bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of misoprostol with and without methylergometrine and oxytocin in outpatient medical abortion: a phase III randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jahromi Athar Rasekh , Rahmanian Vahid , Taghizadeh Hajar , Zareibabaarabi Zahra 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
The complications associated with miscarriages have surfaced as a major concern in maintaining women’s physical and mental health. The present study evaluated the efficacy of three medication regimes for the complete expulsion of retained intrauterine tissues in patients who underwent a miscarriage.

Methods
In this randomized clinical trial, 90 patients participated with their gestational age below 12 weeks, each having undergone a recent miscarriage. After being screened for underlying diseases and coagulative blood disorders, they were randomly allocated into three groups. For the first group, labeled as the control group, misoprostol was administered alone. In contrast, the combination of misoprostol plus methylergometrine and misoprostol plus oxytocin was prescribed for the second and third groups, respectively. Further, the data obtained were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using Stata software version 14.

Results
The mean age of participants and gestational age were 29.76 ± 5.53 years and 8.23 ± 2.29 weeks, respectively. There was no significant difference between the three treatment groups regarding the amount of bleeding after the abortion(P = 0.627). Regarding pain severity, the group that received Misoprostol plus Methylergometrine had less pain intensity than the other two groups(p = 0.004). The mean rate of RPOC expulsion was in the Misoprostol plus Oxytocin (9.68 ± 10.36) group, Misoprostol plus Methylergometrine (11.73 ± 12.86), and Misoprostol groups (19.07 ± 14.31)(p = 0.013). The success rate in outpatient medical abortion in the misoprostol plus oxytocin and misoprostol plus methylergonovine group was 93.33%, but in patients treated by misoprostol alone was 83.33%.

Conclusion
The effectiveness of the drugs in the two drug groups combined with oxytocin and methylergometrine is higher than the misoprostol group alone. An outpatient approach was deemed more satisfactory against surgical maneuvers and hospitalizations by patients since family support influenced their pain coping mechanism.

Trial registration
The trial was registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials on 04/10/2019. (https://fa.irct.ir/trial/34519; registration number: IRCT20150407021653N19).
The expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2, 9 and 11 in Ethiopian breast cancer patients
Authors: Belachew Esmael Besufikad , Desta Adey Feleke , Deneke Dinikisira Bekele , Gebremariam Tewodros Yalew , Tefera Dessalegn Abeje , Atire Fikadu Alemu , Alemayehu Dawit Hailu , Seyoum Tamirayehu , Bauer Marcus , Girma Selfu , Sewasew Dareskedar Tsehay , Kantelhardt Eva J. , Tessema Tesfaye Sisay , Howe Rawleigh 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a pathophysiological role in cancer initiation and progression. Numerous studies have examined an association between MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-11 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer (BC); however, no research has been done on the MMP expression levels in BC cases from Ethiopia.

Materials and methods
A total of 58 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast tissue samples encompassing 16 benign breast tumors and 42 BC were collected. The RNA was extracted and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR was performed. GraphPad Prism version 8.0.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Results
The MMP-11 expression levels were significantly higher in breast cancer cases than in benign breast tumors (P = 0.012). Additionally, BC cases with positive lymph nodes and ER-positive receptors had higher MMP-11, MMP-9, and MMP-2 expression than cases with negative lymph nodes and ER-negative, respectively. The MMP-11 and MMP-9 expressions were higher in grade III and luminal A-like tumors than in grade I-II and other subtypes, respectively.

Conclusion
The MMP-11 expression was higher in BC than in benign breast tumors. Additionally, MMP-11, MMP-9, and MMP-2 were higher in BC with positive lymph nodes and estrogen receptors. Our findings suggest an important impact of MMPs in BC pathophysiology, particularly MMP-11.
Expansions to the MGDrivE suite for simulating the efficacy of novel gene-drive constructs in the control of mosquito-borne diseases
Authors: Bennett Jared B. , Wu Sean L. , Chennuri Pratima R. , Myles Kevin M. , Ndeffo-Mbah Martial L. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
The MGDrivE (MGDrivE 1 and MGDrivE 2) modeling framework provides a flexible and expansive environment for testing the efficacy of novel gene-drive constructs for the control of mosquito-borne diseases. However, the existing model framework did not previously support several features necessary to simulate some types of intervention strategies. Namely, current MGDrivE versions do not permit modeling of small molecule inducible systems for controlling gene expression in gene drive designs or the inheritance patterns of self-eliminating gene drive mechanisms.

