bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uterine peristalsis in women affected by adenomyosis: A step towards functional assessment
Authors: Arena Alessandro , Zanello Margherita , Orsini Benedetta , Degli Esposti Eugenia , Iodice Raffaella , Altieri Michele , Borgia Alessandra , Moro Elisa , Seracchioli Renato , Casadio Paolo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe non‐pregnant uterus shows an intrinsic contractility pattern, actively involved in early reproductive processes. Uterine contractility is characterized by endometrial waves that originate from the junctional zone and varies throughout the menstrual cycle due to fluctuations in the concentrations of hormones. The aim of this study was to compare the uterine contractility patterns in the periovulatory phase in a group of patients with isolated adenomyosis and a group of healthy women using transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS).MethodsFrom March 2019 to March 2021, we enrolled consecutive nulliparous patients in the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, divided in patients with isolated adenomyosis (group A, n = 18) and healthy patients in the control group (group B, n = 18). Patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent TVUS for the study of uterine contractility: the uterus was scanned on sagittal plane for 3 min and all the movies were recorded. Then, static images and video were evaluated offline and the uterine contractility patterns were defined.ResultsThe patients belonging to the study group had a higher incidence of painful symptoms (dysmenorrhea, 6.11 ± 2.81 vs 1.39 ± 2.17; chronic pelvic pain, 2.56 ± 3.01 vs 0.39 ± 1.04) and a larger uterine volume (137.48 ± 117.69 vs 74.50 ± 27.58 cm3; P = 0.04). Regarding the uterine contractility, a statistically significant difference was observed about the retrograde patterns (group A, 27.8% vs group B, 72.2%, P < 0.01) and opposing (group A, 38.9% vs, group B, 5.6%, P = 0.02).ConclusionThe study confirms the presence of altered uterine peristalsis in the periovulatory phase in patients with adenomyosis. The abnormal uterine peristalsis could lead to both structural and functional changes, which are the basis of the clinical manifestations of adenomyosis and the perpetuation of the anatomical damage.
Factors affecting the reproductive outcome in reciprocal translocation carriers undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements (PGTSR)
Authors: Jia Miaomiao , Shi Juanzi , Shi Wenhao , Xue Xia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the reproductive outcomes of balanced reciprocal translocation carriers and evaluate the association between the number of metaphase‐II oocytes retrieved and cumulative live birth rates (LBRs).MethodsThis retrospective analysis included 344 preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for structural rearrangement cycles of 281 couples with balanced reciprocal translocations between January 2018 and January 2021. All patients included in the analysis had either delivered a baby or had used all their embryos after one stimulation cycle. All women were followed up for at least 2 years.ResultsAfter ovarian stimulation and oocyte fertilization, 44.2% of PGT for structural rearrangements cycles achieved a live birth. Carrier's sex and female age did not affect the cumulative LBR of reciprocal translocation carriers. Cumulative LBRs steadily increased with the number of oocytes, reaching 64% when >20 oocytes were retrieved. The cutoff values for achieving at least one live birth were 9.5 metaphase‐II (MII) oocytes and 3.5 biopsied embryos.ConclusionCouples with reciprocal translocations have lower transferable embryo rates and cumulative LBRs. The MII oocytes retrieved may be a crucial factor for cumulative LBRs. A high ovarian response may further increase cumulative LBRs, but avoidance of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or other iatrogenic complications should be considered.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the COMPI Fertility Problem Stress Scale—Short Form for infertile women
Authors: Hu Shuang , Su Chengying , Zhou Linlin , Dai Ling 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo translate and culturally adapt the COMPI Fertility Problem Stress Scale–Short form (COMPI‐FPSS‐SF) and to test its reliability and validity in China.MethodsThe cross‐sectional study adopted Brislin's translation model to translate, synthesize, back‐translate, and cross‐culturally adapt the COMPI‐FPSS‐SF for the Chinese setting. A total of 279 infertile women were invited to participate in the study to test the reliability and validity of the scale between March and June 2021.ResultsIt was verified that the Chinese version of the COMPI‐FPSS‐SF has three domains with nine items. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the total scale was 0.907, and the coefficient for each dimension ranged from 0.760 to 0.855. The test–retest validity was 0.891. The exploratory factor analysis extracted three common factors with eigenvalues of 4.499, 1.124, and 1.011 and a cumulative variance contribution of 73.706. The validity factor analysis showed good results for the three‐factor structure fit. The criterion‐related validity with the Fertility Inventory Short‐Form Scale was 0.649. The above analysis revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe Chinese version of the COMPI‐FPSS‐SF can be used for the assessment of fertility‐related stress in infertility patients in China with good reliability and validity.
