bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pronuclear score improves prediction of implantation rate in ICSI cycles
Authors: Stigliani Sara , Massarotti Claudia , Casciano Ida , Sozzi Fausta , Remorgida Valentino , Cagnacci Angelo , Anserini Paola , Scaruffi Paola 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: In assisted reproduction technology embryo competence is routinely evaluated on morphological criteria but their efficacy remains relatively low. Additional information could be obtained by evaluation of pronuclear (PN) morphology. Up to now controversial results have been reported about prognostic value of PN score. One of the main limitation of literature data is the use of different methods of PN classification. To this regard, in 2011 the ESHRE and Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine defined three PN categories to standardize the zygote assessment. In this study we evaluated whether the consensus ESHRE-Alpha system for the pronuclear scoring could be an useful additional criterion to improve prediction of embryo implantation potential.Methods: This is a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study. We included 3004 zygotes from 539 women who underwent ICSI treatment at our Center between January 2014 and June 2019. The pronuclear were categorized as score 1: symmetrical, 2: non-symmetrical, 3: abnormal. A subset of 110 zygotes did not cleaved. On day 2-3 1163 embryos were transferred, 232 arrested, and 9 were cryopreserved. Among the 1490 embryos cultured up to day 5-7, 516 became blastocysts: 123 were transferred on day 5 and 393 were cryopreserved. Relationship between pronuclear score and cleavage rate, quality of embryos, blastocyst development, and implantation rate was evaluated by chi-square test. Multivariate regression analyses corrected the results for putative confounders (age of patient; infertility cause; cleavage-stage embryo morphology grade; day of transfer). Results: There was not significant difference in patients’ age, cleavage rate and embryo morphology among the three pronuclear score groups. No reduction of blastulation rates was found in score 2-3 (34%) groups respect to score 1 (35%). The pronuclear score 1-embryos had a higher implantation rate respect to score 2-3-ones (15% and 9%, respectively, P=0.0121; OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.25-0.76, P=0.004). Consistently, the pronuclear score remained predictive of implantation in top quality embryos (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.28-0.87, P= 0.01).Conclusions: The consensus pronuclear score may be routinely included among criteria for embryo evaluation to increase patient’s chance of becoming pregnant.
Tibial Cortex Transverse Distraction Followed by Open Correction with Internal Fixation: Two-stage Management for Foot and Ankle Deformity with Ulcers
Authors: Li Yaxing , Liu Xi , Chen Yu , Tan Jie , Chen Jun , Xie Huiqi , Hui Zhang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Aim Foot and ankle deformities with concurrent ulcers remain challenging. Conventional treatments are often time-consuming and difficult. This study aims at assessing the feasibility and results of tibial cortex transverse distraction (TCTD) followed by open correction with internal fixation (OCIF) for foot and ankle deformity with concurrent ulcers.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted. Between 2010 and 2019, a two-stage management of TCTD followed by OCIF was performed in 13 patients (13 feet). The clinical data of all patients was recorded and analyzed.Results The TCTD and wound debridement were performed in all patients, and an additional Ilizarov correction technique was added in two patients. All ulcers were healed in 3 months after first-stage treatment. The average external fixation time was 135.5 (median, 138.0; range, 49-173) days. After second-stage operative correction, the patients were followed-up for an average of 28.0 (range, 24-33) months. At the final follow-up, the average Dimeglio score of deformity was decreased from 6.7 (range, 3-9) to 0.5 (median, 1; range, 0-1), and the average AOFAS score was improved from 42.9 (range, 14-80) to 82.6 (range, 70-97). Complications include one case of mild displacement of the osteotomized cortex and one case of pin-tract infection. No relapse of ulcers or deformity was observed.Conclusion The two-stage management of TCTD followed by OCIF could be considered as an alternative treatment for foot and ankle deformities combined with chronic ulcers.Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective case series.