Results
Here, we demonstrate a new MGDrivE 2 module that permits the simulation of gene drive strategies incorporating small molecule-inducible systems and self-eliminating gene drive mechanisms. Additionally, we also implemented novel sparsity-aware sampling algorithms for improved computational efficiency in MGDrivE 2 and supplied an analysis and plotting function applicable to the outputs of MGDrivE 1 and MGDrivE 2.
Difference in risk of preterm and small-for-gestational-age birth depending on maternal occupations in Japan
Authors: Okui Tasuku 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
In this study, an association between the mother’s occupations with preterm and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births was investigated using national data in Japan, and individual-level birth data from the Report of Vital Statistics: Occupational and Industrial Aspects in the 2015 fiscal year were used. Preterm and SGA birth rates were calculated for each of infant characteristics, and relative risk of each type of maternal occupations (categorized into 12 types) for the outcomes was estimated using a log binomial regression model.

Results
Data of 997,600 singleton births were analyzed. Among maternal occupations, preterm birth rate was highest among carrying, cleaning, packaging, and related workers (5.65%) and lowest among security workers (4.24%). SGA birth rate was highest among manufacturing process workers (5.91%) and lowest among security workers (4.00%). We found significantly elevated risks for preterm birth among manufacturing process workers compared with unemployed mothers, and significantly elevated risks for SGA birth compared with unemployed mothers were observed among sales workers, service workers, and manufacturing process workers. In contrast, security workers had a significantly decreased risk for SGA birth compared with unemployed mothers.
Growth differentiation factor 7 autocrine signaling promotes hepatic progenitor cell expansion in liver fibrosis
Authors: Kong Defu , Mourtzinos Apostolos , Heegsma Janette , Blokzijl Hans , de Meijer Vincent E. , Faber Klaas Nico 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background and aim
Liver fibrosis is prevalent among chronic diseases of the liver and represents a major health burden worldwide. Growth differentiation factor 7 (GDF7), a member of the TGFβ protein superfamily, has been recently investigated for its role in repair of injured organs, but its role in chronic liver diseases remains unclear. Here, we examined hepatic GDF7 expression and its association with development and progression of human liver fibrosis. Moreover, we determined the source and target cells of GDF7 in the human liver.

Methods
GDF7 expression was analyzed in fibrotic and healthy human liver tissues by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Cell-specific accumulation of GDF7 was examined by immunofluorescence through co-staining of cell type-specific markers on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human liver tissues. Public single cell RNA sequence databases were analyzed for cell type-specific expression of GDF7. In vitro, human liver organoids and LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) were treated with recombinant human GDF7. Human liver organoids were co-cultured with activated LX-2 cells to induce an autocrine signaling circuit of GDF7 in liver organoids.

Results
GDF7 protein levels were elevated in fibrotic liver tissue, mainly detected in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. In line, GDF7 mRNA was mainly detected in liver parenchymal cells. Expressions of BMPR1A and BMPR2, encoding GDF7 receptors, were readily detected in hepatocytes, cholangiocytes and stellate cells in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, recombinant GDF7 promoted liver organoid growth and enhanced expression of the progenitor cell markers (LGR5, AXIN2), but failed to activate LX-2 cells. Still, activated LX-2 cells induced GDF7 and LGR5 expression in co-cultured human liver organoids.

