bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of COVID-19 and mRNA vaccines on human fertility
Authors: Chen Fei , Zhu Shiheng , Dai Zhiqing , Hao Lanting , Luan Chun , Guo Qi , Meng Chaofan , Zhang Yankun 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has precipitated a global health crisis of unprecedented proportions. Because of its severe impact, multiple COVID-19 vaccines are being rapidly developed, approved and manufactured. Among them, mRNA vaccines are considered as ideal candidates with special advantages to meet this challenge. However, some serious adverse events have been reported after their application, significantly increasing concerns about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines and doubts about the necessity of vaccination. Although several fertility societies have announced that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are unlikely to affect fertility, there is no denying that the current evidence is very limited, which is one of the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in the population, especially in pregnant women. Herein, we provide an in-depth discussion on the involvement of the male and female reproductive systems during SARS-CoV-2 infection or after vaccination. On one hand, despite the low risk of infection in the male reproductive system or fetus, COVID-19 could pose an enormous threat to human reproductive health. On the other hand, our review indicates that both men and women, especially pregnant women, have no fertility problems or increased adverse pregnancy outcomes after vaccination, and, in particular, the benefits of maternal antibodies transferred through the placenta outweigh any known or potential risks. Thus, in the case of the rapid spread of COVID-19, although further research is still required, especially a larger population-based longitudinal study, it is obviously a wise option to be vaccinated instead of suffering from serious adverse symptoms of virus infection.
Quantifying Glucocorticoid Plasticity Using Reaction Norm Approaches: There Still is So Much to Discover!
Authors: Malkoc Kasja , Mentesana Lucia , Casagrande Stefania , Hau Michaela 
Published: October 2021

