bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Steroid Sulfation in Adrenal Tumors
Authors: Mueller Jonathan Wolf , Vogg Nora , Lightning Thomas Alec , Weigand Isabel , Ronchi Cristina L , Foster Paul A , Kroiss Matthias 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
The adrenal cortex produces specific steroid hormones including steroid sulfates such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), the most abundant steroid hormone in the human circulation. Steroid sulfation involves a multistep enzyme machinery that may be impaired by inborn errors of steroid metabolism. Emerging data suggest a role of steroid sulfates in the pathophysiology of adrenal tumors and as potential biomarkers.

Evidence Acquisition
Selective literature search using “steroid,” “sulfat*,” “adrenal,” “transport,” “mass spectrometry” and related terms in different combinations.

Evidence Synthesis
A recent study highlighted the tissue abundance of estrogen sulfates to be of prognostic impact in adrenocortical carcinoma tissue samples using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging. General mechanisms of sulfate uptake, activation, and transfer to substrate steroids are reasonably well understood. Key aspects of this pathway, however, have not been investigated in detail in the adrenal; these include the regulation of substrate specificity and the secretion of sulfated steroids. Both for the adrenal and targeted peripheral tissues, steroid sulfates may have relevant biological actions beyond their cognate nuclear receptors after desulfation. Impaired steroid sulfation such as low DHEAS in Cushing adenomas is of diagnostic utility, but more comprehensive studies are lacking. In bioanalytics, the requirement of deconjugation for gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry has precluded the study of steroid sulfates for a long time. This limitation may be overcome by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Conclusions
A role of steroid sulfation in the pathophysiology of adrenal tumors has been suggested and a diagnostic utility of steroid sulfates as biomarkers is likely. Recent analytical developments may target sulfated steroids specifically.
Plasma Concentrations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Body Composition From Mid-Childhood to Early Adolescence
Authors: Janis Jaclyn A , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L , Seshasayee Shravanthi M , Sagiv Sharon , Calafat Antonia M , Gold Diane R , Coull Brent A , Rosen Clifford J , Oken Emily , Fleisch Abby F 
Published: March 2021

AbstractContextPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may alter body composition by lowering anabolic hormones and increasing inflammation, but data are limited, particularly in adolescence when body composition is rapidly changing.ObjectiveTo evaluate associations of PFAS plasma concentrations in childhood with change in body composition through early adolescence.MethodsA total of 537 children in the Boston-area Project Viva cohort participated in this study. We used multivariable linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to examine associations of plasma concentrations of 6 PFAS, quantified by mass spectrometry, in mid-childhood (mean age, 7.9 years; 2007-2010) with change in body composition measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry from mid-childhood to early adolescence (mean age, 13.1 years).ResultsIn single-PFAS linear regression models, children with higher concentrations of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) had