bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sperm DNA fragmentation index: Limited effectiveness on predicting embryo quality in assisted reproduction technology treatments
Authors: Jiang Huan , Xia Xiaolu , Luo Ying , Pan Haiyan , Qu Shihao , Xu Jianying 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Prior sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) thresholds for diagnosing male infertility and predicting assisted reproduction technology (ART) outcomes fluctuated between 15–30%, with no agreed standard. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the sperm DFI on early embryonic development during ART treatments and establish appropriate DFI cut-off values.
Methods
Retrospectively analyzed 913 couple's ART cycles from 2021–2022, encompassing 1,476 IVF and 295 ICSI cycles, following strict criteria. The WHO guidelines directed the semen analysis, while the acridine orange test (AOT) determined the DFI. Male factors (age, BMI, DFI, infertility duration, sperm parameters) and female parameters (age, BMI, AMH, retrieved oocytes) were evaluated. We also assessed embryological parameters like fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst quality. Correlations between DFI and embryo quality were examined and DFI cut-off values were established using ROC analysis.
Results
The Sperm DFI demonstrated a positive correlation with male age and a negative correlation with sperm motility, concentration, and normal morphology, while showing no relation to BMI. No connection between DFI and embryological parameters in only IVF and ICSI groups was found, but a negative correlation with fertilization rate was seen in all ART cycles. ROC curve analysis revealed a DFI cut-off value of 21.15% having 36.7% sensitivity and 28.9% specificity in predicting high fertilization rate (≥ 80%).
Conclusion
Sperm DFI had a negative correlation with fertilization rate, but limited predictive efficacy and no significant link to other embryological parameters. DFI assessments may improve early embryo development prediction during ART treatments, particularly in older males or those exhibiting poor sperm quality.
Effects of Couple-based Interventions on Psychological Outcomes among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Thana Kanjana , Miller Megan , Chintanawat Rojanee , Reangsing Chuntana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective: Cancer and its treatment can generate substantial psychological distress (depression and anxiety). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the effectiveness of couples-based interventions on psychological outcomes among people with cancer, and to test subgroup analyses to explore sources of heterogeneity affecting effect sizes.
Design: Systematic searching across eight databases identified studies related to couples-based interventions for psychological outcomes of cancer patients published between 2007–2022. Rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria were utilized. Random-effects models were used to compute effect sizes with Hedge’s g, forest plot, and Q and I2 statistics to measure heterogeneity. Moderator analyses were examined.
Results: Twelve primary studies were identified (938 participants, 56.14±7.29 years old). Overall, couples-based interventions significantly improved depression (g=.36 95% confidence interval .03 to .68, I2=76%) and anxiety (g=.29, 95% confidence interval 0.14 to .45, I2=0%) compared to controls. With subgroup analyses, fidelity of couple-based intervention, number of weeks across intervention, and timing of outcome assessment (number of days post- intervention) were moderators affecting effect sizes.
Discussion: Couples-based interventions appear to be effective among adults with cancer. Additional research is needed to explore the efficacy of couple-based interventions among more diverse samples, and to examine routes for integrating couple-based interventions into practice.
PROSPERO registration id: CRD42023389697
Construction of hydrated lubricated interfaces on lyocell fabric surfaces and effects on anti-fibrillation performance
Authors: Zhao Zhaojun , Yang Zhuo , Zhang Xingmin , Sun Yaqian , Wang Qingmiao , Zhou Hang , Min Jie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Lyocell fibers are currently claimed as green fiber with a good application prospect, but the major problem of fibrillation restricts the further promotion and application. In this study, based on the theory of hydration lubrication at the solid/liquid interface, hexamethylene-diisocyanate trimer (HDIt), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and butanone oxime (MEKO) were used to synthesize a reactive hydrophilic triblock polyurethane (RHT-PU). RHT-PU could construct a water lubrication layer on the lyocell fiber surface via hydrogen bonding between polyoxyethylene ether and water molecular, reducing the coefficient of friction (COF) of the fiber interface in the water. It was found that PEG molecular weight and grafting density had significant dependence on the COF of modified fabrics, COFs decreased with the increase of PEG molecular weight and grafting density. In water, the COFs of fabrics modified by RHT-PU were reduced from 0.45 to 0.32 and maintained lower COF at higher temperature and higher normal loads. After mechanical friction and household washing test, the surface abrasion of modified fabrics were significantly improved, and color fading grade of fabrics raised from 3 grade to 4–5 grade. Construction of water lubricated interfaces effectively reduced the fibrillation.