Conclusions
Collectively, this study reveals a role of GDF7 in liver fibrosis and suggests a potential pro-regenerative function that can be utilized for amelioration of hepatic fibrosis caused by chronic liver disease.
Enteric neurospheres retain the capacity to assemble neural networks with motile and metamorphic gliocytes and ganglia
Authors: Chen Jeng-Chang , Yang Wendy , Tseng Li-Yun , Chang Hsueh-Ling 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Neurosphere medium (NSM) and self-renewal medium (SRM) were widely used to isolate enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs) in the form of neurospheres. ENSCs or their neurosphere forms were neurogenic and gliogenic, but the compelling evidence for their capacity of assembling enteric neural networks remained lacking, raising the question of their aptitude for rebuilding the enteric nervous system (ENS) in ENSC therapeutics. It prompted us to explore an effective culture protocol or strategy for assembling ENS networks, which might also be employed as an in vitro model to simplify the biological complexity of ENS embedded in gut walls.

Methods
NSM and SRM were examined for their capacity to generate neurospheres in mass culture of dispersed murine fetal enterocytes at serially diluted doses and assemble enteric neural networks in two- and three-dimensional cell culture systems and ex vivo on gut explants. Time-lapse microphotography was employed to capture cell activities of assembled neural networks. Neurosphere transplantation was performed via rectal submucosal injection.

Results
In mass culture of dispersed enterocytes, NSM generated discrete units of neurospheres, whereas SRM promoted neural network assembly with neurospheres akin to enteric ganglia. Both were highly affected by seeding cell doses. SRM had similar ENSC mitosis-driving capacity to NSM, but was superior in driving ENSC differentiation in company with heightened ENSC apoptosis. Enteric neurospheres were motile, capable of merging together. It argued against their clonal entities. When nurtured in SRM, enteric neurospheres proved competent to assemble neural networks on two-dimensional coverslips, in three-dimensional hydrogels and on gut explants. In the course of neural network assembly from enteric neurospheres, neurite extension was preceded by migratory expansion of gliocytes. Assembled neural networks contained motile ganglia and gliocytes that constantly underwent shapeshift. Neurospheres transplanted into rectal submucosa might reconstitute myenteric plexuses of recipients’ rectum.

Conclusion
Enteric neurospheres mass-produced in NSM might assemble neural networks in SRM-immersed two- or three-dimensional environments and on gut explants, and reconstitute myenteric plexuses of the colon after rectal submucosal transplantation. Our results also shed first light on the dynamic entity of ENS and open the experimental avenues to explore cellular activities of ENS and facilitate ENS demystification.
On nonlinear fractional Choquard equation with indefinite potential and general nonlinearity
Authors: Liao Fangfang , Chen Fulai , Geng Shifeng , Liu Dong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we consider a class of fractional Choquard equations with indefinite potential $$ (-\Delta )^{\alpha}u+V(x)u= \biggl[ \int _{{\mathbb{R}}^{N}} \frac{M(\epsilon y)G(u)}{ \vert x-y \vert ^{\mu}}\,\mathrm{d}y \biggr]M( \epsilon x)g(u), \quad x\in {\mathbb{R}}^{N}, $$

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stands for the fractional Laplacian, V is a linear potential with periodicity condition, and M is a nonlinear reaction potential with a global condition. We establish the existence and concentration of ground state solutions under general nonlinearity by using variational methods.
Resveratrol: a potential medication for the prevention and treatment of varicella zoster virus-induced ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Xu , Chen Hao , Song Feiyu , Zuo Kuiyang , Chen Xin , Zhang Xu , Liang Lanqian , Ta Qiyi , Zhang Lin , Li Jinhua 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Infection rate of varicella zoster virus (VZV) is 95% in humans, and VZV infection is strongly associated with ischemic stroke (IS). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of VZV-induced IS are still unclear, and there are no effective agents to treat and prevent VZV-induced IS.

Objective
By integrating bioinformatics, this study explored the interactions between VZV and IS and potential medication to treat and prevent VZV-induced IS.

Methods
In this study, the VZV and IS datasets from the GEO database were used to specify the common genes. Then, bioinformatics analysis including Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes Genomes and Protein–Protein Interaction network analysis was performed. Further, the hub genes, transcription factor (TF) gene interactions, TF-miRNA co-regulatory network and potential drug were obtained. Finally, validation was performed using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.

