bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Horn size is linked to Sertoli cell efficiency and sperm size homogeneity during sexual development in common eland (Taurotragus oryx)
Authors: Pintus Eliana , Kotrba Radim , Ros-Santaella José Luis 
Published: August 2024

Background: In polygynous species, the development of secondary sexual characters is usually decisive for male reproductive success. However, our understanding about the links between the growth of these traits and reproductive efficiency is still elusive. Most research efforts in this topic have been also focused on adult males, although the development of some secondary sexual characters, like bovid horns, typically starts after birth, continues during the puberty and in some species, such as the common eland, slows or even stops during adulthood. In this study, we investigated the relationships between horn size and testicular function during sexual development in common elands using a comprehensive approach that considers both spermatogenic and sperm parameters.Methods: Twenty-two non-sexually mature common elands were used for the present study. Horn size, body mass, testes mass, and gonadosomatic index were assessed. Spermatogenic activity was determined by cytological and histological analyses. Sperm concentration, morphology, morphometry, and intramale variation in sperm size were evaluated on epididymal sperm samples. Cluster analysis was performed to explore the influence of age on relationships between horn size and reproductive function.Results: We found that bigger horns are associated with increased Sertoli cell efficiency and reduced intramale variation in sperm size. Both parameters were not related to one another while they have shown to be associated with enhanced sperm quality in ungulates. Moreover, horn size was positively linked to the testis mass, sperm concentration, and testicular investment in the seminiferous epithelium. Spiral length and basal circumference were the horn traits most strongly correlated with spermatogenic and sperm parameters as well as those responsible for the sexual dimorphism in this species. Cluster analysis rendered two groups: the first one including males ≤30 months old, while the second one those &gt;30 months old. Horn development and reproductive function were still correlated within age groups, with the strongest relationship found between horn size and sperm size homogeneity in males &gt;30 months old.Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate that horn size can be regarded as a good index of male reproductive potential during sexual development and provide insights into the role of secondary sexual characters in sexual selection dynamics.
Visual input regulates melanophore differentiation
Authors: Atkinson-Leadbeater Karen , Bertolesi Gabriel E. , McFarlane Sarah 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionDevelopmental processes continue in organisms in which sensory systems have reached functional maturity, however, little research has focused on the influence of sensory input on cell and tissue development. Here, we explored the influence of visual system activity on the development of skin melanophores in Xenopus laevis.MethodsMelanophore number was measured in X. laevis larvae after the manipulation of visual input through eye removal (enucleation) and/or incubation on a white or black substrate at the time when the visual system becomes functional (stage 40). To determine the developmental process impacted by visual input, migration, proliferation and differentiation of melanophores was assessed. Finally, the role of melatonin in driving melanophore differentiation was explored.ResultsEnucleating, or maintaining stage 40 larvae on a black background, results in a pronounced increase in melanophore number in the perioptic region within 24 h. Time lapse analysis revealed that in enucleated larvae new melanophores appear through gradual increase in pigmentation, suggesting unpigmented cells in the perioptic region differentiate into mature melanophores upon reduced visual input. In support, we observed increased expression of melanization genes tyr, tyrp1, and pmel in the perioptic region of enucleated or black background-reared larvae. Conversely, maintaining larvae in full light suppresses melanophore differentiation. Interestingly, an extra-pineal melatonin signal was found to be sufficient and necessary to promote the transition to differentiated melanophores.DiscussionIn this study, we found that at the time when the visual system becomes functional, X. laevis larvae possess a population of undifferentiated melanophores that can respond rapidly to changes in the external light environment by undergoing differentiation. Thus, we propose a novel mechanism of environmental influence where external sensory signals influence cell differentiation in a manner that would favor survival.
