bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive Value of AMH on Spontaneous Abortion: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis ​
Authors: Yao Ruiting , Liu Dayu , Liu Chang , Han Xinyu , Feng Xiaoling 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective: To systematically evaluate the predictive value of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in relation to spontaneous abortion (SA), taking into consideration the variables of age and conception mode.
Methods: We searched electronic database including PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library databases for original researches that reported the relationship between AMH and SA, and four tables of diagnostic tests could be extracted.
Results: We included 15 qualifying studies, which demonstrated a significant relationship between shoulder meta shoulder on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.800, with a p-value of 0.000. These findings indicates the existence of threshold effect. When fitting the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve, the resulting area under the curve (AUC) is determined to be 0.5263, while the Q index is calculated to be 0.5197. The study found that the sensitivity and specificity of AMH in predicting SA were 0.14 (95% CI: 0.13 – 0.15) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.80 – 0.82), respectively. Based on the subgroup analysis conducted on age, it was found that the AUC for fitting the SROC curve in the younger group was determined to be 0.5514. Additionally, the Q index for this subgroup was calculated to be 0.5386. The AUC in the senior cohort was determined to be 0.5080, whereas the Q index was calculated to be 0.5060. Determining the method of conception, the heterogeneity subgroup analysis revealed that the odds ratio (OR) for natural conception was 1.78 (95% CI: 1.12 – 2.84), with a p-value greater than 0.05. The SROC curve for assisted reproductive technology is shown to be 0.5005, whereas the Q index is calculated to be 0.5004. The AUC by the International Union for Immunology (IUI) turns out to be 0.8214, while the Q index is measured to be 0.7553. The SROC curve was determined to be 0.5452, while the Q index yielded a value of 0.5339. The sensitivity analysis results demonstrate the robustness of the analysis findings. The Deeks funnel diagram does not appear to indicate any apparent presence of publishing bias.
Conclusions: The prognostic significance of serum AMH level for SA is not readily apparent. In the stratified study examining the relationship between age and conception mode, it was determined that AMH did not exhibit a strong predictive capacity for SA. Furthermore, it was concluded that a solitary instance of low AMH levels cannot be relied upon as a reliable indicator for assessing the likelihood of experiencing SA.
Root cutters: Novel tillage methods to control creeping perennial weeds with a low risk of soil erosion and nutrient leaching
Authors: Ringselle Björn , Børresen Trond , Lundkvist Anneli , Mangerud Kjell , Skagestad Øystein , Torp Torfinn , Verwijst Theo , Brandsæter Lars Olav 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Perennial weeds are a major obstacle for reducing pesticides and tillage. Three multi-year experiments were conducted in Norway and Sweden to determine if a) the horizonal and vertical root/rhizome cutters (HRC and VRC, respectively) can provide effective non-chemical control of multiple perennial weed species comparable to more intensive tillage methods (Experiments 1–2), b) without increasing the risk of soil erosion and nutrient leaching (Experiment 3), and c) if integrating the VRC with the HRC, mowing or disc harrow can increase the efficacy against perennial weeds (Experiment 1). All treatments were spring plowed in Experiment 1 and 3, and autumn plowed in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, the rotary tiller was the most suppressive against Sonchus arvensis and Elymus repens but increased Stachys palustris shoot numbers. HRC treatments were not significantly worse than the rotary tiller and increased crop yield by 28%, reduced total perennial shoot biomass by 46–51% and reduced S. arvensis and E. repens shoot biomass by 52% and 80%, respectively, compared to an untreated control. In Experiment 2, HRC treatments reduced Cirsium arvense shoot numbers by 71% compared to the untreated control but failed to control E. repens. HRC treatment depth (7 vs. 15 cm) did not significantly affect control efficacy. Experiment 3 showed that HRC did not increase soil, water or nutrient losses compared to the untreated control and resulted in 60% less soil and 52% less phosphorous losses than disc harrowing. Treatments with VRC reduced the shoot biomass of E. repens by 40% and S. arvensis by 22%, compared to without VRC. Novelly, the results show that in plowed systems, HRC provides control of multiple perennial weed species that is comparable to more intensive tillage methods, but with little risk of soil and nutrient losses; and integrating VRC into control strategies improves perennial weed control efficacy.
