bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behind the scenes: Cleavage patterns of 9600 embryos
Authors: Shavit Maya , Gonen Daniel , Atzmon Yuval , Aslih Nardin , Bilgory Asaf , Shibli Yasmin , Sharqawi Moamina , Garcia Daniela Estrada , Michaeli Mediea , Poltov Diana , Shalom-Paz Einat 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the incidence of irregular cleavage (IRC) among human embryos and their influence on IVF treatment outcomes. This study was designed as a prospective observational study in a single-centre IVF clinic including 1,001 women who underwent 1,976 assisted reproduction treatments during 2016–2021. Morphokinetics of embryos was analysed and evaluated for the association between IRC and women’s characteristics, treatment characteristics, and pregnancy outcome. We found IRC incidence to be 17.5% (1,689/9,632 embryos). Of these, 85% embryos had one IRC, and 15% had multiple IRC. 35% of IRC events occurred during the embryo's first cell cycle. IRC embryos were found to correlate with male factor (p = 0.01) and higher ICSI rate (p = 0.01). Age, BMI, parity, basal FSH level, stimulation protocol and number of retrieved oocytes did not differ between groups. Embryos with early IRC or more than one IRC event had lower blastulation rate (p = 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively). Fresh cycles with IRC embryos had a lower clinical pregnancy rate (p = 0.01), and early IRC embryos had a lower live birth rate (p = 0.04) compared to embryos without IRC. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles of blastocyst embryos, with and without IRC, had comparable results. In conclusion, number of abnormal cleavage events and their timing are of great importance for the prognosis of the developing human embryo.
Gata3 is Required in Late Proneurosensory Development for Proper Sensory Cell Formation and Organization
Authors: Blinkiewicz Paige V. , Long Makayla R. , Stoner Zachary A. , Ketchum Elizabeth M. , Sheltz-Kempf Sydney N. , Duncan Jeremy S. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
It has been previously shown that zinc-finger transcription factor Gata3 has dynamic expression within the inner ear throughout embryonic development and is essential for cochlear neurosensory development. However, the temporal window to which Gata3 is required for the formation of the cochlear neurosensory epithelia remains unclear. To investigate the role of Gata3 on cochlear neurosensory development in the late prosensory stages, we used the Sox2-creERT2 mouse line to target and conditionally delete Gata3 at E11.5 before the cells have fully committed to a neurosensory fate. While the inner ears of Sox2-creERT2: Gata3 f/f mice appear morphologically normal, the sensory cells in the organ of Corti are partially lost and disorganized in a basal to apical gradient with the apex demonstrating the more severe phenotype. Additionally, spiral ganglion neurons display aberrant peripheral projections, such as increased distances between radial bundles and disorganization upon reaching the organ of Corti. Furthermore, heterozygous Sox2-creERT2: Gata3 f/+ mice show a reduced phenotype in comparison to the homozygous mutant, supporting the concept that Gata3 is not only required for proper formation at the later proneurosensory stage, but also that a specific level of Gata3 is required. Therefore, our studies confirm that Gata3 plays a time-sensitive and dose-dependent role in the development of sensory cells in the late proneurosensory stages.
Association between Parkinson’s Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yang Hong , Wang Beiming , Bai Xiaoyin , Yang Yingmai 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: The association between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported in many observational cohort studies, but the causality between PD and IBD remains unknown. Using the bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method, we aimed to determine the possible causality between PD, IBD, Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Methods: Ten SNPs were selected as instrumental variables for PD from related GWAS summary data to evaluate their causality in IBD, CD and UC. Conversely, 52, 57 and 40 SNPs were selected as instrument variants for IBD, CD and UC, respectively, from related GWAS summary data to evaluate their causality on PD. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was used as the main method for MR analyses, and an additional CAUSE method was used to estimate causality globally.