COVID-19 epidemic investigation study of a follow-up cohort of patients with diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Qian , Dong Zheyi , Zhang Weiguang , Zheng Ying , Lyu Qiang , Zhang Ruimin , Huang Hui , Liu Fang , Wang Yong , Zhang Li , Cao Xueying , Wu Jie , Zhou Jianhui , Cai Guangyan , Chen Xiangmei 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients in China is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate infection status in a DKD cohort post-renal biopsy and analyze vaccination and infection rates, as well as symptom severity, across various renal pathologies in DKD patients.MethodsThis epidemiological survey, centered on COVID-19, employed a Chinese DKD and renal puncture follow-up cohort. A customized questionnaire enabled standardized data gathering. It collected data on clinical characteristics, vaccination and infection statuses, and diverse pathological types. The study analyzed the relationship between vaccination and infection statuses across various pathological types, evaluating characteristics and treatment outcomes in patients with infections.ResultsIn total, 437 patients with DKD from 26 Chinese provinces were followed up for a median of 44.6 ± 20 months. COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) rates were 73.68%, 59.3%, and 6.63%, respectively. Ten patients with NCP had severe pneumonia or died of COVID-19. Renal pathology revealed that 167 (38.22%) patients had diabetic nephropathy (DN), 171 (39.13%) had non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD), and 99 had DN and NDRD (22.65%). The DN group had the lowest vaccination (54.5%), highest all-cause mortality (3.6%), and highest endpoint rates (34.10%). Compared to patients who were not vaccinated pre-infection (117 cases), vaccinated patients (198 cases) had reduced NCP (6.6% vs. 13.7%), severity (1.0% vs. 3.4%), and endpoint (9.10% vs. 31.60%) rates.ConclusionVaccination can prevent infection and diminish COVID-19 severity in patients with DKD; therefore, increasing vaccination rates is particularly important.Clinical Trial registrationClinicalTrails.gov, NCT05888909.
The role of inflammatory proteins in regulating the impact of lipid specifications on deep venous thrombosis: a two sample and mediated Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Dong Fan , Sun Jiahao , Zhang Yudong 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mediating role of inflammatory proteins in the association between lipid species and Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT).MethodsA comprehensive analysis was conducted using pooled data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), incorporating double-sample and reverse Mendelian randomization (MR) techniques, to identify the specific inflammatory proteins that act as intermediaries among 91 screened proteins in relation to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Furthermore, a two-step MR approach was employed to quantify the proportion of DVT risk attributed to lipid effects mediated by these inflammatory proteins.ResultsThe MR Analysis revealed that the two inflammatory proteins, as predicted by genetics, served as mediating factors in the impact of five lipids on DVT. No reverse effect of DVT was observed on 179 lipid species and 91 inflammatory proteins. In the case of TAG(58:7) and its influence on DVT, CCL20 played an intermediary role with an estimated proportion of 12.51% (ranging from 12% to 13%). SIRT2 exhibited a masking effect on DVT for PC(17:0/20:4) and PC(18:0/20:4), while CCL20 masked the impact of DVT on PC(14:0/18:2), PC(15:0/18:2), and PC(18:0/20:5).ConclusionsIn our study, we identified CCL20 as a crucial mediator in the association between TAG(58:7) and DVT, with a mediating proportion of 12.51% (12%-13%). Further investigations are warranted to explore other potential risk factors acting as mediators.