Mir-573 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting Bax in human degenerative disc cells following hyperbaric oxygen treatment
Authors: Lin Song-Shu , Niu Chi-Chien , Yuan Li-Jen , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Lai Po-Liang , Chong Kowit-Yu , Wei Kuo-Chen , Huang Chiung-Yin , Lu Meng-Ling , Yang Chuen-Yung , Ueng Steve W. N. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a vital role in the intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. The expression level of miR-573 was downregulated whereas Bax was upregulated notably in human degenerative nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-573 in human degenerative NPCs following hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment. Methods: NPCs were separated from human degenerated IVD tissues. The control cells were maintained in 5% CO2/95% air and the hyperoxic cells were exposed to 100% O2 at 2.5 atmospheres absolute. MiRNA expression profiling was performed via microarray and confirmed by real-time PCR, and miRNA target genes were identified using bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays. The mRNA and protein levels of Bax were measured. The proliferation of NPCs were detected using MTT assay. The protein expression levels of Bax, cleaved caspase 9, cleaved caspase 3, pro-caspase 9 and pro-caspase 3 were examined.Results: Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the Bax mRNA contained the “seed-matched-sequence” for hsa-miR-573, which was validated via reporter assays. MiR-573 was induced by HBO and simultaneous suppression of Bax was observed in NPCs. Knockdown of miR-573 resulted in upregulation of Bax expression in HBO-treated cells. In addition, overexpression of miR-573 by HBO increased cell proliferation and coupled with inhibition of cell apoptosis. The cleavage of pro‑caspase 9 and pro‑caspase 3 was suppressed while the levels of cleaved caspase 9 and caspase 3 were decreased in HBO-treated cells. Transfection with anti-miR-573 partly suppressed the effects of HBO. Conclusion: Mir-573 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting Bax in human degenerative NPCs following HBO treatment.
Effect of Direct Vertebral Rotation on the Spine Parameters (Coronal and Sagittal) in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Barsotti Carlos Eduardo Gonçales , Junior Carlos Augusto Belchior B , Andrade Rodrigo Mantelatto , Torini Alexandre Penna , Ribeiro Ana Paula 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Idiopathic scoliosis is accompanied by postural alterations, instability of gait, and functional disabilities. The objective was to verify radiographic parameters (coronal and sagittal) of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) pre- and post-surgery with direct vertebral rotation (DVR), associated with type 1 osteotomies in all segments (except the most proximal) and type 2 in the periapical vertebrae of the curves. Methods: A prospective study design was employed in which 41 AIS were evaluated and compared pre- and post-surgery. Scoliosis was confirmed by a spine X-ray exam (Cobb angle). Eight radiographic parameters were measured: Cobb angles (thoracic proximal and distal), segmental kyphosis, total kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and pelvic tilt. Results: The Cobb angle averaged 51.3° ± 14.9°. Post-surgery, there were significant reductions for the following spine measurement parameters: Cobb angle thoracic proximal (p = 0.003); Cobb angle thoracic distal (p=0.001); Cobb angle lumbar (p=0.001); kyphosis (T5-T12, p=0.012); and kyphosis (T1-T12, p=0.002). These reductions showed the effectiveness of surgical correction to reduce Cobb angles and improve thoracic kyphosis. The values obtained for lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and pelvic tilt were not significantly different pre- and post-surgery. Conclusion: The surgical technique of DVR in AIS proved to be effective in the coronal and sagittal parameters directed at Cobb angles and thoracic kyphosis.
Distribution and imaging characteristics of spina bifida occulta in young people with low back pain
Authors: Li Wenhao , Xiong Zhencheng , Dong Chunke , Song Jipeng , Zhang Liubo , Zhou Jun , Wang Yanlei , Yi Ping , Yang Feng , Tang Xiangsheng , Tan Mingsheng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose Spina bifida occulta (SBO) is one of the most common congenital spinal deformities. Although many studies have demonstrated the influence of lumbosacral dysplasia on low back pain (LBP) in young athletes, there have been few studies on SBO among young people in other occupations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of SBO in young people with LBP and to classify SBO from the perspective of lamina development. Methods The X-ray films of 148 young patients with LBP were analyzed to quantify the distribution of SBO and classify abnormal laminae. Results Of the 148 patients, 93 (61.49%) had SBO: 83 cases involved S1 alone, 1 involved L5, 2 involved L5-S1, 5 involved S1-2, 1 involved S1-4 and 1 involved L4-S4. According to the degree of the defect, the patients with SBO were divided on the basis of five grades: 9 patients with grade I, 53 with grade II, 23 with grade III, and 8 with grade IV. The cases were classified by the shape of the laminae into 4 types: 15 cases of type a, 11 cases of type b, 37 cases of type c and 30 cases of type d. Conclusion Among the young people with LBP that we surveyed, SBO is the most common lumbosacral dysplasia, which frequently involves the S1 segment. Most laminae in SBO are in the developmental stage of the spinous process, and an abnormal laminar growth direction and laminar stenosis are the most common laminar morphologies in SBO.
