bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical management of nonobstructive azoospermia: An update
Authors: Takeshima Teppei , Karibe Jurii , Saito Tomoki , Kuroda Shinnosuke , Komeya Mitsuru , Uemura Hiroji , Yumura Yasushi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractApproximately 1% of the general male population has azoospermia, and nonobstructive azoospermia accounts for the majority of cases. The causes vary widely, including chromosomal and genetic abnormalities, varicocele, drug‐induced causes, and gonadotropin deficiency; however, the cause is often unknown. In azoospermia caused by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, gonadotropin replacement therapy can be expected to produce sperm in the ejaculate. In some cases, upfront varicocelectomy for nonobstructive azoospermia with varicocele may result in the appearance of ejaculated spermatozoa; however, the appropriate indication should be selected. Each guideline recommends microdissection testicular sperm extraction for nonobstructive azoospermia in terms of successful sperm retrieval and avoidance of complications. Sperm retrieval rates generally ranged from 20% to 70% but vary depending on the causative disease. Various attempts have been made to predict sperm retrieval and improve sperm retrieval rates; however, the evidence is insufficient. Further evidence accumulation is needed for salvage treatment in cases of failed sperm retrieval. In Japan, there is inadequate provision on the right to know the origin of children born from artificial insemination of donated sperm and the rights of sperm donors, as well as information on unrelated family members, and the development of these systems is challenging. In the future, it is hoped that the pathogenesis of nonobstructive azoospermia with an unknown cause will be elucidated and that technology for omics technologies, human spermatogenesis using pluripotent cells, and organ culture methods will be developed.
NLRP2 in health and disease
Authors: Zhang Tongtong , Xing Fei , Qu Mingcui , Yang Zhihu , Liu Yafei , Yao Yongchao , Xing Na 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNLR family pyrin domain containing 2 (NLRP2) is a novel member of the Nod‐like receptor (NLR) family. However, our understanding of NLRP2 has long been ambiguous. NLRP2 may have a role in the innate immune response, but its ‘specific’ functions remain controversial. Although NLRP2 can initiate inflammasome and promote inflammation, it can also downregulate inflammatory signals. Additionally, NLRP2 has been reported to function in the reproductive system and shows high expression in the placenta. However, the exact role of NLRP2 in the reproductive system is unclear. Here, we highlight the most current progress on NLRP2 in inflammasome activation, effector function and regulation of nuclear factor‐κB. And we discuss functions of NLRP2 in inflammatory diseases, reproductive disorders and the potential implication of NLRP2 in human diseases.
COVID‐19 pandemic impact among adolescents with eating disorders referred to Italian psychiatric unit
Authors: Cappelletto Pietro , Luca Lisa De , Taddei Benedetta , Taddei Silvia , Nocentini Annalaura , Pisano Tiziana 
Published: September 2023

AbstractProblemThe COVID‐19 pandemic has triggered or exacerbated eating disorders (EDs), especially in adolescents. This study examined the prevalence of admissions of patients with EDs at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit from the pre‐COVID‐19 pandemic to March 2023 and explored the differences in dimensions of ED's symptomatology according to the year of access.MethodsWe included 174 children and adolescents, 94.3% females and 5.7% males, with a diagnosis of ED (Mage = 14.87; SD = 1.72). The Eating Disorder Inventory‐3 (EDI‐3), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT) and Youth Self Report ASEBA (YSR) were assessed. A one‐way analysis of variance test was performed.FindingsEDs' hospitalization prevalence was higher in the years 2020 and 2021 compared to pre‐COVID‐19 and the year 2022. Considering the ED psychopathology (EDI‐3), findings showed a higher score in the dimension of the push to thinness, body dissatisfaction, asceticism, and fear of maturity in the year 2021 compared to pre‐pandemic. Regarding the discomfort related to the image of one's own body (BUT), results showed an increase in the global severity index in the year 2022 compared to pre‐pandemic and in weight phobia in the year 2021 compared to the year 2020. Concerning the internalizing symptoms (YSR), a tendency was found for withdrawal/depression, with higher levels in the year 2022 compared to the year 2020.ConclusionsOur study highlighted the increase of different types of EDs symptomatology related to concerns about weight, especially 2 and 3 years after the outbreak of the pandemic, on which the literature is still scarce, especially in the Italian context.
