bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of clinical factors for diagnosing and differentiating types of testicular malposition in boys: A retrospective study
Authors: Hori Shunta , Aoki Katsuya , Tachibana Akira , Nishimura Nobutaka , Tomizawa Mitsuru , Morizawa Yosuke , Gotoh Daisuke , Fukui Shinji , Nakai Yasushi , Miyake Makito , Torimoto Kazumasa , Yoneda Tatsuo , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate useful objective variables and factors supporting the diagnosis of retractile testis and cryptorchidism by primary care providers, including urologists.MethodsThis retrospective study included 512 boys diagnosed with retractile testis or cryptorchidism at our institute. Boys with retractile testis were followed up and underwent orchiopexy once the testis became undescended, while boys with cryptorchidism underwent orchiopexy immediately. We investigated trends in the prevalence of testicular malposition and explored useful diagnostic factors for retractile testis and cryptorchidism.ResultsOf 512 boys, 199 were diagnosed with retractile testis and 313 were diagnosed with cryptorchidism. Comparison of clinical information between retractile testis and cryptorchidism showed that age at diagnosis, laterality, and location of the testis were significantly different between the groups (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively). The comparison of surgical information also showed that epididymal abnormality and state of processus vaginalis is patency or closure were significantly different between the groups (P = 0.0088 and P = 0.0003, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that diagnosis at age 0–1 years, unilaterality, and canalicular testis were predictive factors for cryptorchidism (P = 0.001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively).ConclusionsAge at diagnosis, laterality, and location of the testis could be factors to aid the diagnosis of retractile testis and cryptorchidism.
On the role of commodity futures in portfolio diversification
Authors: Lean Hooi Hooi , Nguyen Duc Khuong , Sensoy Ahmet , Uddin Gazi Salah 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe last two decades have witnessed major financial crises that led investors to seek alternative assets and investment strategies to reduce their portfolio risk. In this article, we provide information on the role of commodity futures in designing portfolios and managing risk based on an appealing operational framework. Using more than 20 years of sample data, we first investigate the conditional mean and volatility dynamics of equity and commodity futures markets within a dynamic conditional correlation model setup. We then form alternative equity‐commodity futures portfolios by changing the weights of commodity futures and examine if the diversified commodity‐equity portfolios perform superior to the all‐equity portfolios and four well‐known investment strategies that suit most practitioners. Stochastic dominance approach shows that including commodity futures in diversified portfolios does not always improve the risk‐return performance, except for gold in some particular portfolio setups. Accordingly, commodity assets have behaved like financial assets (stocks) and tend to be driven by the same pricing factors in general, which reduces the benefits of diversification.
Characterization and identification of a novel microbial consortium M2 and its effect on fermentation quality and enzymatic hydrolysis of sterile rice straw
Authors: Li Junfeng , Ding Hao , Zhao Jie , Wang Siran , Dong Zhihao , Shao Tao 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aims
To isolate and enrich lignocellulolytic microbial consortia from yak (Bos grunniens) rumen and evaluate their effects on the fermentation characteristics and enzymatic hydrolysis in rice straw silage.

Methods and Results
A novel microbial consortium M2 with high CMCase and xylanase activities was enriched and observed to be prone to use natural carbon sources. Its predominant genus was Enterococcus, and most carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) genes belonged to the glycosyl hydrolases class. The consortium M2 was introduced with or without combined lactic acid bacteria (XA) to rice straw silage for 60 days. Inoculating the consortium M2 notably decreased the structural carbohydrate contents and pH of rice straw silages. Treatment that combines consortium M2 and XA resulted in the highest levels of lactic acid and lignocellulose degradation. The consortium M2 alone or combined with XA significantly (p &lt; 0.01) increased water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs), mono- and disaccharides contents compared with the XA silage. Combined addition obviously improved the enzymatic conversion efficiency of rice straw silage with higher glucose and xylose yields (23.39 and 12.91 w/w% DM, respectively).

Conclusions
Ensiling pretreatment with the microbial consortium M2 in sterile rice straw improved fermentation characteristics. The combined application of consortium M2 with XA had synergistic effects on promoting the degradation of structural carbohydrates and enzymatic hydrolysis.