Synopsis
Hormones are highly responsive internal signals that help organisms adjust their phenotype to fluctuations in environmental and internal conditions. Our knowledge of the causes and consequences of variation in circulating hormone concentrations has improved greatly in the past. However, this knowledge often comes from population-level studies, which generally tend to make the flawed assumption that all individuals respond in the same way to environmental changes. Here, we advocate that we can vastly expand our understanding of the ecology and evolution of hormonal traits once we acknowledge the existence of individual differences by quantifying hormonal plasticity at the individual level, where selection acts. In this review, we use glucocorticoid (GC) hormones as examples of highly plastic endocrine traits that interact intimately with energy metabolism but also with other organismal traits like behavior and physiology. First, we highlight the insights gained by repeatedly assessing an individual's GC concentrations along a gradient of environmental or internal conditions using a “reaction norm approach.” This study design should be followed by a hierarchical statistical partitioning of the total endocrine variance into the among-individual component (individual differences in average hormone concentrations, i.e., in the intercept of the reaction norm) and the residual (within-individual) component. The latter is ideally further partitioned by estimating more precisely hormonal plasticity (i.e., the slope of the reaction norm), which allows to test whether individuals differ in the degree of hormonal change along the gradient. Second, we critically review the published evidence for GC variation, focusing mostly on among- and within-individual levels, finding only a good handful of studies that used repeated-measures designs and random regression statistics to investigate GC plasticity. These studies indicate that individuals can differ in both the intercept and the slope of their GC reaction norm to a known gradient. Third, we suggest rewarding avenues for future work on hormonal reaction norms, for example to uncover potential costs and trade-offs associated with GC plasticity, to test whether GC plasticity varies when an individual's reaction norm is repeatedly assessed along the same gradient, whether reaction norms in GCs covary with those in other traits like behavior and fitness (generating multivariate plasticity), or to quantify GC reaction norms along multiple external and internal gradients that act simultaneously (leading to multidimensional plasticity). Throughout this review, we emphasize the power that reaction norm approaches offer for resolving unanswered questions in ecological and evolutionary endocrinology.
Whale depredation in the South Georgia Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) fishery in the South Atlantic: a comparison of estimation methods
Authors: Earl Timothy , MacLeod Eleanor , Söffker Marta , Gasco Nico , Massiot-Granier Félix , Tixier Paul , Darby Christopher 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRemoval of fish from gear by marine predators, known as depredation, is a fishery dependent mortality that needs to be included in stock assessments for affected stocks to avoid misestimation of the assessed resource. Toothed whales engage regularly in depredation from longlines, and while in some regions they leave clear marks of depredation activity, in the longline fisheries in the Southern Ocean they often leave no trace of removal, making it necessary to estimate depredation through modelling approaches. Several modelling approaches have been developed over the past decade in affected Southern Ocean fisheries, and in this paper, we examine five applications of common CPUE model structures to the same dataset from the longline fishery around South Georgia. We then compare the estimates of depredation with those based on observed bycatch ratios. The different model structures estimated very similar annual depredation removals, with all approaches averaging around 5% of the catch removed throughout the entire fishery. While depredation varies spatially, the different modelling approaches consistently highlighted areas where the impact of depredation was highest.
La idea de un derecho común en América Latina a la luz de sus críticasThe idea of a common law in Latin America in light of its critiques
Authors: Herrera Juan C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In Latin America, recent developments have achieved a significant relevance for contemporary debates on public law. This emergence is characterized by a transformative and original ius commune in several parts of the region. The potential of this phenomenon from the perspective of the Ius Constitutionale Commune in Latin America is defined as the emergence of a special form of understanding of the legal interconnections between the national and the international. The critical legal studies consider it to be an anti-formalist academic project of a universalist nature. Therefore, it does not represent a phenomenon that is specific to the region, rather a Eurocentric aspiration. Regarding the practical field, critiques question the overemphasis on the judiciary and how judicial dialogue is developing in the region, as well as the risks involved in adopting maximalist positions. In this article, I engage in a dialectical exchange with the central axes of these critiques.
La permanente necesidad de un mecanismo transparente de elección de miembros de la CIDH y la Corte IDHThe permanent need for a transparent mechanism for the election of the members of the IACHR and the IACtHR
Authors: Salmón Elizabeth 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Due to the impact of the work of the Inter-American Human Rights System, its bodies must have an adequate level of acceptance from the states as well as civil society and victims, who will be directly affected by these decisions. This article postulates that the election of magistrates and members of other bodies must be carried out through transparent processes that allow adequate participation of civil society. Such mechanisms are needed so that there is coherence with the standards of competence, independence, and impartiality that the Inter-American system demands from other state institutions and to guarantee its legitimacy and effectiveness. Public processes are also needed at the national level, as well as transparent voting within the General Assembly of the Organization of American States, to avoid practices that undermine legitimacy, such as vote-swapping.
La igualdad sustantiva interamericana: Avances y debates pendientesInter-American substantive equality: Steps forward and pending debates
Authors: Pou Giménez Francisca 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Assuming equality in its different dimensions is at the center of the Inter-American agenda for the 21st century, this text joins in the collective follow-up and critical analysis of the case-law by focusing on Fábrica de fuegos v. Brazil. In this case the Court deepens or expands in various ways existing criteria, giving a distinctive place to structural discrimination, intersectional discrimination, poverty-based discrimination, and substantive equality. The contributions of the ruling are emphasized, but so is the still non entirely precise use of the notions of structural discrimination and intersectionality, as well as the complexity of simultaneously translating structural and intersectional framings into remedies.
Role of left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with HeartMate 3
Authors: Melehy Andrew , O’Connell Gillian , Ning Yuming , Kurlansky Paul , Kaku Yuji , Topkara Veli , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Colombo Paolo C , Sayer Gabriel , Uriel Nir , Naka Yoshifumi , Takeda Koji 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) at the time of implantation may reduce thromboembolic events (TEs) during continuous-flow left ventricular assist device support. The HeartMate 3 (HM3) reduces TEs overall, but the efficacy of LAAO in HM3 is unknown.

METHODS
Adults receiving first HM3 implantation from November 2014 through December 2019 at a single, large medical centre were retrospectively reviewed. TEs included device thrombosis and ischaemic stroke. Patients were classified by whether they received LAAO or not. Incidence of TEs was compared between groups using cumulative incidence curves with competing risks (death and heart transplant) and risk factors for TEs were assessed with Fine and Gray competing risk regression.

RESULTS
A total of 182 patients received HM3, of whom 99 (54%) received LAAO versus 83 (46%) who did not. There were 14 TEs, including 13 strokes (7%) and 1 pump thrombosis (0.5%). No significant difference in the incidence of TEs in each group was found (Gray’s test: P = 0.35). LAAO was not associated with TEs in multivariable Fine–Gray analysis (P = 0.10) and no significant risk factors for TEs were found. There were zero disabling strokes in those who received LAAO compared to 6 (7%) in those who did not receive LAAO (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS
A low number of TEs was observed in HM3 recipients. LAAO did not further reduce the overall rate of TEs in this patient population, though its use may be beneficial in preventing disabling ischaemic strokes after HM3 implantation.
Importance of tumour volume and histology in trimodality treatment of patients with Stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer—results from a retrospective analysis
Authors: Joosten Pieter J M , Dickhoff Chris , van der Noort Vincent , Smeekens Maarten , Numan Rachel C , Klomp Houke M , van Diessen Judi N A , Belderbos Jose S A , Smit Egbert F , Monkhorst Kim , Oosterhuis Jan W A , van den Heuvel Michel M , Dahele Max , Hartemink Koen J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has been the backbone of guideline-recommended treatment for Stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, in selected operable patients with a resectable tumour, good results have been achieved with trimodality treatment (TT). The objective of this bi-institutional analysis of outcomes in patients treated for Stage IIIA NSCLC was to identify particular factors supporting the role of surgery after CRT.

