bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Les déterminants des durées et des retards de paiement des factures d’eau potable : une approche par les modèles de Cox et probit appliqués aux abonnés de Béjaïa (Algérie)
Authors: Nassiri Abdelhak , Kertous Mourad 
Published: July 2021

Cette évaluation fournit une estimation des effets des facteurs déterminants des difficultés financières des abonnés à honorer leur facture d’eau. Ces difficultés sont mesurées à l’aide de la durée et du risque de retard de paiement dans deux bases de données (la population et un échantillon) de la commune de Béjaïa, en Algérie. Nous appliquons la spécification de Cox à la durée et le modèle Probit au risque de retard. Les résultats montrent que ces difficultés varient significativement selon plusieurs facteurs identifiés dans plusieurs études empiriques. Classification JEL : Q25, L95, C33, C13, D12
Les savoirs didactiques d’enseignants de langue novices à l’épreuve du tutorat en ligne
Authors: Catoire Pascale 
Published: July 2021

Cet article rend compte d’une expérimentation menée en formation initiale des enseignants, où des étudiants – enseignants novices experts en langue étrangère – ont accompagné d’autres étudiants faibles en langue, dans un dispositif de classe virtuelle en ligne. En fin d’expérimentation, nous avons cherché, à travers des entretiens, à comprendre quel type d’enseignement les tuteurs accompagnateurs avaient mené dans ce dispositif en ligne, et quel impact cette modalité de tutorat en ligne avait pu avoir sur leurs savoirs didactiques en construction.
Visual Performance of Two Diffractive Trifocal Intraocular Lenses: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Hienert Julius , Stjepanek Kristina , Hirnschall Nino , Ruiss Manuel , Zwickl Hannah , Findl Oliver 
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE:
To compare two trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), the RayOne Trifocal RAO603F IOL (closed-loop haptic IOL; Rayner Intraocular Lenses Limited) and the AT Lisa tri 839 MP IOL (plate-haptic IOL; Carl Zeiss Meditec AG), concerning optical and capsular bag performance.

METHODS:
Patients scheduled for cataract surgery received either a closed-loop haptic IOL or a plate-haptic IOL in the first eye and the other IOL in the second eye. Three months postoperatively, autorefraction and subjective refraction, uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity at 4 m, 80 cm, and 40 cm, an objective reading test (Salzburg Reading Desk; SRD Vision), a defocus curve, IOL tilt and decentration, a questionnaire about dysphotopsia, and grading of halos with a halometer were performed.

RESULTS:

Eighty-eight eyes of 44 patients were included. Visual acuity was comparable between both IOLs. The closed-loop haptic IOL performed better in the defocus curve at −1.50 diopters (D) (0.08 ± 0.10 vs 0.12 ± 0.09 logMAR;
P
< .01). The plate-haptic IOL had better contrast sensitivity without glare under mesopic and photopic conditions in miosis (
P
= .0018 and .002, respectively) and mydriasis (
P
= .017 and .003, respectively). Significant differences were found for less overall subjective disturbance (
P
= .047) and starbursts (
P
= .039) for the plate-haptic IOL, but not for the other positive dysphotopsia symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:
Both trifocal IOLs delivered good and comparable visual function with low degrees of disturbing dysphotopsia. The closed-loop haptic IOL was slightly superior in the defocus curve, whereas the plate-haptic IOL was slightly superior concerning contrast sensitivity and positive dysphotopsia.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(7):460–465.]
Effects of the Interval between Ovulation Induction using Clomiphene Citrate and Frozen Embryo Transfer on Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Xu Yi-Ning , Li Lu , Sun Xiao-Xi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objective:
To explore the best timing for frozen embryo transfer (FET) after ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval using the clomiphene citrate (CC) + human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) ovulation induction regimen through a retrospective analysis.