Systemic effects after local injection of platelet-rich plasma: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Kuo Shu-Jui , Chou Wen-Yi , Hsu Chieh-Cheng , Chang-Chien Guo-Ping , Lin Su-Fan , Siu Kai-Kit , Tsai Tsai-Chan , Ko Jih-Yang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely utilized in the treatment of sports injuries. However, potential systemic effects after localized PRP injection are unclear at present.Design: prospective randomized study Methods Twenty-four Taiwanese male athletes with tendinopathy were randomized into a PRP group (n = 13) or a saline group (n = 11).Results The results showed no significant differences in serum levels of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, or serum substance P between the two groups at baseline, nor at 1, 2, or 7 days after intervention. However, a significant decrease in the serum substance P level 1 and 7 days after PRP injection was observed. Regarding urinary concentrations of metabolites of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), no between-group differences at baseline, nor at 1, 2, or 7 days after intervention, were observed. Conclusions Our study failed to observe significant surge of serum anabolic molecules and urinary excretion of anabolic AAS metabolites after PRP injection. Trial registration with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04456907
Structure-dependent absorption of sphingolipid long-chain bases from the digestive tract into lymph
Authors: Mikami Daisuke , Sakai Shota , Nishimukai Megumi , Yuyama Kohei , Mukai Katsuyuki , Igarashi Yasuyuki 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background:Dietary sphingolipids have various biofunctions, including skin barrier improvement, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinoma properties. Long-chain bases (LCBs), the essential backbones of sphingolipids, are responsible for these bioactivities, and they vary structurally between species. Given these findings, however, the absorption dynamics of each LCB remain unclear.Methods:In this study, five structurally different LCBs were isolated and their absorption ratios and levels of their metabolites were analyzed using a lymph-duct-cannulated rat model by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with a novel multistage fragmentation method.Results:The five orally administered LCBs were absorbed and detected in lymph as free LCBs and several metabolites including ceramides, glucosylceramides, and sphingomyelins. The absorption rates of LCBs were 0.10-1.17% depending on their structure. The absorption rate of 4-trans,8-cis-sphingadienine was highest (1.17%), whereas that of 4-trans,8-trans,10-trans-sphingatrienine was lowest (0.10%). The amount of 4-trans,8-cis-sphingadienine-bound sphingomyelin in lymph was particularly higher than other four LCB-bound sphingomyelins.Conclusion:Structural differences among LCBs, particularly the geometric isomerism at the C8–C9 position, significant affect the absorption rate and amounts of metabolites. This is the first report revealed that the absorption rate and metabolism of sphingolipids are dependent on their LCB structure.
