bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geology and Mineral Chemistry of Uranium‐ and Thorium‐bearing Minerals in Rare‐Metal (NYF) Pegmatites of Um Solimate, South Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: ALI Mohamed A. , ABDEL GAWAD Ahmed E. , GHONEIM Mohamed M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe garnet muscovite granitic pegmatite of Um Solimate, in southern Egypt, represents a promising asset for strategic and economic metals, especially Bi–Ni–Ag–Nb–Ta as well as U and Th. The ore bodies occur as large masses, pockets and/or veins of very coarse‐grained pegmatites, which consist mainly of K‐feldspar, quartz and albite with subordinate muscovite, garnet, and biotite. Radiometric data revealed that eU‐ and eTh‐contents of the pegmatites reach up to 39 ppm and 82 ppm, respectively. The studied pegmatites are enriched in primary U and Th minerals (uraninite, coffinite, thorianite and uranothorite) as well as Hf‐rich zircon and monazite, which give rise to anomalous radioactive zones. Niobium‐tantalium‐bearing minerals (i.e. ferrocolumbite, microlite and uranopyrochlore), xenotime, barite, galena, fluorite, and apatite are ubiquitous, and, consequently, the studied pegmatites belong tothe Niobium–Yttrium–Fluorine‐type (NYF) family. The noble metal mineralization includes argentite (Ag2S), native Ni and Bi as well as bismite and bismoclite. In addition, beryl and tourmaline are observed in pegmatites near the contact with metasediments and ultramafic bodies. The observed compositional variations of Ta/(Ta+Nb) and Mn/(Mn+Fe) ratios in columbite (0.08–0.45 and 0.11–0.57, respectively) and Hf contents in zircon (3.54–6.46 wt%) may reflectan extreme degree of magmatic fractionation leading to formation of the pegmatite orebody.
MicroRNA‐targeting in spermatogenesis: Over‐expressions of microRNA‐23a/b‐3p and its affected targeting of the genes ODF2 and UBQLN3 in spermatozoa of patients with oligoasthenozoospermia
Authors: Abu‐Halima Masood , Belkacemi Anouar , Ayesh Basim M. , Simone Becker Lea , Sindiani Amer M. , Fischer Ulrike , Hammadeh Mohamad , Keller Andreas , Meese Eckart 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundMale infertility is a multifactorial syndrome with diverse phenotypic representations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non‐coding RNAs that are involved in the post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Altered abundance levels of ODF2 and UBQLN3 have been reported in patients with different spermatogenic impairments. However, the transcriptional regulation of these two genes by miR‐23a/b‐3p is still unclear.ObjectivesTo investigate experimentally whether miR‐23a/b‐3p targets the genes ODF2 and UBQLN3 and whether this targeting impacts abundance levels of ODF2 and UBQLN3 in patients with oligoasthenozoospermia.Materials and methodsA total of 92 men attending a fertility clinic were included in the study, including 46 oligoasthenozoospermic men and 46 age‐matched normozoospermic volunteers who served as controls. Reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR), Western blot, and dual‐luciferase (Firefly‐Renilla) assays were used to validate the miRNAs and their target genes.ResultsRT‐qPCR revealed that miR‐23a/b‐3p was more abundant and ODF2 and UBQLN3 targets were less abundant in men with impaired spermatogenesis. Besides, Western blot shows that ODF2 and UBQLN3 protein levels were reduced in men with impaired spermatogenesis. In silico prediction and dual‐luciferase assays revealed that potential links exist between the higher abundance level of miR‐23a/b‐3p and the lower abundance level of ODF2 and UBQLN3 targets. Mutations in the miR‐23a/b‐3p‐binding site within the 3ˊUTRs (3ˊuntranslated regions) of ODF2 and UBQLN3 genes resulted in abrogated responsiveness to miR‐23a/b‐3p. Correlation analysis showed that sperm count, motility, and morphology were negatively correlated with miR‐23a/b‐3p and positively correlated with the lower abundance level of UBQLN3, while ODF lower abundance level was positively correlated with sperm motility.ConclusionFindings indicate that the higher abundance level of miR‐23a/b‐3p and the lower abundance level of ODF2 and UBQLN3 targets are associated with oligoasthenozoospermia and male subfertility.