Significance and Impact of the Study
Rice straw is difficult to ensile because of its low WSC and high structural carbohydrate contents. The microbial consortium M2 identified herein exhibits great potential for degrading fibrous substrates, and their combination with XA provides a faster and more effective synergistic strategy for biorefinery of lignocellulosic biomass.
Electrocardiography of cardiac resynchronization therapy: Pitfalls and practical tips
Authors: Manolis Antonis S. , Manolis Antonis A. , Manolis Theodora A. , Melita Helen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been established as an effective mode of therapy in patients with heart failure and concurrent cardiac dyssynchrony, principally in the form of left bundle branch block (LBBB). The widespread use of CRT has ushered in a new landscape in 12‐lead electrocardiography (ECG). ECG readings in these patients are most important to guide troubleshooting and also appropriate device programming, as well as discerning and managing nonresponders. A set of four ECG recordings need to accompany each patient with a CRT device, including a baseline ECG and recordings from monochamber (right and left ventricular) and biventricular pacing, which can be compared against a new recording to facilitate the evaluation of proper versus problematic biventricular pacing. Precordial ECG leads V1/2 acquired at the fourth intercostal space and limb leads, I and III, together with a quick assessment of perpendicular leads I and aVF to determine the quadrant of the QRS axis in the hexaxial diagram, may provide the framework for proper ECG interpretation in these patients. This important issue of 12‐lead ECG in CRT patients is herein reviewed, pitfalls are pointed out and practical tips are provided for ECG reading to help recognize and manage problems with CRT device function. Furthermore, several pertinent ECG recordings and tabulated data are provided, and an algorithm is suggested that integrates prior algorithms and relevant information from current literature.
Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm
Authors: Amin Mustapha , Farwati Medhat , Hilaire Emilie , Siontis Konstantinos C. , Madhavan Malini , Kapa Suraj , Mulpuru Siva K. , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Cha Yong‐Mei , Friedman Paul A. , Munger Thomas , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Killu Ammar M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhile ventricular tachycardia (VT) in the setting of postmyocardial infarction left ventricular aneurysms (LVA) is not uncommonly encountered, there is a scarcity of data regarding the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of ablation of VT in this subset of patients.MethodsOur study included consecutive patients aged 18 years or older with postmyocardial infarction LVA who presented to Mayo Clinic for catheter ablation of VT between 2002 and 2018.ResultsOf 34 patients, the mean age was 70.4 ± 9.1 years; 91% were male. Mean LVEF was 29 ± 9.7% and left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension was 64.9 ± 6.6 mm. The site of the LVA was apical in 21 patients (62%). Fifteen patients (44%) presented with electrical storm or incessant VT. Nine patients (26%) had a history of intracardiac thrombus. All except for one patient had at least