reaching 6.1 at maximum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest power GRIN RRFL with BE.
200 µJ, 13  ns Er:ZBLAN mid-infrared fiber laser actively Q-switched by an electro-optic modulator
Authors: Shen Yanlong , Wang Yousheng , Zhu Feng , Ma Lianying , Zhao Liu , Chen Zhengge , Wang Hao , Huang Chao , Huang Ke , Feng Guobin 
Published: February 2021

We report, as far as we know for the first time, on a pulsed 2.7 µm Er:ZBLAN fiber laser

Q

-switched by an electro-optic modulator. The

Q

-switched operation was achieved with a repetition rate range of 100 Hz–50 kHz. Pulse energy of 205.7 µJ and pulse width down to 13.1 ns, yielding a peak power of 15.7 kW, were obtained at a repetition rate of 100 Hz. The linewidth of the output spectrum was as narrow as 0.4 nm. The pulse width and the pulse peak power, to the best of our knowledge, are currently the shortest and the highest in the 3-µm-band

Q

-switched fiber lasers, respectively.
Development of a terahertz time-domain scanner for topographic imaging of spherical targets
Authors: Virk Arjun S. , Harris Zachery B. , Arbab M. Hassan 
Published: February 2021

Topographical abnormality in corneal tissue is a common diagnostic marker for many eye diseases and injuries. Using an asynchronous optical sampling terahertz time-domain spectroscopy setup, we developed a non-contact and normal-incidence imaging system to measure topographic changes along the surface of spherical samples. We obtained orthogonal 1D scans of calibration spheres to evaluate the minimum axial resolution of our system. We determined the axial and spatial resolution of the scanner using 3D-printed spherical cross and Boehler star targets. Furthermore, we characterized the asymmetrical performance of the scanner due to the use of an off-axis parabolic mirror. Finally, we developed an edge-detection filter to aid with improving the topographic scans. We showed that when imaging samples were comparable in size to the human cornea, the axial and spherical spatial resolutions were limited to about 15 µm (

∼
λ

/

67

) and 1 mm, respectively.
Optimising weight-loss interventions in cancer patients—A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: LeVasseur Nathalie , Cheng Wei , Mazzarello Sasha , Clemons Mark , Vandermeer Lisa , Jones Lee , Joy Anil Abraham , Barbeau Pauline , Wolfe Dianna , Ahmadzai Nadera , Hersi Mona , Stober Carol , Shorr Risa , Hilton John , Hutton Brian 
Published: February 2021

Background
Excess weight has been associated with increased morbidity and a worse prognosis in adult patients with early-stage cancer. The optimal lifestyle interventions to optimize anthropometric measures amongst cancer patients and survivors remain inconsistent.

Objective
To conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of exercise and dietary interventions alone or in combination on anthropometric measures of adult cancer patients and survivors.

Methods
A systematic search of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Trials Registry was performed. Outcomes of interest included changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Screening and data collection were performed by two reviewers. Bayesian NMAs were performed.

Results
Overall, 98 RCTs were included; 75 were incorporated in NMAs (n = 12,199). Groups of intervention strategies included: 3 exercise interventions, 8 dietary interventions, 7 combination interventions of diet and exercise and standard care. Median intervention duration was 26 weeks. NMA suggested that diet alone (mean difference [MD] -2.25kg, 95% CrI -3.43 to -0.91kg) and combination strategies (MD -2.52kg, 95% CrI -3.54 to -1.62kg) were associated with more weight loss compared to standard care. All dietary interventions achieved a similar magnitude of weight loss (MD range from -2.03kg to -2.52kg). Both diet alone and combination strategies demonstrated greater BMI reductions versus standard care, and each of diet alone, exercise alone and combination strategies demonstrated greater reductions in waist circumference than standard care.

Conclusion
Diet and exercise alone or in combination are effective lifestyle interventions to improve anthropometric measures in cancer patients and survivors. All reputable diets appear to be similarly effective to achieve weight loss.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia without a compromised illness
Authors: Kim Tae-Ok , Lee Jae-Kyeong , Kwon Yong-Soo , Kim Yu-Il , Lim Sung-Chul , Kim Min-Seok , Kho Bo Gun , Park Cheol-Kyu , Oh In-Jae , Kim Young-Chul , Park Ha Young , Shin Hong-Joon 
Published: February 2021

Objective
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a fatal respiratory infection, mostly associated with immunocompromised conditions. Several reports have described PCP development in patients who were not immunocompromised, but the clinical course and prognosis of PCP are not well understood. We compared the clinical characteristics and prognoses between patients with and without immunocompromised conditions who developed PCP.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed patients who had been treated for PCP from three hospitals. We defined immunocompromised (IC) status as following: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; hematological malignancy; solid organ tumor under chemotherapy; rheumatic disease; medication with immunosuppressive agents. Patients without immunocompromised status were defined as being non-immunocompromised (non-IC).

Results
The IC and non-IC groups comprised 173 and 14 patients. The median ages were 62.0 and 74.0 years in the IC and the non-IC group, respectively. The median interval between admission and anti-PCP treatment was significantly longer for patients in the non-IC group than that for patients in the IC group (7 vs. 2 days). The in-hospital mortality rates were significantly higher for patients in the non-IC group than that for patients in the IC group (71.4% vs. 43.9%; P = 0.047). A longer interval between admission and anti-PCP therapy was associated with increased 90-day mortality rate in patients with PCP (hazard ratio, 1.082; 95% confidence interval, 1.015–1.153; P = 0.016).

Conclusions
Patients with PCP with no predisposing illnesses were older and had higher mortality rates than IC patients with PCP. Delayed anti-PCP treatment was associated with increased 90-day mortality.