bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sperm production and quality in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in relation to hormonal treatment
Authors: Koumpiadis Paraskevas , Sganga Daniela E. , Politis Sebastian N. , Gallego Victor , Butts Ian A. E. , Asturiano Juan F. , Batjakas Ioannis E. , Tomkiewicz Jonna 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAquaculture production relies on controlled management of gametogenesis, especially in species where assisted reproduction is needed for obtaining gametes in captivity. The present study used human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatments to induce and sustain spermatogenesis in European eel (Anguilla anguilla). The aim was to evaluate effects of strip‐spawning timing (12 vs. 24 hr) after weekly administration of hCG and the necessity of a primer dose (in addition to weekly hormonal treatment) prior to strip spawning (primer vs. no‐primer) on sperm quality parameters. Sperm parameters included milt production (weight), density and sperm kinematics at Week 9, 11 and 13 after onset of treatment. Spermiation commenced in 11.5% of males in Week 5 and by Week 9, and all males produced milt. Male weight, milt production, sperm density and spermatocrit did not differ among hormonal treatments during the experimental period. Overall, male weight decreased from 106.3 to 93.0 g, milt weight increased from 3.5 to 5.4 g, sperm density counts decreased from 11.7 × 109 to 10.5 × 109 cells/ml, and spermatocrit decreased from 46.5% to 40.5%. Furthermore, spermatocrit was positively related to haemocytometer counts (R2 = .86, p < .001), providing a reliable indicator of sperm density. Differences in sperm kinematics were observed depending on strip‐spawning timing after hormonal injection (12 vs. 24 hr) but with no consistent pattern. These sperm quality parameters also did not consistently differ between the no‐primer and primer treatments. Considering that each male may be stripped 4–5 times over the 2–3 months spawning season, omitting the primer would reduce animal handling, material costs and labour intensity, while sustaining high‐quality sperm production.
Soil organic carbon fractions and its association with water‐stable aggregates under different fertilization management practices
Authors: Zhao Zhanhui , Gao Songfeng , Lu Chunyang , Li Xiaoyu , Wang Tingyun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAgricultural soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a critical role in soil ecosystems, and SOC sequestration is a key ecosystem service. This study investigated the SOC fractions, including mineral‐incorporated organic carbon (MSC), intra‐particulate organic carbon (iPOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC), in bulk soil and water‐stable aggregates, as influenced by soil fertilization managements, using three treatments: no fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilizer (FR) and organic manure (OM). Fertilizer application significantly increased SOC content and its fractions (MSC, iPOC and MBC) compared to CK, and the effect of organic manure amendment had more impact on the SOC accumulation than chemical fertilizer. Macroaggregate (>250 μm)‐associated SOC, MSC and iPOC (including fine and coarse iPOC) increased by 22%–283%, 18%–84% and 45%–232%, respectively, in FR and OM treatments compared with CK. In addition, the iPOC:MSC ratio values (%) within all size aggregates were all increased in the FR (about 84%–183%) and OM (about 103%–230%) treatments compared to CK (about 65%–146%). Meanwhile, MBC:SOC ratio values were the highest (about 2.16%–3.07%) in small macroaggregates (250–2000 μm), but decreased sharply (about 2%–2.35%) in large macroaggregates (>2000 μm) in different treatments. Our findings suggested that macroaggregates were the main sites of carbon sequestration and that carbon became more unstable with the increase of SOC in aggregates. Furthermore, the microbial biomass showed obvious differentiation characteristics in macroaggregates (>250 μm). Specifically, small macroaggregates (250–2000 μm) contained more microbial biomass, and large macroaggregates (>2000 μm) were inclined to inhibit microbial activity.
An integrated framework of global sensitivity analysis and calibration for spatially explicit agent‐based models
Authors: Kang Jeon‐Young , Michels Alexander , Crooks Andrew , Aldstadt Jared , Wang Shaowen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCalibration of agent‐based models (ABMs) is a major challenge due to the complex nature of the systems being modeled, the heterogeneous nature of geographical regions, the varying effects of model inputs on the outputs, and computational intensity. Nevertheless, ABMs need to be carefully tuned to achieve the desirable goal of simulating spatiotemporal phenomena of interest, and a well‐calibrated model is expected to achieve an improved understanding of the phenomena. To address some of the above challenges, this article proposes an integrated framework of global sensitivity analysis (GSA) and calibration, called GSA‐CAL. Specifically, variance‐based GSA is applied to identify input parameters with less influence on differences between simulated outputs and observations. By dropping these less influential input parameters in the calibration process, this research reduces the computational intensity of calibration. Since GSA requires many simulation runs, due to ABMs' stochasticity, we leverage the high‐performance computing power provided by the advanced cyberinfrastructure. A spatially explicit ABM of influenza transmission is used as the case study to demonstrate the utility of the framework. Leveraging GSA, we were able to exclude less influential parameters in the model calibration process and demonstrate the importance of revising local settings for an epidemic pattern in an outbreak.
