bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward absolute abundance for conservation applications: Estimating the number of contributors via microhaplotype genotyping of mixed‐DNA samples
Authors: Shi Yue , Dick Cory M. , Karpan Kirby , Baetscher Diana , Henderson Mark J. , Sethi Suresh A. , McPhee Megan V. , Larson Wesley A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMolecular methods including metabarcoding and quantitative polymerase chain reaction have shown promise for estimating species abundance by quantifying the concentration of genetic material in field samples. However, the relationship between specimen abundance and detectable concentrations of genetic material is often variable in practice. DNA mixture analysis represents an alternative approach to quantify specimen abundance based on the presence of unique alleles in a sample. The DNA mixture approach provides novel opportunities to inform ecology and conservation by estimating the absolute abundance of target taxa through molecular methods; yet, the challenges associated with genotyping many highly variable markers in mixed‐DNA samples have prevented its widespread use. To advance molecular approaches for abundance estimation, we explored the utility of microhaplotypes for DNA mixture analysis by applying a 125‐marker panel to 1179 Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) smolts from the Sacramento‐San Joaquin Delta, California, USA. We assessed the accuracy of DNA mixture analysis through a combination of mock mixtures containing DNA from up to 20 smolts and a trophic ecological application enumerating smolts in predator diets. Mock DNA mixtures of up to 10 smolts could reliably be resolved using microhaplotypes, and increasing the panel size would likely facilitate the identification of more individuals. However, while analysis of predator gastrointestinal tract contents indicated DNA mixture analysis could discern the presence of multiple prey items, poor and variable DNA quality prevented accurate genotyping and abundance estimation. Our results indicate that DNA mixture analysis can perform well with high‐quality DNA, but methodological improvements in genotyping degraded DNA are necessary before this approach can be used on marginal‐quality samples.
High density and proximity of CD8+T cells to tumor cells are correlated with better response to nivolumab treatment in metastatic pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Yin Yuting , Sakakibara Rie , Honda Takayuki , Kirimura Susumu , Daroonpan Pissacha , Kobayashi Masashi , Ando Kohei , Ujiie Hideki , Kato Tatsuya , Kaga Kichizo , Mitsumura Takahiro , Nakano Ryoji , Sakashita Hiroyuki , Matsuge Shinichi , Ishibashi Hironori , Akashi Takumi , Hida Yasuhiro , Morohoshi Takao , Azuma Miyuki , Okubo Kenichi , Miyazaki Yasunari 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in pleural mesothelioma has recently been established. The response to ICIs can be predicted by quantitative analysis of cells and their spatial distribution in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the detailed composition of the TME in pleural mesothelioma has not been reported. We evaluated the association between the TME and response to ICIs in this cancer.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 22 pleural mesothelioma patients treated with nivolumab in different centers was performed using surgical specimens. Four patients had a partial response to nivolumab (response group) and 18 patients had stable or progressive disease (nonresponse group). The number of CD4, CD8, FoxP3, CK, and PD‐L1 positive cells, cell density, and cell‐to‐cell distance were analyzed by multiplex immunofluorescence.ResultsPD‐L1 expression did not differ significantly between the response and nonresponse groups. The density of total T cells and of CD8+ T cells was significantly higher in the response than in the nonresponse group. CD8+ T cells were more clustered and located closer to tumor cells, whereas regulatory T cells were located further from tumor cells in the response than in the nonresponse group.ConclusionsHigh density and spatial proximity of CD8+ T cells to tumor cells were associated with better response to nivolumab, whereas the proximity of regulatory T cells to tumor cells was associated with worse response, suggesting that the distinct landscape of the TME could be a potential predictor of ICI efficacy in pleural mesothelioma.
Mid‐life leukocyte telomere length and dementia risk: An observational and mendelian randomization study of 435,046 UK Biobank participants
Authors: Liu Rui , Xiang Meiruo , Pilling Luke C. , Melzer David , Wang Lihong , Manning Kevin J. , Steffens David C. , Bowden Jack , Fortinsky Richard H. , Kuchel George A. , Rhee Taeho G. , Diniz Breno S. , Kuo Chia‐Ling 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTelomere attrition is one of biological aging hallmarks and may be intervened to target multiple aging‐related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias (AD/ADRD). The objective of this study was to assess associations of leukocyte telomere length (TL) with AD/ADRD and early markers of AD/ADRD, including cognitive performance and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phenotypes. Data from European‐ancestry participants in the UK Biobank (n = 435,046) were used to evaluate whether mid‐life leukocyte TL is associated with incident AD/ADRD over a mean follow‐up of 12.2 years. In a subsample without AD/ADRD and with brain imaging data (n = 43,390), we associated TL with brain MRI phenotypes related to AD or vascular dementia pathology. Longer TL was associated with a lower risk of incident AD/ADRD (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR] per SD = 0.93, 95% CI 0.90–0.96, p = 3.37 × 10−7). Longer TL also was associated with better cognitive performance in specific cognitive domains, larger hippocampus volume, lower total volume of white matter hyperintensities, and higher fractional anisotropy and lower mean diffusivity in the fornix. In conclusion, longer TL is inversely associated with AD/ADRD, cognitive impairment, and brain structural lesions toward the development of AD/ADRD. However, the relationships between genetically determined TL and the outcomes above were not statistically significant based on the results from Mendelian randomization analysis results. Our findings add to the literature of prioritizing risk for AD/ADRD. The causality needs to be ascertained in mechanistic studies.
