bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cryopreservation of highly extended pig spermatozoa remodels its proteome and counteracts polyspermic fertilization in vitro
Authors: Parrilla Inmaculada , Cambra Josep M. , Cuello Cristina , Rodriguez‐Martinez Heriberto , Gil Maria A. , Martinez Emilio A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, high polyspermy remains a significant obstacle to achieving optimal efficiency in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) systems in pigs. Developing strategies that would prevent polyspermy is essential in overcoming this challenge and maximizing the potential of this reproductive biotechnology. Previous results have demonstrated that using boar spermatozoa subjected to a high‐extension and reconcentration procedure and then cryopreserved resulted in significant improvements in IVF/IVP systems with high rates of monospermy and penetration.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to unveil the molecular mechanisms that may underlie the changes in fertilization patterns exhibited by highly extended and cryopreserved boar spermatozoa.Materials and methodsTo achieve this goal, we used quantitative proteomic analysis (LC‒ESI‒MS/MS SWATH) to identify differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between highly extended (HE) and conventionally (control; CT) cryopreserved boar spermatozoa. Prior to the analysis, we evaluated the in vitro post‐thawing fertilizing ability of the sperm samples. The results demonstrated a remarkable improvement in monospermy and IVF efficiency when using HE spermatozoa in IVF compared with CT spermatozoa.ResultsAt the proteomic level, the combination of high‐extension and cryopreservation had a significant impact on the frozen–thawed sperm proteome. A total of 45 proteins (24 downregulated and 21 upregulated) were identified as DAPs (FC > 1 or ≤1; p < 0.05) when compared with CT spermatozoa. Some of these proteins were primarily linked to metabolic processes and the structural composition of sperm cells. The dysregulation of these proteins may have a direct or indirect effect on essential sperm functions and significantly affect spermatozoa–oocyte interaction and, therefore, the sperm fertilization profile under in vitro conditions. While these findings are promising, further research is necessary to comprehend how the disturbance of specific proteins affects sperm fertilization ability.
Propensity score analysis demonstrates no long term survival benefit from contemporary endovascular aneurysm repair compared to open in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Gormley Sinead , Bernau Oliver , Xu William , Khashram Manar 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundCurrent guidelines for AAA management are based on landmark trials comparing EVAR and open aneurysm repair (OAR) conducted more than 20 years ago. Important advancements have been made in peri‐operative care but the impact of EVAR and OAR on long‐term patient survival has not been well reported using contemporary data. The objective of this study was to compare the short and long‐term outcomes of OAR and EVAR in the recent era.MethodsThis retrospective observational study included all patients undergoing intact AAA repair in NZ from 1st of January 2011 until 31st of December 2019. Data was collected from national administrative and clinical vascular databases and matched using unique identifiers. Time‐to‐event survival analyses was conducted using cox proportional hazard models to adjust for confounders and propensity score matching were used.ResultsTwo thousand two hundred and ninety‐seven patients had an intact AAA repair with a median (IQR) age of 75 (69–80) years; 494 (21.2%) patients were females and 1206 (53%) underwent EVAR. The 30‐day mortality for OAR and EVAR was 4.8% and 1.2%. The median (IQR) follow up was 5.2 (2.3–9.2) years. After propensity matching for co‐variates, the study cohort consisted of 835 patients in each matched group. Patients undergoing EVAR had a higher overall mortality (HR 1.48 (95% CI: 1.26–1.74) after adjusting for confounders compared to OAR.ConclusionAnalysis of survival following EVAR and OAR in the current era demonstrates that patients that underwent EVAR had a lower 30‐day mortality. However, in the long‐term after adjusting for confounders OAR had a better overall survival.