Effect and in silico characterization of genetic variants associated with severe spermatogenic disorders in a large Iberian cohort
Authors: Cerván‐Martín Miriam , Bossini‐Castillo Lara , Rivera‐Egea Rocío , Garrido Nicolás , Luján Saturnino , Romeu Gema , Santos‐Ribeiro Samuel ,   IVIRMA Group, Lisbon Clinical Group, Castilla José A. , Gonzalvo María del Carmen , Clavero Ana , Vicente Francisco Javier , Guzmán‐Jiménez Andrea , Burgos Miguel , Barrionuevo Francisco Javier , Jiménez Rafael , Sánchez‐Curbelo Josvany , López‐Rodrigo Olga , Peraza María Fernanda , Pereira‐Caetano Iris , Marques Patrícia Isabel , Carvalho Filipa , Barros Alberto , Bassas Lluís , Seixas Susana , Gonçalves João , Larriba Sara , Lopes Alexandra Manuel , Carmona Francisco David , Palomino‐Morales Rogelio Jesús 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundSevere spermatogenic failure (SpF) represents the most extreme manifestation of male infertility, as it decreases drastically the semen quality leading to either severe oligospermia (SO, <5 million spermatozoa/mL semen) or non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA, complete lack of spermatozoa in the ejaculate without obstructive causes).ObjectivesThe main objective of the present study is to analyze in the Iberian population the effect of 6 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with NOA in Han Chinese through genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and to establish their possible functional relevance in the development of specific SpF patterns.Materials and methodsWe genotyped 674 Iberian infertile men (including 480 NOA and 194 SO patients) and 1058 matched unaffected controls for the GWAS‐associated variants PRMT6‐rs12097821, PEX10‐rs2477686, CDC42BPA‐rs3000811, IL17A‐rs13206743, ABLIM1‐rs7099208, and SOX5‐rs10842262. Their association with SpF, SO, NOA, and different NOA phenotypes was evaluated by logistic regression models, and their functional relevance was defined by comprehensive interrogation of public resources.ResultsABLIM1‐rs7099208 was associated with SpF under both additive (OR = 0.86, p = 0.036) and dominant models (OR = 0.78, p = 0.026). The CDC42BPA‐rs3000811 minor allele frequency was significantly increased in the subgroup of NOA patients showing maturation arrest (MA) of germ cells compared to the remaining NOA cases under the recessive model (OR = 4.45, p = 0.044). The PEX10‐rs2477686 SNP was associated with a negative testicular sperm extraction (TESE) outcome under the additive model (OR = 1.32, p = 0.034). The analysis of functional annotations suggested that these variants affect the testis‐specific expression of nearby genes and that lincRNA may play a role in SpF.ConclusionsOur data support the association of three previously reported NOA risk variants in Asians (ABLIM1‐rs7099208, CDC42BPA‐rs3000811, and PEX10‐rs2477686) with different manifestations of SpF in Iberians of European descent, likely by influencing gene expression and lincRNA deregulation.
More‐Than‐Human and Deeply Human Perspectives on COVID‐19
Authors: Lunstrum Elizabeth , Ahuja Neel , Braun Bruce , Collard Rosemary , Lopez Patricia J. , Wong Rebecca W.Y. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis multi‐authored contribution explores what the COVID‐19 pandemic demands of critical inquiry with a focus on the more‐than‐human. We show how COVID‐19 is a complex series of multispecies encounters shaped by humans, non‐human animals, and of course viruses. Central to these encounters is a politics of difference in which certain human lives are protected and helped to flourish while others, both human and animal, are forgotten if not sacrificed. Such difference encompasses practices of racialisation and racism, healthcare austerity, the circulation of capital, border‐making, intervention into non‐human nature, wildlife trade bans, anthropocentrism, and the exploitation of animal test subjects. The contributions highlight how COVID‐19 provides a needed opportunity to unite new materialist and anti‐racist, anti‐colonial scholarship as well as reimagine more radically sustainable multispecies futures. This requires embracing anti‐colonial humility, confronting debts owed to lab animal frontline workers, and rethinking economic systems that helped unleash COVID‐19 and ensured it became a disaster.
From ability to behavior: A scenario‐based assessment of health competence predicts daily health behaviors
Authors: Irvin Roberta L. , Persich Michelle R. , Robinson Michael D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRecent findings have suggested that we can gain new insights into health decision‐making and behavior through the use of a scenario‐based approach to health competence (HC). The present research sought to investigate whether and how such individual differences would matter in the conduct of daily life, within two daily diary studies (N = 260). In Study 1, participants receiving higher HC scores were more active in dealing with daily stressors or problems; by contrast, low‐HC individuals were more prone to impulsive and antisocial behaviors. Based on these promising results, the Study 2 protocol was a more extensive one. Participants who received higher HC scores thought about their health more often and engaged in diverse healthy behaviors more frequently. Conversely, low‐HC individuals were prone to risky and unhealthy daily behaviors. In total, the findings provide key evidence in favor of a new approach to HC and its behavioral manifestations.
