bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of Duragen® and skim milk extenders to enhance ram semen quality and fertility: A promising alternative in ovine artificial insemination
Authors: El Amiri Bouchra , Ben Moula Anass , El Khelfaoui Nora , Rahim Abdellatif , Gyoker Erzsebet , Horváth András , Szenci Ottó 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Duragen® and skimmed milk (SM) extenders on the quality parameters, bacterial load and fertilization ability of stored ram semen. A total of 50 ejaculates from Sardi rams (n = 5) aged 2.5–3 years, were collected and stored in Duragen® and SM at 15°C. The motilities and velocity parameters generated by the CASA system were then evaluated at 0, 8 and 24 h of storage. Afterward, bacterial loads of sperm extended in Duragen® and SM were determined at 0, 5 and 24 h of incubation. In addition, ewes (n = 100) aged 2 years, have been chosen in the same herd. The selected ewes were then synchronized and inseminated using semen extended in Duragen® and SM and stored for 5 h at 15°C. The results revealed that total and progressive motilities, straight velocity (VSL), straightness (SRT), lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF) were not affected by the extender type after 24 h of storage (p > .05). However, curvilinear velocity (VCL), velocity average path (VAP), linearity (LIN) and wobble (WOB) showed higher values in Duragen® compared with SM extender after 24 h of storage (p < .05). Bacterial loads were observed mainly in sperm stored in SM at 5 h (183 UFC/mL) and at 24 h (357 UFC/mL) of incubation. However, the only case showing a bacterial load in Duragen® is when the storage time attains 24 h (199 UFC/mL). Concerning fertility, sperm diluted in both extenders resulting in high fertility rates which reaches 66% and 73% for Duragen® and SM, respectively, with no statistical difference (p > .05). In summary, Duragen® extender decreased bacterial load in stored semen and maintained high ram sperm quality and fertility. These findings suggest that Duragen® extender could be used as SM alternative in ovine artificial insemination (OAI).
Plasmodium falciparum
CRK4 links early mitotic events to the onset of S-phase during schizogony
Authors: Machado Marta , Klaus Severina , Klaschka Darius , Guizetti Julien , Ganter Markus 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Plasmodium falciparum
proliferates through schizogony in the clinically relevant blood stage of infection. During schizogony, consecutive rounds of DNA replication and nuclear division give rise to multinucleated stages before cellularization occurs. Although these nuclei reside in a shared cytoplasm, DNA replication and nuclear division occur asynchronously. Here, by mapping the proteomic context of the S-phase-promoting kinase
Pf
CRK4, we show that it has a dual role for nuclear-cycle progression:
Pf
CRK4 orchestrates not only DNA replication, but in parallel also the rearrangement of intranuclear microtubules from hemispindles into early mitotic spindles. Live-cell imaging of a reporter parasite showed that these microtubule rearrangements coincide with the onset of DNA replication. Together, our data render
Pf
CRK4 a key factor for nuclear-cycle progression, linking entry into S-phase with the initiation of mitotic events. In part, such links may compensate for the absence of canonical cell cycle checkpoints in
P. falciparum
.