Diagnostic performance of wide‐field optical coherence tomography angiography in detecting open‐angle glaucoma in high myopia
Authors: Zhang Yinhang , Wang Deming , Lin Fengbin , Song Yunhe , Chen Yu , Peng Yuying , Chen Meiling , Liu Yuhong , Jiang Jiaxuan , Yang Zefeng , Li Fei , Zhang Xiulan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeTo compare the diagnostic performance of the capillary density (CD) of the central 1–6 mm and peripheral 6–12 mm annular regions in detecting open‐angle glaucoma in high myopia (HM) using 15 × 12 mm wide‐field swept‐source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SS‐OCTA).MethodsThe study enrolled 206 and 103 eyes with HM and highly myopic open‐angle glaucoma (HM‐OAG), respectively. WF SS‐OCTA images centred on the fovea were obtained to analyse the changes in the CD in the 1–3 mm, 3–6 mm, 6–9 mm, and 9–12 mm annular regions. CD of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) was measured with the built‐in software. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of each region was compared.ResultsThe diagnostic performance of the SCP CD in the central 1–6 mm annular region (AUROC = 0.849) was better than that in the peripheral 6–12 mm annular region (AUROC = 0.756, p = 0.001). The annular AUROCs of SCP CD peaked in the 3–6 mm annular region (AUROC = 0.858) and gradually decreased with increasing diameter and were lower than the corresponding AUROCs of the ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). SCP CD of the inferior quadrant in the 3–6 mm annular region had the best diagnostic performance (AUROC = 0.859).ConclusionThe SCP CD in the central 1–6 mm annular region exhibited better diagnostic performance for the detection of HM‐OAG in HM. The assessment of more peripheral regions has no added value in detecting glaucoma in HM.
Using machine learning to predict UK and Japanese secondary students' life satisfaction in PISA 2018
Authors: Pan Zexuan , Cutumisu Maria 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundLife satisfaction is a key component of students' subjective well‐being due to its impact on academic achievement and lifelong health. Although previous studies have investigated life satisfaction through different lenses, few of them employed machine learning (ML) approaches.ObjectiveUsing ML algorithms, the current study predicts secondary students' life satisfaction from individual‐level variables.MethodTwo supervised ML models, random forest (RF) and k‐nearest neighbours (KNN), were developed based on the UK data and the Japan data in PISA 2018.ResultsFindings show that (1) both models yielded better performance on the UK data than on the Japanese data; (2) the RF model outperformed the KNN model in predicting students' life satisfaction; (3) meaning in life, student competition, teacher support, exposure to bullying and ICT resources at home and at school played important roles in predicting students' life satisfaction.ConclusionsTheoretically, this study highlights the multi‐dimensional nature of life satisfaction and identifies several key predictors. Methodologically, this study is the first to use ML to explore the predictors of life satisfaction. Practically, it serves as a reference for improving secondary students' life satisfaction.
Efficacy of a novel three‐step decontamination protocol for titanium‐based dental implants: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Costa Raphael Cavalcante , Takeda Thais Terumi Sadamitsu , Dini Caroline , Bertolini Martinna , Ferreira Raquel Carla , Pereira Gabriele , Sacramento Catharina Marques , Ruiz Karina Gonzales S. , Feres Magda , Shibli Jamil A. , Barāo Valentim A. R. , Souza Joāo Gabriel S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to evaluate several mechanical and chemical decontamination methods associated with a newly introduced biofilm matrix disruption strategy for biofilm cleaning and preservation of implant surface features.Materials and MethodsTitanium (Ti) discs were obtained by additive manufacturing. Polymicrobial biofilm‐covered Ti disc surfaces were decontaminated with mechanical [Ti curette, Teflon curette, Ti brush, water–air jet device, and Er:YAG laser] or chemical [iodopovidone (PVPI) 0.2% to disrupt the extracellular matrix, along with amoxicillin; minocycline; tetracycline; H2O2 3%; chlorhexidine 0.2%; NaOCl 0.95%; hydrocarbon‐oxo‐borate‐based antiseptic] protocols. The optimal in vitro mechanical/chemical protocol was then tested in combination using an in vivo biofilm model with intra‐oral devices.ResultsEr:YAG laser treatment displayed optimum surface cleaning by biofilm removal with minimal deleterious damage to the surface, smaller Ti release, good corrosion stability, and improved fibroblast readhesion. NaOCl 0.95% was the most promising agent to reduce in vitro and in vivo biofilms and was even more effective when associated with PVPI 0.2% as a pre‐treatment to disrupt the biofilm matrix. The combination of Er:YAG laser followed by PVPI 0.2% plus NaOCl 0.95% promoted efficient decontamination of rough Ti surfaces by disrupting the biofilm matrix and killing remnants of in vivo biofilms formed in the mouth (the only protocol to lead to ~99% biofilm eradication).ConclusionEr:YAG laser + PVPI 0.2% + NaOCl 0.95% can be a reliable decontamination protocol for Ti surfaces, eliminating microbial biofilms without damaging the implant surface.
