bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy outcomes in egg donation programs are similar when vitrified imported oocytes are compared to egg-sharing in a retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Trindade Vanessa Devens , Hentschke Marta Ribeiro , Dornelles Victoria Campos , Badalotti-Teloken Isadora , de Vasconcelos Natália Fontoura , Colombo Talita , Petracco Alvaro , Poli-de-Figueiredo Carlos Eduardo , Badalotti Mariangela 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: In the past decade, the use of donated oocytes has increased, with egg donation (ED) cycles accounting for nearly 10% of all assisted reproductive technology (ART) in the United States, with live birth rates exceeding 50% per cycle. Legal frameworks for ED vary across countries; for example, Brazil permits voluntary and shared donation but prohibits commercial donation, leading to imported egg-sharing programs. Despite the growing use of both fresh and vitrified oocytes, no studies have yet compared pregnancy rates between these different egg-sharing programs. Does the use of imported vitrified oocytes from an international bank result in similar pregnancy rates when compared to an egg-sharing donation with fresh oocytes?
Methods: This study is a retrospective cohort including in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles involving egg donation from January 2010 to December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: those participating in the egg-sharing program and those receiving imported vitrified oocytes from an international bank.
Results: A total of 391 patients were included, with 224 from egg-sharing group (comprising 251 IVF cycles) and 170 from the imported vitrified oocyte group (comprising 179 IVF cycles). The data between the groups were as follows, respectively: mature oocytes: 6.11±3.03, vs 6.88 ±1.69, p = 0.001; total embryos formed: 3.10±1.78, vs 3.26±1.73, p = 0.373, clinical pregnancy rate: 40.1%, vs 47.4%, p = 0.099, live birth and ongoing pregnancy rate: 30.7% vs 38%, p = 0.084, birth weight 2842±765 vs 3048± 547, p = 0.040, small for gestational age 21.6 vs 7.7%, p = 0.036. In the imported oocytes group, the pregnancy rates according to endometrial thickness were as follows: <8mm: 23.5%, 8-12mm: 53.8%,>12 mm 34.6%, p = 0.002.
Conclusions: Egg recipient treatment using imported vitrified oocytes demonstrated similar laboratory outcomes and clinical pregnancy rates compared to the egg-sharing program. Additionally, recipients using vitrified oocytes achieved higher pregnancy rates when transfers were conducted with an endometrial thickness of 8-12 mm.
Assessment of Fusarium Cutinases for Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Biodegradion: Insights from Molecular Dynamics and Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: de Souza Carlos Gabriel da Silva , Costa Clauber Henrique Souza da , de Oliveira Maycon Vinicius Damasceno , Silva Pedro H. A. , Silva Edilene Oliveira da , Skaf Munir S. , Santos Alberdan Silva , Lameira Jerônimo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a polymer of significant industrial importance due to its outstanding physical and chemical properties, making it a key material in various sectors. While PET plays a crucial role in modern applications, its environmental persistence underscores the need for sustainable management and recycling strategies. Enzymatic degradation, particularly through cutinases derived from Fusarium species, has emerged as a promising approach for PET biodegradation. Cutinases from Fusarium oxysporum (FoCut5a) and Fusarium solani (FsCut1) demonstrate the ability to hydrolyze PET into monomers, offering a potential sustainable solution for plastic waste management. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to analyze the structural changes in FoCut5a and FsCut1. To explore the structural rearrangements, we conducted a Free Energy Landscape (FEL) analysis, which revealed that the dynamics of the flap helix and binding loop (residues 74–93 and 172–192 respectively) of FoCut5a allow it to exist in both open and closed states, whereas FsCut1 predominantly adopts a closed state. This difference in conformational dynamics has significant implications for enzymatic efficiency, as the transition between open and closed states facilitates substrate binding and product release. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided insights into the interaction of F. oxysporum with PET surfaces, further highlighting its biodegradation potential. Understanding the mechanistic basis of PET degradation by cutinases is important for engineering enzyme systems to enhance PET degradation and improve the turnover of specific products, offering valuable insights for the development of biotechnological strategies aimed at sustainable materials management in the context of plastic waste recycling.
