bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P-466 Decellularization of whole organ human cervix: Physio and biochemical aspects of decellularized extracellular matrix
Authors: Pal Chaudhuri P , Ojha A.K , Rajasekaran R , Sharma S , Dhara S , Chaudhury K , Chakravarty B
Published: June 2022

Study question

Can the whole organ-cervix be decellularized while maintaining its fiber ultrastructure and extracellular matrix (ECM) functionality?

Summary answer

Cervix after decellularization could maintain the physical properties, ECM was found to be intact and functional.

What is known already

ECM-rich bioscaffolds are obtained from the process that utilizes the decellularization of tissues and organs. Cervical bioengineering is needed for clinical cervicovaginal reconstruction and tissue constructs can help women with cervical abnormalities.

Study design, size, duration

Human cervices were obtained from hysterectomized samples from 3 women undergoing surgery for complete hysterectomy during January 2021 to December 2021

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Human cervices were obtained from hysterectomized samples from 3 women undergoing surgery and were subjected to whole organ decellularization. Various physical, chemical methods were employed to remove cellular remnants for a period of 10 days via perfusion of ionic and detergent solutions. Validation of complete decellularization was done via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, DNA quantification. ECM functionality was observed.

Main results and the role of chance

Well-organized ECM was obtained. Effective complete decellularization was dictated and verified by cervical tissue density, histopathological studies, DNA quantification and biochemical tests. H&E staining reflected the absence of any nuclear material in the endocervical and ectocervical tissues. Tissue microarchitecture and descending uterine artery were intact and could be helpful in the nutrient and gas exchange. DNA was found to be around 70 ng/mg tissue weight. Cell-free tissue-derived scaffolds were obtained along with a combination of growth factors and proteins.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Acellular cervical scaffold as a whole organ with vasculature intact for site-specific transplantation is a bigger question and still unaddressed.

Wider implications of the findings

Our study creates numerous prospects for in-vitro and in-vivo whole cervix tissue engineering. Site-specific tissue holds a promising avenue for the reconstruction of cervical abnormalities.

Trial registration number

Not applicable
P-548 IMPORTANCE OF EXPANDED CARRIER SCREENING AMONG OOCYTE DONORS - questions and concerns
Authors: Dorofeyeva U , Sharhorodska Y , Kozyra O , Aydin B , Karimova H , Mokra K , Strelko G
Published: June 2022

Study question

To examine the utility of a range of expanded screening panels for oocyte donors.

Summary answer

Expanded carrier screening with NGS data identified that 86% of gamete donors were carriers of at least one condition while 302 genes were tested.

What is known already

The level of genetic testing for oocyte donors is not regulated in most countries. The use of expanded carrier screening is recommended more widely. If the egg donor is a carrier, there is a 50% chance that the offspring will also be carriers. Expanded carrier screening is performed to determine the potential effects of positive carrier status, which guarantees safety for future pregnancy. From practical experience, more genes are tested for a donor, more potential mutations are detected.

Study design, size, duration

A cohort of 92 potential oocyte donor applicants aged 18-30 years old, who were qualified for oocyte donation after full screening, tested negative on an initial cystic fibrosis carrier test for 11 most common CFTR mutations (PCR panel), was further screened with expanded commercial carrier testing panel (302 genes) using next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A cohort of 92 potential oocyte donor applicants aged 18-30 years old, who tested negative on an initial cystic fibrosis carrier test for 11 most common CFTR mutations (PCR panel), was further screened with expanded commercial carrier testing panel (302 genes) using next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.

Main results and the role of chance

Genotyping results for all donors were analyzed; 38% (35/92) of donors were identified as carriers for one condition, 34% (31/92)- for two conditions, 7% (6/92)- for three conditions and 7% (6/92)- for four conditions, including cystic fibrosis. Among the most prevalent conditions in our study were: Hemochromatosis: Type 1: HFE Related- 22%, Cystic Fibrosis: CFTR-related conditions 11%, Biotinidase deficiency– 7,6%, 21-Hydroxilase-Deficient Congenital Nonclassical Adrenal Hyperplasia- 6,5%, Krabbe disease – 6,5%, Usher syndrome: USH2A-related conditions – 6,5%, Nonsyndromic deafness: GJB2- related conditions- 5,4% and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (5,4%).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Each donor was consented for genetic testing

Wider implications of the findings

This study shows a need to provide the explicit requirement for oocyte donor genetic testing and guidelines to satisfy quality and safety and not reduce the number of donors carries of mutations, but to implement a practice of genetic matching.

Trial registration number

not applicable
P-584 Dual trigger with hCG plus GnRHa for final oocyte maturation in PGT-A cycles results in similar euploidy rates when compared to hCG only trigger
Authors: Demirel L.C , Goksever Celik H , Tulek F , Uzun K , Bastu E
Published: June 2022

Study question

To assess whether dual trigger alters the ploidy chance of a blastocyst in preimplantation genetic screening for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles

Summary answer

Compared to hCG triggerring, dual triggerring does not provide an additional superiority on blastocyst euploidy rate.

