bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How habitat heterogeneity shapes bacterial and protistan communities in temperate coastal areas near estuaries
Authors: Zhao Zelong , Li Hongjun , Sun Yi , Shao Kuishuang , Wang Xiaocheng , Ma Xindong , Hu Anyi , Zhang Haikun , Fan Jinfeng 
Published: January 2022

SummaryIn this study, we investigated microbial communities (bacteria and protist) in two coastal areas near the estuaries of the Liaohe (LH) River and Yalujiang (YLJ) River in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. Due to the existence of Liaodong Peninsula and different levels of urbanization, geographical segregation and significant environmental heterogeneity were observed between these two areas. There were significantly different regional species pools and biogeographic patterns for both bacterial and protistan communities between LH and YLJ coastal areas. Species turnover was the main mechanism driving β‐diversity patterns of both bacterial and protistan communities in each area. In addition, the contributed ratio of nestedness to the β‐diversity patterns was significantly higher for protists compared to bacteria. Variation in regional species pools was found to be the dominant driver of differences of bacterial and protistan communities between the LH and YLJ coastal areas. For a single‐studied area, local community assembly mechanisms, including heterogeneous selection and dispersal limitation, were found to shape the bacterial and protistan communities through calculation of the β‐deviation index. Among them, the relative importance of heterogeneous selection and dispersal limitation on the community assembly varied according to microorganism type and habitat.
Suffragettes and Shrews: Unruly British Women in the Early Chinese Press (1900s–1910s)
Authors: Yang Shu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis article examines the image of the British suffragettes in the early Chinese press up to the 1910s. By widely surveying newspapers and magazines, it shows that the common adoption of the shrew trope in depicting the suffragettes went beyond a reductive translational interaction between the West and the East. People's Stand, The Eastern Miscellany and other periodical publications present different ways in which diction, images, literary legacy, gender tradition and cultural demands all came into play in reconfiguring the Chinese shrew and her connections to the Western suffragettes. The shrew–suffragette linkage debunks notions of selling strategies and editorial ambivalence underlying the gesture of the press. Yet it was precisely this ambiguity that rendered the shrew image so polysemic and fruitful, eventually allowing this traditional character type to be positively associated with the new woman models in Chinese progressive discourses.
B7 immune checkpoint family members as putative therapeutics in autoimmune disease: An updated overview
Authors: Dolatkhah Katayoun , Alizadeh Nazila , Mohajjel‐Shoja Hanieh , Abdoli Shadbad Mahdi , Hajiasgharzadeh Khalil , Aghebati‐Maleki Leili , Baghbanzadeh Amir , Hosseinkhani Negar , Karim Ahangar Noora , Baradaran Behzad 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAutoimmune diseases, especially among young people in the US, are one of the leading causes of morbidity and death. The immune responses are the fundamental pathogenicity of autoimmune disorders. The equilibrium between stimulatory and inhibitory signals is critical for the stimulation, migration, survival, and T cell‐related immune responses. The B7 family can substantially regulate T cell‐mediated immune responses. Nevertheless, recent breakthroughs in immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy have facilitated autoimmune diseases, especially among the prone populations. In the current study, we tried to concisely review the role of the B7 family in regulating immune reactions and the influence of immune checkpoint inhibitors on autoimmunity development.