The bidirectional association between the disability in activity of daily living and depression: A Longitudinal research based on Chinese middle-aged and elderly adults
Authors: Zhou Lina , Wang Wei , Ma Xiancang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aim
Depression and decline in the activities of daily life (ADL) are common in middle-aged and older adults. This study investigated the bidirectional relationship between depression and disability in ADL in Chinese middle-aged and older adults.
Methods
Data from a baseline study of 17,596 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and two follow-up visits at 4 and 7 years were included. We designed Stage A and Stage B respectively to explore the interaction between depression and impaired ability of daily living in middle-aged and elderly people.
Results
Individuals with disability in ADL at baseline had adjusted OR of 1.331 (1.118, 1.584) and 1.969 (1.585, 2.448) for developing depression compared with those without disability in ADL at the 4- and 7-years follow-up, respectively. Individuals with depression at baseline had an adjusted OR of 1.353 (1.127, 1.625) and 1.347 (1.130, 1.604), respectively, for developing disability in ADL 4 and 7 years later.
Conclusions
There was a bidirectional relationship between depression and disability in ADL. Depression increased the risk of disability in ADL, but did not increase with time, while the effect of disability in ADL on depression increased with time.
Osteoking ameliorates type 2 diabetes osteoporosis by promoting osteoblasts proliferation via PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway activation
Authors: Li Rong , Lu Jiangli , Wang Peijin , Zhao Yulan , Yang Yi , Jiao Jianlin , Qian Zhongyi , Wang Limei , Zheng Hong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Osteoking (OK) is a Yi folk Chinese herb from the Yunnan province, which exerts bone formation-promoting effects on menopausal osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. However, it remains to be determined whether OK ameliorates type 2 diabetic osteoporosis (T2DOP). Thus, T2DOP animal model was established in db/db mice in this study. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis revealed that OK significantly increased bone strength, improved bone metabolism, and promoted bone formation. GS and p-GSK-3β expression levels were increased in OK group as compared with db/db group by Western blot analysis. IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β were lower levels in the OK group compared to the db/db group, nevertheless, the IL-10 level was significantly higher. Furthermore, an In vitro cells model was constructed by stimulating with high glucose (HG, 30 mM). ALP protein was significantly elevated in OK treatment group. Administration of OK at 1.44 mg/mL significantly increased p-AKT/AKT expression, while, combined with LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K, OK significantly reduced the expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT and p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal OK exhibits efficacy against T2DOP in db/db mice by promoting osteogenesis of preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells through PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway regulation.
Effect of Triggering with hCG Alone, GnRH Agonist Alone, or in Combination (Dual Trigger) in Letrozole-Stimulated Cycles for Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Guan Lu , Wu Haicui , Li Yuan , Yang Minmin , Xiang Shan , Lian Fang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of triggering strategies on pregnancy outcomes in letrozole-stimulated cycles for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (L-FET), employing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) combination, the conventional hCG trigger alone and the GnRHa trigger alone.
Materials and Methods
773 women undergoing L-FET were enrolled in this retrospective study. The grouping of the participants was based on the trigger method employed. The dual trigger group (N = 105) was given 0.1 mg GnRHa and 2000 IU hCG, the hCG trigger group (N = 430) was administered 4000–10000 IU hCG, and the GnRHa trigger group (N = 238) was injected with 0.1 mg GnRHa alone. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of potential confounding factors on pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed in accordance with the hCG trigger dose.