Bite force, body size, and octopamine mediate mating interactions in the house cricket (Acheta domesticus)
Authors: Adeola Fadeke , Lailvaux Simon 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMating interactions are rife with conflict because the evolutionary interests of males and females seldom coincide. Intersexual conflict affects sexual selection, yet the proximate factors underlying male coercive ability and female resistance are poorly understood. Male combat outcomes are often influenced by bite force, with superior biters being more likely to achieve victory over poorer biters in a range of species, including crickets. If good performers also achieve mating success through sexual coercion, then bite force might play a role in intersexual conflict as well. We tested the capacity of bite force to influence mating interactions in house crickets both directly by measuring bite forces of males and females and by altering male bite capacity through neuropharmacological manipulation. In addition, the invertebrate neurotransmitter octopamine both mediates aggression and underlies motivation to bite in male house crickets. By blocking octopamine receptors through the application of an antagonist, epinastine, we tested the effects of reduced bite force on male mating success. Our results show that male bite capacity, in combination with body size, influences both the likelihood and the outcomes of mating interactions, whereas treatment of males with epinastine eliminates motivation to mate. Our results suggest a functional role for bite force in affecting both sexual conflict and sexual selection and expand our knowledge of the influence of biogenic amines on reproductive behaviour.AbstractAnimal functional capacities are relevant to sexual conflict, just as they are to sexual selection. Males orally supplemented with a synthetic neurohormone blocker, epinastine did not successfully mate with females. Control group males were more likely to have successfully mated with females at higher ratios, take a shorter amount of time to initiate mating and have longer spermatophore attachment times to females when they: Had higher bite force measurement than females.Were larger than females.These findings suggest that selection might act on such capacities in both males and females in A. domesticus, not only males.
You are not lab rats at teaching hospitals: A systematic review of resident and fellow participation leads to improved colonoscopy
Authors: Sun Chenyu , Chen Yue , Ma Shaodi , Liu Mengqing , Yau Vicky , Kim Na Hyun , Kailas Sujatha , Lowe Scott , Bentley Rachel , Chen Shuya , Liu Jie , Meng Muzi , Huang Yuting , Zhou Qin , Wu Yuyan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundParticipation in colonoscopies is an essential aspect of endoscopic training. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of fellow/trainee participation on colonoscopy outcomes.MethodsThis meta‐analysis was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). From database inception to July 2022, studies investigating fellow involvement and colonoscopy outcomes were searched across Cochrane library, PubMed, and other databases. The random‐effects model was applied to generate more conservative estimates. Sensitive analysis was conducted to explore whether the result would depend on a particular study. Egger's test and Begg's test were used to estimate the potential for publication bias.ResultsSeventeen studies including 30,062 participants were included. We found that fellow/trainee involvement enhanced the overall rates of adenoma detection and polyp detection (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.14–1.40, p < 0.001; OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02–1.63, p = 0.020, respectively). The mean number of adenoma/polyps per colonoscopy was also higher with fellow/trainee participation (MD = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.08–0.17, p < 0.001; MD = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.02–0.28, p = 0.020, respectively).ConclusionIn addition to its educational purpose, fellow or trainee involvement is associated with beneficial effects on colonoscopy outcomes.
