bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
360 Driving Technology for Endovascular Aortic Arch Repair: An International Analysis of Relay Branched Outcomes
Authors: Jubouri M , Surkhi A O , Tan S , Williams I M , Bashir M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aim
The introduction of endovascular aortic arch repair (EAR) represents a paradigm shift in the management of complex arch pathologies. In this multicentre study, a comparative analysis of international outcomes data on the single-, double- and triple-branch RELAY™ endografts is presented.

Method
Multicentre data was collected prospectively (2019-2022) and stored in an international registry. This was later retrieved and analysed retrospectively. All patients were followed-up for 24 months. Outcomes measured included target vessel patency (TVP), reintervention, stroke, and mortality.

Results
Of the total 148 patients, 17 (11.5%) received the single-branch RELAY™, 108 (73%) double-branch, and 23 (15.5%) triple-branch. The group characteristics were similar at baseline. Target vessel cannulation and technical success were achieved in 99.3% of patients. TVP at 30 days post-EAR was 100% in all groups, however, this became 93.8%, 74.0% and 100% at 24 months in the single-, double- and triple-branch endograft groups, respectively. As for reinterventions, these were only required with the double-branch RELAY™ (n=50, 34%). Similarly, disabling strokes were only observed in the double-branch group (n=35, 32.4%), and the overall study incidence was 23.8%. Non-disabling strokes had an overall incidence of 12.8% (n=19). The overall mortality rate was 2.7%, with all 4 deaths recorded occurring in the double-branch group. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between urgency (acute) and reintervention.

Conclusions
Our results clearly demonstrate that EAR using RELAY™ Branched is a highly efficacious strategy. Nevertheless, it seems that clinical outcomes with the single- and triple-branch RELAY™ are more favourable than with the double-branch configuration.
Responsibility fixes: patching up circular economy value chains
Authors: Barford Anna , Ahmad Saffy Rose 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Recycled plastics value chains are being collaboratively constructed amid calls for greater responsibility of the corporates driving today’s plastic waste crisis. The resulting ‘responsibility fix’ bolts new arrangements onto linear production processes, offering a mechanism to push linear processes towards circularity, while starting to patch up some of the social and economic injustices associated with waste-picking work within contemporary systems of capitalist production and consumption. This research draws upon semi-structured interviews to trace international collaborations within recycled plastics value chains to identify how new, low-disruption, circular business models are being built.
Clinical Application of ISO and CEN/TS Standards for Liquid Biopsies—Information Everybody Wants but Nobody Wants to Pay For
Authors: Bonstingl Lilli , Skofler Christina , Ulz Christine , Zinnegger Margret , Sallinger Katja , Schönberger Julia , Schuch Katharina , Pankratz Karin , Borrás-Cherrier Anatol , Somodi Visnja , Abuja Peter M , Oberauner-Wappis Lisa , Moser Tina , Heitzer Ellen , Bauernhofer Thomas , Kroneis Thomas , El-Heliebi Amin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Liquid biopsies are emerging as valuable clinical biomarkers for cancer monitoring. Although International Organization for Standards (ISO) and Technical Specifications from the European Committee for Standardization (CEN/TS) standardized workflows exist, their implementation in clinical practice is underdeveloped. We aimed to assess the applicability of ISO and CEN/TS standards in a real-world clinical setting, with a particular focus on evaluating the impact of preanalytical parameters and hemolysis on liquid biopsy analysis.

Methods
We evaluated 659 peripheral blood samples from advanced prostate cancer patients against ISO and CEN/TS standards and documented all essential criteria, including tube draw order, filling level, temperature, and time tracking from blood draw to storage. We assessed hemolysis and its effect on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis.