Methods:
Data of patients who underwent CC + hMG ovulation induction and FET from January 2014 to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups according to the interval from egg retrieval to FET: CC1 (within 1 menstrual cycle), CC2 (2 menstrual cycles), and CC3 (≥ 3 menstrual cycles). Indicators such as hormone levels and pregnancy outcomes were recorded to explore the effect of different intervals on pregnancy outcome.

Results:
A total of 1,082 transfer cycles were included in this retrospective analysis. The implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates in the CC1 group were significantly lower than those in the CC2 and CC3 groups (P < 0.05). The E2/P4 ratio on progesterone injection day (3 days before thawed embryo transfer) was lower in the CC1 group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). After adjusting for all factors using multifactor regression analysis, the interval between egg retrieval and FET was found to be an independent predictor of the implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates.

Conclusion:
An interval of more than one menstrual cycle between the day of egg retrieval after ovarian stimulation with the CC + hMG ovulation induction regimen and the day of FET can result in high implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates, which can lead to an improved pregnancy outcome.
Long-Term Androgen-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model is Related to Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Cui Peng , Shi Jie-Mei , Ma Tong , Rao Lin , Tong Xiao-Yu , Hu Wei , Xu Xiao-Qing , Zhang Fei-Fei , Li Xin , Billig Håkan , Shao Linus R. , Feng Yi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objective:
Metabolic disorders are markedly common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is observed in 30%-55% of all PCOS patients. Many studies have reported that autophagy and apoptosis, which are closely related to mitochondrial function, play important roles in the development of NAFLD. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the role of mitochondrial dysfunction caused by liver apoptosis and autophagy imbalance in the development of NAFLD in a PCOS mouse model.

Methods:
We used a dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS model to mimic the pathological process of hyperandrogenism. Hematoxylin and eosin and Oil Red O staining assays were used to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to perform mitochondrion-related assays.

Results:
Hepatic steatosis and different degrees of inflammation were observed in the DHT-treated mice. The expression of molecules involved in the respiratory chain and aerobic respiration process was altered. The levels of the key molecules associated with apoptosis and autophagy were abnormal.

Conclusions:
Androgens may play a role in the process of hepatic steatosis development by affecting mitochondrial function and subsequently inducing apoptosis and autophagy. Such phenomena might be involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in women with PCOS.
Syncytin-A Knockout Induces Placental Developmental Abnormalities Partially through Calpain1-Apoptosis-Inducing Factor-Mediated Trophoblast Apoptosis
Authors: Sun Dan , Long Hua-Yang , He Xiao , Kang Wei-Wei , Zhou Juan , Huang Jian-Lei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objective:
Structural abnormalities and dysfunction of the placenta contribute to pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia. Syncytin-A (synA) has been reported to be expressed in the placenta. The contribution of synA to developmental abnormalities and dysfunction of the placenta remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of synA in placental development and functions.

Methods:

SynA-knockout mice were generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 method, and the phenotypes of the placenta and fetus of synA-knockout mice were observed. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and routine PCR were employed to detect the genotypes of the offspring. CD31 immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the vessel density of the placenta, and the protein levels of key molecules were measured by western blotting.

Results:

SynA knockout caused fetal death. Furthermore, synA-knockout mice showed placental developmental abnormalities, indicated by a thinner labyrinth layer, thicker spongiotrophoblast layer, lower blood vessel density, and significantly higher numbers of apoptotic trophoblasts, when compared with wild-type littermates. Mechanistically, synA ablation induced apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) cleavage and nuclear localization and promoted placental trophoblast apoptosis. In addition, synA knockout increased the calpain1 protein levels. The calpain1 inhibitor calpeptin blocked synA knockout-induced AIF cleavage, partially restoring the placental structural abnormalities of synA-knockout mice.

Conclusions:

SynA knockout leads to placental developmental abnormalities by inducing trophoblastic apoptosis via the calpain1-AIF pathway.
Analysis of the Microbiome Based on 16S rRNA Gene Signature in Women with Preterm versus Term Birth
Authors: Yu Jiao , Peng Ting , Lu Jiong , Li Xiao-Tian , Hu Rong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objective:
To characterize and compare the microbiome signature in the maternal, intrauterine, and fetal environments and the associated bacterial species in women who experienced preterm birth and term birth.