Yttrium-90 Radioembolization of Isolated Hepatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma Metastases With Negative Surgical Pathology
Authors: Lu Sen , Dhillon Jasreman , Johnson Julie Hallanger , El-Haddad Ghassan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAdrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon malignancy with an estimated 15,400 new cases annually across the globe. The prognosis is generally poor as the disease is often already advanced at initial diagnosis due to non-specific symptoms. Even for local disease, recurrence after surgical resection is high. Treatment choices for advanced disease include Mitotane, chemotherapy, ablation, chemoembolization, radioembolization, and external beam radiotherapy, with varying degrees of efficacy. To the best of our knowledge, there have only been two prior case studies of complete clinical and radiological response of stage 4 disease at 1 year and 2 years after [90Y]yttrium (Y-90) microsphere selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) of isolated hepatic metastases post-surgery and chemotherapy.Case presentationWe present a case of stage 1 ACC at time of diagnosis with subsequent development of hepatic metastases 6 years later, treated with Y-90 SIRT along with surgical resection and chemotherapy, with a surgically-proven negative pathology after partial hepatectomy 7 months after Y-90 SIRT. Bland embolization was used to successfully redistribute flow from a feeding right inferior phrenic artery to the right hepatic artery for effective selective radioembolization. Due to long term use of hydrocortisone causing adrenal insufficiency, the patient developed a post SIRT adrenal crisis, which was successfully controlled with steroids, highlighting the need for pre SIRT stress dose steroids. ConclusionsThis case continues to add to the literature supporting Y-90 radioembolization as an effective treatment for isolated hepatic ACC metastases. Our case is the first to demonstrate surgically proven negative pathology after radioembolization. Further prospective study is warranted to better establish efficacy as well as safety of SIRT for ACC liver metastases.
Study of The Predictors for Radiation Pneumonitis in Patient With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Received Radiotherapy After Pneumonectomy
Authors: Yu Jia-Hua , Wang Chang-Lu , Liu Yuan , Wang Jia-Ming , Lv Chang Xing , Liu Jun , Qin Zhang , Fu Xiao Long , Cai Xu-Wei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To identify the valuable predictors of grade≥2 radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patient treated with radiotherapy after pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); and to construct a nomogram predicting the incidence of grade≥2 RP in such patients.Methods: We reviewed 74 patients with NSCLC received radiotherapy after pneumonectomy from 2008 to 2018. The endpoint was grade≥2 RP. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were conducted to evaluate significant factors of grade ≥2 RP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to establish optimal cutoff values and the nomogram was built to make the predictive model visualized. Descriptive analysis was performed on 5 patients with grade 3 RP. Results: A total of 25(33.8%) patients developed grade≥2 RP and 5(6.8%) patients were grade 3 RP. V5, V10, V20, V30, MLD, PTV, and PTV/TLV were associated with the occurrence of grade≥2 RP in univariate analysis, while none of the clinical factors was significant; V5(OR,1.195;95%CI,1.082-1.319; P<0.001) and V20(OR,1.412;95%CI,1.161-1.717; P=0.001) were the independent significant predictors by multivariate analysis and were included in the nomogram. The ROC analysis for the cutoff values for predicting grade≥2 RP were V5>22%(AUC=0.816, sensitivity:0.712, specificity:0.837) and V20>8%(AUC=0.822, sensitivity:0.681, specificity:0.828). Additionally, grade≥3 RP did not occur when V5<30%, V20<13% and MLD<751.2cGy, respectively.Conclusions: Our study showed that V5 and V20 were independent predictors for grade≥2 RP in NSCLC patients receiving radiotherapy after pneumonectomy. Grade 3 RP did not occur whenV5<30%, V20<13% and MLD<751.2cGy, respectively. In addition, patient underwent right pneumonectomy may have a lower tolerance to radiation compared to left pneumonectomy.
Recovery Sleep Attenuates Impairments in Working Memory Following Total Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Peng Zi-Yi , Wang Yi , Dai Ci-Min , Wang Le-Tong , Xie Song-Yue , Li Jia-Lu , Zeng Ling-Jing , Shao Yong-Cong , Fu Wei-Wei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Considering the well-known detrimental effects of sleep deprivation (SD) on cognitive function and quality of life, sleep disturbances represent a major physical and mental health issue. Because working memory plays an important role in many complex cognitive processes, it is necessary to identify strategies that can effectively counteract the negative effects of SD on working memory. Methods: In the present study, we utilized event-related potentials (ERPs) to investigate the restorative effect of 8 h of recovery sleep (RS) on working memory impairments induced by 36 h of total sleep deprivation (TSD). We analyzed data from 16 healthy male participants. All participants completed a 2-back working memory task before and after 36 h of TSD and after 8 h of RS. Electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded during the task. Results: N2 and P3 components related to working memory exhibited low-amplitude slow-wave characteristics following 36 h of TSD. Significant decreases in the latency of the N2 component were observed after 8 h of RS. RS also induced significant increases in the amplitude of the P3 component, along with significant decreases in P3 latency. Conclusions: Eight hours of RS also attenuated decreases in working memory performance caused by 36 h of TSD. However, the effects of RS appear to be limited.
