bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Abstinence Period and Semen Parameters: Results in Normal Samples and Different Sperm Pathology
Authors: Xie Min , Hämmerli Silvan , Blickenstorfer Kerstin , Leeners Brigitte 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The length of sexual abstinence seems to influence sperm quality. However, few data on the relevance of abstinence time in pathological sperm samples are available. With our study, we look for associations of abstinence length and semen quality. Methods: We studied semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, were compared after each day and 0-2, 3-7 and >7 days of abstinence. Results: We found that a longer abstinence time was related to higher sperm concentration in normal semen samples (P<0.001) and in semen samples with any sperm pathology (P<0.001, P=0.004) with the exception of oligozoospermia (P=0.125). Longer abstinence time was also associated with significantly reduced progressive motility in normal samples (P<0.001) and in cases of teratozoospermia (P<0.001). In normal samples a higher percentage of sperm were morphologically normal after a shorter abstinence period (P=0.03); in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) samples, this was the case after a longer abstinence period (P=0.013). Conclusion: A longer abstinence time is associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas sperm motility is optimal after shorter abstinence times; results on morphology are controversial. The recommendation on abstinence time needs to be adjusted in relation to the parameter that needs to be improved.
Awareness of Obstetric Fistula and Associated Factors Among Women in Reproductive Age Group Attending Public Hospitals, Ilubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, South West Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Rundasa Dessalegn Nigatu , Wolde Tarekegn Fekede , Ayana Kenbon Bayisa , Worke Abeya Fufa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Obstetric fistula occurs in all developing countries but it is confined to the “fistula belt” across the northern half of Sub-Saharan Africa from Mauritania to Eritrea and in the developing countries of the Middle East and Asia. Ending obstetric fistula is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development by 2030. So creating awareness on obstetrics fistula among women in reproductive age group have crucial role in reducing morbidity, mortality and social stigma.Objective: To assess awareness on obstetric fistula and its associated factors among reproductive age women attending governmental hospitals in Ilubabor zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2021.Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted. The sample size was estimated by using a single population proportion formula. The collected data was coded and entered to Epi data version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 24 for descriptive and inferential analysis. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with 95% confidence level was estimated to assess the strength of the association and a p value <0.05 was considered to declare the statistical significance in the multivariable analysis in this study.Result: In this study a total of 400 clients were participated in the study. The mean ages of participants were 30.26 (SD±8.525) years old. Education of women’s who cannot read and write are 85% less likely to have good awareness than women who are above secondary level of education (AOR=0.162:95% CI (0.081-0.364)). While Women’s who have primary education level are 83% less likely to have good awareness than women who are above secondary level of education (AOR=0.170:95% CI (0.085-0.446)).In addition, my study shows women’s who haven’t heard about obstetric complication are 54% less likely to have awareness on obstetric fistula than those who heard about obstetric complication (AOR=0.458:95% CI (0.368-0.643). Conclusion: This study identifies that, educational level of women, history of pregnancy, distance to the nearby health institution and awareness on obstetrics complications were the factors associated with awareness of reproductive age women on obstetrics fistula. Hence, increasing awareness on obstetric fistula plays a key role to avert this problem.
Assessing the Relative Toxicity of Different Road Salts and Effect of Temperature on Salinity Toxicity: LCx Values vs. No Effect Concentration (NEC) Values
Authors: Moulding Benjamin John Gray 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Freshwater biota are at risk globally from increasing salinity, including increases from deicing salts in cold regions. A variety of metrics of toxicity are used when estimating the toxicity of substances and comparing the toxicity between substances. However, the implications of using different metrics is not widely appreciated. Using the mayfly Colobruscoides giganteus (Ephemeroptera: Colobruscoidea) we compare the toxicity of seven different salts where toxicity was estimated using two metrics 1) the no effect concentrations (NEC) and 2) the lethal concentrations for 10, 25 and 50% of the test populations (LCx). The LCx values were estimated using two different models, the classic log-logistic model and the newer toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) model. We also compare the toxicity of two salts (NaCl and CaCl2) for C. giganteus at water temperatures of 4°C, 7°C and 15°C using the same metrics of toxicity. Our motivation for using a mayfly to assess salinity toxicity was because mayflies are generally salt sensitive, are ecologically important and are common in Australian (sub-)alpine streams. Considering 144-hour LCx values, we found toxicity differed between various salts, i.e., the lowest 144-hour LC50 (8 mS/cm) for a salt used by a ski resort was half that of the highest 144-hour LC50 from artificial marine salts and CaCl2 applied to roads (16mS/cm). 144-hour LC50 results at 7°C showed that analytical grade NaCl was significantly more toxic (7.3mS/cm) compared to analytical grade CaCl2 (12.5mS/cm). Yet for NEC values, there were comparably fewer differences in toxicity between salts and none between the same salts at different temperatures. We conclude that LCx values are better suited to compare difference in toxicity between substances or between the same substance at different test temperatures, while NEC values are better suited to estimating concentrations of substances that have no effect to the test species and endpoint measured under laboratory conditions.
