bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Same-Sex Marriage Legalization Invoke Childbearing Desire in Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan: A Panel Study
Authors: Huang Yu-Te , Lau Bobo Hi-Po , Forth Marty W. , Gietel-Basten Stuart 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite the globally rising recognition of same-sex relationships, sexual minority men continue to report lower childbearing desire and intention compared to their heterosexual counterparts, even though both groups tend to consider parenting as valuable. This study capitalized on the prospective process of legalization of same-sex marriage (SSM) in Taiwan to capture changes in gay and bisexual men’s desire and attitudes towards parenthood as a function of the legalization of SSM. Methods: 863 respondents (Mean age = 27.9 years ±5.8) completed an online survey shortly before and 1½ years after the legalization of SSM. They reported their childbearing desire, marital status, and attitudes towards childbearing and marriage. Results: Contrary to our expectation of an increase in childbearing desire due to enhanced legal recognition of same-sex relationships, our study found that fewer participants in the follow-up survey expressed a childbearing desire (59.0% vs 74.2%), and the perceived importance of childbearing dropped mildly (3.48 to 3.26, Cohen’s d=0.269). Those who expressed a consistent childbearing desire attached greater importance to SSM and regarded SSM as a source of a sense of security and recognition by friends/family. The perceived importance of SSM was mildly positively related to the perceived importance of childbearing. Conclusion: Although the decrease in childbearing desire and its perceived importance may be attributable to a lack of access to family building options (e.g., surrogacy and adoption) and the COVID-19 pandemic, our findings illustrate that parenthood can be a logical next-step for Taiwanese male same-sex couples and call for the development of affordable family building options for these men.
IL-11RA is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated with Immune Infiltration in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nai Aitao , BASHIR SHOAIB , Jin Ling , He Zirui , Zeng Shuwen , Xu Meng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Interleukin-11 receptor subunit alpha (IL-11RA) contributes to multiple biological processes in various tumors. However, the role of IL-11RA in Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is still undetermined. The study aims to explore the role of IL-11RA in LUAD via an integrated bioinformatics analysis. Methods: TIMER, GEPIA, TCGA and HPA databases analysis were used to detect IL-11RA expression. UALCAN database was used to analysis the correlation between IL-11RA expression and clinicopathological parameters of LUAD. Kaplan-Meier Plotter, TCGA and GEO databases were used to analysis overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the LUAD patients. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to assess the prognostic value of IL-11RA in different clinical characteristics. GSEA, and TIMER were used to investigate the relationship between IL-11RA and immune infiltration.Results: The expression of IL-11RA was down-regulated in LUAD tissues. Furthermore, IL-11RA expression was closely associated with clinical stage, lymph node stage and smoking habits. The patients with lower IL-11RA expression had poorer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Lower IL-11RA expression was significantly associated with its hypermethylation, and the hypermethylation of CpG site at cg14609668 and cg21504624 was obviously correlated with poorer OS. Then, we found that IL-11RA may play an important role in LUAD progression and immune regulations. Notably, High expression of IL-11RA may suppress the progression of LUAD through inhibiting cell proliferation and immune cell infiltration, especially in B cells, CD4+ T cells, and Dendritic Cell. Conclusions: Decreased IL-11RA expression correlates with poor prognosis and immune infiltration in LUAD. Our work highlights IL-11RA might be a potential biomarker for prognosis and provide a new therapeutic target for LUAD patients.
