bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Follicular reconstruction and neo-oogenesis in xenotransplantation of human ovarian isolated cells derived from chemotherapy-induced POF patients
Authors: Khaleghi Sara , Eivazkhani Farideh , Tavana Somayeh , Moini Ashraf , Novin Marefat Ghaffari , Stoyan Petkov , Nazarian Hamid , Fathi Rouhollah 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Developing new strategies to restore fertility in patients with chemotherapy-induced Premature Ovarian Failure (Chemo-POF) is important. We aimed to construct an Artificial Ovary (AO) by seeding Human Ovarian Cortical Cells (HOCCs) into Human ovarian Decellularized Cortical Tissue (DCT). We assessed the AO’s ability to produce new ovarian follicles following xenotransplantation to NMRI mice.

Material and methods
The DCTs were prepared, and cell removal was confirmed through DNA content, MTT assay, DAPI and H&E staining. Next, HOCCs were isolated from both Chemo-POF and Trans (as a control group) ovarian patients. The HOCCs were characterized using immunostaining (FRAGILIS, Vimentin, and Inhibin α) and real time PCR (DDX4, STELLA, FRAGILIS, Vimentin, FSH-R, KI67) assays. The HOCCs were then seeded into the DCTs and cultured for one week to construct an AO, which was subsequently xenotransplanted into the mice. The existence of active follicles within the AO was studied with H&E and immunofluorescence (GDF9) staining, Real-time PCR (GDF9, ZP3) and hormone analysis (Estradiol, FSH and AMH).

Results
The results of gene expression and immunostaining showed that 85–86% of the isolated cells from both Trans and Chemo-POF groups were positive for vimentin, while 2–5% were granulosa cells and OSCs were less than 3%. After xenotransplantation, histological study confirmed the presence of morphologically healthy reconstructed human ovarian follicles. Additionally, immunofluorescence staining of GDF9 and hormonal assay confirmed the presence of secretory-active follicles on the AO.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that an artificial ovary produced by seeding HOCCs on DCT can support HOCCs proliferation as well as neo-oogenesis, and enable sex hormone secretion following xenotransplantation.
The IBD-FITT study — moderate-intensity exercise for patients with inflammatory bowel disease with moderate disease activity: an open-label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lund Ken , Knudsen Torben , Kjeldsen Jens , Nielsen Rasmus Gaardskær , Juhl Carsten Bogh , Nørgård Bente Mertz 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis are chronic autoimmune lifelong diseases with fluctuating activity over time. The treatment includes medical therapy and surgery, however, there is no definite cure. Therefore, the quest for new and supplementary treatment options is imperative to improve patients’ general health and quality of life.
Physical activity and exercise have been suggested to be elements in both the prevention and supplementary treatment of IBD; however, this is based on limited underpowered trials. Thus, the role of exercise as a treatment option still has to be settled.
We aim to investigate the effect of a 12-week exercise intervention in adult patients with moderately active IBD on three categories of outcomes (1) disease-specific health-related quality of life (IBDQ); (2) general health status of the patients, i.e., waist circumference, disease activity by clinical scorings systems (Harvey Bradshaw Index, Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index), blood pressure, blood lipids, and non-disease specific quality of life (EQ5D) scores; and (3) explorative outcomes on biomarkers (C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin) plus different biomarkers of immunology (cytokine panel).

Methods
We will apply a superiority design in this open-label randomized clinical trial including 150 patients equally allocated to intervention and usual care. The intervention will be based on a 12-week aerobic exercise program and will include two supervised exercise sessions of 60 min per week, combined with one weekly home training session. We have defined a moderate exercise level as 60–80% of patients’ maximum heart rate. The patients in the intervention group will also be offered an online video lesson of 15–25 min on lifestyle guidance, and the same online video lesson will be offered in the comparator group. Questionnaires on quality of life will be forwarded electronically both at inclusion and at the end of the study, and the patients will have blood samples, and fecal samples for calprotectin at baseline, weeks 4 and 8, as well as after 12 weeks (study end).