less accrual of lean mass (eg, −0.33 [95% CI: −0.52, −0.13] kg/m2 per doubling of PFOA). Children with higher PFOS and PFHxS had less accrual of total and truncal fat mass (eg, −0.32 [95% CI: −0.54, −0.11] kg/m2 total fat mass per doubling of PFOS), particularly subcutaneous fat mass (eg, −17.26 [95% CI −32.25, −2.27] g/m2 per doubling of PFOS). Children with higher PFDA and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) had greater accrual of visceral fat mass (eg, 0.44 [95% CI: 0.13, 0.75] g/m2 per doubling of PFDA). Results from BKMR mixture models were consistent with linear regression analyses.ConclusionEarly life exposure to some but not all PFAS may be associated with adverse changes in body composition.
“Merde Alors!”
Authors: Bernini Lorenzo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In recent history, Italy has repeatedly emerged as a successful laboratory for political experiments. After WWI, Fascism was invented there by Mussolini, and it quickly spread across Europe. In the 1990s, Berlusconi anticipated Trump's entrepreneurial populism. Today, there is a risk that Italy will once again perform the role of a political avant-garde: that it will export to Europe a sovereign populism of a new kind that is nonetheless in continuity with disquieting features of the worst past. The essay performs a close reading of the programmatic speech that Minister of Home Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of Italy Matteo Salvini delivered in July 2018 at the thirty-second annual gathering of the Lega party. Its aim is to detect the presence in it of the politics of abjection (Judith Butler), a “Fascist archetype” (Umberto Eco) that affects both racialized and non-heterosexual people.
Rohith-Movement, Conversion, and Renaming
Authors: Leonard Dickens 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Reflecting on the “suicide” of the anti-caste student activist in India, Rohith Vemula, now a Dalit icon, this paper looks at the various meanings that his suicide note generates for the Dalit present. Mobilizing historical and philosophical material, particularly the work of anti-caste intellectuals such as Ambedkar and Iyothee Thass, the paper argues that conversion and renaming, among the oppressed, are acts that move toward becoming-other.
Cultural Politics of Historically Marginalized Students in Indian Universities
Authors: Pathania Gaurav J. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The university space, the most endangered zone in Indian democracy in the present, is witnessing the ideological churnings, contradictions, and emergent possibilities of affinity among radical voices contesting culturally hegemonic practices. Student activism in general and anti-caste activism in particular offer a complex interplay of caste, gender, culture, and politics in the university space, traditionally defined as neutral. Envisioning a democratic, socially just, and genuinely secular nation, historically marginalized students challenge and critique hegemonic narratives. This article argues that anti-caste activism on campuses invokes the democratic space of universities, where ideological meanings are constructed and deconstructed to unveil the suppression of historically marginalized voices in contemporary network society. The dominant culture and politics are actually rooted in the iron laws of ancient hierarchies intrinsically opposed to the self-historicizing and well-informed democratic aspirations of student activism.
الفلسطينيّون داخل إسرائيل
Authors: كيّال مجد 
Published: March 2021