What is known already

Variables that may affect euploidy rates in various stages of an IVF cycle such as total gonadotropin dosage, stimulation regimen, ovarian response and switching to natural cycle were not shown to affect blastocyst euploidy rates. Furthermore, there is no difference when final oocyte maturation is triggered with hCG or GnRHa. On the other hand, it has been shown that dual trigger with hCG plus GnRHa may result in a higher maturation rate in oocytes, compared to hCG only trigger. There are controversial data in the literature about the effect of dual trigger on euploidy rates.

Study design, size, duration

This is a retrospective cohort study of 385 PGT-A cycles performed over a 7-year time period between May 2012 and April 2019 at a single tertiary center for various indications.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

All couples undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with planned PGT-A were included in the study, regardless of whether an embryo transfer was performed or not. Final oocyte maturation was triggerred using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or the combination of hCG and gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) (Dual trigger). Participants were divided based on triggering method and all demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were compared.

Main results and the role of chance

Final oocyte maturation was triggered in 143 cycles with hCG (37.1 %), and in 242 cycles with dual trigger (62.9 %). The duration of stimulation was shorter in dual trigger arm compared to hCG trigger group (10.0 ± 1.6 vs. 9.4 ± 1.4 days, p = <.001). Euploidy rates per blastocyst tested were 23.4 %, and 26.1 % respectively for hCG and dual trigger groups with no significant difference. When the patients were stratified according to age, euploidy rate was higher in the dual trigger group in all age groups with no significance. There was no significant difference between hCG and dual trigger groups, regarding positive pregnancy result and ongoing pregnancy rates (p = .779 vs. p = .188).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Retrospective design and small sample size could be accepted as the limitations.

Wider implications of the findings

Our study is the first study in literature exploring the ploidy status of embryos following dual trigger with hCG + GnRHa for final oocyte maturation in PGT-A cycles and, comparing it with hCG only trigger. Dual triggerring of final oocyte maturation results in similar euploidy rates in blastocysts tested.

Trial registration number

2020/004
P-685 Optimal aspiration pressure level of suction pump for oocyte retrieval in IVF-ET
Authors: Kim T , Kang M.J , Han S.J , Kim S.W , Kim H , Ku S.Y , Suh C.S
Published: June 2022

Study question

What is the appropriate suction pump pressure for oocyte retrieval in terms of oocytes and embryos quality?

Summary answer

The aspiration pressure of 150mmHg had a significantly higher number of oocytes retrieved compared with 120mmHg, but the oocyte quality and embryo quality were comparable.

What is known already

There is no conclusion on the optimal aspiration pressure level for oocyte retrieval in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), and a variety of pressures between 100 and 200 mmHg are used, often based on manufacturer’s instructions.

Study design, size, duration

A retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 211 COS cycles from September 2019 to December 2021 in a single tertiary center. The analysis was performed on patients who underwent COS for the purpose of infertility treatment.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

110 cycles were included in the 120 mmHg pressure group and 101 cycles were included in the 150 mmHg pressure group. Age, AMH, antral follicle count (AFC), the proportion of ICSI, the number of retrieved oocytes, the number of MII oocytes, MII rate, degeneration rate on day 1, and the number of embryos on day 3 were compared between the two groups. Variables such as Age, AMH, and AFC were corrected using analysis of variance.

Main results and the role of chance

The number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher in the 150 mmHg group compared to the 120 mmHg group (10.3 vs. 8.4, p = 0.016). Neither the number of MII oocytes nor the MII rate was significantly different between the two groups (6.1 vs. 5.5, p = 0.509 and 67.2% vs. 73.4%, p = 0.437 respectively). The degeneration rate on day 1 and the number of embryos on day 3 were also not significantly different between the two groups (6.2% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.282 and 5.7% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.109 respectively).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Since this study analyzed the appropriate pump pressure for oocyte retrieval in infertile patients, caution is needed in extending the study results to patients undergoing oocyte retrieval for the purpose of fertility preservation.

Wider implications of the findings

The results of this study revealed that oocyte collection could be efficiently performed without damaging the oocytes even with a higher aspiration pressure of 150 mmHg.

Trial registration number

Not applicable
P-697 The association between serum prolactin levels and outcomes of in vitro fertilization
Authors: Iancu M , Albu A , Albu D
Published: June 2022

Study question

Is there an association between serum prolactin levels and outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in infertile women?

Summary answer

Serum prolactin levels are negatively associated with the proportion of good quality embryos from the total number of embryos obtained at IVF

What is known already

It is widely known that hyperprolactinemia is a powerful inhibitor of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis leading to anovulation. However, few studies have tried to establish the impact of slightly higher PRL levels on the outcomes of in-vitro fertilization. Although some researchers have stipulated that PRL may play a positive role in oogenesis, embryo development and luteal function, due to the scarcity of data, this matter is considered an ongoing debate.

Study design, size, duration

We performed a retrospective study in the Department of Reproductive Medicine of a private hospital. The medical records of all consecutive patients who underwent IVF between January 2014 and December 2021 with all causes of infertility were reviewed.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Patients with various causes of infertility undergoing IVF-ICSI were included in the study. Outcomes such as numbers of oocytes obtained, numbers of embryos were assessed and the proportion of good quality embryos from the total number of embryos (GQE/TNE) obtained was calculated. The study group included 544 patients with a mean age of 34.4±4.46 years, mean AMH of 3.99 1.34 ng/mL and mean serum prolactin levels of 25.07±23.7 ng/ml.

