bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Value of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in the Prediction of Spontaneous Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Chenxi , Jing Miaomiao , Zhu Wenjun , Tu Xiaoyu , Chen Qi , Wang Xiufang , Zheng Youbing , Zhang Runju 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveTo determine whether serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level is a predictor of clinical pregnancy in women trying to achieve a natural conception.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles published until August 2020. Studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis; no language limitations were imposed. Quality was appraised using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 checklist. Heterogeneity due to the threshold effect was identified; thus, we plotted a summary receiver operating characteristic curve and calculated its area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and Cochran’s Q index to assess whether AMH level is a predictor of spontaneous pregnancy. Publication bias and sensitivity were also assessed.ResultsEleven studies (4,388 women) were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. The AUC and Cochran’s Q indices were 0.5932 and 0.5702, respectively. For women younger than 35 years, the AUC was 0.6355 and the Q index was 0.6025. For those older than 35 years, the AUC was 0.5536 and the Q index was 0.5403. Subgroup analyses by study type and population characteristics showed results similar to the overall outcome. No publication bias was identified, and the sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the final result.ConclusionsSerum AMH levels have poor predictive value for natural pregnancy. The predictive value of AMH was poor in the younger and older subgroups. Our findings suggest that low serum AMH levels are not associated with reduced fertility.IntroductionThis study investigated the predictive value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level for natural pregnancy. Other than age, few factors can predict the chances of natural fertility. AMH is an established biomarker of ovarian reserve that is widely used to predict oocyte yield in cases of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and menopause. In clinical practice, the applications of AMH are increasing. However, its predictive value for natural conception remains controversial. In this study, since AMH is closely related with ovarian reserve, we evaluated whether it has predictive value for natural pregnancy. Our findings will fine-tune the clinical application of AMH in pre-pregnancy counseling. The topic should be of wide interest to investigators in the reproductive endocrinology and gynecology fields.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO 2020 CRD42020216265, Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020216265.
Medical Significance of Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2 and Pharmacological Characteristics of Plumbagin
Authors: Li Yongming , Yu Songzuo , Li Yu , Liang Xiao , Su Min , Li Rong 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundClinically, evidence shows that uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have a higher death-rate. However, current anti-UCEC/coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment is lacking. Plumbagin (PLB), a pharmacologically active alkaloid, is an emerging anti-cancer inhibitor. Accordingly, the current report was designed to identify and characterize the anti-UCEC function and mechanism of PLB in the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 via integrated in silico analysis.MethodsThe clinical analyses of UCEC and COVID-19 in patients were conducted using online-accessible tools. Meanwhile, in silico methods including network pharmacology and biological molecular docking aimed to screen and characterize the anti-UCEC/COVID-19 functions, bio targets, and mechanisms of the action of PLB.ResultsThe bioinformatics data uncovered the clinical characteristics of UCEC patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, including specific genes, health risk, survival rate, and prognostic index. Network pharmacology findings disclosed that PLB-exerted anti-UCEC/COVID-19 effects were achieved through anti-proliferation, inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis, anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, and modulation of some of the key molecular pathways associated with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating actions. Following molecular docking analysis, in silico investigation helped identify the anti-UCEC/COVID-19 pharmacological bio targets of PLB, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU).ConclusionsBased on the present bioinformatic and in silico findings, the clinical characterization of UCEC/COVID-19 patients was revealed. The candidate, core bio targets, and molecular pathways of PLB action in the potential treatment of UCEC/COVID-19 were identified accordingly.
