bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel homozygous LRRC6 mutation causes male infertility with asthenozoospermia and primary ciliary dyskinesia in humans
Authors: Shi Shengjia , Tang Xiangrong , Long Shunhua , Yang Jie , Wang Tianwei , Wang Hongmei , Hu Tingwenyi , Shi Juanzi , Huang Guoning , Qiao Sen , Lin Tingting 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundDysfunction of motile cilia, including respiratory cilia and sperm flagella, typically leads to primary ciliary dyskinesia and male infertility or low fertility in humans. Genetic defects of LRRC6 have been associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia and asthenozoospermia due to abnormal ultrastructure of ciliated axonemes.ObjectivesTo identify novel mutations of the LRRC6 gene related to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella and male infertility and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.Materials and methodsThe LRRC6 mutations were identified by whole exome sequencing and confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Papanicolaou staining, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to investigate the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of spermatozoa. Further tandem mass tagging proteomics analyses were performed to explore the effect of mutations and confirmed by immunostaining and western blotting. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was applied for the assisted reproductive therapy of males harboring biallelic LRRC6 mutations.ResultsIn this study, we identified a novel homozygous LRRC6 mutation in a consanguineous family, characterized by asthenozoospermia and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Further Semen parameter and morphology analysis demonstrate that the novel LRRC6 mutation leads to a significant reduction in sperm flagella length, a decrease in sperm progressive motility parameters, and abnormalities of sperm ultrastructure. Specifically, the absence of outer dynein arms and inner dynein arms, and incomplete mitochondrial sheath in the flagellar mid‐piece were observed by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, tandem mass tagging proteomics analysis revealed that spermatozoa obtained from patients harboring the LRRC6 mutation exhibited a significant decrease in the expression levels of proteins related to the assembly and function of dynein axonemal arms. Functional analysis revealed that this novel LRRC6 mutation disrupted the function of the leucine‐rich repeat containing 6 protein, which in turn affects the expression of the dynein arm proteins and leucine‐rich repeat containing 6‐interacting proteins CCDC40, SPAG1, and ZMYND10. Finally, we reported a successful pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology with intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the female partner of the proband.Discussion and conclusionThis study highlights the identification of a novel homozygous LRRC6 mutation in a consanguineous family and its impact on sperm progressive motility, morphology, and sperm kinetics parameters, which could facilitate the genetic diagnosis of asthenozoospermia and offer valuable perspectives for future genetic counseling endeavors.
Explaining the expansion of the NGO sector in China: Through the lense of adaptive corporatist governance
Authors: Song Esther E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWhat explains the exponential growth of the number of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in China during the recent decades? Moving beyond the extant literature that focuses on the strategic relationship between NGOs and the local state, this article argues that the growth can be also attributed to the central state which has focused on the promotion of different types of NGOs throughout time. The proactive role of the central state has become more conspicuous under the Xi Jinping administration where the party‐state plays a more active role in maneuvering the growth of a service‐oriented third sector. This adaptive strategy has led to the counterintuitive phenomenon of an increase in institutional space for NGOs in authoritarian China, especially the social service‐oriented NGOs in recent years. This article draws from theories of institutional change to explain the process through which the central state has expanded institutional space for NGOs throughout time.
Can Asia's climate leader please step forward?
Authors: Overland Indra , Seah Sharon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAsia's contribution will be decisive for the global effort to mitigate climate change. But Asia lacks a country that could take the lead and inspire the rest of the region to accelerate its climate action. To identify countries that could fulfill such a role, this article takes a two‐step, mixed‐methods approach. First, an index is created to identify some potentially leading countries. Second, the top countries identified by the index are assessed in greater detail qualitatively. The analysis finds that China, Japan, and Singapore are the most plausible candidates to take the lead. By doing so, these countries could potentially inspire their neighbors to step up their own efforts as climate change becomes an increasingly important issue in international affairs. However, to become a leader and influence their peers, they will have to make a conscious choice and dedicated effort.