Bilateral renal denervation prevents the development of hypertension during diet‐induced obesity in male rats
Authors: Nazari Somayeh , Haghani Masoud , Moosavi Seyed Mostafa Shid 
Published: September 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
What is the role of the renal nerves in the development of obesity, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension during the long‐term feeding of a moderately high‐fat diet in male obesity‐prone rats?

What is the main finding and its importance?
The renal nerves play a prominent mediatory role, without influencing the establishment of visceral adiposity and atherogenic hyperlipidaemia, in the induction and progression of pressure natriuresis impairment and hypertension during the developmental period of diet‐induced obesity.

AbstractFeeding a moderately high‐fat (MHF) diet in male Sprague–Dawley rats induces obesity, pressure natriuresis impairment and hypertension. This study investigated the role of the renal nerves in the impaired pressure natriuresis and hypertension caused by feeding a MHF diet. After collecting baseline data on day 0, 12 rats remained on a low‐fat diet (LF group) while the others were switched onto a MHF diet and diverged into obesity‐resistant (OR) or obesity‐prone (OP). After 4 weeks, half of the OR and OP rats underwent bilateral renal denervation (BRD) to generate four groups: OR, OR/BRD, OP and OP/BRD (n = 12). During 10 weeks, body weight, obesity index, systolic pressure and renal excretory function were measured regularly. After 10 weeks, renal excretory responses to acute salt loading and renal autoregulation were evaluated. The OP and OP/BRD groups had greater increases of body weight and obesity index during the dietary period compared to the other groups, and by week 10 their body weight (425.1 ± 7.2 and 411.9 ± 5.1 g) became considerably larger than that of the LF group (358.5 ± 6.2 g). Renal sodium excretion was reduced by ∼20% at week 4 in the OP and OP/BRD groups, while only the OP group had lower sodium excretion at weeks 6–8 and higher systolic pressure over weeks 5–10 than the other groups and its week 10 systolic pressure reached 138.1 ± 6.7 versus 123.6 ± 2.7 mmHg of the LF group. The OP group showed delayed renal excretory responses to salt loading with rightward and downward shifts in renal autoregulatory curves. Therefore, the renal nerves exert a main mediatory role in the development of pressure natriuresis impairment and hypertension as obesity is established due to the long‐term consumption of the MHF diet in male OP rats.
A 5-Year Analysis of Weight Cycling Practices in a Male World Champion Professional Boxer: Potential Implications for Obesity and Cardiometabolic Disease
Authors: Morehen James C. , Langan-Evans Carl , Hall Elliot C.R. , Close Graeme L. , Morton James P. 
Published: September 2021

Weight cycling is thought to increase the risk of obesity and cardiometabolic disease in nonathletic and athletic populations. However, the magnitude and frequency of weight cycling is not well characterized in elite athletes. To this end, we quantified the weight cycling practices of a male World Champion professional boxer competing at super middleweight (76.2 kg). Over a 5-year period comprising 11 contests, we assessed changes in body mass (n = 8 contests) and body composition (n = 6 contests) during the training camp preceding each contest. Time taken to make weight was 11 ± 4 weeks (range: 4–16). Absolute and relative weight loss for each contest was 12.4 ± 2.1 kg (range: 9.8–17.0) and 13.9% ± 2.0% (range: 11.3–18.2), respectively. Notably, the athlete commenced each training camp with progressive increases in fat mass (i.e., 12.5 and 16.1 kg for Contests 1 and 11) and reductions in fat-free mass (i.e., 69.8 and 67.5 kg for Contests 1 and 11, respectively). Data suggest that weight cycling may lead to “fat overshooting” and further weight gain in later life. Larger scale studies are now required to characterize the weight cycling practices of elite athletes and robustly assess future cardiometabolic disease risk. From an ethical perspective, practitioners should be aware of the potential health consequences associated with weight cycling.