IMPORTANCE

The human malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
proliferates in erythrocytes through schizogony, forming multinucleated stages before cellularization occurs. In marked contrast to the pattern of proliferation seen in most model organisms,
P. falciparum
nuclei multiply asynchronously despite residing in a shared cytoplasm. This divergent mode of replication is, thus, a good target for therapeutic interventions. To exploit this potential, we investigated a key regulator of the parasite’s unusual cell cycle, the kinase
Pf
CRK4 and found that this kinase regulated not only DNA replication but also in parallel the rearrangement of nuclear microtubules into early mitotic spindles. Since canonical cell cycle checkpoints have not been described in
P. falciparum
parasites, linking entry into S-phase and the initiation of mitotic events via a kinase, may be an alternative means to exert control, which is typically achieved by checkpoints.
The Accumulation of the REE by Bacterial Fe Oxyhydroxide
Authors: Felitsyn S. , Alfimova N. , Bogomolov E. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The current study was focused on Fe oxyhydroxides from the north-western part of the East-European platform. Modern-day Fe oxyhydroxides of bacterial origin demonstrate an enhanced concentration of rare earth elements (up to 1200 ppm), compared to samples without iron bacteria. The 143Nd/144Nd ratio in bacterial Fe oxyhydroxide has the value from 0.511532 to 0.512588 and corresponds to the geochemical signature of the waters, oxyhydroxides precipitated from.
Samples of iron hydroxides from Quaternary and recent continental ore deposits with different Nd and Sr isotope composition were used for the laboratory reduction of Fe3+ up to emergence of magnetite (T ~ 1000°C). 143Nd/144Nd and 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the newly formed mineral phases show insignificant discrepancy with parent iron ore. The persistency of Sm–Nd and Rb–Sr isotope systems in the process of bog iron ore experimental melting permits it’s applying to paleoenvironment reconstructions and archaeometry.
Female athlete health domains: a supplement to the International Olympic Committee consensus statement on methods for recording and reporting epidemiological data on injury and illness in sport
Authors: Moore Isabel S , Crossley Kay M , Bo Kari , Mountjoy Margo , Ackerman Kathryn E , Antero Juliana da Silva , Sundgot Borgen Jorunn , Brown Wendy J , Bolling Caroline S , Clarsen Benjamin , Derman Wayne , Dijkstra Paul , Donaldson Amber , Elliott-Sale Kirsty J , Emery Carolyn A , Haakstad Lene , Junge Astrid , Mkumbuzi Nonhlanhla S , Nimphius Sophia , Palmer Debbie , van Poppel Mireille , Thornton Jane S , Tomás Rita , Zondi Phathokuhle C , Verhagen Evert 
Published: June 2023