The utility of Google Trends as a tool for evaluating flooding in data‐scarce places
Authors: Thompson Joshua J. , Wilby Robert L. , Matthews Tom , Murphy Conor 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGoogle Trends (GT) offers a historical database of global internet searches with the potential to complement conventional records of environmental hazards, especially in regions where formal hydrometeorological data are scarce. We evaluate the extent to which GT can discern heavy rainfall and floods in Kenya and Uganda during the period 2014 to 2018. We triangulate counts of flood searches from GT with available rainfall records and media reports to build an inventory of extreme events. The Spearman rank correlation (ρ) between monthly mean search interest for flooding and monthly Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) rainfall totals was ρ = +0.38 (p < 0.005) for Kenya and ρ = +0.64 (p < 0.001) for Uganda. Media reports of flooding were used to specify a threshold of detectability to give the same overall frequency of floods based on GT search interest. When the GT search index threshold was set at ≥15 and ≥29, the correct detection rate was 75% and 64% within a five‐day window of known flood events in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. From these preliminary explorations we conclude that GT has potential as a proxy data source, but greater skill may emerge in places with larger search volumes and by linking to historical information about environmental hazards at sub‐national scales. Wider applicability of the GT platform might be possible if there is greater transparency about how Google algorithms determine topics.
Successful tyrosine kinase inhibitor discontinuation outside clinical trials — data from the population‐based Swedish chronic myeloid leukaemia registry
Authors: Flygt Hjalmar , Sandin Fredrik , Dahlén Torsten , Dremaine Arta , Lübking Anna , Markevärn Berit , Myhr‐Eriksson Kristina , Olsson Karin , Olsson‐Strömberg Ulla , Själander Anders , Söderlund Stina , Wennström Lovisa , Wadenvik Hans , Stenke Leif , Höglund Martin , Richter Johan 
Published: March 2021

SummaryClinical trials show that tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment can be discontinued in selected patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Although updated CML guidelines support such procedure in clinical routine, data on TKI stopping outside clinical trials are limited. In this retrospective study utilising the Swedish CML registry, we examined TKI discontinuation in a population‐based setting. Out of 584 patients diagnosed with chronic‐phase CML (CML‐CP) in 2007–2012, 548 had evaluable information on TKI discontinuation. With a median follow‐up of nine years from diagnosis, 128 (23%) discontinued TKI therapy (≥1 month) due to achieving a DMR (deep molecular response) and 107 (20%) due to other causes (adverse events, allogeneic stem cell transplant, pregnancy, etc). Among those stopping in DMR, 49% re‐initiated TKI treatment (median time to restart 4·8 months). In all, 38 patients stopped TKI within a clinical study and 90 outside a study. After 24 months 41·1% of patients discontinuing outside a study had re‐initiated TKI treatment. TKI treatment duration pre‐stop was longer and proportion treated with second‐generation TKI slightly higher outside studies, conceivably affecting the clinical outcome. In summary we show that TKI discontinuation in CML in clinical practice is common and feasible and may be just as successful as when performed within a clinical trial.