Bifurcation Analysis of the Fractional Duffing System Based on the Improved Short Memory Principle Method
Authors: Ma Ruiqun , Zhang Bo , Yun Haiwei , Han Jinglong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

In this study, the improved short memory principle method is introduced to the analysis of the dynamic characteristics of the fractional Duffing system, and the basis for the improvement of the short memory principle method is provided. The influence of frequency change on the dynamic performance of the fractional Duffing system is studied using nonlinear dynamic analysis methods, such as phase portrait, Poincare map and bifurcation diagram. Moreover, the dynamic behaviour of the fractional Duffing system when the fractional order and excitation amplitude change is investigated. The analysis shows that when the excitation frequency changes from 0.43 to 1.22, the bifurcation diagram contains four periodic and three chaotic motion regions. Periodic motion windows are found in the three chaotic motion regions. Results confirm that the frequency and amplitude of the external excitation and the fractional order of damping have a greater impact on system dynamics. Thus, attention should be paid to the design and analysis of system dynamics.
Effects of Distinct n-6 to n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Rations on Insulin Resistant and AD-like Phenotypes in High-Fat Diets-Fed APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Ma Xiaojun , Guo Yujie , Li Pengfei , Xu Jingjing , Dong Shengqi , Gao Yanyan , Lutterodt Nicholas Van Halm , Yuan Linhong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are two prevalent diseases with comparable pathophysiological features and genetic predisposition. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential in maintaining normal brain function. However, little is known about the impact of dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio on AD-like pathology, especially in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed AD model mice. Methods: In the present study, the APP/PS1 mice were treated with 60% HFD for 3.5 months to induced insulin resistance. After that, 45% HFD with different n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios (n-6/n-3=1:1, 5:1 or 16:1) was applied for additional 3.5 months treatment. Following the dietary intervention, the behavior of mice was observed using the Water maze. Following behavioral testing, the animals were euthanized, and serum and tissue samples were collected for biochemical, histological and pathological analyses and evaluation. Cortical fatty acid profile was measured by gas chromatography. Western Blot and immunohistochemistry methods were used to detect protein expression of molecules related to AD pathology and insulin signaling pathway(s) in the brain sample tissues. Immunofluorescence assay was used to uncover the expression and migration of NF-κB in the cortex. qPCR method was applied to determine the gene expression of cortical pro-inflammatory cytokines.Results: HFD caused insulin resistance, increased serum IL-6 and TNF-α level, elevated cortical soluble Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42 content, and increased brain n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio in APP/PS1 mice. Increased APP and BACE1 protein expression and p-IR/IR ratio, but decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression was observed in the cortex from 60% HFD-fed APP/PS1 mice. N-3 PUFAs rich diet (n-6/n-3=1:1) relieved insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia induced by 60% HFD. Cortical soluble Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 contents, the expression of cortical APP, GLUT3, insulin metabolism related molecules, and NF-κB pathway downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines showed a dietary n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio-dependent way, indicating that dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio plays a critical role in modifying the responses of serum inflammatory cytokine, AD pathology, cortical n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio, insulin signaling and neuroinflammation to HFD treatment.Conclusion: Dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio play an important role in modifying AD pathophysiology, insulin signaling pathway, and neuro-inflammation response to high fat diet treatment in brain.
Construction of a Weight-based Seed Sorting System for the Third-generation Hybrid Rice
Authors: Wu Jianxin , Qiu Shijun , Wang Menglong , Xu Chunjue , Deng Xing Wang , Tang Xiaoyan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The third-generation hybrid rice technology can be constructed by transforming a recessive nuclear male sterile (NMS) mutant with a transgenic cassette containing three functional modules: the wild type male fertility gene to restore the fertility of the mutant, the pollen killer gene that specifically kills the pollen grains carrying the transgene, and the red fluorescence protein (RFP) gene to mark the transgenic seed (maintainer). The transgenic plant produces 1:1 NMS seeds and maintainer seeds that can be distinguished by the RFP signal. However, the RFP signals in the partially filled or pathogen-infected maintainer seeds are often too weak to be detected by RFP-based seed sorting machine, resulting in intermingling of the maintainer seeds with NMS seeds.Results: Here we constructed a weight-based seed sorting system for the third-generation hybrid rice technology by silencing the genes encoding ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGP) essential for endosperm starch biosynthesis via endosperm-specific expression of artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs). In this system, the NMS seeds have normal endosperm and are heavy, but the maintainer seeds have shrunken endosperms and are light-weighted. The maintainer seeds can be easily and accurately sorted out from the NMS seeds by weight-sorting machines, so pure and fully filled NMS seeds are available.Conclusions: The weight-based seed sorting system shows obvious advantages over the RFP-based seed sorting system in accuracy, efficiency, and cost for propagation of pure male sterile seeds. These characteristics will significantly increase the value and transgenic safety of the third-generation hybrid rice technology.
