bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Co-administration of GnRH and HCG; Double Trigger vs. HCG Alone for Follicular Oocyte Maturation in Poor IVF Responders: A Comparative Study
Authors: Alazeem Dalia Farouk Abd , Hawas HebaAllah , Shaban Mona , Mekhaimr Mohamed , Sheeba Mamdouh , Nabil Mohamed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: In vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized human reproduction. Originally designed to assist couples who are unable to conceive, the clinical applications of IVF have significantly broadened to encompass many medical and genetic disorders, as well as fertility maintenance. The poor ovarian response is a very challenging issue in the field of infertility, “dual triggering” combines a single bolus of gonadotropic releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist with a standard dosage of Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) at the time of triggering has been proposed that it improves the outcomes in poor responders.
Methods: To study this effect, 73 POR patients received 10000 units of HCG plus 0.2 mg of GnRH-agonist for ovulation triggering (study group) after induction of ovulation using antagonist protocol, while other 73 POR patients received Standard dosage of HCG trigger (10000 units of HCG) (control group) after the same IOO settings.
Results: Our results showed that the study group had a higher number of retrieved Metaphase II oocytes, fertilized oocytes, and number of embryos obtained, than the control group. This difference was statistically significant (P value < 0.05). Other outcomes like chemical and clinical pregnancy rates were also higher in the study group than in the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P value 0.322 and 0.355, respectively).
Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that the use of a dual trigger with GnRH agonist and HCG, compared to HCG alone, leads to improved outcomes in poor responder IVF patients. Subsequently, the dual trigger protocol may be a beneficial approach for optimizing outcomes in IVF patients with POR.
Atmospheric CO2 flux and planktonic food web relationships in temperate marsh systems: Insights from in situ water measurements
Authors: Lucila Xaus , Raphaël Moncelon , Jérémy Mayen , Lauriane Bergeon , Bénédicte Dubillot , Philippe Pineau , Claire Emery , Marie Vagner , Francois-Xavier Robin , Frédéric Azémar , Michèle Tackx , Christine Dupuy , Pierre Polsenaere 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

While research has extensively investigated the dynamics of CO2 water partial pressure (pCO2) and planktonic food webs (PFWs) separately, there has been limited exploration of their potential interconnections, especially in marsh typologies. This study’s objectives were to (1) investigated if pCO2 and atmospheric CO2 flux can be elucidated by PFW topologies, and (2) ascertain if these potential relationships are consistent across two distinct “Blue Carbon” ecosystems. Abiotic and biotic variables were measured in two contrasting wetlands at the Atlantic French coast: a saltwater (SM, L’Houmeau) and a freshwater marsh (FM, Tasdon). SM acted as a weak carbon source, with pCO2 between 542 and 842 ppmv. Conversely, FM exhibited strong atmospheric CO2 source or sink characteristics, varying with seasons and stations, with pCO2 between 3201 and 114 ppmv. Five PFW topologies were linked to varying pCO2 across the two ecosystems: three stable topologies ('biological winter', 'microbial', 'multivorous' PFW) exhibited consistently high pCO2 values (FM: 971, 1136, 3020 ppmv; SM: 'biological winter' not observed, 842, 832 ppmv), while two transient topologies ('weak multivorous' and 'weak herbivorous') displayed lower and more variable pCO2 values (FM: from 127 to 1402 ppmv; SM: from 638 to 749 ppmv). Seasonality emerged as an influencing factor for both pCO2 dynamics and PFW. However, PFW in FM did not demonstrate a seasonal equilibrium state, potentially hindering a clearer understanding of the relationship between pCO2 and PFW. This is the first documented association between PFW topologies and pCO2 dynamics in “Blue Carbon” marsh environments.
Clinical Efficacy Evaluation and Complication Analysis of 3D-Printed Porous Titanium Implants Combined with Flap Reconstruction for the Treatment of Open Bone Defects in Lower Extremities: A Retrospective Study
Authors: cai xingbo , wang bin , li chaobo , xia hao , wang teng , xu yongqing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To retrospectively analyze the clinical efficacy and complications of flap combined with 3D-printed microporous titanium prosthesis in treating open lower limb bone defects, and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this innovative method.
Methods
This study is a retrospective, single-center, non-randomized controlled clinical study. Thirty patients with open lower limb bone defects treated with flap combined with 3D-printed microporous titanium prosthesis were included. Patient demographics, bone defect location and length, follow-up time, radiographic evaluation, Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) scores, complications, prosthesis failure, and patient satisfaction were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative survival rate of the prostheses.