one VT originating from the aneurysm. The mean number of VTs was 2.9 ± 1.7. All patients underwent ablation at the site of the aneurysm. Ablation outside the aneurysm was performed in 13 patients (38%). Low‐voltage fractionated potentials and/or late potentials at the aneurysmal site were present in all cases. Complete elimination of all VTs was achieved in 18 (53%), while the elimination of the clinical VT with continued inducibility of nonclinical VTs was achieved in a further 11 patients (32%). Two patients developed cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis. During a mean follow‐up period of 2.3 ± 2.4 years, 11 patients (32%) experienced VT recurrence. Freedom from all‐cause mortality at 1‐year follow‐up was 94%.ConclusionRadiofrequency catheter ablation targeting the aneurysmal site is a feasible and reasonably effective management strategy for clinical VTs in patients with postinfarction LVA.
Assessment of vaginal and endometrial microbiota by real‐time PCR in women with unexplained infertility
Authors: Sezer Ozlem , Soyer Çalışkan Canan , Celik Samettin , Kilic Suleyman Sirri , Kuruoglu Tuba , Unluguzel Ustun Goksenin , Yurtcu Nazan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimMicrobiota of the reproductive tract may be associated with unexplained infertility in women. We aimed to determine the derangements of vaginal and endometrial microbiota related to unexplained infertility by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (real‐time PCR) microbiota analyses of vaginal and endometrial samples of the unexplained infertility patients and fertile women.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐six women with unexplained infertility and 26 age‐matched fertile women were included. Vaginal and endometrial samples were obtained in the mid‐menstrual cycle for analysis by quantitative real‐time PCR method.ResultsThe proportion of lactobacilli‐impaired microbiota was significantly higher in the vaginal samples of unexplained infertility patients (76.9% vs. 26.9%; p < 0.001). Those with impaired lactobacilli microbiota of vaginal samples had an increased risk of 9.048 times for infertility than those with normal lactobacilli microbiota. In addition, the mean lactobacilli/total bacterial mass (TBM) ratio in the vaginal samples was significantly lower in the unexplained infertility patients (38.2% vs.76.3%; p = 0.001).ConclusionThe present study results supported the role of vaginal and endometrial microbiota derangements in unexplained infertility. Many time‐consuming and invasive methods are currently used in the diagnosis of infertility. Our study showed that the quantitative determination of lactobacilli/TBM ratio in vaginal specimens, a less invasive and easily obtainable method, could be used as a diagnostic test during the workup of couples with unexplained infertility.
Examination of fetal well‐being evaluation metrics for fetal growth restriction as seen from Japan Obstetric Compensation Cause Analysis Report data
Authors: Sugihara Mika , Unno Nobuya , Suzuki Hideaki , Sekizawa Akihiko , Tanaka Hiroaki , Fujimori Keiya , Ikeda Tomoaki , Shimoya Koichiro ,   Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology Perinatal Committee, Committee on Evaluation of Perinatal Brain Disorders and Fetal Health
Published: October 2021