ملخّص
تأسست الحركة الطلابيّة الفلسطينيّة في جامعات إسرائيل داخل بيئة أكاديميّة معادية. لم ينخرط الطلّاب الفلسطينيّون في الإنتاج المؤسساتيّ للمعرفة في الجامعات، ولم يتطوّر أي إطار معرفيّ بديل مناهض للاستعمار ضمن الأكاديميّة الإسرائيليّة. هذه الظروف تركت الحركة الطلابيّة الوطنيّة مجرّد مرآة للأحزاب السياسيّة الفلسطينيّة التقليديّة في إسرائيل، تتبنّى مواقف الأحزاب التقليديّة بشكلٍ غير نقديّ. أدارت الأحزاب الحركة الطلابيّة على جميع المستويات، ما حرمها أي استقلاليّة فكريّة أو تنظيميّة، وهو ما لم يترك مجالًا لأي قطيعة رديكاليّة عن العمل السياسيّ التقليديّ. هذه العلاقة القويّة أضعفت أيّ توجّه ثوريّ معادٍ للصهيونيّة داخل الحركة الطلابيّة، وأدى لاحقًا إلى انهيار الحركة تدريجيًا.
Germline sexual fate is determined by the antagonistic action of dmrt1 and foxl3/foxl2 in tilapia
Authors: Dai Shengfei , Qi Shuangshuang , Wei Xueyan , Liu Xingyong , Li Yibing , Zhou Xin , Xiao Hesheng , Lu Baoyue , Wang Deshou , Li Minghui 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Germline sexual fate has long been believed to be determined by the somatic environment, but this idea is challenged by recent studies of foxl3 mutants in medaka. Here, we demonstrate that the sexual fate of tilapia germline is determined by the antagonistic interaction of dmrt1 and foxl3, which are transcriptionally repressed in male and female germ cells, respectively. Loss of dmrt1 rescued the germ cell sex reversal in foxl3Δ7/Δ7 XX fish, and loss of foxl3 partially rescued germ cell sex reversal but not somatic cell fate in dmrt1Δ5/Δ5 XY fish. Interestingly, germ cells lost sexual plasticity in dmrt1Δ5/Δ5 XY and foxl3Δ7/Δ7 XX single mutants, as aromatase inhibitor (AI) and estrogen treatment failed to rescue the respective phenotypes. However, recovery of germ cell sexual plasticity was observed in dmrt1/foxl3 double mutants. Importantly, mutation of somatic cell-specific foxl2 resulted in testicular development in foxl3Δ7/Δ7 or dmrt1Δ5/Δ5 mutants. Our findings demonstrate that sexual plasticity of germ cells relies on the presence of both dmrt1 and foxl3. The existence of dmrt1 and foxl3 allows environmental factors to influence the sex fate decision in vertebrates.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma of Lower Extremity: Functional Outcome and Quality of Life
Authors: Kask Gilber , Repo Jussi P. , Tukiainen Erkki J. , Blomqvist Carl , Barner-Rasmussen Ian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have focused on patient-related factors in analyzing long-term functional outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with postoperative lower extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS).ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate factors associated with postoperative functional outcome and HRQoL in patients with lower extremity STS.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary referral center using the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 and 15 Dimension (15D) measures. Functional outcome and HRQoL data were collected prospectively. All patients were treated by a multidisciplinary team according to a written treatment protocol.ResultsA total of 141 patients who had undergone limb-salvage surgery were included. Depending on the outcome measure used, 19–51% of patients were completely asymptomatic and 13–14% of patients had an unimpaired HRQoL. The mean score for TESS, 15D mobility score, and QLQ-C30 Physical Functioning scale were 86, 0.83, and 75, respectively, while the mean score for 15D was 0.88, and 73 for QLQ-C30 QoL. Lower functional outcome was statistically significantly associated with higher age, higher body mass index (BMI), and the need for reconstructive surgery and radiotherapy, while lower HRQoL was statistically significantly associated with higher age, higher BMI, and reconstructive surgery.ConclusionFunctional outcome and HRQoL were generally high in this cross-sectional study of patients with STS in the lower extremity. Both tumor- and treatment-related factors had an impact but patient-related factors such as age and BMI were the major determinants of both functional outcome and HRQoL.
A standardised patient education programme for peptic ulcer patients: impact on quality of life and medication adherence
Authors: Fahimi Sara , Allahbakhshian Maryam , Sadeghi Amir , Allahbakhshian Atefeh , Nasiri Malihe 
Published: March 2021