Results
A total of 30 patients were included, comprising 21 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 45.5 years (range: 13–67 years). Bone defects were located in the tibia (n = 17), femur (n = 11), and metatarsal bones (n = 2). The defect length ranged from 41 to 211 mm, with a mean of 101.9 mm. The follow-up period ranged from 1.23 to 61.7 months, with a mean of 13.95 months. The mean LEFS score at the final follow-up was 47.4. Seven patients (23.3%) developed infectious complications, all leading to prosthesis failure requiring revision. The mean patient satisfaction score was 3.8 out of 5. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a 2-year cumulative prosthesis survival rate of 76.67%.
Conclusion
Flap combined with 3D-printed microporous titanium prosthesis for treating open lower limb bone defects can achieve satisfactory bone healing, functional recovery, and patient satisfaction. However, the complication rate is relatively high. Further optimization of surgical protocols and prosthesis design is needed to reduce infection risk and improve prosthesis survival. Prospective, large-sample, long-term follow-up studies are recommended for a more comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this method.
Development and validation of risk prediction models for permanent hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Cao BoHan , Zhang CanGang , Jiang MingMing , Yang Yi , Liu XiCai 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Hypocalcemia is a common complication and can be permanent in patients following total thyroidectomy (TT). The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with permanent hypocalcemia and to develop a validated risk prediction model for permanent hypocalcemia to assist surgeons in the appropriate follow-up of high-risk patients regarding supplemental therapy. We included data of 92 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) undergoing TT who were randomly allocated in a 7:3 ratio to a training set (n = 65) and validation set (n = 27). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed significant correlations of permanent hypocalcemia with parathyroid hormone (PTH) at postoperative month 1 (IM PTH), IM calcium (Ca), and IM phosphorus (P). These variables were constructed two models. Model 1 used the three indicators listed above; model 2 also included tumor, node, metastasis staging. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve (AUC) for models 1 and 2 were high for both the training set (0.905/0.913) and the validation set (0.894/0.800). Calibration curves showed good agreement between the incidence of permanent hypocalcemia estimated using the predictive models and the actual incidence. Model 1 may be more concise and convenient for clinical use.
Unveiling a Modified Approach to Assess Cervical Sagittal Alignment: Findings from a Large-Scale Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Li Wenpeng , Wang Qiwei , Zhao Qiancheng , Zeng Ziliang , Hu Xumin , Lv Xin , Gao Liangbin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
Developing and validating a novel parameter, the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle, as a feasible substitute for the traditional method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment, and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study.
Methods
The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and gender were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, and modified C2–C7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle were established based on lateral cervical spine X-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and genders.
Results
The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates. Age, weight, BMI, and male gender were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intra-observer and inter-observer reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the modified C2-7 Cobb angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, males exhibited a higher mean modified C2-7 Cobb angle compared to females.
Conclusion
The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male gender. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle were established across various age groups and genders among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.
Unraveling the regulatory cell death pathways in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Sun Jiazheng , Zeng Yulan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with poor prognosis. Multiple regulated cell death (RCD) pathways are involved in regulating the progression of pulmonary fibrosis at different stages.
Methods
A total of 20 RCD pathways and crucial regulatory genes were collected from available literature. The study initially elucidated the profiling of 20 kinds of RCD pathways in normal and fibrotic lung tissues based on the scRNAseq dataset and bulk-RNAseq datasets. IPF-related prognostic genes were identified based on differential expression analysis, univariate Cox regression analysis, the "Scissor" program, and the "Findmarkers" program. A combination of 101 distinct machine-learning algorithms was utilized to develop a prognostic signature.
Results
The study developed a cell death index (CDI) signature consisting of 12 genes. As proven by independently validated datasets, IPF patients with high CDI scores were more likely to have a shorter overall survival (OS). By employing several machine-learning algorithms, the CDI signature was able to accurately predict the prognosis of IPF patients, with higher predictive performance than other feature factors including age, gender, and GAP score. Furthermore, drug sensitivity analysis suggested the guiding role of CDI signature in the treatment of IPF patients. Ultimately, to enhance its practical application in clinical settings, a nomogram was developed by integrating CDI with relevant clinical characteristics, resulting in a very accurate predicting tool.
Conclusion
In summary, we have developed a novel CDI model that effectively forecasts the clinical prognosis of IPF patients by integrating various cell death patterns.
