bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current status of the COVID‐19 and male reproduction: A review of the literature
Authors: Borges Edson , Setti Amanda Souza , Iaconelli Assumpto , Braga Daniela Paes de Almeida Ferreira 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), which causes serious respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and lung failure, was first reported in mid‐December 2019 in China and has spread around the world. In addition to causing serious respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and lung failure, there have been conflicting reports about the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the semen of patients who were previously diagnosed with COVID‐19 and possible implications for the male reproductive tract.ObjectiveThe goal for the present study was to review the current status of the literature concerning COVID‐19 and male reproduction.Material and methodsAn electronic literature search was done by using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Relevant papers, concerning SARS‐COV‐2 and COVID‐19 and male reproduction, published between January 2020 and December 2020 were selected, analyzed and eventually included in the present literature review.ResultsSARS‐CoV‐2 may infect any cell type expressing angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), including reproductive cells. Besides the presence of the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor, the expression of host proteases, such as transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), is needed to cleave the viral S protein, allowing permanent fusion of the viral and host cell membranes. Here, we aimed to review the current status of the literature concerning COVID‐19 and male reproduction. The lack of co‐expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the testis suggests that sperm cells may not be at increased risk of viral entry and spread. However, the presence of orchitis in COVID‐19‐confirmed patients and compromised sex‐related hormonal balance among these patients intrigues reproductive medicine.DiscussionSARS‐CoV‐2 may use alternate receptors to enter certain cell types, or the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 may not be detected in healthy individuals.ConclusionCOVID‐19 challenges all medical areas, including reproductive medicine. It is not yet clear what effects, if any, the COVID‐19 pandemic will have on male reproduction. Further research is needed to understand the long‐term impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 on male reproductive function.
Differential impact of four sperm preparation techniques on sperm motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, acrosome status, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial activity: A prospective study
Authors: Raad Georges , Bakos Hassan W. , Bazzi Marwa , Mourad Youmna , Fakih Fadi , Shayya Salman , Mchantaf Lama , Fakih Chadi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSuboptimal human semen handling in vitro may induce sperm damage. However, the effects of semen swim‐up, pellet swim‐up, density gradient, and density gradient followed by SU on sperm motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, acrosome reaction, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial activity were not fully understood.ObjectivesTo study the impact of four sperm preparation techniques on sperm functional parameters.Materials and methodsThis study was conducted on 60 infertile men with a minimum sperm concentration of 20 × 106/ml and total sperm motility of ≥30%. Each raw semen sample was divided into four aliquots. Each aliquot was prepared by one of the tested techniques. Various sperm characteristics were assessed before and after sperm preparation.ResultsDensity gradient and density gradient followed by SU resulted in significantly higher DNA fragmentation percentages compared with semen swim‐up (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and pellet swim‐up (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Significantly higher percentages of spermatozoa with intact acrosome were detected in semen swim‐up (p < 0.001) and pellet swim‐up (p < 0.001) compared with raw semen. The percentage of reactive oxygen species‐positive spermatozoa was significantly higher after pellet swim‐up (p < 0.001), density gradient (p < 0.001), and density gradient followed by SU (p < 0.001) than raw semen. In addition, the percentages of 100% stained midpiece (active mitochondria) were significantly higher in semen swim‐up (p < 0.001) and pellet swim‐up (p < 0.001) compared with raw semen.Discussion and conclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report comparing the impact of these techniques on various sperm functional parameters. Semen swim‐up was more effective than density gradient in selecting better spermatozoa in terms of DNA integrity, reactive oxygen species levels, acrosome status, and mitochondrial activity. Randomized clinical trials comparing these four techniques are required to test their impact on embryo development and pregnancy outcomes.
Different surgical modalities for management of uveitic glaucoma: 2 year comparative study
Authors: El‐Saied Heba Magdy Ahmed , Abdelhakim Mohamad Amr Salah Eddin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to compare outcome of 3 different surgical modalities for management of uveitic glaucoma (UG).MethodsThis is a prospective comparative study, carried out on a cohort of 105 eyes (105 patients) with UG of different aetiologies. Patients were randomly allocated to group A (trabeculectomy), group B (Ahmed glaucoma valve; AGV) or group C (Trans‐scleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation, TDLC). Postoperatively, all patients were followed up for 2 years. Humphrey SITA standard perimetry was done 6, 12 and 24 months. Complete success was defined as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and relative decrease of ≥20%, without additional glaucoma surgery or antiglaucoma medication, qualified success as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and additional reduction of ≥20% in IOP, without additional glaucoma surgery, but with topical medications, while failure was considered when IOP was not controlled with topical medications and the patient needed additional surgery, or hypotony for ≥2 months.ResultsAt first, IOP was significantly lower with AGV and significantly higher with TDLC, with significant drop and percentage drop between the three groups. Starting from the 6th month postoperatively till the end of the 2‐year period, there was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups. There was no significant difference between the three groups, with complete success achieved in 60% with trabeculectomy, 68.6% with AGV and 62.9% with TDLC. There was significant difference for inflammatory cells grading; 65.7% of eyes with trabeculectomy had 2+ cells, 57% with AGV had 0 cells while 45.7% with TDLC had 1+ cells.ConclusionThe three surgical modalities had the same IOP‐lowering effect on the long run, with complete success rate that is close enough between them, with AGV revealing the least inflammation, which might be the cause of more stable VF with Ahmed’s valve proving its superiority to the other 2 techniques for inflammatory glaucoma.