When Cancer Enters the Therapy Room: The Lived Experience of Psychodynamic Therapists Working with Clients with a Recent Diagnosis of Cancer
Authors: Rai Geetika , Ross Alistair 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTThe psychological impact of cancer is becoming well‐acknowledged. Given its prevalence, practitioners will encounter cancer in their therapy rooms. There is limited research on the experience and application of psychodynamic therapy for clients with cancer. This study generates a new understanding through the experience of psychodynamic practitioners. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight UK psychodynamic therapists on their lived experience of working with client(s) with a recent (less than 5 years) diagnosis of cancer. The data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The findings reveal that psychodynamic therapists' experience with clients with cancer is emotionally demanding, mentally stimulating and deeply personal. They point to the unique space that psychodynamic therapy provides and highlight some of the challenges. The analysis is understood through the framework of psychodynamic theory and practice.
Evaluation of a super powerful bone‐anchored hearing system and its users: A retrospective study
Authors: Teunissen Emma M. , Kok Herman J. W. , Janssen Arno M. , Hol Myrthe K. S. , Bosman Arjan J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionAlthough the Baha 5SP has been commercially available for six years, very few studies have been performed on the device's efficacy. The current study aims to evaluate the characteristics and audiological results in patients with severe‐to‐profound mixed hearing loss fitted with this superpower sound processor.MethodsThis retrospective evaluation was conducted at a tertiary referral centre where a series of 82 adult patients with severe‐to‐profound mixed hearing loss were implanted with a percutaneous bone‐anchored hearing system and fitted with a superpower sound processor between 2016 and 2019. Patients with incomplete or unreliable audiological data (n = 24) were excluded, resulting in 58 data sets for analysis. The main outcome measures were unaided and aided pure‐tone thresholds and aided free‐field speech perception in quiet.ResultsThe median unaided air conduction (AC) threshold averaged across 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz (PTA0.5–2kHz) of all patients was 75 dB hearing loss (HL); the median unaided AC averaged across 1, 2 and 4 kHz (PTA1–4kHz) was 84 dB HL. For bone conduction and direct bone conduction, the median PTA0.5–2kHz was 52 and 47 dB HL, respectively. With the superpower device, the median free‐field speech reception threshold was 54 dB sound pressure level (SPL), and the median speech perception score at 65 dB SPL was 80%.ConclusionsAt least 75% of the patients reached a maximum phoneme score of 70%. For patients with lower scores, the superpower device still provides a substantial hearing benefit. This makes the superpower device particularly suitable for patients with severe‐to‐profound mixed hearing loss with a contraindication for conventional hearing aids and/or cochlear implants.
Healthcare professionals perceptions of obesity management: An IMI2 SOPHIA qualitative study
Authors: Steenackers Nele , Willio Seppe , Bruneel Anne , Deleus Ellen , Lannoo Matthias , Matthys Christophe , Mertens Ann , Van Craeyveld Eline , Vangoitsenhoven Roman , Van der Schueren Bart 
Published: June 2024

SummaryUnderstanding healthcare professionals' perceptions and approaches to obesity management is limited, as are the barriers impeding effective care. A questionnaire was developed to explore the perception, and barriers to obesity management. To ensure content validity, an expert and stakeholder panel evaluated the relevance and comprehension of each item. Consequently, a cross‐sectional survey was administered to endocrinologists (Endo), general practitioners (GP), and pharmacists (Pharm). A 46‐item questionnaire was developed, validated, and completed by 502 healthcare professionals (Endo: n = 127; GP: n = 138; Pharm: n = 237). The majority agreed that obesity is a chronic disease (Endo = 96%; GP = 92.7%; Pharm = 87%). The conversation about obesity management is mostly initiated by the healthcare professional (Endo = 95.3%; GP = 73.9%; Pharm = 5.9%) instead of the patient (Endo = 55.1%; GP = 21.7%; Pharm = 11.8%). All professionals stated unanimously that there is a need to optimise obesity care in Belgium with identified barriers: motivational (Endo = 90.8%; GP = 90.8%; Pharm = 89.2%), financial (Endo = 96.9%; GP = 88.5%; Pharm = 76.3%), and a lack of structure (Endo = 81.5%; GP = 78.6%; Pharm = 81.5%). A total of 42.4% of the healthcare providers indicated that they did not follow any additional training. These findings highlight that healthcare professionals recognise obesity as a chronic disease, but that barriers need to be addressed to enhance effective care and support for people living with obesity.
