bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refractive error, accommodation and lens opacification in adults born preterm and full‐term: Results from the Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study (GPES)
Authors: Fieß Achim , Fauer Agnes , Mildenberger Eva , Urschitz Michael S. , Elflein Heike M. , Zepp Fred , Stoffelns Bernhard , Pfeiffer Norbert , Schuster Alexander K. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the long‐term effects of different degrees of prematurity, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and associated perinatal factors on refractive error, accommodation and lens opacification development in adults born preterm aged 18–52 years.MethodsThe Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study (GPES) investigated adults born preterm and full‐term at 18–52 years in Germany to assess refractive error, accommodation amplitude and lens opacification. The participants were grouped into normal gestational age (GA) ≥37 weeks (control group), preterm participants without ROP and GA 33–36 weeks (group 2), GA 29–32 weeks (group 3), GA ≤28 weeks (group 4) and those with ROP without (group 5) or with treatment (group 6). Main outcome measures were refractive error, anisometropia, accommodation amplitude and lens opacification.ResultsIn total, 856 eyes of 433 preterm and full‐term individuals (aged 28.4 +/− 8.6 years, 242 females) were included. A myopic refractive error of >6 diopter was observed in 4% (11/278), 2.7% (7/264), 1.2% (2/174), 5.6% (2/36), 10.5% (8/78) and 26.9% (7/26) of eyes and anisometropia ≥2 diopter in 2.9% (4/139), 2.3% (3/132), 3.5% (3/87), 11.1% (2/18), 9.5% (4/44) and 38.5% (5/13) of participants in the respective groups. Spherical equivalent did not differ between participants without postnatal ROP born moderately, very and extremely preterm compared to the full‐term control group. ROP treatment was associated with lower accommodation and more lens opacifications.ConclusionRetinopathy of prematurity treatment using cryocoagulation and laser coagulation increases refractive error associated with increased lens opacifications and reduced accommodation. Preterm delivery has little effect on absolute refractive error but is associated with anisometropia in adulthood.
Melatonin inhibits EMT and PD‐L1 expression through the ERK1/2/FOSL1 pathway and regulates anti‐tumor immunity in HNSCC
Authors: Luo Xinyue , Chen Yang , Tang Hokeung , Wang Hui , Jiang Erhui , Shao Zhe , Liu Ke , Zhou Xiaocheng , Shang Zhengjun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMelatonin is an endogenous hormone with various biological functions and possesses anti‐tumor properties in multiple malignancies. Immune evasion is one of the most important hallmarks of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and is closely related to tumor progression. However, as an immune modulator under physiological conditions, the roles of melatonin in tumor immunity in HNSCC remains unclear. In this study, we found that the endogenous melatonin levels in patients with HNSCC were lower than those in patients with benign tumors in head and neck. Importantly, lower melatonin levels were related to lymph node metastasis among patients with HNSCC. Moreover, melatonin significantly suppressed programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression and inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HNSCC through the ERK1/2/FOSL1 pathway in vitro and in vivo. In SCC7/C3H syngeneic mouse models, anti‐programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) antibody combined with melatonin significantly inhibited tumor growth and modulated anti‐tumor immunity by increasing CD8+ T cell infiltration and decreasing the regulatory T cell (Treg) proportion in the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, melatonin inhibited EMT and downregulated PD‐L1 expression in HNSCC through the ERK1/2/FOSL1 pathway and exerted synergistic effects with anti‐PD‐1 antibody in vivo, which could provide promising strategies for HNSCC treatment.
Characterization of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia: a multicentre cohort
Authors: Yang Kevin , Pan Catherina X. , Russell-Goldman Eleanor E. , Nambudiri Vinod E. 
