bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semen's parameters after varicocelectomy surgery with mast cell stabilizers treatment in infertile varicocele patients: Randomized clinical trial study
Authors: Akhavan Rezayat Alireza , Soleimanian Amirmohammad , Kamandi Neda , Aslzare Mohammad , Shaikh Zada Mohammad Mustafa 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsVaricocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility in which testicular function is progressively damaged. This study aims to investigate the effect of varicocelectomy and mast cell stabilizers on reducing sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile patients with varicocele.MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial, after obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, infertile patients with varicocele were randomly assigned to three groups: varicocelectomy, 1 mg ketotifen, and varicocelectomy plus with 1 mg ketotifen for 3‐month follow‐up. Semen analysis and estimation of DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were obtained from all people in the studied time periods.ResultsIn this study, 420 infertile patients with varicocele were included with an average age of 31.6 years. The results showed that sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm count, and sperm DFI had significant differences after the intervention (p < 0.05). Also, the results of semen analysis for each group showed that there was a significant improvement in sperm morphology, motility, count, and DFI index of infertile people with varicocele after the intervention (p < 0.05). But the difference was statistically higher in the varicocelectomy plus with 1 mg ketotifen group than in the other groups (p < 0.01).ConclusionThe evidence and results of this study showed that the use of varicocelectomy plus ketotifen in infertile people with varicocele was more effective in improving Semen parameters than the use of mast cell stabilizers or varicocelectomy alone.
Density‐functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT study of the chemical and physical origins of key photoproperties of end‐group derivatives of a nonfullerene acceptor molecule for bulk heterojunction organic solar cells
Authors: Taouali Walid , Alimi Kamel , Sindhoo Nangraj Asma , Casida Mark E. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAs emphasized in a recent review article (Chem. Rev. 2022, 122, 14180), organic solar cell (OSC) photoconversion efficiency has been rapidly evolving with results increasingly comparable to those of traditional inorganic solar cells. Historically, OSC performance improvement focused first on the morphology of P3HT:BM solar cells then went through different stages to shift lately interest towards nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) as a replacement of BM acceptor (ACC) molecule. Here, we use density‐functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT to investigate four novel NFAs of A‐D‐A (acceptor‐donor‐acceptor) form derived from the recently synthesized IDIC‐4Cl (Dyes Pigm. 2019, 166, 196). Our level of theory is carefully evaluated for IDIC‐4Cl and then applied to the four novel NFAs in order to understand how chemical modifications lead to physical changes in cyclic voltammetry (CV) frontier molecular orbital energies and absorption spectra in solution. Finally we design and apply a new type of Scharber plot for NFAs based upon some simple but we think reasonable assumptions. Unlike the original Scharber plots where a larger DON band gap favors a larger PCE, our modified Scharber plot reflects the fact that a smaller ACC band gap may favor PCE by filling in gaps in the DON acceptor spectrum. We predict that only the candidate molecule with the least good acceptor A, with the highest frontier molecular orbital energies, and one of the larger CV lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) highest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO) gaps, will yield a PM6:ACC PCE exceeding that of the parent IDIC‐4Cl ACC. This candidate also shows the largest oscillator strength for the primary (HOMO, LUMO) charge‐ transfer transition and the largest degree of delocalization of charge transfer of any of the ACC molecules investigated here.
Reactions of a hydrogen atom with haloacetates in aqueous solutions: Computational evidence for proton‐coupled electron transfer and competing mechanisms
Authors: Ćehić Mirsada , Nikšić‐Franjić Ivana 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA computational study of the mechanisms and kinetics of the aqueous reactions of a hydrogen atom with haloacetates is presented. Several mechanisms in the close competition are observed, such as proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET), hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), and halogen abstraction (XA). Computations predict that dechlorination takes place via PCET mechanisms and not via XA, as stated earlier, while XA is the fastest mechanism for . The reaction rate constants are reasonably well predicted within the theoretically most reliable canonical variational transition state theory with small curvature tunneling corrections and compared with the experimental ones. To reproduce the experimental rate constants of the debromination process it is necessary to include the PCET and XA cumulative values. Small curvature tunneling corrections to the rate constants are the highest for HAT and PCET mechanisms, up to 70 times larger than the Wigner, while variational effects for XA mechanisms are very small.
