bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential climate-induced impacts on trade: the case of agricultural commodities and maritime chokepoints
Authors: Key Ramon , Parrado Ramiro , Delpiazzo Elisa , King Richard , Bosello Francesco 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study assesses the potential macro-economic effects of climate change affecting operations in three maritime chokepoints, i.e., the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal, and the Turkish Straits. The analysis focuses on agricultural commodities. It couples a “logistics” model of maritime trade flows with a Computable General Equilibrium model considering three modelling alternatives: (1) increase of “iceberg trade costs”, (2) shadow import tariffs, and (3) shadow export tariffs. Methodologically, we found a comforting qualitative agreement across methodologies in predicting the direction of changes in the main economic variables under scrutiny. However, negative GDP performances are more frequent and larger using the first method that also tends to predict lower import contractions than the other two methods. The impact assessment, examining storylines of climate-change-induced events delaying chokepoints operations, highlights that climate change impacts on chokepoints’ operations can convey detectable effects on production and prices of agricultural commodities associated with negative GDP impacts worldwide. In addition, although trade re-composition generates winners and losers, total losses tend to prevail. The combined GDP losses of the three chokepoints can reach $34 billion (2014 prices) in 2030. It shows that weather events in remote locations, such as the Panama Canal, can have cascading effects on the EU, with potential losses of USD 2 billion $ in GDP. North Africa, Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable. They suffer from a drop in imports of agricultural commodities and GDP losses in all the three cases. This impact assessment emphasizes another mechanism at play that could increase the asymmetry and the adverse distributional impacts of climate change on agriculture.
Elevations in NLR at the first year of pirfenidone treatment may be associated with worse prognosis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Özdemir Özer , Polat Gülru , Üçsular Fatma Demirci , Unat Damla Serçe , Ermin Sinem , Şimşek Tarık 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemogram parameters, namely NLR and PLR, at the end of the first year of antifibrotic treatment in IPF patients and evaluate the association of change in NLR and PLR levels and mortality in this study population. Patients diagnosed with IPF and started on antifibrotic therapy between 2016 and 2022 were included. Study design was retrospective cohort study. Baseline NLR and PLR values were obtained at the time of diagnosis before any treatment was started. Follow-up levels of NLR and PLR were obtained at the completion of the first year of antifibrotic treatment.

Results
A total of 125 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 67.9 ± 7.27 years. It was found that increment in NLR at first year was significant in non-survived group (p =  0.01). When patients were separated into four groups according to their survival status and antifibrotic medication, significant NLR and PLR elevations were only present in non-survived pirfenidone group (p =  0.02 and p =  0.01).

Conclusions
Elevated levels of NLR at the first year of antifibrotic treatment may be a sign of worse prognosis in IPF patients, especially in patients treated with pirfenidone.
Increased Prevalence of Germline Pathogenic CHEK2 Variants in Individuals With Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: De Sousa Sunita M C , McCormack Ann , Orsmond Andreas , Shen Angeline , Yates Christopher J , Clifton-Bligh Roderick , Santoreneos Stephen , King James , Feng Jinghua , Toubia John , Torpy David J , Scott Hamish S 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Context
CHEK2 is a cell cycle checkpoint regulator gene with a long-established role as a clinically relevant, moderate risk breast cancer predisposition gene, with greater risk ascribed to truncating variants than missense variants.

Objective
To assess the rate and pathogenicity of CHEK2 variants amongst individuals with pituitary adenomas (PAs).

Methods
We assessed 165 individuals with PAs for CHEK2 variants. The study population comprised a primary cohort of 29 individuals who underwent germline and tumor whole-exome sequencing, and a second, independent cohort of 136 individuals who had a targeted next-generation sequencing panel performed on both germline and tumor DNA (n = 52) or germline DNA alone (n = 84).

Results
We identified rare, coding, nonsynonymous germline CHEK2 variants amongst 3 of 29 (10.3%) patients in our primary cohort, and in 5 of 165 (3.0%) patients overall, with affected patients having a range of PA types (prolactinoma, thyrotropinoma, somatotropinoma, and nonfunctioning PA). No somatic variants were identified. Two variants were definitive null variants (c.1100delC, c.444 + 1G &gt; A), classified as pathogenic. Two variants were missense variants (p.Asn186His, p.Thr476Met), classified as likely pathogenic. Even when considering the null variants only, the rate of CHEK2 variants was higher in our cohort compared to national control data (1.8% vs 0.5%; P = .049).