Effects of Leydig cell elimination on testicular interstitial cell populations: characterization by scRNA-seq and immunocytochemical techniques
Authors: Huang Fu , Wang Jiexia , Wang Hu , Hu Yun , Li Zhenni , Xu Jingfeng , Qin Mengjie , Wen Xin , Cao Shuyan , Guan Xiaoju , Duan Ping , Chen Haolin , Chen Congde 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe mammalian testicular interstitial cells are not well-defined. The present study characterized the interstitial cell types and their turnover dynamics in adult rats. Additionally, the heterogeneity of the mesenchymal population and the effects of Leydig cell elimination on interstitial homeostasis were further analyzed by scRNA-seq datasets and immunocytochemical techniques.MethodsInterstitial cells were defined at the transcriptomic level by scRNA-seq and then confirmed and quantified with protein markers. The dividing activity of the major cell types was determined by continuous EdU labeling of the animals for one week. Some of the rats were also treated with a dose of ethylenedimethylsulfonate (EDS) to examine how the loss of Leydig cells (LCs) could affect interstitial homeostasis for three weeks.ResultsSeven interstitial cell types were identified, including cell types (percentage of the whole interstitial population) as follows: Leydig (44.6%), macrophage and dendritic (19.1%), lymphoid (6.2%), vascular endothelial (7.9%), smooth muscle (10.7%), and mesenchymal (11.5%) cells. The EdU experiment indicated that most cell types were dividing at relatively low levels (&lt;9%) except for the mesenchymal cells (MCs, 17.1%). Further analysis of the transcriptome of MCs revealed 4 subgroups with distinct functions, including 1) glutathione metabolism and xenobiotic detoxification, 2) ROS response and AP-1 signaling, 3) extracellular matrix synthesis and binding, and 4) immune response and regulation. Stem LCs (SLCs) are primarily associated with subgroup 3, expressing ARG1 and GAP43. EDS treatment not only eliminated LCs but also increased subgroup 3 and decreased subgroups 1 and 2 of the mesenchymal population. Moreover, EDS treatment increased the division of immune cells by more than tenfold in one week.ConclusionSeven interstitial cell types were identified and quantified for rat testis. Many may play more diversified roles than previously realized. The elimination of LCs led to significant changes in MCs and immune cells, indicating the importance of LCs in maintaining testicular interstitial homeostasis.
A predictive model for L-T4 dose in postoperative DTC after RAI therapy and its clinical validation in two institutions
Authors: Liu Jian-Jing , Wang Zi-Yang , Yue Yuan-Fang , Yin Guo-Tao , Tong Li-Na , Fu Jie , Ma Xiao-Ying , Li Yan , Liu Xue-Yao , Zhang Li-Bo , Su Qian , Yang Zhao , Li Xiao-Feng , Xu Wen-Gui , Dai Dong 
Published: August 2024

PurposeTo develop a predictive model using machine learning for levothyroxine (L-T4) dose selection in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after resection and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy and to prospectively validate the accuracy of the model in two institutions.MethodsA total of 266 DTC patients who received RAI therapy after thyroidectomy and achieved target thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level were included in this retrospective study. Sixteen clinical and biochemical characteristics that could potentially influence the L-T4 dose were collected; Significant features correlated with L-T4 dose were selected using machine learning random forest method, and a total of eight regression models were established to assess their performance in prediction of L-T4 dose after RAI therapy; The optimal model was validated through a two-center prospective study (n=263).ResultsSix significant clinical and biochemical features were selected, including body surface area (BSA), weight, hemoglobin (HB), height, body mass index (BMI), and age. Cross-validation showed that the support vector regression (SVR) model was with the highest accuracy (53.4%) for prediction of L-T4 dose among the established eight models. In the two-center prospective validation study, a total of 263 patients were included. The TSH targeting rate based on constructed SVR model were dramatically higher than that based on empirical administration (Rate 1 (first rate): 52.09% (137/263) vs 10.53% (28/266); Rate 2 (cumulative rate): 85.55% (225/263) vs 53.38% (142/266)). Furthermore, the model significantly shortens the time (days) to achieve target TSH level (62.61 ± 58.78 vs 115.50 ± 71.40).ConclusionsThe constructed SVR model can effectively predict the L-T4 dose for postoperative DTC after RAI therapy, thus shortening the time to achieve TSH target level and improving the quality of life for DTC patients.
