bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel mutations reduce expression of meiotic regulators SYCE1 and BOLL in testis of azoospermic men from West Bengal, India
Authors: Pal Samudra , Paladhi Pranab , Dutta Saurav , Mullick Rupam Basu , Bose Gunja , Ghosh Papiya , Chattopadhyay Ratna , Ghosh Sujay 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background:We investigated the polymorphisms/mutations in synaptonemal complex central element protein 1 (SYCE1) and CDC25A mRNA binding protein (BOLL) to test whether they increase the risk of azoospermia among Bengali-speaking men from West Bengal, India.
Sanger's dideoxy sequencing was used to genotype 140 azoospermic individuals who tested negative for Y chromosome microdeletion and 120 healthy controls. In both cases and controls, qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression summary of SYCE1and BOLL. The perceived harmful consequences of identified mutations were inferred using in silico analysis. Suitable statistical approaches were used to conduct the association study.
Results:We found SYCE1 177insT (ON245141), 10650T>G (ON257012), 10093insT (ON257013), 10653insG (ON292504), rs10857748A>G, rs10857749G>A, rs10857750T>A and BOLL 7708T>A (ON245141insT), rs72918816T>C, rs700655C>T variants with the prevalence of azoospermia. Data from qRT-PCR and in silico studies projected that the variations would either disrupt the transcript's natural splice junctions or cause probable damage to the structure of the genes' proteins.
Conclusions:SYCE1 gene variants [ 177insT (ON245141), 10650T>G (ON257012), 10093insT (ON257013), 10653insG (ON292504), rs10857748A>G, rs10857749G>A, rs10857750T>A] and BOLL gene variants [7708T>A (ON245141insT), rs72918816T>C, rs700655C>T] reduce the expression of respective gene in testicular tissue among azoospermic male as revealed from qRT-PCR result. These genetic variants could be used as markers for screening male infertility to decide over personalised treatment strategy in regular ART practise.
Usage criteria, effectiveness, and limitations of biker shorts-type elastic garment for the treatment of secondary lower limb lymphedema
Authors: Kamiyama Kazuyo , Shinaoka Akira , Kimata Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Elastic garments are the most reliable treatment for lymphedema, and full-length (like pantyhose) types, which compress from the distal to proximal limbs, are preferred for lower limb lymphedema. However, partial elastic garments (like biker shorts) are occasionally selected. Although biker shorts are easy to wear and can significantly reduce the burden, criteria for usage is unclear and concerns regarding increase in edema of the non-compressed peripheral regions exist. Thus, we aimed to clarify the usage criteria of biker shorts-type elastic garment for the treatment of secondary lower limb lymphedema using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent lymphography. Data of 40 edematous lower limbs (dermal backflow were localized at thigh on ICG lymphography) of patients who used biker shorts switching from full-length clothing were retrospectively analyzed. With biker shorts, the edema volume of the thigh reduced significantly without swelling of non-compressed peripheral regions, and physical symptoms such as skin-related complaints and pain improved by 100%. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that therapeutic effects of the change to biker shorts were reduced if the LPad severity stage was ≥ 1 on ICG lymphography. Thus, biker shorts can be recommended for lymphedema patients with localized dermal backflow in the thighs and LPad severity stage 0.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as a new predictor of recent prognosis in luminal breast cancer: A large cohort retrospective study
Authors: Sun Teng , Wang Tong , Li Xiangjun , Mao Yan , Wang Haibo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose

The prognostic and clinical significance of Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HER2-positive breast cancer have been well studied. However the role of TILs in luminal breast cancer (LBC) is unclear. Hence, we evaluated the relevance of stromal TILs for clinicopathological characteristic and prognostic significance in LBC.

Method

We totally retrospectively reviewed the data of 1396 LBC patients treated by a single institution from 2017 to 2018. TILs are regarded as continuous variables and are divided into low TILs (≤ 10%) and high TILs (> 10%); nonlymphocyte predominant breast cancer (TILs＜50%) and lymphocyte predominant breast cancer (TILs ≥ 50%) for statistical analysis. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to test the associations between TILs and disease-free survival (DFS) with the adjustment for clinicopathologic characteristics.