Preferences for breast cancer survivorship programs among multiracial and ethnic women
Authors: Anderson Lisa , Bhattacharyya Oindrila , Clark Akia , Smith Sharnell , Grimm Michael , Fox Elizabeth , Trance Annie , Oppong Bridget A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: With advancements in breast cancer treatment, survivorship has increased, leading to 3.8 million survivors in the US. These women have diverse supportive care needs, often addressed through Survivorship Programs (SPs), which provide clinical and non-clinical support services. SPs aim to deliver a holistic approach to comprehensive breast cancer treatment and recurrence prevention. Historically, disparities in SP utilization exist among minority and elderly women. This study aims to explore trends varying in SP participation by age and race within a single institution.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of breast cancer patients' survivorship needs at the James Comprehensive Cancer Center was conducted. Data were collected from JamesCare for Life programs (2019-2022), including demographics and referrals to clinical resources such as Adolescent/Young Adult care, Fertility preservation, Palliative care, Psychosocial support, and Survivorship. Participation in non-clinical areas, including Art, Education, Exercise, Mind-Body-Spirit, and Nutrition, was also evaluated. Descriptive statistics summarized patterns based on age, race, and ethnicity.
Results: From 2019-2022, 2,198 patients attended SPs, with Nutrition and Exercise being the most popular. Most attendees were 60-69 years old and White. Black attendees declined from 9.9% (2019) to 5.7% (2022). Clinical resources showed the highest referral rate to survivorship clinics. Black patients saw an increase in palliative care referrals, rising from 11% to 21%.
Conclusion: Data reveal differences in clinical referrals by age and race, with fewer referrals for older women and more for Black patients. Participation in non-clinical SPs was similar across groups. Future program development will focus on inclusivity and equitable access.
Unhealthy lifestyles are associated with incidence and mortality of chest pain among the U.S. population: a cross-sectional and cohort study based on NHANES
Authors: Yin Jumei , Zhang Huan , Zhang Ju , Yao Nuo , Shi Yongquan , Han Zheyi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Unhealthy lifestyles have been linked to a range of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and unfavorable prognosis. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the correlation between unhealthy lifestyles and chest pain. This study aimed to evaluated the relationship between unhealthy lifestyles and the occurrence of chest pain as well as overall mortality among subjests presenting with chest pain.
Methods: The data utilized for this study were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which spans 2001 to 2018. Unhealthy lifestyles, ranging from 0 to 5, were constructed based on five factors: smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unhealthy waist circumference, and unhealthy diet. Logistic regression models assessed the correlation between unhealthy lifestyles and chest pain. All-cause mortality was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox regression analysis, and restricted cubic splines (RCS). Mediation analysis was utilized to explore the indirect impact of unhealthy lifestyles on chest pain mediated through CVD.
Results: A total of 11786 participants (8581 without pain, 3205 with pain) were enrolled. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analysis showed individuals with more unhealthy lifestyles
were significantly more likely to suffer chest pain (odds ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-1.33). Notably, CVD partially mediated the association between unhealthy lifestyles and chest pain by a 24.85% proportion, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 6.42 years, 1811 subjects (15.4%) died. Weighted Cox proportional hazards models indicated that for each additional unit of unhealthy lifestyle, an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for mortality was 1.43 (95% CI 1.32-1.56) for all participants, 1.59 (95% CI 1.36-1.86) for participants with chest pain and 1.37 (95% CI 1.24-1.50) for participants without chest pain.
Conclusion: Unhealthy lifestyles were strongly linked to increased incidence of chest pain and all-cause mortality.