Methods:
A total of 140 women with singleton pregnancies were enrolled in this study. Among them, 31 experienced spontaneous preterm delivery (gestational age < 37 weeks), and 28 of them experienced vaginal delivery at term. Maternal peripheral blood, saliva, and vaginal discharge samples and fetal membrane, amniotic fluid, and cord blood samples were collected immediately after delivery under sterile conditions. DNA was isolated from the fetal membrane and umbilical cord blood samples, and the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. The sequence data were quality-filtered, chimera-checked, and organized into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on phylogeny. Principal coordinate analysis of beta diversity measures was used for visualization. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) algorithm and Wilcoxon test were used to differentiate the microbiomes found in the fetal membranes and cord blood in the cases of preterm birth.

Results:
OTU analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed similar microbiomes in the maternal peripheral blood, amniotic fluid, fetal membranes, and cord blood. However, the LEfSe algorithm revealed significantly different bacterial compositions in the fetal environment between the preterm and term groups, with some of the bacterial species originating from the maternal peripheral blood or saliva.

Conclusions:
The bacteria in the intrauterine and fetal environments may originate from other body sites through hematogenous transmission, and may cause the occurrence of preterm birth.
Factors Associated With Stroke Burden in India
Authors: Roy Manas Pratim 
Published: July 2021

Objective:
Stroke is one of the largest public health challenges in India. Several factors have been implicated for stroke. The present paper aims to explore associated factors from nationally representative data. Among different variables, smoking, alcohol, smokeless tobacco (SLT), second-hand smoking (SHS), use of clean fuel, and economic condition were considered.

Methods:
Data were taken from three reports – National Family Health Survey 4, Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2: India 2016–17, and India: Health of the Nation's States. The state-wise analysis was done. Spearman's correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regression were used.

RESULTS:
Five states from the eastern part of India, viz., West Bengal, Odisha, Tripura, Assam, and Chhattisgarh, recorded the highest burden of stroke. The use of SLT was significantly related to stroke burden (r 0.476). Clean fuel and better economic conditions were found to reduce stroke burden (r= -0.449 and − 0.363, respectively). SLT (B= 21.029,P= 0.011) and SHS at work (B= 25.905,P= 0.030) were associated with stroke burden significantly.

CONCLUSION:
States with the highest proportion of SLT need special intervention to reduce stroke burden in the country.
Prevalence of ABO Blood Group Phenotypes and Antibody Titers of the Blood Donor Population in and Around Puducherry
Authors: Gopal Sridhar , Kannan Sujitha , Kulkarni Rajendra , Basavarajegowda Abhishekh 
Published: July 2021

Background:
For any blood transfusion services, knowing the prevalence and distribution of blood groups in their corresponding geographical area is essential. Hence, this study was done to know the prevalence and distribution of the ABO blood group and the antibody titer levels of blood donors at a premier tertiary care center in Southern India.

Methodology:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted over 22 months from September 2015 to June 2017 in the Department of Transfusion Medicine, JIPMER, Puducherry, among blood donors in a single tertiary care teaching hospital blood center. The ABO blood group and Rhesus factors (Rh) were determined by the antigen-antibody agglutination test by the test tube method. Titration of anti-A and anti-B antibodies was also done for selected “O” group donors by the doubling dilution technique in the tube method.

Results:
It was found that the most common blood group in our blood donor population was the “O” blood group with 11,904 (38.43%) followed by “B” 10,643 (34.37%), “A” 6,201 (20.02%), and “AB” 2,219 (7.17%). We had 4 Bombay blood group donors during the study period (0.01%). A titer of 1:32 was the most frequently encountered for IgM anti-A and anti-B antibodies; in Group “O” donors and IgG antibodies, it was 1:8.