The IOC made recommendations for recording and reporting epidemiological data on injuries and illness in sports in 2020, but with little, if any, focus on female athletes. Therefore, the aims of this supplement to the IOC consensus statement are to (i) propose a taxonomy for categorisation of female athlete health problems across the lifespan; (ii) make recommendations for data capture to inform consistent recording and reporting of symptoms, injuries, illnesses and other health outcomes in sports injury epidemiology and (iii) make recommendations for specifications when applying the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-Sport Injury and Illness Surveillance (STROBE-SIIS) to female athlete health data.In May 2021, five researchers and clinicians with expertise in sports medicine, epidemiology and female athlete health convened to form a consensus working group, which identified key themes. Twenty additional experts were invited and an iterative process involving all authors was then used to extend the IOC consensus statement, to include issues which affect female athletes.Ten domains of female health for categorising health problems according to biological, life stage or environmental factors that affect females in sport were identified: menstrual and gynaecological health; preconception and assisted reproduction; pregnancy; postpartum; menopause; breast health; pelvic floor health; breast feeding, parenting and caregiving; mental health and sport environments.This paper extends the IOC consensus statement to include 10 domains of female health, which may affect female athletes across the lifespan, from adolescence through young adulthood, to mid-age and older age. Our recommendations for data capture relating to female athlete population characteristics, and injuries, illnesses and other health consequences, will improve the quality of epidemiological studies, to inform better injury and illness prevention strategies.
Systematic druggable genome-wide Mendelian randomisation identifies therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Su Wei-Ming , Gu Xiao-Jing , Dou Meng , Duan Qing-Qing , Jiang Zheng , Yin Kang-Fu , Cai Wei-Chen , Cao Bei , Wang Yi , Chen Yong-Ping 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia. Currently, there are no effective disease-modifying treatments for AD. Mendelian randomisation (MR) has been widely used to repurpose licensed drugs and discover novel therapeutic targets. Thus, we aimed to identify novel therapeutic targets for AD and analyse their pathophysiological mechanisms and potential side effects.MethodsA two-sample MR integrating the identified druggable genes was performed to estimate the causal effects of blood and brain druggable expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) on AD. A repeat study was conducted using different blood and brain eQTL data sources to validate the identified genes. Using AD markers with available genome-wide association studies data, we evaluated the causal relationship between established AD markers to explore possible mechanisms. Finally, the potential side effects of the druggable genes for AD treatment were assessed using a phenome-wide MR.ResultsOverall, 5883 unique druggable genes were aggregated; 33 unique potential druggable genes for AD were identified in at least one dataset (brain or blood), and 5 were validated in a different dataset. Among them, three prior druggable genes (epoxide hydrolase 2 (EPHX2),SERPINB1andSIGLEC11) reached significant levels in both blood and brain tissues. EPHX2 may mediate the pathogenesis of AD by affecting the entire hippocampal volume. Further phenome-wide MR analysis revealed no potential side effects of treatments targetingEPHX2,SERPINB1orSIGLEC11.ConclusionsThis study provides genetic evidence supporting the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting the three druggable genes for AD treatment, which will be useful for prioritising AD drug development.
Metabolic Imaging as a Tool to Characterize Chemoresistance and Guide Therapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Authors: Sunassee Enakshi D. , Jardim-Perassi Bruna Victorasso , Madonna Megan C. , Ordway Bryce , Ramanujam Nirmala 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
After an initial response to chemotherapy, tumor relapse is frequent. This event is reflective of both the spatiotemporal heterogeneities of the tumor microenvironment as well as the evolutionary propensity of cancer cell populations to adapt to variable conditions. Because the cause of this adaptation could be genetic or epigenetic, studying phenotypic properties such as tumor metabolism is useful as it reflects molecular, cellular, and tissue-level dynamics. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the characteristic metabolic phenotype is a highly fermentative state. However, during treatment, the spatial and temporal dynamics of the metabolic landscape are highly unstable, with surviving populations taking on a variety of metabolic states. Thus, longitudinally imaging tumor metabolism provides a promising approach to inform therapeutic strategies, and to monitor treatment responses to understand and mitigate recurrence. Here we summarize some examples of the metabolic plasticity reported in TNBC following chemotherapy and review the current metabolic imaging techniques available in monitoring chemotherapy responses clinically and preclinically. The ensemble of imaging technologies we describe has distinct attributes that make them uniquely suited for a particular length scale, biological model, and/or features that can be captured. We focus on TNBC to highlight the potential of each of these technological advances in understanding evolution-based therapeutic resistance.
Avian biodiversity assessment studies in a Neotropical wetland – the combination of sampling methods makes the difference
Authors: Deus Filipe Ferreira de , Schuchmann Karl-L. , Tissiani Ana Silvia de Oliveira , Nogueira Wagner , Marques Marinêz Isaac 
Published: June 2023

In studies of avian diversity, many different methods have been applied. Since methodological approaches may affect research results, the choice of a given methodology must be consistent with the scientific objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate how different methodologies with their intrinsic limitations help detect and monitor birds to evaluate how they complement each other in the survey of species. Three different assessment methods, mist nets, point counts, and autonomous acoustic recordings were used to serve this purpose in a study of different Pantanal habitats, such as savannas and forests. The point counts detected more species (126 species) than the two other methods autonomous acoustic recordings (113 species) and mist nets (79 species). We observed significant differences in the number of species detected by mist nets and the other two methods. Each survey method identified exclusive species. When comparing habitats, all three methods showed significant differences in bird species composition. Savannas were richer in bird species than forests, and replacement was the main driver responsible for the differences in beta diversity between the habitats. The three methodologies, when applied together, proved to be complementary in avian species detection.
Change in Caregiver Health-Related Quality of Life From Before to Early After Surgery: SUSTAIN-IT Study
Authors: Chuzi Sarah , Wilcox Jane E. , Kao Andrew , Spertus John A. , Hsich Eileen , Dew Mary Amanda , Yancy Clyde W. , Pham Duc T. , Hartupee Justin , Petty Michael , Cotts William , Pamboukian Salpy V. , Pagani Francis D. , Lampert Brent , Johnson Maryl , Murray Margaret , Takeda Koji , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Silvestry Scott , Kirklin James K. , Wu Tingqing , Andrei Adin-Cristian , Baldridge Abigail , Grady Kathleen L. 
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:
Information about health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among caregivers of older patients with heart failure who receive heart transplantation (HT) and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is sparse. We describe differences and factors associated with change in HRQOL before and early post-surgery among caregivers of older heart failure patients who underwent 3 surgical therapies: HT with pretransplant MCS (HT MCS), HT without pretransplant MCS (HT non-MCS), and long-term MCS.