Early Follicular Phase Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Addition May Improve the Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in Patients With “Unpredictable” Poor Response to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist Protocol
Authors: Zhang Chunhui , Wu Fangrong , Wu Zexuan , Sun Bolan , Chen Cheng , Qian Weiping 
Published: October 2021

PurposeTo compare the effects of early and mid-late follicular phase administration of 150 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol in “unpredictable” poor ovarian response (POR) women undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment.MethodsA retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted on 67 patients with “unpredictable” POR in their first IVF/ICSI cycle receiving GnRH antagonist protocol. Patients were treated with a second IVF/ICSI cycle using the same GnRH antagonist protocol with the same starting dose of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) as the first cycle; a daily dose of 150 IU of hCG was administrated on either stimulation day 1 (Group A, n = 35) or day 6 (Group B, n = 32). The number of oocytes retrieved, number of usable embryos, serum level of estradiol (E2) on day of hCG trigger, and clinical pregnant outcomes were studied.ResultsThe addition of 150 IU of hCG on either the first day or sixth day of stimulation increases the serum level of E2, luteinizing hormone (LH), and hCG on the day of hCG trigger. Only the use of 150 IU of hCG on the first stimulation day improved the number of oocytes retrieved, mature of oocytes, and usable embryos, but not the addition of hCG on stimulation day 6. Implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate showed an increasing trend in patients receiving 150 IU of hCG in the early phase compared with mid-late phase, even thought there was no statistically significant difference.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that adding 150 IU of hCG in subsequent GnRH antagonist cycle in “unpredictable” poor responders is associated with the improvement of response to stimulation. Furthermore, early follicular phase addition of 150 IU of hCG significantly increased the number of oocytes retrieved and usable embryos than did the mid-late addition of the same dose.
Basal and Calcium-Stimulated Procalcitonin for the Diagnosis of Medullary Thyroid Cancers: Lights and Shadows
Authors: Censi Simona , Di Stefano Marta , Repaci Andrea , Benvenuti Teresa , Manso Jacopo , Pagotto Uberto , Iacobone Maurizio , Barollo Susi , Bertazza Loris , Galuppini Francesca , Benna Clara , Pennelli Gianmaria , Plebani Mario , Faggian Diego , Colombo Carla , Fugazzola Laura , Mian Caterina 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundProcalcitonin (proCt) was recently proposed as an alternative or in addition to calcitonin (Ct) in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) diagnostics.MethodsSerum basal Ct (bCt) and proCt (bproCt) levels were measured before surgery from a consecutive series of patients with (n=43) and without (n=75) MTC, retrospectively collected in Padua. Serum bproCt, bCt and stimulated proCt and Ct (sproCt and sCt) were measured in another consecutive series of 33 patients seen at three tertiary-level institutions undergoing a calcium stimulation test prior to surgery, 20 of them with a final diagnosis of MTC, and 13 with non-MTC nodular disease.ResultsMedian bproCt levels were higher in MTC than in non-MTC. A positive correlation was found for bproCt with bCt (P&lt;0.01, R2 = 0.75), and with tumor size (P&lt;0.01, R2 = 0.39). The cut-off for bproCt differentiating between MTC and non-MTC patients was &gt;0.07 ng/ml (sensitivity: 85.7%, specificity: 98.9%, positive predictive value [PPV]: 98.2%, negative predictive value [NPV]: 90.6%, P&lt;0.01). While bproCt was &gt;0.07 ng/ml in 38/39 (97.4%) patients with MTC &gt;10 mm, it was above said cut-off only in 15/23 (65.2%) patients with tumors ≤10 mm. A sproCt &gt;0.19 ng/ml was able to identify MTC [sensitivity: 90.0%, specificity:100.0%, PPV: 100.0%, NPV: 86.7% (P&lt;0.01)].ConclusionsOur data suggest that bproCt can be a good adjunct to Ct for MTC diagnostic purposes. In consideration of its high specificity, it can be used in combination with Ct in MTC diagnostics, particularly in the case of mildly elevated basal Ct levels.