Main results and the role of chance

we found no association between serum prolactin levels and oocytes or embryos number. Serum level of prolactin was negatively correlated with the proportion of GQE/TNE (r = 0.101, p = 0.042). When patients were divided in subgroups according to ovarian reserve, the patients in the fourth quartile of prolactin had a lower proportion of GQE/TNE (p = 0.041) in comparison with those from the inferior quartiles only in the reduced ovarian reserve group (serum AMH below 1.1 ng/ml).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Patients included in this study are infertile patients with indications for IVF treatment. Therefore, the results of this study should be used with caution in other populations.

Wider implications of the findings

Our study suggest that serum prolactin levels might be negatively associated with in-vitro fertilization outcomes. If confirmed by further studies, treatment could be given to lower prolactin levels, even if mildly elevated, thus assuring more successful outcomes.

Trial registration number

NA
P-766 Birth outcomes in Anti-centromere antibody (ACA) -positive patients treated with ART
Authors: Kida Y , Tokoro M , Kitasaka H , Yoshimura T , Fukunaga N , Asada Y
Published: June 2022

Study question

Does the presence of the ACA have any effect on pregnancy and birth?

Summary answer

Presence of ACA did not have an impact on pregnancy and birth parameters measured.

What is known already

We have previously shown that patients with high levels of anti-centromere antibody (ACA), one of the anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), frequently have dispersion of chromosomes in the cytoplasm. Additionally, we reported that it was characterized by a low oocyte maturation rate as observed at ovum pick up, high multiple pronuclear formation after fertilization and a low pregnancy rate after embryo transfer. Thus, the effect of ACA on fertility is clear, but the impact following pregnancy establishment has not yet been reported. Therefore, we followed up on birth outcomes in ACA-positive patients treated with ART.

Study design, size, duration

3379 patients who underwent ANA testing followed by embryo transfer between January 2014 and February 2020 and who gave birth including the results of single births with no abnormal or missing values for week and birth weight were analyzed. The subjects were classified into three groups: ANA-negative (without ACA or any other ANA), ACA-positive (with only ACA) and ANA-positive (with ANA but not ACA).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

We compared mean birth weight (full term), low weight birth infant (less than 2,500g) rate, sex ratio, congenital anomaly rate, preterm birth rate, cesarean section rate, and mean apgar score (AP) in the three groups. We treated “don't know” and “blank” for items other than week and birth weight as non-responses and missing values.

Main results and the role of chance

Of the 3379 cases for analysis, the group numbers were ANA-: 2465, ACA+: 21, ANA+: 893. The mean birth weights were 3099.6g, 3055.3g and 3088.5g respectively. In the 3 groups the rate of low birth weight infants were 8.7% (215/2465), 9.5% (2/21) and 9.2% (82/893), the sex ratio (male/female)-1.03 (1246/1212), 0.62 (8/13) and 0.93 (429/ 460), congenital anomaly rate 2.7% (67/2465), 4.8% (1/21), 3.2% (29/893), preterm birth rate 7.4% (86/2465), 4.8% (1/12), 6.7% (60/893), cesarean rate 40.0% (979/2448), 42.9% (9/21), 41.3% (367/888), and mean AP was 8.3, 8.2, and 8.3 respectively. There was no significant difference between the three groups in any of the measured items.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This study was conducted at a single institution, and only the results of those who responded to the birth survey questionnaire were analyzed. Because of the small number of patients in the ACA group, continued follow-up is considered necessary.

Wider implications of the findings

It was shown that ACA strongly affects maternal fertility, but seems to have no effect on birth parameters. However we will continue to follow up with further long-term prognostic studies.

Trial registration number

not applicable
P-770 Is there an association between blood hCG elevation rate in very early IVF pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes?
Authors: Navon I , Wertheimer A , Hochberg A , Sapir O , Ben-Haroush A , Altman E , Domniz N , Shochat T , Shufaro Y
Published: June 2022

Study question

Is a slow elevation rate between the first and second hCG values following a successful fresh IVF cycle associated with long-term pregnancy outcomes?

Summary answer

A slow rate of hCG elevation in early IVF pregnancies is associated with an increased risk for low birth weight neonates.

What is known already

IVF pregnancies are associated with higher prevalence of late obstetrical complications such as preterm birth, preeclampsia and small for gestational age. Different baseline characteristics and treatment parameters are associated with obstetrical complications. Abnormal, mostly slow, hCG elevation patterns have been strongly associated with short-term adverse pregnancy outcomes such as non-viability, miscarriage, early fetal demise and ectopic pregnancies. However, the long-term impact of slow hCG elevation rate on pregnancies that do continue to term is unknown.