A Rare Case of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in Lynx
Authors: Ma Yuan , Lv Jinbao , Ding Yulin , Wang Wenlong , Wang Rui , Gao wa , Zheng Bingwu , Le Husen , Wang Jinling 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare neoplastic disease caused by clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells and their associated interstitial lesions in the lungs, which can involve multiple systems, including bone, skin, and lymph nodes, and lead to organ dysfunction. An 8-year-old male lynx in Hohhot Zoo presented clinical manifestations of depression, lethargy, loss of appetite due to lethargy, reduced movement, gradual emaciation, and respiratory distress, over a period of 2 months, before finally dying from exhaustion. Necropsy revealed severe emaciation and dehydration with pleural and abdominal effusions. Based on clinical diagnosis and histopathological features, Lynx confirmed PLCH.According to the literature, this case represented the first report of PLCH in lynx, and this case report should improve our understanding of lynx PLCH and the ability to diagnose and treat it at an early stage.
Medial sural artery perforator free flap for small to medium-sized defects in head and neck reconstruction : a suitable replacement for radial forearm free flap
Authors: Tang Xi , Wu Jian , Zhang Yulian , Pan Keran 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
To compare clinical outcomes and donor site morbidity between medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap and radial forearm free (RFF) flap for soft tissue reconstruction of head and neck.
Methods
46 patients who underwent free flaps reconstruction at the head and neck cancer center from February 2019 to March 2021 were included, of which 25 RFF flaps and 21 MSAP flaps, The patient and flap characteristics ( age, sex, flap size, harvest time, etc.) and outcomes (success rate, donor site complications including infection, hematoma and fistula, etc, donor site morbidity including abnormal sensation, weakness, range of motion, postoperative oral function, etc.) were recorded and compared. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery. The patients were assessed subjective donor-site morbidity and satisfaction with overall functional result using a self-reported questionnaire.
Results: The success rates of RFF flaps and MSAP flaps were 96%and 95.2%. There were no significant differences in the age, sex, flap size, pedicle length, postoperative treatment and postoperative oral function. MSAP flap showed less donor site morbidity and better subjective satisfaction at donor site than RFF flap did after 12 months follow-up. A dominant perforator of medial sural artery emerges constantly near the point which is approxmately 15 cm from popliteal fossa center vertically, and 3 cm from postor midline of leg horizontally.
Conclusion
Due to less donor site morbidity and higher patients’ satisfaction, MSAP flap can be used as a replacement for RFF flap for small to medium-sized defects in head and neck reconstruction.
Radiomic-based models are able to predict the pathologic response to different neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens in patients with gastric and gastroesophageal cancer: a cohort study
Authors: Annamaria Agnes , Boldrini Luca , Perillo Federica , Tran Huong Elena , Brizi Maria Gabriella , Ricci Riccardo , Lenkowicz Jacopo , Votta Claudio , Biondi Alberto , Manfredi Riccardo , Valentini Vincenzo , D'Ugo Domenico , Persiani Roberto 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background. There is a clinical need to identify early predictors for response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC and GEJC). This study aimed to apply radiomics to build prediction models for the response to NAC.
Methods. All consecutive patients with non-metastatic GC and GEJC undergoing preoperative chemotherapy and surgical resection in an Italian high-volume referral center between 2005-2021 were considered eligible. In patients selected, the CT scans performed upon staging were reviewed to segment the tumor and extract radiomic features using MODDICOM. The primary endpoint was to develop and validate radiomic-based predictive models to identify major responders (MR: tumor regression grade TRG 1-2) and non-responders (NR: TRG 4-5) to NAC. Following an initial feature selection, radiomic and combined radiomic-clinicopathologic prediction models were built for the MR or NR status based on logistic regressions. Internal validation was performed for each model. Radiomic models (in the entire case series and according to NAC regimens) were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and negative predictive value (NPV).
Results. The study included 77 patients undergoing NAC and subsequent tumor resection. The MR prediction model after all types of NAC had an overall good screening value (AUC 0.876, CI 95% 0.786−0.966, sensitivity 83%, and NPV 96%). The models predicting NRs among patients undergoing epirubicin with cisplatin and fluorouracil (ECF), epirubicin with oxaliplatin and capecitabin (EOX), or fluorouracil with oxaliplatin and docetaxel (FLOT) (AUC 0.760, CI 95% 0.639-0.882), oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (AUC 0.810, CI 95% 0.692-0.928), and FLOT (AUC 0.907, CI 95% 0.818 − 0.995) had satisfactory performance.