METHODS
In a 2-centre retrospective cohort study, patients with Stage III NSCLC (seventh edition TNM) were identified and those patients with Stage IIIA who were treated with CRT or TT between January 2007 and December 2013 were selected. Patient characteristics as well as tumour parameters were evaluated in relation to outcome and whether or not these variables were predictive for the influence of treatment (TT or CRT) on outcome [overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS)]. Estimation of treatment effect on PFS and OS was performed using propensity-weighted cox regression analysis based on inverse probability weighting.

RESULTS
From a database of 725 Stage III NSCLC patients, 257 Stage IIIA NSCLC patients, treated with curative intent, were analysed; 186 (72%) with cIIIA-N2 and 71 (28%) with cT3N1/cT4N0 disease. One hundred and ninety-six (76.3%) patients were treated by CRT alone (high-dose radiation with daily low-dose cisplatin) and 61 (23.7%) by TT. The unweighted data showed that TT resulted in better PFS and OS. After weighting for factors predictive of treatment assignment, patients with a large gross tumour volume (&gt;120 cc) had better PFS when treated with TT, and patients with an adenocarcinoma treated with TT had better OS, regardless of tumour volume.

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with Stage IIIA NSCLC and large tumour volume, as well as patients with adenocarcinoma, who were selected for TT, had favourable outcome compared to patients receiving CRT. This information can be used to assist multidisciplinary team decision-making and for stratifying patients in studies comparing TT and definitive CRT.
Clinical outcome of patients after recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pai Chu-Pin , Hsu Po-Kuei , Chien Ling-I , Huang Chien-Sheng , Hsu Han-Shui 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection (LND) has been incorporated into oesophagectomy for patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but with uncertain oncological efficacy.

METHODS
The data of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, including who underwent upfront surgery (surgery group) and those who received neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery (neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group), were retrospectively examined. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between patients with and without recurrent laryngeal nerve LND.

RESULTS
Among the 312 patients, no significant differences were found in 3-year OS and DFS between patients with and without recurrent laryngeal nerve LND in the entire cohort (OS: 57% vs 52%, P = 0.33; DFS: 47% vs 41%, P = 0.186), or the surgery group (n = 173, OS: 69% vs 58%, P = 0.43; DFS: 52% vs. 48%, P = 0.30) and the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group (n = 139, OS: 44% vs 43%, P = 0.44; DFS: 39% vs 32%, P = 0.27). However, among patients with clinical positive recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node involvement before treatment, there was significant OS and DFS differences between patients with and without recurrent laryngeal nerve LND (OS: 62% vs 33%, P = 0.029; DFS: 49% vs 26%, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS
Recurrent laryngeal nerve LND is not a significant prognostic factor in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma; however, it is associated with better outcomes in patients with pre-treatment radiological evidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node involvement.
Successful conservative treatment of an isolated inflammatory superior mesenteric artery aneurysm
Authors: Jiang Jianjun , Liu Yang , Ding Xiangjiu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Inflammatory superior mesenteric artery aneurysm is an extremely rare but life-threatening condition that can result in fatal rupture. Early surgery has been emphasized to prevent aneurysm rupture. We present a case that was successfully managed with conservative treatment. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral prednisolone. Steroid therapy should be considered for unruptured inflammatory superior mesenteric artery aneurysms before surgery.
Reimplantation of the left coronary artery with aortic intramural course in an ALCAPA patient
Authors: Krokovay Anna , Schweiger Martin , Kretschmar Oliver , Prêtre René 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We present a case of an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, with a proximal intramural course in the aortic wall. We describe the technique of its reimplantation at the site of the transverse aortotomy, using autologous pericardial patch enlargement of the newly created coronary ostium.
Cumulative Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among Adults in Georgia, United States, August to December 2020
Authors: Chamberlain Allison T , Toomey Kathleen E , Bradley Heather , Hall Eric W , Fahimi Mansour , Lopman Benjamin A , Luisi Nicole , Sanchez Travis , Drenzek Cherie , Shioda Kayoko , Siegler Aaron J , Sullivan Patrick Sean 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases underestimate true severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Data on all infections, including asymptomatic infections, are needed. To minimize biases in estimates from reported cases and seroprevalence surveys, we conducted a household-based probability survey and estimated cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections adjusted for antibody waning.