Identification of cellular senescence-related genes in myopia pathogenesis
Authors: Su Wangming , Yuan Liyun , Li Yanling , Liao Xiaolan , Xie Ping , Qiu Pinsheng , Yuan Xiaoyong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Myopia is a global epidemic, posing a significant public health challenge due to its association with serious eye conditions. Recent research has suggested a potential connection between cellular senescence and various age-related diseases, which may extend to myopia.
Methods
This study employs an integrative genomics approach to explore the role of cellular senescence in myopia. It involves bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic data from both myopic and normal samples to identify genes differentially expressed in relation to cellular senescence. The study also includes protein-protein interaction network analysis to identify key hub genes and their pathways, as well as the construction of mRNA-miRNA and mRNA-transcription factor interactomes for understanding the post-transcriptional regulation of these senescence-associated genes.
Results
The findings highlight differentially expressed genes associated with cellular senescence in myopic samples compared to normal ones. The study also uncovers central hub genes within protein-protein interaction networks, and provides insight into the post-transcriptional regulation of senescence-related genes. Additionally, a comparative analysis of immune cell infiltration in normal and myopic samples is presented, offering insights into possible immune-mediated mechanisms in myopia.
Conclusion
This integrative analysis sheds new light on the molecular connections between cellular senescence and myopia. The findings offer a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of myopia and present potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
The CRISPR/Cas13 system edits viral spike and nucleocapsid RNA to resist SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Wang La , Wang WenJia , Luo RuiXi , Ke ZunLi , Tian WeiYi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
As a new type of virus that seriously threatens public health worldwide, there are currently very limited effective methods of prevention and control for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2. Therefore, people urgently need an efficient and specific mechanism to prevent COVID-19. CRISPR/Cas13 is a natural defense system in bacteria that has been successfully applied for the prevention and treatment of many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. How to efficiently and specifically destroy SARS-CoV-2 RNA and avoid virus escape caused by base mutations is still an urgent problem.
Methods
By comparing and analyzing existing sequences in NCBI, highly conserved segments of protein-coding sequences were obtained to construct a highly specific crRNA plasmid. The A549 cell line stably expressing Cas13d was constructed by a lentivirus system. The cleavage efficiency of Cas13d for the target protein RNA of SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed by qPCR, WB, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.
Results
This study focused on the spike (S) glycoprotein and nucleocapsid (N) protein. We found that the CRISPR/Cas13d system was able to effectively edit the SARS-CoV-2 genes at the mRNA or protein level. However, the results also showed that the combination of multiple crRNA could not effectively further improve the editing efficiency.
Conclusions
The CRISPR/Cas13 system was able to edit spike and nucleocapsid viral RNA to resist SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study provides strong theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Challenges and Solutions of Medical Residency: the example of Iran
Authors: Rahimi Behrooz , Tadayon Behzad , Samadpour Mahmood , Biglarkhani Amin , Nemati Ali 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Residency is a highly stressful and exhausting phase in the professional lives of physicians. Low income, high workload, and uncertainty about their career future can lead to lower job satisfaction among residents, and inadequate attention to this issue can have long-term negative effects on the quality and quantity of healthcare services provided. One of the solutions proposed in this regard is the transition from residency to a full-fledged job. This research explores the feasibility of this solution.
Methods
In this qualitative study, interviews were used to identify the challenges, facilitators, barriers, and solutions for transitioning from residency to a job. In the qualitative section, a total of 26 interviewees and for Delphi 17 expert were selected purposefully at three levels: macro (Ministry of Health), intermediate (university), and executive (hospital). The qualitative data were analyzed using a conceptual framework analysis, while the Delphi data were analyzed quantitatively.
Results
Based on the analysis of the qualitative results, 5 general themes with 13 main categories and 70 sub-categories were extracted as challenges, 2 general themes as facilitators, and barriers to the transition from residency to a job, and 8 main categories with 52 interventions were identified as solutions to overcome these barriers. In the Delphi stage, the number of proposed solutions reduced to 44 interventions. The most significant challenges identified in this study were high workload during residency, low income, career future challenges, welfare services, and educational and communication challenges.
Conclusion
The decrease in residents' willingness, along with the high work and financial pressures on them, poses a serious threat to the healthcare system that requires serious reforms. It appears that transitioning from residency to a full-fledged job can address a significant portion of the expressed needs. These reforms require serious determination and collaboration with sectors outside the healthcare system and should be carried out as part of the comprehensive national healthcare plan, taking into account the country's capabilities.