Study design, size, duration

Single center cohort study between 2008-2019 including 703 fresh cycles resulting in live singleton birth. Full obstetrical data for these pregnancies was available.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The first blood hCG measurement was performed 14±1.4 days after ovum pick-up (OPU), and the second one 48-72h later. The slope between the two measurements was calculated and adjusted per day. Slow hCG elevation was defined as a slope value below the 10th percentile. Maternal and short-term neonatal outcomes were compared between cycles with a slow elevation (n = 71) and a “normal” elevation (n = 632) in hCG values. Multivariate analysis was used to control for potential confounders.

Main results and the role of chance

There were no differences between the slow and normal hCG elevation groups in maternal age, numbers of retrieved oocytes, ICSI rates, number of transferred and usable embryos, and gestational age at delivery. Neonates from cycles with a slow hCG elevation weighed significantly less (2876±619 gr vs. 3083±553 gr, p < 0.005) and were at a higher risk (21% vs. 12%, OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.06-3.64) of having low birth weight (LBW) (below 2500 grams). Women with slow hCG elevation rate had more hypertension-preeclampsia related complications (11% vs. 6%, p < 0.05), although barely reaching statistical significance in the multivariate analysis (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.0-3.6).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Retrospective design, single center, applicability to fresh cycles only.

Wider implications of the findings

Very early (5th week) initial blood hCG elevation slope, measured only in IVF gestations, might be a novel marker for identifying patients at risk for hypertensive complications during pregnancy and low birth-weight neonates. Tighter prenatal care for these patients could potentially reduce pregnancy complications and improve long-term outcome.

Trial registration number

not applicable
Bayesian belief networks: a potential tool for conservation planning of endangered plant species populations
Authors: Sienkiewicz Aneta , Łaska Grażyna
Published: June 2022

Bayesian belief networks (BBNs) have been increasingly used as a potential decision supporting tool useful in conservation management. We assessed the application of the BBN model to support management in conservation planning of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill., the endangered plant species on a European scale, as an example. The Bayesian network approach was used to develop a model of the impact of biotic and abiotic variables on the morphological–developmental features and demographic features of the population in northeast Poland. Field data collected from the total number of 47 sites in the 4 largest forest complexes were used to develop a model using GeNIe 2.0. The diagnostic testing and sensitivity analysis indicated that the greatest impact on the population features was the number of competing species in the forest undergrowth. Validation has shown that the developed model is effective for evaluation of the impact of habitat conditions on the population features deciding about the reproduction of this taxon. The BBN model was also used to define optimal habitat conditions ensuring regular growth and development of P. patens. Finally, we demonstrated the protective treatment to help preserving the species considered. Therefore, the developed model is recommended as a potential tool to support decision-making aimed at the conservation planning of endangered plant species.
Presence and future of plant phenotyping approaches in biostimulant research and development
Authors: De Diego Nuria , Spíchal Lukáš
Published: June 2022

Commercial interest in biostimulants as a tool for sustainable green economics and agriculture concepts is on a steep rise, being followed by increasing demand to employ efficient scientific methods to develop new products and understand their mechanisms of action. Biostimulants represent a highly diverse group of agents derived from various natural sources. Regardless of their nutrition content and composition, they are classified by their ability to improve crop performance through enhanced nutrient use efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, and quality of crops. Numerous reports have described modern, non-invasive sensor-based phenotyping methods in plant research. This review focuses on applying phenotyping approaches in biostimulant research and development, and maps the evolution of interaction of these two intensively growing domains. How phenotyping served to identify new biostimulants, the description of their biological activity, and the mechanism/mode of action are summarized. Special attention is dedicated to the indoor high-throughput methods using model plants suitable for biostimulant screening and developmental pipelines, and high-precision approaches used to determine biostimulant activity. The need for a complex method of testing biostimulants as multicomponent products through integrating other -omic approaches followed by advanced statistical/mathematical tools is emphasized.
The evolutionary state of the chemically peculiar members of the open cluster NGC 2516
Authors: Kharchenko N V , Piskunov A E , Hubrig S , Schöller M
Published: June 2022

We aim at establishing safe membership and evolutionary status of 11 chemically peculiar (CP) stars that are residing in the domain of the open cluster NGC 2516 and are frequently referred to as cluster members. We queried the Gaia EDR3 catalogue in an area with a radius of 1° and selected 37 508 stars brighter than G = 19 mag. The cluster membership was determined in parallax-proper motion-space and 719 probable and 764 possible members were found. The obtained average astrometric and photometric parameters of the cluster are in good agreement with the most recent literature data. The evolutionary status of the target stars was determined with respect to Padova isochrones. After minor adjustments including the metallicity, the reddening, and the transformation scale variation, a perfect fit of the model to the observations over the whole observed magnitude range was achieved. Only 5 of the 11 considered CP stars could be classified as highly probable cluster members. Among the Ap/Bp stars with previously detected magnetic fields HD 65987 and HD 65712 have a high membership probability and the magnetic star CPD−60 944B is a possible cluster member. Further we discuss the blue straggler nature of HD 66194 and the magnetic star HD 65987. To our knowledge, HD 65987 is currently the only known blue straggler, with a field of the order of a few hundred Gauss. The most striking result of our study is that the strongly magnetic A0p star HD 66318 with previously reported very low fractional age does not belong to the NGC 2516 cluster at a high level of confidence.
The bulge masses of TDE host galaxies and their scaling with black hole mass
Authors: Ramsden Paige , Lanning Daniel , Nicholl Matt , McGee Sean L
Published: June 2022

