bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical application of polar-body based preimplantation genetic testing for maternal mutations in females with a limited number of oocytes
Authors: Chen Jia , Wu Xingwu , Xu Qiang , Ding Tao , Chen Ge , Chen Houyang , Zou Yongyi , Huang Jialyu , Zhang Ziyu , Tian Lifeng , Zhao Yan , Duan Ranhui , Li Zengming , Wu Qiongfang , Liu Yanqiu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background

Trophectoderm (TE) cell biopsy at the blastocyst stage is currently the predominant method used in preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M). However, this approach may result in the discarding of genetically unaffected embryos due to the fact that not all embryos progress to the blastocyst stage. This study aimed to investigate the advantages of utilizing polar body (PB) biopsy in females with disease-causing mutations and a limited number of oocytes undergoing PGT-M.

Methods

Three couples with females carrying autosomal dominant or X-linked mutations in IRF6, FMR1, and EDA were recruited. The number of retrieved oocytes was no more than six per cycle. The first and second PBs (PB1 and PB2) of each oocyte were individually biopsied and subjected to multiple displacement amplification (MDA). The genotype of each embryo was deduced by analyzing the MDA products of corresponding PB1 and PB2 using a novel strategy that combined direct mutation testing and single nucleotide polymorphism linkage analysis. Mutation-free embryos cryopreserved before the blastocyst stage were selected to transfer.

Results

In total, four cycles were conducted resulting in the retrieval of 15 oocytes for the three couples. The genotype of each embryo was successfully determined. Seven mutation-free embryos were identified. Three of them were transferred and resulted in two clinical pregnancies, culminating in the birth of two healthy babies. The accuracy of the embryo genotypes was validated through genetic testing of the fetuses in the second trimester or at birth.

Conclusions

The PB-based strategy is feasible and effective to detect the mutation carrier statuses of embryos in PGT-M for maternal mutations. Compared with blastocyst stage detection, this method may preserve a higher number of genetically unaffected embryos for the patients. Further clinic trials are warranted to verify whether PB biopsy offers greater benefits than TE cell biopsy for females with disease-causing mutations and a limited number of oocytes in PGT-M.
Spirulina platensis peptide-loaded nanoliposomes alleviate hepatic lipid accumulation in Male Wistar Rats by influencing redox homeostasis and lipid metabolism via the AMPK signaling pathway
Authors: karimzadeh katayoon , Unniappan Suraj , Zahmatkesh Asgar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Spirulina platensis low-molecular-weight peptides (SP) have been reported to exhibit antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. However, the limited bioavailability and solubility of SPs limit their potential applications. In this study, to examine the potential anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanisms of SPs, high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model rats were treated with SPs and SP-loaded nanoliposomes. Furthermore, hepatic biochemical parameters, inflammatory markers, histopathological changes, and genes involved in AMPK signaling were analyzed.
SP-loaded nanoliposomes demonstrated a spherical shape with slower and sustained SP release. SP and SP-loaded nanoliposomes mitigated hepatic damage by lowering serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)and increasing hepatic antioxidant enzymes, which are manifested in improving histopathological findings. In addition, and notably SP-loaded nanoliposomes downregulated lipogenic fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) in the liver. Meanwhile, an upregulation of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (P-AMPK), and lipid acid oxidation-related genes carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) was found in the rat liver.
This data imply that SP and SP-loaded nanoliposomes exhibit protective potential in rats against the HFD-induced NAFLD, which is mediated through the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway.
Comparative Analysis of MIG Brazing Modes: Process Stability, Bead Morphology, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Singh Jaivindra , Arora Kanwer Singh , Oliveira J. P. , Asati Brajesh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study compares various modes of metal inert gas (MIG) brazing concerning process stability, bead morphology, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The pulsed-MIG process produces joints with flatter and wider bead morphology, indicating better wettability compared to cold metal transfer (CMT) and standard-MIG processes. This difference is due to the higher heat input of the pulsed-MIG process at the same wire feed rate (WFR). Analysis of voltage-current signals, probability distribution curves, and cyclograms reveals that the CMT-MIG process is the most stable and defect-free, while the standard-MIG process becomes less stable with increasing WFR. Joints brazed using the pulsed-MIG process have significantly higher shear-tensile strength compared to the other two modes, primarily due to higher wettability. Three modes of failure—horizontal interface (mode 1), vertical interface and bead (mode 2), and base metal (mode 3)—were observed. Excessive wettability reduces the cross-sectional area, negatively impacting static and dynamic performance, especially in pulsed brazing joints under high load amplitudes. Conversely, the bumpy beads in CMT and standard-MIG processes enhance the cross-sectional area, providing better resistance against failure along the vertical interface and bead. This study offers a comprehensive database and guidance for selecting appropriate brazing methods depending on joint application, considering the limitations of each brazing process.
Health information literacy among children with spinal muscular atrophy and their caregivers in China
Authors: Zhang Weiran , Feng Yijie , Yan Yue , Yao Mei , Gao Feng , Lin Wei , Mao Shanshan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease that leads to multiple organ dysfunction. The advent of disease-modifying treatments makes the early diagnosis of SMA critical. Health information literacy is vital for obtaining, understanding, screening, and using health information. Considering the importance of early diagnosis and the challenges in obtaining accurate information on patients with SMA, this study assesses health information literacy among children with SMA and their caregivers in China.
Methods
Interviews with the caregivers of 10 patients with SMA were conducted by neurologists specializing in SMA. A questionnaire for evaluating the level of health information literacy was further developed among 145 children with SMA and their caregivers. Parameters, such as the age at the onset of the first symptom and time from recognition of the first symptom to diagnosis, were examined. Health information literacy was measured using four dimensions: cognition, search, evaluation, and application.
Results
The average time from the first symptom to first medical consultation was 4.8 months, and from the first symptom to diagnosis was 10.8 months. Thirty-five (24%) patients had poor health information literacy, while 26 (18%) had high health information literacy. The overall score for health information literacy was 69; the scores for health information cognition and application were 90 and 84, respectively. The scores for evaluation (61) and search (57) were low. Medical personnel were considered the most professional and credible sources of information. Additionally, search engines and patient organizations were the other two most important sources of health literacy.
Conclusion
Patients with SMA and their caregivers had low levels of health information literacy. Cognition and application were high, whereas evaluation and search were poor. As such, medical personnel with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of SMA and media should aim to share knowledge and increase the quality of life of those with SMA.
A 6-connected {Cu2O5 )} cluster-based metal-organic framework based on tetrabromoterephthalate: synthesis, crystal structure and fluorescent properties
Authors: Wang Yan-Fei , An Hang-Yi , Mao Qian , He Lintao , Li Shu-Yan , Li Jia-Ming 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