Published: March 2022

SummaryIntravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is an uncommon benign malformation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. In this retrospective multicentre study, we aimed to investigate the clinical and pathological features of 261 patients with IPEH. IPEH is classified into three categories; in our study, the proportions were pure (50%), mixed (46%) and extravascular (4%). IPEH frequently stained positive for immunohistochemical markers such as CD31, CD34, smooth muscle actin and erythroblast transformation-specific-related gene. Clinicians' initial impression of the lesion often included ambiguous terms such as ‘soft tissue mass’. There is an opportunity for increased awareness of this lesion and its consideration within a differential diagnosis.
Reforming Canada's dairy supply management scheme and the consequences for international trade
Authors: McLachlan Brennan A. , van Kooten G. Cornelis 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFollowing Carter and Mérel (2016), we explore the export benefits of reforming supply management (SM) in Canada's dairy sector. A trade model with ten regions and five dairy product categories is developed and used to examine the potential benefits of opening international markets to Canadian dairy products. In addition to a baseline, three scenarios are compared—one with SM in place but with Canada able to export freely. Two other scenarios assume SM is eliminated and there is complete free trade, but with high‐ and low‐cost structures. Findings indicate that, in the high‐cost scenario, domestic consumers gain from lower prices as the domestic supply and exports fall compared to the status quo, but producers are less well off. However, under a low domestic cost structure, Canada becomes a major exporter of milk, with both producers and consumers gaining from free trade. This scenario assumes that domestic producers take advantage of economies of scale, enabling them to compete in international markets. Appropriate policies will be required to reform the quota regime, while minimizing the harm done to dairy farmers.
An Analogical Model of Pretense
Authors: Rabkina Irina , Forbus Kenneth D. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe argue that pretense can be viewed as analogical projection: a structural comparison between the pretend scenario and its real‐world counterpart that leads to inferences about the pretend scenario. For example, in pretending to make a phone call with a banana, a number pad might be projected on the banana's surface. We model two empirical studies of early childhood pretense, and show how successful pretense requires making and accepting such inferences, while failed pretense can be traced to failure of such projection. Other models of pretense, both theoretical and computational, and their relationships to our model, are discussed.
A single‐step pad‐steam cationisation and dyeing process for improving dyeing properties of cotton fabrics
Authors: Wang Lei , Xie Guangyuan , Mi Xiang , Kang Xiaohu , Zhu Qiuyu , Yu Zhicheng 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe cationic modification technology for cotton could greatly enhance colour strength and fixation of reactive dyes. However, it is a two‐step method when cationic modification is applied to salt‐free dyeing. Cotton fabric is initially treated with a cationic compound through exhaust or pad‐cure, acid washing and drying process, then the cationic modified cotton is dyed with reactive dye. In this study, a single‐step pad‐steam cationisation and dyeing process was proposed to shorten the process and improve dye fixation. The fixation reaction between reactive dye and cotton fabrics was conducted at the temperature range 100–140°C and relative humidity range 40–90%. The effects of quaternary ammonium salt and inorganic salt as well as alkaline agent on K/S value and dye fixation were also studied. Furthermore, the drying kinetic of the wet cotton fabric was studied in this article. The result showed that the drying process fitted well to the Page model. The effective moisture diffusivity of wet cotton under different steaming conditions were calculated. An activation energy value of 32.25 kJ/mol was determined. Compared with the conventional process, a single‐step pad‐steam cationisation and dyeing process not only shortened the process but also increased K/S value and dye fixation.
