bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial DNA Quantification Correlates with the Developmental Potential of Human Euploid Blastocysts but not with that of Mosaic Blastocysts
Authors: Luo Wen , Zheng Yi-Min , Hao Yan , Zhang Ying , Zhou Ping , Wei Zaolian , Cao Yunxia , Chen Dawei 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
We aimed to study the association between adjusted mtDNA levels in human trophectoderm biopsy samples and the developmental potential of euploid and mosaic blastocysts.
Methods
We analyzed relative mtDNA levels in 2,814 blastocysts obtained from 576 couples undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy from June 2018 to June 2021. All patients underwent in vitro fertilization in a single clinic; the study was blinded—mtDNA content was unknown at the time of single embryo transfer. The fate of the euploid or mosaic embryos transferred was compared with mtDNA levels.
Results
Euploid embryos had lower mtDNA than aneuploid and mosaic embryos. Embryos biopsied on Day 5 had higher mtDNA than those biopsied on Day 6. No difference was detected in mtDNA scores between embryos derived from oocytes of different maternal ages. Linear mixed model suggested that blastulation rate was associated with mtDNA score. Moreover, the specific next-generation sequencing platform used have a significant effect on the observed mtDNA content. Euploid embryos with higher mtDNA content presented significantly higher miscarriage rates, while no significant difference was observed in the mosaic cohort.
Conclusion
Our results will aid in improving methods for analyzing the association between mtDNA level and blastocyst viability.
Chlorpromazine affects glioblastoma bioenergetics by interfering with pyruvate kinase M2
Authors: Abbruzzese Claudia , Matteoni Silvia , Matarrese Paola , Signore Michele , Ascione Barbara , Iessi Elisabetta , Gurtner Aymone , Sacconi Andrea , Ricci-Vitiani Lucia , Pallini Roberto , Pace Andrea , Villani Veronica , Polo Andrea , Costantini Susan , Budillon Alfredo , Ciliberto Gennaro , Paggi Marco G 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and lethal brain tumor, whose therapeutic outcome - only partially effective with current schemes - places this disease among the unmet medical needs, and effective therapeutic approaches are urgently required. In our attempts to identify repositionable drugs in glioblastoma therapy, we identified chlorpromazine (CPZ) as a very promising compound. Here we aimed to further unveil the mode of action of this drug.
We performed a supervised recognition of the signal transduction pathways potentially influenced by CPZ via Reverse-Phase Protein microArrays (RPPA) and carried out an Activity-Based Protein Profiling (ABPP) followed by Mass Spectrometry (MS) analysis to possibly identify cellular factors targeted by the drug. Indeed, the glycolytic enzyme PKM2 was identified as a major target of CPZ. Furthermore, using the Seahorse platform, we analyzed the bioenergetics changes induced by the drug.
CPZ hindered GBM anabolic pathways and stimulated autophagy. Consistent with the ability of CPZ to target PKM2, we detected relevant changes in GBM energy metabolism, possibly attributable to the drug’s ability to inhibit the oncogenic properties of PKM2. RPE-1 non-cancer neuroepithelial cells appeared resistant to the drug. PKM2 silencing reduced the effects of CPZ. 3D modeling showed that CPZ interacts with PKM2 tetramer in the same region involved in binding other known activators.
The effect of CPZ can be epitomized as an inhibition of the Warburg effect and, thus, malignancy in GBM cells while sparing RPE-1 cells. These preclinical data enforce the rationale that allowed us to investigate the role of CPZ in GBM treatment in an ongoing multicenter Phase II clinical trial.