Conclusion:
The prevalence of ABO in and around Puducherry is comparable to those published from other regions in Southern India, with the “O” group being the most common. The distribution of antibody titers for anti-A and anti-B is similar to other studies in India.
Anatomical Variations in Scapula
Authors: Singroha Ritu , Verma Usha , Rathee Suresh K 
Published: July 2021

Introduction:
Anatomical variation is defined as the normal flexibility in the topography and morphology of body structures. The present study was planned to study anatomical variations in dry scapula of North Indian population and their comparison between males and females on both sides.

Material and Methods:
The study was performed at the Department of Anatomy, PGIMS, Rohtak, on fifty pairs of human scapulae, out of which thirty were males and twenty were females. Various anatomical variations were noted such as sulcus for circumflex scapular artery, costal facets, horizontal inferior border, scapular foramina, and facet on inferior surface of acromion process. Morphological types of tip of acromion process, inferior surface of acromion process, and superior border of scapula were studied. These parameters were compared in both sexes on both the sides.

Results:
Majority of the anatomical variations were common in females in comparison to males.

Discussion and Conclusion:
Knowledge of the anatomical variations of scapula is the key to a successful outcome in the clinical setting.
Anatomical Considerations Regarding the Posterior Interosseous Nerve for Surgical Approaches In the Proximal Forearm
Authors: Jacob Jenny , Isaac Bina 
Published: July 2021

Introduction:
The posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) is at risk of injury when surgical procedures are undertaken in the proximal forearm. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship of the PIN to adjacent anatomical landmarks, which can be used to prevent iatrogenic injury to the nerve.

Material and Methods:
Forty upper extremities were used for this study. The landmarks used to measure the required parameters were intercondylar reference point, styloid process of ulna, proximal and distal borders of superficial layer of supinator muscle, and head of radius. The number of trunks of PIN and the innervation pattern of supinator muscle were studied.

Results:
The mean values and standard deviations of the measurements obtained were determined. There was no statistical difference of data between right and left sides.

Discussion and Conclusion:
The data obtained in the study will be of use to surgeons and orthopedicians during interventional procedures on the proximal part of radius and in decompression procedures of the PIN.
Biotherapeutic sufficiency of virgin coconut oil on paraquat-mediated reproductive dysfunction
Authors: Nwafor Joseph Alo , Uduma-Ukpai Chika , Okechukwu John , Uchewa Obinna , Ekaikite Ofovwe , Ikpeze Somadina 
Published: July 2021

Introduction:
Paraquat (PQ) affects male reproductive health with the risk of infertility. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has antioxidative and fertility properties. Thus, the histology of the testis and seminal vesicles, spermatic indices, testosterone, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase level in Wistar rats exposed to PQ and treated with VCO was investigated.

Material and Methods:
Twenty-four rats (150–200 g) were divided into groupings (A-D) with six rats per group. Control (Group A) had a daily dose of 5 ml/kg of normal saline (NS) throughout the experimental period of 24 days. Group B received NS and oral dose of 12.75 mg/kg of PQ at the last 3 days of the experiment. Groups C and D were treated with 5 ml/kg and 10 ml/kg of VCO, respectively, for 21 days before PQ. The rats were then sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and the organs were harvested for histology.

Results:
There was no significant rise in MDA except in Group B. Groups C and D had significant decreases in sperm cells with unconventional pinhead, contrasting difference in active motile cells and testosterone when compared to Group B (P < 0.05). Normalcy in sperm count and a decrease in sperm cells with headless tails were only seen in Group C (P < 0.05). Histological evaluations showed minimal damage in VCO-treated groups.

Discussion and Conclusion:
VCO has a promising effect against PQ by modulating the activities of its free radicals in a dose-dependent manner.
Early Assessment of Left Atrial Appendicular Velocities in Patients Undergoing Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty
Authors: Kasamsetty Subramanyam , Suranagi Manohar J. , Ramalingam Rangaraj , Subramani K. S. 
Published: July 2021

Introduction:
Peripheral embolism is a major complication in patients with mitral stenosis. Several studies have suggested a relation between a decrease in left atrial appendage (LAA) function and more frequent thromboembolic events of cardiac origin. This study was conducted to assess LAA function before and after percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) using transesophageal echocardiography and to determine factors related to improvement in LAA function.

