bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the costs of pre- and postcopulatory traits for males: Evidence that costs of ejaculation are minor relative to mating effort
Authors: Chung Meng-Han Joseph , Jennions Michael D. , Fox Rebecca J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough it is widely stated that both mating behavior and sperm traits are energetically costly for males, we currently lack empirical estimates of the relative costs to males of pre- versus postcopulatory investments. Such estimates require the experimental separation of the act of mating from that of ejaculation, which is a nontrivial logistical challenge. Here, we overcome this challenge using a novel morphological manipulation (gonopodium tip ablation) in the eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) to tease apart investment in mating effort from that in sperm replenishment following ejaculation. We quantified the relative cumulative costs of investing in mating effort and ejaculation by comparing somatic traits and reproductive performance among three types of males: ablated males that could attempt to mate but not ejaculate; unablated males that could both mate and ejaculate; and control males that had no access to females. We show that, after eight weeks, mating investment significantly reduces both body growth and immunocompetence and results in a significant decline in mating effort. In contrast, cumulative investment into sperm replenishment following ejaculation has few detectable effects that are only apparent in smaller males. These minor costs occur despite the fact that G. holbrooki has very high levels of sperm competition and multiple mating by both sexes, which is usually associated with elevated levels of sperm production. Crucially, our study is the first, to our knowledge, to experimentally compare the relative costs of pre- and postcopulatory investment on components of male fitness in a vertebrate.
Developmental toxicity of lead in rats after gestational exposure and the protective role of taurine
Authors: Aglan Hoda Samir , Safar Marwa M , Ain‐Shoka Afaf Abdel‐Moniem , Kandil Asmaa Munir , Gebremedhn Samuel , Salilew‐Wondim Dessie , Schellander Karl , Tesfaye Dawit 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe present study was conducted to investigate the potential adverse effect of Pb on pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats and their fetuses after maternal exposure, on gestational days (GD) 7–16. The possible protective role of taurine (TA), administered throughout the gestation period (GD 1–20) against Pb toxicity, was also evaluated. Pregnant rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 (control) was given distilled water; Group 2 was exposed to Pb (250 ppm) in drinking water (GD 7–16), whereas Group 3 received TA (50 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage (GD 1–20); Group 4 was exposed to Pb (GD 7–16), whereas pretreated with TA from GD 1 till the end of the gestation period. After termination on GD 20, maternal and embryo‐fetal outcomes were evaluated. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical parameters assessment. The results showed that, Pb induced a significant reduction in the maternal body weight, weight gain, uterine and placental weight, in addition to a high incidence of abortion and fetal resorption. Meanwhile, fetuses demonstrated decreased body weight and length, with a high rate of mortality as well as external and skeletal abnormalities. Additionally, Pb induced severe hematological and biochemical alterations in both dams and fetuses. The toxicity of Pb was further emphasized by placental histopathological examination and hepatic DNA fragmentation. Pretreatment with TA greatly attenuated the impact of Pb on both maternal and fetal parameters. Moreover, TA alleviated the incidence of placental damage and hepatic DNA fragmentation. The results highlight the potential prophylaxis role of TA against maternal and developmental Pb toxicity.
Effects of emodin, a plant‐derived anthraquinone, on TGF‐β1‐induced cardiac fibroblast activation and function
Authors: Carver Wayne , Fix Ethan , Fix Charity , Fan Daping , Chakrabarti Mrinmay , Azhar Mohamad 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCardiac fibrosis accompanies a number of pathological conditions and results in altered myocardial structure, biomechanical properties and function. The signaling networks leading to fibrosis are complex, contributing to the general lack of progress in identifying effective therapeutic approaches to prevent or reverse this condition. Several studies have shown protective effects of emodin, a plant‐derived anthraquinone, in animal models of fibrosis. A number of questions remain regarding the mechanisms whereby emodin impacts fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) is a potent stimulus of fibrosis and fibroblast activation. In the present study, experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of emodin on activation and function of cardiac fibroblasts following treatment with TGF‐β1. We demonstrate that emodin attenuates TGF‐β1‐induced fibroblast activation and collagen accumulation in vitro. Emodin also inhibits activation of several canonical (SMAD2/3) and noncanonical (Erk1/2) TGF‐β signaling pathways, while activating the p38 pathway. These results suggest that emodin may provide an effective therapeutic agent for fibrosis that functions via specific TGF‐β signaling pathways.