The association of free testosterone levels with coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Apaydin Tugce , Sahin Bahadır , Dashdamirova Saida , Dincer Yazan Ceyda , Elbasan Onur , Ilgin Can , Bilgin Hüseyin , Cam Haydar Kamil , Bahramzada Gunel , Kucuk Aleyna , Haklar Goncagul , Iliksu Gozu Hulya 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundAngiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 are critical factors of virus transmission. Expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 is highest in testes, and testicular function and testosterone levels were affected by coronavirus disease 2019. Low testosterone levels are related to infections, especially respiratory tract infections, and could worsen clinical conditions by exacerbating cytokine storms and increasing pro‐inflammatory cytokines.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on gonadal functions. Our second aim was to detect the relationship between free testosterone levels and disease prognosis and determine the impact of low‐free testosterone on admission to the intensive care unit.MethodsEighty‐one patients with reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction‐confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 were enrolled. Twenty‐nine patients were assessed again for 6 months post‐coronavirus disease 2019 follow‐up, and seven of them had a semen analysis. Serum follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, sex hormone‐binding globulin, and total testosterone levels were measured.ResultsIn this observational study, 71.6% (n = 58) of patients had low free testosterone levels at baseline, in which 69% were considered secondary hypogonadism. A longer length of hospitalization and increased inflammatory markers (d‐dimer, high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein, and procalcitonin) were detected in the low‐free testosterone group. Follicle‐stimulating hormone, total, free, and bioavailable testosterone levels were lower in patients who required admission to the intensive care unit. Free testosterone levels were inversely correlated with the length of hospitalization and prognostic disease factors. Oligozoospermia and impaired progressive motility were present in 42.8% (3/7) of the patients. In 6 months post‐coronavirus disease 2019 follow‐up, out of 29 patients, 48.2% still had low testosterone levels.ConclusionA high rate of hypogonadism (71.6%) was found, especially secondary hypogonadism, and about half of the patients had hypogonadism in the sixth months' follow‐up. Low free testosterone levels were correlated with inflammatory parameters, and it is related to the intensive care unit admission. Studies with long‐term follow‐up data in larger groups are needed to determine persistent hypogonadism and impaired spermatogenesis.
A new oral testosterone (TLANDO) treatment regimen without dose titration requirement for male hypogonadism
Authors: DelConte Anthony , Papangkorn Kongnara , Kim Kilyoung , Bruno Benjamin J. , Chidambaram Nachiappan , Khera Mohit , Goldstein Irwin , Kohler Tobias S. , Miner Martin , Dobs Adrian S. , Patel Mahesh V. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundMale hypogonadism (testosterone level < 300 ng/dl) is a clinical syndrome that results from failure of the testis to produce physiological levels of testosterone. Most marketed testosterone replacement therapy products often require multiple dose adjustment clinic visits to achieve the desired, eugonadal testosterone levels.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel oral testosterone undecanoate therapy for the treatment of hypogonadism.Material and methodsNinety‐five (N = 95) hypogonadal men were enrolled in this open‐label, single‐arm, multicenter study in the United States (NCT03242590). Subjects received 225 mg of oral testosterone undecanoate (TLANDO) twice a day for 24 days without dose adjustment. Primary efficacy was percentages of subjects who achieved mean 24‐h testosterone levels within the eugonadal range and secondary efficacies were evaluated based on the upper limit of lab normal range of testosterone concentration.ResultsSubjects enrolled were on average age of 56 years, with about 17% of subjects older than 65 years. The mean body mass index was 32.8 kg/m2. The baseline mean total testosterone values were below the normal range (202 ± 74 ng/dl). Post‐treatment with 450 mg testosterone undecanoate daily dose without dose adjustment, 80% of subjects (95% confidence interval of 72%–88%) achieved a testosterone Cavg in the normal range and restored testosterone levels to mean testosterone Cavg of 476 ± 184 ng/dl at steady state. Testosterone restoration was comparable to other approved testosterone replacement therapy products. TLANDO was well tolerated with no deaths, no drug‐related serious adverse events, and no hepatic adverse events.Discussion and conclusionsTLANDO restored testosterone levels to the normal range in the majority of hypogonadal males. This new oral testosterone replacement therapy can provide an option for no‐titration oral testosterone replacement therapy. This therapy has the potential to improve patient compliance in testosterone replacement therapy.