Conclusion
This is the first study to suggest a role for the breast cancer predisposition gene, CHEK2, in pituitary tumorigenesis, with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants found in 3% of patients with PAs. As PAs are relatively common and typically lack classic autosomal dominant family histories, risk alleles—such as these variants found in CHEK2—might be a significant contributor to PA risk in the general population.
SHBG Gene Polymorphisms and Their Influence on Serum SHBG, Total and Free Testosterone Concentrations in Men
Authors: Walravens Joeri , Sleumer Bas , Vos Michel J , Snaterse Gido , Narinx Nick , Antonio Leen , Reyns Tim , Fiers Tom , Kema Ido P , Kaufman Jean-Marc , van de Merbel Nico C , Lapauw Bruno 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Context
Genetic variation in SHBG structure may affect estimates of sex steroid exposure by altering the affinity of the protein for its ligand. Consequently, free hormone calculations assuming constant binding affinity may, for certain genetic variations, lead to incorrect diagnoses if genetic variation is not taken into consideration.

Objective
To investigate the effects of genetic variation in SHBG on calculated and measured serum free testosterone (T) in men.

Design, setting and participants
Population-based sibling-pair study in 999 healthy men aged 25 to 45 (mean, 34.5) years.

Main outcome measures
Genotyping using microarray (Illumina) for single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) suggested to affect binding affinity and/or concentration of SHBG or T. SHBG concentrations were measured using immunoassay and in a subset (n = 32) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Total T was measured using LC-MS/MS. Free T was calculated and in a subset (n = 314) measured directly using LC-MS/MS after equilibrium dialysis.

Results
Allelic frequencies of analyzed SNPs ranged from 0.5% to 58.2%. Compared to wild-type, SHBG concentrations were lower in rs6258 heterozygotes (−24.7%; P &lt; .05) and higher in rs6259 heterozygotes, rs727428 homozygotes, and carriers of rs1799941 (+10.8 to 23.1%; all P &lt; .05). Total T was higher in rs727428 homozygotes and carriers of rs5934505, rs1799941and rs6259 (+3.9 to 21.4%; all P &lt; .05). No clear effects on measured free T were found, except for a trend toward higher values in rs6259 homozygotes, significant for calculated free T (+18.7%; P &lt; .05) in the larger global study population.

Conclusion
In these men, analyzed SNPs were relatively prevalent and affected serum concentrations of total T and SHBG but not calculated or measured free T except for a higher trend in rs6259 homozygotes.
Preoperative Corticosteroids Reduce Diagnostic Accuracy of Stereotactic Biopsies in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tosefsky Kira , Rebchuk Alexander D. , Martin Karina Chornenka , Chen David W. , Yip Stephen , Makarenko Serge 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Despite general acceptance that corticosteroid therapy (CST) should be withheld before biopsy for suspected primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), there remains conflicting evidence surrounding the precise impact of preoperative CST on the histopathological diagnosis. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe and quantify the effects of preoperative CST on the diagnostic accuracy of biopsies for PCNSL.

METHODS:
Primary articles were screened from Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Meta-analysis was performed for immunocompetent patients with histologically confirmed PCNSL. Subgroup and regression analyses were performed to assess the effects of biopsy type, CST duration, dose, and preoperative taper on the diagnostic accuracy. In addition, the sensitivity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses for PCNSL was assessed.

RESULTS:
Nineteen studies, comprising 1226 patients (45% female; mean age: 60.3 years), were included. Preoperative CST increased the risk of nondiagnostic biopsy with a relative risk (RR) of 2.1 (95% CI: 1.1-4.1). In the stereotactic biopsy subgroup, the RR for nondiagnostic biopsy was 3.0 (95% CI: 1.2-7.5). CST taper, duration, and dose did not significantly influence diagnostic biopsy rates. The sensitivity of CSF cytology, including flow cytometry, for PCNSL was 8.0% (95% CI: 6.0%-10.7%).