Conclusions. The developed radiomic models resulted promising in predicting the response to different neoadjuvant chemotherapy strategies. Once further implemented on larger datasets, they could be valuable and cost-effective instruments to target multimodal treatment in patients with GC.
What underlies high episodic memory function in older age? No evidence for aging-specific relationships to hippocampal atrophy and retrieval activity
Authors: Fjell Anders M. , Sneve Markus H. , Amlien Inge K , Grydeland Håkon , Mowinckel Athanasia M. , Vidal-Piñeiro Didac , Sørensen Øystein , Walhovd Kristine B. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Some older adults show high episodic memory performance compared to same-age peers. It is not known whether their high function is caused by special brain features in aging, or whether superior memory has the same brain foundation throughout adult life. To address this, we measured hippocampal volume and atrophy, microstructural integrity by diffusion tensor imaging, and activity during an episodic memory encoding and retrieval task in cognitively healthy adults (n = 277, age 20.1–81.5 years). Atrophy was quantified by repeated MRIs (2–7 examinations, mean max follow-up time 9.3 years). Superior memory in older adults was associated with higher retrieval activity in the anterior hippocampus and less hippocampal atrophy. There were no significant age-interactions, suggesting stable correlates of superior memory function. Age-memory performance curves across the full age-range were similar for participants with high memory performance compared to those with normal and low performance. These trajectories were based on cross-sectional data but did not indicate preserved memory among the superior functioning older adults. In conclusion, the results confirm that aspects of hippocampal structure and function are related to superior memory, without evidence to suggest that the best performing older adults are characterized by special brain features compared to their younger counterparts.
Effect of perceived stress on psychological distress in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing TACE: the mediating role of experiential avoidance and the moderating role of trait mindfulness
Authors: Liu Zengxia , Li Min , Jia Yong , Zheng Lufang , Chen Li 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the moderated mediation mechanism of the relationships among perceived stress, psychological distress, experiential avoidance and trait mindfulness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in China.Methods This study utilized a cross-sectional approach to gather data from 458 HCC patients undergoing TACE. Participants completed self-report measures assessing psychological distress, perceived stress, experiential avoidance and trait mindfulness. Mediation and moderation analyses are carried out in SPSS macro PROCESS.Results Perceived stress could affect psychological distress and experiential avoidance could mediate this relationship(mediation effect = 0.041, [95%CI=(0.027, 0.056)]). Trait mindfulness played a role as a moderator in the direct and indirect effect of perceived stress on psychological distress.Conclusion Our findings underscore the vital role of experiential avoidance and trait mindfulness to relieve psychological distress, and provide practical implications for mental health intervention programs of HCC patients undergoing TACE.
Traumatic Head Injuries in Children: Demographics, Injury Patterns, and Outcomes in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Albargi Hussin , Alharbi Rayan Jafnan , Almuwallad Ateeq , Harthi Naif , Khormi Yahya , Kanthimathinathan Hari Krishnan , Chowdhury Sharfuddin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Traumatic head injuries (THIs) are among the leading cause of mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in children worldwide. Most of the published literature concerning THIs arises predominantly from North America and Europe. However, only limited data about the incidence, characteristics and impact on children in Saudi Arabia exists.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of THIs in children (≤ 18 years of age) using data from the Saudi TraumA Registry (STAR) from August 2017 to December 2022. Data included patient demographic characteristics, the mechanism, type and severity of injury. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between outcomes and clinical factors.