High burden of acquired morbidity in survivors of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Loh Sin Wee , Gan Ming Ying , Wong Judith Ju‐Ming , Ong Chengsi , Mok Yee Hui , Lee Jan Hau 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionWith improving mortality rates in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS), functional outcomes in survivors are increasingly important. We aim to describe the change in functional status score (FSS) from baseline to discharge and to identify risk factors associated with poor functional outcomes.MethodsWe examined clinical records of patients with PARDS admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) from 2009 to 2016. Our primary outcome was acquired morbidity at PICU and hospital discharge (defined by an increase in FSS ≥3 points above baseline). We included severity of illness scores and severity of PARDS in our bivariate analysis for risk factors for acquired morbidity.ResultsThere were 181 patients with PARDS, of which 90 (49.7%) survived. Median pediatric index of mortality 2 score was 4.05 (1.22, 8.70) and 21 (23.3%) survivors had severe PARDS. A total of 59 (65.6%) and 14 (15.6%) patients had acquired morbidity at PICU and hospital discharge, respectively. Median baseline FSS was 6.00 (6.00, 6.25), which increased to 11.00 (8.75, 12.00) at PICU discharge before decreasing to 7.50 (6.00, 9.25) at hospital discharge. All patients had significantly higher FSS at both PICU and hospital discharge median compared to baseline. Feeding and respiratory were the most affected domains. After adjusting for severity of illness, severity categories of PARDS were not a risk factor for acquired morbidity.ConclusionAcquired morbidity in respiratory and feeding domains was common in PARDS survivors. Specific attention should be given to these two domains of functional outcomes in these children.
An unusual case of intervertebral disc extrusion in a dog
Authors: Santifort Koen , Pijnenburg Jeanette , Beukers Martijn , Bergmann Wilhelmina , Bergknut Niklas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA 6‐year‐old castrated male Dachshund‐cross was presented with signs compatible with a thoracolumbar myelopathy. MRI findings were considered most consistent with neoplasia as a large, oval‐shaped, well‐defined extradural mass with atypical intensity presentation was found in the spinal canal with extension into the intervertebral foramen. Owners elected euthanasia and post‐mortem histopathological examination resulted in a final diagnosis of compressive myelopathy due to extrusion of degenerated nucleus pulposus with haemorrhage and secondary encapsulation of the compressive material by fibroblasts. This case illustrates the variable appearance of intervertebral disc extrusion on MRI.
Hydroelastic interaction of nonlinear waves with floating sheets
Authors: Kostikov Vasily , Hayatdavoodi Masoud , Ertekin R. Cengiz 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHydroelastic responses of floating elastic surfaces to incident nonlinear waves of solitary and cnoidal type are studied. There areNnumber of the deformable surfaces, and these are represented by thin elastic plates of variable properties and different sizes and rigidity. The coupled motion of the elastic surfaces and the fluid are solved simultaneously within the framework of linear beam theory for the structures and the nonlinear Level I Green–Naghdi theory for the fluid. The water surface elevation, deformations of the elastic surfaces, velocity and pressure fields, wave reflection and transmission coefficients are calculated and presented. Results of the model are compared with existing laboratory measurements and other numerical solutions. In the absence of any restriction on the nonlinearity of the wave field, number of surfaces, their sizes and rigidities, a wide range of wave–structure conditions are considered. It is found that wave reflection from an elastic surface changes significantly with the rigidity, and the highest reflection is observed when the plate is rigid (not elastic). It is also found that due to the wave–structure interaction, local wave fields with different length and celerity are formed under the plates. In the case of multiple floating surfaces, it is observed that the spacing between plates has more significant effect on the wave field than their lengths. Also, the presence of relatively smaller floating plates upwave modifies remarkably the deformation and response of the downwave floating surface.