Neoadjuvant Docetaxel plus Carboplatin Versus Epirubicin plus Cyclophosphamide Followed by Docetaxel in Triple-negative, Early-stage Breast Cancer (NeoCART): Results from a Multicenter, Randomized Controlled, Open-label Phase II Trial
Authors: Zhang Liulu , Wu Zhiyong , Li Jie , Lin Ying , Liu Zhenzhen , Cao Yin , Zhang Gangling , Gao Hong-Fei , Yang Mei , Yang Ci-Qiu , Zhu Teng , Cheng Min-Yi , Ji Fei , Li Jieqing , Wang Kun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown that the addition of carboplatin to neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens improved the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate in patients suffering from triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, no studies have assessed the effects of the combination of docetaxel and carboplatin without anthracycline with taxane- and anthracycline-based regimens.Methods: The NeoCART study was designed as a multicenter, randomized controlled, open-label, phase 2 trial to assess the efficacy and safety of docetaxel combined with carboplatin with taxane- and anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in untreated stage II-III TNBC. All eligible patients were randomly assigned, at a 1:1 ratio, to the experimental DCb group (docetaxel plus carboplatin for six cycles) or the EC-D group (epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel). In both groups, pCR (ypT0/is ypN0) was evaluated as the primary outcome.Results: Between September 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019, 93 patients from 6 participating centers were randomly assigned, and 88 patients were evaluated for the primary end-point (44 patients in the DCb group and 44 patients in the EC-D group). In the primary end point analysis, 27 patients in the DCb group achieved a pCR (61.4%, 95% CI 47.0-75.8), and 17 patients in the EC-D group achieved a pCR (38·6%, 95% CI 24.3-53.0); with a difference of 22.8% (odds ratio 2.52, 95% CI 2.4-43.1; p non-inferiority=0.004), non-inferiority was met, and the DCb regimen was confirmed as superior to the EC-D regimen (p=0.044, superiority margin of 5%). At the end of the 37-month median follow-up period, overall survival and event-free rates were equivalent in both groups. The grade 3/4 adverse events in the DCb group included anemia (4.5%), thrombocytopenia (2.3%), neutropenia (2.3%) and an increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ratio (2.3%).Conclusions: Compared with the taxane- and anthracycline-based regimen, the pCR rate of DCb was higher in TNBC patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03154749. Registered 12 May 2017 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/
Clinimetric Analysis of Outcome Measures for Airway Clearance in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stanford Gemma E , Jones Mandy , Charman Susan C , Bilton Diana , Usmani Omar S , Davies Jane C , Simmonds Nicholas J 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are integral to cystic fibrosis (CF) management. However, there is no consensus as to which outcome measures (OMs) are best for assessing ACT efficacy. Objectives: To summarise OMs that have been assessed for their clinimetric properties (including validity, feasibility, reliability & reproducibility) within the context of ACT research. MethodsEligibility Criteria - Any parallel or cross-over randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating outcome measures for ACT in the CF population. Information sources: Five medical databases; clinicaltrials.gov; abstracts from international CF conferences. Risk of Bias - The authors planned to independently assess study quality and risk of bias using the COSMIN risk of bias checklist with external validity assessment based upon study details (participants and study intervention).Synthesis of Results – Two review authors (GS and MJ) independently screened search results against inclusion criteria, further data extraction was planned but not required.ResultsIncluded studies - No completed RCTs from the 187 studies identified met inclusion criteria for the primary or post-hoc secondary objective. Two ongoing trials were identified.DiscussionLimitations of evidence: The search strategy may have missed some lesser-known terms for ACT or manuscripts reporting clinimetric properties solely within text. Studies validating outcome measures for use in other aspects of CF, which may be relevant to ACT, are not included.Interpretation - High-quality RCTs are urgently needed to investigate & validate the clinimetric properties of OMs used to assess ACT efficacy. With the changing demographics of CF combined with the introduction of CFTR modulator therapies, an accurate assessment of the current benefit of ACT or the effect of ACT withdrawal is a high priority for clinical practice and future research and OMs which have been validated for this purpose are essential.OtherFunding: NIHR/HEE Clinical Doctoral Fellowship grant for GS (reference CDRF-2014-05-055).Systematic review registration number - PROSPERO no.CRD42020206033
Incident Gout: Risk of Death and Cause-specific Mortality in Western Sweden – a Nested Case Control Study