Background: Peptic ulcers can have a major negative impact on patients' quality of life (QoL), especially if patients do not adhere to prescribed medication. Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the impact on QoL and adherence of an educational programme for peptic ulcer patients, delivered by a variety of methods. Methods: The population in this single-blind randomised control experimental study included 120 peptic ulcer patients randomly assigned to four groups. Data were collected using the Gastrointestinal Patients' Quality of Life Index and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Findings: A significant increase was observed in the mean scores related to QoL (p=0.001) and medication adherence (p=0.003) compared with the control group after the educational intervention in the intervention groups. One-way ANOVA test for four independent groups indicated a significant difference between the mean scores related to QoL and medication adherence in the four groups after the intervention (p<0.05). In addition, a significant difference was reported in the mean score changes before and after the intervention in QoL and medication adherence between messenger group and face-to-face, web and control groups. Conclusions: Although all three methods of face-to-face, web-based and messenger-based education improved the QoL and medication adherence in peptic ulcer patients, the last method enhanced these patient-related outcomes more effectively than the other two.
The impact of a spinal best practice tariff on compliance with the British Spine Registry
Authors: Habeebullah Awais , Rajgor Harshadkumar Dhirajlal , Gardner Adrian , Jones Morgan 
Published: March 2021

Aims The British Spine Registry (BSR) was introduced in May 2012 to be used as a web-based database for spinal surgeries carried out across the UK. Use of this database has been encouraged but not compulsory, which has led to a variable level of engagement in the UK. In 2019 NHS England and NHS Improvement introduced a new Best Practice Tariff (BPT) to encourage input of spinal surgical data on the BSR. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the spinal BPT on compliance with the recording of surgical data on the BSR. Methods A retrospective review of data was performed at a tertiary spinal centre between 2018 to 2020. Data were collated from electronic patient records, theatre operating lists, and trust-specific BSR data. Information from the BSR included operative procedures (mandatory), patient consent, email addresses, and demographic details. We also identified Healthcare Resource Groups (HRGs) which qualified for BPT. Results A total of 3,587 patients were included in our study. Of these, 1,684 patients were eligible for BPT. Between 2018 and 2019 269/974 (28%) records were complete on the BSR for those that would be eligible for BPT. Following introduction of BPT in 2019, 671/710 (95%) records were complete having filled in the mandatory data (p < 0.001). Patient consent to data collection also improved from 62% to 93%. Email details were present in 43% of patients compared with 68% following BPT introduction. Conclusion Our study found that following the introduction of a BPT, there was a statistically significant improvement in BSR record completion compliance in our unit. The BPT offers a financial incentive which can help generate further income for trusts. National data input into the BSR is important to assess patient outcome following spinal surgery. The BSR can also aid future research in spinal surgery. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2-3:198–201.
National operating volume for primary hip and knee arthroplasty in the COVID-19 era: a study utilizing the Scottish arthroplasty project dataset
Authors: Yapp Liam Z. , Clarke Jon V. , Moran Matthew , Simpson A Hamish R W. , Scott Chloe E H. 
Published: March 2021

Aims The COVID-19 pandemic led to a national suspension of “non-urgent” elective hip and knee arthroplasty. The study aims to measure the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) volume in Scotland. Secondary objectives are to measure the success of restarting elective services and model the time required to bridge the gap left by the first period of suspension. Methods A retrospective observational study using the Scottish Arthroplasty Project dataset. All patients undergoing elective THAs and TKAs during the period 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2020 were included. A negative binomial regression model using historical case-volume and mid-year population estimates was built to project the future case-volume of THA and TKA in Scotland. The median monthly case volume was calculated for the period 2008 to 2019 (baseline) and compared to the actual monthly case volume for 2020. The time taken to eliminate the deficit was calculated based upon the projected monthly workload and with a potential workload between 100% to 120% of baseline. Results Compared to the period 2008 to 2019, primary TKA and THA volume fell by 61.1% and 53.6%, respectively. Since restarting elective services, Scottish hospitals have achieved approximately 40% to 50% of baseline monthly activity. With no changes in current workload, by 2021 there would be a reduction of 9,180 and 10,170 for THA and TKA, respectively. Conversely, working at 120% baseline monthly output, it would take over four years to eliminate the deficit for both TKA and THA. Conclusion This national study demonstrates the significant impact that COVID-19 pandemic has had on overall THA and TKA volume. In the six months after resuming elective services, Scottish hospitals averaged less than 50% normal monthly output. Loss of operating capacity will increase treatment delays and likely worsen overall morbidity. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2021;2(3):203–210.
Ultralow-noise broadband source for interferometric fiber optic
gyroscopesemploying a semiconductor optical amplifier
Authors: Suo Xinxin , Yu Haicheng , Yang Yongbin , Feng Wenshuai , Xie Pei , Chang Yujia , He Yang , Tang Mengxi , Xiang Zheng 
Published: March 2021

A novel scheme of an ultralow relative intensity noise (RIN) broadband source module employing a double pumped backward (DPB) Er-doped superfluorescence fiber source (EDSFS) and a semiconductor optical amplifier for interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes (IFOGs) is proposed. With optimized parameters, the optimal twin-peak output profile of the source is obtained. The effective optical spectrum width of the source is 38.6 nm, and the output power is about 12.5 mW. Compared with the DPB EDSFS with a similar spectrum, the ultralow RIN broadband source proposed demonstrates a lower RIN of about 8.4 dB. A high-precision IFOG utilizing the ultralow RIN broadband source is set up, and the performance of the IFOG is experimentally studied. An angle random walk coefficient of