Results: PD may have a causal effect on IBD (OR=1.063, 95% CI=1.008-1.120, p=0.023) with a statistically significant causal effect on one of its subtypes, UC (OR=1.073, 95%, CI=1.005-1.146, p = 0.035), but not the other subtype, CD (OR=1.065, 95% CI=1.000-1.138, p = 0.062). However, no evidence of an effect of IBD (OR: 0.987, 95% CI: 0.937-1.039, p = 0.609), CD (OR: 1.000, 95% CI: 0.953-1.049, p = 0.995), or UC (OR: 1.005, 95% CI: 0.957-1.055, p = 0.837) on PD was found in the final IVW analysis. The results of the CAUSE method indicated that PD may have a causal effect on IBD (beta=1.45, 95% CI=1.14-1.79, p=2.9×10^-8).
Conclusions: This MR analysis indicated that PD may have a causal effect on IBD and its UC subtype. In contrast, IBD and its subtypes may not be causally associated with PD.
BMP4 inhibits corneal neovascularization by interfering with tip cells in angiogenesis
Authors: Nan Weijin , He Yuxi , Shen Sitong , Wu Meiliang , Wang Shurong , Zhang Yan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) can lead to impaired corneal transparency, resulting in vision loss or blindness. The primary pathological mechanism underlying CNV is an imbalance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, with inflammation playing a crucial role. Notably, a vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF）-A gradient triggers the selection of single endothelial cells（ECs） into primary tip cells that guide sprouting, while a dynamic balance between tip and stalk cells maintains a specific ratio to promote CNV. Despite the central importance of tip-stalk cell selection and shuffling, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of BMP4 on VEGF-A-induced lumen formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and CD34-stained tip cell formation. In vivo, BMP4 inhibited CNV caused by corneal sutures. This process was achieved by BMP4 decreasing the protein expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR2 in corneal tissue after corneal suture injury. By observing the ultrastructure of the cornea, BMP4 inhibited the sprouting of tip cells and brought forward the appearance of intussusception. Meanwhile, BMP4 attenuated the inflammatory response by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps （NETs）formation through the NADPH oxidase-2（NOX-2）pathway. Our results indicate that BMP4 inhibits the formation of tip cells by reducing the generation of NETs, disrupting the dynamic balance of tip and stalk cells and thereby inhibiting CNV, suggesting that BMP4 may be a potential therapeutic target for CNV.
Lumbar lordosis and sacral slope have no differences in two types of postoperative lumbar disc re-herniation: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Shen Zhijia , Wang Wenhao , Ni Li , Zhao Hongcheng , Yang Lianda , Zhang Linlin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: To identify the differences of lumbar lordosis (LL) and sacral slope (SS) angles between two types of postoperative lumbar disc re-herniation, including the recurrence of same level and adjacent segment herniation (ASH).
Methods: We searched the medical records of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients with re-herniation with complete imaging data (n=58) from January 1, 2013 to December 30, 2020 in our hospital. After matching for age and sex, 58 patients with LDH without re-herniation from the same period operated by the same treatment group in our hospital were served as a control group. Re-herniation patients were divided into two groups, same-level recurrent lumbar disc herniation group (rLDHG) and adjacent segment herniation group with or without recurrence (ASHG). The preoperative, postoperative and one month after operation LL and SS were measured on standing radiographs and compared with the control group by using t-test，ANOVA, and rank-sum test．Next, we calculated the odds ratios (ORs) by unconditional logistic regression, progressively adjusted for other confounding factors.
Results: Compared with the control group, the postoperative LL and SS were significantly lower in LDH patients with re-herniation. However, there were no differences in LL and SS between ASHG and rLDHG at any stage. After progressive adjustment for confounding factors, no matter what stage is, LL and SS remained unassociated with the two types of re-herniation.
Conclusions: The postoperative LL and SS are independent risk factors for lumbar disc re-herniation. Low LL and SS angles at any stage do not appear to determine the type of re-herniation, as this is decided by many other factors, such as age, genes and so on.