Result

High TILs (> 10%) were associated with younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.003), high Ki-67 index (p < 0.001), advanced pathological stage (p < 0.001), no relapse (p = 0.036), luminal B/HER2+ (p < 0.001), luminal B/HER2- (p < 0.001) and HER2 positive (p < 0.001). The LPBC were associated with PR positive (p = 0.038), high Ki-67 index (p < 0.001), status of disease (p = 0.006), luminal B/HER2+ (p < 0.001), luminal B/HER2- (p < 0.001) and HER2 (p < 0.001). The TILs (> 10%) level was associated with improved DFS in both univariable (HR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.26–0.98, P = 0.043) and multivariable (HR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.24–0.95, P = 0.036) Cox models. Luminal B/HER2- patients have better DFS in univariable (HR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.14–0.90, P = 0.028) Cox model.

Conclusion

The level of stromal TILs had significant prognostic value for Luminal breast cancer, and high level of TILs is an independent protective factor for DFS in Luminal/ HER2- subtype of breast cancer patients. The tumor immune microenvironment showed obvious heterogeneity in each subtype of LBC.
Association between number of confidants and adolescent anxiety/depression: A school-based study
Authors: Nishida Asuka , Foo Jerome C. , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Togo Fumiharu , Shimodera Shinji , Nishida Atsushi , Okazaki Yuji , Tsukasa Sasaki 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Having no or few confidants is found to be associated with more severe mental health problems and a higher prevalence of depression in adults, but research examining this association in adolescents is scarce. Social relationships may be particularly critical during adolescence, as it is an important developmental period during which vulnerability to mental health problems increases. The present study examined the relationship between having no or few confidants and anxiety/depressive symptoms in adolescents.
Methods
Cross-sectional self-report data from 17,829 Japanese students (49.7% boys) in public junior and senior high schools were analyzed. Associations between anxiety/depressive symptoms (12-item General Health Questionnaire; score range: 0–12) and the number of confidants (None, 1–3, or ≥ 4) were examined using multilevel regression analyses. The analyses were stratified by gender and school level (junior/senior high), and adjusted for experiences of physical abuse and bullying.
Results
Having 1–3 or no confidants was associated with more anxiety/depressive symptoms, compared to having ≥ 4 confidants (p < 0.001) in all stratified groups. Having no confidants was associated with more anxiety/depressive symptoms than having 1–3 confidants (p < 0.001); in senior high boys, no difference was observed between having 0 and 1–3 confidants. Experiences of physical abuse and bullying also showed significant effects on anxiety/depressive symptoms.
Conclusions
Adolescents who had no or few confidants had more anxiety/depressive symptoms. Attention needs to be paid to better identify these adolescents, and avenues to support them need to be established.
Optimization of automated radiosynthesis of gallium-68-labeled PSMA11 with two 68Ge/68Ga generators: fractional elution or prepurification?
Authors: Durieux Flore , Dekyndt Bérengère , Legrand Jean-François , Rogeau Antoine , Malek Emmanuel , Semah Franck , Odou Pascal 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men. An imaging technique for its diagnosis is [68Ga]-prostate specific membrane antigen (68Ga-PSMA-11) positron emission tomography (PET). Gallium 68 (68Ga) is typically obtained using a germanium 68/gallium 68 (68Ge/68Ga) generator, allowing for the diagnostic drug to be made readily available in the nuclear medicine department through elution. To meet the increasing demand for 68Ga labeled peptides and to reduce the cost of radiosynthesis, it is therefore necessary to optimize the elution process of 68Ge/68Ga generators. This study aims to identify the most effective approach for optimizing radiosynthesis using double elution in parallel of two 68Ge/68Ga generators. Two methods have been tested: one using prepurification, and the other using fractionated elution.