Heterozygous loss of Zbtb38 leads to early embryonic lethality via the suppression of Nanog and Sox2 expression
Authors: Nishio Miki , Matsuura Takuya , Hibi Shunya , Ohta Shiomi , Oka Chio , Sasai Noriaki , Ishida Yasumasa , Matsuda Eishou 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesMammalian DNA methyltransferases are essential to re‐establish global DNA methylation patterns during implantation, which is critical for transmitting epigenetic information to the next generation. In contrast, the significance of methyl‐CpG binding proteins (MBPs) that bind methylated CpG remains almost unknown at this stage. We previously demonstrated that Zbtb38 (also known as CIBZ)—a zinc finger type of MBP—is required for mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell proliferation by positively regulating Nanog expression. However, the physiological function of Zbtb38 in vivo remains unclear.Materials and MethodsThis study used the Cre‐loxP system to generate conditional Zbtb38 knockout mice. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were studied by immunofluorescence staining. Quantitative real‐time PCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence were performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms.ResultsGermline loss of the Zbtb38 single allele resulted in decreased epiblast cell proliferation and increased apoptosis shortly after implantation, leading to early embryonic lethality. Heterozygous loss of Zbtb38 reduced the expression of Nanog, Sox2, and the genes responsible for epiblast proliferation, differentiation, and cell viability. Although this early lethal phenotype, Zbtb38 is dispensable for ES cell establishment and identity.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that Zbtb38 is essential for early embryonic development via the suppression of Nanog and Sox2 expression.
Long noncoding RNAs regulated spermatogenesis in varicocele‐induced spermatogenic dysfunction
Authors: Wang Shangren , Kang Jiaqi , Song Yuxuan , Zhang Aiqiao , Pan Yang , Zhang Zhexin , Li Yuezheng , Niu Shuai , Liu Li , Liu Xiaoqiang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the expression, potential functions and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of varicocele (VC)‐induced spermatogenic dysfunction.Materials and MethodsWe established a rat model with left experimental VC and divided rats into the sham group, the VC group, and the surgical treatment group (each group, n = 10). Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and sperm quality were analysed to evaluate spermatogenesis function. LncRNA expression profiles were analysed using lncRNA‐Seq (each group n = 3) and validated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (each group n = 10). Correlation analysis and gene target miRNA prediction were used to construct competing endogenous RNA network. The regulated signalling pathway and spermatogenic dysfunction of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) were validated by Western blot.ResultsHE detection and sperm quality analysis showed that VC could induce spermatogenic dysfunction. Eight lncRNAs were upregulated and three lncRNAs were downregulated in the VC group compared with the sham group and surgical treatment group. The lncRNA of NONRATG002949.2, NONRATG001060.2, NONRATG013271.2, NONRATG022879.2, NONRATG023424.2, NONRATG005667.2 and NONRATG010686.2 were significantly negatively related to sperm quality, while NONRATG027523.1, NONRATG017183.2 and NONRATG023747.2 were positively related to sperm quality. The lncRNAs promote spermatogenic cell apoptosis and inhibit spermatogonia and spermatocyte proliferation and meiotic spermatocytes by regulating the PI3K–Akt signalling pathway.ConclusionDE lncRNAs may be potential biomarkers for predicting the risk of spermatogenic dysfunction in VC and the effect of surgical repair. These DE lncRNAs promote spermatogenic dysfunction by regulating the PI3K–Akt signalling pathway.
Extrusion of pilosebaceous units into blisters of patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America
Authors: Abreu‐Velez Ana Maria , Upegui‐Zapata Yulieth Alexandra , Valencia‐Yepes Carlos Andres , Upegui‐Quiceño Eduardo , Howard Michael S. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundA new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus is present in El Bagre, Colombia, and surrounding municipalities (El Bagre‐EPF) that affects the skin and in some presentations affects other organs with autoantibodies directed against cell junctions.MethodsWe studied 200 El Bagre‐EPF patient perilesional skin biopsies, as well as 200 skin biopsies from normal controls in the endemic area.ResultsWe observed blister extrusions of sebaceous glands or entire pilosebaceous units via the isthmus in 23% of the patients and not in the controls.ConclusionsThe extrusion of hair follicular unit contents is consistent with our previous pathologic findings of autoreactivity to these units, and their observed clinical decrease in patients affected by El Bagre‐EPF.