An interseting Cu(II)-based organic framework containing a Cu2O5 cluster, [Cu (TBA)(CH3OH)]n (1) has been hydrothermally synthesized with tetrabromoterephthalate (H2TBA) ligand. The X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis shows that the CuII center is hexa-coordinated and situated on perfect octahedral geometry formed by four carboxyl oxygen atoms of four symmetry-related TBA2− anions and two O-donors of two reverse µ2-CH3OH bridges. Each TBA2− ligand plays as a µ4 tetra-monodentate linker and connect four Cu2+ cations together to form the three dimensional structure of 1. Surprisingly, there are no significant hydrogen bonds and π-stack interactions in 1, but the Br···Br halogen bonds interactions. Detailed topology analysis found that the 3D cluster-based metal-organic framework of 1 can be simplified to 4 topological types: a 4,4-c 2-nodal {42·84} lvt topology, a 6,6-c 2-nodal {413·62}{48·66·8} FEQWOO topology, a 4,6-c 2-nodal {32·62·72}{34·42·64·75} seh-4,6-Imma topology, and a 6,8-c 2-nodal {34·44·54·63}{38·414·54·62} new topology, respectively. Moreover, 1 exhibits intense solid-state luminescence emissions centered at 478 nm at room temperature, which mainly originates from the intraligand π→ π* transitions of TBA2−. The CCDC number of 1 is 2355788.
HCV RNA Positivity among Hepatitis C Patients in Chongqing, China from 2004 to 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: HE Yaping , YE Shaodong , ZHANG Wei , LU Rongrong , LIN Jing , ZHOU Chao , WU Guohui 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: A substantial number of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections have been identified, yet not all diagnosed patients have received treatment, leading to uncertainties in the progression of the virus within these individuals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HCV RNA positivity in diagnosed cases in Chongqing, China and identify key groups.
Methods: An investigation was conducted on 6333 hepatitis C cases who were diagnosed and reported in the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System in 17 districts of Chongqing, China from 2004 to 2021. The process involved collecting venous blood for HCV RNA and genotype testing, as well as gathering case information through a questionnaire. The analysis focused on comparing the HCV RNA positive rates among patients with different characteristics to identify key groups.
Results: The HCV RNA positive rate was 37.7% among 6,333 cases. Patients who had never received treatment (47.6%) and those treated with interferon (25.6%) showed higher positivity rates than those treated with DAAs (8.1%). HCV RNA positive were generally higher in the following groups: males, aged 40-49 years and 50-59 years, farmers or manual laborers, the unemployed or job-seeking and cases diagnosed before 2019. Individuals with higher education level and higher income exhibited lower HCV RNA positivity rates.
Conclusions: A considerable portion of identified hepatitis C cases in Chongqing remain HCV RNA positive. Multiple factors contribute to HCV RNA positivity among these patients, necessitating comprehensive interventions to promote adherence to treatment.
Developing and pilot testing competence cards in clinical rotations: medical students’ and supervisors’ perception
Authors: Østergaard Doris , Lundsgaard Kristine Sarauw , Boilesen Astrid Elisabeth Bruun , Andersen Mette Lehmann , Kirkeby Lene Tschemerinsky , Kristensen Helle , Nordal Tine , Rasmussen Julie , Mielke-Christensen Anne , Boysen Trine 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Several studies have shown that the medical students express uncertainty and a lack of preparedness in relation to being able to function as a doctor. The purpose of this project was to develop a portfolio with competence cards covering some of the seven medical roles, to introduce these in six departments and to evaluate the medical students´ and the clinical supervisors´ perception of this intervention.
METHODS
By using Kern’s six step a portfolio consisting of four competence cards was developed to be used in medical students 5-week clinical stay in the fourth year of their studies. Each competence card was intended to be used three times by peer-to-peer, by supervisor and by coordinators, respectively. At the end of the students´ clinical rotation interviews were conducted with students and supervisors. The project included three cohorts of medical students. An electronical version of the portfolio was available for the second and third cohort.