Results
Our results demonstrated a high compliance rate, with 96.2% (634/659) of samples meeting essential ISO and CEN/TS criteria. We did not observe a significant impact on ctDNA or CTC detection rates between hemolytic and nonhemolytic samples. Hemolysis was identified in 12.9% (40/311) of plasma samples from our advanced prostate cancer cohort, and within the draw order of 5 blood collection tubes, hemolysis did not significantly increase from tube 1 to 5. In total, 83.8% (552/659) of blood collection tubes had high fill levels above 80% of nominal filling level.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of adhering to ISO and CEN/TS standards in a clinical liquid biopsy study. The standards revealed that hemolysis occurred frequently but did not impair downstream ctDNA and CTC analysis in our cohort of advanced prostate cancer patients.
Assessment of stress levels and reproductive condition in giant pandas: insights from hair, faecal and saliva samples
Authors: Yan Zheng , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Haoqiu , Xu Haihong , Liu Yanhui , Li Changqing , Wang Bo , Cui Shengnan , Jia Ting , Yang Di , Zhang Chenglin , Liu Xuefeng , Buesching Christina D , Liu Dingzhen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Concerted conservation efforts have brought the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) back from the brink of extinction, but pandas continue to face anthropogenic threats in the wild and breeding success in captivity remains low. Because stress can have detrimental impacts on reproduction, monitoring stress- and sex-steroid levels would help assess the effectiveness of conservation mitigation measures in panda populations as well as monitor the welfare and reproductive health of captive animals. In this proof-of-concept study, we used faecal sex steroid and cortisol concentrations (n = 867 samples collected from five males and five females at Beijing Zoo every 4 days over the course of 12 months) as a reference to investigate if testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and cortisol can be meaningfully measured in panda hair (n = 10) using radio-immuno-assays. Additionally, we calculated the ratio of testosterone to cortisol (T:C ratio) for each male, which can provide a biomarker of stress and physical performance. Our findings revealed distinct monthly variations in faecal sex-steroid and cortisol concentrations, reflecting reproductive seasonality and visitor-related stress among individual pandas. Notably, the oldest male had a significantly lower T:C ratio than other males. Our results confirm that the level of sex steroids and cortisol can be assayed by panda hair, and the hair cortisol concentrations correlate significantly with that in faeces with one month lag behind (r = 0.68, P = 0.03). However, the concentrations of hormones detected in saliva are lower than those in faeces by two orders of magnitude, making it difficult to ensure accuracy. By assessing the applicability of hair, faecal and salivary sampling, we can infer their utility in monitoring the reproductive status and acute and chronic stress levels of giant pandas, thereby providing a means to gauge the success of ongoing habitat restoration efforts and to discuss the feasibility of sample collection from wild populations.
O-023 Does flushing with oil-based contrast during hysterosalpingography (HSG) increase the live birth rate as compared to water-based contrast: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lu M , Yan L , Zhang J 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Study question
What is the effectiveness of oil-based contrast during HSG compared to water-based contrast?

Summary answer
HSG with oil-based contrast increased the live birth rate as compared to water-based contrast.

What is known already
Tubal flushing has long been thought to increase live birth rate in infertile couples. A large randomised clinical trial (RCT) in The Netherlands confirmed the long-term hypothesis that HSG with oil-based contrast (Lipiodolâ) increased the live birth rate as compared to HSG with water-based contrast. We assessed whether this treatment effect was also achieved with oil-based contrast in Chinese women.

Study design, size, duration
We performed a prospective cohort study between May 4, 2020 and March 30, 2022. A total of 1187 women were included in the analysis.These women were categorized into two groups based on the contrast they used: the Oil-Soluble Contrast Media (OSCM) group, which employed poppy seed oil, consisting of 569 cases, and the Water-Soluble Contrast Media (WSCM) group, which used iodixanol, comprising 618 cases.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
This study was conducted at Shanghai Jiao Tong University International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital .The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy rate within 6 months after the examination.Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancies, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and thyroid Stimulating Hormone.

Main results and the role of chance
The ongoing pregnancy rate of the oil group is significantly higher than that of the water group (24.1% versus 17.2%, rate ratio [RR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 2.06; P = 0.004). Women in the oil group also achieved higher clinical pregnancy rate (32.2% versus 22.2%, RR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.18, P &lt; 0.001), higher live birth rate (23.9% versus 16.8%, RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.09, P = 0.003), and bore higher risk of miscarriage (8.0% versus 5.0%, RR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.72, P = 0.04) than water group.

Limitations, reasons for caution
The sample size along with the data was obtained from a cohort study in a single center.

Wider implications of the findings
Tubal flushing with oil-based contrast medium is an effective treatment to improve the pregnancy outcomes of infertile women that should be part of every infertility work-up.