Comparative in-vitro Microscopic Evaluation of Vertical Marginal Discrepancy, Microhardness, and Surface Roughness of Nickel-chromium in New and Recast Alloy
Authors: Das Gotam 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

In the restoration of the partial dentition the casting alloy plays a major role. The alloys used require the long term stay in oral cavity exposed to a wet environment, so they must have good wear resistance, biocompatibility, and mechanically good strength. The objective of the study is to evaluate the vertical marginal discrepancy, surface roughness and microhardness of the new and recast nickel-chromium (base metal) alloys. 125 wax patterns were fabricated from a customized stainless steel master die with a heavy chamfer cervical margin divided into 5 groups. Each group had 25 samples. Group A: twenty five wax patterns were cast using 100% by weight of new alloy, Group B: casting was done by using 75% new alloy and 25% alloy by weight, Group C: wax patterns were cast using 50% new alloy and 50% alloy, Group D: 25% new alloy and 75% alloy and Group E: 100% recast alloy. Induction castings were finished and seated on the die. The vertical marginal discrepancy was measured by analytical scanning microscope, microhardness were tested on universal testing machine and surface roughness on tester of surface roughness. The maximum vertical marginal discrepancy and surface roughness was found in group E while minimum was in group A. The mean maximum microhardness was found in group C while minimum was in group B (p < 0.001). Castings produced using new alloy were better than those obtained with recast alloy. This indicated that recasting of (Ni–Cr) can be used as a good alternative for the new alloy from an economical point of view.
Soil biotic and abiotic thresholds in sugar maple and American beech seedling establishment in forests of the northeastern United States
Authors: Tourville Jordon , Zarfos Michael , Lawrence Gregory , McDonnell Todd , Sullivan Tim , Dovciak Martin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Aims
Climate change is expected to shift climatic envelopes of temperate tree species into boreal forests where unsuitable soils may limit range expansion. We studied several edaphic thresholds (mycorrhizae, soil chemistry) that can limit seedling establishment of two major temperate tree species, sugar maple and American beech.
Methods
We integrate two field surveys of tree seedling density, mycorrhizal colonization, and soil chemistry in temperate deciduous and montane conifer forests of the Adirondack and Green Mountains in northeastern United States. We conducted correlation and linear breakpoint analyses to detect soil abiotic and biotic thresholds in species seedling distributions across edaphic gradients.
Results
In the Green Mtns, sugar maple seedling relative importance (IV) declined sharply at low pH (<3.74 in upper mineral soil) and low mycorrhizal colonization (<27.5% of root length colonized). Sugar maple IV was highly correlated with soil chemistry, while beech was generally insensitive to soil variables. Mycorrhizal colonization of sugar maple was strongly positively correlated with soil pH and conspecific overstory basal area. In the Adirondacks, sugar maple IV plateaued above thresholds in soil calcium (~2 meq/100g) and magnesium (~0.3 meq/100g) where these nutrients were no longer limiting. Sugar maple IV declined steeply with increasing aluminum and decreasing pH.
Conclusions
The establishment of sugar maple, but not beech, was impeded by both biotic and abiotic soil components in boreal conifer forests and by soil acidity in temperate deciduous forests. These differences in species sensitivity to edaphic thresholds will likely affect species success and future shifts in forest composition.
Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications and anticholinergic burden according to 2019 Beers Criteria and 2015 STOPP version 2 criteria in older adults at hospital admission in Mexico: an observational retrospective study.
Authors: Gonzalez-Reynoso Rodrigo , Rodriguez-Quintanilla Karina A. , Acuña-Londoño Juliana , Garcia-Cruz Jesus A. , Ogazon-Milan David , Serrano-Pesquera Regina , Villar-Canton Cristina , Hartmann-Nava Julia 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are associated with a higher number of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of PIMs and to identify associated factors.
Methods: This is an observational retrospective study that analyzed the prevalence of at least one PIM by the 2019 updated Beers Criteria and the 2015 updated STOPP version 2 criteria in adults 65 years of age or older at their hospital admission during a period of 6 months; these data were compared to variables such as comorbidities, hospital length of stay, anticholinergic cognitive burden, and mortality. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used to identify prevalence and associated factors.