Discussion
This will be a clinical trial investigating the effect of exercise on patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This trial will add to the evidence on the possible effect of exercise and might clarify whether exercise can benefit as a supplementary treatment addendum. Thus, the trial may provide a new patient-active disease management approach.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04816812. Date of first registration: March 23, 2021.
Exploring the thalamus: a crucial hub for brain function and communication in patients with bulimia nervosa
Authors: Wang Jiani , Wu Guowei , Wang Miao , Li Weihua , Wang Yiling , Ren Xiaodan , Wei Xuan , Yang Zhenghan , Li Zhanjiang , Wang Zhenchang , Chen Qian , Zhang Peng , Tang Lirong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent binge eating and compensatory behaviors. The thalamus plays a crucial role in the neural circuitry related to eating behavior and needs to be further explored in BN.

Methods
In this study, 49 BN patients and 44 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. We applied the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation to investigate regional brain activity in the thalamus and functional connectivity (FC) to examine the synchronization of activity between thalamic subregions and other brain regions in both groups. All results underwent false discovery rate (p < 0.05, FDR correction) correction. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the patients’ abnormal clinical performance and the thalamic alterations (p < 0.05, FDR correction).

Results
We found no significant differences in neural activity between BN patients and HCs in the sixteen thalamic subregions. However, compared to the HCs, the individuals with BN showed decreased FC between the thalamic subregions and several regions, including the bilateral prefrontal cortex, right inferior parietal lobule, right supplementary motor area, right insula, cingulate gyrus and vermis. Additionally, BN patients showed increased FC between the thalamic subregions and visual association regions, primary sensorimotor cortex, and left cerebellum. These altered FC patterns in the thalamus were found to be correlated with clinical variables (the frequency of binge eating/purging per week and external eating behavior scale scores) in the BN group. All results have passed FDR correction.

Conclusions
Our study provides evidence that there is disrupted FC between thalamic subregions and other brain regions in BN patients during resting state. These regions are primarily located within the frontoparietal network, default mode network, somatosensory, and visual network. These findings elucidate the neural activity characteristics underlying BN and suggest that thalamic subregions have potential as targets for future neuromodulation interventions.
“Boy, what are we all doing? We are crazy, really crazy”: a qualitative study of psychosocial processes around an atypical one-time smoking cessation course
Authors: Meeuwsen E. G. , de Kleijn M. J. J. , de Boer E. M. , Koçak A. F. , Chavannes N. H. , Meijer E. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Smoking prevalence is still high, which requires effective interventions that help many people who smoke at once in addition to time-consuming individual interventions. ‘I Quit’ is a large-scale smoking cessation course in The Netherlands. This qualitative study explored I Quit participants’ experiences during and after the course, and perceptions of whether and how the course may have altered their smoking behavior.

Methods
We performed individual semi-structured interviews with course participants (N = 21) who had either quit successfully, attempted to quit but relapsed, or had continued to smoke after ‘I Quit’. Shortly after qualitative data collection was completed, Foundation I Quit was accused in the media of a number of misbehaviors. Although unplanned, this provided a unique opportunity to explore participants’ views on alleged fraud in a second round of interviews (N = 16). Data were collected from 2016 to 2018.

Results
Qualitative findings showed two psychosocial processes that may explain smoking cessation after course attendance. First, the confrontation with a large group of people who smoke, of whom some had already developed smoking-related complaints, triggered identity processes both towards and away from quitting smoking. Unorthodox methods used in the course appeared to trigger identity processes. Second, social support after the course from participants’ own social network facilitated maintenance of successful quitting. The study also found that interview participants’ opinions on I Quit did not change much after allegations of fraud in the media.