High-frequency radar surface current data reveals local and remote drivers of three bays: Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and New York Bay
Authors: Ezer Tal , Updyke Teresa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

A recent study of currents, sea level and temperatures in the Chesapeake Bay found interannual to decadal variability and a significant trend in outflow from the bay toward the Atlantic Ocean, suggesting influence on the dynamics of the bay from both- local river discharges as well as large scale climate variability. This study expands the previous findings in one bay into three major U.S. East Coast bays: the Chesapeake Bay (CB), the Delaware Bay (DB) and the New York Bay (NB). Monthly surface currents at 2 km resolution near the mouths of these bays were obtained from high-frequency radars (Coastal Ocean Dynamics Application Radar, CODAR) during 2012–2024. The contribution to flow variability from local and remote forcing is evaluated by comparing surface currents with (a) river discharges into each bay, (b) with winds, and (c) with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The results show that flow variability in the bays is significantly correlated with all three driving factors. The three bays often show similar flow patterns not only of the seasonal cycle, but also during extreme weather events. For example, increased inflow into the bays from the Atlantic Ocean is seen when hurricanes are observed offshore in the fall, and increased outflow from the bays is seen during winter storms. During positive NAO phases, outflow from all three bays increased due to intensified westerly winds, while during negative NAO phases outflow decreased with weakening winds in the region. Increased river discharges over the record length resulted in increased outflows from DB and NB of about 4 cm/s per decade. However, in CB extremely large river discharges into the bay in 2018–2019 resulted in a change in the outflow from a significant upward trend before 2018 to a significant downward trend after 2019. The results demonstrate the complex nature of the outflow from bays since multiple drivers contribute to the observed variability.
Iron status at early pregnancy is associated with infectious respiratory and gastric illness in women receiving routine iron supplementation: The NuPED study
Authors: Goodchild Caylin , Symington Elizabeth A , Baumgartner Jeannine , Zandberg Lizelle , Wise Amy J , Smuts Cornelius M , Malan Linda 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Antenatal iron deficiency (ID) and anaemia, but also elevated ferritin and haemoglobin (Hb) have been associated with morbidity during pregnancy. In South Africa, pregnant women receive routine iron supplementation for anaemia prevention regardless of iron status. Our aim was to assess whether iron status at early pregnancy is associated with infectious morbidity during pregnancy.
Methods
This prospective cohort was conducted in 250 pregnant women at a public maternal and child hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Biomarkers of maternal iron status at < 18 weeks’ gestation were measured. Women kept a symptoms diary throughout pregnancy. Associations were determined using multivariable regression models.
Results
ID women had 2.6 times greater odds for experiencing gastric illness (OR: 2.642, 95% CI: 1.116, 6.255, p = 0.027). Anaemic women (Hb < 10.5 g/dL) tended to have double the duration of respiratory illness [median 15.5 (5.0, 31.0) days] compared to non-anaemic women [median 8.0 (6.0, 12.1) days], (β: 0.167, 95% CI: -0.007, 0.342, p = 0.060) and had more incidences of vomiting throughout pregnancy (p = 0.028). In the partially adjusted models, non-iron deficient erythropoiesis (non-IDE) women tended to have 2.3 times increased odds for respiratory illness (OR: 2.314, 95% CI: 0.939, 5.701, p = 0.068) and there were more incidences of fever during pregnancy in the non-IDE group (p = 0.006).
Conclusion
Anaemic and ID pregnant women in this largely overweight population, receiving ~ 55 mg iron daily, experience more and longer infectious morbidity, potentially related to poor iron absorption. However, although presenting with weaker evidence, iron erythropoiesis sufficient women at early pregnancy receiving the same routine iron supplementation may have twice the risk to contract infectious respiratory illness than IDE women during pregnancy.
Dietary flavonoid intake is negatively associated with accelerating aging: an American population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhong Jintao , Fang Jiamin , Wang Yixuan , Lin Pinli , Wan Biyu , Wang Mengya , Deng Lili , Tang Xiaona 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Flavonoids are believed to have potential anti-aging effects due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the effectiveness of dietary flavonoids and their subclasses in delaying aging has yet to be confirmed. Our study intends to examine relationship between them.
Methods
Data from three survey cycles (2007–2008, 2009–2010, and 2017–2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used to investigate the relationship between PhenoAgeAccel and dietary flavonoid intake. Weighted linear regression was conducted to evaluate the relationship between dietary flavonoid intake and PhenoAgeAccel, and the dose-response relationship was investigated by limited cubic spline (RCS) analysis. Mixed effects were explored using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. Further, the subgroup analyses were also conducted.