Influence of retainer design and number of inlay boxes on the biomechanical behavior of zirconia cantilever resin bonded fixed dental prosthesis
Authors: Kasem Ammar T. , Abo‐Madina Manal , Al‐Zordk Walid 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe development of dental adhesives with enhanced bond strength has assisted minimally invasive dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture load and stress distribution pattern of two retainer designs for posterior cantilever resin bonded fixed dental protheses (RBFDPs).Materials and MethodsForty human mandibular molars were divided into two groups according to the retainer design; lingual coverage (LC) and occlusal coverage (OC) retainers. Each main group was then divided according to the number of inlay boxes (n = 10); one inlay and two inlay boxes. High translucency (3Y) zirconia was used to manufacture all restorations, and a dual‐polymerizing adhesive resin cement was used for bonding. All specimens underwent 10,000 cycles of thermocycling (5–55°C), 240,000 cycles of dynamic loading (50 N, descending speed v = 30 mm/second, frequency = 1.6 Hz), and failure load test. Both one‐way and two‐way ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data. The four models included in the in‐vitro study are part of the finite element analysis (FEA). When the restorations failed, maximal principal stress values on restorations, enamel, dentin, and luting resin were investigated.ResultsA statistically significant (p = 0.018) higher failure load was recorded for OC1 (627.00 ± 153.4 N) than the other groups; (548.0 ± 75.6 N, 521.20 ± 11.3 N, and 509.20 ± 14.9 N for LC1, LC2, and OC2, respectively). With regard to failure mode, one inlay box designs showed more favorable failure pattern than those of two inlay boxes. FEA showed higher stress magnitude transmitted to the tooth structure in models LC2 and OC2.ConclusionsLingual coverage and occlusal coverage retainers are promising designs capable to withstand the normal occlusal force for cantilever RBFDP in premolar area. The use of two inlay boxes decreased the fracture load of the two retainer designs and increased the stress transmitted to the tooth and resulted in high incidence of catastrophic failure.Clinical SignificanceMonolithic high translucent zirconia RBFDP could be considered as a viable treatment option to substitute missing posterior tooth, with improved esthetics and biocompatibility.
Dense dopaminergic innervation of the peri‐infarct cortex despite dopaminergic cell loss after a pure motor‐cortical stroke in rats
Authors: Frase Sibylle , Steddin Julius , Paschen Enya , Lenz Maximilian , Conforti Pasquale , Haas Carola A. , Vlachos Andreas , Schachtrup Christian , Hosp Jonas A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAfter ischemic stroke, the cortex directly adjacent to the ischemic core (i.e., the peri‐infarct cortex, PIC) undergoes plastic changes that facilitate motor recovery. Dopaminergic signaling is thought to support this process. However, ischemic stroke also leads to the remote degeneration of dopaminergic midbrain neurons, possibly interfering with this beneficial effect. In this study, we assessed the reorganization of dopaminergic innervation of the PIC in a rat model of focal cortical stroke. Adult Sprague–Dawley rats either received a photothrombotic stroke (PTS) in the primary motor cortex (M1) or a sham operation. 30 days after PTS or sham procedure, the retrograde tracer Micro Ruby (MR) was injected into the PIC of stroke animals or into homotopic cortical areas of matched sham rats. Thus, dopaminergic midbrain neurons projecting into the PIC were identified based on MR signal and immunoreactivity against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a marker for dopaminergic neurons. The density of dopaminergic innervation within the PIC was assessed by quantification of dopaminergic boutons indicated by TH‐immunoreactivity. Regarding postsynaptic processes, expression of dopamine receptors (D1‐ and D2) and a marker of the functional signal cascade (DARPP‐32) were visualized histologically. Despite a 25% ipsilesional loss of dopaminergic midbrain neurons after PTS, the number and spatial distribution of dopaminergic neurons projecting to the PIC was not different compared to sham controls. Moreover, the density of dopaminergic innervation in the PIC was significantly higher than in homotopic cortical areas of the sham group. Within the PIC, D1‐receptors were expressed in neurons, whereas D2‐receptors were confined to astrocytes. The intensity of D1‐ and DARPP‐32 expression appeared to be higher in the PIC compared to the contralesional homotopic cortex. Our data suggest a sprouting of dopaminergic fibers into the PIC and point to a role for dopaminergic signaling in reparative mechanisms post‐stroke, potentially related to recovery.image
CSF‐to‐blood toxins clearance is modulated by breathing through cranio–spinal CSF oscillation
Authors: Burman Ritambhar , Alperin Noam 
Published: September 2023

SummaryClearance of brain toxins occurs during sleep, although the mechanism remains unknown. Previous studies implied that the intracranial aqueductal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oscillations are involved, but no mechanism was suggested. The rationale for focusing on the aqueductal CSF oscillations is unclear. This study focuses on the cranio–spinal CSF oscillation and the factors that modulate this flow. We propose a mechanism where increased cranio–spinal CSF movements enhance CSF‐to‐blood metabolic waste clearance through the spinal CSF re‐absorption sites. A recent study demonstrating that disturbed sleep impairs CSF‐to‐blood but not brain‐to‐CSF clearance, supports the fundamentals of our proposed mechanism. Eight healthy subjects underwent phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging to quantify the effect of respiration on the cranio–spinal CSF oscillations. Maximal CSF volume displaced from the cranium to the spinal canal during each respiration and cardiac cycle were derived as measures of cranio–spinal CSF mixing level. Transition from normal to slow and abdominal breathing resulted in a 56% increase in the maximal displaced CSF volume. Maximal change in the arterial–venous blood volume, which is the driving force of the CSF oscillations, was increased by 41% during slow abdominal breathing. Cranio–spinal CSF oscillations are driven by the momentary difference between arterial inflow and venous outflow. Breathing modulates the CSF oscillation through changes in the venous outflow. The amount of toxins being transferred to the spinal canal during each respiratory cycle is significantly increased during slow and deeper abdominal breathing, which explains enhanced CSF‐to‐blood toxins clearance during slow‐wave sleep and poor clearance during disrupted sleep.