METHODS:

Caregivers of older patients (60–80 years) from 13 US sites completed the EQ-5D-3 L visual analog scale (0 [worst]–100 [best] imaginable health state) and dimensions before and 3 and 6 months post-surgery. Analyses included linear regression,
t
tests, and nonparametric tests.

RESULTS:

Among 227 caregivers (HT MCS=54, HT non-MCS=76, long-term MCS=97; median age 62.7 years, 30% male, 84% White, 83% spouse/partner), EQ-5D visual analog scale scores were high before (84.8±14.1) and at 3 (84.7±13.0) and 6 (83.9±14.7) months post-surgery, without significant differences among groups or changes over time. Patient pulmonary hypertension presurgery (β=−13.72 [95% CI, −21.07 to −6.36];
P
<0.001) and arrhythmia from 3 to 6 months post-operatively (β=−14.22 [95% CI, −27.41 to −1.02];
P
=0.035) were associated with the largest decrements in caregiver HRQOL; patient marital/partner status (β=6.21 [95% CI, 1.34–11.08];
P
=0.013) and presurgery coronary disease (β=8.98 [95% CI, 4.07–13.89];
P
<0.001) were associated with the largest improvements.

CONCLUSIONS:
Caregivers of older patients undergoing heart failure surgeries reported overall high HRQOL before and early post-surgery. Understanding factors associated with caregiver HRQOL may inform decision-making and support needs.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02568930.
Discrimination Between Pre‐ and Postcapillary Pulmonary Hypertension Using Platelet RNA
Authors: Arkani Mohammad , Kianzad Azar , Jansen Samara , Smits A. Josien , Post Edward , Ramaker Jip , Lagerweij Tonny , In’t Veld Sjors G. J. G. , Noske David P. , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Wurdinger Thomas , Best Myron G. , Bogaard Harm‐Jan 
Published: June 2023

Background
Appropriate treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is critically dependent on accurate discrimination between pre‐ and postcapillary PH. However, clinical discrimination is challenging and frequently requires a right heart catheterization. Existing risk scores to detect postcapillary PH have suboptimal discriminatory strength. We have previously shown that platelet‐derived RNA profiles may have diagnostic value for PH detection. Here, we hypothesize that platelet‐derived RNAs can be employed to select unique biomarker panels for the discrimination between pre‐ and postcapillary PH.

Methods and Results
Blood platelet RNA from whole blood was isolated and sequenced from 50 patients with precapillary PH (with different PH subtypes) as well as 50 patients with postcapillary PH. RNA panels were calculated by ANOVA statistics, and classifications were performed using a support vector machine algorithm, supported by particle swarm optimization. We identified in total 4279 different RNAs in blood platelets from patients with pre‐ and postcapillary PH. A particle swarm optimization–selected RNA panel of 1618 distinctive RNAs with differential levels together with a trained support vector machine algorithm accurately discriminated patients with precapillary PH from patients with postcapillary PH with 100% sensitivity, 60% specificity, 80% accuracy, and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86–1.00) area under the curve in the independent validation series (n=20).

Conclusions
This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates that particle swarm optimization/support vector machine–enhanced classification of platelet RNA panels may be able to discriminate precapillary PH from postcapillary PH. This research provides a foundation for the development of a blood test with a high negative predictive value that would improve early diagnosis of precapillary PH and prevents unnecessary invasive testing in patients with postcapillary PH.
Arrhythmias and Clinical Outcomes in a Swiss Multicenter Cohort of Patients With Dextro‐Transposition of the Great Arteries and Atrial Switch
Authors: Nozica Nikolas , Asatryan Babken , Aur Stefania , Clement Judith Bouchardy , Schwerzmann Markus , Guan Fu , Pascale Patrizio , Gass Matthias , Duru Firat , Reichlin Tobias , Pruvot Etienne , Wolber Thomas , Roten Laurent 
Published: June 2023

Background
Data on the incidence of arrhythmias, associated cardiac interventions, and outcome in patients with dextro‐transposition of the great arteries and atrial switch are scarce.