Hope, optimism, and self‐efficacy predicting mental health and illness in a community sample exposed to Hurricane Harvey
Authors: D'Souza Johann M. , Long Laura J. , Richardson Angela L. , Gallagher Matthew W. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn 2017, Hurricane Harvey flooded more than 300,000 buildings causing an estimated $125 billion in damages and resulting in 68 deaths (National Hurricane Center). This actual or threatened loss of life and physical harm led many to report negative effects on mental well‐being and greater mental illness. However, many individuals have been able to experience similar adverse events without a significant negative impact on their mental health and well‐being. Positive thinking factors such as hope, optimism, and self‐efficacy have been proposed as protective factors in the face of difficult life events. Hope, optimism, and self‐efficacy are related but distinct constructs that have often been studied separately, but whose unique impact on well‐being and mental illness is less clear, especially in the context of a natural hazard. The current study uses structural equation modeling to measure the unique contribution of hope, optimism, and hurricane‐coping self‐efficacy on mental well‐being and mental illness in a community sample of 300 subjects who experienced Hurricane Harvey, recruited from Mechanical Turk.
iKNOWgynetics – A web‐based learning concept to empower primary care gynecologists to participate in the care of patients with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer
Authors: Speiser Dorothee , Kendel Friederike , Fechner Karen , Olbrich Christine , Stegen Stephanie , Häring Stephanie , Rörig Alina , Feufel Markus A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFamilial cancer burden and genetics play an increasingly important role in the early detection and prevention of gynecological cancers. However, people with hereditary cancer risks are often identified late when they already have cancer. We aimed at developing and evaluating a training concept for primary care gynecologists—iKNOWgynetics—to improve their knowledge and awareness of genetic cancer syndromes and their ability to identify patients with increased familial cancer risks based on up‐to‐date evidence and current guidelines (in Germany, primary care includes all doctors treating patients on an outpatient basis without a clear separation of the expertise of the doctor or of their specialty). Starting off with a needs assessment among primary care gynecologists, we developed and evaluated an online training concept—using a web‐based learning platform in combination with a live virtual seminar—to convey practice‐relevant knowledge about familial cancer. After registration, participants get access to the web‐based learning platform (www.iknowgynetics.de) to prepare for the virtual seminars and to use it as online reference to re‐access the contents after the training. Evaluation included multiple‐choice (MC) questions on knowledge and participants' self‐efficacy to implement the acquired knowledge, which were administered in a pre‐post design. Of 109 participants, 103 (94.5%) filled out pre‐ and post‐questionnaires. Eighty‐five participants were gynecologists in primary care from Berlin (81.2%) and Brandenburg (18.8%) and had an average of 24.1 years (SD = 8.5 years) of professional experience. After the training, participants answered significantly more knowledge questions correctly (M = 15.2 of 17, SD = 1.3) than before (M = 13.8 of 17, SD = 1.7) (p < 0.01) and felt more confident to be able to apply referral criteria for specialized counseling in practice (p < 0.001). The online‐based training iKNOWgynetics considers the busy schedule of primary care gynecologists and supports them in acquiring practice‐relevant information on familial cancer risks and on how to identify healthy persons at risk, which may ultimately help to improve the prevention of gynecological cancers. In future studies, the reported concept could be transferred to other entities.