Authors: Dehlin Mats , Sandström Tatiana Zverkova , Jacobsson Lennart TH 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundExcess mortality in gout has mainly been attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the light of decreased CVD-mortality in general we wanted to evaluate the risk of overall mortality in gout and cause-specific contributions to mortality beyond CVD as well as temporal trends of it.MethodsAll incident cases of gout between 2006-2015 in western Sweden were identified in the healthcare database VEGA. Up to 5 population controls per case matched on age, sex and county were identified. Relevant comorbidities were identified for 5 years preceding index date in VEGA. Follow-up until the first of death, migration or study end 31 of December 2017. Cause of death was identified and cause-specific mortality grouped as: cardiovascular disease (CVD), renal disease (RD), dementia (DEM), infections, diabetes, diseases of the digestive system (DDS), lung diseases, cancer (CA) and other. Effect of gout on risk of death was calculated using COX regression on whole population and stratified by sex, adjusted for demographics and comorbidities. Death incidence rate were compared between the two time periods, 2006-2010 and 2011-2015.ResultsWe identified 22055 cases of incident gout and 98 946 controls, mean age (SD) 67.3-66.3 (15.3-15.4) years and 67.6-66.5% males. All comorbidities were more common at baseline among gout cases except for dementia which was more common in controls. Overall risk for death in incident gout was increased with 3%. Gout cases had a significantly increased risk for death by CVD, RD and DDS and a significantly decreased risk for death by DEM and CA. Similar results were found when stratifying for sex. There were no significant differences in incident death rate ratios in total, and subdivided into CVD and non CVD cause of death, between cases and controls in the two time periods examined.ConclusionsA 3% increase in all-cause death in patients with gout highlights the importance in addressing not only CVD risk factors in the management of gout patients. Furthermore, gout was associated with reduced mortality from dementia and these findings calls for further study, not least because of possible effects of urate lowering therapy on risk of dementia.
Late chronotype is linked to greater cortical thickness in the left fusiform and entorhinal gyri
Authors: Zareba Michal Rafal , Fafrowicz Magdalena , Marek Tadeusz , Beldzik Ewa , Oginska Halszka , Domagalik Aleksandra 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Humans can be classified as early, intermediate and late chronotypes based on the preferred sleep and wakefulness patterns. The anatomical basis of these distinctions remains largely unexplored. Using magnetic resonance imaging data from 113 healthy young adults (71 females), we aimed to replicate cortical thickness and grey matter volume chronotype differences reported earlier in the literature using a greater sample size, as well as to explore the volumetric white matter variation linked to contrasting circadian phenotypes. Instead of comparing the chronotypes, we correlated the individual chronotype scores with their morphometric brain measures. The results revealed one cluster in the left fusiform and entorhinal gyri showing increased cortical thickness with increasing preference for eveningness, potentially providing an anatomical substrate for chronotype-sensitive affective processing. No significant results were found for grey and white matter volume. We failed to replicate cortical thickness and volumetric grey matter distinctions in the brain regions reported in the literature. Furthermore, we found no association between white matter volume and chronotype. Thus, while this study confirms that circadian preference is associated with specific structural substrates, it adds to the growing concerns that reliable and replicable neuroimaging research requires datasets much larger than those commonly used.
Efficient control of dye molecules fluorescence in polydopamine via strong optical coupling in a SPASER nanoparticle
Authors: Melentiev Pavel , Khlebtsov Boris , Gritchenko Anton , Kudryavtsev Denis , Ivanov Igor , Mozhaeva Vera , Siniavin Andrei , Kang Bin , Tsetlin Victor , Balykin Victor 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
One of the main approaches of design and manipulation of the quantum emitters’ radiative properties is based on proper control of optical modes of the surrounding quantum emitter environment, leading to, in its ultimate case, to a strong regime of the emitter - environment interaction. In this Letter, we present the realization of a mesoscopic physical system (Au SPASER nanoparticle with polydopamine shell containing dye molecules Cy 7.5) in which the strong optical coupling regime allows: (i) to get rid of dye molecules quenching, (ii) to suppress photobleaching of dye molecules and (iii) to get a great enhancement of dye molecules fluorescence. We have reduced the rate of fluorescence quenching of dye molecules in PDA by 1000 times and increased the fluorescence emission rate of dye molecules by 30 time, thus preparing bright, nanoscale and biocompatible fluorescent probes suitable for bio-sensing applications. As an example of practical use of the probe, we demonstrate direct detection of single SARS-CoV-2 viral particle via fluorescence measurements of the probes attached to the viral particle through the antibodies.