Microcomputed tomography for discriminating between different forming techniques in ancient pottery: New segmentation method and pore distribution recognition
Authors: Coli V.L. , Gomart L. , Pisani D.F. , Cohen S. , Blanc‐Féraud L. , Leblond J. , Binder D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMicrocomputed tomography is a valuable tool for studying ancient ceramics technology. Analysing pottery 3‐D images is a challenging issue, the data being extremely noisy and heterogeneous. Quantitative criteria are introduced for the characterisation of a previously unrecognised pottery building method, the Spiralled Patchwork Technology (SPT). An analytical protocol has been implemented that applies to 3‐D reconstructions of ceramic sherds and integrates automatic segmentation of porous systems and shape recognition using Hough transform. It enables discriminating between SPT and other techniques for vessels manufacture, and opens up many perspectives for independent characterisation of ancient technical gestures in ceramic technology.
Dried blood spot metabolomics reveals a metabolic fingerprint with diagnostic potential for Diamond Blackfan Anaemia
Authors: van Dooijeweert Birgit , Broeks Melissa H. , van Beers Eduard J. , Verhoeven‐Duif Nanda M. , van Solinge Wouter W. , Nieuwenhuis Edward E. S. , Jans Judith J. , van Wijk Richard , Bartels Marije 
Published: May 2021

SummaryThe diagnostic evaluation of Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA), an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome characterised by erythroid hypoplasia, is challenging because of a broad phenotypic variability and the lack of functional screening tests. In this study, we explored the potential of untargeted metabolomics to diagnose DBA. In dried blood spot samples from 18 DBA patients and 40 healthy controls, a total of 1752 unique metabolite features were identified. This metabolic fingerprint was incorporated into a machine‐learning algorithm, and a binary classification model was constructed using a training set. The model showed high performance characteristics (average accuracy 91·9%), and correct prediction of class was observed for all controls (n = 12) and all but one patient (n = 4/5) from the validation or ‘test’ set (accuracy 94%). Importantly, in patients with congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia (CDA) – an erythroid disorder with overlapping features – we observed a distinct metabolic profile, indicating the disease specificity of the DBA fingerprint and underlining its diagnostic potential. Furthermore, when exploring phenotypic heterogeneity, DBA treatment subgroups yielded discrete differences in metabolic profiles, which could hold future potential in understanding therapy responses. Our data demonstrate that untargeted metabolomics in dried blood spots is a promising new diagnostic tool for DBA.
Using behavioural theory to understand adherence to behaviours that reduce transmission of COVID‐19; evidence from the CHARIS representative national study
Authors: Dixon Diane , Den Daas Chantal , Hubbard Gill , Johnston Marie 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesTo examine the ability of four models of behaviour, namely, Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), the Common Sense Self‐Regulation Model (CS‐SRM), and Social Cognitive Theory and the Reasoned Action Approach (SCT and RAA) to understand adherence to transmission‐reducing behaviours (TRBs) advised by national governments for suppression of SARS‐CoV2.DesignA series of six cross‐sectional telephone surveys of a random representative sample of adults living in Scotland.MethodsSelf‐reported adherence to three TRBs (physical distancing, wearing a face covering and handwashing), PMT, CS‐SRM, and SCT/RAA constructs, and sociodemographic variables were measured each week for 6 weeks (n = ~500 p/w; third June–15th July) via a 15 min telephone survey.ResultsAdherence was high (‘Always’ or ‘Most times’) throughout for physical distancing and handwashing, and, when mandated, for wearing a face covering. Older people were more adherent to all TRBs. Constructs from all three models predicted all three TRBs. Intention and self‐efficacy (SCT/RAA) were the only beliefs to predict to all three TRBs each week and for all groups equally; intention was the strongest predictor. The predictive utility of PMT and CS‐SRM varied by TRB and by group. Of note was the observation that several illness beliefs were associated with adherence only for those who believed they had not had COVID‐19.ConclusionsThe CHARIS project has identified beliefs about specific behaviours, the illness and the risks associated with lower adherence rates that might be addressed in national interventions. It confirms previous findings that some groups show lower levels of adherence and might be specially targeted.