NF1+/ex42del miniswine model the cellular disruptions and behavioral presentations of NF1‐associated cognitive and motor impairment
Authors: Swier Vicki J. , White Katherine A. , Negrão de Assis Pedro L. , Johnson Tyler B. , Leppert Hannah G. , Rechtzigel Mitchell J. , Meyerholz David K. , Dodd Rebecca D. , Quelle Dawn E. , Khanna Rajesh , Rogers Christopher S. , Weimer Jill M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCognitive or motor impairment is common among individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), an autosomal dominant tumor‐predisposition disorder. As many as 70% of children with NF1 report difficulties with spatial/working memory, attention, executive function, and fine motor movements. In contrast to the utilization of various Nf1 mouse models, here we employ an NF1+/ex42del miniswine model to evaluate the mechanisms and characteristics of these presentations, taking advantage of a large animal species more like human anatomy and physiology. The prefrontal lobe, anterior cingulate, and hippocampus from NF1+/ex42del and wild‐type miniswine were examined longitudinally, revealing abnormalities in mature oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, and microglial activation over time. Imbalances in GABA: Glutamate ratios and GAD67 expression were observed in the hippocampus and motor cortex, supporting the role of disruption in inhibitory neurotransmission in NF1 cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction. Moreover, NF1+/ex42del miniswine demonstrated slower and shorter steps, indicative of a balance‐preserving response commonly observed in NF1 patients, and progressive memory and learning impairments. Collectively, our findings affirm the effectiveness of NF1+/ex42del miniswine as a valuable resource for assessing cognitive and motor impairments associated with NF1, investigating the involvement of specific neural circuits and glia in these processes, and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions.
International consensus on the management of large (≥20 mm) colorectal laterally spreading tumors: World Endoscopy Organization Delphi study
Authors: Djinbachian Roupen , Rex Douglas K. , Chiu Han‐Mo , Fukami Norio , Aihara Hiroyuki , Bastiaansen Barbara A. J. , Bechara Robert , Bhandari Pradeep , Bhatt Amit , Bourke Michael J. , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Cardoso Daniela , Chino Akiko , Chiu Philip W. Y. , Dekker Evelien , Draganov Peter V. , Elkholy Shaimaa , Emura Fabian , Goldblum John , Haji Amyn , Ho Shiaw‐Hooi , Jung Yunho , Kawachi Hiroshi , Khashab Mouen , Khomvilai Supakij , Kim Eun Ran , Maselli Roberta , Messmann Helmut , Moons Leon , Mori Yuichi , Nakanishi Yukihiro , Ngamruengphong Saowanee , Parra‐Blanco Adolfo , Pellisé María , Pinto Rafael Castilho , Pioche Mathieu , Pohl Heiko , Rastogi Amit , Repici Alessandro , Sethi Amrita , Singh Rajvinder , Suzuki Noriko , Tanaka Shinji , Vieth Michael , Yamamoto Hironori , Yang Dong‐Hoon , Yokoi Chizu , Saito Yutaka , von Renteln Daniel 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesThere have been significant advances in the management of large (≥20 mm) laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) or nonpedunculated colorectal polyps; however, there is a lack of clear consensus on the management of these lesions with significant geographic variability especially between Eastern and Western paradigms. We aimed to provide an international consensus to better guide management and attempt to homogenize practices.MethodsTwo experts in interventional endoscopy spearheaded an evidence‐based Delphi study on behalf of the World Endoscopy Organization Colorectal Cancer Screening Committee. A steering committee comprising six members devised 51 statements, and 43 experts from 18 countries on six continents participated in a three‐round voting process. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations tool was used to assess evidence quality and recommendation strength. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement (strongly agree or agree) on a 5‐point Likert scale.ResultsForty‐two statements reached consensus after three rounds of voting. Recommendations included: three statements on training and competency; 10 statements on preresection evaluation, including optical diagnosis, classification, and staging of LSTs; 14 statements on endoscopic resection indications and technique, including statements on en bloc and piecemeal resection decision‐making; seven statements on postresection evaluation; and eight statements on postresection care.ConclusionsAn international expert consensus based on the current available evidence has been developed to guide the evaluation, resection, and follow‐up of LSTs. This may provide guiding principles for the global management of these lesions and standardize current practices.