CONCLUSION:
Our results suggest that preoperative CST reduces the diagnostic yield of stereotactic biopsies for PCNSL. We found no evidence that tapering CST before biopsy improves diagnostic rates. CSF analysis currently has a poor sensitivity for the diagnosis of PCNSL.
Vascular smooth muscle cell-derived nerve growth factor regulates sympathetic collateral branching to innervate blood vessels in embryonic skin
Authors: Li Wenling , Lipsius Katherine , Burns Nathan G. , Sato Ryo , Rehman Azaan , Xue Hui , Combs Christian , Minichiello Liliana , Gangrade Harshi , Tampakakis Emmanouil , Mukouyama Yoh-suke 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Blood vessels serve as intermediate conduits for the extension of sympathetic axons towards target tissues, while also acting as crucial targets for their homeostatic processes encompassing the regulation of temperature, blood pressure, and oxygen availability. How sympathetic axons innervate not only blood vessels but also a wide array of target tissues is not clear. Here we show that in embryonic skin, after the establishment of co-branching between sensory nerves and blood vessels, sympathetic axons invade the skin alongside these sensory nerves and extend their branches towards these blood vessels covered by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Our mosaic labeling technique for sympathetic axons shows that collateral branching predominantly mediates the innervation of VSMC-covered blood vessels by sympathetic axons. The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), previously known to induce collateral axon branching in culture, can be detected in the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-covered blood vessels, as well as sensory nerves. Indeed, VSMC-specific Ngf knockout leads to a significant decrease of collateral branching of sympathetic axons innervating VSMC-covered blood vessels. These data suggest that VSMC-derived NGF serves as an inductive signal for collateral branching of sympathetic axons innervating blood vessels in the embryonic skin.
Clinical Utility of the Combined Use of CA19-9 and DUPAN-2 in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sumiyoshi Tatsuaki , Uemura Kenichiro , Shintakuya Ryuta , Okada Kenjiro , Baba Kenta , Harada Takumi , Serikawa Masahiro , Ishii Yasutaka , Nakamura Shinya , Arihiro Koji , Murakami Yoshiaki , Takahashi Shinya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients with normal carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels can have early-stage cancer or advanced cancer without elevation of CA19-9 level; estimating their malignant potential is difficult. This study investigated the clinical utility of the combined use of preoperative CA 19-9 and Duke pancreatic monoclonal antigen type 2 (DUPAN-2) levels in patients with PDAC.

Methods
Patients who underwent curative-intent surgery for PDAC between November 2005 and December 2021 were investigated. Eligible patients were classified into four groups based on these two markers. Among patients with normal CA19-9 levels, those with normal and high DUPAN-2 levels were classified into normal/normal (N/N) and normal/high (N/H) groups, respectively. Among patients with high CA19-9 levels, those with normal and high DUPAN-2 levels were classified into high/normal (H/N) and high/high (H/H) groups, respectively. Survival rates were compared between the groups.

Results
Among 521 patients, the N/N, N/H, H/N, and H/H groups accounted for 25.0%, 10.6%, 35.1%, and 29.4% of patients, respectively. The proportions of resectable PDAC in the N/N and H/N groups (71.5% and 66.7%) were significantly higher than those in the N/H and H/H groups (49.1% and 54.9%) (P < 0.01). The 5-year survival rates in the N/N, N/H, H/N, and H/H groups were 66.0%, 31.1%, 34.9%, and 29.7%, respectively; the rate in the N/N group was significantly better than those in the other three groups (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions
Only patients with normal CA19-9 and DUPNA-2 values should be diagnosed with early-stage PDAC.
Low-Volume Speed Endurance Training with Reduced Volume Improves Short-Term Exercise Performance in Highly Trained Cyclists
Authors: JEPPESEN JAN S. , WICKHAM KATE A. , ZEUTHEN MARTIN , THOMASSEN MARTIN , JESSEN SØREN , HELLSTEN YLVA , HOSTRUP MORTEN , BANGSBO JENS 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose
We investigated the effects of low- and high-volume speed endurance training (SET), with a reduced training volume, on sprint ability, short- and long-term exercise capacity, muscle mitochondrial properties, ion transport proteins, and maximal enzyme activity in highly trained athletes.