Accelerated replicative senescence of ataxia‐telangiectasia skin fibroblasts is retained at physiologic oxygen levels, with unique and common transcriptional patterns
Authors: Haj Majd , Levon Amit , Frey Yann , Hourvitz Noa , Campisi Judith , Tzfati Yehuda , Elkon Ran , Ziv Yael , Shiloh Yosef 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe genetic disorder, ataxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T), is caused by loss of the homeostatic protein kinase, ATM, and combines genome instability, tissue degeneration, cancer predisposition, and premature aging. Primary fibroblasts from A‐T patients exhibit premature senescence when grown at ambient oxygen concentration (21%). Here, we show that reducing oxygen concentration to a physiological level range (3%) dramatically extends the proliferative lifespan of human A‐T skin fibroblasts. However, they still undergo senescence earlier than control cells grown under the same conditions and exhibit high genome instability. Comparative RNA‐seq analysis of A‐T and control fibroblasts cultured at 3% oxygen followed by cluster analysis of differentially expressed genes and functional enrichment analysis, revealed distinct transcriptional dynamics in A‐T fibroblasts senescing in physiological oxygen concentration. While some transcriptional patterns were similar to those observed during replicative senescence of control cells, others were unique to the senescing A‐T cells. We observed in them a robust activation of interferon‐stimulated genes, with undetected expression the interferon genes themselves. This finding suggests an activation of a non‐canonical cGAS‐STING‐mediated pathway, which presumably responds to cytosolic DNA emanating from extranuclear micronuclei detected in these cells. Senescing A‐T fibroblasts also exhibited a marked, intriguely complex alteration in the expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Notably, many of the induced ECM genes encode senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors known for their paracrine pro‐fibrotic effects. Our data provide a molecular dimension to the segmental premature aging observed in A‐T patients and its associated symptoms, which develop as the patients advance in age.
Board interlocks, career prospects and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Vo Lai Van , Le Huong Thi Thu , Kim Youngbin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis paper investigates how director career concerns affect the relation between board interlocks and corporate social responsibility (CSR). We first document that firms with central or well‐connected boards of directors tend to invest more in CSR. We then show that the positive relation between board connectedness and CSR is significantly more pronounced for firms whose directors' future careers would benefit more from CSR, such as those with better corporate governance, firms with larger investments in research and development or firms with high product market threats. Our findings suggest that director career concerns play an important role in the board of directors' decision on CSR investments.
Seasonal changes in the scrotal skin histology in relation to thermoregulation and testosterone level in camel and buffalo bull
Authors: Ahmed Shakil , Qureshi Anas Sarwar , Usman Muhammad , Rehan Sarmad , Deeba Farrah , Ateeq Muhammad Khalil , Younus Muhammad , Naeem Muhammad Ahsan , Umar Zaima , Taseer Muhammad Sulman Ali 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis study was conducted to compare the scrotal skin dynamics of camel and buffalo bulls regarding thermoregulation, season and testosterone. Scrotal skin and blood samples (n = 8 each) were collected during breeding (October to March) and non‐breeding seasons (April to August). Tissue slides were prepared by the paraffin embedding technique followed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and were analysed by ImageJ®. Relative humidity and temperature were recorded in different seasons to calculate the thermal humidity index (THI). Serum testosterone level was estimated through radioimmunoassay (RIA). The data were analysed by applying ANOVA, the THS test was used as a post‐ANOVA interface and the correlation coefficient was also calculated among season, testosterone and skin parameters. The results showed that skin thickness, season and THI were negatively correlated with testosterone levels. In the neck, body and apex, the papillary layer was thicker in buffalo bull compared to camel bull during the breeding season; however, the reticular layer followed a reverse trend in the apex when THI was low. In the scrotal neck during the non‐breeding season, hair follicle (HF) length and density were recorded high in camel bull compared to buffalo bull when THI was elevated. The density of HF followed the otherwise trend in the apex during the breeding season. The density of SG was found highest in all regions of camel bull as compared to buffalo bull and showed direct relation with THI. To conclude, this study delineates how the histo‐dynamics of scrotal skin varies and accommodate itself with testosterone and THI over the different season in camel and buffalo.