Results
A total of 5391 participants were included, after multivariable adjustments, a negative association was found with total dietary flavonoid, flavan-3-ols, flavanone, flavones and flavonols with a β (95% CI) of -0.87 ( -1.61, -0.13), -0.83 (-1.95, -0.08), -1.18 (-1.98, -0.39), -1.64 (-2.52, -0.77) and − 1.18 (-1.98, -0.39) for the higher quintile compared to the lowest quintile. The RCS analysis show a non-linear relationship between flavan-3-ols (P for nonlinear = 0.024), flavanones (P for nonlinear = 0.005), flavones (P for nonlinear < 0.001), flavonols (P for nonlinear < 0.001) and total flavonoid intake (P for nonlinear < 0.001) and PhenoAgeAccel. WQS regression indicated that flavones had the primary effect on the mixture exposures (52.72%). Finally, the subgroup analysis indicated that participants without chronic kidney disease are more likely to benefit from dietary flavanone and flavone intake in mitigating aging, while the benefits of flavanone intake are more significant in participants with a lower body mass index.
Conclusion
Our study suggested that dietary flavonoid intake is negatively associated with accelerating aging in adults of American, and the most influential ones are flavones, flavanones, flavan-3-ols and flavonols.
Knockout of AMPA receptor binding protein Neuron-Specific Gene 2 (NSG2) enhances associative learning and cognitive flexibility
Authors: Zimmerman Amber J. , Serrano-Rodriguez Antonio , Wilson Sandy J. , Linsenbardt David N. , Brigman Jonathan L. , Weick Jason 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The vast majority of gene mutations and/or gene knockouts result in either no observable changes, or significant deficits in molecular, cellular, or organismal function. However, in a small number of cases, mutant animal models display enhancements in specific behaviors such as learning and memory. To date, most gene deletions shown to enhance cognitive ability generally affect a limited number of pathways such as NMDA receptor- and translation-dependent plasticity, or GABA receptor- and potassium channel-mediated inhibition. While endolysosomal trafficking of AMPA receptors is a critical mediator of synaptic plasticity, mutations in genes that affect AMPAR trafficking either have no effect or are deleterious for synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. NSG2 is one of the three-member family of Neuron-specific genes (NSG1-3), which have been shown to regulate endolysosomal trafficking of a number of proteins critical for neuronal function, including AMPAR subunits (GluA1-2). Based on these findings and the largely universal expression throughout mammalian brain, we predicted that genetic knockout of NSG2 would result in significant impairments across multiple behavioral modalities including motor, affective, and learning/memory paradigms. However, in the current study we show that loss of NSG2 had highly selective effects on associative learning and memory, leaving motor and affective behaviors intact. For instance, NSG2 KO animals performed equivalent to wild-type C57Bl/6n mice on rotarod and Catwalk motor tasks, and did not display alterations in anxiety-like behavior on open field and elevated zero maze tasks. However, NSG2 KO animals demonstrated enhanced recall in the Morris water maze, accelerated reversal learning in a touch-screen task, and accelerated acquisition and enhanced recall on a Trace Fear Conditioning task. Together, these data point to a specific involvement of NSG2 on multiple types of associative learning, and expand the repertoire of pathways that can be targeted for cognitive enhancement.
Voices from the Ocean: Human-Wildlife Coexistence Through the Lens of Fishermen’s Knowledge and Lived Experience
Authors: Glickman Molly , Early-Capistrán Michelle María , Ogg Dick , Crowder Larry B. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Climate change-related shifts in marine resource availability and species behavior are increasing rates of human-wildlife conflict (HWC). Although this trend poses significant risks to both human livelihoods and conservation efforts, strategies to resolve HWC focus largely on ecological outcomes, overlooking key impacts and contributions of human resource users. Here, we draw on the case study of whale entanglement in the Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) fishery in California, U.S.A. to demonstrate the promise of integrating – and the consequences of neglecting – the voice and expertise of fishing communities. Semi-structured interviews with 27 commercial fishermen across nine towns in California revealed the diverse sociocultural impacts of HWC – often converging on livelihood and identity losses – as well as fishermen’s potential role in addressing HWC as long-time experts in the marine ecosystem. Our findings highlight pathways for achieving human-wildlife coexistence, underscoring the need to engage the knowledge and lived experience of local communities affected by HWC.