Differences in Social Expectations About Robot Signals and Human Signals
Authors: Parenti Lorenzo , Belkaid Marwen , Wykowska Agnieszka 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn our daily lives, we are continually involved in decision‐making situations, many of which take place in the context of social interaction. Despite the ubiquity of such situations, there remains a gap in our understanding of how decision‐making unfolds in social contexts, and how communicative signals, such as social cues and feedback, impact the choices we make. Interestingly, there is a new social context to which humans are recently increasingly more frequently exposed—social interaction with not only other humans but also artificial agents, such as robots or avatars. Given these new technological developments, it is of great interest to address the question of whether—and in what way—social signals exhibited by non‐human agents influence decision‐making. The present study aimed to examine whether robot non‐verbal communicative behavior has an effect on human decision‐making. To this end, we implemented a two‐alternative‐choice task where participants were to guess which of two presented cups was covering a ball. This game was an adaptation of a “Shell Game.” A robot avatar acted as a game partner producing social cues and feedback. We manipulated robot's cues (pointing toward one of the cups) before the participant's decision and the robot's feedback (“thumb up” or no feedback) after the decision. We found that participants were slower (compared to other conditions) when cues were mostly invalid and the robot reacted positively to wins. We argue that this was due to the incongruence of the signals (cue vs. feedback), and thus violation of expectations. In sum, our findings show that incongruence in pre‐ and post‐decision social signals from a robot significantly influences task performance, highlighting the importance of understanding expectations toward social robots for effective human–robot interactions.
Frequency and features of malignant tumors clinically mimicking cutaneous cysts: A retrospective chart review
Authors: McCrary Myles R. , Foulis Philip , Gibbs Julie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundMany cutaneous lesions are clinically suspected as “cyst”; however, following histopathological examination, are found to be more significant lesions. Here, we examine the frequency and features of malignancies with cutaneous cysts in the clinical differential.MethodsA retrospective study of surgical pathology specimens at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 was conducted. Cutaneous specimens containing the clinical diagnosis of “cyst” were included. The clinicopathological features were summarized.ResultsPremalignant or malignant neoplasms accounted for 4.5% of all specimens submitted with cysts in the clinical differential. Most cyst‐mimicking cancers were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); however, cancers with poorer prognoses, such as Merkel cell carcinoma and melanoma, also clinically masqueraded as cysts. The BCCs were predominately nodular, and the SCCs were largely well‐differentiated and invasive. Many exhibited clinical signs and symptoms compatible with benign cysts, such as central punctum, pain, and rapid growth. Identified risk factors included history of prior non‐melanoma skin cancer diagnosis, previous excision, and immunosuppression.ConclusionsMany lesions clinically concerning cutaneous cysts were found to be malignancies following histopathological review. Accordingly, following biopsy all cyst‐like lesions should be examined microscopically, especially in certain clinical contexts in which the incidence of skin cancer is increased.