Differential mode of cholesterol inclusion with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐cyclodextrins increases safety margin in treatment of Niemann‐Pick disease type C
Authors: Yamada Yusei , Ishitsuka Yoichi , Kondo Yuki , Nakahara Shuichi , Nishiyama Asami , Takeo Toru , Nakagata Naomi , Motoyama Keiichi , Higashi Taishi , Arima Hidetoshi , Kamei Shunsuke , Shuto Tsuyoshi , Kai Hirofumi , Hayashino Yuji , Sugita Masatake , Kikuchi Takeshi , Hirata Fumio , Miwa Toru , Takeda Hiroki , Orita Yorihisa , Seki Takahiro , Ohta Tomoko , Kurauchi Yuki , Katsuki Hiroshi , Matsuo Muneaki , Higaki Katsumi , Ohno Kousaku , Matsumoto Shirou , Era Takumi , Irie Tetsumi 
Published: March 2021

Background and PurposeNiemann‐Pick disease type C (NPC) is a lysosomal storage disorder with disrupted intracellular cholesterol trafficking. A cyclic heptasaccharide, 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD), is a cholesterol solubilizer that is being developed to treat NPC, but its ototoxicity and pulmonary toxicity remain important issues. We have characterized 2‐hydroxypropyl‐γ‐cyclodextrin (HP‐γ‐CD), a cyclic octasaccharide with a larger cavity than HP‐β‐CD, as a candidate drug to treat NPC. However, the molecular target of HP‐γ‐CD with respect to NPC and its potential for clinical application are still unclear.Experimental ApproachWe investigated the mode of interaction between HP‐γ‐CD and cholesterol by phase‐solubility analysis, proton NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. We then evaluated the therapeutic effects of HP‐γ‐CD compared with HP‐β‐CD using cellular and murine NPC models. Mouse auditory and pulmonary function tests were also conducted.Key ResultsHP‐γ‐CD solely formed a 1:1 inclusion complex with cholesterol with an affinity similar to that of HP‐β‐CD. In vitro, HP‐γ‐CD and HP‐β‐CD amelioration of NPC‐related manifestations was almost equivalent at lower concentrations. However, at higher concentrations, the cholesterol inclusion mode of HP‐β‐CD shifted to the highly soluble 2:1 complex whereas that of HP‐γ‐CD maintained solely the 1:1 complex. The constant lower cholesterol solubilizing ability of HP‐γ‐CD conferred it with significantly reduced toxicity compared with HP‐β‐CD, but equal efficacy in treating a mouse model of NPC.Conclusions and ImplicationsHP‐γ‐CD can serve as a fine‐tuned cholesterol solubilizer for the treatment of NPC with a wider safety margin than HP‐β‐CD in terms of ototoxicity and pulmonary toxicity.
Differentiation of Two Working Memory Tasks Normed on a Large U.S. Sample of Children 2–7 Years Old
Authors: Cowan Nelson 
Published: March 2021

The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 4th ed. includes two measures of working memory normed on children 2;6–7;7. The present analyses of the typically developing children (N = 1,591, 812 female, 779 male, with an ethnic distribution approximating the United States) provide new, theoretically important information about these working memory tasks, Picture Memory and Zoo Locations. These new analyses establish developmental trends, individual‐difference properties, and cognitive task properties. They show comparable developmental trends for the two tasks, but Picture Memory picks up more individual‐difference variation and is more sensitive to knowledge. This analysis of normed tasks starting very young makes possible new methods for research on the early stages of childhood working memory development, about which little is currently known.
COVID‐19 and the Canadian cattle/beef sector: A second look
Authors: Rude James 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAfter a year of adjusting to the shocks associated with COVID‐19 the Canadian cattle and beef sector faces a relatively optimistic future. This note examines the past year for this supply chain from the perspective of the consumer up to the cow‐calf producer by considering consumer reactions, labor market constraints, and supply responses. In the second quarter of 2020, the sector faced a significant challenge with continent wide shutdowns of beef packers reducing the U.S. beef supply by one‐third and Canadian beef slaughter by almost 60%. These shutdowns resulted in a sharp divergence between wholesale beef prices, which more than doubled, and fed steer prices, which declined by one third. Despite these dramatic shocks, the sector has returned to near normal conditions with prices and production levels similar to those observed prior to the pandemic. The near term prospects for 2021 are very similar to the current market situation.
Recipient age and outcomes following simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplantation in the new millennium: Single‐center experience and review of the literature
Authors: Gurung Komal , Alejo Jennifer , Rogers Jeffrey , Farney Alan C. , Orlando Giuseppe , Jay Colleen , Reeves‐Daniel Amber , Mena‐Gutierrez Alejandra , Sakhovskaya Natalia , Doares William , Kaczmorski Scott , Gautreaux Michael D. , Stratta Robert J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe influence of recipient age on outcomes following simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplantation (SPKT) in the modern era is uncertain.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 255 patients undergoing SPKT from 11/01 to 8/20. Recipients were stratified according to age group: age <30 years (n = 16); age 30–39 years (n = 91); age 40–49 years (n = 86) and age ≥50 years (n = 62 [24.3%], including 9 patients ≥60 years of age).ResultsThree‐month and one‐year outcomes were comparable. The eight‐year patient survival rate was lowest in the oldest age group (47.6% vs 78% in the 3 younger groups combined, p < .001). However, eight‐year kidney and pancreas graft survival rates were comparable in the youngest and oldest age groups combined (36.5% and 32.7%, respectively), but inferior to those in the middle 2 groups combined (62% and 50%, respectively, both p < .05). Death‐censored kidney and pancreas graft survival rates increased from youngest to oldest recipient age category because of a higher incidence of death with functioning grafts (22.6% in oldest group compared to 8.3% in the 3 younger groups combined, p = .005).ConclusionsRecipient age did not appear to significantly influence early outcomes following SPKT. Late outcomes are similar in younger and older recipients, but inferior to the middle 2 age groups.