Conclusions
Findings suggest that a one-time course might initiate psychosocial processes that could help certain smokers to gain motivation to quit, requiring a minimum of resources. Identity processes triggered by the course seem tricky as people have different ways of dealing with identity threat, some of which can be counterproductive and even result in more difficulty quitting. More research is needed to examine who can benefit from a one-time course, and who needs more support in order to quit successfully.
Bisdemethoxycurcumin alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury via activating AMPKα pathway
Authors: Li Huifang , Zou Qi , Wang Xueming 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective
Inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI), and subsequently result in rapid deterioration in health. Considering the indispensable role of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) in inflammation and oxidative stress, the present study aims to examine the effect of BDMC on sepsis-related ALI.

Methods
C57BL/6 mice were administered with BDMC (100 mg/kg) or an equal volume of vehicle, and then injected with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to induce ALI. We assessed the parameters of lung injury, inflammatory response and oxidative stress in lung tissues. Consistently, the macrophages with or without BDMC treatment were exposed to LPS to verify the effect of BDMC in vitro.

Results
BDMC suppressed LPS-induced lung injury, inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, BDMC increased the phosphorylation of AMPKα in response to LPS stimulation, and AMPK inhibition with Compound C almost completely blunted the protective effect of BDMC in LPS-treated mice and macrophages. Moreover, we demonstrated that BDMC activated AMPKα via the cAMP/Epac pathway.

Conclusion
Our study identifies the protective effect of BDMC against LPS-induced ALI, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the activation of cAMP/Epac/AMPKα signaling pathway.
Validation study on a prediction formula to estimate the weight of children & adolescents with special needs aged 2–18 years old
Authors: Ibrahim Nurul Huda , Kassim Norasimah , Othman Salimah , Omar Azahadi , Shaari Norsuhaila , Awiskarni Anis Aslah , Abdul Patah Norafidza Ashiquin , Mohamed Nezuri Nabila , Zulfifli Maizatul Naqiah , Awang Mohd Nadzrul Anuar , Sani Muhamad Farid , Abdul Rashad Noorfadzlina , Mesbah Siti Farhana 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aims to validate two predictive formulas of weight estimating strategies in children with special needs, namely the Cattermole formula and the Mercy formula.

Methodology
A cross-sectional study with a universal sampling of children and adolescents with special needs aged 2–18 years old, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was conducted at Community-Based Rehabilitation in Central Zone Malaysia. Socio-demographic data were obtained from files, and medical reports and anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, humeral length, and mid-upper arm circumference) were collected using standard procedures. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 26. The accuracy of the formula was determined by intraclass correlation, prediction at 20% of actual body weight, residual error (RE) and root mean square error (RMSE).