Peripheral immunity changes are associated with neurodegeneration and worse clinical outcome in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Bissacco Jacopo , Simonetta Clara , Mascioli Davide , Zenuni Henri , Bovenzi Roberta , Grillo Piergiorgio , Di Giuliano Francesca , Stefani Alessandro , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Schirinzi Tommaso 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeIdiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) pathogenesis is multifactorial. Systemic inflammation might have a role in gathering clinical–pathological trajectories. We aimed to shape the peripheral immune profile of iNPH and establish correlations with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers, ventricular enlargement, and clinical outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center retrospective–longitudinal study, including 38 iNPH patients and 38 controls. Baseline iNPH Grading Scale and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were collected with peripheral blood cell count, CSF amyloid‐β42 (Aβ42), total tau (t‐tau), phosphorylated‐181‐tau, and Evans index. Depending on 5‐year outcome, iNPH patients were grouped into “poor outcome” (PO; mRS ≥ 5) and “favorable outcome” (FO; mRS < 5). Biomarkers were compared and correlated with each other. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed.ResultsiNPH patients compared to controls had higher neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR; 2.43 ± 1.04 vs. 1.61 ± 0.47, p < 0.001), higher neutrophils (4.22 ± 0.86 1000/mL vs. 3.48 ± 1.34, p = 0.033), and lower lymphocytes (1.45 ± 0.55 1000/mL vs. 2.07 ± 0.86, p = 0.038), with the expected CSF biomarkers signature. In the patients' cohort, NLR was associated directly with t‐tau and inversely with Aβ42. NLR directly correlated with Evans index. PO patients compared to those with FO had higher NLR (3.25 ± 1.40 vs. 2.01 ± 0.77, p = 0.035) and higher t‐tau (274.76 ± 114.39 pg/mL vs. 150.28 ± 72.62, p = 0.017), with an area under the curve of 0.786 and 0.793, respectively.ConclusionsiNPH patients present a proinflammatory state associated with neurodegeneration and predicting poor clinical outcome. Systemic inflammation represents a factor in the clinical–pathological progression of iNPH, and the NLR emerges as a potential prognostic index.
Global synthesis of effects and feedbacks from artificial reefs on socioecological systems in recreational fisheries
Authors: Chong Lisa , Siders Zachary A. , Lorenzen Kai , Ahrens Robert N. M. , Camp Edward V. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractArtificial reefs have been widely deployed with the intention of increasing fish habitat, enhancing recreational fishery opportunities and providing socio‐economic benefits to surrounding communities. Substantial work has been done to understand the ecology of artificial reefs but the efficacy of artificial reefs as a management tool hinges on socioecological feedbacks that are not well understood. Socioecological feedbacks are difficult to discern because they depend on multiple and complex interactions between fish, fishers, managers and habitats. To better understand the net effects of artificial reefs on recreational fisheries, we conducted a literature review to catalogue effects and feedbacks of artificial reefs. Our global synthesis revealed that artificial reefs may result in a net negative effect on fish populations, at least in the short‐term, as catch‐driven effects bolstering socio‐economic objectives occur more often or at greater intensities than positive biological effects. We have highlighted important effects of artificial reefs and feedbacks that need to be accounted for when considering their deployment in fishery management. There may be unintended consequences if biological benefits from habitat‐to‐fish and fish‐to‐fish feedbacks are outweighed by population losses due to greater socio‐economic benefits from fish‐to‐fisher feedbacks. Taken in concert with their semi‐permanent nature and apparent popularity with stakeholders, a view emerges of artificial reefs possibly functioning as a ‘social‐ecological trap’. This work emphasizes the need for robust assessments of the effects of artificial reefs, as well as more formal decision science approaches for implementing of these structures.