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is demonstrated, which is reduced by about 31.5% compared with the same IFOG system utilizing conventional DPB EDSFS with a similar spectrum profile. The ultralow RIN broadband source module proposed is quite feasible for high-precision IFOGs used in strategic-grade navigation systems and satellites.
The effect of oral miltefosine in treatment of antimoniate resistant anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis: An uncontrolled clinical trial
Authors: Tayyebi Masoumeh , Darchini-Maragheh Emadodin , Layegh Pouran , Kiafar Bita , Goyonlo Vahid Mashayekhi 
Published: March 2021

Background
Recent circumstantial evidence suggests increasing number of Iranian patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) who are unresponsive to meglumine antimoniate (MA), the first line of treatment in Iran. Oral meltifosine was previously reported to be effective in visceral leishmaniasis as well CL. The current study is designed to determine efficacy and safety of oral miltefosine for the treatment of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) cases who were refractory to MA in Iran.

Methodology/Principal findings
Miltefosine was orally administered for 27 patients with MA resistant ACL with approved L.tropica infection, at a dosage of ∼2.5 mg/kg daily for 28 days. Patients were evaluated on day 14 and 28, as well as 3, 6 and 12 month post treatment follow up sessions. Laboratory data were performed and repeated at each visit. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Twenty-seven patients including 16 men (59.25%) and 11 women (40.74%) with mean age of 28.56 ± 4.8 (range 3–54 years old) were enrolled. Total number of lesions were 42 (1–4 in each patient). Most of lesions were on face (76.19%). Mean lesions’ induration size was 2.38 ± 0.73 cm at the base-line which significantly decreased to1.31 ± 0.58 cm and 0.61 ±0.49 cm after 14 and 28 days of therapy, respectively (p value <0.05). At 12-months follow-up post treatment, 22 patients had definite/partial cure (81.48%) including 17 definitely cured patients, corresponding to a cure rate of 68% on per protocol analysis, and 62.96% according to intention to treat analysis. Recurrence of lesion was only occurred in one patient (3.70%). Nausea was the most subjective complication during the therapy (33.33%).

Conclusion
Oral miltefosine could be an effective alternative for the treatment of MA-resistant ACL.
Quantitative assessment of retinal thickness and vessel density using optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and glaucoma
Authors: Zabel Przemyslaw , Kaluzny Jakub J. , Zabel Katarzyna , Kaluzna Martyna , Lamkowski Aleksander , Jaworski Damian , Makowski Jaroslaw , Gebska-Toloczko Martyna , Kucharski Robert 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
Assessment and a direct comparison of retinal vessel density with the thickness of inner retinal layer (IRL) and outer retinal layer (ORL) in the same regions of the macula in subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods
We analyzed data from 48 eyes of healthy control (HC) participants, 71 eyes with POAG, and 49 eyes of AD patients. Ophthalmic examination included optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to measure IRL and ORL thickness and OCT angiography (OCTA) in the same region for the imaging of vessel density in the superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) of the retina. A direct comparison of vessel density and retinal layers thickness, which different dynamic ranges, was obtained by normalizing values as percentage losses.

Results
Patients with AD presented significantly greater losses of vascular density in the DVP and ORL thickness compared to POAG (p <0.001), but percentage losses of vessel density in SVP and IRL thickness were considerable in POAG compared to AD eyes (p<0.001). Positive associations among presence of AD were observed primarily in outer retina where a 1% decrease of ORL thickness was associated with about 24–29% increase in odds of the presence of AD. According to OCTA measurements, a 1% decrease of vessel density in DVP was positively associated with a 4–9% increase in odds of the presence of AD. In POAG positive associations among presence of disease were observed only in inner retina where 1% loss of IRL thickness and a 1% loss of vessel density in the SVP were positively associated with a 13–23% increase in risk of presence of the disease.

Conclusions
Analysis of ORL thickness and vessel density in DVP could potentially improve diagnostic capabilities and may provide a valuable approach for predicting of AD.