Cumulative $${\pi}$$-Mesons in $${}^{{12}}{C}{+}{}^{{9}}$$Be-Interactions at 3.2 GeV/Nucleon
Authors: Abramov B. M. , Baznat M. , Borodin Yu. A. , Bulychjov S. A. , Dukhovskoy I. A. , Krutenkova A. P. , Kulikov V. V. , Martemianov M. A. , Matsyuk M. A. , Turdakina E. N. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the FRAGM experiment at the heavy-ion accelerator$$-$$accumulator complex ITEP$$-$$TWA, yields of cumulative charged$$\pi$$mesons have been measured in a fragmentation of carbon ions with the energy of 3.2 GeV/nucleon on a beryllium target. The momentum spectra of$$\pi$$mesons cover four orders of the invariant cross section magnitude. They demonstrate the exponential fall with increasing energy. The measured inverse slope parameter is compared with similar measurements in nucleon–nucleus interactions and ion–ion collisions at lower energies. The energy dependence of the ratio of the yields of negative to positive$$\pi$$mesons is presented. This dependence is discussed in a connection with Coulomb and isotopic effects. The obtained data are compared with predictions of several ion–ion interaction models.
Measuring differential attainment: a longitudinal analysis of assessment results for 1512 medical students at four Scottish medical schools
Authors: Hope David , Dewar Avril , Hothersall Eleanor J , Leach John Paul , Cameron Isobel , Jaap Alan 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveTo measure Differential Attainment (DA) among Scottish medical students and to explore whether attainment gaps increase or decrease during medical school.DesignA retrospective analysis of undergraduate medical student performance on written assessment, measured at the start and end of medical school.SettingFour Scottish medical schools (universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow).Participants1512 medical students who attempted (but did not necessarily pass) final written assessment.Main outcome measuresThe study modelled the change in attainment gap during medical school for four student demographical categories (white/non-white, international/Scottish domiciled, male/female and with/without a known disability) to test whether the attainment gap grew, shrank or remained stable during medical school. Separately, the study modelled the expected versus actual frequency of different demographical groups in the top and bottom decile of the cohort.ResultsThe attainment gap grew significantly for white versus non-white students (t(449.39)=7.37, p=0.001,d=0.49 and 95% CI 0.34 to 0.58), for internationally domiciled versus Scottish-domiciled students (t(205.8) = −7, p=0.01,d=0.61 and 95% CI –0.75 to −0.42) and for male versus female students (t(1336.68)=3.54, p=0.01,d=0.19 and 95% CI 0.08 to 0.27). International, non-white and male students received higher marks than their comparison group at the start of medical school but lower marks by final assessment. No significant differences were observed for disability status. Students with a known disability, Scottish students and non-white students were over-represented in the bottom decile and under-represented in the top decile.ConclusionsThe tendency for attainment gaps to grow during undergraduate medical education suggests that educational factors at medical schools may—however inadvertently—contribute to DA. It is of critical importance that medical schools investigate attainment gaps within their cohorts and explore potential underlying causes.
Efficacy and safety of omalizumab in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wu Qingwu , Yuan Lianxiong , Qiu Huijun , Wang Xinyue , Huang Xuekun , Zheng Rui , Yang Qintai 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy and safety of omalizumab for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and to identify evidence gaps that will guide future research on omalizumab for CRSwNP.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesA comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library on 13 October 2020.Eligibility criteriaRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing omalizumab with placebo, given for at least 16 weeks in adult patients with CRSwNP.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent authors screened search results, extracted data and assessed studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled using the inverse-variance method and expressed as mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed by the χ2test and the I2statistic.ResultsA total of four RCTs involving 303 participants were identified. When comparing omalizumab to placebo, there was a significant difference in Nasal Polyps Score (MD=−1.20; 95% CI −1.48 to −0.92), Nasal Congestion Score (MD=−0.67; 95% CI −0.86 to −0.48), Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (MD=−15.62; 95% CI −19.79 to −11.45), Total Nasal Symptom Score (MD=−1.84; 95% CI −2.43 to −1.25) and reduced need for surgery (risk ratio (RR)=5.61; 95% CI 1.99 to 15.81). Furthermore, there was no difference in the risk of serious adverse events ((RR=1.40; 95% CI 0.29 to 6.80), adverse events (RR=0.83; 95% CI 0.60 to 1.15) and rescue systemic corticosteroid (RR=0.52; 95% CI 0.17 to 1.61).ConclusionsThis was the first meta-analysis that identified omalizumab significantly improved endoscopic, clinical and patient-reported outcomes in adults with moderate to severe CRSwNP and it was safe and well tolerated.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020207639.
Palliative care environments for patient, family and staff well-being: an ethnographic study of non-standard design
Authors: McLaughlan Rebecca , Kirby Emma 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveThere is an increased expectation that contemporary hospital design will improve clinical outcomes and patient experiences and support staff well-being. In response, this study examined innovative approaches in the design of in-patient palliative care facilities.MethodsAn ethnographic study comprised the identification and analysis of 30 architectural precedents, 24 qualitative, semistructured interviews with key stakeholders and 11 site visits, during which field notes and photographs were taken. Data were analysed using the framework approach, to identify design solutions that move beyond standard practice, to offer insight into the possibilities and challenges of processes of design or refurbishment in palliative care settings.ResultsThree thematic areas of focus were derived from the analysis: (1) planning solutions that support privacy plus connection; (2) enhancing comfort through the use of non-standard materials—and managing the risks associated with those and (3) shaking off tradition in hospital design.ConclusionsMyriad constraints resist innovation within the contemporary construction of hospital and hospice facilities. Drawing on a series of real-world examples, our findings point to the value of broad consultation and collaboration throughout the design process in achieving design solutions that go beyond standard practice for the benefit for patients, families and staff.