Result
A total of 502 children with a median age of 7 (6) years were enrolled in this study. The results showed that the Mercy formula demonstrated a smaller degree of bias than the Cattermole formula (PE = 1.97 ± 15.99% and 21.13 ± 27.76%, respectively). The Mercy formula showed the highest intraclass correlation coefficient (0.936 vs. 0.858) and predicted weight within 20% of the actual value in the largest proportion of participants (84% vs. 48%). The Mercy formula also demonstrated lower RE (0.3 vs. 3.6) and RMSE (3.84 vs. 6.56) compared to the Cattermole formula. Mercy offered the best option for weight estimation in children with special needs in our study population.
Approach to the Patient With Raised Thyroid Hormones and Nonsuppressed TSH
Authors: Moran Carla , Schoenmakers Nadia , Halsall David , Oddy Susan , Lyons Greta , van den Berg Sjoerd , Gurnell Mark , Chatterjee Krishna 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Measurement of free thyroid hormones (THs) and thyrotropin (TSH) using automated immunoassays is central to the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction. Using illustrative cases, we describe a diagnostic approach to discordant thyroid function tests, focusing on entities causing elevated free thyroxine and/or free triiodothyronine measurements with nonsuppressed TSH levels. Different types of analytical interference (eg, abnormal thyroid hormone binding proteins, antibodies to iodothyronines or TSH, heterophile antibodies, biotin) or disorders (eg, resistance to thyroid hormone β or α, monocarboxylate transporter 8 or selenoprotein deficiency, TSH-secreting pituitary tumor) that can cause this biochemical pattern will be considered. We show that a structured approach, combining clinical assessment with additional laboratory investigations to exclude assay artifact, followed by genetic testing or specialized imaging, can establish a correct diagnosis, potentially preventing unnecessary investigation or inappropriate therapy.
Reconnecting the Hand and Arm to the Brain: Efficacy of Neural Interfaces for Sensorimotor Restoration After Tetraplegia
Authors: Herring Eric Z. , Graczyk Emily L. , Memberg William D. , Adams Robert , Fernandez Baca-Vaca Gaudalupe , Hutchison Brianna C. , Krall John T. , Alexander Benjamin J. , Conlan Emily C. , Alfaro Kenya E. , Bhat Preethisiri , Ketting-Olivier Aaron B. , Haddix Chase A. , Taylor Dawn M. , Tyler Dustin J. , Sweet Jennifer A. , Kirsch Robert F. , Ajiboye A. Bolu , Miller Jonathan P. 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Paralysis after spinal cord injury involves damage to pathways that connect neurons in the brain to peripheral nerves in the limbs. Re-establishing this communication using neural interfaces has the potential to bridge the gap and restore upper extremity function to people with high tetraplegia. We report a novel approach for restoring upper extremity function using selective peripheral nerve stimulation controlled by intracortical microelectrode recordings from sensorimotor networks, along with restoration of tactile sensation of the hand using intracortical microstimulation.

METHODS:
A 27-year-old right-handed man with AIS-B (motor-complete, sensory-incomplete) C3–C4 tetraplegia was enrolled into the clinical trial. Six 64-channel intracortical microelectrode arrays were implanted into left hemisphere regions involved in upper extremity function, including primary motor and sensory cortices, inferior frontal gyrus, and anterior intraparietal area. Nine 16-channel extraneural peripheral nerve electrodes were implanted to allow targeted stimulation of right median, ulnar (2), radial, axillary, musculocutaneous, suprascapular, lateral pectoral, and long thoracic nerves, to produce selective muscle contractions on demand. Proof-of-concept studies were performed to demonstrate feasibility of using a brain-machine interface to read from and write to the brain for restoring motor and sensory functions of the participant's own arm and hand.

RESULTS:
Multiunit neural activity that correlated with intended motor action was successfully recorded from intracortical arrays. Microstimulation of electrodes in somatosensory cortex produced repeatable sensory percepts of individual fingers for restoration of touch sensation. Selective electrical activation of peripheral nerves produced antigravity muscle contractions, resulting in functional movements that the participant was able to command under brain control to perform virtual and actual arm and hand movements. The system was well tolerated with no operative complications.