Results
The potential molecular mechanisms of VZV-induced IS were studied using multiple bioinformatics tools. Ten hub genes were COL1A2, DCN, PDGFRB, ACTA2, etc. TF genes and miRNAs included JUN, FOS, CREB, BRCA1, PPARG, STAT3, miR-29, etc. A series of mechanism may be involved, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, blood–brain barrier disruption, foam cell generation and among others. Finally, we proposed resveratrol as a potential therapeutic medicine for the prevention and treatment of VZV-induced IS. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics results showed that resveratrol and hub genes exhibited strong binding score.

Conclusions
Resveratrol could be an alternative for the prevention and treatment of VZV-IS. More in vivo and in vitro studies are needed in the future to fully explore the molecular mechanisms between VZV and IS and for medication development.
Comparative risk perceptions of switching to JUUL vs. continued smoking and subsequent switching away from cigarettes: a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Selya Arielle , Shiffman Saul 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Evidence indicates that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) pose lower risk than cigarettes; however, many smokers harbor misperceptions that ENDS are equally or more harmful, possibly deterring them from switching. This study examines whether comparative risk perceptions of JUUL vs. smoking are associated with subsequent switching, among smokers who recently purchased JUUL.

Methods
N = 16,996 current established smokers who recently purchased a JUUL Starter Kit were followed 6 times over 12 months. Comparative risk perceptions were assessed using both direct and indirect measures (i.e., contrasting JUUL and smoking directly in questions, and deriving from separate absolute scales). Repeated-measures logistic regression examined switching across follow-up (no smoking in past 30 days) as a function of baseline risk perceptions, adjusting for demographics and baseline smoking behavior.