Tidal disruption events (TDEs) provide a means to probe the low end of the supermassive black hole (SMBH) mass distribution, as they are only observable below the Hills mass (≲ 108 M⊙). Here, we attempt to calibrate the scaling of SMBH mass with host galaxy bulge mass, enabling SMBH masses to be estimated for large TDE samples without the need for follow-up observations or extrapolations of relations based on high-mass samples. We derive host galaxy masses using prospector fits to the UV-MIR spectral energy distributions for the hosts of 29 well-observed TDEs with BH mass estimates from mosfit. We then conduct detailed bulge/disc decomposition using SDSS and PanSTARRS imaging, and provide a catalogue of bulge masses. We measure a positive correlation between SMBH and bulge mass for the TDE sample, with a power-law slope of 0.28 and significance p = 0.06 (Spearmans) and p = 0.05 (Pearsons), and an intrinsic scatter of 0.2 dex. Applying MC resampling and bootstrapping, we find a more conservative estimate of the slope is 0.18 ± 0.11, dominated by the systematic errors from prospector and mosfit. This is shallower than the slope at high SMBH mass, which may be due to a bias in the TDE sample towards lower mass BHs that can more easily disrupt low-mass stars outside of the event horizon. When combining the TDE sample with that of the high-mass regime, we find that TDEs are successful in extending the SMBH – stellar mass relationship further down the mass spectrum and provide a relationship across the full range of SMBH masses.
New Deal, New Patriots: How 1930s Government Spending Boosted Patriotism During World War II
Authors: Caprettini Bruno , Voth Hans-Joachim
Published: June 2022

We demonstrate an important complementarity between patriotism and public-good provision. After 1933, the New Deal led to an unprecedented expansion of the U.S. federal government’s role. Those who benefited from social spending were markedly more patriotic during World War II: they bought more war bonds, volunteered more, and, as soldiers, won more medals. This pattern was new—World War I volunteering did not show the same geography of patriotism. We match military service records with the 1940 census to show that this pattern holds at the individual level. Using geographical variation, we exploit two instruments to suggest that the effect is causal: droughts and congressional committee representation predict more New Deal agricultural support, as well as bond buying, volunteering, and medals.
Developmental trajectories of toddler sleep problems: can a person-centered approach help identify children at risk?
Authors: Gustafsson Hanna C , Propper Cathi B
Published: June 2022

Study Objectives

Previous research examining toddler sleep problems has relied almost exclusively on variable-centered statistical approaches to analyze these data, which provide helpful information about the development of the average child. The current study examined whether person-centered trajectory analysis, a statistical technique that can identify subgroups of children who differ in their initial level and/or trajectory of sleep problems, has the potential to inform our understanding of toddler sleep problems and their development.

Methods

Families (N = 185) were assessed at 12, 24, 30, and 36 months of child age. Latent class growth analysis was used to test for subgroups that differed in their 24–36 month sleep problems. Subgroups were compared on child 36-month externalizing, internalizing, and total problem behaviors, and on 12 month maternal mental health, inter-parental conflict, and maternal parenting behaviors.

Results

Results support a four-class solution, with “low, stable,” “low, increasing,” “high, increasing,” and “high decreasing” classes. The classes whose sleep problems persisted or worsened over time had worse behavioral problems than those whose symptoms improved or remained stably low. Additionally, 12 month maternal depression and global symptom severity, intimate partner violence, and maternal harsh-intrusive parenting behaviors discriminated between the classes that had similar levels of 24 month sleep disturbance but who had diverging trajectories over time.

Conclusions

This statistical approach appears to have the potential to increase understanding of sleep problem trajectories in the early years of life. Maternal mental health, intimate partner violence, and parenting behaviors may be clinically useful markers of risk for the persistence or development of toddler sleep problems.
Indigenous Access to Social Assistance and Identity: A Gendered Relational Reading of Settler Colonial Containment inShubenacadie Indian Band v. Canada
Authors: Hall Rebecca Jane , Vosko Leah F , Coburn Veldon
Published: June 2022

In Canada, the settler colonial state uses the regulation of the so-called Indian identity as a dispossessive strategy, a racialized and gendered means of controlling access to resources and attempting to contain Indigenous human, nonhuman, and land-based relations. This regulation is informed by Western patriarchal ideals and mechanisms. We examine settler accounts of “Indian” identity and their effects through a gendered reading of Shubenacadie Indian Band v. Canada, a legal case centering on the provision of social assistance. Our critique is grounded in a relational approach to Indigenous self-recognition, an approach that transcends the false dichotomy between individual (women’s) rights and group (cultural) rights, critiqued by Joyce Green. This case exemplifies individualized approaches to identity that obscure the relational practices seeking to retain, reproduce, and revitalize Indigenous modes of life, an ongoing terrain of de/colonizing struggle.
Persistent γ-H2AX Formation and Expression of Stem Cell Markers in N-Butyl-N-(4-Hydroxybutyl)Nitrosamine-Induced Bladder Carcinogenesis in Rats
Authors: Yamada Takanori , Toyoda Takeshi , Matsushita Kohei , Akane Hirotoshi , Morikawa Tomomi , Cho Young-Man , Ogawa Kumiko
Published: June 2022