CONCLUSION:
The combination of implanted cortical electrodes and nerve cuff electrodes has the potential to create bidirectional restoration of motor and sensory functions of the arm and hand after neurological injury.
The Role of Local Communities in the Process of Siting of the Unwanted Facilities within the Rural Areas in Poland
Authors: Bednarek-Szczepańska Maria 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The subject of this study is the activity of rural communities in the face of plans of locating unwanted projects within their locations of residence, and the influence of the activity on the decision makers and, ultimately, on the final fate of the envisaged projects. The participation of inhabitants and decisions of the authorities, taken in response to these activities, and concerning the respective projects, were analysed on a basis of a questionnaire-based survey which was undertaken in the municipalities, in which conflicts have taken place. In-depth investigations were also carried out in five municipalities. The following activities: preparing a collective petition to decision-maker, organizing local meetings, taking part in meetings organised by the authorities or investor, filing of proposals and remarks to the projects of decisions and documents, entering into cooperation with actors from outside of the municipality were undertaken by groups of residents in more than 65% cases of conflicts. The activity of inhabitants generally exerted an influence on the final outcome from the respective conflicts. In the majority of cases, the unwanted projects, for which the decision making body was the local authority, either were not realised, or were realised with modifications, resulting from the social protests.
Horizontal Integration in the Agricultural Sector as a Factor Increasing Its Competitiveness – Experience from Poland
Authors: Pawlak Karolina , Kołodziejczak Małgorzata , Xie Yumei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The aim of this article is to present the process of the development of horizontal integration in the agricultural sector in Poland in relation to the increase in its competitiveness. The article uses the data of the National Cooperative Council in Poland, The Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture, as well as Central Statistical Office in Poland. The process of formation of agricultural producer groups accelerated considerably when Poland joined the EU, especially due to the possibility to receive support from public funds. In 2013, at the end of the first full financial framework 2007–2013, there were almost 1300 agricultural producer groups in Poland. The most of them functioned in central, western and north-western regions, where larger and specialised farms are prevalent and where farmers understand the need for joint activity and want to gain a possibility to generate both technological and cost and price advantages and to increase the profitability of production. So far Polish producers of cereals, oilseeds, pigs and poultry have been relatively best organised. In 2017 about 45% of all registered groups of agricultural producers had the status of cooperatives. In pigs and beef cattle production the share of cooperatives in the total number of registered groups was even higher and amounted to 70% and 83%, respectively. Such groups are capable of helping farmers to solve the problems of how to sell their products, to ensure the appropriate quality of those products and to increase the cost-effectiveness of production. Cooperatives are often involved in social, educational and cultural activities provided to their members and rural community. Therefore, it can be said that very presence of cooperatives favours the development of agriculture in a particular region and in the entire country.
The Environmental and Educational Topics in Agricultural TV Broadcasts
Authors: Šarkovic Aleksandra , Matić Jovanka , Bogdanov Natalija 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The sustainable use and efficient management of natural resources are reflected in the introduction of modern production practices and agro-ecological measures. The new challenges facing farmers require new approaches to the transfer of agricultural knowledge, technologies and information. Television is an important medium for providing timely information and communication with farmers in developing countries, where other sources of information are less available. Therefore, television represents one of the most relevant sources of raising public awareness and concern for the environment. This paper seeks to investigate whether and to what extent specialised TV programmes for farmers of four national TV networks in Serbia cover topics related to the agro-environment. Content analysis was employed to determine the differences in the offer of environmental and educational contents of agricultural TV programmes broadcast by public and commercial television stations in Serbia. Research results reveal significant differences between public and commercial broadcasters in terms of the topics covered, which are especially evident with regard to environmentally and educationally related contents. As the educational value of the content is determined by the choice of subjects, a difference in the frequency with which certain groups of subjects are shown speaking in broadcasts is also noted.
Ultra-high-Q and ultra-sensitive refractive index sensing in low refractive index dielectric gratings based on bound states in the continuum
Authors: Fang Ze-Zhou , Xu Han-Lei , Su Jin-Yue , Zhou Jin-Yun , Meng Zi-Ming 
Published: November 2023

The realization of a high quality factor (Q-factor) and strong local optical fields has long been of great interest in the field of nanophotonics. Unfortunately, it is still challenging to achieve high-Q and strong localized fields in nanostructures made of low refractive index materials. In this study, drawing upon the concept of bound states in the continuum (BICs), an asymmetric dielectric grating composed of low refractive index materials is demonstrated to generate an ultra-high-Q symmetry-protected quasi-BIC in the visible wavelength. Importantly, the design of BIC (quasi-BIC) mode enables the strong localized confinement of light in air. By leveraging this property, we realize ultra-sensitive refractive index sensing with a remarkable sensitivity of 669 nm/RIU and a high figure of merit (FOM) of 45,314RIU−1. This study offers an approach to achieve highly sensitive and high precision refractive index sensing with potential applications in the practical realization of strong light–matter interactions using low index materials.