bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large‐scale eDNA metabarcoding survey reveals marine biogeographic break and transitions over tropical north‐western Australia
Authors: West Katrina , Travers Michael J. , Stat Michael , Harvey Euan S. , Richards Zoe T. , DiBattista Joseph D. , Newman Stephen J. , Harry Alastair , Skepper Craig L. , Heydenrych Matthew , Bunce Michael 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has demonstrated its applicability as a highly sensitive biomonitoring tool across small spatial and temporal scales in marine ecosystems. However, it has rarely been tested across large spatial scales or biogeographical barriers. Here, we scale up marine eDNA metabarcoding, test its ability to detect a major marine biogeographic break and evaluate its use as a regional biomonitoring tool in Australia.LocationNorth‐western Australia (NWA).MethodsWe applied metabarcoding assays targeting the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and CO1 genes to 284 surface seawater eDNA samples collected from 71 mid‐shelf, inshore, coastal and nearshore estuarine sites over 700 km of the NWA coastline.ResultsMetabarcoding detected a wide range of bony fish (404 taxa), elasmobranchs (44) and aquatic reptiles (5). We detected bioregional and depth differentiation within inshore bony fish communities. These findings support the presence of a marine biogeographic break, which is purported to occur in the vicinity of Cape Leveque, demarcating the border between the Kimberley and Canning bioregions. Inshore bony fish and elasmobranch communities, as well as coastal bony fish assemblages, were additionally found to differ between the South and North Kimberley regions suggesting previously unrecognized subregional differentiation amongst these taxa. The overall compositional data have been used to update distribution information for a number of endangered, elusive and data‐deficient taxa, including sawfish (family: Pristidae), northern river shark (Glyphis garricki) and wedgefish (genus: Rhynchobatus).Main conclusionseDNA metabarcoding demonstrated a high level of sensitivity that was able to discern fine‐scale patterns across the large‐scale, remote and oceanographically complex region of North‐western Australia. Importantly, this study highlights the potential of integrating broad‐scale eDNA metabarcoding alongside other baseline surveys and long‐term monitoring approaches, which are crucial for the sustainable management and conservation of marine biodiversity in this unique marine region.
Formation of a multi‐layered 3‐dimensional structure of the heterochromatin compartment during early mammalian development
Authors: Poonperm Rawin , Hiratani Ichiro 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDuring embryogenesis in mammals, the 3‐dimensional (3D) genome organization changes globally in parallel with transcription changes in a cell‐type specific manner. This involves the progressive formation of heterochromatin, the best example of which is the inactive X chromosome (Xi) in females, originally discovered as a compact 3D structure at the nuclear periphery known as the Barr body. The heterochromatin formation on the autosomes and the Xi is tightly associated with the differentiation state and the developmental potential of cells, making it an ideal readout of the cellular epigenetic state. At a glance, the heterochromatin appears to be uniform. However, recent studies are beginning to reveal a more complex picture, with multiple hierarchical levels co‐existing within the heterochromatin compartment. Such hierarchical levels appear to exist in the heterochromatin compartment on autosomes as well as on the Xi. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of the 3D genome organization changes during the period of differentiation surrounding pluripotency in vivo and in vitro, with a focus on the heterochromatin compartment. We first look at the whole genome, then focus on the Xi, and discuss their differences and similarities. Finally, we present a unified view of how the heterochromatin compartment is formed and regulated during early development. In particular, we emphasize that there are multiple layers within the heterochromatic compartment on both the autosomes and the Xi, with regulatory mechanisms common and specific to each layer.