Effect of different rates of irrigation, soil conditioners, and potassium fertilizer on the productivity and fruit characters of Valencia orange trees (Citrus sinensis L.) growing under North Sinai conditions
Authors: Abobatta Waleed , Hegab Rehab , Atayia Shaimaa 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Due to the water scarcity crisis that faces Egypt, there is more need for new management practice to sustain citrus production under sandy soil conditions. The investigation of different rates of irrigation, soil conditioners, and potassium fertilizer on the growth and productivity of Valencia orange trees was conducted in Baloza area of North Sinai. The treatments include two levels of irrigation (100% and 75% of field capacity) and soil application of two soil conditioners namely Super absorbent polymer (SAP) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), were added (50 g/tree) on mid of January, and two rates of potassium fertilizers (450g and 340 g/ tree/yearly). The maximum plant growth parameters like canopy volume and chlorophyll leaf content recorded in the trees that received 50g SAP and 480g potassium per tree under full field capacity conditions, furthermore, various treatment enhancing the nutrition statues of trees in terms of N, K, P leaves contents, and reduce proline content. Highest fruit yield per tree (55.2 & 60.2 kg), fruit yield (t/ha), and fruit weight (190.0 & 191.9 g) were recorded in the trees that received 480 g potassium and 50g PVC under highest irrigation rate, while, the number of fruits per tree (303.8 &359.3) were maximizing in treatment of 75% Fc with PVC polymrt and low rate of K, in the first season and in treatment of 100% Fc withSAP polymer and low rate of K, in the second one. Furthermore, various treatments improved fruit characters such as fruit shape index, Juice ratio, and TSS/acid ratio.
Harmful Cultural Traditions: An Analysis of Female Circumcision Practice in Maldives
Authors: Ibrahim Fazeela , Sulaiman Asma Ibrahim , Ahmed Amzath 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Female circumcision affects the lives of millions of girls and women worldwide. This study assessed the demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with the occurrence of female circumcision among women age 15–49 in Maldives. Based on data from the 2016-17 Maldives Demographic and Health Survey, this study used bivariate and logistic regression analyses to examine the characteristics associated with the occurrence of female circumcision. Among all respondents, 17% of the 5943 women who have heard of female circumcision reported having undergone the procedure. The findings revealed that there is a significant difference in female circumcision by age, education, occupation, and attitudes towards female circumcision. Furthermore, most circumcisions occurred before age 5, and was highest in Malé, and the South and North regions. The variables related to opinions were most strongly associated with female circumcision. Compared to women who did not hold these opinions, women who believed that female circumcision is required by their religion or that the practice of female circumcision should continue had more than twice the odds of being circumcised. In addition, crosstabulations of the opinion variables with age and region have found that the highest proportion of women who held these beliefs were age 25–39 and lived in Malé. Therefore, we recommend further research and encouragement to enact policies and legislation that would eliminate the practice of female circumcision in Maldives.
Effectiveness of opportunistic osteoporosis screening on chest CT using the DCNN model
Authors: Pan Jing , Lin Peng-cheng , Gong Shen-chu , Wang Ze , Cao Rui , Lv Yuan , Zhang Kun , Wang Lin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objective To develop and evaluate a chest CT deep learning model that achieves favorable performance on opportunistic osteoporosis screening using the lumbar 1 + lumbar 2 vertebral body fusion feature images, and explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the model based on the lumbar 1 vertebral alone.
Materials and methods The chest CT images of 1048 physical examination subjects from January 2021 to June wereretrospectively collected as the internal dataset (548 for training, 100 for tuning and 400 for test for the segmentation model and 530 for training, 100 for validation and 418 for test set for the classification model). The subjects were divided into three categories according to the quantitative CT measurements, namely, normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis. First, a deep learning-based segmentation model was constructed, and the Dice similarity coefficient was used to compare the consistency between the model and manual labelling. Then, 2 classification models were established, namely, 1) model 1 (fusion feature construction of lumbar vertebral bodies 1 and 2) and 2) model 2 (feature construction of lumbar 1 alone). Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the models, and the Delong test was used to compare the areas under the curve.
Results When the number of images in the training set was 300, the DSC value was 0.951±0.030 in the test set. The results showed that the model 1 diagnosing osteopenia achieved an AUC of 0.952; The model 1 diagnosing osteoporosis achieved an AUC of 0.980; the model 2 diagnosing osteopenia achieved an AUC of 0.940; the model 2 diagnosing osteoporosis achieved an AUC of 0.978. The Delong test showed that there was no significant difference in AUC values between the osteopenia group and osteoporosis group (P=0.210, 0.546), while the AUC value of normal model 2 was higher than that of model 1 (0.990 vs. 0.983) (P=0.033).