Results: Data of 454 patients was analyzed. Prevalence of PIMs was 48.7% (n=221). The most frequent PIMs were central nervous system drugs (such as benzodiazepines) and proton pump inhibitors. Use of >5 drugs and age >75 years constituted independent risk factors for PIMs presentation. There was a higher anticholinergic burden score in patients presenting with PIMs. Presence of PIMs identified by STOPP criteria was an independent risk factor for mortality.
Conclusions: A high prevalence of PIMs was demonstrated in this population, associated with polypharmacy and older age; besides, PIMs identified by STOPP were associated with higher mortality. The mean anticholinergic cognitive burden was higher in subjects who used at least one PIM.
Graphene based Adaptable Frequency Stack Antenna with Common Ground for Cognitive Radio Application
Authors: R Prasanna 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
A simple graphene stack antenna with frequency switching ability using a dual-in-line package (DIP) switch is presented in this paper. The stack structure consists of three layers viz. The top and middle layers are polyester substrates, and the bottom layer is the FR4 substrate. All three layers have micro strip line-fed rectangular patch structures with/without slots and different sizes to operate at three frequencies. All the patch structures are printed with graphene material and measured for their performance. The feedline of each patch antenna is connected to the DIP switch for frequency switching. The ground position of each switch is connected to the common ground plane that is printed on the bottom surface of the FR4 substrate. The measured results had shown that the switching between the frequencies is achieved well with the help of the DIP switch, and hence it is suitable for cognitive radio application.
Outpatient health service utilization among adults with selected chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany - results of the GEDA studies between 2019 and 2021
Authors: Du Yong , Baumert Jens , Damerow Stefan , Rommel Alexander , Neuhauser Hannelore , Heidemann Christin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection and lockdown measures may have an impact on health care utilization particularly for people with chronic diseases. We investigated changes in outpatient utilization behavior in pandemic phases among people with selected chronic diseases in Germany.
Methods: The nationwide telephone surveys GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS (April 2019 to September 2020) and GEDA 2021 (July to December 2021) covered 4 out of 7 pandemic phases from the pre-pandemic to the 4th pandemic wave. Data on hypertension, major cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes in the past 12 months and visiting a general practitioner (GP) or a specialist (excluding dentist) in the past 4 weeks was collected using a standardized questionnaire. Proportions and odds ratios were derived from logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, education and federal state.
Results: Among 27,967 participants aged ≥16 years, 8,449, 1,136 and 2,497 individuals had hypertension, major CVD and diabetes. Participants with these chronic diseases visited a GP or specialist significantly more often than the overall study population, irrespective of pandemic phases. Compared to the pre-pandemic phase, a significant reduction in specialist-visiting was found in the 1st pandemic wave among people with hypertension (34.3% vs. 24.1%), major CVD (41.9% vs. 25.6%) and diabetes (39.5% vs. 25.5%). GP-visiting was lower only among people with hypertension (53.0% vs. 46.0%). No difference in GP or specialist visiting was found in the 4th pandemic wave compared to the pre-pandemic phase.
Conclusions: The observed decrease particularly in specialist utilization among people with the selected chronic diseases at the beginning of the pandemic was not observed for the second half of 2021 despite the ongoing pandemic. Further studies are required to examine whether the temporary changes in the utilization of ambulatory health care have affected the disease management of people with chronic diseases.
On the value of advanced information about delayed rewards
Authors: Macias Alejandro , Machado Armando , Vasconcelos Marco 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In a variety of laboratory preparations, several animal species prefer signaled over unsignaled outcomes. Here we examine whether pigeons prefer options that signal the delay to impending reward over options that do not and how this preference changes with the ratio of the delays. We offered pigeons repeated choices between two alternatives leading to a short or a long delay to reward. For one alternative (informative), the short and long delays were reliably signaled by different stimuli (e.g. SS for short delays, SL for long delays). For the other (non-informative), the delays were not reliably signaled by the stimuli presented (S1 and S2). Across conditions, we varied the durations of the short and long delays while keeping the average delay to reward constant. Pigeons preferred the informative over the non-informative option and this preference became stronger as the ratio of the long to the short delay increased. A modified version of the Δ-Σ hypothesis (González et al., 2020a) incorporating a contrast-like process between the immediacies to reward signaled by each stimulus accounted well for our findings. Functionally, we argue that a preference for signaled delays hinges on the potential instrumental advantage typically conveyed by information.