Results
We identified 466 children with THI. Most children were over six years of age (69.5%) and male (76.6%). Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) were the most common cause of THIs (51.9%), with falls being more common in infants (69.8%). Over half of the children required ICU admission. Children with higher injury severity score, heart rate at presentation to the ED, hospital stay duration, respiratory assistance and need for surgery were more likely to require ICU admission. The overall mortality rate was 7.7%, with schoolchildren (age: 6–12 years) having the highest mortality rate (10.8%). Higher rates of ICU admission were associated with increases in the injury severity score (ISS), hospital stay duration, respiratory assistance and the need for surgery.
Conclusions
Children in the 6–12 year age-group had the highest mortality rate, reflecting high injury severities associated with increased ICU admissions. These findings highlight the importance of targeting preventive measures for MVCs in older children and improving trauma care for severe cases.
Efficacy and safety of pretraction-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection for treating rectal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Guo Xiaoxiong , Liu Miao , Zhong Canmei , Lin Liying , Zhuang Mingkai , Chen Yunxin , Zhang Sihan , Zhuang Minxian , Huang Tingxuan , Chen Fenglin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Multiple endoscopic treatment options are available for rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (c-ESD) being the most commonly used method. However, there are certain challenges in the use of c-ESD to treat rectal NETs. To address these issues, pretraction-assisted ESD (p-ESD) was developed. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of p-ESD and c-ESD for the treatment of rectal NETs.
Methods
This retrospective observational study included consecutive patients with rectal NETs measuring less than 15 mm in size who underwent p-ESD or c-ESD at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between January 2019 and December 2023. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the dissection time, en bloc resection rate, R0 resection rate, and adverse event rate between the p-ESD and c-ESD groups.
Results
A total of 103 patients were included in the study, with 49 in the p-ESD group and 54 in the c-ESD group. The dissection time in the p-ESD group was significantly shorter than that in the c-ESD group (median 9.3 vs. 14.9 min, P < 0.001). Additionally, the p-ESD group required no further injections after the first injection, whereas the c-ESD group required significantly more injections (0 vs. 1.54 ± 0.57 injections, P < 0.001). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in en bloc resection rates between the groups. The R0 resection rate was notably greater in the p-ESD group (49/49 patients, 100% vs. 48/54 patients, 88.9%, P = 0.028). The p-ESD group also had a lower rate of intraoperative bleeding (2/49, 4.1% vs. 10/54, 18.5%, P = 0.048). No significant differences in other adverse events were found.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that p-ESD for rectal NETs is both effective and safe, reducing procedure complexity while ensuring a high R0 resection rate. p-ESD also reduces the dissection time and decreases the incidence of intraoperative bleeding.
Comparative study on the reaction mechanism of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural on Pd(111) and Cu(111)
Authors: Gao Yuzeng , Liu Fang Feixue , Wang Haolan , Xu Kainan , Chen Rongxin , Zhang Wenxin , Shi Yun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Context
In this paper, the comparative study on the catalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) to 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) on precious Pd(111) and non-precious Cu(111) was systematically studied using periodic density functional theory (DFT) including zero-point energy (ZPE) correction and dispersion correction. Based on the calculated activation energy (Ea) and reaction energy (Er), it was concluded that the optimal energy path for the HMF (F-CHO) conversion to BHMF (F-CH2OH) on Pd(111) is as follows: F-CHO + 2H → F-CHOH + H → F-CH2OH; and the minimum reaction path on Cu(111) is: F-CHO + 2H → F-CH2O + H → F-CH2OH. On Cu(111), the formation of F-CH2OH from F-CH2O hydrogenation displays the highest reaction energy barrier and the smallest rate constant so that it is the rate-determining step. The comparison of HMF hydrogenation on Pd(111) and Cu(111) reveals their inherent differences in selectivity mainly due to the different adsorption geometries of HMF and BHMF, and it was concluded the non-precious Cu(111) is a promising hydrogenation catalyst for the production of BHMF from the hydrogenation of HMF.
Methods
All plane-wave DFT calculations were performed by using Vienna ab initio simulation package (VASP, version 5.3.5). The exchange and correlation energies were computed using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof (PBE) functional with the projector augmented wave (PAW) method.