Trial registration number
not applicable
O-062 New strategies in ovarian stimulation
Authors: Patki A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Controlled Ovarian stimulation (COH) has an objective to induce multiple ovulations in order to yield a multiple oocyte harvest and offer multiple embryos available for transfer thereby increasing the efficacy of ART.
The theory of a multicyclic development of follicles during the menstrual cycle has prompted new approaches to ovarian stimulation. Research has suggested that recruitable antral follicles are continuously present in the ovaries during the menstrual cycle, and ultrasonographic studies have demonstrated that multiple cohorts or ‘waves’ of 2–5 mm follicles are recruited continuously during a menstrual cycle. Because of the asynchrony between endometrial receptivity and embryo development with a ‘non-conventional start’ stimulation, all the embryos are generally cryopreserved and transferred subsequently. This deferred transfer policy is currently possible given the advances in vitrification techniques, with success rates comparable to those following transfer with ‘fresh’ embryos.
New stimulation approaches, together with advanced cryopreservation techniques, allow for a total ‘disarticulation’ between the time of the menstrual cycle, ovarian stimulation start and embryo transfer. This new approach to ovarian stimulation is particularly useful for women seeking fertility preservation, especially where a shortened time to starting cancer treatment is desirable. Also, poor responders could benefit from the new stimulation protocols by continuing ovarian stimulation after the first oocyte retrieval, thereby obtaining more oocytes or embryos compared with the conventional approach. In the quest to reduce the incidence of OHSS and make the clinic OHSS free various antagonist protocols are now routinely used.
These and other new protocols discussed will include Late initiation of stimulation, long acting antagonist. Individualised (iCOS) to include mild stimulation, random start, Dual stimulation and double trigger are done to improve efficacy and success rates in certain group of patients.
New drugs like Long acting FSH and oral antagonist with their results will be presented.
Pre-Treatment medications like Estrogens, Progestogens, Combined CoC, antagonist will also be discussed.
P-431 Perinatal outcomes after recurrent pregnancy loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Letourneau I , Zitour K , Candeliere J , Hick M , Wu C  Q 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Study question
Are women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) at higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy?

Summary answer
Women with a history of RPL have significant higher odds of adverse perinatal outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy.

What is known already
Studies have suggested that RPL women may have higher risks for obstetrical and perinatal complications such as hypertensive disorders, placental abruption, placenta accreta spectrum disorders, preterm delivery, and perinatal death in a subsequent pregnancy compared to those without an RPL history. However, the existing body of research presents a conflicting narrative, thus highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of the implications of RPL on pregnancy outcomes.

Study design, size, duration
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until July 2023 for studies on RPL and adverse perinatal outcomes. Data was extracted by two independent reviewers.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
DerSimonian and Laird random effect meta-analyses were performed to pool effect estimates. Results were presented as odd ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were conducted for those with unexplained RPL and by number of pregnancy losses. Sensitivity analysis using only high-quality studies and influence analysis were performed. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess for risk of bias.

Main results and the role of chance
The systematic search yielded 8,915 records, of which 42 studies (n = 5,619,124) were included in our meta-analysis. Women with RPL had higher odds of pre-eclampsia (OR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03-1.37), pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03-1.48), gestational diabetes (OR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.28-2.44), cesarean delivery (OR 1.65, 95% CI, 1.47-1.85), placental abruption (OR 1.57; 95% CI, 1.37-1.81), placenta previa (OR 1.93; 95% CI, 1.59-2.35; 7 studies), placenta accreta (OR 4.42; 95% CI, 3.09-6.33), preterm birth (OR 1.79; 95% CI, 1.65-1.93), very preterm birth (OR 2.58; 95% CI, 2.08-3.18), small for gestational age (OR 1.31; 95% CI, 1.15-1.78), congenital anomalies (OR 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02-1.53), stillbirth (OR 1.25; 95% CI, 1.04-1.51) and perinatal death (OR 2.04; 95% CI, 1.58-2.71) compared to women without a history of RPL. There was no association with aneuploidy.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Significant inter-study heterogeneity and inconsistent adjustment for confounders was noted across included studies.

Wider implications of the findings
RPL patients are at higher odds of adverse perinatal outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy, and therefore require additional counselling and monitoring in said pregnancy. There is an urgent need for further prospective research clarifying the relationship between RPL and perinatal outcomes.

Trial registration number
N/A
P-746 Recruitment in randomised controlled trials: a conundrum
Authors: Rikken J , Casteleijn R , Van der Weide M , Duijnhoven R , Goddijn M , Mol B  W , Van der veen F , Van Wely M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Study question
What factors are associated with recruitment failure within the pre-planned study period?

Summary answer
Trials with a no-treatment arm, over four inclusion criteria, without a previous pilot and with low funding, are more likely to experience recruitment failure.

What is known already
Randomised controlled trials are considered to be the best strategy in evaluating the effectiveness of medical interventions, but they are often hampered by failure to recruit enough patients with the pre-planned study period. This represents a form of research waste. Little is known on variables related to recruitment failure within the pre-planned study period.