Glucocorticoids for acute respiratory distress syndrome: A systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Junhai Zhen , Bangchuan Hu , Shijin Gong , Jing Yan , Li Li 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundGlucocorticoids are some of the most commonly used drugs for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the curative effect and side effects of glucocorticoids in treating patients with ARDS remain controversial.MethodsThree databases were searched until 2 July 2020, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared glucocorticoids versus other therapies in the treatment of ARDS were included in this meta‐analysis. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted.ResultsA total of 14 RCTs with 1362 ARDS patients were assessed. Overall, no statistically significant effect was found on mortality between the glucocorticoid group and the control group of ARDS patients. In the subgroup analysis, no benefit of glucocorticoids for ARDS on mortality was found in trials stratified according to low versus high risk of bias or with vs. without a loading dose. As for the dose and length of therapy, no statistically significant effect was found on mortality with high‐dose, short‐course glucocorticoid therapy. However, lower‐dose and longer‐course therapy with glucocorticoids was found to decrease the mortality of ARDS patients (lower dose: RR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51‐0.93, P = .02; longer‐course therapy: RR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37‐0.99, P = .04). The TSA showed that more trials are needed to confirm the results.ConclusionsLonger‐ and lower‐dose glucocorticoid treatment may improve the prognosis of ARDS patients, but RCTs with higher quality and larger sample sizes are needed to further clarify the clinical effects of glucocorticoids on ARDS.
The role of task repetition in a Korean as a foreign language classroom: Writing quality, attention to form, and learning of Korean grammar
Authors: Kim YouJin , Kang Sanghee , Yun Hyunae , Kim Binna , Choi Bumyong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTask repetition is being increasingly examined in the fields of second language acquisition and task‐based language teaching, and the findings have revealed insightful theoretical and pedagogical implications for foreign language instruction. However, previous research has mainly focused on speaking tasks, and the role of different types of task repetition using collaborative writing tasks has received little attention. This study compared two task repetition types (exact task repetition and procedural repetition) on the quality of writing output (i.e., complexity and accuracy), learner attention to linguistic forms, and the learning of four Korean grammar features. Thirty‐eight Korean‐language learners were assigned to either an exact task repetition or a procedural repetition condition. They completed a pretest, two collaborative writing tasks, and a posttest over two weeks. Written output was analyzed for complexity and accuracy, and learners' oral interactions during collaborative writing were analyzed for the occurrence of language‐related episodes. Pretest and posttest responses were scored for suppliance and accuracy of target feature production. Results showed that exact task repetition benefitted syntactic complexity and the accuracy of target features. However, little evidence of benefits for global accuracy was found. The procedural repetition group performed less well during the second task performance than they did on the first task. However, they scored significantly higher on the posttest compared to the exact repetition group.
Relationships between health literacy and quality of life among survivors with breast cancer
Authors: Wei Ching‐Wen , Wu Mei‐Lan , Tung Heng‐Hsin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeDuring the survival period of breast cancer patients, an understanding of and ability to implement health knowledge may be important for survivors' physical and mental quality of life (QOL). This study aims to investigate the health literacy and predictors of QOL for survivors of breast cancer.MethodA cross‐sectional design was used, and convenience sampling was performed. Eighty‐six survivors with breast cancer were recruited from a general hospital in northern Taiwan from February to August 2017. Taiwan's health literacy scale and SF‐12 questionnaire were used for data collection.ResultsThe average health literacy score was 3.28. Education level and breast cancer stage were significant factors for the health literacy of survivors with breast cancer. Age, body mass index and health literacy were predictors of physical health‐related QOL. Health literacy also was a predictor of mental health‐related QOL.ConclusionThe results provide the factors associated health literacy as well as health‐related QOL. Nurses should understand the health literacy among survivors with breast cancer and improve health literacy to optimize their quality of life.