Conclusion This study proposed a chest CT deep learning model that achieves favorable performance on opportunistic osteoporosis screening using the lumbar 1 + lumbar 2 vertebral body fusion feature images.. we further constructed the comparable model based on the lumbar 1 vertebra alone which can shorten the scan length, reduce the radiation dose received by patients, and reduce the training cost of technicians.
Megakaryocyte NLRP3 hyperactivation induces anemia and potentiates inflammatory response in mice
Authors: Brill Alexander , Bourne Joshua , Campos Joana , Hopkin Sophie , Whitworth Katharine , Palis James , Senis Yotis , Rayes Julie , Iqbal Asif 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been described in both immune cells and platelets but its role in the megakaryocyte (MK) lineage remains elusive. Here, we generated Nlrp3A350V/+/Gp1ba-CreKI/+ mice carrying MK/platelet-specific mutation associated with human Muckle-Wells syndrome. Platelets from these mice expressed elevated levels of both precursor and active form of caspase-1 suggesting hyperactivity of NLRP3 inflammasome. Nlrp3A350V/+/Gp1ba-CreKI/+ mice developed normally and had normal platelet counts. Expression of major platelet receptors, platelet functions, and venous thrombosis were unchanged. Nlrp3A350V/+/Gp1ba-CreKI/+ mice had mild anemia, reduced Ter119+ cells in the bone marrow, and splenomegaly. A mild increase in MK TGF-β1 might be involved in the anemic phenotype. Zymosan stimulation in Nlrp3A350V/+/Gp1ba-CreKI/+ mice induced increased neutrophil egression and levels of a set of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and G-CSF in the peritoneal fluid. Thus, MK/platelet NLRP3 promotes the acute inflammatory response and its hyperactivation leads to mild anemia and increased extramedullary erythropoiesis.
Flood modelling shows increased impacts from flooding in southern Thailand as a result of climate change
Authors: Curoy Jerome , Ward Raymond , Wang Yi , Martin David , Alamirew Netsanet , Barlow John , Puch Elena , Tenedor Jose , Dudhia Jimy , Moses Cherith , Nakhapakorn Kanchana 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFlooding is one of the most commonly occurring natural disasters across the world. Its occurrence is predicted to become more frequent with climate change and associated rainfall increases. This study used a bespoke software Flowroute-i, developed by Ambiental, UK specialists in flood risk assessment and modelling, utlising meteorological and spatial data to produce flood maps. The study was conducted in 6 catchments in southern Thailand modelling flood depth and extent associated with high rainfall events with return periods of 20, 50 and 100 years. Both a present-day scenario and a future scenario (RCP 6.0) with projections to 2100 were modelled. The models suggest that there could be an increase of up to 37.5% in flood extent, particularly in the middle of the catchment. This was particularly evident on the eastern side of the Thai peninsula, Nakhon Si Thammarat, in part as a result of the large flat coastal plain adjacent to steep basin geomorphology. These results should allow appropriate agencies to initiate flood mitigation measures, as the impacts of present-day flood events in the studied areas have been noted to be particularly devastating to life, livelihoods, and infrastructure and this looks set to worsen in a warming world.
Analysis of Distribution Characteristics of Inhaled Allergen among Children with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Bronchial Asthma in Northern China
Authors: Guo Qi , Song Qinwei , Li Juqiong , Ma Lijuan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The distribution characteristics of inhaled allergen sensitization is important for children with allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma, and can provide basis for diagnosis and treatment, allergen avoidance and disease management. Major inhaled allergens vary in different age and seasons.
Methods
Data from 9369 children with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis treated in Children’s Hospital Attached to the Capital Institute of Paediatrics from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. We divided the subjects into preschool age (≤ 5y), school age (5y-≤12y) and adolescence (> 12y) and according to season we divided 4 groups: spring, summer, autumn, winter. The ImmunoCAP system was used to detect serum allergens sIgE. Enumeration data were expressed as a percentage (%), and comparisons between groups were conducted using the χ².