Results
A lower miscarriage rate was observed in GnRHa trigger group (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.484, 95% CI 0.244–0.962, P = 0.038) and hCG trigger group (aOR = 0.395, 95% CI 0.196–0.798, P = 0.010) compared with dual trigger group. The positive pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate and ectopic pregnancy rate were slightly higher in dual trigger group, nevertheless, the differences were not statistically significant (P values were 0.764, 0.892 and 0.705 respectively). The live birth rate was slightly higher in hCG trigger group (40.2%) compared to the GnRHa trigger group (38.2%) and dual trigger group (34.3%), but the difference was not significant (P = 0.521). In the subgroup analysis, no significant difference was found on pregnancy outcomes among different hCG trigger dose groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Dual trigger could increase miscarriage rate in women undergoing L-FET. Hence, the routine use of dual trigger for ovulation induction is not recommended in L-FET. Moreover, luteal support should be given flexibly and cautiously whenever employed. Noteworthily, these findings indicate that the 4000 IU hCG trigger could be a potentially better alternative for patients undergoing L-FET, particularly when considering cost-effectiveness.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Fear of Pregnancy Scale: a translation and validation study
Authors: Wu Chunyan , Zhang Jian , Zhao Lei , Li Yanhong , Yan Yuanyuan , Wei Yue , Guo Shuming , Zhang Zhixia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Many women experience fear towards pregnancy, which can impact their desire to have children and the national birth rate. Thus, assessing women's fear of pregnancy is of great importance. However, there is currently no specialized tool for assessing women's fear of pregnancy in China. The purpose of this study is to translate the Fear of Pregnancy Scale into Chinese and test its reliability and validity among women of childbearing age.
Methods
Using convenience sampling combined with a snowballing method, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 886 women of childbearing age in two cities in China. The translation was strictly carried out according to the Brislin model. Item analysis, validity analysis, and reliability analysis were employed for psychometric assessment.
Results
The Chinese version of the Fear of Pregnancy Scale comprises 28 items. Exploratory factor analysis extracted four factors with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 72.578%. Confirmatory factor analysis showed: NFI = 0.956, CFI = 0.986, GFI = 0.927, IFI = 0.986, TLI = 0.985, RMSEA = 0.032, and χ2/df = 1.444. The scale's Cronbach's α coefficient is 0.957, split-half reliability is 0.840, and test-retest reliability is 0.932. The Chinese version of the scale demonstrates good reliability and validity.
Conclusions
The Chinese version of the Fear of Pregnancy Scale possesses robust psychometric properties and can assess the degree of pregnancy fear among Chinese women of childbearing age. It provides a reference for formulating relevant policies in the prenatal care service system and implementing targeted intervention measures.
On Duplication-Free Codes for Disjoint or Equal-Length Errors
Authors: Yu Wenjun , Schwartz Moshe 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Motivated by applications in DNA storage, we study a setting in which strings are affected by tandem-duplication errors. In particular, we look at two settings: disjoint tandem-duplication errors, and equal-length tandem-duplication errors. We construct codes, with positive asymptotic rate, for the two settings, as well as for their combination. Our constructions are duplication-free codes, comprising codewords that do not contain tandem duplications of specific lengths. Additionally, our codes generalize previous constructions, containing them as special cases. MSC Classification: 68R15 , 94B25 , 94B35
Compounded Wind Gusts and Maximum Temperature via Semiparametric copula joint density modelling in the risk assessments of power blackouts and air-conditioning demands for major cities in Canada
Authors: Latif Shahid , Ouarda Taha 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

A semiparametric copula joint framework was proposed to model wind gust speed (WGS) and maximum temperature (MT) in Canada, using Gaussian kernel density estimation (GKDE) with parametric copulas to assess power blackouts (PBs) and heightened air conditioning demands (HACDs). The framework used two extreme sample groups to define extreme pairs at different time lags, i.e., 0 to ± 3 days, annual maximum WGS (AMWGS) and corresponding MT and annual highest MT (AHMT) and corresponding WGS. GKDE outperformed the parametric model in defining marginal distribution. The extreme pairs, except in Calgary and Halifax, showed significant positive correlations inconsistently varying with a time lag for selected cities. AMWGS or AHMT events considered independently would be stressful for all stations due to high estimated quantiles with low univariate RPs. The bivariate events exhibited lower AND-joint RPs with moderate to high design quantiles indicated higher risk of PBs and HACDs, which varied inconsistently with time lags across the station. The bivariate AMWGS-MT events would be stressful in Regina, Quebec City, Ottawa, and Edmonton, while AMWGS-MT events in Toronto, Regina, and Montreal. Conversely, Vancouver poses a lower risk of joint action of pairs AHMT-WGS. These statistics can help plan for community well-being during extreme weather.