Occurrence of Multidrug-Resistant Listeria monocytogenes in Environmental Waters: A Menace of Environmental and Public Health Concern
Authors: Kayode Adeoye John , Semerjian Lucy , Osaili Tareq , Olapade Ola , Okoh Anthony Ifeanyi 
Published: October 2021

The occurrence and antibiogram profiles ofListeria monocytogenesin environmental waters in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, were investigated. Seventy-eight samples from rivers, wastewater, and irrigation water were collected at different geographical locations within the province from February to September 2019. The procedure of the International Organization for Standardization EN ISO 11290:2017 part 1 and 2 was adopted for the isolation of Lm. The counts of presumptive Lm ranged from 2.0 × 103 CFU/100 ml to 3.6 × 105 CFU/100 ml. About 39.74% of the samples were positive for Lm, and the isolates were confirmed as serotype 1/2a (78.95%) and serotype 4b (21.05%). About 68.42% of the isolates demonstrated biofilm-forming potentials. Ten virulence determinants including theplcA, inlA, andinlBwere detected in all the isolates; however,inlC(85.97%),inlJ(80.70%),actA(59.65%),prfA(92.98%),plcB(89.47%),hly(80.70%), andmpl(73.68%) were less prevalent. The antibiogram profiles of confirmed Lm isolates revealed high susceptibilities (&gt;50%) to all antibiotics ranging from 52.63% (cefotetan) to 100% (ampicillin) except for sulfamethoxazole (35.09%), erythromycin (26.32%), streptomycin (38.60%), oxytetracycline (45.61%), and amoxicillin (49.12%). Conversely, high resistance rates against sulfamethoxazole (63.16%), oxytetracycline (54.39%), and amoxicillin (50.88%) were observed. Isolates exhibited 52 resistance patterns against 22 antibiotics tested ranging from 1 to 15 antibiotics, and 82.46% showed multidrug-resistance phenotypes against the antibiotics. The antibiotic resistance index (ARI) of river water (0.18) was less than the permissible (0.2) Krumperman threshold, whereas that of irrigation and wastewater were higher than the Krumperman threshold. The multiple/antibiotic resistance index ((M)ARI) of each of the isolates ranged from 0.05–0.68. Resistance determinants (21) encoding resistance against sulphonamides, β-lactamase, phenicols, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines were detected among the phenotypically resistant Lm isolates investigated which justifies the phenotypic resistance observed in this study. The abundance of resistance determinants in Lm recovered from environmental waters in this study suggests that the aquatic environments may serve as a channel for the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant Lm to other niches including the food chain.
A Novel Six Autophagy-Related Genes Signature Associated With Outcomes and Immune Microenvironment in Lower-Grade Glioma
Authors: Lin Tao , Cheng Hao , Liu Da , Wen Lei , Kang Junlin , Xu Longwen , Shan Changguo , Chen Zhijie , Li Hainan , Lai Mingyao , Zhou Zhaoming , Hong Weiping , Hu Qingjun , Li Shaoqun , Zhou Cheng , Geng Jiwu , Jin Xin 
Published: October 2021

Since autophagy and the immune microenvironment are deeply involved in the tumor development and progression of Lower-grade gliomas (LGG), our study aimed to construct an autophagy-related risk model for prognosis prediction and investigate the relationship between the immune microenvironment and risk signature in LGG. Therefore, we identified six autophagy-related genes (BAG1, PTK6, EEF2, PEA15, ITGA6, and MAP1LC3C) to build in the training cohort (n = 305 patients) and verify the prognostic model in the validation cohort (n = 128) and the whole cohort (n = 433), based on the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The six-gene risk signature could divide LGG patients into high- and low-risk groups with distinct overall survival in multiple cohorts (all p &lt; 0.001). The prognostic effect was assessed by area under the time-dependent ROC (t-ROC) analysis in the training, validation, and whole cohorts, in which the AUC value at the survival time of 5 years was 0.837, 0.755, and 0.803, respectively. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the risk model was an independent risk predictor of OS (HR &gt; 1, p &lt; 0.05). A nomogram including the traditional clinical parameters and risk signature was constructed, and t-ROC, C-index, and calibration curves confirmed its robust predictive capacity. KM analysis revealed a significant difference in the subgroup analyses’ survival. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these autophagy-related signatures were mainly involved in the phagosome and immune-related pathways. Besides, we also found significant differences in immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy targets between risk groups. In conclusion, we built a powerful predictive signature and explored immune components (including immune cells and emerging immunotherapy targets) in LGG.