AbstractAdvances in perinatal care have improved the prognoses of both mothers and neonates; however, cerebral palsy continues to occur. In this study, we examined methods for the intragestational evaluation of the health of infants who later developed cerebral palsy. A retrospective review was conducted on light‐for‐dates cases among the 2113 cause analysis reports issued by the Japan Obstetric Compensation System between January 2009 and September 2018. In our examination, we determined that non‐stress tests and ultrasonic Doppler tests were used to evaluate fetal well‐being. Moreover, we observed cases in which additional testing was not performed even when fetal growth restriction (FGR) was identified. Appropriate management of FGR may help reduce the incidence of cerebral palsy.
Temporomandibular joint involvement in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis—Symptoms, clinical signs and radiographic findings
Authors: Collin Malin , Hagelberg Stefan , Ernberg Malin , Hedenberg‐Magnusson Britt , Christidis Nikolaos 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlthough many children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) develop arthritis and deformity of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), many go undetected.ObjectiveThis study investigates whether findings from patient history and clinical examination using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) can be used to diagnose TMJ involvement.MethodsAs a part of the screening program, 59 consecutive JIA patients age 7–14 years underwent a clinical examination according to RDC/TMD including self‐reported orofacial pain and pain related to jaw function, and cone beam computer tomography (CBCT). Data were obtained from the patient's medical charts. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of TMJ deformities on CBCT.ResultsSelf‐reported TMJ symptoms before inclusion were reported by 57% of children with and 14% of children without TMJ deformities on CBCT (p = 0.036). On a group level, the maximum unassisted (mouth) opening (MUO) with and without pain was within the normal range, but children with TMJ deformities showed a significantly smaller MUO with pain (p = 0.018). A diagnosis of osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis were more prevalent in children with TMJ deformities.ConclusionAlthough there were few differences between children with and without radiographic TMJ deformities, self‐reported previous TMJ symptoms and reduced MUO with pain could indicate the presence of TMJ involvement. However, radiographic examinations are needed to confirm TMJ involvement. Thus, this study indicates that the RDC/TMD protocol is a blunt tool when targeting TMJ involvement in JIA.
Serum α‐fetoprotein level at treatment completion is a useful predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence more than one year after hepatitis C virus eradication by direct‐acting antiviral treatment
Authors: Kuwano Akifumi , Yada Masayoshi , Nagasawa Shigehiro , Tanaka Kosuke , Morita Yusuke , Masumoto Akihide , Motomura Kenta 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDirect‐acting antivirals (DAAs) have recently been developed to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and interferon‐free DAA treatment has improved liver function of HCV patients. The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence following HCV eradication has been previously reported, but HCC may have been missed following imaging diagnosis before DAA administration in previous studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify definite predictors of HCC occurrence ≥1 year after DAA treatment. Among 956 patients receiving DAAs for HCV infection, 567 patients who achieved sustained virologic response with no history of HCC treatment were enrolled in this study between September 2014 and July 2021. The incidence of HCC in HCV‐infected patients ≥1 year following DAA treatment, and the predictors contributing to HCC occurrence were identified using clinical characteristics and blood test results. In the present study, 25 patients developed HCC. The incidence of HCC was 1.4%, 3.2%, 4.9% and 6.8% at 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, respectively, from the end of treatment with DAAs. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed serum α‐fetoprotein level at end of treatment (EOT‐AFP) >3.8 ng/ml ≥1 year following treatment with DAAs (HR, 9.7; p < .0001) as an independent factor that may contribute to HCC occurrence following DAA treatment. In conclusion, serum EOT‐AFP level may serve an important role in determining the risk of HCC occurrence ≥1 year after DAA treatment. Regular examinations are required even if serum EOT‐AFP level is low at treatment completion.
Role of peer support in a hepatitis C elimination programme
Authors: Jugnarain Davina Varsha , Halford Rachel , Smith Stuart , Hickman Matthew , Samartsidis Pantelis , Foster Graham R. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMany people with chronic hepatitis C infection don't engage in treatment. To eliminate hepatitis C and avoid health inequalities therapy must be provided to everyone. In other diseases peers with lived experience of the condition have improved care but, for hepatitis C, studies have not shown unequivocal benefit. We completed a retrospective analysis of the English National Health Service treatment registry comparing treatment networks with and without peers using Bayesian Poisson (for count outcomes) or Bayesian Binomial (for proportion outcomes) mixed effects models with time fixed effects. For each outcome, we estimated relative ratio (RR‐Poisson model) or odds ratio (Odds Ratio (OR)‐Binomial model) between peer and non‐peer networks. We analysed 30,729 patients within 20 operational delivery networks. In networks with peers there was an increase in the number of people initiating therapy (RR 1.12 95%, credible interval 1.02–1.21) and an increase in the proportion completing therapy (OR 2.45 95%, credible interval 1.49–3.84). However, we saw no change in proportions of people using drugs who initiated therapy nor any significant change in virological response (OR 1.14 95% credible interval 0.979–1.36). We repeated the analysis looking at the impact of peers two months after they had been introduced, when they had established networks of contacts, and saw an increase in the proportion of people treated in addiction services. In treating patients with chronic hepatitis C infection the inclusion of peer supporters may increase the number of people who initiate and complete antiviral therapy.
Long‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetases activate fatty acids for lipid synthesis, remodeling and energy production in Chlamydomonas
Authors: Bai Fan , Yu Lihua , Shi Jianan , Li‐Beisson Yonghua , Liu Jin 
Published: October 2021