Up to the maximum—testosterone dose‐dependent effects on anabolic and androgen responsive tissues in orchiectomized rats
Authors: Derwand Daniel , Zierau Oliver , Thieme Detlef , Keiler Annekathrin Martina 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundDespite the high number of synthetic androgenic–anabolic steroids, testosterone is still misused for doping in amateur and professional sports.However, only few studies investigated the dose–response effects of testosterone beyond its physiological concentrations and in over 90 years of research, no saturation dosage has been experimentally described for exogenous testosterone administration.ObjectivesWe want to elucidate the physiological and pathophysiological effects of supra‐physiological testosterone application and close this gap in testosterone dose–response data.Materials and methodsMale orchiectomized rats were treated with different testosterone doses ranging from 0.1 to 50 mg/kg body weight for 3 weeks. Several physiological endpoints (e.g., body weight, organ and muscle weight, muscle strength, muscle fiber size) were examined during and after the termination of the treatment with an adjusted Hershberger assay, open‐field‐test, and (immuno‐)histologic.ResultsThe wet weights of androgen responsive organs (penis, prostate, seminal vesicle) showed a significant increase in a dose‐dependent manner. Histological evaluation of the prostate showed a significant higher percentage of KI67 positive prostate nuclei in the highest dosage group and an increasing hyperplasia with increasing testosterone administered. A significant anabolic effect was only observed in Levator ani wet weight, and to minor degree for the cardiac muscle. Regarding other skeletal muscles (Musculus soleus and Musculus gastrognemicus), no significant testosterone effects were observed. We showed a significant increasing dosage–response effect for testosterone in androgen responsive organs with saturation at the two highest concentration of 10 and 50 mg/kg body weight.Discussion and conclusionThe dose‐dependent androgenic effects of testosterone were well observable and the anabolic effects on muscle tissue were visible although to a lesser degree, without the support of aerobic exercise and a protein rich diet. Future studies should investigate a combinatorial effect of testosterone and training. Nevertheless, with the chosen range of applied testosterone, we showed a saturation of testosterone effects in prostate, seminal vesicle, penis, and Levator ani.
Iatrogenic ureteral injury during colorectal surgery has a significant impact on patient outcomes: a French multicentric retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sérénon Victor , Rouanet Philippe , Charleux‐Muller Diane , Eveno Clarisse , Poirot Karine , Trilling Bertrand , Benoist Stéphane , Manceau Gilles , Panis Yves , Alves Arnaud , Kartheuser Alex , Venara Aurélien , Pocard Marc , Sabbagh Charles , Laforest Anaïs , Lakkis Zaher , Badic Bogdan , Chau Amélie , Christou Niki , Beyer‐Berjot Laura , Dumont Frederic , Germain Adeline , Valverde Alain , Duchalais Emilie , Ouaissi Mehdi , Benhaim Leonor , Collard Maxime , Tuech Jean‐Jacques , Buscail Etienne , Mege Diane ,   the French Research Group of Rectal Cancer Surgery (GRECCAR)
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimThe long‐term urological sequelae after iatrogenic ureteral injury (IUI) during colorectal surgery are not clearly known. The aims of this work were to report the incidence of IUI and to analyse the long‐term consequences of urological late complications and their impact on oncological results of IUI occurring during colorectal surgery through a French multicentric experience (GRECCAR group).MethodAll the patients who presented with IUI during colorectal surgery between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively included. Patients with ureteral involvement needing en bloc resection, delayed ureteral stricture or noncolorectal surgery were not considered.ResultsA total of 202 patients (93 men, mean age 63 ± 14 years) were identified in 29 centres, corresponding to 0.32% of colorectal surgeries (n = 63 562). Index colorectal surgery was mainly oncological (n = 130, 64%). IUI was diagnosed postoperatively in 112 patients (55%) after a mean delay of 11 ± 9 days. Intraoperative diagnosis of IUI was significantly associated with shorter length of stay (21 ± 22 days vs. 34 ± 22 days, p < 0.0001), lower rates of postoperative hydronephrosis (2% vs. 10%, p = 0.04), anastomotic complication (7% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.002) and thromboembolic event (0% vs. 6%, p = 0.02) than postoperative diagnosis of IUI. Delayed chemotherapy because of IUI was reported in 27% of patients. At the end of the follow‐up [3 ± 2.6 years (1 month–13 years)], 72 patients presented with urological sequalae (36%). Six patients (3%) required a nephrectomy.ConclusionIUI during colorectal surgery has few consequences for the patients if recognized early. Long‐term urological sequelae can occur in a third of patients. IUI may affect oncological outcomes in colorectal surgery by delaying adjuvant chemotherapy, especially when the ureteral injury is not diagnosed peroperatively.