Wildlife rehabilitation centers as a potential source of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 into native wildlife of Latin America
Authors: Chaves Andrea , Montecino‐Latorre Diego , Alcázar Paloma , Suzán Gerardo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted the entire world, causing a great number of mortality of humans and affecting the economy, while conservation efforts are finally recognized to prevent further pandemics. The wildlife rehabilitation centers (WRCs) play a relevant role in animal welfare; nevertheless, they also represent an imminent risk of pathogen transmission between humans‐to‐animals and between animals. Moreover, WRCs could spread pathogens into natural habitats through the reintroduction of infectious individuals. These biosafety concerns at WRCs may increase as the economic and social impact of the COVID‐19 extends. We explored the current situation of Latin American WRCs under the COVID‐19 pandemic to determine the feasibility of SARS‐CoV‐2 introduction, amplification, and spread within these institutions. We surveyed WRCs from eight Latin American countries. We found that pandemic is affecting these institutions in many aspects: workers with symptoms compatible with COVID‐19, reduced economic resources, and lack of information and support from governmental authorities. These have forced WRCs to reduce the workforce, veterinary visits, and animal food rations and to increase the number of animals released. This scenario generates a risky environment for the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2, especially for felids, mustelids, and non‐human primates. Therefore, it is imperative to respect quarantine periods, monitor incoming patients, increase biosecurity measures, develop and apply guidelines and recommendations for the protection of personnel and biosafety of enclosures and instruments. It is of utmost importance the proper and safer reintroduction of recovered wildlife.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Current and experimental therapeutics for Fabry disease
Authors: Castelli Vanessa , Stamerra Cosimo Andrea , d'Angelo Michele , Cimini Annamaria , Ferri Claudio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFabry (or Anderson‐Fabry) is a rare pan‐ethnic disease affecting males and females. Fabry is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disease, affecting glycosphingolipid metabolism, that is caused by mutations of theGLAgene that codes for α‐galactosidase A. Fabry disease (FD) can be classified into a severe, classical phenotype, most often seen in men with no residual enzyme activity, that usually appear before 18 years and a usually milder, nonclassical (later‐onset) phenotype that usually appear above 18 years. Affected patients show multifactorial complications, including renal failure, cardiovascular problems, and neuropathy. In this review, we briefly report the clinical trials so far performed with the available therapies, and then we focus on the in vitro and the in vivo experimental models of the disease, to highlight the relevance in improving the existing therapeutics and understand the mechanism of this rare disorder. Current available in vivo and in vitro models can assist in better comprehension of the pathogenesis and underlying mechanisms of FD, thus the existing therapeutic approaches can be optimized, and new options can be developed.
Patient factors related to early implant failures in the edentulous jaw: A large retrospectivecase–controlstudy
Authors: Malm Malin Olsson , Jemt Torsten , Stenport Victoria Franke 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundDental implants provide anchorage for dental prostheses to restore functions for individuals with edentulous jaws. During the healing phase, proper osseointegration is required to prevent early implant failure. More knowledge is needed regarding factors related to early failure of dental implants.PurposeThe aim of the present study was to identify possible risk factors for early implant failure, with respect to anamnestic and clinical parameters.Materials and MethodsAll patients with edentulous jaws with early implant failure (n = 408) from one referral clinic were compared with a matched control group (n = 408) with no implant failure.Early implant failure was identified during the first year of prosthetic function. Matching was performed on age, gender, year of surgery, type of jaw, and type of implant surface. In addition, data on anamnestic and clinical parameters were collected. The data were analyzed with a multivariable logistic regression model using early implant failure as the binary outcome.ResultsFive anamnestic factors were statistically significant with respect to higher probability for early implant failure: systemic disease, allergies in general, food allergies, smoking, and intake of analgesic medication. Four clinical conditions (i.e., implants in the opposing jaw, low primary stability, reduced bone volume, and healing complications) were also related to higher probability for early implant failure.ConclusionsThis study identified nine factors associated with early implant failure, several related to patient's general health. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the causality between the obtained variables and early implant failure.
Assessment of bone density and stability with immediately loaded dental implants with the All‐on‐Four technique in free vascularized fibular grafts used for mandibular reconstruction
Authors: Shawky Mohamed , Elbeialy Ramy R. , Khashaba Mohammed M. , Zedan Mohamed H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundFollowing free fibula flaps (FFF) reconstruction of mandibular defects the patients need an early dental rehabilitation to regain their masticatory function and enhance their feeding and nutrition.MethodsThis study included 10 patients, with mandibular defects previously reconstructed with FFF that span the area between the two mandibular angles. They received a full arch fixed restoration supported by four implants using a pilot drilling guide to perform a flapless operation. The stability of the placed dental implants was assessed along with the changes in bone density.ResultsThere was a statistically significant increase in stability after 3 and 6 months, and there was a decrease in density after 6 months. The patient satisfaction improved over the follow‐up period.ConclusionThe All‐on‐Four technique is reliable and economic for early functional rehabilitation of resected jaws reconstructed with FFF; however, further studies are needed to investigate the changes in fibula bone density over time and with function.
