bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cumulus expansion is impaired with advanced reproductive age due to loss of matrix integrity and reduced hyaluronan
Authors: Babayev Elnur , Suebthawinkul Chanakarn , Gokyer Dilan , Parkes Wendena S. , Rivas Felipe , Pavone Mary Ellen , Hall Adam R. , Pritchard Michele T. , Duncan Francesca E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractReproductive aging is associated with ovulatory defects. Age‐related ovarian fibrosis partially contributes to this phenotype as short‐term treatment with anti‐fibrotic compounds improves ovulation in reproductively old mice. However, age‐dependent changes that are intrinsic to the follicle may also be relevant. In this study, we used a mouse model to demonstrate that reproductive aging is associated with impaired cumulus expansion which is accompanied by altered morphokinetic behavior of cumulus cells as assessed by time‐lapse microscopy. The extracellular matrix integrity of expanded cumulus–oocyte complexes is compromised with advanced age as evidenced by increased penetration of fluorescent nanoparticles in a particle exclusion assay and larger open spaces on scanning electron microscopy. Reduced hyaluronan (HA) levels, decreased expression of genes encoding HA‐associated proteins (e.g., Ptx3 and Tnfaip6), and increased expression of inflammatory genes and matrix metalloproteinases underlie this loss of matrix integrity. Importantly, HA levels are decreased with age in follicular fluid of women, indicative of conserved reproductive aging mechanisms. These findings provide novel mechanistic insights into how defects in cumulus expansion contribute to age‐related infertility and may serve as a target to extend reproductive longevity.
Syringe irrigation in confluent canals: A sequential computational fluid dynamics assessment
Authors: Rito Pereira Mário , Silva Goncalo , Semiao Viriato , Martins Jorge N. R. , Silverio Vania , Pascoal‐Faria Paula , Duarte Isabel , Alves Nuno , Ginjeira António 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study aims to assess the influence of root canal preparation, irrigation needle design and its placement depth in the irrigation flow of confluent canals during syringe irrigation. A mandibular molar presenting two confluent canals in its mesial root was sequentially prepared and scanned by micro‐computed tomography after mechanical preparation up to ProTaper Next system sizes X2 (25/.06v), X3 (30/.07v) and X4 (40/.06v). In each of the root canal preparation models, a side‐vented and an open‐ended needle at 5, 3 and 2 mm from the working length were included, and irrigation flow was assessed by a validated computational fluid dynamics model. The results revealed that the irrigant flowed out of the confluent canals mainly through the canal that did not have the needle. Apical penetration and renewal of the irrigant were most efficiently achieved with the use of a 30G open‐ended needle and a 30/.07v preparation.
Optimal grid size for site‐specific nutrient application
Authors: Mills Brian E. , Brorsen B. Wade , Poursina Davood , Arnall D. Brian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article develops a theoretical framework to determine the economically optimal grid size when sampling to guide precision application of inputs. Our theoretical model shows that a finer grid is optimal with increases in output price. A coarser grid is optimal with increased sampling costs and increased spatial correlation. With an exponential variogram, for example, the optimal grid size increases as the range increases. An applied example of lime application for winter wheat is used to demonstrate the framework. Spatial variograms for pH and Buffer pH were estimated using data from nine farmer fields. At the average spatial variability from these fields and using typical Oklahoma wheat yields of 40 bu/ac, grid sampling was economical when prices were above $5.43/bu. The optimal grid sizes were slightly larger than the 2.5‐acre sizes that are typically used by producers. The empirical example verified the theory in that it found that optimal grid size decreased with higher output prices and crop yields and increased with greater spatial correlation. For example, optimal grid size approximately doubled as the range of the exponential correlation function doubled.