Insulin Treatment Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Critically Ill Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Fan Rongping , Peng Xuemin , Yu Bo , Huang Jiaojiao , Yu Xuefeng , Wang Daowen , Yang Yan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Aims: Although insulin treatment is widely used in critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the intensive care unit (ICU), the clinical outcomes of insulin treatment remain unclear. This retrospective study aimed to explore the impact of insulin treatment on mortality and ICU stay among patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We consecutively recruited 578 ICU patients with type 2 diabetes, from 2011 to 2021. According to their medication history regarding insulin use before and after ICU admission, these patients were categorized into three groups: N-N (treated without insulin before and after ICU admission), N-I (treated without insulin before and with insulin after ICU admission) and I-I (treated with insulin before and after ICU admission). Clinical characteristics were analyzed, and clinical outcomes including mortality and the length of ICU stay were compared between the groups. Propensity score matching was performed to obtain comparable subpopulation and the Kaplan-Meier survival curves were graphed to describe the survival trend of different groups. Results: Compared with the N-N group, the N-I and I-I groups had significantly higher ICU mortality rates [20.0% (N-I) and 24.6% (I-I) vs. 0.0% (N-N); p < 0.001; respectively] and longer lengths of ICU stay [ 8.5 (N-I), 9 (I-I) vs. 6 (N-N), p < 0.05, respectively]. After propensity score matching, the N-I group had a significantly higher ICU mortality (15.4% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.025) and poorer survival rates (log-rank p = 0.040) than the N-N group. The length of ICU stay was significantly longer in the I-I group than in the N-N group (10 vs. 7, p = 0.026). Conclusions: Insulin treatment was associated with increased ICU mortality rate and longer length of ICU stay among critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes. Caution is warranted for the regular application of insulin in critical patients with type 2 diabetes.
First Evidence of Ommochromes in Bivalves: the Case of the Edible Oyster Crassostrea Gigas
Authors: Bonnard Michel , Boury Bruno , Parrot Isabelle 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Among the great variety of pigments found in living beings in general, and more particularly in molluscs, the ommochromes are a family of unknown organic dyes and until now still too little studied. Several lines of physicochemical and structural evidence allowed us here to complete the composition of the purple colour of shell patterns of Crassostrea gigas, highlighting an intriguing association of ommochromes and porphyrins, corroborated by the presence of known genes associated with their biosynthetic pathways. We describe here our pathway to demonstrate for the first time the presence of ommochromes in a bivalve.
«PemIK (PemK/PemI) type II TA system from Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strains inhibits lytic phage»
Authors: Bleriot Ines , Blasco Lucia , Pacios Olga , Fernández-García Laura , Ambroa Antón , López María , Ortiz-Cartagena Concha , Cuenca Felipe Fernández , Oteo Jesús , Pascual Álvaro , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Domingo-Calap Pilar , Wood Thomas K. , Tomás Maria 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Since their discovery, toxin-antitoxin systems have captivated many scientists. Recent studies demonstrated that a key role of TA systems is phage inhibition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of the PemIK (PemK/PemI) type II TA system in phage inhibition by its intrinsic expression in clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae carrying OXA-48 carbapenemase and by induced its expression in an IPTG-inducible plasmid in a reference strain of K. pneumoniae ATCC®10031™. qRT-PCR revealed that pemK toxin in clinical strain ST16-OXA48 was induced when phage did not infect the strain, whereas when phage infection was successful pemK toxin was not induced. In addition, induced expression of the whole system did not inhibit phage infection, whereas overexpression of the pemK toxin prevented infection during the first hours. To investigate the molecular mechanism involved in the PemK toxin-mediated inhibition of phage infection, an assay measuring metabolic activity was performed, which revealed that production of toxin PemK led to the dormancy of the bacteria. Thus, we demonstrate that the PemK/PemI TA system plays a role in phage infection, and that the action of the free toxin causes the cells to go into a dormant state resulting in inhibition of phage infections.