Methods
Highly trained male cyclists (maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max): 68.3 ± 5.0 mL·min−1·kg−1, n = 24) completed 6 wk of either low (SET-L; 6 × 30-s intervals, n = 8) or high (SET-H; 12 × 30-s intervals, n = 8) volume SET twice per week with a 30% reduction in training volume. A control group (CON; n = 8) maintained their training. Exercise performance was evaluated by i) 6-s sprinting, ii) a 4-min time trial, and iii) a 60-min preload at 60% V̇O2max followed by a 20-min time trial. A biopsy of m. vastus lateralis was collected before and after the training intervention.

Results
In SET-L, 4-min time trial performance was improved (P < 0.05) by 3.8%, with no change in SET-H and CON. Sprint ability, prolonged endurance exercise capacity, V̇O2max, muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity, maximal citrate synthase activity, fiber type–specific mitochondrial proteins (complexes I–V), and phosphofructokinase (PFK) content did not change in any of the groups. In SET-H, maximal activity of muscle PFK and abundance of Na+-K+ pump-subunit α1, α2, β1, and phospholemman (FXYD1) were 20%, 50%, 19%, 24%, and 42% higher (P < 0.05), respectively after compared with before the intervention, with no changes in SET-L or CON.

Conclusions
Low SET volume combined with a reduced aerobic low- and moderate-intensity training volume does improve short-duration intense exercise performance and maintain sprinting ability, V̇O2max, endurance exercise performance, and muscle oxidative capacity, whereas, high volume of SET seems necessary to upregulate muscle ion transporter content and maximal PFK activity in highly trained cyclists.
Case Report: Giant bronchogenic cyst compressing the pericardium and the lung hilum
Authors: Abdennadher Mahdi , Ben Mansour Amani , Zribi Hazem , Mlika Mouna , Abdelkebir Amina , Bellali Hedia , Zairi Sarra , Tritar Fatma , Marghli Adel 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The bronchogenic cyst is a congenital anomaly of the trachea and the bronchi resulting in a malformation that develop in the bronchial tree, most often in the middle mediastinum. It is a benign pathology, often asymptomatic, however in the case of a large bronchogenic cyst, signs of compression of the intra-thoracic organs appear and early surgery is necessary to avoid complications. Case presentation: A 49-year-old patient was referred to our department with dry cough, dyspnea and chest tightness progressing for six months. Radiological exploration concluded that a giant bronchogenic cyst, 90 mm in diameter, was very probable. Surgery was performed via a right posterolateral thoracotomy. Intraoperatively, there was a large cystic formation 100mm*80 mm of the middle mediastinum in intimate contact with the origin of the right pulmonary artery, the lower right pulmonary vein as well as the right atrium exerting a compressive effect on the bronchi. The lesion was firmly adhered to the pericardium. The cystic was ‘en bloc’ resected in totality. The postoperative course was uncomplicated. Histological examination confirmed diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst. The patient was asymptomatic throughout the follow-up period. Clinical discussion: Apart from the possibility of malignant degeneration, a bronchogenic cyst can increase in size and become huge causing serious complications. Despite the predictive diagnostic value of imaging, definitive diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst is confirmed by surgical excision and pathological examination. Conclusions: Surgery is almost obligatory especially if the cyst is above a certain size (about 60 mm) and in the case of giant bronchogenic cysts.
Measuring the Quality of Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Ellahie Atif , Hshieh Shenje , Zhang Feng 
Published: April 2024

