bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postpartum contraception: A matter of guidelines
Authors: Grandi Giovanni , Del Savio Maria C. , Tassi Alice , Facchinetti Fabio 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe postpartum period is the perfect time to access family planning services. WHO guidelines contraindicate combined hormonal contraceptives postpartum in breastfeeding patients between 6 weeks and 6 months after delivery (Medical Eligibility Criteria category 3). On the contrary, the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines do not contraindicate their use in women who breastfeed from 6 weeks to 6 months postpartum. New combined hormonal contraceptives with natural estrogens have never been studied in this setting. Guidelines agree on the prescription of the progestin‐only pill postpartum in non‐breastfeeding women (category 1). Differences are found in women who breastfeed. In non‐breastfeeding women, an implant is considered safe (category 1) by all guidelines, without any distinction in time. Regarding postpartum breastfeeding women, the guidelines for implants give quite different indications but are still permissive. Intrauterine devices are viable options for postpartum contraception but guidelines give different indications about the timing of insertion. Postplacental intrauterine device placement can reduce the subsequent unintended pregnancy rate, particularly in settings at greatest risk of not having recommended postpartum controls. However, it has yet to be understood whether this approach can really have an advantage in high‐income countries. Postpartum contraception is not a ‘matter of guidelines’: it is the best customization for each woman, as early as possible but at the ideal timing.
Pleiotropic activities of succinate: The interplay between gut microbiota and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Xu Jing , Yang Yicheng , Li Xin , Ding Shusi , Zheng Lemin , Xiong Changming , Yang Yuejin 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be a significant contributor to global mortality, imposing a substantial burden and emphasizing the urgent need for disease control to save lives and prevent disability. With advancements in technology and scientific research, novel mechanisms underlying CVDs have been uncovered, leading to the exploration of promising treatment targets aimed at reducing the global burden of the disease. One of the most intriguing findings is the relationship between CVDs and gut microbiota, challenging the traditional understanding of CVDs mechanisms and introducing the concept of the gut‐heart axis. The gut microbiota, through changes in microbial compositions and functions, plays a crucial role in influencing local and systemic effects on host physiology and disease development, with its metabolites acting as key regulators. In previous studies, we have emphasized the importance of specific metabolites such as betaine, putrescine, trimethylamine oxide, and N,N,N‐trimethyl‐5‐aminovaleric acid in the potential treatment of CVDs. Particularly noteworthy is the gut microbiota‐associated metabolite succinate, which has garnered significant attention due to its involvement in various pathophysiological pathways closely related to CVDs pathogenesis, including immunoinflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, we have identified succinate as a potential biomarker, highlighting its therapeutic feasibility in managing aortic dissection and aneurysm. This review aims to comprehensively outline the characteristics of succinate, including its biosynthetic process, summarize the current evidence linking it to CVDs causation, and emphasize the host‐microbial crosstalk involved in modulating CVDs. The insights presented here offer a novel paradigm for future management and control of CVDs.
Implications of regulatory policy for building secure agile software in Nigeria: A grounded theory
Authors: Ardo Abdulhamid A. , Bass Julian M. , Gaber Tarek 
Published: June 2023

AbstractNigeria is ranked second worldwide, after India, in reported incidences of cyberattacks. Attackers usually exploit vulnerabilities in software which may not have adequately considered security features during the development process. Agile methods have the potential to increase productivity and ensure faster delivery of software, although they tend to neglect non‐functional requirements such as security. The implementation of government policies, such as the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) Act 2019, impacts the security activities carried out by agile teams. Despite its significance, there is a paucity of research on security issues especially in the Agile Software Development (ASD) domain. To address this gap, a grounded theory study was conducted with 15 agile software practitioners in Nigeria. Based on our analysis of the interview transcripts, we developed a grounded theory of the security challenges confronting agile practitioners. The four challenges identified were (a) a lack of collaboration between security and agile teams; (b) the tendency to use foreign software hosting companies; (c) a poor cybersecurity culture; and (d) the high cost of building secure agile software. We used these challenges to identify gaps within the existing secure ASD and found a lack of indigenous software hosting companies in Nigeria. Our study also revealed tensions between the Nigerian regulatory environment and agile software developers' compliance. While practitioners acknowledged the government's efforts, there were concerns about the practicality of implementing such legislation. We recommend government action to increase awareness of local software hosting companies' capabilities, and closer collaboration between agile and security teams. Thus, the novel contribution of this article is the development of the policy adherence challenges (PAC) model.
Research and scholarly methods: The scholarship of teaching and learning
Authors: Cox Wendy , Wettergreen Sara A. , Savage Amanda , Brock Tina 
Published: June 2023