We investigated γ-H2AX formation, a biomarker of DNA damage, and expression of stem cell markers (SCMs), including cytokeratin 14, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1), and CD44, in the development of rat bladder tumors induced by short-term administration of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN). Histopathological examination showed that diffuse simple hyperplasia of the bladder urothelium induced by BBN recovered to the normal-appearing urothelium after withdrawal, whereas focal proliferative lesions were newly developed and subsequently progressed to benign papilloma and carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that BBN-induced γ-H2AX formation and ALDH1A1 and CD44 expression persisted at higher levels in the normal-appearing urothelium than those in the control group for long periods after withdrawal. Since persistent chronic inflammation was observed even after withdrawal, targeted gene expression analysis of inflammation-related factors revealed 101 genes, including Stat3 and Myc, that showed persistent high expression. Pathway analysis suggested that Stat3 and/or Myc activation may be associated with SCM expression. We focused on hepatocyte growth factor (Hgf), one of the genes predicted in relation to Stat3/Myc, and confirmed that HGF-positive cells increased by BBN persisted in the normal-appearing urothelium after withdrawal and colocalized with γ-H2AX and SCMs. These results suggested that the long-term persistence of γ-H2AX formation and SCM expression, which occurred during the early stages of bladder tumorigenesis, is not a transient response to exposure and might contribute to bladder tumorigenesis. Although further studies are needed, BBN-induced rat bladder tumors may originate from focal hyperplasia arising from SCM-positive cells via activation of the STAT3/MYC pathway after DNA damage involving γ-H2AX formation.
Transconjunctival XEN45 Implantation for Glaucoma Performed at the Slit Lamp: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gagné Sébastien , Yuen Darana , Cohen Shawn
Published: June 2022

Précis:

The ab externo implantation of a gel microstent is a novel, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery performed at the slit lamp that is effective for lowering intraocular pressure in patients with uncontrolled glaucoma.

Purpose:

To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) -lowering effect of gel microstent (XEN® Gel Stent, Allergan, Irvine, CA) implantation using an ab externo approach in an office setting.

Patients and Methods:

This retrospective, multicenter chart review examined outcomes in patients with uncontrolled glaucoma receiving maximally tolerated medical therapy, who underwent slit lamp ab externo gel stent implantation. Postoperative IOP, the number of glaucoma medications, the final position of the stent and the needling rate were analyzed. Assessments occurred 1 day, 1 week and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after implantation. Treatment success was defined as IOP ≥6 mmHg and ≤18 mmHg with ≥20% reduction from presurgical IOP, with or without medications.

Results:

Thirty-four (34) eyes from 28 patients were included. Mean preoperative IOP was 24.1±8.0 mmHg on 3.2±0.9 glaucoma medications. At 12 months postoperative, IOP was reduced to 15.4±4.7 mmHg on 0.6±1.0 medications; 46.9% and 81.3% of eyes achieved complete and partial success, respectively. The gel stent was properly positioned in 94.1% of eyes after one attempt at implantation and in 100% of eyes after a second attempt. In addition to malpositioning, observed complications included occlusion, erosion, and endophthalmitis following anterior chamber (AC) reformation. Adjunctive needling was required in 21% of implanted eyes.

Conclusion:

Slit-lamp-based transconjonctival XEN45 implantation reduced intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients in the first year of this pilot study and was most commonly associated with wound leak and hypotonic among other adverse events.
The feasibility of multimodality remote monitoring of maternal physiology during pregnancy
Authors: Zielinska Agata P. , Mullins Edward , Lees Christoph
Published: June 2022

Gestational hypertension affects 10% of pregnancies, may occur without warning, and has wide-ranging effects on maternal, fetal, and infant health. Antenatal care largely relies on in-person appointments; hence, only <4% of the pregnancy period is subject to routine clinical monitoring. Home monitoring offers a unique opportunity to collect granular data and identify trends in maternal physiology that could predict pregnancy compromise. Our objective was to investigate the feasibility of remote multidomain monitoring of maternal cardiovascular health both in and after pregnancy.

This was a prospective feasibility study of continuous remote monitoring of multiple modalities indicative of cardiovascular health from the first trimester to 6 weeks postpartum.

Twenty-four pregnant women were asked to monitor body weight, heart rate, blood pressure, activity levels, and sleep patterns daily. Study participants took on average 4.3 (standard deviation [SD] = 2.20) home recordings of each modality per week across the 3 trimesters and 2.0 postpartum (SD = 2.41), out of a recommended maximum of 7. Participant retention was 58.3%. Wearing a smartwatch daily was reported as feasible (8.6/10, SD = 2.3) and data could be entered digitally with ease (7.7/10, SD = 2.4).