Social Synchronization During Joint Attention in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Liu Qinyi , Wang Qiandong , Li Xue , Gong Xiaoyun , Luo Xuerong , Yin Tingni , Liu Jing , Yi Li 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This study examined the social synchronization in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when responding to others’ joint attention. Social synchronization refers to an individuals’ temporal coordination during social interactions, which has been found to play a crucial role in social development. Deficient joint attention has been repeatedly found in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and previous studies have demonstrated various explanations about it. In a more recent perspective, joint attention could be associated with spontaneous social motor synchronization, and it is possible to explore social synchronization as a pathway to understanding the impairments of joint attention in children with ASD.Methods: Forty-one children aged 5 to 8 with ASD and 43 age-matched typically developing (TD) children watched a video to completed the response to joint attention (RJA) tasks, during which their gaze data were collected. The synchronization of gaze-shift behaviors between children and the female model in the video was measured with the cross-recurrence quantification analysis (CRQA). Results: We found that children with ASD had the ability, to some extent, to synchronize their gaze shifts with the female model in the video during RJA tasks. However, compared to the TD children, children with ASD displayed lower levels of synchronization and longer latency in this synchronized behavior. Limitations: The RJA task in our study was not a real social interaction task but rather a one-way interaction. Social interaction between two persons through live video or a natural scenario should be further explored. Besides, additional work is necessary to determine whether our findings generalize to individuals across the full autism spectrum. Conclusion: These findings provide a new avenue to deepen our understanding of the impairments of joint attention in children with ASD. Notably, the analytic method can be further applied to explore the social synchronization of numerous other social interactive behaviors in ASD. Additionally, the impairment of social synchronization may be a new implicit indicator for the evaluation of autism and can be utilized to screen children with ASD along with other indicators.
Differences Between Autistic and Non-autistic Adults in the Recognition of Anger From Dynamic Expressions Remain After Controlling for Alexithymia.
Authors: Keating Connor Tom , Sowden Sophie L , Fraser Dagmar S , Cook Jennifer L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFor many years, research has suggested that autistic individuals have difficulties recognising the emotions of other people. However, a burgeoning literature argues that these difficulties may be better explained by co-occurring alexithymia rather than autistic characteristics. Importantly, extant studies in this field have focused on the recognition of emotion from static images. Here we investigated whether there are differences with respect to emotion recognition from dynamic facial stimuli between autistic and non-autistic groups matched on alexithymia.Methods29 control and 31 autistic adults, matched on age, gender, non-verbal reasoning ability and alexithymia, completed a facial emotion recognition task which employed dynamic point light displays of happy, angry and sad facial expressions. Stimuli were manipulated such that expressions were reproduced at 50%, 100% and 150% of their normal speed and spatial extent. ResultsThe ASD group exhibited significantly lower emotion recognition accuracy for angry, but not happy or sad, expressions at the normal (100%) spatial and speed level. Whilst the control group exhibited increasing accuracy across all levels of the speed manipulation, the ASD group only showed improvement from the 100% to 150% level. Non-verbal reasoning and level of autistic traits (and not age, gender or alexithymia) were significant predictors of accuracy for angry videos at the 100% spatial and speed level. LimitationsDue to COVID-19 restrictions, only 22 members of the ASD group completed the ADOS-2 assessments and 7 of those who did, scored below threshold for an autism or ASD diagnosis. Therefore, our ASD group may display less frequent or lower intensity autistic behaviours than would typically be seen in an ASD population. The TAS, which has recently been questioned for its construct validity, was used to measure alexithymia. ConclusionsSince our participants were matched on alexithymia, and we identified that level of autistic traits (and not alexithymic traits) was a significant predictor of the accuracy of angry expression recognition at the normal level, we conclude that a difficulty with recognising angry expressions is relevant to autism and cannot be explained by alexithymia. Future research should elucidate why autistic individuals exhibit differences with angry expressions in particular.