Does Geographical Proximity Matter in Small Business Lending? Evidence from Changes in Main Bank Relationships*
Authors: Ono Arito , Saito Yukiko U. , Sakai Koji , Uesugi Iichiro 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe examine the causal link between the geographical distance between firms and their main bank and the termination of main bank relationships, using the exogenous change in firm–main bank distances brought about by bank branch consolidations in Japan. Our findings are threefold. First, an increase in lending distance increases the likelihood that firms switch their main bank. Second, the average lending distance for firms that switched to a new main bank decreased after the switch. Third, the lending distance of new firm–main bank relationships after the switch had a positive impact on the probability of default of small firms.
The value of believing in free will: A prediction on seeking and experiencing meaning in life
Authors: Zhao Meng , Liu Jia , Huo Yongquan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDespite abundant philosophical pondering and experiential evidence demonstrating the need for freedom in leading a meaningful life, the literature lacks an investigation of whether and how free will beliefs contribute to one's meaningful life as an antecedent variable. Based on the coupling of the life‐affirming hypothesis and Chinese culture, we used a manipulation experiment (Study 1, n = 242) and a two‐wave longitudinal study (Study 2, n = 378) to test the potential causality between laypeople's daily beliefs in free will and meaning in life (presence of and search for meaning) with two samples of Chinese undergraduates. The results show that belief in free will positively predicts the presence of meaning and search for meaning, immediately (Study 1) and 2 months later (Study 2). The present work corroborated that the belief in free will is an antecedent variable that imbues life with meaning and sparks actions seeking meaning, supporting the life‐affirming hypothesis instead of the deficit‐correcting hypothesis.
Comparing maternal factors associated with postpartum depression between primiparous adolescents and adults: A large retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jeon Nakyung , Kent‐Marvick Jacqueline , Sanders Jessica N. , Hanson Heidi , Simonsen Sara E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to estimate the prevalence of diagnosed postpartum depression (PPD) and the likelihood of PPD among primiparous women. We also evaluated differences in the influence of various maternal factors associated with PPD in adolescent versus adult mothers.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records linked to birth certificates to evaluate the associations between maternal factors and PPD diagnosis. The study population was stratified into adults and adolescents based on age at delivery. We evaluated socioeconomic, demographic, psychological, and clinical factors associated with PPD in each of the age‐defined maternal cohorts using multivariable logistic regression analyses.ResultsA total of 61,226 primiparous women, including 6435 (11%) mothers younger than 20 years old, were included in the study. The overall PPD rate was 4.0%, with the age‐specific PPD rate measuring 1.6 times higher in adolescents than in adult women (6.1% vs. 3.8%). Compared with adults, adolescents were less likely to obtain firsttrimester prenatal care (33% vs. 16%), more likely to have recent tobacco use (11% vs. 6%), and more likely to have had an infection during pregnancy (5% vs. 1%). In adjusted models, significant factors for PPD in both groups included a history of depression or anxiety, tobacco use, and long‐acting reversible contraception use.ConclusionsIn this cohort of first‐time mothers, adolescents had higher rates of PPD diagnosis as well as PPD‐associated maternal factors than adults. Increased awareness of PPD risk in adolescents and early intervention, including integrating mental healthcare into prenatal care, may help benefit adolescents and reduce the risk and severity of PPD.