Study on antihepatocellular carcinoma effect of 6-shogaol and curcumin through network- based pharmacological and cellular assay
Authors: Jin Qiuxia , Jiao Wenya , Lian Yunhe , Chitrakar Bimal , Sang Yaxin , Wang Xianghong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma currently has the third highest mortality rate in the world. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are on the rise and at a younger age, but research into the pharmacological effects of cancer is mostly single-component, and natural plant products can have additive or synergistic effects that can better amplify the effects of intervention in cancer. Aim To evaluate the synergistic therapeutic effects of 6-shogaol and curcumin against hepatocellular carcinoma line HepG2 cells. Methods In this study, a network pharmacology approach was used to predict and validate the mol ecular targets and pathways of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of 6-shogaol and curcumin in combination and to investigate their mechanism of action. The results were also validated by cellular assays.HepG2 cells were treated with 6-shogaol and curcumin as well as the combination of the two. The combination index (CI) of 6-shogaol and curcumin in HepG2 cells was calculated using Compusyn software according to the Chou-Talalay equation.The synergistic anti-cancer effect was next investigated by MTT assay, apoptosis assay and cell cycle assay. The combined anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect of the Ras-mediated PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling pathways was analysed using protein blotting assays. Results A network pharmacology-based screening identified 72 core targets of 6-curcumin and curcumin in hepatocellular carcinoma, and predicted that the main signalling pathway is the Ras signalling pathway. The anti-cancer effects of 6-shogaol and curcumin were validated in cell-based assays and the optimal synergistic concentrations of 5 µmoL/L for 6-shogaol and 30 µmoL/L for curcumin were determined. 6-shogaol and curcumin synergistically blocked the cell cycle in the G2/M phase and promoted apoptosis. Immunoblot analysis confirmed for the first time the combined action of both in down-regulating the Ras-mediated PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, 6-shogaol and curcumin acting together down-regulated Cyclin-B, CDK-1, Bcl-2, and up-regulated BAX. Conclusion 6-shogaol and curcumin act synergistically to alter the morphology of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, block the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, inhibit proliferation and division, and effectively promote late apoptosis. The combined action of these two components provides a theoretical basis for the further development of novel anti-liver cancer products.
Magnetic procedure for sentinel lymph node detection and evaluation of metastases: Design and rationale of the Lowmag trial
Authors: Christenhusz Anke , Dassen Anneriet E. , Schaaf Margreet C. , Salamzadeh Sadaf , Brinkhuis Mariël , Haken Bennie ten , Alic Lejla 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Primary tumour biology and axillary lymph node status are crucial prognostic factors in breast cancer treatment. The LowMag trial introduced a magnetic sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) procedure using a Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide (SPIO) tracer and handheld magnetometer as a radiation-free alternative for axillary staging. The objective of LowMag trial was to assess a low-dose magnetic tracer for non-invasive preoperative evaluation of lymph node metastases and intraoperative SLN detection.
Methods
Patients with confirmed invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma, eligible for SLNB, were included in the LowMag trial (NTR 4858, http://www.trialregister.nl) consisted of radioactive and magnetic SLNB. The SLNs were perioperatively detected by Sentimag®, and inked to keep track of spatial orientation between MRI and histopathology. Amount of iron was estimated post-surgery using two magnetic devices: SPaQ and Sentimag®. Additional ex vivo MRI was acquired using low-field MRI system (Pure Devices). After buffered in formalin fixation, the LN were lamellated perpendicular to the MRI planes, consecutively sectioned at 2 µm distance and stained with H&E, Perls Prussian blue, CK8/18 and CD68.
Results
In an interim assessment of 20 LNs (nine patients) two LNs from two patients contained a metastasis. The analysis reviled good uptake concordance between magnetic and radioactive tracer with median amount of iron trapped was 19.21 µg (ranging from 0.1 pg to 109 µg). Within healthy LNs, iron particles were observed in both the subcapsular space and sinusoids, with macrophages located in their proximity. Healthy regions within metastatic LNs exhibit a behaviour similar to that of the healthy LNs. In the metastatic sites, there was a reduced presence of iron pigment, particularly in the areas occupied by tumour cells. The healthy LN with low iron content shows a large fatty region in the centre of the node without iron uptake, and confirmed iron in the sinusoidal macrophages. The metastatic LN shows subcapsular and parenchymal tumour cells located in the central region, with limited infiltration into the nearby adipose tissue, without presence of local iron enhancement. However, iron deposits are were detected within the sinusoids.