Remote digital monitoring of cardiovascular health is feasible for research purposes and hence potentially so for routine clinical care throughout and after pregnancy. Fifty-eight percent of women completed the study. Multiple modalities indicative of cardiovascular health can be measured in parallel, giving a global view that is representative of the whole pregnancy period in a way that current antenatal care is not.

Condensed abstract:

To ascertain whether remote multimodality cardiovascular monitoring of health in pregnancy is feasible, 24 participants were asked to daily monitor body weight, heart rate, blood pressure, activity levels, and sleep patterns. Study participants took on average 4.3 (standard deviation = 2.20) home recordings of each modality per week across the 3 trimesters and 2.0 postpartum (standard deviation = 2.41), out of a recommended maximum of 7. Thus, remote monitoring indicative of cardiovascular health throughout and after pregnancy might be feasible for routine clinical care or within the context of a research study.
Distributed source localization of epileptiform discharges in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) Study
Authors: Kim Kwang Yeon , Moon Ja-Un , Lee Joo-Young , Eom Tae-Hoon , Kim Young-Hoon , Lee In-Goo
Published: June 2022

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is a common generalized epilepsy syndrome considered the prototype of idiopathic generalized epilepsy. To date, generalized and focal seizures have been the fundamental concepts for classifying seizure types. In several studies, focal features of JME have been reported predominantly in the frontal lobe. However, results in previous studies are inconsistent. Therefore, we investigated the origin of epileptiform discharges in JME.

We performed electroencephalography source localization using a distributed model with standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography. In 20 patients with JME, standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography images corresponding to the midpoint of the ascending phase and the negative peak of epileptiform discharges were obtained from a total of 362 electroencephalography epochs (181 epochs at each timepoint).

At the ascending phase, the maximal current source density was located in the frontal lobe (58.6%), followed by the parietal (26.5%) and occipital lobes (8.8%). At the negative peak, the maximal current source density was located in the frontal lobe (69.1%), followed by the parietal (11.6%) and occipital lobes (9.4%). In the ascending phase, 41.4% of discharges were located outside the frontal lobe, and 30.9% were in the negative peak. Frontal predominance of epileptiform discharges was observed; however, source localization extending to various cortical regions also was identified. This widespread pattern was more prominent in the ascending phase (P = .038).

The study results showed that JME includes widespread cortical regions over the frontal lobe. The current concept of generalized epilepsy and pathophysiology in JME needs further validation.
The determinants of collateral circulation status in patients with chronic cerebral arterial circle occlusion: A STROBE Study
Authors: Pi Chenghui , Wang Jun , Zhao Dengfa , Yu Shengyuan
Published: June 2022

The condition of collateral pathways is an important predictor of stroke prognoses; however the major determinants of collaterals are still unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify potentially determinants for collateral circulation status in patients with chronic occlusion of cerebral arterial circle.

All patients with chronic occlusion of either unilateral internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery M1 or M2 segment, diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography at the neurology department of the First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2015 to December 2017, were retrospectively collected in our sample. After screening according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, the patients’ relevant clinical data were collected and analyzed. Collateral circulations were assessed by 2 independent raters using the American society of interventional and therapeutic neuroradiology/society of interventional radiology flow-grading system.

Baseline characteristics (n = 163): our sample consists of 116 (71.2%) male and 47 (28.8%) female patients with an average age of 57.5 ± 11.9 years. Cerebral collateral flow was poor in 59 (36.2%) patients. Our univariate analyses showed that poor collateral circulation was associated with lower high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL), elevated homocysteine levels, aging and hyperlipidemia. A multivariate analysis identified HDL, homocysteine levels and ageing as major predictors for collateral circulation status. In the subgroup analysis, the HDL contributed to collateral angiogenesis internal carotid artery occlusion group. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion group, the homocysteine and ageing were related to the poor collateral status.

Low HDL, high levels of homocysteine and ageing are identified as possible risk factors for a poor collateral vessel blood flow in patients with chronic anterior circulation occlusion.
Intrathoracic infections in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients may cooperate with HL to trigger hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Ji-Cheng , Tan Bin-Bin , Huang Yan , Wu Yin-Ying , Bai Zhen-Jie , Liang Min-Lan , Zhao Wei-Hua
Published: June 2022

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been reported in the literature; however, there is almost no literature on the factors related to HL triggering HLH.

One hundred forty patients with HL were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence of HL-related HLH (we call HL-related HLH as HL-HLH). And all HL-HLH patients in our cohort had HLH as the first manifestation and its clinical characteristics and the role of intrathoracic infection (ITI) in triggering HLH are discussed.

The 140 patients with HL mainly included mixed-cellularity classic HL (MCCHL) in 81 (57.9%), nodular sclerosis classic HL (NSCHL) in 36 (25.7%), and lymphacyte-rich classic HL in 14 (10.0%) patients. Of the 137 patients who underwent chest computed tomography scans on admission, 44 had ITI, and most of these ITI were mildly ill and had no respiratory symptoms. Among 140 HL patients, 8 patients from MCCHL were diagnosed as HL-HLH. Among 81 MCCHL patients, 26 patients with ITI had a significantly higher incidence of HL-HLH than those without ITI (26.9% vs 1.8%, P = .002). The median survival time of 8 cases of HL-HLH was only 2 months.