The experiences of parents of children diagnosed with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Piercy Hilary , Nutting Charlotte 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundAdrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare X‐linked neurodegenerative disease, affecting the brain, spinal cord and adrenal cortex. Childhood cerebral ALD (CCALD) is the most severe form of disease, involving rapidly progressive neurological deterioration. The treatment option for CCALD is allogenic haemopoietic stem cell transplant, which is only successful for early‐stage disease. Parents' experiences of CCALD can inform healthcare delivery.Study aimTo detail the experiences of parents of children diagnosed with cerebral ALD.MethodsA descriptive qualitative study. Parents were recruited via a UK‐based community support organisation. Data collection involved single semi‐structured interviews structured around a topic guide and conducted remotely. Data were analysed using the thematic analysis approach.FindingsTwelve parents from 11 families with a total of 16 children with ALD contributed to the study. Their 16 children with ALD followed one of three disease pathways, determined by the extent of neurological damage at diagnosis. Three themes, and their respective sub themes, describe the pathways and what they meant for parents. ‘No possibility of treatment’ concerns situations when CCALD was diagnosed at an advanced stage, the landslide of deterioration parents witnessed and their efforts to maintain normality. ‘Close to the treatment threshold’ describes situations where a small treatment window required parents to make agonising treatment decisions. ‘Watching and waiting’ explains the challenges for parents when disease was detected early enabling children to benefit from timely treatment.DiscussionParents' experiences were largely defined by the extent of cerebral damage at diagnosis, which determined the availability and success of treatment. There were specific challenges related to the three situations, indicating areas where support from health and care services may help parents deal with this devastating diagnosis.ConclusionThis study indicates support needs of parents across the spectrum of CCALD diagnoses and highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis.
Variants in DOK7 results in fetal akinesia deformation sequence: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Tiwari Amit K. , Srinivasan Varunvenkat M. , Phadke Shubha R. , Saxena Deepti 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe report the third case of FADS due to biallelic DOK7 variants, which further strengthens the association of DOK7 with this lethal phenotype and lack of genotype phenotype correlation.
Interactive Locomotion Style Control for a Human Character based on Gait Cycle Features
Authors: Kim Chaelin , Eom Haekwang , Yoo Jung Eun , Choi Soojin , Noh Junyong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article introduces a data‐driven locomotion style controller for full‐body human characters using gait cycle features. Based on gait analysis, we define a set of gait features that can represent various locomotion styles as spatio‐temporal patterns within a single gait cycle. We compute the gait features for every single gait cycle in motion capture data and use them to search for the desired motion. Our real‐time style controller provides users with visual feedback for the changing inputs, exploiting the Motion Matching algorithm. We also provide a graphical controller interface that visualizes our style representation to enable intuitive control for users. We show that the proposed method is capable of retrieving appropriate locomotions for various gait cycle features, from simple walking motions to single‐foot motions such as hopping and dragging. To validate the effectiveness of our method, we conducted a user study that compares the usability and performance of our system with those of an existing footstep animation tool. The results show that our method is preferred over the baseline method for intuitive control and fast visual feedback.
The association between hemoglobin concentration and clinical outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Insights from the LongTEAM registry
Authors: Lin Fa , Lu Changyu , Li Runting , Chen Yu , Han Heze , Zhao Yuanli , Chen Xiaolin , Zhao Jizong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study is to explore whether preoperative hemoglobin levels could serve as a prospective biomarker for early brain injury in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). This investigation seeks to discern its association with postoperative complications and unfavorable clinical outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive analysis of data derived from the LongTeam registry, including patients with aSAH diagnosed between January 2015 and September 2021. These patients were stratified into three distinct groups based on their hemoglobin levels: anemic, standard, and elevated HGB. We employed logistic models featuring spline transformations to assess the relationship between HGB levels and in‐hospital complications. Furthermore, a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was employed to estimate the impact of elevated hemoglobin levels on the hazard function, which was elucidated through Kaplan–Meier curves.ResultsOur study comprised a total of 988 patients, among whom 115 (11.6%) presented preoperative anemia, and 63 (6.4%) exhibited elevated preoperative HGB levels. Following adjustments for potential confounding factors, no significant disparity in risk was evident between anemic patients and those with standard HGB levels. However, individuals with elevated HGB levels displayed a heightened incidence and an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT, odds ratio [OR] = 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16–4.91, p = 0.018; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.05, 95% CI 1.08–3.92, p = 0.015). Aberrant HGB concentrations did not demonstrate an association with other clinical outcomes.ConclusionOur findings emphasize that abnormal HGB levels show no association with adverse outcomes at the 90 days mark after accounting for clinical confounding factors in patients with aSAH. Simultaneously, the study illuminates the potential of HGB as an early indicator for identifying patients at a heightened risk of developing DVT.