Levodopa‐refractory hyperprolactinemia and pituitary findings in inherited disorders of biogenic amine metabolism
Authors: Yıldız Yılmaz , Kuseyri Hübschmann Oya , Akgöz Karaosmanoğlu Ayça , Manti Filippo , Karaca Meryem , Schwartz Ida Vanessa D. , Pons Roser , López‐Laso Eduardo , Palacios Natalia Alexandra Julia , Porta Francesco , Kavecan Ivana , Balcı Mehmet Cihan , Dy‐Hollins Marisela E. , Wong Suet‐Na , Oppebøen Mari , Medeiros Leonardo Simão , de Paula Leila Cristina Pedroso , García‐Cazorla Angeles , Hoffmann Georg F. , Jeltsch Kathrin , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Gökçay Gülden , Hübschmann Daniel , Harting Inga , Özön Z. Alev , Sivri Serap , Opladen Thomas 
Published: July 2023

AbstractElevated serum prolactin concentrations occur in inherited disorders of biogenic amine metabolism because dopamine deficiency leads to insufficient inhibition of prolactin secretion. This work from the International Working Group on Neurotransmitter Related Disorders (iNTD) presents the results of the first standardized study on levodopa‐refractory hyperprolactinemia (LRHP; >1000 mU/L) and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in patients with inherited disorders of biogenic amine metabolism. Twenty‐six individuals had LRHP or abnormal pituitary findings on MRI. Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiencies were the most common diagnoses (n = 22). The median age at diagnosis of LRHP was 16 years (range: 2.5–30, 1st–3rd quartiles: 12.25–17 years). Twelve individuals (nine females) had symptoms attributed to hyperprolactinemia: menstruation‐related abnormalities (n = 7), pubertal delay or arrest (n = 5), galactorrhea (n = 3), and decreased sexual functions (n = 2). MRI of the pituitary gland was obtained in 21 individuals; six had heterogeneity/hyperplasia of the gland, five had adenoma, and 10 had normal findings. Eleven individuals were treated with the dopamine agonist cabergoline, ameliorating the hyperprolactinemia‐related symptoms in all those assessed. Routine monitoring of these symptoms together with prolactin concentrations, especially after the first decade of life, should be taken into consideration during follow‐up evaluations. The potential of slow‐release levodopa formulations and low‐dose dopamine agonists as part of first‐line therapy in the prevention and treatment of hyperprolactinemia should be investigated further in animal studies and human trials. This work adds hyperprolactinemia‐related findings to the current knowledge of the phenotypic spectrum of inherited disorders of biogenic amine metabolism.
Fasting and non‐fasting plasma levels of monomethyl branched chain fatty acids: Implications for maple syrup urine disease
Authors: Tangeraas Trine , Kristensen Erle , Mørkrid Lars , Elind Elisabeth , Bliksrud Yngve Thomas , Eide Lars 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine, valine, and isoleucine provide precursors for monomethyl branched‐chain fatty acids (BCFA). Established reference ranges for BCFAs are lacking. In maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a rare inborn error of BCAA metabolism, the endogen production is impaired and MSUD patients are treated with a low protein (low BCAA) diet. The protein restriction may affect the dietary intake of BCFA, depending on the dietary choices made. Patients with MSUD are prescribed a more or less protein‐restricted diet depending on the severity of the disease. The combination of a protein‐restricted diet and subsequent impaired endogenous synthesis may render MSUD patients sensitive to BCFA deficiency, with yet unknown implications. To investigate the possibility of lower circulatory BCFA levels in MSUD that favors dietary BCFA supplementation, we first established fasting‐state reference ranges for selected BCFAs and saturated/unsaturated fatty acids in plasma. Then, the effect of fasting on BCFA levels was evaluated by comparing the distribution in a fasting versus a non‐fasting cohort. To test the hypothesis that BCFA deficiency could contribute to MSUD pathophysiology, we recruited patients with intermittent, intermediate, and classical form of MSUD and analyzed the corresponding BCFA z‐scores. None of the BCFA species had |z‐scores| > 2 relative to the reference range. Our findings do not support the requirement of BCFA supplementation in MSUD patients. The origin of BCFAs is discussed. Impaired capacity to synthesize BCFA do not manifest as reduced plasma levels in MSUD, suggesting that endogenous synthesis is dispensable for plasma levels.