Sarcopenia and anthracycline cardiotoxicity in patients with cancer
Authors: Bas Onur , Erdemir Ahmet Gurkan , Onur Mehmet Ruhi , Ozer Necla , Sener Yusuf Ziya , Aksu Salih , Barista Ibrahim , Guner Gurkan , Guven Deniz Can , Kertmen Neyran , Aksoy Sercan , Turker Alev , Dizdar Omer 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundSeveral studies have suggested that sarcopenia is associated with an increased treatment toxicity in patients with cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia and anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity.MethodsPatients who received anthracycline-based chemotherapy between 2014 and 2018 and had baseline abdominal CT and baseline and follow-up echocardiography after anthracycline treatment were included. European Society of Cardiology ejection fraction criteria and American Society of Echocardiography diastolic dysfunction criteria were used for definition of cardiotoxicity. Sarcopenia was defined on the basis of skeletal muscle index (SMI) and psoas muscle index (PMI) calculated on CT images at L3 and L4 vertebra levels.ResultsA total of 166 patients (75 men and 91 women) were included. Sarcopenia was determined in 33 patients (19.9%) according to L3-SMI, in 17 patients (10.2%) according to L4-SMI and in 45 patients (27.1%) according to PMI. 27 patients (16.3%) developed cardiotoxicity. PMI and L3-SMI were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxicity (L3-SMI: HR=3.27, 95% CI 1.32 to 8.11, p=0.01; PMI: HR=3.71, 95% CI 1.58 to 8.73, p=0.003).ConclusionsThis is the first study demonstrating a significant association between CT-diagnosed sarcopenia and anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity. Routine CT scans performed for cancer staging may help clinicians identify high-risk patients in whom closer follow-up or cardioprotective measures should be considered.
Heterologous prime-boost vaccination targeting MAGE-type antigens promotes tumor T-cell infiltration and improves checkpoint blockade therapy
Authors: McAuliffe James , Chan Hok Fung , Noblecourt Laurine , Ramirez-Valdez Ramiro Andrei , Pereira-Almeida Vinnycius , Zhou Yaxuan , Pollock Emily , Cappuccini Federica , Redchenko Irina , Hill Adrian VS , Leung Carol Sze Ki , Van den Eynde Benoit J 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe clinical benefit of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is often limited by the lack of pre-existing CD8+T cells infiltrating the tumor. In principle, CD8+T-cell infiltration could be promoted by therapeutic vaccination. However, this remains challenging given the paucity of vaccine platforms able to induce the strong cytotoxic CD8+T-cell response required to reject tumors. A therapeutic cancer vaccine that induces a robust cytotoxic CD8+T-cell response against shared tumor antigens and can be combined with ICB could improve the outcome of cancer immunotherapy.MethodsHere, we developed a heterologous prime-boost vaccine based on a chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1) and a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) encoding MAGE-type antigens, which are tumor-specific shared antigens expressed in different tumor types. The mouse MAGE-type antigen P1A was used as a surrogate to study the efficacy of the vaccine in combination with ICB in murine tumor models expressing the P1A antigen. To characterize the vaccine-induced immune response, we performed flow cytometry and transcriptomic analyses.ResultsThe ChAdOx1/MVA vaccine displayed strong immunogenicity with potent induction of CD8+T cells. When combined with anti-Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1), the vaccine induced superior tumor clearance and survival in murine tumor models expressing P1A compared with anti-PD-1 alone. Remarkably, ChAdOx1/MVA P1A vaccination promoted CD8+T-cell infiltration in the tumors, and drove inflammation in the tumor microenvironment, turning ‘cold’ tumors into ‘hot’ tumors. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the P1A-specific CD8+T cells revealed an expanded population of stem-like T cells in the spleen after the combination treatment as compared with vaccine alone, and a reduced PD-1 expression in the tumor CD8+T cells.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the synergistic potency of ChAdOx1/MVA MAGE vaccines combined with anti-PD-1 for cancer therapy, and establish the foundation for clinical translation of this approach. A clinical trial of ChadOx1/MVA MAGE-A3/NY-ESO-1 combined with anti-PD-1 will commence shortly.