bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy rate and associated factors in dairy cows of Bangladesh
Authors: Amin MAN Al , Arman SM , Afrose M , Rahman MM , Bhattacharjee J , Bhuiyan MMU 
Published: May 2021

The study was undertaken to identity the factors affecting the pregnancy rate in cows of commercial dairy farms in Bangladesh. Pre-tested questionnaires were used for collecting data from 662 mixed breed cows of 22 commercial dairy farms. The overall pregnancy rate was 53.6%. Pregnancy rate was the highest (62.5%) in local breed (P<0.05) followed by pure Friesian (55.5%), Local  Friesian (53.2%), Sahiwal  Friesian (54.5%) and Local  Jersey (50.0%) breed. The cows between 37 and 72 months old had higher pregnancy rate (58.9%) than cows aged 18 to 36 (44.4%) and 73 to 192 months (51.4%) (P<0.05). The cows served in parity 2 to 4 had higher pregnancy rate (57.3%) than those of parity zero (45.0%), 1 (50.0%) and 5 to 10 (46.0%) (P<0.05). Cows yielding 1-3 litres and 4-10 litres of daily milk showed higher pregnancy rate of 67.1 and 65.8%, respectively, followed by those yielding 11 to 34 litres (47.4%) (P<0.05). Pregnancy rate was higher (56.5%) in cows of BCS 3.5 to 4 than those with BCS 2.5 to 3 (48.8%) and BCS 4.5 (50.0%) (P<0.05). Cows served 181 to 270 days after calving had higher (62.7%) pregnancy rate than those served ≤90 days (48.4%), 91 to 180 days (53.7%) and 271 to 780 days (45.5%) (P<0.05). Cows receiving 2nd service had higher pregnancy rate (59.4%) than at 1st (53.3%), 3rd (53.8%) and 4th to 17th (46.4%) services (P<0.05). The cows served in the rainy season had higher pregnancy rate (65.0%) than those served in summer (40.0%) and winter (61.2%) (P<0.05). In conclusion, the present pregnancy rate in cows can be regarded as satisfactory. However, the factors affecting pregnancy rate negatively in commercial farms should be kept in mind for profitable dairying in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Veterinarian (2018) 35(1&2): 25-31
Factors affecting the semen quality of breeding bulls
Authors: Tohura S , Parvin A , Siddique AB , Assaduzzaman M , Zohara BF , Islam MF 
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of breed, age, scrotal circumference, Body Condition Score (BCS), season and nutrition on bull semen quality at breeding bull station of Ejab Alliance Limited, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh. A total of 777 ejaculates were collected from 25 bulls (Holstein-Friesian-10; Sahiwal-15). All semen parameters were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Sahiwal bulls than in Holstein-Friesian. The volume, individual motility, mass activity and sperm morphology were significantly (P<0.05) higher in bulls aged >3.5 - 4.5 years than in younger (2.5 - 3.5 years) and older bulls (>4.5 years). Scrotal circumference significantly (P<0.05) affected all the parameters of semen quality. The highest values were observed in bulls with scrotal circumference 31.1 - 33.0 cm and the lowest in bulls with scrotal circumference of 33.1 cm and less. The volume, individual motility, mass activity and sperm morphology were higher (P<0.05) in bulls with BCS of 4 to 4.5 than in bulls with BCS of >4.5 to 5. Significantly (P<0.05) highest values regarding semen quality were in winter and the lowest in summer. Vitamin ADE supplementation significantly (P<0.05) improved the semen quality. It is suggested that Sahiwal breeds may be reared at the bull station in the subtropical climate of Bangladesh. Semen should be collected during winter in bulls of >3.5 to 4.5 years of age with moderate scrotal circumference and BCS.
The Bangladesh Veterinarian (2018) 35(1&2): 32-39
16S rDNA Full-Length Assembly Sequencing Technology Analysis of Intestinal Microbiome in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Dong Sitong , jiao Jiao , Jia Shuangshuo , Li Gaoyu , Zhang Wei , Yang Kai , Wang Zhen , Liu Chao , Li Da , Wang Xiuxia 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo study the characteristics and relationship of the gut microbiota in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodWe recruited 45 patients with PCOS and 37 healthy women from the Reproductive Department of Shengjing Hospital. We recorded their clinical indexes, and sequenced their fecal samples by 16S rDNA full-length assembly sequencing technology (16S-FAST).ResultWe found decreased α diversity and different abundances of a series of microbial species in patients with PCOS compared to healthy controls. We found LH and AMH were significantly increased in PCOS with Prevotella enterotype when compared to control women with Prevotella enterotype, while glucose and lipid metabolism level remained no significant difference, and situations were opposite in PCOS and control women with Bacteroides enterotype. Ruminococcus gnavus, Prevotella stercorea, Dialister succinatiphilus and Bacteroides fragilis were more abundant while Christensenellaceae spp. were less abundant in the PCOS group. P. stercorea was significantly more prevalent in PCOS-not insulin resistance (NIR) compared to control-NIR and PCOS-not overweight (NOW) patient groups compared to control-NOW groups. Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genomes reflecting pathways related to lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis were more abundant in the PCOS group.ConclusionOur study found gut microbiota that had different abundance in patients with PCOS compared to healthy controls. An intimate relationship was shown between the gut microbiota and pathological changes in PCOS. We suggest the gut microbiota should be taken into consideration in the treatment of symptoms of PCOS via drugs and diet.
Impact of Acute Insulin Resistance on Myocardial Blush in Non-Diabetic Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kasem Soheir M. , Saied Ghada Mohamed , Hegazy Abdel Nasser MA , Abdelsabour Mahmoud 
Published: May 2021