Association of oxidative balance score, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ni Chengming , Wang Xiaohang , Zhou Yunting , Wang Qianqian , Cai Zhensheng , Wang Huan , Chen Yang , Liu Yu , Sun Zilin 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundTo investigate the association between oxidative balance score (OBS), cardiovascular mortality (CVM), and all-cause mortality (ACM) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.MethodsWe included 6,119 participants with T2DM from the 2005-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). The status of CVM and ACM of participants was followed through December 31, 2019. Multivariable Cox regression models, Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test, restricted cubic spline regression, and subgroup analysis, were used to evaluate the relationship between OBS, CVM, and ACM.ResultsDuring a median of 100.9 months follow-up, 1,790 ACM cases had occurred, 508 of which were due to cardiovascular disease. The T2DM participants were divided into four groups based on the quartiles of OBS. Participants with Q4 tended to be younger, financially better-off, married, highly educated, had lower alcohol consumption rates, were non-smokers, and exhibited a lower likelihood of ACM and CVM. In multivariate Cox regression models, compared with the patients with Q4, those with Q1 had a 30% increased risk for ACM (Q1, reference; Q4, HR: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.58-0.86) and a 43% increased risk for CVM (Q1, reference; Q4, HR: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.36-0.88). The restricted cubic spline regression models have no nonlinear relationship between OBS, CVM, and ACM. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients with Q4 had a lower risk of ACM and CVM (log-rank P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsWe find that ACM and CVM increase with higher OBS in T2DM patients. Moreover, there are linear relationships between OBS, ACM, and CVM.
GnRH agonist-only trigger, compared to dual trigger, reduces oocyte retrieval rate in high responders without affecting cumulative live birth rate
Authors: Wang Yu , Yi Yu-Chiao , Guu Hwa-Fen , Chen Ya-Fang , Kung Hsiao-Fan , Chang Jui-Chun , Chen Li-Yu , Chuan Shih-Ting , Chen Ming-Jer 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThis study compared, in high responders undergoing IVF treatment, GnRH agonist-only trigger and dual trigger on oocyte retrieval rate and cumulative live birth rate (LBR). The aim was to determine if the GnRH agonist-only triggers had provided outcomes comparable to dual trigger, while minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).Materials and methodsA retrospective, matched case-control study was conducted at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, including women who underwent IVF/ICSI between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2022. Inclusion criteria were: GnRH antagonist protocol and estrogen level &gt;3,000 pg/ml on trigger day. Exclusion criteria were: immune/metabolic diseases, donated oocytes, and mixed stimulation cycles. Propensity score matching was applied to balance age, AMH level, and oocyte number between the GnRH agonist-only and dual trigger groups. Outcomes were analyzed for patients who had complete treatment cycles, focusing on oocyte retrieval rate and cumulative LBR.ResultsWe analyzed 116 cycles in the agonist-only group, and 232 cycles in the dual trigger group. No inter-group difference was found in their age, BMI, and AMH levels. The dual trigger group had a higher oocyte retrieval rate (93% vs. 80%; p &lt;0.05), while fertilization rates, blastocyst formation rates, and cumulative LBR were comparable. Notably, no OHSS cases had been reported in the GnRH agonist-only group, compared with 7 cases in the dual trigger group.ConclusionGnRH agonist-only triggers resulted in a lower oocyte retrieval rate compared to dual triggers but did not significantly affect cumulative LBR in high responders. This approach effectively reduces OHSS risk without compromising pregnancy outcomes, making it a preferable option in freeze-all strategies, despite a longer oocyte pick-up duration and a medium cost. GnRH agonist-only trigger, however, may not be suitable for fresh embryo transfers or patients with low serum LH levels on trigger day.
Data-driven decarbonization: Optimizing P+R in Istanbul with machine learning energy modeling and ITS
Authors: Kartal Mehmet Akif 
Published: August 2024

Due to the rapidly developing technologies, fast and practical solutions are offered to the problems encountered in daily life. Metropolitan cities are greatly affected by the ever-increasing population and migrations to big cities, the increase in production with the economy and job opportunities. At this point, with the introduction of smart transportation systems, fast and effortless solutions can be produced by saving time and space. City life can be facilitated by applying more efficient and rational solutions with smart transportation systems. In this study, it is aimed to investigate information about the Intelligent Transportation Systems and one of its applications, park and ride, which has created a significant agenda within the scope of transportation engineering in the recent past, and to provide information about the investments made by examining the application for Istanbul along with its various applications in the world. Some suggestions will be made by emphasizing the importance of the park and Ride smart city application for Istanbul. In conclusion, predictions of P + R application and energy consumption in periods of 1–24 months were made through machine learning. By obtaining energy consumption data thanks to machine learning, carbon gas emissions and its effects on greenhouse gases were also examined. It can be thought that by obtaining energy consumption data for the long term thanks to machine learning, it can make significant contributions to future investments, green environment-green world, and climate change studies.