Results
Five synthesis sequences were conducted using each method. The mean labeling yields for double elution with prepurification were 45.8 ± 29.4 (mean ± standard deviation) and none met the required criteria. The mean labeling yields for the fractionated double elution were 97.5 ± 1.9 (mean ± standard deviation) meeting the criteria, significantly superior to the prepurification method (p=0.012), and similar to those of simple elution. There was no significant difference in the elution yields of both methods.
Conclusions
This study showed that fractionated double elution from 68Ge/68Ga generators produced a significantly higher labeling yield than double elution with prepurification, resulting in a larger activity recovered by radiosynthesis, and thereby allowing for more diagnostic tests to be performed. Additionally, this method does not add complexity or synthesis time compared to simple elution labeling, and could also be applied to other 68Ga labeled peptides.
Development and validation of a blood-based assay for gastric cancer early detection: A multidimensional analysis of cell-free DNA whole methylome sequencing—protocol for an observational, case‒control study
Authors: Han Yongjun , Wei Jiangpeng , Wang Weidong , Gao Ruiqi , Shen Ning , Song Xiaofeng , Ni Yang , Li Yulong , Xu Li-Di , Chen Weizhi , Li Xiaohua 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Cancer-related features in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments have gradually been identified and play essential roles in noninvasive early cancer detection. Integrated analysis of several cfDNA features has enhanced detection sensitivity compared to single features. To facilitate early diagnosis of gastric cancer, an assay based on assessing genomic-scale methylation and fragmentation profiles of plasma cfDNA will be developed and validated for early cancer detection.
Methods
This is an observational case‒control study. Blood samples will be prospectively collected before gastroscopy from 180 gastric cancer patients and 180 nonmalignant control subjects (healthy or with benign gastric diseases). Cases and controls will be randomly divided into a training and a testing dataset at a ratio of 2:1. Plasma cfDNA will be isolated and extracted, followed by bisulfite-free low-depth whole methylome sequencing. A multidimensional model named THorough Epigenetic Marker Integration Solution (THEMIS) including methylation, fragmentation, and chromosomal copy number alternation will be constructed in the training dataset. The performance of the model in differentiating cancer patients from noncancer controls will then be evaluated in the testing dataset.
Discussion
This is the first registered case‒control study designed to investigate a stacked ensemble model integrating several cfDNA features, including methylation pattern, fragmentation profile, and chromosomal copy number alternation, in identifying the GC population. This study will reveal whether multidimensional analysis of cfDNA will be an effective strategy for differentiating GC patients from nonmalignant individuals in a Chinese population.
Trial registration
This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University (Xi’an, China; approval No. KY20222222-F-1) and registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with registration number ChiCTR2200065623. The study was registered on clinicalTrial.gov with a registration number: NCT05668910.
Bifurcation analysis of domain-dependent nonlinear dynamics for a cross-diffusive reaction-diffusion model
Authors: Sarfaraz Wakil , Yigit Gulsemay , Barreira Raquel , Remaki Lakhdar , Alhazmi Muflih , Madzvamuse Anotida 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In this work, domain-dependent stability analysis is conducted for a reaction diffusion system with linear cross-diffusion. Its spatiotemporal dynamics are explored for the case of an activator-depleted model of two chemical species in terms of the domain size and its model parameters. Linear stability analysis is employed to derive the constraints which are necessary in understanding the role of linear cross-diffusion in driving the instability of the system. The conditions are proven in terms of lower and upper bounds of the domain size together with the reaction, self and cross-diffusion coefficients. The full parameter classification of the model system is presented in terms of the relationship between the domain size and cross-diffusion-driven instability. Subsequently, regions showing Turing instability, Hopf and transcritical types of bifurcations are demonstrated using the parameter values of the system. Theoretical findings are supported by the finite element simulations on two dimensional rectangular domain. Numerical simulations showing each of the three types of dynamics are examined for the Schnakenberg kinetics, also known as an activator-depleted reaction kinetics.