Electric field assisted solid‐state interfacial joining of TaC‐HfC ceramics without filler
Authors: Nisar Ambreen , Dolmetsch Tyler , Paul Tanaji , Zhang Cheng , Boesl Benjamin , Agarwal Arvind 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe application of ultra‐high‐temperature ceramics (UHTCs) demands effective ways of joining in overcoming the problems associated with the fabrication of complex‐shaped components. In this study, we choose to investigate a new method of rapidly joining pre‐sintered TaC and HfC ceramics without any filler material using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. A well‐bonded TaC–HfC interface was observed with no apparent cracking and porosity at the joint. The joining mechanisms were predominantly driven by solid‐state diffusion and localized plastic deformation. The nanomechanical properties of the TaC‐HfC joint are better than the HfC while comparable to that of the TaC. High‐load indentation (up to 200 N) results suggest that the TaC–HfC interface is stronger than the parent UHTCs with no crack propagating at the interface. Upon comparison with the parent UHTCs, the damaged area and the average crack length at the interface, reduced up to ~94% and ~56%, respectively. This study shows that the SPS technique can also apply to joining other UHTCs without any filler, resulting in the new field of developing complex components for the thermal protection system (TPS).
Outcomes of two versus three incision techniques: Results from the subcutaneous ICD post‐approval study
Authors: El‐Chami Mikhael , Weiss Raul , Burke Martin C. , Gold Michael R. , Prutkin Jordan M. , Kalahasty Gautham , Shen Sharon , Mirro Michael J. , Carter Nathan , Aasbo Johan D. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundTraditionally, implantation of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) requires incisions near the lateral chest wall, the xyphoid, and the superior sternal region (three‐incision technique [3IT]). A two‐incision technique (2IT) avoids the superior incision and has been shown to be a viable alternative in small studies with limited follow‐up.ObjectivesTo report on the long‐term safety and efficacy of the 2IT compared to the 3IT procedure in a large patient cohort.MethodsPatients enrolled in the S‐ICD post approval study (PAS) were stratified by procedural technique (2IT vs. 3IT). Baseline demographics, comorbidities and procedural outcomes were collected. Complications and S‐ICD effectiveness in treating ventricular arrhythmias through an average 3‐year follow‐up period were compared.ResultsOf 1637 patients enrolled in the S‐ICD PAS, 854 pts (52.2%) were implanted using the 2IT and 782 were implanted using the 3IT (47.8%). The 2IT became more prevalent over time, increasing from 40% to 69% of implants (Q1–Q4). Mean procedure time was shorter with 2IT (69.0 vs. 86.3 min, p < .0001). No other differences in outcomes were observed between the two groups, including rates of infection, electrode migration, inappropriate shocks and first shock efficacy for treating ventricular arrhythmias.ConclusionIn this large cohort of patients implanted with an S‐ICD and followed for 3 years the 2IT was as safe and effective as the 3IT while significantly reducing procedure time.
Interactions between hypertension and inflammatory tone and the effect on blood pressure and outcomes in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Amar Jacques , Touront Nicolas , Ciron Antoine M. , Pendaries Caroline 
Published: January 2021

AbstractArterial hypertension represented one of the most common comorbidities in patients with COVID‐19. However, the impact of hypertension on outcome in COVID‐19 patients is not clear. Close connections between inflammation and blood pressure (BP) have been described, and inflammation plays a key role in the outcome for patients with COVID‐19. Whether hypertension impairs the relationship between inflammation, BP, and outcomes in this context is not known. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the interactions between inflammation and hypertension status on BP and clinical outcome in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19. We designed a retrospective study in 129 patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 at Toulouse University Hospital. The hospital outcome was admission to the intensive care unit or death. The inflammatory markers were blood C‐reactive protein level (CRP), neutrophil to lymphocyte, and platelet to lymphocyte ratios. We identified strong correlations between CRP (P < .01) and the other inflammatory markers recorded on admission (P < .001) with mean BP within 3 days after admission in normotensive patients, whereas these correlations were absent in patients with hypertension. Also, we observed after multivariate adjustment (P < .05) that CRP level predicted a worse prognosis in hypertensive patients (relative risk 2.52; 95% confidence intervals [1.03‐ 6.17]; P = .04), whereas CRP was not predictive of outcome in patients without hypertension. In conclusion, the study revealed that in COVID‐19 patients, hypertension impairs the relationship between inflammation and BP and interacts with inflammation to affect prognosis. These findings provide insights that could explain the relationship between hypertension and outcomes in COVID‐19 patients.