Long‐term cost‐effectiveness of Dexcom G6 real‐time continuous glucose monitoring system in people with type 1 diabetes in Australia
Authors: Isitt J. J. , Roze S. , Tilden D. , Arora N. , Palmer A. J. , Jones T. , Rentoul D. , Lynch P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionReal‐time continuous glucose monitoring (rt‐CGM) allows patients with diabetes to adjust insulin dosing, potentially improving glucose control. This study aimed to compare the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of the Dexcom G6 rt‐CGM device versus self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) in Australia in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).MethodsLong‐term costs and clinical outcomes were estimated using the CORE Diabetes Model. Clinical input data for the analysis of rt‐CGM versus SMBG and FGM were sourced from the DIAMOND study and a network meta‐analysis, respectively. Rt‐CGM and FGM were associated with quality of life (QoL) benefits due to reduced fear of hypoglycaemia (FoH) and fingerstick testing. Analyses were performed over a lifetime time horizon from an Australian healthcare payer perspective, including direct costs from published data. Future costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at 5% per annum.ResultsRt‐CGM was associated with an increased quality‐adjusted life expectancy of 1.199 quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), increased mean total lifetime costs of AUD 21,596 and an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of AUD 18,020 per QALY gained compared with SMBG.Compared with FGM, rt‐CGM was associated with an increased quality‐adjusted life expectancy of 0.569 QALYs, increased mean total lifetime costs of AUD 11,064 and an ICER of AUD 19,455 per QALY gained. Key drivers of outcomes included HbA1c benefits and QoL benefits associated with reduced FoH and fingerstick testing.ConclusionsDue to improved clinical outcomes and QoL gains rt‐CGM is highly cost‐effective compared with SMBG and FGM in people with T1D in Australia.
Surgical strategy of lumbopelvic instrumentation in the treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis: S2‐alar‐iliac screws vs iliac screws
Authors: Yu Long , Li Litao , Li Dawei , Luo Zhanpeng , Liu Ning , Wu Yunfeng , Bao Da , Cui Xu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of S2‐alar‐iliac (S2AI) and iliac screw (IS) techniques in the lumbopelvic reconstruction of lumbosacral tuberculosis patients. From January 2014 to August 2016, 26 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis attending the 8th Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital were included in this retrospective study. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the lumbopelvic fixation type (16 patients in the S2AI group, 10 patients in the IS group). The operation time, blood loss, length of hospitalisation, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), ambulatory status, and 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) scores of the patients in two groups were recorded and compared. In addition, surgical complications were collected and analysed. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly lower in the S2AI group than that in the IS group (P < .05). Compared with preoperative data, postoperative data showed significant improvement in ESR, CRP level, ODI scores, VAS scores, ambulatory status, and SF‐36 (P < .05), but there was no significant difference in remission degree between the two groups. Compared with IS group, The S2AI group had significantly lower rates of symptomatic screw prominence (P < .05). Both the IS and S2AI fixation techniques can achieve satisfactory outcomes for the restoration of lumbosacral stability of lumbosacral tuberculosis. Furthermore, compared to the traditional IS fixation technique, the S2AI fixation technique can shorten operation time and reduce surgical trauma for the treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis.
Evaluation of the association between admission systolic blood pressure and the choice of initial antiplatelet therapy for minor ischemic stroke in real‐world
Authors: Liu Tingting , Wang Yongle , Niu Xiaoyuan , Li Yanan , Zhang Kaili , Fan Haimei , Ren Jing , Li Juan , Ma Liansheng , Li Xinyi , Wu Xuemei 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTo evaluate whether admission systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with the choice of initial antiplatelet therapy for minor stroke. Eligible patients retrospectively gathered from 2010 to 2018. Finally, 1312 of 1494 patients were divided into three groups: aspirin monotherapy (AM, n = 538, 41.0%), dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and load‐clopidogrel (clopidogrel loading dose of 300 mg on the first day, DAPT‐ALC, n = 474, 35.6%), and dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and unload‐clopidogrel (clopidogrel 75 mg daily with no loading dose, DAPT‐AUC, n = 300, 22.9%). The mean ± SD age of final patients was 62.0 ± 12.7 years old; 903 (70.9%) participants were male. Patients in the DAPT‐ALC group were more likely to be younger, to arrive earlier, and to have a lower proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage than those in the AM group. DAPT‐AUC group patients were more like to have a history of acute myocardial infarction and less likely to have a history of ICH than the AM group (4.7% vs. 1.7% and .3% vs. 2.6%, p < .05). Overall, there was a likely “S‐shaped” association between the selection of the DAPT‐ALC or DAPT‐AUC scheme and admission systolic blood pressure (P for nonlinearity = .012). Compared with the SBP < 140 mmHg group, the SBP ≥ 180 mmHg group was more likely to be given DAPT‐AUC (OR = 2.92 [1.62–5.26], p < .001) than DAPT‐ALC. Our findings support that admission SBP is associated with the choice of initial antiplatelet, especially when the SBP was greater than or equal to 180 mmHg.