RESULTS
A total of 60 medical students used the competence cards. The students described easier access to supervision and systematic feedback. They appreciated the structure making the learning objectives clear. Both students and supervisors found the competence cards to reflect recognizable clinical situations and preferred the portfolio compared to the normal ‘logbook’. The electronic solution was easily accessible and was preferred.
CONCLUSIONS
Competence cards reflecting recognizable clinical situations are a functioning tool for supervision and feedback. The electronic portfolio is appreciated by students and supervision allows training in all sevens doctors roles.
Maternal and Neonatal Factors' Effects on Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell Yield
Authors: Mahmoud Ranim , Bassiouny Mohamed , Badawy Ahmed , Darwish Ahmad , Yahia Sohier , El-Tantawy Nora 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Because Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) are easily accessible, easy to isolate, and ethically acceptable, they represent a talented source of MSCs for use in regenerative medicine. Considering decisions on WJ-MSCs collection requires extensive knowledge of the factors that impact their yield. This study's objective was to evaluate the influence of parameters related to mothers and newborns on the WJ-MSCs yield. The WJ-MSCs were isolated and expanded after being taken from 79 umbilical cord samples. Population doubling time and cell proliferation were assessed. By flow cytometry analysis, WJ-MSCs were identified by positivity of CD105, CD90, and CD73 and negativity of CD45 and CD34. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between umbilical cord width and P1 doubling time. Maternal age and WJ-MSC yield were shown to be negatively correlated. Birth weight and gestational age showed a significant positive correlation between WJ-MSCs yield and neonatal variables. No significant correlations were detected between the WJ-MSCs and the mother parity, nor the neonatal sex, fetal presentation, or head circumference. The WJ-MSCs yield increases with younger maternal age, increased gestational age, and increased neonatal birth weight. Hence, consideration should be given to these factors when selecting the ideal donors.
Hemiepiphysiodesis for Treating Lower Limb Deformities in Children with Hypophosphatemic Rickets: Can Diaphyseal Angular Deformities Be Corrected Concurrently?
Authors: Zhuang Hanjie , Guo Ruoyi , Zheng Danfeng , Li Qiang , Ben Yulong , Zheng Pengfei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims: This study was conducted to explore the ability of hemiepiphysiodesis to correct mechanical axis deformities of the long bones and concurrently improve diaphyseal angular deformities, and further analyze the correlation between corrections of mechanical and diaphyseal anatomical axis angular deformities.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 pediatric patients with hypophosphatemic rickets who underwent hemiepiphysiodesis at our hospital from July 2017 to July 2022. General clinical data were collected, and parameters of radiographs were measured and statistically analyzed.
Results: At the last follow-up, the correction of TMag1 was statistically significant (P=0.002) compared to preoperative values, while corrections of FMag1, FMag2, and TMag2 were not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between FMag2 and mLPFA (0.43). FMag1 showed a weak correlation with mLDFA (0.38) and mMPTA (0.35). For each degree correction in mLPFA, FMag2 corrected by an average of 1.2°. For each degree correction in mLDFA, FMag1 corrected by an average of 0.6°. For each degree correction in mMPTA, FMag1 corrected by an average of 1.2°.
Conclusion: Hemiepiphysiodesis in children with hypophosphatemic rickets can correct mechanical axis deformities of the lower limbs and partially improve diaphyseal anatomical axis angular deformities.
Level of Evidence:Retrospective comparative study, III