Application of microscopy and spectroscopy in investigating anti‐cancer potential of Achyranthes aspera L. leaves
Authors: Bashir Huma , Sadia Sehrish , Saddiqe Zeb , Munir Mubashrah , Bai Xiaohang , Jia Meiyu , Ahmad Khawaja Shafique 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe genus Achyranthes belong to the family Amaranthaceae which constitutes an important group of herbs and shrubs with immense medicinal value. The present research work was conducted to investigate the anticancer potential of Achyranthes aspera L. leaves by focusing on the antioxidant, aniproliferative and antimitotic activities of leaf extracts. Plant extraction was carried out by soxhelt method with different solvents. Phytochemical characterization of the plants extracts using chemical methods identified the presence of cardiac glycosides, saponins, coumarins, proteins, tannins, flavonoids and triterpenes. Alkaloid was present in methanolic and ethanolic extract. High performance liquid chromatography showed presence of different concentration of myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol in different extracts with the highest concentration of myricetin (84.53 μg/mL) in n‐butanolic extract. The extracts were then tested for antioxidant activity using 2,2‐diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay by spectrophotometric method. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, antioxidant activity of A. aspera ranged between 79.78 ± 0.034% and 58.63 ± 0.069%. Highest antioxidant activity was observed for methanolic extract and lowest for acetone. Antimitotic activity was determined by using Allium cepa assay in which microscopic investigation was carried out to observe normal and abnormal phases of mitosis. In this assay, n‐butanolic extract had highest antimitotic activity with minimum mitotic index at 2 mg/mL (57 ± 0.0351%). The plant extracts also caused chromosomal and mitotic aberrations which were clearly observed under 40× and 100× magnification of compound microscope. Antiproliferative activity was determined by using yeast cell model in which light microscope with hemocytometer was used for cell counting. In case of Antiproliferative activity, the ethyl acetate extract of A. aspera had highest antiproliferative activity with lowest cell viability (22.14 ± 0.076%) at highest extract concentration (2 mg/mL) while methanol extract of A. aspera had highest antiproliferative activity with lower cell viability (24.24 ± 0.057%) at lowest extract concentration (0.25 mg/mL). The results of the study indicated that the leaves extract of A. aspera have strong potential to be used as a source of anti‐cancer agent.Research Highlights
Achyranthes aspera L. leaves have various phytochemicals which contribute to its medicinal properties
Various extracts of the leaves of A. aspera L. possess antioxidant, antimitotic and antiproliferative potential
The results of the study indicated that the leaves extract of A. aspera have strong potential to be used as a source of anti‐cancer agent.
Comparative anatomy of the spinneret musculature in cribellate and ecribellate spiders (Araneae)
Authors: Kreuz Josefine , Michalik Peter , Wolff Jonas O. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSilk production is a prominent characteristic of spiders. The silk is extruded through spigots located on the spinnerets, which are single‐ to multimembered paired appendages at the end of the abdomen. Most extant spiders have three pairs of spinnerets, and in between either a cribellum (spinning plate) or a colulus (defunct vestigial organ), dividing these spiders into cribellate and ecribellate species. Previous research has shown that cribellate and ecribellate spiders differ not only in the composition of their spinning apparatus but also in the movements of their spinnerets during silk spinning. The objective of this study was to determine whether the differences in spinneret movements are solely due to variations in spinneret shape or whether they are based on differences in muscular anatomy. This was accomplished by analyzing microcomputed tomography scans of the posterior abdomen of each three cribellate and ecribellate species. It was found that the number of muscles did not generally differ between cribellate and ecribellate species, but varied considerably between the species within each of these two groups. Muscle thickness, particularly of the posterior median spinneret, varied slightly between groups, with cribellate spiders exhibiting more robust muscles, possibly to aid in the combing process during cribellar thread production. Interestingly, the vestigial colulus still possesses muscles, that can be homologized with those of the cribellum. This exploration into spinneret anatomy using microcomputed tomography data reveals that despite being small appendages, the spider spinnerets are equipped with a complex musculature that enables them to perform fine‐scaled maneuvers to construct different fiber‐based materials.