Comparison of pretherapeutic osseous tumor volume and standard hematology for prediction of hematotoxicity after PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy
Authors: Widjaja Liam , Werner Rudolf A. , Ross Tobias L. , Bengel Frank M. , Derlin Thorsten 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Hematotoxicity is a potentially dose-limiting adverse event in patients with metastasized castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) undergoing prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-directed radioligand therapy (RLT). We aimed to identify clinical or PSMA-targeted imaging-derived parameters to predict hematological adverse events at early and late stages in the treatment course.

Methods
In 67 patients with mCRPC scheduled for 177Lu-PSMA-617 RLT, pretherapeutic osseous tumor volume (TV) from 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and laboratory values were assessed. We then tested the predictive capability of these parameters for early and late hematotoxicity (according to CTCAE vers. 5.0) after one cycle of RLT and in a subgroup of 32/67 (47.8%) patients after four cycles of RLT.

Results
After one cycle, 10/67 (14.9%) patients developed leukocytopenia (lymphocytopenia, 39/67 [58.2%]; thrombocytopenia, 17/67 [25.4%]). A cut-off of 5.6 × 103/mm3 for baseline leukocytes was defined by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and separated between patients with and without leukocytopenia (P < 0.001). Baseline leukocyte count emerged as a stronger predictive factor in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 33.94, P = 0.001) relative to osseous TV (HR, 14.24, P = 0.01). After four cycles, 4/32 (12.5%) developed leukocytopenia and the pretherapeutic leukocyte cut-off (HR, 9.97, P = 0.082) tended to predict leukocytopenia better than TV (HR, 8.37, P = 0.109). In addition, a cut-off of 1.33 × 103/mm3 for baseline lymphocytes separated between patients with and without lymphocytopenia (P < 0.001), which was corroborated in multivariate analysis (HR, 21.39, P < 0.001 vs. TV, HR, 4.57, P = 0.03). After four cycles, 19/32 (59.4%) developed lymphocytopenia and the pretherapeutic cut-off for lymphocytes (HR, 46.76, P = 0.007) also demonstrated superior predictive performance for late lymphocytopenia (TV, HR, 5.15, P = 0.167). Moreover, a cut-off of 206 × 103/mm3 for baseline platelets separated between patients with and without thrombocytopenia (P < 0.001) and also demonstrated superior predictive capability in multivariate analysis (HR, 115.02, P < 0.001 vs.TV, HR, 12.75, P = 0.025). After four cycles, 9/32 (28.1%) developed thrombocytopenia and the pretherapeutic cut-off for platelets (HR, 5.44, P = 0.048) was also superior for the occurrence of late thrombocytopenia (TV, HR, 1.44, P = 0.7).

Conclusions
Pretherapeutic leukocyte, lymphocyte, and platelet levels themselves are strong predictors for early and late hematotoxicity under PSMA-directed RLT, and are better suited than PET-based osseous TV for this purpose.
Comparative prospective randomized study of minimally invasive transpiriformis approach versus conventional posterolateral approach in total hip arthroplasty as measured by biology markers
Authors: Xiao Cong , Gao Zhixiang , Zhang Shaoyun , Long Nengji , Yao Kai , Cai Peng , He Fenglai , Liu Lijuan , Jiang Yishan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundMinimally invasive surgery is becoming increasingly common, but evidence of the advantages of the minimally invasive transpiriformis approach in total hip arthroplasty is limited. Therefore, our single-centre randomized controlled trial evaluated the benefits of this approach versus the posterolateral approach.MethodsForty-nine patients undergoing the minimally invasive transpiriformis approach and 57 patients undergoing the posterolateral approach total hip arthroplasty were analyzed. The operative time, length of hospital stay, incision length, and peri-operative data related to the surgery were recorded. In both groups, serum CRP, IL-6, HGb, Hct, MB, CK-MB, and CK levels, Harris hip scores, and VAS scores were recorded.ResultsPatients who underwent the minimally invasive transpiriformis approach had a smaller surgical incision (9.10 ± 0.94 vs. 15.56 ± 1.20 cm, P = 0.00) and shorter hospital stay (6.20 ± 1.54 vs. 12.26 ± 2.97 days, P = 0.00) than those who underwent the posterolateral approach. Serum levels of CRP, IL-6, MB, CK-MB, and CK were also lower. According to the Harris hip score, the minimally invasive transpiriformis group showed significant improvement at one week and one month after surgery.ConclusionCompared to the posterolateral approach, the minimally invasive transpiriformis approach for total hip arthroplasty provided rapid functional recovery, elicited a significantly reduced post-operative inflammatory response, and caused less muscle damage.