Adverse event comparison between glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and other antiobesity medications following bariatric surgery
Authors: Samuels Jason M. , Niswender Kevin D. , Roumie Christianne L. , Spann Matthew D. , Flynn C. Robb , Ye Fei , Blankush Joseph , Irlmeier Rebecca , Funk Luke M. , Patel Mayur B. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimTo compare the incidence of adverse events (AEs) related to antiobesity medications (AOMs; glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists [GLP‐1RAs] vs. non‐GLP‐1RAs) after bariatric surgery.MethodsThis single‐centre retrospective cohort included patients (aged 16–65 years) who had undergone laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy (cohort entry date) and initiated AOMs. Participants were categorized as users of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved, off‐label, or GLP‐1RA AOMs if documented as receiving the medication on or after cohort entry date. Non‐GLP‐1RA AOMs were phentermine, orlistat, topiramate, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, naltrexone, bupropion/naltrexone and phentermine/topiramate. GLP‐1RA AOMs included: semaglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide and liraglutide. The primary outcome was AE incidence. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of AOM exposure with AEs.ResultsWe identified 599 patients meeting our inclusion criteria, 83% of whom were female. Their median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 47.8 (40.9–55.4) years. The median duration of surgery to AOM exposure was 30 months. GLP‐1RAs use was not associated with higher odds of AEs: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5–2.6) and aOR 1.1 (95% CI 0.6–2.3) for GLP‐1RA versus FDA‐approved and off‐label AOM use, respectively. AOM initiation ≥12 months after surgery was associated with lower risk of AEs compared to <12 months (aOR 0.01 [95% CI 0.0–0.01]; p < 0.001).ConclusionOur results showed that GLP‐1RA AOMs were not associated with an increased risk of AEs compared to non‐GLP‐1RA AOMs in patients who had previously undergone bariatric surgery. Prospective studies are needed to identify the optimal timeframe for GLP‐1RA initiation.
Country need in the allocation of foreign assistance
Authors: Grover Jake 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMotivationDonors allocate huge sums for assistance intended for poverty reduction to countries that arguably do not need it. For example, the United States spends more in Jordan—with no extreme poverty—than it does in the six countries with the highest poverty rates in the world combined, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. Prior studies have suggested that if global aid were allocated according to need, it could roughly double its impact on poverty reduction.PurposeCountry need can be broken down into the magnitude of the development challenge and the domestic resources available. This study examines these two components of development need to determine which countries have the greatest need for foreign assistance.Approach and methodsI produce a set of data‐driven observations documenting the magnitude of the challenge and the resources available. I first explore which countries have the highest rates of absolute and multidimensional poverty. I then examine which countries have the ability to redistribute by comparing their poverty gaps with the potential domestic resources available. This produces the marginal tax rate (MTR) required for a country to finance its own poverty eradication.FindingsThere is a clear trend in the magnitude of the challenge: low‐income countries (LICs) have the highest poverty rates by far; lower middle‐income countries (LMICs) are more mixed; and upper middle‐income countries (UMICs) have comparatively little extreme poverty, except in a small handful of countries. The implied MTRs required to close a country's extreme poverty gap are excessively high for LICs and most LMICs but easily manageable for most UMICs. This strongly suggests that both the magnitude of the challenge is much greater and the resources available much lower in LICs and LMICs.Policy implicationsThe policy implication is that LICs and LMICs should be strongly favoured in terms of aid allocation. The two different components of country need point in the same direction and both suggest a strong focus on allocating assistance towards the poorest countries.