Exploring fecal sludge treatment technologies in humanitarian settings at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: a comprehensive assessment of treatment efficiency through characterization of fecal sludge
Authors: Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Alam Mohammad Atique Ul , Moniruzzaman M. , Galib Faisal Chowdhury , Hossain Md. Sakib , Hussain Mohammed Tanveer , Paul Partha , Islam Md. Tamzid , Uddin Salman Zahir , Islam Md. Shafiqul , Hossain Md. Ferdous , Rahman Md. Mominur , Chowdhury Ahmed Ishtiaque Amin , Ananya Tazrina Habib , Rahman Mohammad Ashfaqur , Worth Martin , Mahmud Zahid Hayat 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionEfficient treatment of fecal sludge in densely populated settings is essential as it has a direct impact on public health and the environment. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of fecal sludge treatment technologies in Rohingya camps at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, focusing on removal efficiencies and compliance with regulatory standards.MethodsSeventeen treatment plants of five different technologies were evaluated based on removal efficiency and standard discharge guidelines for various physicochemical and microbiological parameters.ResultsWaste Stabilization Pond (WSP) was the top performer compared to four other different treatment technologies evaluated, achieving notable removal rates: 97.3% reduction in E. coli, 100% in helminth eggs, 98.3% for COD, 97.8% for BOD, 98.7% for TSS, 92.1% for TS, 82.8% for phosphate, and 93.3% for total nitrogen. Lime Stabilization Ponds showed lower removal rates, except for E. coli (98.9%), with reductions of 99.7% for helminth eggs, 81.6% for COD, 80.9% for BOD, 86.3% for TSS, 68.6% for TS, and 49.2% for phosphate. Upflow Filters demonstrated good removal efficiencies for E. coli (99.7%), TSS (95.9%), COD (91.7%), BOD (93.5%), and helminth eggs (93.7%). WSP consistently outperformed other technologies across all seasons. Despite these, none of the technologies fully met discharge standards.DiscussionThese findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach, the combination of physicochemical and biological processes, to enhance efficacy. Promoting improved fecal sludge management technologies through awareness campaigns and technical support can mitigate environmental health risks in densely populated humanitarian settings.
Association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tao Rongshan , Xiao Shujuan , Wang Lianping , Hu Chunjie , Suo Huiqin , Long Ruiyu , Liu Hangyu , Luo Wei , Hong Feng , Zhao Jingming , Li Qingjie 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Previous studies have reported that TB susceptibility can be caused by vitamin D deficiency, which is affected by polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. However, these results have been inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between VDR polymorphisms and TB susceptibility.MethodsWe systematically searched for relevant literature in PubMed, Embase, and Medline databases through December 31st, 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were made to ensure that HIV-negative population is the targeted subjects. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were then used to assess the strength of the association, and the quality of the included articles was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Potential sources of heterogeneity were evaluated based on subgroup and meta-regression analyses.ResultsIn our meta-analysis, we found that the FokI polymorphism in the VDR gene was associated with increased TB susceptibility in the allele and recessive genotype models (OR f vs. F = 1.235, 95%CI: 1.035–1.475; OR ff vs. Ff + FF = 1.317, 95%CI: 1.005–1.727. Further subgroup analysis based on ethnicity demonstrated the association with the risk of TB in all genotype models of the FokI polymorphism for Han population. Meta-regression analysis also indicated that ethnicity could be a potential source of heterogeneity in the FokI and BsmI polymorphisms in the VDR gene. However, publication year was another source of heterogeneity for the TaqI polymorphism.ConclusionIn summary, the FokI polymorphism in the VDR gene was found to increase the risk of TB in the HIV-negative population, both overall and in Asian populations. The findings presented in this paper could provide clues for preventing TB from the perspective of vitamin D supplementation, which is a controversial topic in the field of medicine and health.