Methods
From August to December 2020, we mailed specimen collection kits (nasal swabs and blood spots) to a random sample of Georgia addresses. One household adult completed a survey and returned specimens for virus and antibody testing. We estimated cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections adjusted for waning antibodies, reported fraction, and infection fatality ratio (IFR). Differences in seropositivity among demographic, geographic, and clinical subgroups were explored with weighted prevalence ratios (PR).

Results
Among 1370 participants, adjusted cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 was 16.1% (95% credible interval [CrI], 13.5%–19.2%) as of 16 November 2020. The reported fraction was 26.6% and IFR was 0.78%. Non-Hispanic black (PR, 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–4.1) and Hispanic adults (PR, 1.98; 95% CI, .74–5.31) were more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to be seropositive.

Conclusions
As of mid-November 2020, 1 in 6 adults in Georgia had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-19 epidemic in Georgia is likely substantially underestimated by reported cases.
Pricing air pollution: evidence from short-term exposure to air pollution on hospitalization of acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Pei , Zhou Xiaoyuan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Existing evidence suggests that ambient air pollution has serious adverse effects on respiratory diseases, yet there is little direct evidence from China regarding corresponding economic losses. Here we quantified air pollution–related acute health effects and related economic losses of the most common two respiratory diseases in southwestern China, acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We applied a distributed lag non-linear model to analyse the relationship between ambient air pollutants and hospital admissions of acute bronchitis and COPD, then applied the cost of illness method to explore the attributing economic burden. During the study period, 528 334 and 99 419 hospital admissions of acute bronchitis and COPD, respectively, were recorded. As a result, during the study period the total hospitalization economic losses attributable to air pollution were 486.40 and 254.74 million yuan for acute bronchitis and COPD, respectively, accounting for 0.015% of local gross domestic product. Our research provides intuitive evidence on the health and economic impacts of short-term exposure to air pollution, which is a key basis for the formulation of environmental policies.
Macrolides mediate transcriptional activation of the msr(E)-mph(E) operon through histone-like nucleoid-structuring protein (HNS) and cAMP receptor protein (CRP)
Authors: Duan Yitao , Liu Shuangqing , Gao Yuting , Zhang Peng , Mao Daqing , Luo Yi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The msr(E)-mph(E) operon exists widely in diverse species of bacteria and msr(E) and mph(E) genes confer high resistance to macrolides. We aimed to explore whether macrolides regulate the transcription of the operon.

Methods
Antibiotic resistance genes in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae were analysed by WGS. The transcription of the msr(E)-mph(E) operon was investigated by quantitative PCR. Construction of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter plasmids, gene knockout and complementation experiments were used to further explore the induction mechanism of macrolides for the operon. Sequence analysis was finally used to investigate whether the operon exists widely in diverse species of bacteria.

Results
We originally found that the treatment of a pandrug-resistant isolate of K. pneumoniae (KP1517) with macrolides obviously up-regulated the msr(E)-mph(E) operon, which was further confirmed in another nine clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. The induction mechanism of macrolides for the operon was partly elucidated. Macrolides could activate the operon promoter, and the J10/J35 regions (J10: 5′-AGTTATCAT-3′; J35: 5′-TTGTCT-3′) of the promoter were determined. Histone-like nucleoid-structuring protein (HNS) and cAMP receptor protein (CRP) were involved in the erythromycin-mediated activation of the operon promoter. The 476 strains of bacteria carrying the msr(E)-mph(E) operon currently in the NCBI database are mainly Acinetobacter baumannii (158; 33%), K. pneumoniae (95; 20%), Escherichia coli (26; 5%) and Proteus mirabilis (25; 5%). They were mainly isolated from human clinical samples (287; 60%) and had a wide geographical distribution.

Conclusions
Macrolides could activate transcription of the msr(E)-mph(E) operon through HNS and CRP in K. pneumoniae and E. coli, and this might occur in diverse species of bacteria.