Remodeling in Aortic Stenosis With Reduced and Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insight on Motion Abnormality Via 3D + Time Personalized LV Modeling in Cardiac MRI
Authors: Chuah Shoon Hui , Tan Li Kuo , Md Sari Nor Ashikin , Chan Bee Ting , Hasikin Khairunnisa , Lim Einly , Ung Ngie Min , Abdul Aziz Yang Faridah , Jayabalan Jeyaraaj , Liew Yih Miin 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundIncreased afterload in aortic stenosis (AS) induces left ventricle (LV) remodeling to preserve a normal ejection fraction. This compensatory response can become maladaptive and manifest with motion abnormality. It is a clinical challenge to identify contractile and relaxation dysfunction during early subclinical stage to prevent irreversible deterioration.PurposeTo evaluate the changes of regional wall dynamics in 3D + time domain as remodeling progresses in AS.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationA total of 31 AS patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (14 AS_rEF: 7 male, 66.5 [7.8] years old; 17 AS_pEF: 12 male, 67.0 [6.0] years old) and 15 healthy (6 male, 61.0 [7.0] years old).Field Strength/Sequence1.5 T Magnetic resonance imaging/steady state free precession and late‐gadolinium enhancement sequences.AssessmentIndividual LV models were reconstructed in 3D + time domain and motion metrics including wall thickening (TI), dyssynchrony index (DI), contraction rate (CR), and relaxation rate (RR) were automatically extracted and associated with the presence of scarring and remodeling.Statistical TestsShapiro–Wilk: data normality; Kruskal–Wallis: significant difference (P < 0.05); ICC and CV: variability; Mann–Whitney: effect size.ResultsAS_rEF group shows distinct deterioration of cardiac motions compared to AS_pEF and healthy groups (TIAS_rEF: 0.92 [0.85] mm, TIAS_pEF: 5.13 [1.99] mm, TIhealthy: 3.61 [1.09] mm, ES: 0.48–0.83; DIAS_rEF: 17.11 [7.89]%, DIAS_pEF: 6.39 [4.04]%, DIhealthy: 5.71 [1.87]%, ES: 0.32–0.85; CRAS_rEF: 8.69 [6.11] mm/second, CRAS_pEF: 16.48 [6.70] mm/second, CRhealthy: 10.82 [4.57] mm/second, ES: 0.29–0.60; RRAS_rEF: 8.45 [4.84] mm/second; RRAS_pEF: 13.49 [8.56] mm/second, RRhealthy: 9.31 [2.48] mm/second, ES: 0.14–0.43). The difference in the motion metrics between healthy and AS_pEF groups were insignificant (P‐value = 0.16–0.72). AS_rEF group was dominated by eccentric hypertrophy (47.1%) with concomitant scarring. Conversely, AS_pEF group was dominated by concentric remodeling and hypertrophy (71.4%), which could demonstrate hyperkinesia with slight wall dyssynchrony than healthy. Dysfunction of LV mechanics corresponded to the presence of myocardial scarring (54.9% in AS), which reverted the compensatory mechanisms initiated and performed by LV remodeling.Data ConclusionThe proposed 3D + time modeling technique may distinguish regional motion abnormalities between AS_pEF, AS_rEF, and healthy cohorts, aiding clinical diagnosis and monitoring of AS progression. Subclinical myocardial dysfunction is evident in early AS despite of normal EF.Level of Evidence4Technical EfficacyStage 1
Application of solid‐state fermentation using mushrooms for the production of animal feed
Authors: Rothmann Christopher , Rothmann Lisa , Viljoen Bennie , Cason Errol Duncan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe increasing growth of agroindustrial activity resulting in excessive amounts of agriwaste has led to the accumulation of a large quantity of lignocellulosic residues all over the world, in particular in deforestation initiatives for the removal of invasive trees in South Africa. These lignocellulosic residues are rich in energy resources and consist of a mixture of natural polymers based on lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The use of lignolytic fungi such as mushrooms in solid‐state fermentation could sufficiently degrade the indigestible lignocellulosic components and add medicinal and nutritional value to otherwise unusable, high‐energy waste material, which in turn could yield a new method of producing energy‐rich fodder for ruminant animals. The digestive type of animal for which the potential feed is developed must be identified and considered before deciding on the bioconversion method and process, as the outcomes for obtaining potentially high‐quality feeds for nonruminant and ruminant animals are different. The current study presents data on the bioconversion of lignocellulosic substrate using solid‐state fermentation with edible and medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidumand Pleurotus ostreatus, and a possible new species, to increase digestibility and nutritional value to be applied as ruminant animal feed. The solid‐state fermentation process was optimized and the resulting product was analyzed for the degradation of the lignocellulosic components. Results indicated that the solid‐state fermentation duration and mushroom species were key components in achieving significant degradation. Data obtained after 18 weeks of degradation indicated a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, and neutral detergent fiber fractions of the biomass, with up to a 20% reduction in indigestible components. This increase in digestibility could contribute to increased energy availability for ruminant animals.
