bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-Müllerian hormone as a predictor of oocyte yield following controlled ovarian stimulation in the rhesus macaque
Authors: Jensen Jared V , Leung Philberta Y , Mishler Emily C , Burch Fernanda C , Piekarski Nadine , Bishop Cecily V , Hanna Carol B 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is widely used in the clinic as a biomarker for ovarian reserve and to predict ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation. Patients with higher AMH levels tend to yield more oocytes and have better outcomes from assisted reproductive technology procedures. The goal of this study is to determine if AMH can be used to predict the outcome of controlled ovarian stimulation in rhesus macaques, which are commonly used in biomedical research, to refine animal use while maximizing oocyte yield. We hypothesized that pre-stimulation AMH values can be used to predict oocyte yield and quality. Regularly cycling adult macaques underwent controlled ovarian stimulation and baseline (pre-stimulation) plasma AMH levels were determined using an AMH-specific enzyme-linked immunoassay. Oocytes were collected by laparoscopic or ultrasound-guided aspiration, then counted and evaluated for quality and stage of meiosis. Sperm from established fertile males were used to inseminate the oocytes in vitro with fertilization success checked 14–16 h later. Females were grouped by oocyte yield: low ≤17; mid = 18–41; high ≥42. We found that high and mid yielders had significantly higher AMH than low yielders (p &lt; 0.0001) and the percent of mature oocytes was greater in the high and mid yielders. There were no significant differences in oocyte quality or ova fertilization rate. These data suggest that AMH is a useful measure for controlled ovarian stimulation success in rhesus macaques and can be used to identify suitable animals for oocyte donation before entering them into a stimulation protocol.
The effects of bisphenol A and its analogs on steroidogenesis in MA-10 Leydig cells and KGN granulosa cells
Authors: Iskandarani Lama , Romanelli Sabrina , Hales Barbara F , Robaire Bernard 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Bisphenols are a family of chemicals used in the manufacture of consumer products containing polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Studies have shown that exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) may disrupt steroidogenesis and induce adverse effects on male and female reproduction, but little is known about BPA replacements. We determined the effects of six bisphenols on the steroidogenic function of MA-10 Leydig cells and KGN granulosa cells by measuring the levels of progesterone and estradiol produced by these cells as well as the expression of transcripts involved in steroid and cholesterol biosynthesis. MA-10 and KGN cells were exposed for 48 h to one of six bisphenols (0.01–50 μM): BPA, bisphenol F, bisphenol S, bisphenol AF, bisphenol M, or bisphenol TMC, under both basal and dibutyryl cAMP (Bu2cAMP)-stimulated conditions. In MA-10 cells, most bisphenols increased the Bu2cAMP-stimulated production of progesterone. In KGN cells, there was a general decrease in progesterone production, while estradiol levels were increased following exposure to many bisphenols. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that all six bisphenols (≥1 μM) upregulated the expression of STAR, a cholesterol transporter, in both cell lines after stimulation. Key transcripts directly involved in steroid and cholesterol biosynthesis were significantly altered in a cell line, chemical, and concentration-dependent manner. Thus, BPA and five of its analogs can disrupt steroid production in two steroidogenic cell lines and alter the levels of transcripts involved in this process. Importantly, BPA replacements do not appear to have fewer effects than BPA.
Spontaneous breaking of symmetry in overlapping cell instance segmentation using diffusion models
Authors: Kirkegaard Julius B 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Instance segmentation is the task of assigning unique identifiers to individual objects in images. Solving this task requires breaking the inherent symmetry that semantically similar objects must result in distinct outputs. Deep learning algorithms bypass this break-of-symmetry by training specialized predictors or by utilizing intermediate label representations. However, many of these approaches break down when faced with overlapping labels that are ubiquitous in biomedical imaging, for instance for segmenting cell layers. Here, we discuss the reason for this failure and offer a novel approach for instance segmentation based on diffusion models that breaks this symmetry spontaneously. Our method outputs pixel-level instance segmentations matching the performance of models such as cellpose on the cellpose fluorescent cell dataset, while also permitting overlapping labels.
The impact of coarsening an exposure on partial identifiability in instrumental variable settings
Authors: Gabriel Erin E , Sachs Michael C , Sjölander Arvid 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In instrumental variable (IV) settings, such as imperfect randomized trials and observational studies with Mendelian randomization, one may encounter a continuous exposure, the causal effect of which is not of true interest. Instead, scientific interest may lie in a coarsened version of this exposure. Although there is a lengthy literature on the impact of coarsening of an exposure with several works focusing specifically on IV settings, all methods proposed in this literature require parametric assumptions. Instead, just as in the standard IV setting, one can consider partial identification via bounds making no parametric assumptions. This was first pointed out in Alexander Balke’s PhD dissertation. We extend and clarify his work and derive novel bounds in several settings, including for a three-level IV, which will most likely be the case in Mendelian randomization. We demonstrate our findings in two real data examples, a randomized trial for peanut allergy in infants and a Mendelian randomization setting investigating the effect of homocysteine on cardiovascular disease.
Psychocutaneous medicine: current global understanding and imperatives for continuing medical education and training opportunities. A systematic review