Establishment and internal validation of a Prognostic Score for Post-hepatectomy Liver Failure Based on Functional Liver Parameters Estimated via Tc-99m GSA
Authors: Kasai Meidai , Ha-Kawa Sangkil , Aihara Tukasa , Ikuta Shinichi , Nakajima Takayoshi , Yamanaka Naoki 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
The 99mTc-galactocyl human serum albumin (Tc-99m GSA) scintigraphy evaluates the future remnant liver function, which is an important prognostic factor for posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). This study aimed to establish a new prognostic score for PHLF, including the functional liver parameters evaluated by Tc-99m GSA scintigraphy.
Materials and Methods
This study reviewed a single-center retrospective 368-patient database who underwent open and laparoscopic hepatectomy in Meiwa Hospital from January 2016 to October 2021. Moreover, 102 patients who underwent Tc-99m GSA scintigraphy following hepatectomy were analyzed. The maximal removal rate of Tc-99m GSA (GSARmax) was calculated, then the GSARmax of the remnant liver (GSARmax-RL) was estimated as the future remnant liver function depending on the hepatectomy. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the PHLF predictor, then a risk scoring system was established with the 1,000 times bootstrapped validation.
Results
PHLF (grade ≥ B) was observed in 13 of 102 patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that PHLF was independently predicted by GSARmax-RL (< 0.26 mg/min) and LHL15 (< 0.89). The risk score was assigned to each item, then classified into four subgroups, with a predicted PHLF of 3.7%, 14.4%, 42.8%, and 76.8%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated good discrimination (adjusted AUC after bootstrapped validation, 0.779). The ROC curve analysis compared with other prognostic scores showed the new model had the highest AUC values for accuracy.
Conclusions
The new prognostic score based on Tc-99m GSA scintigraphy could recognize patients with a high-risk of progressing to PHLF and be useful for planning therapeutic strategies.
Open-circuit-voltage improvement mechanisms in inverted perovskite solar cells during operation revealed by electron-spin observation
Authors: Kimata Haru , Yamaguchi Seira , Gotanda Takeshi , Xue Dong , Asai Haruka , Shimazaki Ai , Wakamiya Atsushi , Marumoto Kazuhiro 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells have attracted much attention as one of the most important next-generation solar cells. The solar-cell performances are known to be changed under operation; however, the root cause of the instability has not yet been understood sufficiently. Here, we report an improvement in the open-circuit voltage, VOC, of inverted perovskite solar cells at the initial stage of device operation and its mechanisms that were first investigated by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Operando ESR measurements indicate that electrons travel from the perovskite layer to the hole-transport layer under irradiation and are subsequently trapped there. Thereby, an electron barrier is formed at the perovskite/hole-transport-layer interface, and thus the VOC improves. These findings are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of device performance changes at the initial stage of operation and, additionally, demonstrate that electron spin resonance spectroscopy is a powerful tool for investigating perovskite solar cells.
Humoral profiles of toddlers and young children following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Nziza Nadege , Deng Yixiang , Wood Lianna , Dhanoa Navneet , Dulit-Greenberg Naomi , Chen Tina , Kane Abigail , Swank Zoe , Davis Jameson , Demokritou Melina , Chitnis Anagha , Fasano Alessio , Edlow Andrea , Jain Nitya , Horwitz Bruce , McNamara Ryan , Julg Boris , Shreffler Wayne , Alter Galit , Yonker Lael 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Although young children generally experience mild symptoms following infection with SARS-CoV-2, severe acute and long-term complications can occur. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines elicit robust immunoglobulin profiles in children ages 5 years and older, and in adults, corresponding with substantial protection against hospitalizations and severe disease. Whether similar immune responses and humoral protection can be observed in vaccinated infants and young children, who have a developing and vulnerable immune system, remains poorly understood. To study the impact of mRNA vaccination on the humoral immunity of infant, we used a system serology approach to comprehensively profile antibody responses in a cohort of children ages 6 months to 5 years who were vaccinated with the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine (25 μg). Responses were compared with vaccinated adults (100 μg), in addition to naturally infected toddlers and young children. Despite their lower vaccine dose, vaccinated toddlers elicited a stronger functional antibody response than adults, including against variant of concerns (VOCs), without report of side effects. Moreover, mRNA vaccination was associated with a higher IgG3-dependent humoral profile against SARS-CoV-2 compared to natural infection, supporting that mRNA vaccination is effective at eliciting a robust antibody response in toddlers and young children.