A comprehensive phenotypic characterization of a whole-body Wdr45 knock-out mouse
Authors: Biagosch Caroline A. , Vidali Silvia , Faerberboeck Michael , Hensler Svenja-Viola , Becker Lore , Amarie Oana V. , Aguilar-Pimentel Antonio , Garrett Lillian , Klein-Rodewald Tanja , Rathkolb Birgit , Zanuttigh Enrica , Calzada-Wack Julia , da Silva-Buttkus Patricia , Rozman Jan , Treise Irina , Fuchs Helmut , Gailus-Durner Valerie , de Angelis Martin Hrabě , Janik Dirk , Wurst Wolfgang , Mayr Johannes A. , Klopstock Thomas , Meitinger Thomas , Prokisch Holger , Iuso Arcangela 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPathogenic variants in the WDR45 (OMIM: 300,526) gene on chromosome Xp11 are the genetic cause of a rare neurological disorder characterized by increased iron deposition in the basal ganglia. As WDR45 encodes a beta-propeller scaffold protein with a putative role in autophagy, the disease has been named Beta-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (BPAN). BPAN represents one of the four most common forms of Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA). In the current study, we generated and characterized a whole-body Wdr45 knock-out (KO) mouse model. The model, developed using TALENs, presents a 20-bp deletion in exon 2 of Wdr45. Homozygous females and hemizygous males are viable, proving that systemic depletion of Wdr45 does not impair viability and male fertility in mice. The in-depth phenotypic characterization of the mouse model revealed neuropathology signs at four months of age, neurodegeneration progressing with ageing, hearing and visual impairment, specific haematological alterations, but no brain iron accumulation. Biochemically, Wdr45 KO mice presented with decreased complex I (CI) activity in the brain, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction accompanies Wdr45 deficiency. Overall, the systemic Wdr45 KO described here complements the two mouse models previously reported in the literature (PMIDs: 26,000,824, 31,204,559) and represents an additional robust model to investigate the pathophysiology of BPAN and to test therapeutic strategies for the disease.
Metastasis-directed stereotactic body radiotherapy for oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma: extent of tumor burden eradicated by radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Yang , Long Wen , Zhang Zhiling , Zhang Zitong , Mai Lixin , Huang Sijuan , Han Hui , Zhou Fangjian , Dong Pei , He Liru 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
We aimed to explore whether complete eradication of tumor burden with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) would affect the outcomes of oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Materials and methods
Patients diagnosed with extracranial oligometastatic RCC (no more than five metastases) between 2007 and 2019 were reviewed. Those without nephrectomy were excluded. SBRT to all, some and no lesions were defined as complete, incomplete, and no SBRT. Progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier method, Cox regression model and the Fine and Gray method.

Result
A total of 101 patients were included, 51.5% of whom had < 3 metastases. Forty (39.6%) patients received complete SBRT, and 61 (60.4%) received no or incomplete SBRT. The 1-year LC rate was 97.3%. The complete SBRT group had significantly longer PFS (26.0 vs 18.8 months; p = 0.043) and CSS (not reached vs. 55.3 months; p = 0.012) compared with the no or incomplete SBRT group. In multivariate analysis, ECOG 0–1 (HR 0.389, 95% CI 0.167–0.906, p = 0.029) and complete SBRT were prognostic factors for CSS (HR 0.307, 95% CI 0.108–0.876, p = 0.027). Complete SBRT was associated with improved CSS in the subgroups of patients with age < 55 years, ECOG 0–1, clear-cell histology, IMDC intermediate/poor risk, metachronous metastasis, and < 3 lesions.