The effect of economic uncertainty on remittance flows from developed countries
Authors: Gnangnon Sèna Kimm 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article investigates the effect of economic uncertainty on remittances sent by migrants residing in developed countries to their home countries. The analysis builds on the economic uncertainty index developed by Ahir et al. that reflects the uncertainty related to economic and political events, regarding both near‐term and long‐term concerns. Economic uncertainty has deleterious effects on remittance outflows from developed countries, especially when uncertainty reaches high levels. Developing countries would therefore suffer from reduced remittance inflows if the current fragmentation of the world were to become protracted, resulting in higher barriers to the movement of capital and people.
Ralph Hawtrey: A forgotten pioneer of macroeconomics
Authors: Glasner David 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article considers the contributions of Ralph Hawtrey to monetary theory and macroeconomics, focusing on his monetary business cycle theory and his monetary explanation of the Great Depression. Unlike Milton Friedman's US‐centred explanation of the Great Depression, Hawtrey's was focused on the international gold standard that collapsed with the outset of World War I and the attempt to restore it. Hawtrey urged that, after restoration of the gold standard, increased monetary demand for gold be restrained to prevent gold appreciation and deflation. But deliberate French gold accumulation in 1928 and interest‐rate increases by the Federal Reserve, led to the ruinous deflation foreseen by Hawtrey. The article then critically evaluates recent discussions of Hawtrey's contributions in books by Hetzel (2023) and Mattei (2022).
D‐Limonene reduces depression‐like behaviour and enhances learning and memory through an anti‐neuroinflammatory mechanism in male rats subjected to chronic restraint stress
Authors: Alkanat Mehmet , Alkanat Hafize Özdemir 
Published: June 2024

AbstractD‐limonene is a widely used flavouring additive in foods, beverages and fragrances due to its pleasant lemon‐like odour. This study aimed to investigate the effects of D‐limonene on the central nervous system when subjected to chronic restraint stress in rats for 21 days. Forty rats were randomly divided into five groups: i) control, ii) D‐limonene, iii) restraint stress, iv) restraint stress+D‐limonene and v) restraint stress+fluoxetine. Following the induction of restraint stress, the sucrose preference test, the open field test, the novel object recognition test and the forced swimming test were performed. The levels of BDNF, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and caspase‐1 were measured from hippocampal tissue using the ELISA method. Sucrose preference test results showed an increase in consumption rate in the stress+D‐limonene and a decrease in the stress group. The stress+D‐limonene group reversed the increased defensive behaviour observed in the open‐field test compared to the stress group. In the novel object recognition test, the discrimination index of the stress+D‐limonene group increased compared to the stress group. BDNF levels increased in the stress+limonene group compared to the stress group. In contrast, IL‐1β and caspase‐1 levels increased in the stress group compared to the control and decreased in the stress+limonene group compared to the stress group. In this study, D‐limonene has been found to have antidepressant‐like properties, reducing anhedonic and defensive behaviours and the impairing effects of stress on learning and memory tests. It was observed that D‐limonene showed these effects by alleviating neuroinflammation induced by chronic restraint stress in rats.
Extreme wildfires in Canada and their contribution to global loss in tree cover and carbon emissions in 2023
Authors: MacCarthy James , Tyukavina Alexandra , Weisse Mikaela J , Harris Nancy , Glen Erin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCanadian wildfires in 2023 were record breaking with wide‐reaching impacts on people, nature, and climate. Extreme heat and low rainfall associated with climate change led to unprecedented forest fires that released enormous amounts of carbon as they burned. This study used data on fire‐driven tree cover loss and forest carbon fluxes to estimate the total extent of stand‐replacing forest fires and their associated carbon emissions. We found that the 2023 Canadian wildfires burned nearly 7.8 million hectares of forest and accounted for more than a quarter of all tree cover loss globally. Furthermore, forests impacted by wildfires emitted nearly 3 billion tons of CO2 or about 25% more carbon than all primary tropical tree cover loss that year. These results have important implications for global carbon budgets because emissions from these wildfires will largely be excluded from official greenhouse gas reporting.