Conclusion
The MRI images clearly differentiate between fat, nodal tissue and SPIO tracer (either in signal intensity or in texture), demonstrating a potential of LN imaging using a low-field MRI system.
The Impact of Early Antibiotic Use on Clinical Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Duan Yishan , Wang Jing , Zhang Rui , Zhang Huohuo , Hu Jinrui , Deng Wen , Wang Suyan , Li Weimin , Chen Bojiang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Early empiric antibiotics were prescribed to numerous patients during the Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic. However, the potential impact of empiric antibiotic therapy on the clinical outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is yet unknown.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between Dec 2022 to Mar 2023. The 1:2 propensity score matched patient populations were further developed to adjust confounding factors.
Results: We included a total of 1472 COVID-19 hospitalized patients, of whom 87.4% (1287 patients) received early antibiotic prescriptions. In propensity-score-matched datasets, our analysis comprised 139 patients withnon-antibiotic use(with 278 matched controls) and 27 patients withdeferred-antibiotic use(with 54 matched controls). Patients with older ages, multiple comorbidities, severe and critical COVID-19 subtypes, higher serum infection indicators and inflammatory indicators at admission were more likely to receive early antibiotic prescriptions. After adjusting confounding factors likely to influence the prognosis, no significant difference in all-cause mortality(HR=1.000(0.246-4.060), p=1.000) and ICU admission(HR=0.436(0.093-2.04), p=0.293)), need for mechanical ventilation(HR=0.723(0.296-1.763), p=0.476)) and tracheal intubation(HR=1.338(0.221-8.103), p=0.751)) were observed between early antibiotics use cohort and non-antibiotic use cohort.
Conclusions: Early antibiotics were frequently prescribed to patients in more severe disease condition at admission. However, early antibiotic treatment failed to demonstrate better clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the propensity-score-matched cohorts.
DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF Β2-MICROGLOBULIN IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIORENAL SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Dunaieva Inna , Bilovol Oleksandr 
Published: December 2023

Arterial hypertension is the largest pandemic in the history of mankind, which defines the structure of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Currently, the correlation between hypertension and various pathological conditions and diseases has been proven, which largely determines its progression and contributes to the development of cardiovascular and renal complications. These diseases include type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is spreading globally as a pandemic. The history of arterial hypertension in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus is often accompanied by the development of cardiorenal syndrome, so it is crucial to diagnose renal dysfunction and prevent cardiovascular complications in such patients. One of these biomarkers is β2-microglobulin (β2-M), which depends on the glomerular filtration rate and tubular reabsorption.
Materials and methods. 90 patients with AH (men/women – 48/42) and 20 control subjects were examined. During a thorough examination and follow-up of patients, they were classified into 3 groups: patients with AH – group 1 – 31 people; group 2 – AH in combination with T2DM – 31 people; group 3 – patients with AH, T2DM, and obesity – 28 people. Body weight and height were measured in all patients, and BMI = body weight/height2 (m2) was calculated. The β2-microglobulin levels in the patients' serum, cardiotrophin-1, catestatin, leptin, cystatin C, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, 25-OH total vitamin D, serum insulin levels, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid metabolism, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. Statistical data analysis was performed using Statistica, 12 (Stat Soft Inc, USA) and Microsoft Office Excel 2013. The data are presented as mean (M) and standard deviation (δ). Differences between groups of mean values were evaluated using the Student's t-test.
Results and conclusions. The level of β2-M in the observed groups of patients differed significantly from that of healthy individuals. An increase in β2-M concentration allowed us to confirm the presence of tubular renal dysfunction, which was not diagnosed by conventional methods. All examined patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the β2-M level. Our data prove the role of β2-microglobulin as an independent biomarker of renal dysfunction, as well as the development of early cardiovascular complications. The data obtained from the mathematical models between creatinine and β2-microglobulin, urea and β2-microglobulin levels show a highly significant correlation between β2-microglobulin and renal function and demonstrate that β2-microglobulin is an independent factor in the prediction of renal dysfunction in patients with hypertension and concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus. β2-microglobulin is a biomarker that should be used in the diagnosis and prognosis of early manifestations of cardiorenal syndrome.