Failed fundoplication with delayed gastric emptying: efficacy of subtotal gastrectomy
Authors: Robertson Jason P , Van der Wall Hans , Falk Gregory L 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe management of patients with gastroparesis and recurrent reflux after previous fundoplication is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of subtotal gastrectomy with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction as a remedial procedure in this select patient population.MethodRetrospective analysis of a prospectively populated database identified all patients that underwent subtotal gastrectomy with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction (SGRNY) due to reflux symptoms and delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Demographic, intra‐operative and post‐operative data including pre and post‐operative modified reflux aspiration scintigraphy studies were evaluated. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess symptomatic outcomes.ResultsFrom 2018 SGRNY has been selectively performed in 13 patients. Preoperative workup confirmed DGE and severe symptomatic reflux in all patients. The median number of previous fundoplication and or hiatal hernia operations was two (range 1–3). The mean hospital length of stay was 10 ± 6 days. Post‐operative morbidity was experienced in three patients (23%). Seven patients (64%) had significant improvement or complete resolution of reflux on post‐operative scintigraphy. Symptom improvement was reported in 92% of patients.ConclusionIn a select patient cohort with post‐fundoplication reflux and DGE symptoms, SGRNY is a moderately safe and effective salvage option.
Drain fluid amylase as a biomarker for the detection of anastomotic leakage after rectal resection without a diverting ileostomy
Authors: Clark David A. , Edmundson Aleksandra , Steffens Daniel , Harris Craig , Stevenson Andrew , Solomon Michael 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundAnastomotic leak (AL) is the anathema of colorectal surgery. Early diagnosis is an essential segue to early intervention. A temporary diverting ileostomy (TDI) does not prevent an AL and presents inherent complications of its own. Numerous drain fluid biomarkers (BM) have been studied in colorectal surgery and extravasated intraluminal substances (EILS) such as amylase have shown promise. The aim of this study was to assess drain fluid amylase (DFA) as a BM of AL after minimally invasive rectal resection without a TDI.MethodsA single centre prospective cohort study performed from 2018 to 2021. The primary outcome was DFA measured daily whilst the drain was in situ. Rectal tube amylase was also measured for the first two post‐operative days to quantitate the intra‐luminal levels of the enzyme. DFA was compared between patients who experienced AL and those who did not.ResultsOf the 62 patients studied, six (9.7%) experienced AL. There was a statistically significant difference in DFA between patients who experienced AL (Median:1373.5 U/L; IQR: 306–7953) and patients who did not experience an AL (Median: 27.0 U/L; IQR: 16–38); p < 0.0001.ConclusionsThe measurement of drain fluid amylase is a highly sensitive BM of early clinical anastomotic leak in patients undergoing a rectal resection with an extraperitoneal anastomosis and when a TDI is not incorporated. This simple, inexpensive and non‐invasive test should be considered in all patients as an adjunct to the clinical diagnosis and differentiation of AL from other postoperative complications.
Sestrin2 ablation attenuates the exercise‐induced browning of white adipose tissue in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Wang Lu , Liu Xinmeng , Liu Sujuan , Niu Yanmei , Fu Li 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimWith exercise, white adipose tissues (WAT) are readily convertible to a “brown‐like” state, altering from lipid‐storing to energy‐catabolizing function, which counteracts obesity and increases insulin sensitivity. Sestrin2 (SESN2) is a stress‐inducible protein that can regulate the cold‐induced increase of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), which is paramount for the thermogenic capacity of brown‐like WAT. This study aimed to elucidate the necessity of SESN2 in mediating exercise‐induced browning of WAT.MethodsWe used 8‐week, male wild‐type and SESN2 knockout C57BL/6J mice to explore the potential role of SESN2 in the exercise‐induced WAT browning process. Over a 3‐week intervention (sedentary versus treadmill exercise, normal chow versus 60% high‐fat diet), we examined the exercise‐induced alterations of the browning phenotype in different depots of white fat. In vitro, 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes and primary adipocytes were used to determine the potential mechanism.ResultsOur data revealed that SESN2 was required for the exercise‐induced subcutaneous WAT (scWAT) browning. This may be mediated by higher fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) contents in scWAT locally, rather than skeletal muscle FNDC5 expression and circulating serum irisin levels. SESN2 ablation significantly impaired the exercise‐improved glucose metabolism, where browning of scWAT may serve as an essential pathway. Moreover, SESN2 ablation significantly attenuated the exercise‐promoted respiratory exchange ratio and indexes of energy metabolism (oxygen uptake and energy expenditure).ConclusionTaken together, our results provided evidence that SESN2 is a key integrating factor in driving the diverse metabolic benefits conferred by aerobic exercise.