We develop a measure of merger and acquisition (M&A) quality using accounting theory. This measure, implied return-on-equity improvement (IRI), quantifies the minimum improvement in the target’s post-acquisition return on equity (ROE) the acquirer must attain to break even on the acquisition price. Employing a large sample of M&As from 1980 to 2018, we find that a high IRI is, on average, less attainable ex post and predicts worse acquirer financial performance. The acquirer’s ROE growth over the first three years after the M&A is 11 percentage points lower for high-IRI M&As compared with low-IRI M&As. Worse high-IRI acquirer performance is observable through higher operating costs, tighter financial constraints, lower investments, and larger and more frequent goodwill impairments. We also find that IRI increases with acquiring chief executive officers’ overconfidence, incentive misalignment, and difficulty in estimating synergies; IRI decreases with acquirers’ financial discipline and due diligence effort. As such, overestimating synergies and managerial incentives that drive overpayment are potential mechanisms underlying IRI’s negative association with acquirers’ post-M&A performance. This paper was accepted by Eric So, accounting. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01225 .
NOT LOSING ONE CM OF MUSCLE CIRCUMFERENCE DURING EXTENSIVE BONE LENGTHENING: A PACT WITH THE DEVIL OR THE ANGELS?
Authors: Guichet Jean-Marc , Frigerio Silvia 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionA 6cm femoral gain requires 5-Y during normal growth, but only 6–8-W surgically (x30–40 faster). In lengthening surgery, losses of muscle force (MF) and circumferences (MC) are major. Recovery is long, preventing sports till bone fusion.Can we maintain MC and strength throughout the entire lengthening and how?We monitored for over 30 years patients for muscle force (isokinetic), circumferences, activities (including sports) and food intake, and acted on the 5 principles of the Osteostasis.Materials & MethodsOver 750 femoral lengthening with Full WB Nails (FWBN) got Isokinetic testing (≧1991), circumferences measurements (≧2012; 20-15-10-5-0cm above patella, max-calf, mini/max-ankle), food intake (≧2012), using MyFitnessPal App (≧2016), gradually enforced. Preoperative training along with a daily post-operative training are supervised by our trainers. Recommendations for food intake and activities were provided. Patients noted on a specific App all parameters. Compliance was noted.ResultsInstead of a traditional 7–9cm circumference loss for 8–10cm gains using Ex-fix or nails, with FWBN and our protocols, no MC loss could be noted in compliant pre-trained patients, intensive early post-op resistance training, high calory intake (M:>4200, F:>3000; 20–25% Proteins) and supplements (no fat pad increase). Bone fusion could be obtained at the end of lengthening or within short weeks (Healing Index down to 8D/cm)Non-compliant patients (or using morphine), lost weight and MC.ConclusionsIncreasing by 8–10cm muscle length, even bilaterally, and maintaining MC during lengthening, is possible, with very fast bone fusion. It requires building up several hundred of grams of muscles.The ‘building up equation’ associating resistance bike from the early post-operative phase with sports, strong food intake with increased protein intake, and added supplements with no morphine medication, proved to boost circumferences and bone fusion. It induced fast recovery, walking and sports capacities.
CAN WE DECREASE THE HEALING INDEX (HI) DOWN TO EIGHT TO 12 DAYS/CM? AND HOW?
Authors: Guichet Jean-Marc 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionFrame HI is the #Days for device removal/cm. IM Nail HI is less relevant (31–45 D/cm).Albizzia HI was 33 D/cm (1991–2003). Patients felt fine approximately 1M after end of lengthening (EoL), resuming normal life and sports. This sometimes resulted in implants fractures (e.g. skying before bone fusion). Ideally, the full fusion should occur at the EoL. We decided to shorten the HI to reach this target, optimising all parameters.Materials & MethodsThe evolution of care has been monitored over a 32-year clinical experience with a fully weight-bearing nails (Albizzia then G-nail). Monitoring was with X-rays, DEXA, blood bone activity, and in London with special 5G CBCT Scans. We implemented several changes in the Care of patients and measured them according to the ‘Five Principles’ (stability, function, ‘Roads-vascular supply’, ‘Materials-calories’ and ‘Workers-BFC’, with actions on food intake, activity levels and on muscle and bone vascular growths.ResultsPreop: training (vascularity, muscle force).Op & Postop: spine morphine, IM sawing preserving BFC, controlled hypo-pressure, low hydration, 50 cm leg elevation, walking, resistance bike, full motion (drainage, muscle reactivation), discharge 3–4h postop (including bilateral). Postop daily intense gym training.POD07-21: Distraction increased to fight non-linear hyper-ossification (44–50 mm gain at POD30) +/- aided by NSAIDs.HI decreased to 12–20D/cm, sometimes 8D/cm with some ‘soft fusion’ during lengthening, hardening within 1W after EoL.ConclusionsThe surgeon is not a passive X-rays observer, but has an active role in changing the healing speed and decreasing HI for patient safety. Electro/Magnetic nails (torque 1 Nm) may be clocked by bone fusion, which does not occur with the G-Nail (19 Nm).An holistic vision for patients and treatments at several levels is essential to accelerate bone healing, and to return fast to full normal life, after a short ‘lengthening parenthesis’.