Individualising the social? The history of insomnia around 1900
Authors: Ahlheim Hannah 
Published: September 2023

SummaryUsing the example of the fin‐de‐siècle German Reich, this article outlines how insomnia emerged as a “disease of civilisation” in an industrialising society, defined by time‐specific notions, reflecting and strengthening the social norms of the time. Furthermore, it analyses the process of individualisation and flexibilisation that transferred the social struggles and economic demands of modernity onto the subject's body or soul. The history of insomnia around 1900 thus reveals a pattern of thought that shaped the understanding of the insomniac throughout the 20th century.
Hollow law and utilitarian law: The devaluing of deportation hearings in New York City and Paris
Authors: Dao Lili 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHow is law made worthless to the marginalized? Drawing on ethnographic observations in Paris and New York City, I establish a typology of devaluation practices in deportation hearings. I analyze how informal court practices devalue court actors, the hearing, and the law itself. Despite different levels of formal protections for migrants, deportation adjudication is pared down and devalued in both cities. This devaluation, however, followed distinct logics. New York hearings were characterized by a utilitarian law logic, where process and ritualistic elements deemed inessential were shed, leaving a stripped-down core focused on case processing. The minimal protections available to migrants were weakened further. By contrast, hollow law emerged in Parisian hearings, where everyday court practices eroded the more generous protections granted to migrants through formal law. While analyses of immigration adjudication have focused on decision-making, determinants of legal outcomes, and the interpretation of formal criteria, I instead conceptualize the courtroom as a space where value is actively unmade through informal practices, drawing on insights from the sociology of valuation and evaluation.
Metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease is associated with colorectal adenomas in young and older Korean adults
Authors: Chang Jiwon , Chang Yoosoo , Cho Yoosun , Jung Hyun‐Suk , Park Dong‐Il , Park Soo‐Kyung , Ham Soo‐Youn , Wild Sarah H. , Byrne Christopher D. , Ryu Seungho 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsGiven that the majority of colorectal cancers (CRCs) develop from high‐risk adenomas, identifying risk factors for high‐risk adenomas is important. The relationship between metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and the risk of colorectal adenoma in young adults remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate this relationship in adults <50 (younger) and ≥50 (older) years of age.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 184 792 Korean adults (80% <50 years of age) who all underwent liver ultrasound and colonoscopy. Participants were grouped into those with and without MAFLD and classified by adenoma presence into no adenoma, low‐risk adenoma, or high‐risk adenoma (defined as ≥3 adenomas, any ≥10 mm, or adenoma with high‐grade dysplasia/villous features).ResultsThe prevalence of low‐ and high‐risk adenomas among young and older adults was 9.6% and 0.8% and 22.3% and 4.8%, respectively. MAFLD was associated with an increased prevalence of low‐ and high‐risk adenomas in young and older adults. Young adults with MAFLD had a 1.30 (95% CIs 1.26–1.35) and 1.40 (1.23–1.59) times higher prevalence of low‐ and high‐risk adenomas, respectively, compared to those without MAFLD. These associations were consistent even in lean adults (BMI < 23 kg/m2) and those without a family history of CRC.ConclusionsMAFLD is associated with an increased prevalence of low‐ and high‐risk adenomas in Korean adults, regardless of age or obesity status. Whether reducing metabolic risk factors, such as MAFLD, reduces the risk of precancerous lesions and ultimately reduces the risk of early‐onset CRC requires further investigation.