Impact of fixed‐dose combination Cal/BD foam on the work productivity of patients with psoriasis: results from the 52‐week randomized, double‐blind, PSO‐LONG trial
Authors: Guenther L. , Takhar A. , Megna M. , Sebastian M. , Nyholm N. , Thoning H. , Levin L.‐Å. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis contributes to unemployment, work impairment, missed workdays and substantial indirect costs due to lost productivity. Combination Cal/BD foam is the only topical that is approved for long‐term maintenance treatment of plaque psoriasis for 52 weeks. This is the first known investigation of the effect of topical psoriasis therapy on productivity.ObjectiveTo examine the change in work productivity and activity impairment after 4 weeks of treatment with fixed‐dose combination calcipotriol 50 µg/g/betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g (Cal/BD) foam and observe long‐term changes after 52 weeks of long‐term management (proactive or reactive treatment).MethodsThis is a post‐hoc analysis of the PSO‐LONG trial – a phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled, parallel group, international multi‐centre trial of treatment with combination Cal/BD foam. Work and activity impairment due to psoriasis were assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Psoriasis (WPAI:PSO) questionnaire at baseline, week 4, week 28 and week 56. The improvement in hours of work productivity was translated into monthly and annual indirect cost savings estimates for patients in Italy, Sweden, United Kingdom, Canada and Germany.ResultsUsing fixed‐dose combination Cal/BD foam for four weeks significantly reduced psoriasis‐related work presenteeism, total work productivity impairment (TWPI) and total activity impairment (TAI) over 56 weeks, with significant improvements observed as early as 4 weeks after the baseline visit. The proportion of patients reporting impact on work productivity (as measured by presenteeism and TWPI) and activity impairment (as measured by both DLQI‐Q7b and TAI) also decreased.ConclusionFixed‐dose combination Cal/BD foam used for long‐term management of psoriasis significantly reduces psoriasis‐related work productivity and activity impairment which may result in substantial indirect cost savings.Clinical Trial Registration NCT02899962, EudraCT number: 2016‐000556‐95
The Regional‐Supremacy Trap: Disorder in the Middle East
Authors: Mousavi Shafaee Seyed Masoud , Golmohammadi Vali 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis article analyzes the logic of recent instability and disorder in the Middle East. It offers two interrelated arguments. First, the region has turned into a battle zone in the aftermath of US retrenchment. The United States and other external powers refrained from direct engagement in shaping Middle Eastern order and, therefore, aspirant regional powers were prompted to redesign that order. Second, what makes instability and disorder a geopolitical feature of the Middle East is the “regional‐supremacy trap,” the seduction of a power vacuum and a desire for regional hegemony, a trap that draws all influential actors into a series of endless and cumulative conflicts. According to our findings, there is a meaningful relationship between the instability and the regional power struggle for supremacy in the post‐American Middle East. As there is no sign of cooperative mechanisms for shaping the regional order by the major Middle Eastern actors, the syndrome of disorder will continue for the foreseeable future.