Effect of angiotensin receptor blockers on the development of cancer: A nationwide cohort study in korea
Authors: Jung Mi‐Hyang , Lee Ju‐Hee , Lee Chan Joo , Shin Jeong‐Hun , Kang Si Hyuck , Kwon Chang Hee , Kim Dae‐Hee , Kim Woo‐hyeun , Kim Hack Lyoung , Kim Hyue Mee , Cho In Jeong , Cho Iksung , Hwang Jinseub , Ryu Soorack , Kang Chaeyeong , Lee Hae‐Young , Chung Wook‐Jin , Ihm Sang‐Hyun , Kim Kwang Il , Cho Eun Joo , Sohn Il‐Suk , Park Sungha , Shin Jinho , Ryu Sung Kee , Rhee Moo‐Yong , Kang Seok‐Min , Pyun Wook Bum , Cho Myeong‐Chan , Sung Ki‐Chul 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe potential cancer risk associated with long‐term exposure to angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is still unclear. We assessed the risk of incident cancer among hypertensive patients who were treated with ARBs compared with patients exposed to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), which are known to have a neutral effect on cancer development. Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we analyzed the data of patients diagnosed with essential hypertension from January 2005 to December 2012 who were aged ≥40 years, initially free of cancer, and were prescribed either ACEI or ARB (n = 293,962). Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for covariates was used to evaluate the risk of incident cancer. During a mean follow‐up of 10 years, 24,610 incident cancers were observed. ARB use was associated with a decreased risk of overall cancer compared with ACEI use (hazard ratio [HR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72‐0.80). Similar results were obtained for lung (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64‐0.82), hepatic (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.48‐0.65), and gastric cancers (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66‐0.83). Regardless of the subgroup, greater reduction of cancer risk was seen among patients treated with ARB than that among patients treated with ACEIs. Particularly, the decreased risk of cancer among ARB users was more prominent among males and heavy drinkers (interaction P < .005). Dose‐response analyses demonstrated a gradual decrease in risk with prolonged ARB therapy than that with ACEI use. In conclusion, ARB use was associated with a decreased risk of overall cancer and several site‐specific cancers.
Targeting the TR4 nuclear receptor with antagonist bexarotene can suppress the proopiomelanocortin signalling in AtT‐20 cells
Authors: Xia Liqun , Shen Danyang , Zhang Youyun , Lu Jieyang , Wang Mingchao , Wang Huan , Chen Yuanlei , Xue Dingwei , Xie Dajiang , Li Gonghui 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDrug options for the life‐threatening Cushing's disease are limited, and surgical resection or radiation therapy is not invariably effective. Testicular receptor 4 (TR4) has been identified as a novel drug target to treat Cushing's disease. We built the structure model of TR4 and searched the TR4 antagonist candidate via in silico virtual screening. Bexarotene was identified as an antagonist of TR4 that can directly interact with TR4 ligand binding domain (TR4‐LBD) and induces a conformational change in the secondary structure of TR4‐LBD. Bexarotene suppressed AtT‐20 cell growth, proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion. Mechanism dissection revealed that bexarotene could suppress TR4‐increased POMC expression via promoting the TR4 translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This TR4 translocation might then result in reducing the TR4 binding to the TR4 response element (TR4RE) on the 5’ promoter region of POMC. Results from in vivo mouse model also revealed that oral bexarotene administration markedly suppressed ACTH‐secreting tumour growth, adrenal enlargement and the secretion of ACTH and corticosterone in mice with already established tumours. Together, these results suggest that bexarotene may be developed as a potential novel therapeutic drug to better suppress Cushing's disease.