Background: Myocardial blush grading is considered to be a novel tool for assessment of coronary microvasculature and myocardial perfusion in patients undergoing coronary angiography and angioplasty, and its reduction identifies patients at high risk. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between acute insulin resistance and myocardial blush in non-diabetic patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods: Two hundred forty non-diabetic patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were consecutively recruited. The relationship of homeostasis model assessment—estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) to myocardial blush and in-hospital outcome was investigated.Results: Higher HOMA-IR tertile was observed in obese patients, with hyperinsulinemia, had Killip class &gt;1, with higher CPK-MB level and was correlated to impaired myocardial blush after adjusting for the other confounding risk factors. It was also concluded that higher HOMA-IR was independently associated with no/minimal myocardial blush after STEMI. Moreover, it was founded to be an independent predictor of pulmonary edema and impaired left ventricular systolic function.Conclusion: This study revealed that acute insulin resistance was prevalent in non-diabetic patients with STEMI and was an independent predictor for post-infarction myocardial and microvascular injury and poor in-hospital outcome.Trial Registration: The trial was registered at the registry of Clinicaltrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04651842, Date of registration: 2nd December 2020 Registry URL, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04385589?cond=Dapagliflozin+in+diabetic+patients&amp;cntry=EG&amp;draw=2&amp;rank=1.
Feasibility and Safety of Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention via Distal Transradial Access
Authors: Lin Cheng-Jui , Lee Wei-Chieh , Lee Chieh-Ho , Chung Wen-Jung , Hsueh Shu-Kai , Chen Chien-Jen , Yang Cheng-Hsu , Fang Hsiu-Yu , Cheng Cheng-I , Wu Chiung-Jen 
Published: May 2021

Aims: The current study aims to verify the feasibility and safety of chronic total occlusion (CTO)-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the distal transradial access (dTRA).Methods: Between April 2017 and December 2019, 298 patients who underwent CTO PCI via dTRA were enrolled in this study. The baseline demographic and procedural characteristics were listed and compared between groups. The incidences of access-site vascular complications and procedural complications and mortality were recorded.Results: The mean J-CTO (Japanese chronic total occlusion) score was 2.6 ± 0.9 points. The mean access time was 4.6 ± 2.9 min, and the mean procedure time was 115.9 ± 55.6 min. Left radial snuffbox access was performed successfully in 286 patients (96.5%), and right radial snuffbox access was performed successfully in 133 patients (97.7%). Bilateral radial snuffbox access was performed in 107 patients (35.9%). 400 dTRA (95.5%) received glidesheath for CTO intervention. Two patients (0.7%) developed severe access-site vascular complications. None of the patients experienced severe radial artery spasm and only 2 patients (0.5%) developed radial artery occlusion during the follow-up period. The overall procedural success rate was 93.5%. The procedural success rate was 96.5% in patients with antegrade approach and 87.7% in patients with retrograde approach.Conclusions: It is both safe and feasible to use dTRA plus Glidesheath for complex CTO intervention. The incidences of procedure-related complications and severe access-site vascular complications, and distal radial artery occlusion were low.
Effects of Film Thickness and Coating Techniques on the Photoelectrochemical Behaviour of Hematite Thin Films
Authors: Kyesmen Pannan I. , Nombona Nolwazi , Diale Mmantsae 
Published: May 2021