MRI‐Based Kinetic Heterogeneity Evaluation in the Accurate Access of Axillary Lymph Node Status in Breast Cancer Using a Hybrid CNN‐RNN Model
Authors: Guo Yi‐Jun , Yin Rui , Zhang Qian , Han Jun‐Qi , Dou Zhao‐Xiang , Wang Peng‐Bo , Lu Hong , Liu Pei‐Fang , Chen Jing‐Jing , Ma Wen‐Juan 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundAccurate evaluation of the axillary lymph node (ALN) status is needed for determining the treatment protocol for breast cancer (BC). The value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based tumor heterogeneity in assessing ALN metastasis in BC is unclear.PurposeTo assess the value of deep learning (DL)‐derived kinetic heterogeneity parameters based on BC dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI to infer the ALN status.Study TypeRetrospective.Subjects1256/539/153/115 patients in the training cohort, internal validation cohort, and external validation cohorts I and II, respectively.Field Strength/Sequence1.5 T/3.0 T, non‐contrast T1‐weighted spin‐echo sequence imaging (T1WI), DCE‐T1WI, and diffusion‐weighted imaging.AssessmentClinical pathological and MRI semantic features were obtained by reviewing histopathology and MRI reports. The segmentation of the tumor lesion on the first phase of T1WI DCE‐MRI images was applied to other phases after registration. A DL architecture termed convolutional recurrent neural network (ConvRNN) was developed to generate the KHimage (kinetic heterogeneity of DCE‐MRI image) score that indicated the ALN status in patients with BC. The model was trained and optimized on training and internal validation cohorts, tested on two external validation cohorts. We compared ConvRNN model with other 10 models and the subgroup analyses of tumor size, magnetic field strength, and molecular subtype were also evaluated.Statistical TestsChi‐squared, Fisher's exact, Student's t, Mann–Whitney U tests, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were performed. P < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe ConvRNN model achieved area under the curve (AUC) of 0.802 in the internal validation cohort and 0.785–0.806 in the external validation cohorts. The ConvRNN model could well evaluate the ALN status of the four molecular subtypes (AUC = 0.685–0.868). The patients with larger tumor sizes (>5 cm) were more susceptible to ALN metastasis with KHimage scores of 0.527–0.827.Data ConclusionA ConvRNN model outperformed traditional models for determining the ALN status in patients with BC.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Incorporating DC bias voltage in poly‐harmonic distortion modeling for RF power GaN transistors
Authors: Cheng Shuhao , Tang Xiaoqiang , Marinković Zlatica , Crupi Giovanni , Cai Jialin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a novel poly‐harmonic distortion (PHD) model that incorporates the DC input and output bias voltages using Gaussian process regression (GPR). Simulation tests were conducted using a 10‐W gallium nitride (GaN) HEMT transistor from Wolfspeed, and the model implementation test was performed in the Keysight Advanced Design System environment. The results showed that the GPR‐based PHD model exhibited good performance in predicting both fundamental and harmonic behaviors over a wide range of bias variations with significant advantages over basic linear regression methods. Additionally, the model accurately predicted load‐pull simulations. The measurement test was conducted using a 6‐W GaN device, and the results showed a mean error of 2.22% and 4.54% for the fundamental and second harmonic of the reflected wave, respectively.