Summary

Long‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetases (LACSs) play many roles in mammals, yeasts and plants, but knowledge on their functions in microalgae remains fragmented. Here via genetic, biochemical and physiological analyses, we unraveled the function and roles of LACSs in the model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

In vitro assays on purified recombinant proteins revealed that CrLACS1, CrLACS2 and CrLACS3 all exhibited bona fide LACS activities toward a broad range of free fatty acids.

The Chlamydomonas mutants compromised in CrLACS1, CrLACS2 or CrLACS3 did not show any obvious phenotypes in lipid content or growth under nitrogen (N)‐replete condition. But under N‐deprivation, CrLACS1 or CrLACS2 suppression resulted in c. 50% less oil, yet with a higher amount of chloroplast lipids. By contrast, CrLACS3 suppression impaired oil remobilization and cell growth severely during N‐recovery, supporting its role in fatty acid β‐oxidation to provide energy and carbon sources for regrowth. Transcriptomics analysis suggested that the observed lipid phenotypes are likely not due to transcriptional reprogramming but rather a shift in metabolic adjustment.

Taken together, this study provided solid experimental evidence for essential roles of the three Chlamydomonas LACS enzymes in lipid synthesis, remodeling and catabolism, and highlighted the importance of lipid homeostasis in cell growth under nutrient fluctuations.
Tree allocation dynamics beyond heat and hot drought stress reveal changes in carbon storage, belowground translocation and growth
Authors: Rehschuh Romy , Rehschuh Stephanie , Gast Andreas , Jakab Andrea‐Livia , Lehmann Marco M. , Saurer Matthias , Gessler Arthur , Ruehr Nadine K. 
Published: October 2021

Summary

Heatwaves combined with drought affect tree functioning with as yet undetermined legacy effects on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) allocation.

We continuously monitored shoot and root gas exchange, δ13CO2 of respiration and stem growth in well‐watered and drought‐treated Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) seedlings exposed to increasing daytime temperatures (max. 42°C) and evaporative demand. Following stress release, we used 13CO2 canopy pulse‐labeling, supplemented by soil‐applied 15N, to determine allocation to plant compartments, respiration and soil microbial biomass (SMB) over 2.5 wk.

Previously heat‐treated seedlings rapidly translocated 13C along the long‐distance transport path, to root respiration (Rroot; 7.1 h) and SMB (3 d). Furthermore, 13C accumulated in branch cellulose, suggesting secondary growth enhancement. However, in recovering drought‐heat seedlings, the mean residence time of 13C in needles increased, whereas C translocation to Rroot was delayed (13.8 h) and 13C incorporated into starch rather than cellulose. Concurrently, we observed stress‐induced low N uptake and aboveground allocation.

C and N allocation during early recovery were affected by stress type and impact. Although C uptake increased quickly in both treatments, drought‐heat in combination reduced the above–belowground coupling and starch accumulated in leaves at the expense of growth. Accordingly, C allocation during recovery depends on phloem translocation capacity.
The crucial roles of mitochondria in supporting C4 photosynthesis
Authors: Fan Yuzhen , Asao Shinichi , Furbank Robert T. , von Caemmerer Susanne , Day David A. , Tcherkez Guillaume , Sage Tammy L. , Sage Rowan F. , Atkin Owen K. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryC4 photosynthesis involves a series of biochemical and anatomical traits that significantly improve plant productivity under conditions that reduce the efficiency of C3 photosynthesis. We explore how evolution of the three classical biochemical types of C4 photosynthesis (NADP‐ME, NAD‐ME and PCK types) has affected the functions and properties of mitochondria. Mitochondria in C4 NAD‐ME and PCK types play a direct role in decarboxylation of metabolites for C4 photosynthesis. Mitochondria in C4 PCK type also provide ATP for C4 metabolism, although this role for ATP provision is not seen in NAD‐ME type. Such involvement has increased mitochondrial abundance/size and associated enzymatic capacity, led to changes in mitochondrial location and ultrastructure, and altered the role of mitochondria in cellular carbon metabolism in the NAD‐ME and PCK types. By contrast, these changes in mitochondrial properties are absent in the C4 NADP‐ME type and C3 leaves, where mitochondria play no direct role in photosynthesis. From an eco‐physiological perspective, rates of leaf respiration in darkness vary considerably among C4 species but does not differ systematically among the three C4 types. This review outlines further mitochondrial research in key areas central to the engineering of the C4 pathway into C3 plants and to the understanding of variation in rates of C4 dark respiration.
What has become of the audit explosion? Analyzing trends in oversight activities in the Canadian government
Authors: Liston‐Heyes Catherine , Juillet Luc 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSince the 1980s, many governments expanded their administrative oversight systems, such as auditing and evaluation, in order to improve the efficiency, performance and accountability of their administration. Yet few studies empirically examine this “audit explosion.” Our study investigates its more recent manifestation. Using Canada as an exploratory case, we first assess whether the level of these oversight activities contracted or expanded in the last two decades. We then analyze the contents of 3245 audit reports published between 2000 and 2019 to track changes in the focus of auditing. Results suggest that, while the overall level of administrative oversight is much higher now than in 2000, it grew only in the first decade of the millennium and was confined to internal functions, namely departmental audits and evaluations, as opposed to the country's Supreme Audit Institution. Meanwhile, auditors' attention to financial matters declined, while their focus on compliance, performance, and risk increased.