Development and validation of a nomogram model to predict primary graft dysfunction in patients after lung transplantation based on the clinical factors
Authors: Qin Jianan , Hu Chunxiao , Cao Xiaodong , Gao Jian , Chen Yuan , Yan Meiqiong , Chen Jingyu 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrimary graft dysfunction (PGD), a significant complication that can affect patients' prognosis and quality of life, develops within 72 h post lung transplantation (LTx). Early detection and prevention of PGD should be given special consideration. The purpose of this study was to create a clinical prediction model to forecast the occurrence of PGD.MethodsWe collected information on 622 LTx patients from Wuxi People's Hospital from 2016 to 2020 and used the data to construct the prediction model. Information on 224 patients from 2021 to June 2022 was used for external validation. We used LASSO regression for variable screening. A nomogram was developed for model presentation. Distinctness, fit, and calibration were used to evaluate the performance of the model.ResultsSubjects with respiratory failure, who received fresh frozen plasma, donor age, donor gender, donor mechanism of death, donor smoking, donor ventilator use time, and donor PaO 2/FiO 2 ratio were independent predictor variables for the occurrence of PGD. The area under the curve of the nomogram was .779. The Hosmer‐Lemeshow test showed a good model fit (P = .158). The calibration curve of the nomogram is fairly close to the ideal diagonal. Moreover, the decision curve analysis revealed a positive net benefit of the model. External validation also confirmed the reliability of the model.ConclusionsThe nomogram of PGD based on clinical risk factors in postoperative LTx patients was established with high reliability. It provides clinicians and nurses with a new and effective tool for early prediction of PGD and early intervention.
Opioid‐related policy changes: Experiences and perspectives from people who use opioids to manage non‐cancer chronic pain
Authors: Haines Sarah , Savic Michael , Nielsen Suzanne , Carter Adrian 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionPeople who use prescription opioids to manage non‐cancer chronic pain are particularly vulnerable to opioid‐related policy change. This study aims to better understand what prescription opioids provide this population, what concerns they have in the context of new and changing opioid policies, such as the recently implemented prescription drug monitoring program in Victoria, Australia, their experiences of prescription opioid use, chronic pain and what they would like their healthcare to look like.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 30 people who use opioids to manage chronic non‐cancer pain.ResultsPrescription opioids played an important role in supporting quality of life and mental health. However, experiences of stigma and lack of empathy from healthcare providers were common. Participants sought accurate information about their medications and expressed a desire for shared decision‐making in healthcare.Discussion and ConclusionPrescription opioids can play an important role in pain management as well as social and psychological functioning for people living with non‐cancer chronic pain. Opioid‐related policy changes to medication availability need to consider the potential impacts that reducing, limiting or discontinuing opioids may have on this population. Including the voices of people who use prescription opioids to manage non‐cancer chronic pain in respectful, compassionate and meaningful ways.
Factors associated with hepatitis C treatment uptake among females of childbearing age in New South Wales, Australia: A population‐based study
Authors: Valerio Heather , Alavi Maryam , Marshall Alison D. , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Amin Janaki , Law Matthew , Tillakeratne Shane , George Jacob , Degenhardt Louisa , Grebely Jason , Matthews Gail V. , Dore Gregory J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionFemales of childbearing age with hepatitis C virus (HCV) face increased marginalisation with intersecting, sex‐specific barriers to direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. We assessed the factors associated with uptake of DAA therapy among females of childbearing age, including those with evidence of recent drug dependence.MethodsHCV notifications in New South Wales, Australia (1995–2017) were linked to opioid agonist therapy (OAT), hospitalisations, incarcerations, perinatal, HIV notifications, deaths and prescription databases. Recent drug dependence was defined as hospitalisation due to injectable drugs or receipt of OAT occurring in the DAA era (2016–2018). Logistic regression was used to analyse factors associated with DAA uptake among females of childbearing age (18–44), including those with recent drug dependence.ResultsAmong 57,467 people with evidence of chronic HCV in the DAA era (2016–2018), 20,161 (35%) were female, including 33% (n = 6563/20,161) of childbearing age (18–44). Among all females of childbearing age (n = 6563) and those with evidence of recent drug dependence (n = 2278/6563, 35%), DAA uptake was lower among those who had given birth in the DAA era (vs. no birth record, all females of childbearing age; aOR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.61, 0.89; those with recent drug dependence; aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51, 0.93) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (all females of childbearing age; aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71, 0.93; those with recent drug dependence aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62, 0.90).ConclusionFemales of childbearing age should be considered a key population for DAA therapy. Enhancing antenatal and postnatal HCV care may be critical in the pursuit towards elimination.