Water and soil resource assessment using GIS-based modelling of climate variability (WaterWorld Policy Support System) in Karkheh hydrological unit - southwestern Iran
Authors: Merrikhpour‫٭‬ Hajar , Badamfirooz Jalil , Moridi Ali , Mousazadeh Roya , Zarandian Ardavan , Shiranzaei Shahram 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Presently, human-induced activities are the primary drivers of land degradation and a decline in the anticipated benefits of water resources. Consequently, there is a pressing need for increased attention to adaptively manage and propose viable solutions to disruptions in water and soil resources. This study focuses on evaluating the water budget, runoff, soil erosion, and water pollution potential within the hydrological unit of Karkheh in southwestern Iran, utilizing the WaterWorld Policy Support System (WWPSS). Additionally, it aims to assess the cost efficiency of water sources and soil conservation practices, offering a systematic perspective on basin-wide water challenges. Geospatial data integration and the development of a soil and water vulnerability map were executed using ArcGIS 10.3. The result showed that the southern area of the hydrological unit experienced the minimum precipitation. In total, the precipitation declines over the surfaces of this hydrological unit from north, which has led to a decrease in vegetation and an increase in runoff generation in the southern areas. The total runoff generated in this hydrological unit is based on the upstream–downstream relationships from the north to the south was estimated at 81000648 mm3 yr− 1. The soil erosion rate spiked in the southern area with the vegetation decline and the intensification of runoff, which indicates its very severe and dangerous erosion regimen in downstream areas. It could be result in water pollution. Economic valuation represents the real value of water generation and soil conservation per hectare in the study area was estimated at US$ 6.63 and the real value of per hectare in the study area was estimated at US$ 912.2, respectively.
Association between ACEI/ARB and Prognosis in Dialysis Patients with Hypertension admitted to Intensive Care Unit
Authors: An Shuoyan , Ye Zixiang , Che Wuqiang , Gao Yanxiang , Li Jiahui , Zheng Jingang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
To explore the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) treatment and short-term clinical outcome in dialysis patients with hypertension admitted to intensive care unit (ICU).
Methods
Patients with diagnosis of hypertension and dialysis from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database were included. Based on whether treated with ACEI/ARB, patients were categorized into two groups: ACEI/ARB group and non- ACEI/ARB group. A comparison of in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality was conducted between the two groups in the entire study population and following propensity score matching (PSM).
Results
The study included 647 hypertensive dialysis patients, among which 227 (34.70%) were treated with ACEI/ARB and 420 (65.30%) were not. Compared to non- ACEI/ARB group, fewer patients in ACEI/ARB group suffered from atrial fibrillation/flutter (17.2% vs 31.9%, p < 0.001). The hospital mortality rate was 5.1% and 9.0% died during 30-day follow-up period in the whole study population. Patients receiving ACEI/ARB were with better clinical outcomes during hospitalization (2.2% vs 6.7%, p = 0.023) and after 30-day follow-up (5.3% vs 11.0%, p = 0.016). ACEI/ARB treatment (HR 0.24, 96% CI: 0.051–0.82, p = 0.038) was independently correlated with a lower risk of hospital mortality. After PSM of 112 pairs, the ACEI/ARB group exhibited superior in-hospital (99.1% vs 91.1%, p = 0.013) and 30-day (95.5% vs 88.4%, p = 0.048) survival rates. Use of ACEI/ARB demonstrated an independent protective factor for 30-day mortality. (HR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.11–0.96, p = 0.041).