Methods and Results

In this multicenter analysis, we included adult patients with dextro‐transposition of the great arteries and atrial switch regularly followed up at 3 Swiss tertiary care hospitals. The primary outcome was a composite of left ventricular assist device, heart transplantation, and death. The secondary outcome was occurrence of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or sudden cardiac death. We identified 207 patients (34% women; median age at last follow‐up, 35 years) with dextro‐transposition of the great arteries and atrial switch. Arrhythmias occurred in 97 patients (47%) at a median age of 22 years. A pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator was implanted in 39 (19%) and 13 (6%) patients, respectively, and 33 (16%) patients underwent a total of 51 ablation procedures to target 60 intra‐atrial re‐entry tachycardias, 4 atrioventricular nodal re‐entry tachycardias, and 1 atrial fibrillation. The primary outcome occurred in 21 patients (10%), and the secondary outcome occurred in 18 patients (9%); both were more common in patients with concomitant ventricular septum defect than in those without (hazard ratio [HR], 3.06 [95% CI, 1.29–7.27],
P
=0.011; and HR, 3.62 [95% CI, 1.43–9.18],
P
=0.007, respectively).

Conclusions
In patients with dextro‐transposition of the great arteries and atrial switch reaching adulthood, arrhythmias occur in almost half of patients, and associated rhythm interventions are frequent. One‐tenth of those patients do not survive until the age of 35 years free from left ventricular assist device or heart transplantation, and the outcome is worse in patients with concomitant ventricular septum defect.
Associations Between Characteristics of Individuals With Fontan Circulation With Blood and Urine Biomarkers of Kidney Injury and Dysfunction
Authors: Katz David A. , Gao Zhiqian , Freytag Joshua , Mahendran Arjun , Szugye Cassandra , Woodly Shalayna , Alvarez T. Christine E. , Lubert Adam M. , Alsaied Tarek , Goldstein Stuart L. , Opotowsky Alexander R. 
Published: June 2023

Background
Fontan circulation is associated with kidney injury and dysfunction, often unappreciated until Fontan circulatory failure. We hypothesized that cystatin C‐estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) would identify chronic kidney disease more frequently and that urine kidney injury biomarkers would be higher with declining Fontan physiological features.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 100 ambulatory individuals. Blood and urinary laboratory measurements were compared with demographics and clinically obtained data. Different eGFR equations were used for individuals aged ≥19 years and <19 years. Chronic kidney disease was defined as eGFR <90 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
. Median (25th–75th percentile) age was 19 (14–26) years, and 43% were female patients. Cystatin C eGFR detected chronic kidney disease (37%) in more patients than creatinine eGFR (11%). Cystatin C eGFR was positively associated, and skeletal muscle mass was negatively associated, with creatinine eGFR in both univariate (cystatin C eGFR β=0.44±0.12,
P
=0.0006; skeletal muscle mass β=−0.72±0.32,
P
=0.03) and multivariable analysis (cystatin C eGFR β=0.43±0.12,
P
=0.0005; skeletal muscle mass β=−0.69±0.29,
P
=0.02). Urine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin concentration correlated with Fontan pressure (
r
=0.28;
P
=0.04), ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (
r
=0.28;
P
=0.04), and body fat mass (
r
=0.26;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions
Cystatin C eGFR identified more kidney dysfunction, likely attributable to creatinine eGFR being confounded by skeletal muscle mass. Elevated urine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin was associated with worse Fontan hemodynamics and higher percentage body fat, suggesting that higher venous pressure and higher adiposity are associated with ongoing kidney injury.