In this research, three different sets of hematite (α-Fe2O3) films of various thicknesses were prepared using dip, spin, and combined dip/spin coating methods. α-Fe2O3films of 450–500, 740–800 and 920–980 ± 30 nm thicknesses were prepared using each of the coating methods, and their photoelectrochemical (PEC) behaviour was investigated. Dip coated films produced the best photoresponse while the films prepared using the spin coating method yielded the least photocurrent values across films of different thicknesses. Maximum photocurrent densities of 34.6, 7.8, and 13.5 μA/cm2V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) were obtained for the dip, spin and combined dip/spin coated films with a thickness of 740–800 ± 30 nm respectively. Improved crystallization, low charge transfer resistance at the α-Fe2O3/electrolyte interface, high surface states capacitance and the more negative flat band potential values obtained for dip coated films have been associated with the enhanced photocurrent response recorded for the films. The preferential crystal growth of spin coated films in the (104) plane associated with low electron mobility and the high resistance to charge transfer at the α-Fe2O3/electrolyte interface of the films is largely responsible for their low photoresponse. This study underscores the significance of simultaneously optimizing both coating techniques for film deposition and the film’s thickness in preparing nanostructured α-Fe2O3films for PEC applications.
Case Report: THSD7A-Positive Membranous Nephropathy Caused by Tislelizumab in a Lung Cancer Patient
Authors: Chen Minjiang , Zhang Lei , Zhong Wei , Zheng Ke , Ye Wei , Wang Mengzhao 
Published: May 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) became the standard treatment for many different kinds of cancers and can result in a variety of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). IrAEs of kidney are uncommon and consists of different pathology types. Among the different types, membranous nephropathy (MN) is rare and have not been well-described. Since MN can also be associated with malignancies, differential diagnosis in patients receiving ICIs who develop MN can be very difficult. We present the case of a 74-year-old man with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who developed MN after ICIs therapy. The patient tested positive for thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A antibodies (THSD7A) when diagnosed with MN. Supplementary examinations revealed the predisposing antigen in the primary tumor and present of the antibody after immunotherapy, which corresponded to the patient’s clinical course of nephropathy. Treatment consisting of systemic glucocorticoids and rituximab resulted in a good clinical response, and the THSD7A antibodies were no longer detected. In this case, we first discuss the potential mechanism of immunotherapy related MN, in which the activation of humoral immunity may play an important role.
Evaluation of Prognostic Factors for Clinical Pregnancy Rate Following Artificial Insemination by Husband in the Chinese Population
Authors: Luo Yumei , Wu Shunhong , Yuan Jingru , Zhou Hua , Zhong Yufang , Zhang Mimi , Li Qing , Xu Xia , Sun Xiaofang , Zhu Detu 
Published: May 2021