Advancing the science on cannabis concentrates and behavioural health
Authors: Bidwell L. Cinnamon , Martin‐Willett Renée , Karoly Hollis C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIssuesThe Cannabis sativa L. plant contains hundreds of phytocannabinoids, but putatively of highest importance to public health risk is the psychoactive cannabinoid delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is associated with risk for cannabis use disorder, affective disturbance, cognitive harm and psychomotor impairment. Recently, there has been an increase in the use and availability of concentrated cannabis products (or ‘concentrates’) that are made by extracting cannabinoids from the plant to form a product with THC concentrations as high as 90–95%. These products are increasingly popular nationwide. The literature on these widely available high potency concentrates is limited and there are many unknowns about their potential harms.ApproachThis review covers the state of the research on cannabis concentrates and behavioural health‐related outcomes and makes recommendations for advancing the science with studies focused on accurately testing the risks in relation to critical public and behavioural health questions.Key FindingsData point to unique behavioural health implications of concentrate use. However, causal, controlled and representative research on the effects of cannabis concentrates is currently limited.ImplicationsFuture research is needed to explore chronic, acute and developmental effects of concentrates, as well as effects on pulmonary function. We also highlight the need to explore these relationships in diverse populations.ConclusionWhile the literature hints at the potential for these highly potent products to increase cannabis‐related behavioural health harms, it is important to carefully design studies that more comprehensively evaluate the impact of concentrates on THC exposure and short‐ and long‐term effects across user groups.
Play among the stars: Astrobiology and intra‐action in Pryor's Living with Tiny Aliens
Authors: John Mix Lucas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPryor's new book, Living with Tiny Aliens: The Image of God for the Anthropocene, uses astrobiology to explore integrated and nonanthropocentric views of the IMAGO DEI with a particular emphasis on planetarity and intra‐action. This review and reflection articulates and amplifies Pryor's view of humans in the context of Earth, arguing for ideas of both Anthropocene and IMAGO DEI that are anthropic (aware of the human context) but not anthropocentric (over‐valuing humanity). It raises a caution about how historical and normative claims of progress and transcendence than can color both in unhelpful ways.
Sex differences in risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia, including death as a competing risk, in individuals with diabetes: Results from the ADVANCE trial
Authors: Gong Jessica , Harris Katie , Hackett Maree , Peters Sanne A. E. , Brodaty Henry , Cooper Mark , Hamet Pavel , Harrap Stephen , Mancia Giuseppe , MacMahon Stephen , Chalmers John , Woodward Mark 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTo estimate the associations between risk factors and cognitive decline (CD)/dementia, and the sex differences in these risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes, while accounting for the competing risk of death.Materials and MethodsThe Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial of 11,140 individuals with type 2 diabetes was used to estimate the odds of CD/dementia using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsDuring a median 5‐year follow‐up, 1827 participants (43.2% women) had CD/dementia (1718 with CD only; 21 with dementia only; 88 with CD and dementia), and 929 (31.0% women) died without CD/dementia. Women had lower odds of CD/dementia than men (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval], 0.88 [0.77, 1.00]); older age, higher total cholesterol, HbA1c, waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio, moderately increased albumin‐creatinine ratio, stroke/transient ischaemic attack and retinal disease were each associated with greater odds of CD/dementia; higher years at education completion, baseline cognitive function, taller stature and current alcohol use were inversely associated. Higher waist circumference (women‐to‐men ratio of ORs [ROR], 1.05 [1.00, 1.10] per 5 cm) and presence of anxiety/depression (ROR, 1.28 [1.01, 1.63]) were associated with greater ORs for CD/dementia in women than men.ConclusionsSeveral risk factors were associated with CD/dementia. Higher waist circumference and mental health symptoms were more strongly associated with CD/dementia in women than men. Further studies should examine the mechanisms that underlie these sex differences.