Identification of Phytomolecules as Isoform and Mutation specific PI3K-α inhibitor for protection against Breast Cancer using e-Pharmacophore modeling and Molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Mili Ajay , Birangal Sumit , Giridhar Jyothi , Nandakumar Krishnadas , Lobo Richard 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Mutations in PI3K-α contribute to a substantial proportion of breast cancer cases, particularly in HR+/HER2- subtypes. Inhibition of mutated PI3K-α will result in decrease in the progression of tumor growth. Nature has been a source of drug for numerous with compounds like Vincristine or Trabectedin, being use in cancer therapy. Therefore by using computational techniques like e-pharmacophore and molecular dynamics simulation, was used to identify natural compounds as an inhibitor of mutant and isoform specific PI3K-α. e-Pharmacophore was generated using Inavolisib drug (PDB:8EXV) and phase screening was done using Molport database for Natural compounds. After ligand docking, induced-fit docking, and ADMET analysis, Seven compounds were shortlisted for molecular dynamics simulation analysis. Out of those seven compounds, only three compounds, namely STOCK1N-85097, STOCK1N-85998, and STOCK1N-86060, show good RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, PCA, FEL, and Total energy.
Clinical trial to verify the efficacy and safety of an automatic electric airway suction system: A multicenter prospective randomized study
Authors: Lee Han Young , Park Hoonsung , Baik Seungmin , Lee Jae-myeong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Acute lung injury and respiratory failure in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) present challenges owing to varied factors. Manual suctioning, which is the current standard, burdens healthcare professionals and poses risks. The Lmeca.A1000 automatic suction device offers an innovative solution to this problem. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this device.
Methods: This prospective, multicenter, randomized trial compared automatic and manual suction in ICU patients. Mucosal injury and pneumonia were assessed using bronchoscopy and monitoring. Mechanical stability and adverse events were also evaluated.
Results: In total, 117 critically ill adults were screened: 56 in the experimental group and 53 in the control group completing the study. No significant difference in mucosal injury was found at 3 or 7 days after treatment (p=0.871, and 0.750). The incidence of VAP over 2 weeks was 5.36% in the experimental group and 1.89% in the control group, not significantly different (p=0.582). Adverse events occurred in 14.3% and 13.2%, respectively, with no significant difference (p=0.870). The incidence of clinical trial device malfunction within 3 days of application was 0.03% and within 2 weeks of follow-up was 0.02%.
Conclusions: This study evidenced the non-inferiority of the automatic suction device to the manual method in terms of efficacy and safety. The adoption of an automated system could alleviate the workload of healthcare professionals while maintaining effective airway management.
Positioning error compensation method for industrial robots based on stacked ensemble learning
Authors: Chen Qizhi , Zhang Chengrui , Ma Wei , Yang Chen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Due to the advantages of low cost, high flexibility and large workspace, industrial robot has been considered to be the most promising plan to replace traditional CNC machine tool. However, the low absolute positioning accuracy of robot is a key factor that restricts further application in high-precision metal cutting scenarios. In order to improve the absolute positioning accuracy of robot, a positioning error compensation method based on the stacked ensemble learning is proposed. Firstly, the sources of positioning errors and compensation strategies are clarified by analyzing the kinematic model and structural composition of industrial robot. Then, based on the stacked ensemble learning algorithm, robot positioning error prediction model containing multi-layer learners is constructed. And a discrete grid optimization method is presented for model hyper-parameters optimization calculation. Next, predicted positioning errors are adopted to the realize the positioning compensation by offline compensation method. Finally, by set up a robotic milling platform based on MOTOMAN ES165D robot, a series of error compensation experiments have been implemented to verify the proposed method. After compensation, the maximum absolute position error and average position error have decreased by 83% and 89% respectively in the compensation experiments of single point. Moreover, the error compensation of the end milling experiments has also brought significant accuracy improvement, which proved the effectiveness of the proposed method in robotic machining.