Characterization of carfentanil and thiofentanil using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory
Authors: Öberg Rasmus , Landström Lars , Gracia‐Espino Eduardo , Larsson Andreas , Andersson Magnus , Andersson Per Ola 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFentanyls are synthetic opioids up to 10,000 times more potent than morphine. Although initially developed for medical applications, fentanyl and its analogues have recently grown synonymous with the ongoing opioid epidemic. To combat the continued spread of these substances, there is a need for rapid and sensitive techniques for chemical detection. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has the potential for trace detection of harmful chemical substances. However, vibrational spectra obtained by SERS often differ between SERS substrates, as well as compared with spectra from normal Raman (NR) spectroscopy. Herein, SERS and NR responses from two fentanyl analogues, carfentanil (CF) and thiofentanil (TF), were measured and analysed with support from density functional theory (DFT) modelling. Using commercially available silver nanopillar SERS substrates, the SERS signatures of samples diluted in acetonitrile between 0.01 and 1000 µg/mL were studied. Relative SERS peak intensities measured in the range of 220–1800 cm−1 vary with concentration, while SERS and NR spectra largely agree for CF at higher concentrations (
100 µg/mL). For TF, three distinct NR peaks at 262, 366 and 667 cm−1 are absent or strongly suppressed in the SERS spectrum, attributed to the lone‐pair electrons of the thiophene's sulphur atom binding to the Ag surface. The concentration dependence of the Raman peak at
1000 cm−1, assigned to trigonal bending of the phenyl ring, approximately follows a Langmuir adsorption isotherm. This work elucidates similarities and differences between SERS and NR in fentanyl detection and discusses the chemical rationale behind these differences.
High‐pressure behavior and stability of synthetic buetschliite K2Ca(CO3)2 up to 19 GPa and 300°C
Authors: Likhacheva Anna Yu , Miloš Sofija , Romanenko Alexandr V. , Goryainov Sergey V. , Semerikova Anna I. , Rashchenko Sergey V. , Miletich Ronald , Shatsky Anton 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe occurrence of buetschliite, K2Ca(CO3)2, as inclusions in mantle minerals, is considered as one of the keys to understanding phase relationships of dense carbonates and outlines the potential role of potassium carbonates in the Earth's deep carbon cycle. Within this scope, the high‐pressure behavior of synthetic buetschliite is characterized by in situ Raman spectroscopy up to 19 GPa and 300°C. Up to 6 GPa, the compression is regular, then the splitting of some of the lattice and internal modes defines the transition to a low‐symmetry phase, in analogy to that observed previously in K2Mg(CO3)2. The temperature rise to 300°C shifts the transition pressure from ~6 to ~8 GPa, but on the whole, it does not change the high‐pressure behavior of K2Ca(CO3)2. The observed pressure‐induced spectral changes are fully reversible at room and elevated temperature. The findings show the expansion of buetschliite baric stability with temperature, which confirms its importance as a constituent of carbonate inclusions in deep minerals.
Effect of rt‐PA on Shear Wave Mechanical Assessment and Quantitative Ultrasound Properties of Blood Clot Kinetics In Vitro
Authors: Bosio Guillaume , Destrempes François , Roy Cardinal Marie‐Hélène , Cloutier Guy 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThe consequences associated with blood clots are numerous and are responsible for many deaths worldwide. The assessment of treatment efficacy is necessary for patient follow‐up and to detect treatment‐resistant patients. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of treatment on blood clots in vitro using quantitative ultrasound parameters.MethodsBlood from 10 pigs was collected to form three clots per pig in gelatin phantoms. Clots were subjected to 1) no treatment, 2) rt‐PA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) treatment after 20 minutes of clotting, and 3) rt‐PA treatment after 60 minutes of clotting. Clots were weighted before and after the experiment to assess the treatment effect by the mass loss. The clot kinetics was studied over 100 minutes using elastography (Young's modulus, shear wave dispersion, and shear wave attenuation). Homodyne K‐distribution (HKD) parameters derived from speckle statistics were also studied during clot formation and dissolving (diffuse‐to‐total signal power ratio and intensity parameters).ResultsTreated clots loosed significantly more mass than non‐treated ones (P < .005). A significant increase in Young's modulus was observed over time (P < .001), and significant reductions were seen for treated clots at 20 or 60 minutes compared with untreated ones (P < .001). The shear wave dispersion differed for treated clots at 60 minutes versus no treatments (P < .001). The shear wave attenuation decreased over time (P < .001), and was different for clots treated at 20 minutes versus no treatments (P < .031). The HKD intensity parameter varied over time (P < .032), and was lower for clots treated at 20 and 60 minutes than those untreated (P < .001 and P < .02).ConclusionThe effect of rt‐PA treatment could be confirmed by a decrease in Young's modulus and HKD intensity parameter. The shear wave dispersion and shear wave attenuation were sensitive to late and early treatments, respectively. The Young's modulus, shear wave attenuation, and HKD intensity parameter varied over time despite treatment.