The sarcopenia index measured using the lumber paraspinal muscle is associated with prognosis in endometrial cancer
Authors: Uno Kaname , Yoshikawa Nobuhisa , Kitami Kazuhisa , Mori Sho , Shibata Takahiro , Iyoshi Shohei , Fujimoto Hiroki , Mogi Kazumasa , Yoshihara Masato , Tamauchi Satoshi , Ikeda Yoshiki , Yokoi Akira , Kato Kazuyoshi , Hoshiba Tsutomu , Oguchi Hidenori , Kajiyama Hiroaki 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: The number of type-II endometrial cancer patients has been increasing and the prognosis is not favorable. We aim to investigate whether sarcopenia index in any of several different muscles could serve as a novel biomarker of prognosis in patients with type-II endometrial cancer.Methods: We retrospectively investigated a total of 194 patients at four hospitals. Ninety patients were treated as derivation set and the other 104 patients as validation set. Using preoperative CT images, we measured the horizontal cross-sectional area at the third lumbar spine level: the (i) psoas major, (ii) iliac, and (iii) paraspinal muscle. The clinical information including recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively collected. These results were validated with external datasets of three hospitals.Results: The median values of the sarcopenia index (cm2/m2) ± SD with the first data of 90 patients using the psoas, iliac, and paraspinal muscle were 3.4 ± 1.0, 1.7 ± 0.6, and 12.6 ± 3.2, respectively. In univariate analyses, the sarcopenia indexes measured using the psoas or paraspinal muscle were associated with RFS and OS. On the other hand, in multivariate analyses, the sarcopenia index using paraspinal muscle was significantly related to RFS (hazard ratio (HR) 3.78, 95% confidence intervals 1.29–5.97, P = 0.009) and OS (HR = 3.13, 95% confidence interval 1.18–8.26, P = 0.022). Within the analysis of the validation set, sarcopenia index using paraspinal muscle was also related to RFS (HR = 2.06, P = 0.045).Conclusion: The sarcopenia index using the paraspinal muscle, not psoas, could be suitable index to predict RFS and OS in patients with type-II endometrial cancer.
Genomic Identification and Expression Analysis of Acid Invertase (AINV) Gene Family in Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo
Authors: Liu Yujia , Liu Boting , Luo Kefa , Yu Baiyin , Li Xiang , Zeng Jian , Chen Jie , Xia Rui , Xu Jing , Liu Yuanlong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo, a traditional Chinese orchid herb famous for its great horticultural and medicinal value, grows in an adverse habitat and suffers from abiotic or biotic stresses. Acid invertases (AINVs) are widely considered enzymes involved in regulating sucrose metabolism and here revealed to participate in responses to environmental stress in plants. The AINV gene family members have been identified and characterized in multiple plant genomes. However, detailed information about this gene family and their expression patterns are unknown in D. officinale despite their significance in polysaccharide biosynthesis.
Results This study systematically analyzed the D. officinale genome and identified four DoAINV genes, classified into two subfamilies based on subcellular prediction and phylogenetic analysis. Comparison of gene structures and conserved motifs in DoAINV genes showed high conservation during their evolution. The conserved amino acids and domains of DoAINV proteins were characterized as pivotal for their function. Abiotic and biotic stress responses cis-elements were the most abundant motif in all DoAIVN genes, indicating they were stress-responsive. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis of transcriptome data, validated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), revealed distinct organ-specific expression patterns of DoAINV genes in eight tissues and in response to abiotic stresses. Soluble sugar content and interaction network were examined to provide information on stress release and sucrose metabolism.
Conclusions DoAINV genes are involved in various activities such as growth and development, stress response, and polysaccharide biosynthesis. The results provide valuable insights into the AINV family and will be helpful in further investigating DoAINV functions in D. officinale.