Heat and humidity exposure in megacities: An applied tool for energy and water harvesting technologies
Authors: Lax J. Y. , Price C. , Saaroni H. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractConcerns about climate change are driving the development of novel technologies for mitigation and adaptation. Some of them include electricity generating and water harvesting based on atmospheric humidity. The latter is already commercial and can generate 50 L of drinking water per day per capita for dozens of people; however, besides energy, operation requires sufficient levels and durations of humidity and temperature. Our study focuses on the 33 megacities of the world, characterising the humidity and heat stress regimes during the last decade, using data from meteorological stations in their vicinity, and ranking them by their exposure and vulnerability to intense heat stress and their suitability to use these moisture‐reliant technologies. Our findings indicate the dominance of severe heat stress conditions in megacities located in developing countries. Ranking the megacities according to the intensity and duration of the heat stress shows the annual, monthly and hourly courses. The five most affected are the cities of Chennai, Bangkok, Kolkata, Karachi and New Delhi. Seven megacities suffer continuous, at least 12 h, of intense heat stress during 1–4 months. The ranking also considered the level of income of the countries, hence their vulnerability. On an annual basis, approximately half of the megacities are highly suited for moisture‐reliant technologies, among them megacities ranked as the top three in exposure to intense heat stress conditions—Chennai, Bangkok and Kolkata. When focusing on the humid season, 27 out of 33 megacities (82%) obtain suitable conditions for the new technologies and thus can benefit from them, at least part of the year. The implementation of humidity technologies for green energy and clean water could be of great help as our world gets more populated, warmer with higher water demand, especially for populations with insufficient infrastructure and resources.
Evaluation of chromosome diversity of Elymus nutans on the Qinghai‐Tibet plateau by FISH
Authors: Liu Ruijuan , Jiang Liling , Liu Demei , Shen Jicheng , Chen Wenjie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractElymus nutans Griseb. is an important herbage for forage and ecological restoration in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP). It is widely distributed in different habitats of the QTP and has been reported to have high genetic diversity in protein, morphology and DNA sequence. The main objective of our investigation has been to obtain some knowledge of E. nutans chromosome genetic diversity. In this study, the TE probe S5 and tandem repeat probe AAG combined with sequential GISH were able to successfully distinguish different subgenomes and chromosomes in 7 E. nutans accessions from major global distribution sites. On this basis, a total of 123 individuals from four representative populations of E. nutans in the QTP were hybridised. The results of the experiment showed that four types of reciprocal translocations between subgenomes were observed in the four wild populations, and the translocation chromosomes, frequency, and heterozygosis were different in each population. The distribution and quantity of S5 and AAG signals also varied within and among the four populations. The results indicated that E. nutans had high genetic diversity at the chromosome level both within and among populations, and it was speculated that non‐homologous recombination was one of the reasons for the high genetic diversity. These results provide important theoretical guidance for the collection, protection, and evaluation of E. nutans.
RETRACTED: Wound incidence and outcomes in atrial fibrillation: Comparing catheter ablation and anti‐arrhythmic drug therapy
Authors: Xinyu Zhou , Sheng Xia 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe most prevalent form of cardiac arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (AF), which is typically managed through catheter ablation or anti‐arrhythmic drug therapy. We compared the incidence and outcomes of wound complications in patients with atrial fibrillation who were treated with catheter ablation as opposed to anti‐arrhythmic drug therapy. From May to November 2023, 240 adult AF patients who were treated with catheter ablation or anti‐arrhythmic medications participated in a 6‐month retrospective cohort study at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital in Hangzhou, China. An observation was made regarding 29 wound complications out of 240 patients. In comparison to drug therapy group, incidence of minor (8 vs. 11) and total complications (18 vs. 11) was greater in catheter ablation group. Significant adverse events occurred at higher rate in the catheter ablation group (6 versus 1) (p < 0.05). However, despite these patterns, there was no statistically significant difference in the rates of complications (total: p = 0.245; minor: p = 0.217; major: p = 0.128). Comparable treatment efficacy was observed across groups. In contrast to drug therapy, catheter ablation was associated with decreased probability of complications (odds ratio: 0.86), as determined by logistic regression; cardiac failure was a significant predictor of adverse outcomes. The study concluded that the risks of wound complications associated with catheter ablation and anti‐arrhythmic drug therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation are comparable. Notwithstanding an elevated propensity for complications in ablation group, the statistical analysis indicated comparable safety profiles.