Prognostic Value of Myocardial Scar In Ischemic And Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Laymouna Reem , El-Sharkawy Eman , El-Tahan Salah , El-Fiky Mohamed 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose is to evaluate the prognostic value of myocardial scar/fibrosis using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM).Methods; 156 patients with either ICM or NICM underwent CMR with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences for assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), detection and quantification of any myocardial scar/fibrosis using three methods; a) manual, b) number of segments involved, c) percentage of scarred myocardium (segment based). Patients were followed up for at least 6 months for any clinical cardiac event.Results: Males were 56% (mean age 61 years), with minimal follow up (FU) of 6 months. Patients were divided into; group I; ICM (58%) and group II; NICM (36%). Clinical presentation was ranging from eventless (10%), chest pain (18%), heart failure (15%), hospitalization (35%), syncope (1%), ventricular tachycardia (<1%) and cardiac arrest (<1%). The scar mass was more in size in group I (17% ± 15) than in group II (8 % ± 13). Direct linear relationship was observed between scar size and event severity (P value < 0.001). Inverted relationship between LVEF and event severity in group I (P value of < 0.001) was detected, however, no significant correlation between LVEF and event severity in group II (P value 0.128).Conclusion: Myocardial scar size is a strong predictor for the clinical outcome in both ICM and NICM. EF is less reliable to predict morbidity in cardiomyopathy patients. Segments dependent methods for quantification of myocardial scar is comparable to the manual LGE quantifications.
Quercetin Potentiates the Chemosensitivity of Human Breast Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil
Authors: Mawalizadeh Fatemeh , Mohammadzadeh Ghorban , khedri azam , rashidi mojtaba 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the chemotherapy drugs to treat breast cancer, but it is associated with several side effects. Combination therapy is a way to increase the effectiveness of chemo drugs and decrease their usage dose. Quercetin (Quer) is one of the natural polyphenols with anti-cancer properties. This study investigated the apoptotic effect of 5-FU in combination with Quer compared with 5-FU alone on MCF7 breast cancer cells.Method and Results: Different single and combined concentrations of 5-FU and Quer were applied to MCF 7 cells for 48 hours. Cell viability, apoptosis, gene expression of Bax and Bcl2, and colony number were assessed using MTT assay, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, and Colony formation assay, respectively. The combination of 5-FU and Quer compared to 5-FU alone improved apoptosis by increasing and decreasing the gene expression of Bax and Bcl2, respectively, and decreased colony formation in MCF7 cells.Conclusion: Quer potentiates the sensitivity of breast cancer to 5-FU so that this combination may be proposed as a treatment for breast cancer. Therefore, this combination can be suggested for future in vivo studies.
Effects of Long-Term (44-years) Tillage Sequences on Wheat Grain Yield in a Dryland Farming System in South Africa
Authors: Tshuma Flackson , Swanepoel Pieter Andreas , Labuschagne Johan , Bennett James , Rayns Francis 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
AimsTo determine the effects of the long-term (44-years) tillage practices on wheat grain yield in a dryland farming system. MethodsEffects of tillage on soil quality and crop productivity were assessed between 1976 and 2020 in South Africa’s Mediterranean climate zone. Seven tillage treatments were investigated: continuous mouldboard (MB) ploughing to a depth of 200 mm, tine-tillage to 150 mm, shallow tine-tillage (ST) to 75 mm, no-tillage (NT), ST conducted once in two years (ST-NT), ST conducted once in three years (ST-NT-NT), and ST conducted once in four years (ST-NT-NT-NT). Two crop management systems were also investigated: wheat monoculture and crop rotation. We evaluated the long-term wheat grain yield responses from the trial and hypothesised that, with time, the (i) monoculture system will lead to reduced grain yield, (ii) MB sequence will lead to reduced grain yield, (iii) infrequent tillage practices will improve grain yield relative to continuous NT.ResultsThe monoculture system led to reduced grain yield over time due to increased weeds. Compared to other tillage treatments in the monoculture system, the MB sequence led to higher (P<0.05) grain yields. However, in the crop rotation system, the NT treatment was the best option as it led to high yield and lower fuel usage. The infrequent tillage sequences failed to significantly improve the grain yield relative to continuous NT.Conclusions﻿The infrequent tillage sequences were no better than the NT practice. We recommend that farmers opt for NT and crop rotation to ensure sustainability and avoid intensive tillage.