Cognitive‐perceptual traits associated with autism and schizotypy influence use of physics during predictive visual tracking
Authors: Cooper Chloe , Meso Andrew Isaac 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSchizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can disrupt cognition and consequently behaviour. Traits of ASD and the subclinical manifestation of schizophrenia called schizotypy have been studied in healthy populations with overlap found in trait profiles linking ASD social deficits to negative schizotypy and ASD attention to detail to positive schizotypy. Here, we probed the relationship between subtrait profiles, cognition and behaviour, using a predictive tracking task to measure individuals' eye movements under three gravity conditions. A total of 48 healthy participants tracked an on‐screen projected ball under familiar gravity, inverted upward acceleration (against gravity) and horizontal gravity control conditions while eye movements were recorded and dynamic performance quantified. Participants completed ASD and schizotypy inventories generating highly correlated scores, r = 0.73. All tracked best under the gravity condition, producing anticipatory downward responses from stimulus onset which were delayed under upward inverted gravity. Tracking performance was not associated with overall ASD or schizotypy trait levels. Combining measures using principal components analysis (PCA), we decomposed the inventories into subtraits unveiling interesting patterns. Positive schizotypy was associated with ASD dimensions of rigidity, odd behaviour and face processing, which all linked to anticipatory tracking responses under inverted gravity. In contrast, negative schizotypy was associated with ASD dimensions of social interactions and rigidity and to early stimulus‐driven tracking under gravity. There was also substantial nonspecific overlap between ASD and schizotypy dissociated from tracking. Our work links positive‐odd traits with anticipatory tracking when physics rules are violated and negative‐social traits with exploitation of physics laws of motion.
Major revision version 12.0 of the European AIDS Clinical Society guidelines 2023
Authors: Ambrosioni Juan , Levi Laura , Alagaratnam Jasmini , Van Bremen Kathrin , Mastrangelo Andrea , Waalewijn Hylke , Molina Jean‐Michel , Guaraldi Giovanni , Winston Alan , Boesecke Christoph , Cinque Paola , Bamford Alasdair , Calmy Alexandra , Marzolini Catia , Martínez Esteban , Oprea Cristiana , Welch Steven , Koval Anna , Mendao Luis , Rockstroh Jürgen K. ,   The EACS Governing Board
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) guidelines were revised in 2023 for the 19th time, and all aspects of HIV care were updated.Key Points of the Guidelines UpdateVersion 12.0 of the guidelines recommend the same six first‐line treatment options for antiretroviral treatment (ART)‐naïve adults as versions 11.0 and 11.1: tenofovir‐based backbone plus an unboosted integrase inhibitor or doravirine; abacavir/lamivudine plus dolutegravir; or dual therapy with lamivudine or emtricitabine plus dolutegravir. The long‐acting section has been expanded in the ART and drug–drug interaction (DDI) panels. Tables for preferred and alternative ART in children and adolescents have been updated, as has the section on prevention of vertical transmission, particularly with new guidance for breastfeeding. A new DDI table has been included for the ART and anti‐infective drugs used for opportunistic infections, sexually transmitted infections, and other infectious conditions; lenacapavir has been included in all DDI tables. New sections on alcohol use and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been included in the comorbidity panel, in addition to updates on many relevant topics, such as new resource guidance for deprescribing in people with HIV. Other sections, including travel, cognitive impairment, cancer screening, sexual health, and diabetes have also been revised extensively. The algorithm for the management of acute hepatitis C virus infection has been removed, as current guidelines recommend immediate treatment of all people with recently acquired hepatitis C virus. Updates on vaccination for hepatitis B virus and recommendations for simplification to tenofovir‐free two‐drug regimens in people with isolated anti‐hepatitis B core antibodies are provided. In the opportunistic infections and COVID‐19 panel, guidance on the management of COVID‐19 in people with HIV has been updated according to the most up‐to‐date evidence, and a new section on monkeypox has been added.ConclusionsIn 2023, the EACS guidelines were updated extensively and now include several new sections. The recommendations are available as a free app, in interactive web format, and as a pdf online.