Results
1. The positive rates of inhaled allergens among subjects in sequence from high to low were: mx2 (molds), w6 (artemisiaargyi), wx5 (weeds pollen combination), w1 (ragweed), tx5 (trees pollen combination), d2 (dermatophagoides farina), d1 (dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), ex1 (animal dander combination), i6 (Blattella germanica). 2. The primacy inhaled allergen in preschool group and school age group was mx2 (38.41% and 42.81%), and in adolescent group w6 was the highest inhaled allergen (43.75%), followed by d2 (40.91%) and d1 (37.42%). Except for mx2, the positive rates of inhaled allergens increased with the increase of age. 3. In different seasons, the positive rates of ex1, wx5, mx2, tx5 and w6 were statistically different among groups (P < 0.05). The positive rate of wx5 in spring was the highest (48.23%), mx2 in summer and winter was the highest (57.06%, 28.81%), w6 in autumn was the highest (52.11%).
Conclusions
Mx2 is the most important allergen in Chinese children with asthma and/or rhinitis. The positive rates of inhaled allergens increase with age, and the sensitization spectrum changes. The major allergens are different in different seasons. Clinicians need to monitor allergens regularly during the course of disease follow-up, in order to timely adjust the treatment plan.
Comparison of low cost substrates and Spawn levels for Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation in Afghanistan
Authors: Danishiar Sayeed Qadir , Jamily Abdul Saleem , Falahzadah Mohammad Hussain , Osmani Aziz Ahmad , Ajir Gul Mohammad 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
There is a significant interest in cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) as nutritious food, with the rise in its consumption. Thus, there is a need to compare different low-cost available substrates for its productivity in Afghanistan. In the present study, two substrates wheat straw and tree leaves along with their combination (1:1) as a single substrate were tested based on 10, 20 and 30 grams of spawn (wheat seeds mycelium growth). And the growth rate of fruiting bodies (fresh weight) were used for statistical analysis. When the wheat straw with 30 gr of wheat seeds spawn was used, resulted the highest yield (348 gr/Kg substrate). While the growth of the mushroom showed better result (273 gr/Kg substrate) on mixed substrates with 30 gr of spawn as compared with the third substrates in which consist of tree leaves + 30 gr of wheat seeds growth spawn (111gr/Kg substrate) indicating the lowest yield for P. ostreatus. This study, concluded that the wheat straw substrate had affected significantly positive on fresh weight, and its yield was higher when maximum dose of spawn applied. For the best of our knowledge this is the first study evaluated local substrates for cultivation of the mushroom in Afghanistan.
LKB1 delays atherosclerosis by inhibiting phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Chen Kaicong , Zhu Chunyan , Zhang Qing , Zeng Zhihuan , Chen Rong , Li Tudi , Luo Junqian , Zhou Zhihao , Zeng Rui 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background and objective: Although liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is a well-known tumor suppressor gene, and its encoded protein has important biological functions, it is not clear whether LKB1 can inhibit atherosclerosis by regulating vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship among LKB1, VSMCs and atherosclerosis.
Methods and results: ApoE-/- mice with VSMCs-specific overexpression of LKB1 were constructed by adeno-associated virus transfection technique, and then fed with high-fat diet for eight weeks. The effect of LKB1 overexpression on atherosclerosis in mice was investigated by oil red O staining, HE staining, immunofluorescence and Western Blot. The results showed that the expression of LKB1 mRNA and protein in arterial tissue of mice increased significantly after overexpression of LKB1. The degree of atherosclerosis, smooth muscle fiber proliferation and lipid accumulation were significantly alleviated in the overexpression group. The results of Western Blot showed that the expression of α-SMA was increased, while the expression of OPN and CD68 was significantly decreased in the overexpression group (P<0.05). The Immunofluorescence results of Image Pro Plus software analysis showed that the co-localization relationship between α-SMA and CD68 was more obvious in the control group (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Our results suggested that LKB1 can delay the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the phenotypic transition of VSMCs.
Lanthanum triflate as a capable catalyst for the synthesis of xanthenediones and the corresponding theoretical studies
Authors: Fahim Marzieh Hojati , Habibi Davood , Bayat Mehdi , Heydari Somayyeh 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The main purpose of this work was proposing a versatile and capable method for the synthesis of diverse xanthenediones from the three-component condensation reaction of two moles of dimedone and one mole of various aldehydes by the lanthanum triflate catalyst in solvent-free conditions at 60 °C. The products were characterized by comparison of their melting points, IR, and NMR spectra with authentic samples.