Impact of pre‐ablation left appendage flow velocities on long term recurrence of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Cui Jing , Du Xin , He Liu , Xia Shi‐Jun , Tang Ri‐Bo , Sang Cai‐Hua , Long De‐Yong , Dong Jian‐Zeng , Ma Chang‐Sheng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundDespite undergoing a single ablation, many patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) experience a gradually increasing recurrence rate. This study aims to examine the relationship between left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAeV) and filling velocity (LAAfV) profiles and 3‐year recurrence of AF after ablation.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study of 658 consecutive PAF patients who underwent their first ablation between January 2018 and December 2019. We collected the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of the patients. LAAeV and LAAfV were obtained from a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) before catheter ablation. Patients were followed at regular intervals to monitor for the primary outcome of AF recurrence.ResultsAfter a median follow‐up period of 35.3 months (range, 10.7–36.3), 288 patients (43.8%) experienced AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Patients who experienced AF recurrence had decreased LAAeV and LAAfV (LAAeV: 56.5 ± 21.2 vs. 59.6 ± 20.7 cm/s, p = .052; LAAfV: 47.5 ± 17.9 vs. 51.7 ± 18.2, p = .003). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients in the low LAAeV (<55 cm/s) group had a poorer event‐free survival rate than those in the high LAAeV (≥55 cm/s) group (log‐rank p = .012). Patients with LAAfV <48 cm/s had a significantly higher risk of AF recurrence than those with LAAfV ≥48 cm/s (log‐rank p = .003). In the multivariable model, low LAAfV pre‐ablation in TEE‐guided was significantly independently associated with 3‐year recurrence after single radiofrequency ablation in patients with PAF, along with LA dimension and duration of AF.ConclusionThis study found an independent association between low LAAfV pre‐ablation in TEE‐guided and 3‐year recurrence after single radiofrequency ablation in patients with PAF.
Outcome of cancer patients after atrial fibrillation ablation: Insights from the China‐AF registry
Authors: Peng Xiaodong , He Liu , Liu Nian , Ruan Yanfei , Zhao Xin , Guo Xueyuan , Wang Wei , Li Songnan , Tang Ribo , Sang Caihua , Jiang Chenxi , Yu Ronghui , Long Deyong , Du Xin , Dong Jianzeng , Ma Changsheng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundCancer has become significant comorbidity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, little is known about the efficacy and safety of AF ablation, the first‐line rhythm control strategy, in patients with cancer. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and risk of AF recurrence and safety endpoints in patients with cancer compared to the non‐cancer group after ablation.MethodsFrom August 2011 to December 2020, we consecutively enrolled cancer patients in the China‐AF cohort. We used propensity score matching (1:3) to select the control group and assessed the risk of AF recurrence and adverse events after ablation in cancer patients using a multivariable Fine and Gray competing risk model.ResultsA total of 203 patients with cancer were enrolled and 21 of them were active cancer, with a median follow‐up of 12.3 months. The cumulative incidence of AF recurrence was comparable between patients with and without cancer (43.8% vs. 51.1%; p = .88). No difference in the risk of AF recurrence, thromboembolism, major bleeding, and mortality was observed after adjusting confounders. Active cancer was not associated with an increased risk of AF recurrence compared to the stable disease (SHR = 1.32; 95% CI 0.72–2.43; p = .46). Cancer was associated with a low risk of cardiovascular hospitalization (SHR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.36–0.81; p = .01). Subgroup analysis found that hematological malignancy was associated with a high risk of AF recurrence (SHR, 5.68; 95% CI, 3.00–10.8; p < .001).ConclusionsThis study suggests that catheter ablation could be feasible for rhythm control of AF patients with concomitant cancer.