Study Protocol Feasibility and Pilot Trial of Brief Behaviour Change Counseling Using Five as and a Guiding Style From Motivational Interviewing on Lifestyle Behaviour in Patients With Hypertension or Diabetes in Mangochi, Malawi: BBCC+5 A's+GS Quasi-experimental Study Protocol
Authors: Lutala prosper Mukobelwa , Muula Adamson 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDiabetes and hypertension and their lifestyle risk factors are on the increase in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite positive effects of behavioural intervention such as brief behaviour change in some African countries, there has not been significant implementation of the same in Malawi. We therefore decided to conduct this study aimed at implementing brief behaviour change counseling using 5 As and a guiding style from motivational interviewing (BBCC + 5 As + GS) in Mangochi with specific objectives of determining its feasibility and its efficacy.MethodsThis study is a mixed, quasi-experimental, feasibility study which comprises an exploratory 2 arms quantitative part with a qualitative component at the end of the trial. Fifty consecutive eligible participants will be recruited among patients attending two Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) clinics (Mangochi District Hospital and Monkey Bay Rural Hospital) and allocated equally to intervention group (receiving brief behaviour change counseling) and non-intervention (routine care only). In addition to a qualitative process evaluation at the end of the third time points, the groups will be assaessed at baseline - 12 weeks and 24 weeks’ post-implementation on the following factors: feasibility outcomes, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors, body mass index, waist circumference, hip to waist ratio, lipids (cholesterols, triglycerides), glycated hemoglobin, quality of life domains and theory of planned behaviour constructs’ changes and process evaluation. DiscussionIt is anticipated that the results of this pilot trial will help to determine and assess the feasibility and the provisional efficacy of this intervention, as well as key useful elements of this trial in order to develop it for further exploration in a larger trial.Registration and status of the trialTrial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04625452, registered 12 November 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04625452, and recruitment: June 1, 2021.
Consequences of Quantum Noise Control for the Relaxation Resonance Frequency and Phase Noise in Heterogeneous Silicon/III-V Lasers
Authors: Kim Dongwan , Harfouche Mark , Wang Huolei , Santis Christos T. , Vilenchik Yaakov , Satyan Naresh , Rakuljic George , Yariv Amnon 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We have recently introduced a new semiconductor laser design which is based on an extreme, 99%, reduction of the laser mode absorption losses. This was achieved by a laser mode design which confines the great majority of the modal energy (> 99%) in a low-loss Silicon guiding layer rather than in highly-doped, thus lossy, III-V p+ and n+ layers, which is the case with traditional III-V lasers. The resulting reduced electron-field interaction leads directly to a commensurate reduction of the spontaneous emission rate by the excited conduction band electrons into the laser mode and thus to a reduction of the frequency noise spectral density of the laser field often characterized by the Schawlow-Townes linewidth. In this paper, we demonstrate theoretically and present experimental evidence of yet another major beneficial consequence of the new laser design: a near total elimination of the contribution of amplitude-phase coupling (the Henry α parameter) to the frequency noise at “high” frequencies. This is due to an order of magnitude lowering of the relaxation resonance frequency of the laser. The practical elimination of this coupling enables yet another order of magnitude reduction of the frequency noise at high frequencies, resulting in a quantum-limited frequency noise spectral density of 130 Hz2/Hz (linewidth of 0.4 kHz) for frequencies beyond 680 MHz. This development is of key importance in the drive to semiconductor lasers with higher coherence, particularly in the context of integrated photonics with a small laser footprint.