Conclusion
Complete eradication of tumor burden with SBRT was associated with better survival in patients with oligometastatic RCC. The recommendation of SBRT to all lesions should be individualized.
Jenseits der Klinik: Konzeptionelle Überlegungen zum Ethiktransfer in dezentralen Einrichtungen des Gesundheitswesens am Beispiel der BruderhausDiakonie Reutlingen
Authors: Burmeister Christiane , Iller Ariane , Ranisch Robert , Brand Cordula , Staib Tobias , Müller Uta 
Published: May 2021

ZusammenfassungUnser Beitrag stellt ein interaktives Ethik-Konzept vor, das in Zusammenarbeit der BruderhausDiakonie Reutlingen und der Universität Tübingen entwickelt wurde, um den Eigenheiten und Bedarfen einer komplexen Organisationsstruktur gerecht zu werden, die mehrere Geschäftsfelder und Standorte unter sich vereint. Wir skizzieren die Grundzüge des interaktiven Nijmegener Modells, in dem die Kooperation eines auf Leitungsebene angesiedelten Komitees und situationsbezogener Fallbesprechungen ein fruchtbares Zusammenspiel zweier unverzichtbarer Reflexionsweisen bewirken soll („Top-Down“/„Bottom-Up“). Wir zeigen auf, welche Herausforderungen sich bei der Implementierung dieses Modells in die konkrete Aufbauorganisation der BruderhausDiakonie ergaben, und mit welchen konzeptionellen oder „implementationstechnischen“ Mitteln ihnen begegnet wurde. Im Zentrum steht dabei die Erweiterung des Nijmegener Modells um ein Verbindungselement, welches die Zusammenarbeit zwischen zentralem Ausschuss und dezentralen Fallbesprechungen koordiniert und das interaktive Moment des Modells erst ermöglicht.
Bladder metastasis without hematuria, following radiation therapy for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kirisawa Takahiro , Okada Manabu , Miura Chisako , Miura Ichiro 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBladder metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma is extremely rare. Unlike primary bladder urothelial tumors, the initial symptoms of this disease vary, and include pelvic pain, dysuria, and hematuria. There are few reports on cases without microscopic hematuria. An 86-year-old woman with a previous history of radiation therapy for lung adenocarcinoma complained of urinary frequency. A urinalysis was negative for hematuria and pyuria; thus, overactive bladder was suspected. However, the patient’s symptom worsened considerably, and cystoscopy revealed bladder tumor. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor was performed. Based on the histological, immunohistochemical examination and clinical history, the final pathological diagnosis was bladder metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma. The patient died 19 days after the operation due to severe disease progression. In this rare case, a patient with bladder metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma did not show microscopic hematuria. Cystoscopy and computed tomography helped to make a rapid and accurate diagnosis.
Control of the setting reaction and strength development of slag-blended volcanic ash-based phosphate geopolymer with the addition of boric acid
Authors: Djobo Jean Noël Yankwa , Stephan Dietmar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis work aimed to evaluate the role of the addition of blast furnace slag for the formation of reaction products and the strength development of volcanic ash-based phosphate geopolymer. Volcanic ash was replaced by 4 and 6 wt% of ground granulated blast furnace slag to accelerate the reaction kinetics. Then, the influence of boric acid for controlling the setting and kinetics reactions was also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the competition between the dissolution of boric acid and volcanic ash-slag particles is the main process controlling the setting and kinetics reaction. The addition of slag has significantly accelerated the initial and final setting times, whereas the addition of boric acid was beneficial for delaying the setting times. Consequently, it also enhanced the flowability of the paste. The compressive strength increased significantly with the addition of slag, and the optimum replaced rate was 4 wt% which resulted in 28 d strength of 27 MPa. Beyond that percentage, the strength was reduced because of the flash setting of the binder which does not allow a subsequent dissolution of the particles and their precipitation. The binders formed with the addition of slag and/or boric acid are beneficial for the improvement of the water stability of the volcanic ash-based phosphate geopolymer.