Traditional Farming Lifestyle in Old Older Mennonites Modulates Human Milk Composition
Authors: Seppo Antti E. , Choudhury Rakin , Pizzarello Catherine , Palli Rohith , Fridy Sade , Rajani Puja Sood , Stern Jessica , Martina Camille , Yonemitsu Chloe , Bode Lars , Bu Kevin , Tamburini Sabrina , Piras Enrica , Wallach David S. , Allen Maria , Looney R. John , Clemente Jose C. , Thakar Juilee , Järvinen Kirsi M. 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundIn addition to farming exposures in childhood, maternal farming exposures provide strong protection against allergic disease in their children; however, the effect of farming lifestyle on human milk (HM) composition is unknown.ObjectiveThis study aims to characterize the maternal immune effects of Old Order Mennonite (OOM) traditional farming lifestyle when compared with Rochester (ROC) families at higher risk for asthma and allergic diseases using HM as a proxy.MethodsHM samples collected at median 2 months of lactation from 52 OOM and 29 ROC mothers were assayed for IgA1 and IgA2 antibodies, cytokines, endotoxin, HM oligosaccharides (HMOs), and targeted fatty acid (FA) metabolites. Development of early childhood atopic diseases in children by 3 years of age was assessed. In addition to group comparisons, systems level network analysis was performed to identify communities of multiple HM factors in ROC and OOM lifestyle.ResultsHM contains IgA1 and IgA2 antibodies broadly recognizing food, inhalant, and bacterial antigens. OOM HM has significantly higher levels of IgA to peanut, ovalbumin, dust mites, and Streptococcus equii as well TGF-β2, and IFN-λ3. A strong correlation occurred between maternal antibiotic use and levels of several HMOs. Path-based analysis of HMOs shows lower activity in the path involving lactoneohexaose (LNH) in the OOM as well as higher levels of lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) and two long-chain FAs C-18OH (stearic acid) and C-23OH (tricosanoic acid) compared with Rochester HM. OOM and Rochester milk formed five different clusters, e.g., butyrate production was associated with Prevotellaceae, Veillonellaceae, and Micrococcaceae cluster. Development of atopic disease in early childhood was more common in Rochester and associated with lower levels of total IgA, IgA2 to dust mite, as well as of TSLP.ConclusionTraditional, agrarian lifestyle, and antibiotic use are strong regulators of maternally derived immune and metabolic factors, which may have downstream implications for postnatal developmental programming of infant’s gut microbiome and immune system.
The Mucosal and Serological Immune Responses to the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Vaccines
Authors: Chan Renee W. Y. , Liu Shaojun , Cheung Jonathan Y. , Tsun Joseph G. S. , Chan Kate C. , Chan Kathy Y. Y. , Fung Genevieve P. G. , Li Albert M. , Lam Hugh Simon 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAlthough the serological antibody responses induced by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are well characterized, little is known about their ability to elicit mucosal immunity.ObjectivesThis study aims to examine and compare the mucosal and systemic responses of recipients of two different vaccination platforms: mRNA (Comirnaty) and inactivated virus (CoronaVac).MethodsSerial blood and nasal epithelial lining fluid (NELF) samples were collected from the recipients of either Comirnaty or CoronaVac. The plasma and NELF immunoglobulins A and G (IgA and IgG) specific to SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein (S1) and their neutralization effects were quantified.ResultsComirnaty induced nasal S1-specific immunoglobulin responses, which were evident as early as 14 ± 2 days after the first dose. In 64% of the subjects, the neutralizing effects of NELF persisted for at least 50 days. Moreover, 85% of Comirnaty recipients exhibited S1-specific IgA and IgG responses in plasma by 14 ± 2 days after the first dose. By 7 ± 2 days after the booster, all plasma samples possessed S1-specific IgA and IgG responses and were neutralizing. The induction of S1-specific plasma antibodies by CoronaVac was IgG dominant, and 83% of the subjects possessed S1-specific IgG by 7 ± 2 days after the booster, with neutralizing effects.ConclusionComirnaty induces S1-specific IgA and IgG responses with neutralizing activity in the nasal mucosa; a similar response is not seen with CoronaVac.Clinical ImplicationThe presence of a nasal response with mRNA vaccine may provide additional protection compared with inactivated virus vaccine. However, whether such widespread immunological response may produce inadvertent adverse effects in other tissues warrants further investigation.
Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Centrifugal Pump and Driving Devices of the OASSIST ECMO System: A Preclinical Evaluation in the Ovine Model
Authors: Gao Sizhe , Wang Weining , Qi Jiachen , Liu Gang , Wang Jian , Yan Shujie , Teng Yuan , Zhou Chun , Wang Qian , Yan Weidong , Zhang Qiaoni , Liu Youjun , Gao Bin , Ji Bingyang 
Published: October 2021

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides cardiopulmonary support for critically ill patients. Portable ECMO devices can be applied in both in-hospital and out-of-hospital emergency conditions. We evaluated the safety and biocompatibility of a novel centrifugal pump and ECMO device of the OASSIST ECMO System (Jiangsu STMed Technologies Co., Suzhou, China) in a 168-h ovine ECMO model.Methods: The portable OASSIST ECMO system consists of the control console, the pump drive, and the disposable centrifugal pump. Ten healthy sheep were used to evaluate the OASSIST ECMO system. Five were supported on veno-venous ECMO and five on veno-arterial ECMO, each for 168 h. The systemic anticoagulation was achieved by continuous heparin infusion to maintain the activated clotting time (ACT) between 220 and 250 s. The rotary speed was set at 3,200–3,500 rpm. The ECMO configurations and ACT were recorded every 6 hours (h). The free hemoglobin (fHb), complete blood count, and coagulation action test were monitored, at the 6th h and every 24 h after the initiation of the ECMO. The dissection of the pump head and oxygenator were conducted to explore thrombosis.Results: Ten sheep successfully completed the study duration without device-related accidents. The pumps ran stably, and the ECMO flow ranged from 1.6 ± 0.1 to 2.0 ± 0.11 L/min in the V-V group, and from 1.8 ± 0.1 to 2.4 ± 0.14 L/min in the V-A group. The anticoagulation was well-performed. The ACT was maintained at 239.78 ± 36.31 s, no major bleeding or thrombosis was observed during the ECMO run or in the autopsy. 3/5 in the V-A group and 4/5 in the V-V group developed small thrombus in the bearing pedestal. No obvious thrombus formed in the oxygenator was observed. The hemolytic blood damage was not significant. The average fHb was 0.17 ± 0.12 g/L. Considering hemodilution, the hemoglobin, white blood cell, and platelets didn't reduce during the ECMO runs.Conclusions: The OASSIST ECMO system shows satisfactory safety and biocompatibility for the 168-h preclinical evaluation in the ovine model. The OASSIST ECMO system is promising to be applied in clinical conditions in the future.
No Sex Differences in Psychological Burden and Health Behaviors of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders
Authors: Gu Wenli , Liu Xiao , Sun Runlu , Jiang Yuan , Cao Zhengyu , Wu Maoxiong , Ma Jianyong , Chen Zhiteng , Chen Yangxin , Zhang Yuling , Wang Jingfeng 
Published: October 2021

Background: Females with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) state-ordered home isolation were associated with higher anxiety and reduced sleep quality than males. Sex differences in psychobehavioral changes during the COVID-19 stay-at home orders among healthcare workers remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the sex differences in psychological burden and health behaviors among these persons.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using online data available in the open Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research (OPENICPSR). Healthcare workers including females and males who transitioned to working from home during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were included. Sex differences were compared using the chi-square test and Student's t-test. We performed logistic and linear regression analyses to determine the association of females with psychological burden and health behaviors.Results: A total of 537 respondents (425 females and 112 males) were enrolled in our study. Sex differences in age (42.1 ± 12.3 years vs. 46.6 ± 15.7 years, t = −2.821, p = 0.005), occupation (χ2 = 41.037, p &lt; 0.001), mood change (n = 297, 69.9% vs. n = 61, 54.5%, χ2 = 9.482, p = 0.002), bedtime schedule (χ2 = 6.254, p = 0.044) and news consumption (n = 344, 80.9% vs. n = 76, 67.9%, χ2 = 8.905, p = 0.003) were statistically significant. Logistic regression showed that females was negatively associated with better mood status (OR = 0.586, 95% CI 0.153–2.247, p = 0.436). In addition, linear regression showed that females were not correlated with total sleep time after adjusting for sio-demographics, mental health outcomes and health behaviors (B = 0.038, 95% CI −0.313–0.388, p = 0.833).Conclusion: No sex differences in psychological burden and health behaviors of healthcare workers were found during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. The COVID-19 state-ordered home isolation may be a potential way to reduce disproportionate effects of COVID-19 pandemic on females and help to minimize sex differences in psychological burden and health behaviors among healthcare workers.