Treatment of Adult Metachromatic Leukodystrophy Model Mice Using Intrathecal Administration of Type 9 AAV Vector Encoding Arylsulfatase A
Authors: Miyake Noriko , Miyake Koichi , Sakai Atsushi , Yamamoto Motoko , Suzuki Hidenori , Shimada Takashi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by an arylsulfatase A (ASA) deficiency and characterized by severe neurological symptoms resulting from demyelination within the central and peripheral nervous systems. We investigated the feasibility and efficacy of intrathecal administration of a type 9 adeno-associated viral vector encoding ASA (AAV9/ASA) for the treatment of 6-week-old MLD model mice, which are presymptomatic, and 1-year-old mice, which exhibit neurological abnormalities. Immunohistochemical analysis following AAV9/ASA administration showed ASA expression within the brain, with highest activities in the cerebellum and olfactory bulbs. In mice treated at 1 year, alcian blue staining and quantitative analysis revealed significant decreases in stored sulfatide within the hindbrain but not forebrain. Behaviorally, mice treated at 1 year showed no improvement in their ability to traverse narrow balance beams as compared to untreated mice. By contrast, MLD mice treated at 6 weeks showed significant decreases in stored sulfatide throughout the entire brain and improved ability to traverse narrow balance beams. These findings suggest intrathecal administration of an AAV9/ASA vector is a promising approach to treating genetic diseases of the central nervous system, including MLD, though it may be essential to begin therapy before the onset of neurological symptoms.
Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Landmark Identification in Serial Lateral Cephalograms of Class III Patients Who Underwent Two-Jaw Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Hong Mihee , Kim Inhwan , Cho Jin-Hyoung , Kang Kyung-Hwa , Kim Minji , Kim Su-Jung , Kim Yoon-Ji , Sung Sang-Jin , Kim Young Ho , Lim Sung-Hoon , Kim Namkug , Baek Seung-Hak 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
To compare the accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted landmark identification in serial lateral cephalograms of Class III patients who underwent two-jaw orthognathic surgery using a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm. 3,188 lateral cephalograms of Class III patients were allocated into the training and validation sets (3,004 cephalograms of 751 patients) and test set (184 cephalograms of 46 patients; subdivided into the genioplasty and non-genioplasty groups, n=23 per group)]. Each patient in the test set had four cephalograms: initial (T0), pre-surgery [T1, presence of orthodontic brackets (OBs)], post-surgery [T2, presence of OBs and surgical plates and screws (S-PS)], and debonding [T3, presence of S-PS and fixed retainers (FR)]. Statistical analysis was performed using mean errors of 20 landmarks between human gold standard and the CNN model. The total mean error was 1.17 mm without significant difference among four time-points. Before and after surgery, ANS, A point, and B point showed an increased error, while Mx6D and Md6D showed a decreased error. No difference in errors existed at B point, Pogonion, Menton, Md1C, and Md1R between the genioplasty and non-genioplasty groups. The CNN model can be used for landmark identification in serial cephalograms despite presence of OB, S-PS, FR, genioplasty, and bone remodeling.
Macrolide Susceptibility and Molecular Characteristics of Bordetella Pertussis
Authors: zhang juansheng , zhang diqiang , wang xiaoqiang , wei xiaoguang , li hao , zhao yuewan , li fang , han ruijun , liu ying 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveTo compare the macrolide resistance and molecular characteristics of clinical isolated Bordetella pertussis, and explore the relationship between the macrolide-resistance and genotypes. MethodsErythromycin、azithromycin and clarithromycin susceptibility of clinical isolates during 2018-2020 was determined by E-test. The A2047G of the 23S rRNA genes was sequenced for drug-resistance mutation. Multilocus antigen sequence typing (MAST)、Multiple Locus Variable-number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) and Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) methods were employed to do molecular typing for the strains. Results58 strains were isolated in this study, 46 of them were macrolide-resistant and 12 sensitive. All macrolide-resistant strains carried a genetic mutation at the A2047G site, genotype was prn1/ptxP1/ptxA1/fim3-1/fim2-1, the MLVA types were identified as MT195、MT55 and MT104, PFGE profiles were classified into BPSR23 and BpFINR9 types. However, no mutations were found in all macrolide-sensitive strains whose genotypes were (prn9 or prn2)/ptxP1/ptxA1/fim3-1/fim2-1 and MT27, and PFGE classified other profiles. Conclusions﻿The clinical isolated Bordetella pertussis has serious resistance to erythromycin and began to spread to other macrolides. There were differences between macrolide-resistant and -sensitive Bordetella pertussis in genotypes. The acquisition of macrolide resistance may be associated with change of specific molecular types.