Association between clusters of antibodies against periodontal microorganisms and Alzheimer disease mortality: Evidence from a nationally representative survey in the USA
Authors: Merchant Anwar T. , Zhao Longgang , Bawa Eric Mishio , Yi Fanli , Vidanapathirana Nadeesha P. , Lohman Matthew , Zhang Jiajia 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer disease (AD) has been linked with periodontal microorganisms such as Porphyromonas gingivalis in observational and mechanistic studies. IgG antibodies against periodontal microorganisms which are markers of past and current periodontal infection have been correlated with cognitive impairment. We examined associations between empirically derived groups of 19 IgG antibodies against periodontal microorganisms and AD mortality.MethodsIndividuals participating in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) with complete data on IgG titers were followed up between 1988 and December 31, 2019. The outcome was AD mortality, and the main exposures were IgG antibodies against periodontal microorganisms classified into four mutually exclusive groups using cluster analysis. Survey‐weighted Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the relationship between clusters and AD mortality.ResultsWith up to 21 years of follow‐up, 160 AD‐related deaths were documented. In the multivariable‐adjusted model, AD mortality overall was not associated with the Red‐Green (aHR 1.18; 95% CI, 0.46–3.07), Yellow‐Orange (aHR 1.36; 95% CI, 0.58–3.19), Orange‐Blue (aHR 0.63; 95%, CI, 0.33–1.21), and the Orange‐Red (aHR 0.79; 95% CI, 0.37–1.70) when the upper tertiles were compared to the bottom tertiles. However, the subgroup of middle‐aged individuals in the highest tertile of the Red‐Green cluster, but not older individuals, had a 13% higher risk of AD mortality (aHR 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02–1.26) compared with those in the bottom tertile.ConclusionClusters of IgG antibodies against periodontal microorganisms did not predict AD mortality in this study.
Hydroponic versus soil‐based cultivation of sweet basil: impact on plants' susceptibility to downy mildew and heat stress, storability and total antioxidant capacity
Authors: Maurer Dalia , Sadeh Alona , Chalupowicz Daniel , Barel Shimon , Shimshoni Jakob A , Kenigsbuch David 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn recent years, hydroponically cultivated basil has gained extensive popularity over soil‐based cultivation. Evidence for potential differences between both cultivation methods, in terms of resistance to biotic and abiotic stress factors, storage properties and shelf‐life, is still lacking and the potential effect of cultivation method on the antioxidant capacity has not yet been fully explored. This study aimed to determine which of the two basil cultivation methods produces plants that are more resilient to downy mildew and external heat treatment and that exhibit better storage and shelf‐life performance.RESULTSHydroponically grown basil was significantly more affected by browning than the soil‐grown basil at the end of the storage and end of the shelf‐life period. Under both cultivation methods, the extent of browning increased significantly between the end of the storage and end of the shelf‐life period, by a factor of 1.4. Moreover, hydroponically grown plants were significantly more sensitive to heat treatment than soil‐grown basil. However, the soil‐grown basil exhibited significantly greater susceptibility to downy mildew than the hydroponically grown basil. At harvest, and at the end of the storage period, the antioxidant capacity of hydroponically cultivated basil was significantly greater than that of soil‐grown basil.CONCLUSIONSHydroponically cultivated basil exhibited greater resistance to downy mildew, but less resilience to heat and browning during storage and a shelf‐life period, resulting in poorer storage and shelf‐life performance as compared to soil‐cultivated basil. The greater total antioxidant capacity of the hydroponically cultivated basil seems to be the major cause for the observed phenomena. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.