When HL patients were first admitted to the hospital, 5.7% had HLH as the first manifestation, and 32.1% had ITI. These ITI can cooperate with HL to trigger HLH, despite their mild illness. The prognosis of HL-HLH was poor.
Efficacy of ginseng supplements on disease-related fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Jianxun , Xu Xiaoru , Zhang Xin , Zhuo Yue , Chen Shaotao , Zhong Chongwen , Liu Mingjun , Wang Zhihong
Published: June 2022

Background:

Ginseng has been believed to provide energy, physical health, and well-being to patients for hundreds of years. Fatigue is a multidimensional symptom with unknown etiology and varying severity, and lots of patients suffer from fatigue.

Methods:

We search for research of ginseng treatment of disease-related fatigue in adult patients in Pubmed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane library. Two independent reviewers assessed included studies and met to develop consensus on included studies. And we used Review Manager 5.3 software to evaluate the risk of bias.

Results:

The present meta-analysis included 12 randomized controlled trial containing 1298 patients. In the fixed-effect meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trial, ginseng supplements had a statistically significant efficacy on disease-related fatigue reduction (standardized mean difference = 0.33, 95% confidence interval = 0.44–0.22).

Conclusions:

The use of ginseng supplements is benefit for patients to reduce disease-related fatigue.
Psoas muscle measurement as a predictor of recurrent lumbar disc herniation: A retrospective blind study
Authors: Choi Tae Yang , Chang Min-Yung , Lee Seung Hyun , Cho Joung Goo , Lee Sumin
Published: June 2022

AbstractParaspinal (erector spinae and multifidus) and psoas muscles contribute to spinal stability, but no study has yet examined the relationship between muscle mass and recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH).

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of psoas and paraspinal muscle mass on recurrent Lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

This retrospective study included 49 patients with LDH (22 men, 27 women; mean age: 59.9 years; range 32–80) who underwent discectomy and partial laminectomy without fusion and underwent both pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The presence of rLDH was determined using medical records and postoperative magnetic resonance imagings. Patients were divided into an rLDH group (26 patients) and a without-rLDH group (23 patients). Clinical characteristics, segmental motion, and paraspinal and psoas muscle mass were compared between the groups. Using ImageJ software, the cross-sectional area (CSA), lean muscle mass (LMM), and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were measured on T2 axial preoperative magnetic resonance images at L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5 disc levels to represent muscle mass. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

In the rLDH group, patients were younger (52.6 years vs 68.2 years; P = .001), segmental instability was more common (50.0% vs 4.3%; P = .001), and the CSA, LMM, CSASMI, and LMMSMI of psoas muscles were larger (5851.59 mm2 vs 4264.93 mm2, 5456.59 mm2 vs 4044.77 mm2, 18.77 cm2/m2 vs 13.86 cm2/m2, and 17.52 cm2/m2 vs 12.98 cm2/m2; P < .01 for all 4 variables). On multivariate logistic regression, age and segmental instability were independent risk factors for rLDH (odds ratio 0.886 and 18.527; P = .01 and P = .02, respectively).

In middle-aged and elderly patients with lumbar disc herniation, relatively younger age, segmental instability, and greater psoas muscle mass may be risk factors for recurrence.
Effects of oral N-acetylcysteine combined with oral prednisolone on idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Chen Shih-Lung , Ho Chia-Ying , Chin Shy-Chyi
Published: June 2022

Background:

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is an acute condition that presents with sudden hearing loss, for which steroids remain the main treatment. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as a precursor of glutathione, can reduce the production of reactive oxygen species to protect hair cells in the inner ear from damage. However, data regarding the therapeutic outcomes of oral steroid combined with oral NAC for ISSNHL are still limited. This study was performed to investigate this issue.

Methods:

Between June 2016 and October 2021, 219 patients (219 ears) diagnosed with ISSNHL and treated with oral prednisolone were enrolled in this retrospective study. Oral NAC was prescribed to 94 of these patients (NAC group) but not to the remaining 125 patients (non-NAC group). The clinical and audiological findings were assessed.

Results:

The NAC group showed a mean hearing level gain of 29.5 ± 21.8 dB, speech reception threshold (SRT) gain of 26.2 ± 34.4 dB, and speech discrimination score (SDS) gain of 25.5 ± 30.4%. Although the NAC group had better mean hearing level, SRT, and SDS gains than the non-NAC group, the differences were not statistically significant (all P > .05). The only significant difference between the NAC and non-NAC groups was the posttreatment pure tone audiometry (PTA) thresholds at 8 kHz, which were 54.2 ± 24.4 and 60.9 ± 34.1 dB, respectively (P = .046).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated the effect of oral steroid combined with oral NAC for ISSNHL. Both the NAC and non-NAC groups showed obvious improvement in all PTA thresholds, as well as mean hearing level, SRT, and SDS gains. The NAC group showed significantly better PTA performance at a high frequency (8 kHz) than the non-NAC group. Therefore, for oral treatment of ISSNHL, we advocate concurrent use of oral prednisolone and oral NAC.