Extended duration of faecal diversion is associated with increased ileus upon loop ileostomy reversal
Authors: Guidolin Keegan , Jung Flora , Spence Richard , Quereshy Fayez , Chadi Sami A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimThe timing of ileostomy reversal has been the subject of controversy, with researchers investigating the safety of early versus late stoma closure. Anecdotally, a longer duration of faecal diversion is associated with a greater incidence of postoperative ileus. We sought to investigate the association between duration of diversion and postoperative ileus.MethodWe conducted an institutional retrospective cohort study on 173 patients undergoing ileostomy closure between 2012 and 2018. Our primary outcome was ileus; secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and descriptive factors. We investigated the association between duration of diversion and ileus using several analyses to ensure that time was treated appropriately as a continuous, nonlinear variable.ResultsIn all, 20.2% of patients had an ileus. Multivariate analysis did not identify a significant association between any independent predictors and ileus, although there was a trend towards increased risk of ileus with increasing duration of diversion. When treated as a categorical variable, a duration of diversion >328 days independently increased the odds of ileus (OR = 3.25, P = 0.033). Duration of diversion was associated with days to first flatus and to first diet (P = 0.025 and P = 0.004, respectively). When patients received nasogastric intubation, the mean duration of intubation was 3.2 days.ConclusionGreater duration of diversion was associated with a trend towards increased risk of ileus; this risk tripled when diversion lasted more than 328 days.
Vigilant or avoidant? Children's temperamental shyness, patterns of gaze, and physiology during social threat
Authors: Poole Kristie L. , Schmidt Louis A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTemperamental shyness is characterized by fear, wariness, and the perception of threat in response to social novelty. Previous work has been inconsistent regarding attentional patterns to social threat among shy children, with evidence for both avoidance and vigilance. We examined relations between children's shyness and gaze aversion during the approach of a stranger (i.e., a context of social novelty), and tested whether these patterns of gaze moderated relations between shyness and autonomic reactivity and recovery. Participants included 152 typically‐developing children (Mage = 7.82 years, SD = 0.44 years) who had their respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) recorded during baseline, social novelty, and recovery. Children's shyness correlated with increases in self‐reported nervousness from baseline to social novelty, providing support for perceived threat. Results revealed that children's proportion of gaze aversion from social novelty was related to shyness in a U‐shape pattern such that both low levels of gaze aversion (i.e., attentional vigilance) and high levels of gaze aversion (i.e., attentional avoidance) were related to higher levels of shyness. Further, we found that children's shyness was directly related to decreases in RSA from baseline to social novelty, whereas quadratic gaze to social novelty moderated the relation between shyness and RSA recovery. Specifically, shyness was related to greater RSA recovery among children who exhibited attentional vigilance during the novel social interaction. Our findings provide support for both avoidance of, and vigilance to, social threat among different shy children, and these gaze strategies may be differentially related to physiological regulation during novel social encounters.
A real‐world study of user characteristics, safety and efficacy of open‐source closed‐loop systems and Medtronic 670G
Authors: Jeyaventhan Roshell , Gallen Geraldine , Choudhary Pratik , Hussain Sufyan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe report a real‐world evaluation of the first commercially approved automated insulin delivery (AID) system, MiniMed 670G (670G), and open source‐automated insulin delivery (OS‐AID) systems. This was undertaken as a retrospective observational study in adults with type 1 diabetes using AID systems for 6 months or longer in a publicly funded health service using clinically validated data. Sixty‐eight adults (38 670G, 30 OS‐AID systems) were included. OS‐AID system users were younger, had a shorter diabetes duration and a higher education status. OS‐AID systems displayed a significantly better change in HbA1c (median −0.9% [−0.4%, −1.1%] vs. −0.1% [IQR −0.7%, 0.2%], P = .004) and time in range 3.9‐10 mmol/L (mean 78.5%, SD ± 12.0% vs. 68.2% ± 14.7%, P = .024) compared with 670G. Both systems showed minimal hypoglycaemia, with OS‐AID systems revealing significantly improved secondary outcomes of mean glucose and percentage of time more than 10 mmol/L, with a higher percentage of time of less than 3 mmol/L. OS‐AID system users displayed improved glycaemic outcomes with no clinical safety concerns compared with 670G, although higher weight‐adjusted insulin dose and weight gain were noted. The study highlights key differences in OS‐AID system user characteristics that are important for interpreting real‐world findings from recent OS‐AID system studies.