Background: To determine the independent prognostic factors and develop a multivariate logistic regression model for predicting successful pregnancy following artificial insemination by husband (AIH) in infertile Chinese couples.Methods: A total of 3,015 AIH cycles with superovulation from 1,853 infertile Chinese couples were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical characteristics and sperm parameters were compared between the pregnant and non-pregnant groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to remove the confounding factors and create an equation to predict the successful pregnancy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for evaluating the abilities for prognostic classification of the independent predictors and the equation.Results: The overall pregnancy rate was 13.0%. The pregnancy rate of double intrauterine insemination (IUI) (18.9%) was significantly higher than that of single IUI (11.4%). The pregnancy rate of the stimulated cycle (14.4%) was significantly higher than that of the natural cycle (9.0%). The pregnancy rates of the age groups &lt;40 years are ~3 times higher than that of the ≥40 years age group. Among sperm parameters, the influencing factors included straight-line velocity (VSL), sperm deformity index (SDI), and normal form rate (all P &lt; 0.05). A multivariate logistic regression equation was created based on the above influencing factors. ROC analysis showed that the prognostic power of the equation is better than those of individual predictors.Conclusion: Cycle treatment options, single/double IUI, female age, sperm VSL, SDI, and normal form rate could predict successful pregnancy following AIH in China. The multivariate logistic regression equation exhibited a greater value for prognostic classification than single predictors.
The Relationship Between Food-Based Pro-inflammatory Diet and Sarcopenia: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study in Iranian Elderly People
Authors: Bagheri Amir , Hashemi Rezvan , Soltani Sanaz , Heshmat Ramin , Dorosty Motlagh Ahmadreza , Larijani Bagher , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad 
Published: May 2021

Background: Sarcopenia has rarely been linked to Food-based Inflammatory Potential of the Diet (FIPD) in earlier studies. This study was performed to examine the association of FIPD and sarcopenia and its components.Method: In the cross-sectional research, dietary intakes of 300 randomly-selected elderly adults aged 55 years or older were collected through a validated food frequency questionnaire. We constructed FIPD score based on average consumptions of 28 food items. According to The European Working Group on Sarcopenia definition, sarcopenia and its components such as muscle strength, muscle mass, and gait speed were defined.Result: No significant difference was found between the prevalence of sarcopenia (P = 0.05), low muscle mass (P = 0.27), low handgrip strength (P = 0.72), and lower gait speed (P = 0.14) across tertiles of FIPD score. Moreover, we did not find significant differences among means of handgrip strength (P = 0.65), muscle mass (P = 0.33), and walking speed (P = 0.89) across FIPD categories. However, binary logistic regression analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between FIPD score and odds of sarcopenia; such that subjects in the top vs. those in the bottom FIPD tertile had 155% greater chance of having sarcopenia (OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.17–5.55). After controlling for all confounding factors, this association strengthened (OR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.18–6.01).Conclusion: We found that greater FIPD score, which means a more pro-inflammatory diet, was positively linked with sarcopenia.
Differences in Characteristics and Ambulance Pathway Adherence Between Strokes and Mimics Presenting to a Large UK Centralized Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU)
Authors: Sammut-Powell Camilla , Ashton Christopher , Paroutoglou Kyriaki , Parry-Jones Adrian 
Published: May 2021

Background: In Greater Manchester (GM), prehospital clinicians use the Face Arm Speech Test (FAST) to identify suspected stroke patients alongside pathway exclusions. Within the centralized stroke service, patients with a suspected stroke are taken directly to a Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU), often bypassing their local emergency department (ED). However, many of these patients are experiencing an illness that looks like a stroke but is not a stroke. The data collected in the prehospital setting is rarely used in research yet could give valuable insights into the performance of the pathway.Aim: To evaluate the presenting symptoms and final diagnoses of prehospital suspected strokes and to evaluate the adherence of prehospital stroke pathway exclusions.Methods: We analyzed data from all patients brought in by ambulance and admitted on the stroke pathway between 01/09/15 and 28/02/17. Patient demographics and all data recorded in the prehospital setting were evaluated to identify differences in stroke, TIA, and mimic patients. Pathway adherence was assessed according to whether the patient was local or out-of-area (OOA) and bypassed their local ED.Results: A total of 4,216 suspected strokes were identified: 2,213 (52.5%) had a final diagnosis of stroke, 492 (11.7%) experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and 1,511 (35.8%) were stroke mimics. There were 714 (16.9%) patients that were identified as having at least one pathway exclusion or were FAST negative, of which 270 (37.8%) experienced a stroke. The proportion of strokes was significantly lower in those with a pathway exclusion (41.8 vs. 53.5%; p &lt; 0.001) and the proportion of breaches tended to be comparable or higher in the local population.Discussion: There are high volumes of stroke mimics but identified differences indicate there is an opportunity to better utilize prehospital data. Ambulance clinicians were able to correctly overrule FAST negative results and the volume of these suggest that FAST alone may be too restrictive.
A Nomogram for Predicting Lymphovascular Invasion in Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ruan Rongwei , Chen Shengsen , Tao Yali , Yu Jiangping , Zhou Danping , Cui Zhao , Shen Qiwen , Wang Shi 
Published: May 2021