Demographic, parental and home environment correlates of traditional and mobile screen time in preschool‐aged children
Authors: Rai Jasmine , Kuzik Nicholas , Carson Valerie 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesResearch on the correlates of screen time in young children, that could be targeted in future interventions to improve healthy development, has primarily focused on TV viewing with little consideration of mobile devices. The objectives of this study were to examine the associations between a range of demographic, parental, and home environment correlates and preschool‐aged children's TV/video viewing, video/computer game playing, and total screen time across traditional and mobile devices.MethodsThe results of this cross‐sectional study are based on 106 preschool‐aged children (3–5 years) and their parents recruited in 2018 in Edmonton, Alberta. Children's and parental demographic information, home characteristics, and information about parental and children's screen time use was measured using a parent questionnaire. Simple and multiple linear regression models were conducted.ResultsEach additional hour/day of parental screen time was associated with 12 (95%CI = 5.2, 19.8) minutes/day of children's TV/video, 6 (95%CI = 1.5, 11.0), minutes/day of video/computer game playing, and 19 (95%CI = 8.9, 29.2) minutes/day of total screen time. Additionally, significant associations of technology interference and presence of electronics in the bedroom with children's screen time were attenuated in the multiple regression models.ConclusionsParental screen time appears important to target in future family‐based screen time interventions and initiatives. Future studies should explore potential mediating or moderating variables between parental screen time and children's screen time.
Descriptive analysis of 179 German reports of melanoma reported to an adverse drug reaction database as a drug-related adverse effect, and comparison with melanoma cases contained in German cancer registries
Authors: Sachs Bernhardt , Dubrall Diana , Kraywinkel Klaus , Schulz Maike , Schmid Matthias , Bate Jens , Fischer-Barth Wilma 
Published: January 2022

SummaryBackgroundMalignant melanoma (MM) is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer. The occurrence of MM associated with drug therapy has been described in the literature. However, there is no analysis of a substantial number of validated reports of drug-associated MM.AimTo analyse a substantial number of validated spontaneous reports of drug-associated MM with regard to the suspected drug and the reported characteristics, and to compare these analyses with those of MM cases occurring in the general population in Germany.MethodsSpontaneous reports of MM associated with drug therapy in Germany were identified in a large adverse drug reaction database (EudraVigilance). These results were then compared with analyses of MMs in the pooled data from a population-based German cancer registry.ResultsThe 10 most frequently suspected drugs in the MM reports all target the immune system, with 7 of these being immunosuppressants. The median time to onset to MM diagnosis was 2.0 years. Patients with drug-associated MM were 11 years (median) younger than patients with MM in the cancer registry, and this age difference was greater for female than for male patients.ConclusionsOur results emphasize the importance of regular dermatological examinations of patients being treated with immunosuppressants. Physicians should be aware that in these patients, MM might be detected at younger ages and even within 2 years after initiating therapy.