Results
Perceiving JUUL as less harmful than smoking was associated with higher switching rates, using both direct (e.g., adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.48 for “JUUL much less” vs. “more/much more harmful”) and indirect (AOR = 1.07, for each 10-unit increase in fraction; AOR = 1.51 for highest (6-100) vs. lowest (0 to < 1) fraction categories) comparative risk measures (all p < 0.0001). Among the subset smoking 10 + cigarettes per day, associations between risk perceptions and switching were more pronounced (AOR = 2.51 for “JUUL much less” vs. “more/much more harmful”; AOR = 1.81 for 6-100 vs. 0 to < 1 fraction, both p < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Smokers who perceive JUUL as less harmful than cigarettes have higher odds of switching. Future research should examine whether messaging which aligns comparative risk perceptions with current evidence can facilitate switching, especially among heavier smokers.
Mitochondrial transfer in hematological malignancies
Authors: Guo Xiaodong , Can Can , Liu Wancheng , Wei Yihong , Yang Xinyu , Liu Jinting , Jia Hexiao , Jia Wenbo , Wu Hanyang , Ma Daoxin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMitochondria are energy-generated organelles and take an important part in biological metabolism. Mitochondria could be transferred between cells, which serves as a new intercellular communication. Mitochondrial transfer improves mitochondrial defects, restores the biological functions of recipient cells, and maintains the high metabolic requirements of tumor cells as well as drug resistance. In recent years, it has been reported mitochondrial transfer between cells of bone marrow microenvironment and hematological malignant cells play a critical role in the disease progression and resistance during chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the patterns and mechanisms on mitochondrial transfer and their engagement in different pathophysiological contexts and outline the latest knowledge on intercellular transport of mitochondria in hematological malignancies. Besides, we briefly outline the drug resistance mechanisms caused by mitochondrial transfer in cells during chemotherapy. Our review demonstrates a theoretical basis for mitochondrial transfer as a prospective therapeutic target to increase the treatment efficiency in hematological malignancies and improve the prognosis of patients.
Cryo-EM structures of tau filaments from the brains of mice transgenic for human mutant P301S Tau
Authors: Schweighauser Manuel , Murzin Alexey G. , Macdonald Jennifer , Lavenir Isabelle , Crowther R. Anthony , Scheres Sjors H.W. , Goedert Michel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMice transgenic for human mutant P301S tau are widely used as models for human tauopathies. They develop neurodegeneration and abundant filamentous inclusions made of human mutant four-repeat tau. Here we used electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine the structures of tau filaments from the brains of Tg2541 and PS19 mice. Both lines express human P301S tau (0N4R for Tg2541 and 1N4R for PS19) on mixed genetic backgrounds and downstream of different promoters (murineThy1for Tg2541 and murinePrnpfor PS19). The structures of tau filaments from Tg2541 and PS19 mice differ from each other and those of wild-type tau filaments from human brains. The structures of tau filaments from the brains of humans with mutations P301L, P301S or P301T inMAPTare not known. Filaments from the brains of Tg2541 and PS19 mice share a substructure at the junction of repeats 2 and 3, which comprises residues I297-V312 of tau and includes the P301S mutation. The filament core from the brainstem of Tg2541 mice consists of residues K274-H329 of tau and two disconnected protein densities. Two non-proteinaceous densities are also in evidence. The filament core from the cerebral cortex of line PS19 extends from residues G271-P364 of tau. One strong non-proteinaceous density is also present. Unlike the tau filaments from human brains, the sequences following repeat 4 are missing from the cores of tau filaments from the brains of Tg2541 and PS19 mice.
Generalized anxiety disorder and sleep quality during COVID-19 lockdown in Egypt: a web-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Elfar Eman , Abdelhai Rehab , Oraby Mohammed , Hosney Mennatallah Said 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) was identified in China in December 2019. During any major epidemic, psychosocial disturbance occurs, which can surpass people’s capacity to handle the condition.ObjectiveThe study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anxiety disorder and to assess sleep quality among Egyptian adults during COVID-19 lockdown.MethodsThe study was cross-sectional study through an anonymous web-based survey.ResultsMajority of participants were females (80.3%), highly educated (96.8%), and with mean age of 32.9 ± 8.7 years. Nearly two-thirds were healthcare workers (65.5%). The overall prevalence of anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder score more than 9) was 42.5%. Nearly three-fourth (73.5%) of participants reported poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score more than 5). In the multivariate logistic regression models, being female (adjusted odds ratio = 1.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.13–2.7 for anxiety and adjusted odds ratio = 2.217, 95% confidence interval: 1.461–3.364 for poor sleep quality), younger than 35 years (adjusted odds ratio = 0.537, 95% confidence interval: 0.376–0.767 for anxiety and adjusted odds ratio = 0.578, 95% confidence interval: 0.397–0.841 for poor sleep quality), and focusing more time on COVID-19 news (adjusted odds ratio = 1.937, 95% confidence interval: 1.601–2.343 for anxiety and adjusted odds ratio = 1.494, 95% confidence interval: 1.219–1.83 for poor sleep quality) were significant predictors of anxiety and poor sleep quality.ConclusionThere was an increase in both anxiety and sleep disorders during COVID-19 pandemic. Young women spending more time on COVID-19 were at higher risk of developing anxiety and poor sleep quality.
Study of transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene polymorphism in cirrhotic patients with diabetes
Authors: Hassouna Mona Mahmoud , Moustafa Mohammed Sayed , Hamdy Mona , Abdelsameea Eman , Abbasy Mohamed , Naguib Mary 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPatients with chronic liver disease (CLD) as chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are at high risk of diabetes type 2 (T2D). Genetic factors are suggested to modulate diabetes development in cirrhotic patients. TCF7L2 gene has been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes, but the association of TCF7L2 with cirrhotic patients with diabetes is unclear. We aimed to study the TCF7L2 gene polymorphisms (rs 290487) in cirrhotic patients with diabetes.Method The study was assessed on 25 cirrhotic patients with type 2 diabetes who were compared to 25 cirrhotic HCV patients (nondiabetic), 25 diabetic type 2 patients, and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy control groups. After the collection of relevant clinical data and basic laboratory tests, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TCF7L2 gene (rs290487) was performed by a real-time PCR technique.Results Cirrhotic patients with diabetes presented significantly poorer liver function, higher incidence of cirrhotic complications, and higher glucose levels compared with cirrhotic nondiabetic patients. The TCF7L2 rs290487 TT variant showed significantly increased diabetes risk in cirrhotic patients compared with CC and CT genotypes.Conclusions TCF7L2 rs290487 polymorphism could be associated with increased diabetic risk in cirrhotic patients.