Authors: Tan Isabella J , Katamanin Olivia M , Barry Jillian , Jafferany Mohammad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The intersection of dermatology and psychiatry has gained significant attention in recent years. Psychocutaneous disease affects patient populations who have undiagnosed and undertreated ailments related to the body and mind. These patients have a reduced quality of life due to knowledge gaps and reduced awareness about psychodermatology. This review aims to assess the integration of psychopharmacology topics into continuing medical education (CME) programmes. The review will cover the relevance of CME in clinical practice, its impact on healthcare professionals’ quality of care, and existing knowledge gaps among trainees and young dermatologists. To identify data from inception up to December 2023, a systematic literature review and search was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023494609). The PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched using predefined terms including ‘continuing medical education’, ‘dermatology’, ‘psychology’, ‘psychodermatology’, ‘psychocutaneous’, ‘awareness’ and ‘practice patterns’. Inclusion criteria comprised studies evaluating CME programmes, clinical studies and reviews; and publications in the English language. Studies were excluded if they were single case reports. In total, 93 studies were identified, and 12 were included in this review following screening, removal of duplicates and application of the inclusion criteria. The studies revealed lower levels of confidence among professionals in handling psychocutaneous conditions, limited awareness of available resources and high interest in CME programmes. Initiatives like video mentoring and clinical skills lessons showed promise but are currently scarce. Examined data from selected studies demonstrate that current CME programmes in psychodermatology lack depth, leaving practitioners feeling ill equipped and unaware of available resources. There is substantial global interest in enhancing these programmes. Given the breadth of conditions covered, educating dermatologists is crucial for enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction. Addressing resource scarcity and patient stigma is imperative to developing specialized programmes. Improvement to education can drive stronger outcomes and holistic patient care. Future efforts should prioritize refining programme strategies and conducting thorough assessments to maximize impact.
Data Flows and Data Protection in the Greater Bay Area: The Need for a Coordinated Legal Framework
Authors: Au Adam , Witzleb Normann 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The ambitious Greater Bay Area (GBA) agenda pursues deeper cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau for further regional development. The integration of the digital economies across the GBA cities depends on effective cross-boundary data flows. However, the free flow of data between Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau is currently hampered by stark differences in data protection and cyber security regimes. While the Mainland restricts data exports outside its jurisdiction, Hong Kong does not specifically regulate cross-border data exchanges. This article explores the potential for greater coordination and harmonization of data privacy laws between Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China. It proposes to explore the potential of facilitating inter-regional data transfers through a coordinated data export framework. The article also explains why this is likely a more realistic medium-term objective than a full harmonization of the data protection regimes in the three jurisdictions.
Regulating FinTech in the Greater Bay Area: RegTech and the Role of Regulatory Sandboxes
Authors: Neuwirth Rostam J , Tan Yuting 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In parallel to the growing impacts of various new technologies such as artificial intelligence on societies, the environment, ecosystems, and human lives, financial technologies (FinTech) are playing an increasingly important role in the organization of financial systems and economies worldwide. To verify this claim, the present article takes a closer look at the role of the regulation of FinTech in the context of the regional cooperation in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The GBA currently comprises the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao and the nine municipalities in the Guangdong Province of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which together form one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative regions. Based on each of the GBA members’ unique legal systems, united under the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, the GBA can be regarded as a fertile testing ground, ‘legal laboratory’, or ‘regulatory sandbox’ for the regulation of FinTech worldwide. For this purpose, the article first introduces the existing legal framework, fleshing out the contours of the GBA. Second, it briefly outlines the current scope of FinTech and provides examples of its use in the GBA. The main focus of the article then shifts from FinTech to the regulatory challenges posed by FinTech in the GBA, and the article discusses how these may best be addressed by, for instance, relying on regulatory technology (RegTech) and so-called ‘regulatory sandboxes’. The article concludes by arguing for both an early and a comprehensive discussion about the expected benefits and the potential risks of the rapid implementation and use of FinTech in the GBA and the world at large.
Subcutaneous furosemide in heart failure: a systematic review
Authors: Osmanska Joanna , Petrie Mark C , Docherty Kieran F , Lee Matthew M Y , McMurray John J V , Campbell Ross T 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background and aim
Intravenous loop diuretics are the primary treatment for congestion in patients with decompensated heart failure (HF). Furosemide is the most commonly used loop diuretic and is licensed for administration either orally, intramuscularly or intravenously but not subcutaneously. Recently developed, pH-neutral, concentrated, and ‘skin-friendly’ preparations of furosemide have been developed which allow subcutaneous administration. In this systematic review, we summarize and critically appraise the current evidence for subcutaneous furosemide in patients with HF.