Methods:
Fifty consecutively admitted patients with significant mitral stenosis undergoing PTMC were included in the study. All patients underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic examination, including the study of LAA velocities, before and 48 h after PTMC.

Results:
PTMC resulted in a twofold increase in the mitral valve area and no severe mitral regurgitation occurred. The mean mitral valve orifice area increased from 0.9 ± 0.3 cm2 to 1.84 ± 0.22 cm2. There was a decrease in the mean left atrial pressure from 26 ± 8.6 to 12 ± 2.8 mmHg. PTMC also resulted in a significant improvement in the LAA flow velocities, with the anterograde component of the flow increasing from 19.56 ± 9.48 cm/s to 33.10 ± 14.01 cm/s. There was also a significant resolution of the spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrium.

Conclusion:
There is a significant improvement in the LAA velocities following PTMC and a significant decrease in the spontaneous echo contrast, potentially leading to a lower risk of embolism.
Endoscopic features and clinical outcomes of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Chen Min , Liu Xiaolei , Zhang Yujie , Shi Yongquan 
Published: July 2021

Background:
Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is a rare but aggressive primary gastrointestinal lymphoma. The initial complaints of EATL patients are usually gastrointestinal symptoms, but the diagnosis is very difficult. Endoscopy can identify abnormal mucosa in most patients. However, the endoscopic appearance of EATL is still largely unknown.

Methods:
In this retrospective study, we investigated the endoscopic and clinical features of patients with EATLs at a tertiary center, from January 2008 to October 2020.

Results:
From a total of 248 patients with primary intestinal lymphoma, only 11 patients were finally diagnosed with EATLs, all of which were EATL type II. Men were affected twice as commonly as women. The median patient age was 47 years. The most common initial symptom was diarrhea (63.6%). Five patients (45.4%) were at late stage (IV) at diagnosis. The endoscopic appearances were classified into four distinct types: ulcerative type (54.5%), epithelial mass type (18.2%), diffuse infiltration type (9.1%), and nodular type (18.2%). The small bowel was the most common site of involvement (72.7%). The initial endoscopic impression of lymphoma was made in only 3 patients (27.3%). Only 4 patients (36.4%) were histologically confirmed as having EATLs based on the initial biopsy specimen. Five patients (45.5%) received emergency surgery. The median overall survival (OS) was 8 months. The use of chemotherapy and the absence of emergency surgery were associated with a significantly better median OS (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
EATL may show various endoscopic appearances, and its prognosis is poor. Endoscopists should obtain more knowledge of EATL in order to make an early diagnosis.
The organoid
Authors: Chang Yu-Hsun , Wu Kun-Chi , Harnod Tomor , Ding Dah-Ching 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a heterogeneous disease with a variety of distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. The currently available and common research models for EOC include tumor cell lines and patient-derived xenografts. However, these models have certain shortcomings: establishing a cell line is time-consuming, loss of genetic traits after long-term culture is a possibility, and investment is required in terms of animal care facilities. Therefore, better research models are required. Organoid technology was originally developed from colorectal cancer. Tumor organoid is a three-dimensional culture system and can help accurately recapture the tumor phenotype from the original tumor. Tumor organoid systems can overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the currently available research models. The organoid model can be used for culturing ovarian cancer subtypes, screening drugs, assessing genomes, and establishing biobanks. However, the currently available organoid models can only culture one type of cells, epithelial cells. Therefore, an organoid-on-a-chip device can be developed in the future to provide a microenvironment for cell–cell, cell–matrix, and cell–media interactions. Thus, organoid models can be used in ovarian cancer research and can generate a simulated in vivo system, enabling studies on the heterogeneity of ovarian cancer.