Also, the proposed reaction mechanism for the synthesis of xanthenediones was confirmed at M062x/def2-SVP level of theory in the gas phase.
The Blurred Lines of Professionalism in Dentistry
Authors: Bartlett Sophie , Russ Elaine , Bullock Alison , Cserzo Dorottya , Cowpe Jonathan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroduction: as in other health professions, professionalism is a core concept in dentistry. Endeavours to determine a clear definition of professionalism in dentistry are widespread. However, there has been substantially less focus on the boundaries of professionalism, and what constitutes unprofessional or a lapse in professionalism.Aims: what leads a dentist’s professionalism to be called into question? An exploration of the boundaries between professional and unprofessional and the implications for maintaining professionalism in dentistry.Methods: drawing on data from a large mixed-method study, we conducted a thematic analysis of 772 open-text responses, from dental professionals and members of the public, to an online survey.Results: two lines of argument were identified for the conditions under which a dentist’s professionalism is called into question: circumstances that bear a direct influence on patient care, and circumstances that lead to the loss of patient trust. We identify and review processes that build and foster patient trust and thereby maintain professionalism.Conclusion: the findings support an approach to professionalism that mirrors a dentist’s approach to clinical practice. We provide two detailed recommendations for consideration: learned and tailored interactions, and judgement and reflection.
A case of BRCA2-pathogenic variant breast cancer with metachronous endometrial cancer and pancreatic cancer: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Oshi Masanori , Yamada Akimitsu , Kimura Aki , Kataoka Toshiaki , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Ichikawa Yasushi , Yamanaka Shoji , Fujii Satoshi , Endo Itaru 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Since the popularization of cancer screening and an improvement in treatment over the last two decades, multiple primary malignant neoplasms (MPMNs) have been increasingly reported. We report a patient who developed metachronous multiple primary malignant neoplasms in the breast, the endometrium, and the pancreas over a period of 13 years.
Case presentation: A 42-year-old woman was first diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent breast-conserving surgery with adjuvant radiation therapy and endocrine therapy. Four years after breast surgery, she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and underwent a laparoscopic modified radical hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. However, there was peritoneal dissemination of endometrial cancer one year after surgery which could be removed laparoscopically followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Ten years after breast cancer surgery, Pleural metastasis of breast cancer was diagnosed and treated by endocrine therapy. Thirteen years after breast cancer surgery, a pancreatic tumor with multiple liver masses emerged. It was difficult to diagnose whether primary or metastasis cancer by the results of the pathological analysis. Finally, we diagnosed primary pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis by clinical examination with the BRCA2-pathogenic variant. These tumors were well responded to chemotherapy and the patient survived during a follow-up period of 8 months.
Conclusions:According to MPMNs, breast cancer patients should be followed-up carefully for the possibility of BRCA pathogenic variant and development of different primary malignant neoplasms.
Acid Hydrothermal Amendment of Grape Wine Pomace: Enhancement of Phenol and Carbohydrate Co-solubilization
Authors: Serrano Antonio , Díaz-Navarrete Paola , Mora Roberto , Ciudad Gustavo , Ortega Juan Carlos , Pinto-Ibieta Fernanda 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The byproduct from the winery industry has many bioactive compounds which are considered high value-added compounds. In addition, white grape pomace (GP) is rich in carbohydrates, which consequently can be used as raw material for subsequent bioprocesses. The present study carried out low-temperature hydrothermal treatments using different operational conditions: temperature (65–95°C), operational time (120–240 min), sulfuric acid concentration addition (5–15% v/v). The results show that using 65°C, 120 minutes and 15% (v/v) of H2SO4 it was possible to obtain a liquid phase rich in phenols and carbohydrates. Reaching a total of phenol compounds of 2113 ± 140 mg gallic acid/kg GP, composed mainly of 3-hydroxytyrosol (1330 ± 22 mg/kg GP). On the other hand, the carbohydrate solubilization reached 245 g glucose/kg GP. These results demonstrate the potential of hydrothermally treated grape pomace as raw material for biorefinery processes.