Evaluation of a test method to detect hepatitis A virus in salted shellfish
Authors: Lee Deog‐Yong , Cho Seung‐Rye , Chae Su‐Jin , Choi Wooyoung , Han Myung‐Guk 
Published: January 2021

AbstractContaminated salted shellfish were a suspected cause of the 2019 hepatitis A outbreak in Korea; however, no virus was detected in the shellfish by the virus detection tests used. In this study, we investigated the shortcomings of these detection tests for identifying hepatitis A virus in salted shellfish to serve as a guide for improvement of these tests. Salted shellfish were washed and desalted before collecting the mid‐guts for testing. For verification of the method, the mid‐guts were first inoculated with norovirus and then RT‐qPCR was performed to determine the presence of norovirus genes. The norovirus gene was amplified normally along with an internal positive control; however, when the nucleic acid was extracted to be concentrated, gene amplification was inhibited. Since NaCl was the suspected contaminant, RT‐qPCR was then performed on samples that had been desalinated for 2 days, and hepatitis A virus genes were successfully detected. Gene amplification enabled analyzing the relationship between patients in the outbreak and the distributed salted shellfish. To detect viral contamination in salted and fermented specimens such as salted shellfish, it is imperative to extract the mid‐gut intestinal tract and remove any PCR inhibitors (e.g., excess salt). In this study, desalting salted shellfish using sterile distilled water before harvesting the mid‐gut was effective in facilitating hepatitis A detection. Development of future test methods requires accurately determining the effect of PCR inhibitors through the incorporation of an IPC in genetic detection tests.
International Guidelines for Privacy in Genomic Biobanking (or the Unexpected Virtue of Pluralism)
Authors: Thorogood Adrian , Zawati Ma'n H. 
Published: January 2021

In an era of unrivalled sequencing, computation and networking capability, international sharing of genomic samples and data is becoming a modus operandi for modern medical research. Researchers are collaborating to establish large collections with global scale. Having never before set foot outside the cell, the molecules that shape us are being digitized and launched across the globe. Protecting individual privacy interests in this information is a central challenge of the genomic research era.This article reviews international privacy norms governing human genomic biobanks and databases. It will not directly consider biobanks established for other health-related purposes, such as screening or therapy. A genomic biobank is “a hybrid infrastructure,” an organized collection of human biological material combined with associated health information: physical measurements, outcome data in medical records, and epidemiological information, as well as genomic data derived from the samples.
Sensory neuronopathies: A case series and literature review
Authors: Sancho Saldaña Agustin , Mahdi‐Rogers Mohamed , Hadden Robert David 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSensory neuronopathies are heterogeneous disorders of dorsal root ganglia. The clinical and laboratory features in a single‐centre series, including response to treatment and outcome have been described. They retrospectively included 54 patients meeting Camdessanché et al (2009) criteria for sensory neuronopathy. The patients were classified according to their likely aetiology and analysed their demographic, clinical, neurophysiological, histological and spinal MRI features. The outcome with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was evaluated, and the response to treatment was assessed. About 54 patients were included (18 male; median age 54.5 years). The most common initial symptoms were hypoaesthesia, paraesthesia, ataxia and pain. Half of patients had a slow onset, greater than 12 months before seeing a neurologist. The aetiology as possibly inflammatory (meaning nonspecific laboratory evidence of immune abnormality) in 18 patients (33%), paraneoplastic 8 (15%), autoimmune 7 (13%) and idiopathic 6 (11%) was classified. About 31 patients received immune therapy of which 11 (35%) improved or stabilised. Corticosteroids were the most used treatment (24 patients) and cyclophosphamide had the highest response rate (3/6, 50%). At the final follow up (median 24 months) 67% had mRS ≥3 and 46% mRS ≥4, including 15% who died. Worse outcome was associated with generalised areflexia and pseudoathetosis by logistic regression, and with motor involvement and raised CSF protein by univariate analysis. Sensory neuronopathies caused severe disability, especially in patients with generalised areflexia and pseudoathetosis. Of those without an obvious cause, most had some evidence of dysimmunity. Some patients had a positive response to immunotherapy, but rarely enough to improve disability much.