Methods and results
The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry were searched up to 30 September 2024. Of the 17 studies identified, 5 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 2 were non-randomized controlled studies, 3 were prospective observational cohort studies, and 7 were retrospective observational studies.
All RCTs utilized novel pH-neutral, subcutaneous preparations of furosemide. Bioavailability of novel subcutaneous preparations were similar to intravenous furosemide 10 mg/mL: 99.7% for an 8 mg/mL preparation and 112% for a 30 mg/mL preparation. Natriuresis and diuresis were also similar with novel subcutaneous and conventional intravenous furosemide. Adverse events related to novel preparations included infusion site pain or discomfort, localized skin erythema and minimal swelling. All studies of subcutaneous conventional furosemide were non-randomized with very few data regarding bioavailability or diuretic and natriuretic effect. Subcutaneous conventional furosemide was associated with substantial skin irritation (affecting 3–23% of patients), and skin infections requiring treatment with antibiotics (3–17%).

Conclusion
Novel, pH-neutral preparations of subcutaneous furosemide achieved similar diuresis, natriuresis, and bioavailability to intravenous furosemide, and were well tolerated. Novel preparations may be a treatment option for patients with HF.
Impact of low physical activity on cardiovascular disease across regions and demographic groups: insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Liu Changxing , Zhang Zhirui , Wang Boyu , Meng Tianwei , Li Chengjia , Liu Hongwei , Zhang Xulong , Kang Kai 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally, with low physical activity (LPA) as a significant modifiable risk factor. The prevalence of LPA remains high, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of its impact on CVD.

Methods and results
We applied Joinpoint regression to assess trends in deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and employed autoregressive integrated moving average models to project future LPA-related burdens. From 1990 to 2021, CVD-related deaths due to LPA rose from 218 938 to 371 736 globally, with the most significant increases in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. DALYs surged from 4.47 million to 7.29 million. Although age-standardized death rates showed a slight decline in high-income countries (−2.27% EAPC), lower-income regions experienced a steady rise. YLDs grew from 344 680 to 725 181, while YLLs increased from 4.13 million to 6.57 million, with older adults (75+ years) carrying the highest burden.

Conclusion
The growing burden of CVD linked to LPA highlights the urgent need for interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to reduce future risks and improve public health outcomes.
Short-term outcome after isolated tricuspid valve surgery: prognostic role of right ventricular strain
Authors: Ancona Francesco , Bellettini Matteo , Polizzi Giovanni , Paci Gabriele , Margonato Davide , Ingallina Giacomo , Stella Stefano , Fiore Giorgio , Tavernese Annamaria , Belli Martina , Biondi Federico , Castiglioni Alessandro , Denti Paolo , Buzzatti Nicola , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Alfieri Ottavio , Lapenna Elisabetta , De Bonis Michele , Maisano Francesco , Agricola Eustachio 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To assess the incremental prognostic value of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain over conventional risk scores in predicting the peri-operative mortality in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) undergoing isolated tricuspid valve (TV) surgery.

METHODS
We retrospectively enrolled 110 consecutive patients with severe TR who underwent isolated TV surgery between November 2016 and July 2022 at San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy. Exclusion criteria were previous TV surgery, urgent surgery, complex congenital heart disease, active endocarditis and inadequate acoustic window. Baseline clinical data were included, as well as laboratory tests and clinical risk score, as TRI-SCORE and MELD-XI. The clinical outcome was peri-operative mortality, defined as all-cause mortality within 30 days.