Conclusion
ACEI/ARB treatment showed a significant association with improved in-hospital and 30-day clinical outcomes in hypertensive patients receiving dialysis in ICU.
Assessing the extent of trace element pollution in soil and elucidating the potential health risks within the Wassa Traditional Area of Ghana
Authors: Arhin Emmanuel , Karim-Abdallah Bright , Arhin Atta Adjei , Baah Christiana 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases are the primary cause of mortality in Ghana, and health professionals have identified modifiable behaviors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and harmful alcohol consumption as crucial factors leading to their prevalence. These practices are not the sources of the diseases but can increase the risk of non-communicable diseases. The label that a sedentary lifestyle is the cause of NCDs is also not entirely accurate since some children and elderly-poor individuals have also been diagnosed with non-communicable diseases. These people are not in that class. This paper thus examines trace elements such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) found in soils to assess their linkages with non-communicable diseases to establish their sources. The study excavated a total of 2668 soil samples from a depth of 30 cm where the samples were collected beneath the humic layer for chemical analysis. The collected samples were sieved to < 125 µm size fractions to eliminate coarser materials while 50 g portion of the finer portion was sent to ALS geochemical laboratory for ICP-MS analysis. Results obtained from ICP-MS analysis were compared against accepted baseline values to evaluate the enrichment or depletion of selected elements at each sample point. The pollution load index (PLI) and Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) were used to determine pollution status across the four selected areas within the Wassa Traditional area. The calculated PLI for As, Pb, Cu and Zn was 1.01 indicating moderate pollution levels across all four areas studied. In contrast, Igeo indicated moderate-to-heavy levels of contamination across those same areas. The percentage of elements above accepted baseline values ranged between 84.35% -95.79%, highlighting hidden dangers posed by these pollutants on population health within the study areas. Arsenic was consistently higher than other elements and is also known to contribute to NCDs like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The research has revealed sources contributing towards NCDs and also suggests that partnerships between Geoscientists and Medical healthcare workers can identify mitigation strategies towards reducing or eliminating NCDs thereof.
ZIC1 inhibits the growth of glioblastoma cell U87MG by enhancing CUL5 expression
Authors: Li Yanna , Li Jiao , Zhan Weiyi , Yu Yue , Xu Sihong , Xu Jie , jia Song , Zhang Chen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
ZIC family member 1 (ZIC1) encodes a zinc finger transcription factor 5 which exhibits anti-tumorigenic effects in several cancers. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action in the occurrence of human glioblastoma has been poorly elucidated. Herein, our results demonstrate that ZIC1 inhibits the growth of glioblastoma cell U87MG. Obviously, ZIC1 effects on transcriptome in U87MG, mainly involving in some genes transcriptional ability, e.g.CUL5, DDX10.,HK2, COL6A1, VEGFA, Loxl2, IGFBP3, FOXN3, MT1X, ENO2, TGFB1, PPFIA4,etc..On the other hand, ZIC1 affects proteome in U87MG. For examples, ZIC1 up-regulates CUL5, STIP1, DPP3, PSAT1, SF3A3, MTAP, ERO1A, P4HA2, Serpine1 and down-regulates IFI16, IGF2BP3, ASPH, RAB3B, MARCKS. Furthermore, ZIC1 effects on several signaling pathway in U87MG, including p53 signaling pathway, apoptosis signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Hippo signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway,etc.. Striking, it is worth mentioning that ZIC1 triggers the formation of the fusion genes ,e.g.CDH13-HSD17B2, PPP1R13L-ZNF541. Importantly, ZIC1 enhances CUL5 expression and CUL5 knockdown abrogates the suppressor functions of ZIC1 in U87MG. In conclusions, these results of this first study provide strong evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of human glioblastoma.