Study design, size, duration
This study was designed as a nationwide cohort study and included 71 randomized controlled trials supported by the Dutch Consortium for Women’s Health Research. We included trials initiated between March 1st 2003 and March 1st 2022. We extracted study data and information on predefined barriers and facilitators.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Primary outcome was recruitment target not achieved within 6 months after the pre-planned recruitment period. Secondary outcomes included recruitment target not achieved within an extension of at least 12 months and premature termination of the trial. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association between potential indicators of recruitment failure and expressed these as odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main results and the role of chance
Of the 71 trials included in our cohort, recruitment was not achieved within the pre-planned study period with a maximal extension period of 6 months or 12 months in 38 (54%) and 33 trials (46%), respectively. Indicators associated with higher chances on recruitment failure were a no treatment arm (OR 8.53 (95% CI 1.01 to 72.36)), a compensation fee of less than 200 euros per included patient (OR 3.16 (95% CI 1.18 to 8.45)) and a funding of less than 350.000 euros (OR 4.30 (95% CI 1.56 to 11.64)). Indicators associated with lower chances on recruitment failure were less than 4 inclusion criteria (OR 0.31 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.97)) and a preceding pilot study (OR 0.53 (95% CI 0.15 to 1.85)).

Limitations, reasons for caution
If we could have accessed an even larger cohort of studies we might have been able to identify more potential indicators for recruitment failure.

Wider implications of the findings
Investigators and grantproviders should consider our findings before the start of their studies, to optimize recruitmentcircumstances. If a trial is destined to have a suspected long recruitment, it seems wise to consider the relevance and urgency of the research question, and then accept a longer recruitment period with its consequences.

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-778 Exploration of maternal proteome over pregnancy based on corpus luteum number at conception
Authors: Von Versen-Höynck F , Ramachandran D , Avdulahu F , Dewender R  T , Froböse W , Richter K , Schröder-Heurich B , Baker V  L , Winn V  D , Pich A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Study question
Does the maternal plasma proteome profile differ depending on corpus luteum (CL) number at conception?

Summary answer
The proteome profiles show differences depending on the number of CL at conception and some differentially regulated proteins may be linked to preeclampsia.

What is known already
Frozen embryo transfer (FET) in a programmed cycle is associated with a higher risk for preeclampsia. These women also experience impaired maternal vascular health in early pregnancy and differences in the endocrine environment, such as a lack of relaxin. These changes may be related to the absence of products from the CL.

Study design, size, duration
Prospective cohort study (N = 878) between June 2015 and December 2018 in an academic setting.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Women with viable pregnancies were recruited at 6-8 weeks and compared by number of CL: no CL (programmed cycle FET), 1 CL (spontaneous pregnancy after infertility, modified natural cycle FET), and multiple CL (fresh IVF). Peripheral blood was collected, and plasma frozen at -80 °C. MS-based proteomics was used to determine proteome profiles of 4 participants in each group at 11-14 and 35-37 weeks’ gestation and 6-12 weeks postpartum.

Main results and the role of chance
Over 1000 protein groups were identified and 650 could be quantified in all samples. We found significant differences based on number of CL. Many of these proteins have been reportedly linked to preeclampsia. The results in the first trimester indicate the importance of aminopeptidases involved in the breakdown of angiotensin III. In addition, extracellular matrix proteins were found to be differentially regulated. Also, at the end of the third trimester certain proteins were differentially regulated among the groups.

Limitations, reasons for caution
This was a pilot study and unable to determine if differences are related to selection bias or could exist already pre-pregnancy independent of CL number at conception.

Wider implications of the findings
The findings warrant confirmation in a larger patient cohort. The detected differences in the proteome might shed light upon phenomena observed in women during pregnancy that lack a CL and as well as molecular mechanisms underlying preeclampsia.

Trial registration number
not applicable
O-114 Instructions for assembly of early mammalian embryos
Authors: Plachta N 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The Plachta lab has pioneered the use of live-imaging approaches to discover how the preimplantation embryo forms in real time. Our recent findings help to transform the field of preimplantation development by showing how diverse processes occurring at the level of transcription dynamics, cytoskeletal organization, and the action of mechanical forces are integrated in real time to ensure proper embryo development. We extend our studies from mouse to human embryos, which enabled us to discover differences in embryo patterning between species and some of the events causing developmental errors, such as aneuploidy within the intact-developing system.
O-115 Ovarian function in transmasculine people
Authors: Moravek M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse patients are increasingly being seen in fertility clinics for fertility preservation and/or family building, yet very little is known about the effects of gender-affirming hormones on reproductive capacity, precluding data-driven counseling. Specific to transmasculine individuals, human studies reporting the effects of gender-affirming testosterone on ovarian function are all observational in nature, many with only short-term testosterone exposure. Animal studies contribute to our understanding of the effect of testosterone on reproductive physiology, but have yet to be confirmed in humans. This lecture will review what is and isn't known about reproductive outcomes after gender-affirming testosterone, including whether testosterone can be continued during ovarian stimulation, and make suggestions for improving the clinical experience for transmasculine individuals seeking fertility care. Areas for future study will also be discussed.