Clinical assessment of blood pressure in 60 girls with Turner syndrome compared to 1888 healthy Danish girls
Authors: Kjaer Anna Sophie L. , Petersen Jørgen H. , Cleemann Wang Amanda , Juul Klaus , Schmidt Ida M. , Main Katharina M. , Juul Anders , Jensen Rikke Beck 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveHypertension contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with Turner syndrome (TS). Our objective was to evaluate blood pressure (BP) in girls with TS followed longitudinally through childhood and adolescence compared to a newly established BP reference material.DesignCohort study with data collected from 1991 to 2019 consisting of a population‐based reference cohort and a group of girls with TS followed at a single tertiary centre.Patients/ParticipantsReference population of 1888 healthy girls with 4890 BP recordings and 60 girls with TS with 365 BP recordings.MeasurementsDifference in diastolic BP (DBP) and systolic BP (SBP), expressed in standard deviation scores (SDS), between girls with TS and the reference population, unadjusted and adjusted for BMI. Difference in BP (SDS) between TS subgroups (karyotype, oestrogen treatment, cardiac diagnosis).ResultsThe girls with TS had significantly higher DBP (mean ± SD, 0.72 SDS ± 0.95; p < .001) and SBP (0.53 SDS ± 1.11; p = .001) than the reference population. Adjusted for BMI, girls with TS had significantly higher DBP (mean ± SE, 0.71 SDS ± 0.12; p < .001) but not SBP (0.17 SDS ± 0.16; p = .29). There was no significant difference in DBP (median, IQR: 0.97 SDS, 0.30–1.58 vs. 0.76 SDS, 0.10–1.20; p = .31) or SBP (0.51 SDS, 0.15–1.30 vs. 0.57 SDS, −0.30 to 1.05; p = .67) between individuals with or without a cardiac diagnosis. In the TS population, 55% (31/56) had at least one BP recording above the hypertension threshold.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that standardised longitudinal routine monitoring of BP in girls with TS already in childhood is of utmost importance.
Extra‐nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma: A rare case with a rarer presentation
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Jain Garima , Gupta Anshul , Pramanik Raja , Chopra Anita 
Published: January 2022

AbstractExtra‐nodal (NK/T) cell lymphoma (NKTCL) of nasal type (ENKL) presents with extranodal involvement and is associated with EBV. They are localized primarily to nasal and upper airway region but can rarely involve skin, testis, intestine, muscle, or present as a disseminated disease. We present a case of a 65‐year‐old male presented with bilateral orbital swelling, right parotid swelling, fever, mediastinal nodes, pleural effusion and hepatomegaly. Cytology of pleural fluid showed monomorphic lymphoid cells with folded nuclei, vesicular chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli and granular cytoplasm. Few histiocytes showing hemophagocytosis were also noted in a background of inflammatory cells. Flow cytometric immunophenotyping of pleural fluid showed abnormal lymphoid cells which were positive for CD45, CD2 and CD56. Histopathological examination of the right eye swelling showed many atypical lymphoid cells which were positive for CD56 and negative for B and T cell markers. Based on morphological and immunophenotypic features a diagnosis of NKTCL, extra‐nasal type was suggested. Patient succumbed to the disease despite aggressive therapy.
Are boards ‘substitute’ or ‘complement’ dividend payout? Econometric evidence for Indian banks
Authors: Bhatia Madhur , Gulati Rachita 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study econometrically tests the ‘substitution’ versus ‘outcome’ hypotheses by examining the impact of board governance on the dividend payout policy in the Indian banking industry. The analysis is confined to the period from 2005 to 2018. The results reveal a significant positive influence of overall board quality on the magnitude of payouts, supporting the ‘outcome hypothesis’. At the disaggregated level, independent directors, female directors, chief executive officer duality, and board meetings significantly influence the dividend policy of Indian banks. Our further investigation of the board‐dividend nexus at the ownership level shows that this complement relation is only visible in private banks (PBs). While the ‘substitution hypothesis’ holds in public sector banks (PSBs). The results suggest that good governed PBs use dividends as a complementary measure of monitoring mechanism. In contrast, governed boards of PSBs take conservative financial decisions and declare a low dividend. The findings are robust at disaggregate level, corroborating our main findings and additional analyses, including propensity score matching depicting that our conclusions are not beset by endogeneity or selection bias.