High-performance n-type organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors enabled by strong cation-π interactions
Authors: Huang Zhen , Li Peiyun , Lei Yuqiu , Deng Xin-Yu , Chen Yu-Nan , Tian Shuangyan , Pan Xiran , Lei Xun , Zheng Yuting , Wang Jie-Yu , Lei Ting 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Conjugated polymers that can efficiently transport both ionic and electronic charges have shown broad applications in next-generation optoelectronic, bioelectronic, and energy storage devices. To date, almost all the conjugated polymers have hydrophobic backbones, which impedes efficient ion diffusion/transport in aqueous media. Here, we design and synthesize a novel hydrophilic polymer building block, 4a-azonia-naphthalene (AN). Because of the strong electron-withdrawing ability of AN, the traditional p-type polymer, thiophene diketopyrrolopyrrole (TDPP) polymer, turns into an n-type polymer. More importantly, AN enhances the hydrophilicity and ionic-electronic coupling of the polymer, leading to a fast device response (1.00 ms/0.18 ms) and a high figure-of-merit (μC*) of 62.3 F cm−1 V−1 s−1 in organic electrochemical transistor (OECT). We find that cationic aromatics exhibit interesting cation-π interactions, leading to smaller π-π stacking distances and interesting ion diffusion behavior. Our work demonstrates that ionic polymer backbones can provide efficient ionic-electronic coupling and charge transport for organic electronics working in aqueous media.
Impairment of autophagy mediates the uric-acid-induced phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Lu Yan , Zhang Hanlin , Han Min , Wang Ping , Meng Liping 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Hyperuricemia may be involved in the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells, thus promoting the occurrence of atherosclerosis, and autophagy may be one of the important links, but little is known about the specific molecular mechanism. We established a mouse model of hyperuricemia and studied the relationship between changes in autophagy levels and the phenotypic transformation of muscle cells. Our study found that high uric acid levels promote the phenotypic transformation of muscle cells by inhibiting autophagy, thus enhancing their proliferation and migration abilities. If autophagy is restored, phenotypic transformation may be reversed by reducing KLF4 levels. Thus, uric acid may induce the phenotypic transformation of muscle cells and promote the occurrence of atherosclerosis by disrupting normal autophagy.
Study of Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum)waste to produce biodiesel by conjugated processes
Authors: LIRA HELVIA NANCY FUZER , Portela Marcelo Henrique Albuquerque , Júnior Sérgio Duvoisin , Neto Flavio Mattos Ribeiro , de Queiroz Sheyla Rejane Beltrão , Santos Sandro Luiz Barbosa dos 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Transforming waste material into a value-added product has been a challenge in several aspects, legal, academic, economic, and environmental. Tucumã is a fruit widely consumed by the people of the Amazon region, offering this alternative for using the waste generated by it is to provide a source of income for tucumã producers in the northern region of Brazil. To obtain results on yields and reactions that transform tucumã waste into biodiesel, first the seed oil was extracted by decoction, followed by conjugated process. The thermal cracking reaction, produced smaller chains than the raw material, followed by the esterification reaction applying heterogeneous catalysis using aluminum oxide. These processes transform the tucumã waste into esters similar to biodiesel compounds, the products were characterized by techniques such as gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GCMS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), achieving a yield in the conversion of tucumã seed oil into methyl esters (biodiesel), above 90%, in addition, we reached specific mass parameters of 863 Kg/m3 and viscosity of 4.3 mm2/s, data that allow us to affirm that the application of conjugated reactions of this material as fuel meets the product specifications, providing added value. The data generated in this work will make it possible to open space for the studies of these processes on a pilot scale, which will enable local energy autonomy regarding the use of biodiesel.