RESULTS
The final cohort included 79 patients. The end-point occurred in 7 patients (9%), who died within 30 days after isolated TV surgery. Receiver operator characteristic curves analysis showed that, among parameters of right ventricular function, right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain was the best parameter to predict peri-operative mortality (AUC: 0.854, 95% CI 0.74–0.96, P = 0.005, sensitivity 68%, specificity 100%). At univariable analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction, diabetes mellitus, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum sodium, MELD-XI, TRI-SCORE, right ventricular areas, right ventricular global longitudinal strain, right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain, fractional area change and the ratio between right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain/pulmonary arterial systolic pressure were significantly associated with the end-point. The combination of TRI-SCORE and right ventricular Strain, evaluating right ventricular systolic function with speckle-tracking echocardiography, outperformed classic TRI-SCORE in outcome prediction (AUC 0.874 vs 0.787, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain has an incremental prognostic value over conventional parameters and significantly improves the ability of clinical scores to predict peri-operative mortality in patients undergoing isolated TV surgery.
World Englishes pedagogy: constructing learner identity
Authors: Zhang Yue , Gonzales Wilkinson Daniel Wong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This article examines the impact of a critical pedagogy informed by World Englishes and investment frameworks on one L2 learner in Hong Kong who claims to use ‘Hong Kong English’ (HKE). Taking a critical and proactive stance, we seek to counter insidious (neo)colonial ideologies and practices through our pedagogic investigation in an undergraduate course. Multimodal output during the intervention was jointly analysed to gauge the impact of the pedagogy on one learner’s investment trajectory. The findings revealed that the participant-learner managed to invest in multiple intertwined identities as Hongkonger, legitimate HKE user, and as an L2 English learner. The participant-learner challenged her exonormative orientations to become an invested, self-reflective learner who endorses and embodies endonormative norms in her local English. Overall, the study highlights tasks that create spaces for students to actively resist colonial representations of English.
Influence of betel nut chewing on oral microbiome in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Brucato Nicolas , Lisant Valentine , Kinipi Christopher , Kik Alfred , Besnard Guillaume , Leavesley Matthew , Ricaut François-Xavier 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background and objectives
For thousands of years, betel nut has been used as a psychoactive agent in Asian and Oceanian populations. Betel nut chewing was associated with the alteration of human oral microbiome and with diseases such as oral cancer and periodontitis, but only in populations of Asian cultural background. We studied the influence of betel nut chewing on the oral microbiome in Papua New Guinea, where half of the population uses betel nut and the prevalence of these diseases is one of the highest in the world.

Methodology
We characterised the oral microbiomes of 100 Papua New Guineans. We defined two cohorts of betel chewers (n=50) and non-chewers (n=50) based on a genetic approach to identify the presence of betel nut in saliva. We statistically compared the alpha and beta microbial diversities between the two cohorts. We performed linear discriminant analyses to identify bacterial species more prevalent in each cohort.

Results
We found that oral microbial diversity is significantly different between betel chewers and non-chewers. The dysbiosis observed in betel chewers, led to an increase of pathogenic bacterial species including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia, known to be in the aetiology of periodontal diseases.

Conclusions and implications
Our study strongly supports the alteration of human oral microbiome by betel nut use, potentially leading to periodontal diseases. It also shows the need to consider local specificities (e.g. different habits, betel nut types, and oral microbial diversities) to better characterise the impact of betel nut chewing on health.
Improved treatment of coking wastewater and higher biodiversity through immobilization of Comamonas sp. ZF-3 supplemented microbial community
Authors: Yuan Ke , Ma Yanbiao , Li Qiuyu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among pollutant removal performance, microbial community structure, and potential gene function of immobilized microorganisms in coking wastewater (CWW) treatment process. The results showed that the immobilized biomass containing strain Comamonas sp. ZF-3 displayed greater resistance to CWW and higher COD, NH4+-N removal efficiency (92%, 60%) than free cells (48%, 7%), meanwhile, the results from GC–MS proved main organic pollutants in CWW including phenolic compounds, heterocyclic compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were basically removed by immobilized microorganisms. During 123 days of degradation experiment, high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of immobilized carriers showed more stable and diverse microbial community, which was consistent with simultaneous removal of COD and NH4+-N observed in carrier experiment. Among them, Comamonas sp. ZF-3 continuously remained at the highest proportion (23.25%) in immobilized carrier, while Nitrosomonas (1.47%) and Nitrospira (1.90%) were simultaneously detected. Moreover, microbial community of immobilized carriers showed higher relative abundance of potential function in membrane transport and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, which may indirectly displayed biodegradation activity of immobilized functional microorganisms. This work illustrated the survival status and potential gene function of immobilized microorganisms, and provided basis for practical application of immobilized carriers in CWW treatment.