Outwelling of reduced porewater drives the biogeochemistry of dissolved organic matter and trace metals in a major mangrove‐fringed estuary in Amazonia
Authors: Knoke Melina , Dittmar Thorsten , Zielinski Oliver , Kida Morimaru , Asp Nils E. , de Rezende Carlos Eduardo , Schnetger Bernhard , Seidel Michael 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMangrove‐fringed estuaries are intertidal ecosystems discharging significant amounts of dissolved organic matter (DOM) into coastal oceans. DOM in these ecosystems is derived from autochthonous production, fluvial input, and mangrove porewater outwelling; however, differentiating between these sources remains challenging. Our incomplete understanding of the biogeochemical factors controlling DOM dynamics and its relationship with nutrient and trace metal cycling still hinders the formulation of elemental budgets in coastal environments. Here, we relate the DOM composition in a mangrove‐fringed estuary in North Brazil (Amazonia) to the redox conditions at the formation sites. We combined molecular DOM analyses via ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐MS) with parallel factor analysis of excitation–emission fluorescence matrices (EEM‐PARAFAC), nutrient and redox‐sensitive trace metal analyses. During low tide, the influx of oxygen‐depleted porewater carried terrigenous DOM, inorganic nutrients, and trace metals into the mangrove‐fringed creeks. Precipitation of metal(hydr)oxides and microbial turnover controlled nutrient and trace metal dynamics in the estuary. The highest inorganic nitrogen concentrations within the upper mangrove‐fringed estuary indicated outwelling from mangrove sediments as an essential source. Phosphate concentrations were highest within the lower mangrove‐fringed estuary, where available phosphate likely exceeded precipitation with iron(hydr)oxides. We tracked the DOM transport to the coastal ocean using a novel molecular index derived from sulfidic porewater (ISuP). Outwelling of recalcitrant DOM from mangrove habitats is relevant in the context of blue carbon storage. Therefore, applying our molecular proxy (ISuP), together with trace‐metal and optical DOM analyses, is a powerful approach for differentiating contributions of diverse DOM sources in highly complex coastal ecosystems.
Seasonal and daily patterns in known dissolved metabolites in the northwestern Sargasso Sea
Authors: Longnecker Krista , Kido Soule Melissa C. , Swarr Gretchen J. , Parsons Rachel J. , Liu Shuting , Johnson Winifred M. , Widner Brittany , Curry Ruth , Carlson Craig A. , Kujawinski Elizabeth B. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOrganic carbon in seawater plays a significant role in the global carbon cycle. The concentration and composition of dissolved organic carbon reflect the activity of the biological community and chemical reactions that occur in seawater. From 2016 to 2019, we repeatedly sampled the oligotrophic northwest Sargasso Sea in the vicinity of the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Study site (BATS) to quantitatively follow known compounds within the pool of dissolved organic matter in the upper 1000 m of the water column. Most metabolites showed surface enrichment, and 83% of the metabolites had significantly lower concentrations with increasing depth. Dissolved metabolite concentrations most notably revealed temporal variability. Fourteen metabolites displayed seasonality that was repeated in each of the 4 yr sampled. Concentrations of vitamins, including pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and riboflavin (vitamin B2), increased annually during winter periods when mixed layer depths were deepest. During diel sampling, light‐sensitive riboflavin decreased significantly during daylight hours. The temporal variability in metabolites at BATS was less than the spatial variability in metabolites from a previous sample set collected over a broad latitudinal range in the western Atlantic Ocean. The metabolites examined in this study are all components of central carbon metabolism. By examining these metabolites at finer resolution and in a time‐series, we begin to provide insights into the chemical compounds that may be exchanged by microorganisms in marine systems, data which are fundamental to understanding the chemical response of marine systems to future changes in climate.