The lymphovascular invasion (LVI) status facilitates the determination of the optimal therapeutic strategy for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC), but in clinical practice, LVI must be confirmed by postoperative pathology. However, studies of the risk factors for LVI in SESCC are limited. Consequently, this study aimed to identify the risk factors for LVI and use these factors to establish a prediction model. The data of 516 patients who underwent radical esophagectomy between January 2007 and September 2019 were retrospectively collected (training set, n=361, January 2007 to May 2015; validation set, n=155, June 2015 to September 2019). In the training set, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate analyses were utilized to identify predictive factors for LVI in patients with SESCC. A nomogram was then developed using these predictors. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve were used to evaluate the efficiency, accuracy, and clinical utility of the model. LASSO regression indicated that the tumor size, depth of invasion, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis (LNM), sex, circumferential extension, the presence of multiple lesions, and the resection margin were correlated with LVI. However, multivariate analysis revealed that only the tumor size, depth of invasion, tumor differentiation, and LNM were independent risk factors for LVI. Incorporating these four variables, model 1 achieved an AUC of 0.817 in predicting LVI. Adding circumferential extension to model 1 did not appreciably change the AUC and integrated discrimination improvement, but led to a significant increase in the net reclassification improvement (p=0.011). A final nomogram was constructed by incorporating tumor size, depth of invasion, tumor differentiation, LNM, and circumferential extension and showed good discrimination (training set, AUC=0.833; validation set, AUC=0.819) and good calibration in the training and validation sets. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful in both sets. Thus, it is possible to predict the status of LVI using this nomogram scoring system, which can aid the selection of an appropriate treatment plan.
The Genotype and Phenotype of Proline-Rich Transmembrane Protein 2 Associated Disorders in Chinese Children
Authors: Luo Han-yu , Xie Ling-ling , Hong Si-qi , Li Xiu-juan , Li Mei , Hu Yue , Ma Jian-nan , Wu Peng , Zhong Min , Cheng Min , Li Ting-song , Jiang Li 
Published: May 2021

Objectives: To study the genetic and clinical characteristics of Chinese children with pathogenic proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) gene-associated disorders.Methods: Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was used to identify pathogenic PRRT2 variations in Chinese children with epilepsy and/or kinesigenic dyskinesia. Patients with confirmed PRRT2-associated disorders were monitored and their clinical data were analyzed.Results: Forty-four patients with pathogenic PRRT2 variants were recruited. Thirty-five of them (79.5%) had heterozygous mutations, including 30 frameshifts, three missenses, one nonsense, and one splice site variant. The c.649dupC was the most common variant (56.8%). Eight patients (18.2%) showed whole gene deletions, and one patient (2.3%) had 16p11.2 microdeletion. Thirty-four cases (97.1%) were inherited and one case (2.9%) was de novo. Forty patients were diagnosed with benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE), two patients had paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) and two had infantile convulsions and choreoathetosis (ICCA). Patients with whole gene deletions had a later remission than patients with heterozygous mutations (13.9 vs. 7.1 months, P = 0.001). Forty-two patients were treated with antiseizure medications (ASMs). At last follow-up, 35 patients, including one who did not receive therapy, were asymptomatic, and one patient without ASMs died of status epilepticus at 12 months of age. One patient developed autism, and one patient showed mild developmental delay/intellectual disability.Conclusion: Our data suggested that patients with whole gene deletions could have more severe manifestations in PRRT2-associated disorders. Conventional ASMs, especially Oxcarbazepine, showed a good treatment response.