Leishmania surface molecule lipophosphoglycan‐TLR2 interaction moderates TPL2‐mediated TLR2 signalling for parasite survival
Authors: Ghosh Soumya Kanti , Shukla Divanshu , Mahor Hima , Srivastava Sunit Kumar , Bodhale Neelam , Banerjee Raja , Saha Bhaskar 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLeishmania donovani, a protozoan parasite, resides and replicates in macrophages and inflicts the potentially fatal disease visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The parasite‐expressed surface lipophosphoglycan (LPG) was implicated in binding TLR2 on NK cells, but the modus operandi of its disease‐promoting influence remained unknown. As TPL2, a member of the MAPK module in mammalian macrophages, was implicated in the anti‐inflammatory immune response and promoting pathogen survival, we investigated the possibility of TPL2‐directed LPG‐TLR2 signalling in Leishmania infection. We observed that TLR2 or TPL2 blockade differentially influenced the TLR2 ligand proteoglycan (PGN)‐induced p38MAPK and ERK‐1/2 activation. TLR2 blockade abrogated the PGN‐induced TPL2 activation. L. donovani infection impaired the Akt activation whereas, upon TPL2 inhibition, the infection fails to control Akt phosphorylation. In L. donovani‐infected macrophages, TLR2 blocking negatively affected p38, Akt and TPL2 phosphorylation while ERK1/2 phosphorylation increased relative to the infection alone. TPL2 blockade reduced TGF‐β, but increased TNF‐α expression and diminished amastigote count in macrophages. While exploring stimulation patterns of TLR2 ligands, LPG, unlike PGN, selectively increased TLR2 expression in macrophages. LPG blockade increased p38MAPK and AKT, but slightly affected ERK‐1/2 and significantly reduced TPL2 phosphorylation from L. donovani‐infected macrophages. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics analysis drew a parallel between LPG's glycan chain lengths with the frequency of interaction with TLR2 which might impact TLR2 signalling. Therefore, the parasite regulates the TLR2 signalling via TPL2 when elicited by LPG‐TLR2 interaction for pathogenesis.
Evaluating topsoil salinity via geophysical methods in rice production systems in the Vietnam Mekong Delta
Authors: Nguyen Van Hong , Germer Jörn , Asch Folkard 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Vietnam Mekong Delta (VMD) is threatened by increasing saltwater intrusion due to diminishing freshwater availability, land subsidence, and climate change induced sea level rise. Through irrigation, saltwater can accumulate in the rice fields and decrease rice production. The study aims at evaluating topsoil salinity and examining a potential link between topsoil salinity and rice production systems in a case study in the Tra Vinh province of the VMD. For this, we applied two geophysical methods, namely, 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ARES II) and electromagnetic induction (EM38‐MK2). 3D ARES II measurements with different electrode spacings were compared with EM38‐MK2 topsoil measurements to evaluate their respective potential for monitoring topsoil salinity on an agricultural scale and the relationship between land‐use types and topsoil salinity. Results show that EM38‐MK2 is a rapid and powerful tool for obtaining high‐resolution topsoil salinity maps for rice fields. With ARES II data, 3D maps up to 40 m depth can be created, but compared with EM38‐MK2 topsoil maps, topsoil salinity was underestimated due to limitations in resolution. Salt contamination of above 300 mS m−1 was found in some double‐cropped rice fields, whereas in triple‐cropped rice fields salinity was below 200 mS m−1. Results clearly show a relation between topsoil salinity and proximity to the saline water sources; however, a clear link between rice production and topsoil salinity could not be established. The study proved that geophysical methods are useful tools for assessing and monitoring topsoil salinity at agricultural fields scale in the VMD.