AbstractClinical faculty and preceptors are often asked to teach students and residents in the classroom and on practice‐based experiences. Many have some prior training in instructional methodologies (e.g., as part of a residency program teaching certificate or faculty development workshop) and may know that there are opportunities for scholarship around teaching and learning. However, they may be less certain of the distinctions between scholarly teaching, the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), and educational research, and how these can contribute to their success. In addition, clinical faculty may struggle with where to start, how to find time, and how to conduct scholarship around teaching and learning. This article summarizes key concepts related to SoTL and provides guidance to clinician educators about best practices in SoTL.
Morin mitigates cadmium‐induced testicular impairment by stimulating testosterone secretion and germ cell proliferation in mice
Authors: Annie Lalrawngbawli , Nicy Vanrohlu , Rempuia Vanlal , Marak Chuckles Ch. , Gurusubramanian Guruswami , Roy Vikas K. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is one of the heavy metal pollutants present in the environment due to human intervention. It is well known that Cd causes toxicological effects on various organs, including the testes. Morin hydrate is a plant‐derived bioflavonoid with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐stress properties. Thus, the question can be raised as to whether Morin has an effect on Cd‐intoxication‐induced testicular impairment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of Morin on Cd‐mediated disruption of testicular activity. Mice were divided into three groups: group 1 served as the control group, group 2 was given Cd (10 mg/kg) orally for 35 days, and group 3 was given Cd and Morin hydrate (100 mg/kg) for 35 days. To validate the in vivo findings, an in vitro study on testicular explants was also performed. The results of the in vivo study showed that Cd‐intoxicated mice had testicular disorganization, reduced circulating testosterone levels, decreased sperm density, and elevated oxidative stress and sperm abnormality. The expression of the germ cell proliferation marker, germ cell nuclear acidic protein (GCNA), and adipocytokine visfatin were also downregulated. It was observed that Morin hydrate upregulated testicular visfatin and GCNA expression in Cd‐intoxicated mice, along with improvement in circulating testosterone, testicular histology, and sperm parameters. Furthermore, the in vitro study showed that Cd‐mediated downregulation of testicular visfatin and GCNA expression, along with the suppressed secretion of testosterone from testicular explants, was normalized by Morin treatment, whereas visfatin expression was not. Overall, these data indicate that environmental cadmium exposure impairs testicular activity through downregulation of visfatin and GCNA expression, and Morin might play a protective role against Cd‐induced testicular toxicity.
The therapeutic effect of silibinin against 5‐fluorouracil‐induced ovarian toxicity in rats
Authors: Ayazoglu Demir Elif , Mentese Ahmet , Kucuk Hatice , Turkmen Alemdar Nihal , Demir Selim 
Published: June 2023

Abstract5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is a fluoropyrimidine group antineoplastic drug with antimetabolite properties and ovotoxicity is one of the most important side effects. Silibinin (SLB) is a natural compound that is used worldwide and stands out with its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SLB in 5‐FU‐induced ovototoxicity using biochemical and histological analysis. This study was carried out in five main groups containing six rats in each group: control, SLB (5 mg/kg), 5‐FU (100 mg/kg), 5‐FU + SLB (2.5 mg/kg), and 5‐FU + SLB (5 mg/kg). The levels of ovarian malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and caspase‐3 were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Hematoxylin and eosin staining method was employed for histopathological examination. MDA, TOS, 8‐OHdG, TNF‐α, MPO, and caspase‐3 levels in 5‐FU group were significantly increased compared with the control group, while the levels of TAS, SOD, and CAT were decreased (p < 0.05). SLB treatments statistically significantly restored this damage in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). Although vascular congestion, edema, hemorrhage, follicular degeneration, and leukocyte infiltration were significantly higher in the 5‐FU group compared with the control group, SLB treatments also statistically significantly restored these damages (p < 0.05). In conclusion, SLB has a therapeutic effect on the ovarian damage induced by 5‐FU via decreasing the levels of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. It may be helpful to consider the usefulness of SLB as an adjuvant therapy to counteract the side effects of chemotherapy.
Zika virus: Critical crosstalk between pathogenesis, cytopathic effects, and macroautophagy
Authors: Bernardo‐Menezes Lucas Coêlho , Agrelli Almerinda , Oliveira Ana Sofia Lima Estevão de , Azevedo Elisa de Almeida Neves , Morais Clarice Neuenschwander Lins de 
Published: June 2023

AbstractZika virus (ZIKV) is a re‐emerging positive‐sense RNA arbovirus. Its genome encodes a polyprotein that is cleaved by proteases into three structural proteins (Envelope, pre‐Membrane, and Capsid) and seven nonstructural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, and NS5). These proteins have essential functions in viral replication cycle, cytopathic effects, and host cellular response. When infected by ZIKV, host cells promote macroautophagy, which is believed to favor virus entry. Although several authors have attempted to understand this link between macroautophagy and viral infection, little is known. Herein, we performed a narrative review of the molecular connection between macroautophagy and ZIKV infection while focusing on the roles of the structural and nonstructural proteins. We concluded that ZIKV proteins are major virulence factors that modulate host‐cell machinery to its advantage by disrupting and/or blocking specific cellular systems and organelles' function, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
The origin, progress, and application of cell‐based cardiac regeneration therapy
Authors: Zhuo Danping , Lei Ienglam , Li Wenjun , Liu Li , Li Lan , Ni Jingyu , Liu Zhihao , Fan Guanwei 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a severe threat to human health, with morbidity and mortality increasing yearly and gradually becoming younger. When the disease progresses to the middle and late stages, the loss of a large number of cardiomyocytes is irreparable to the body itself, and clinical drug therapy and mechanical support therapy cannot reverse the development of the disease. To explore the source of regenerated myocardium in model animals with the ability of heart regeneration through lineage tracing and other methods, and develop a new alternative therapy for CVDs, namely cell therapy. It directly compensates for cardiomyocyte proliferation through adult stem cell differentiation or cell reprogramming, which indirectly promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation through non‐cardiomyocyte paracrine, to play a role in heart repair and regeneration. This review comprehensively summarizes the origin of newly generated cardiomyocytes, the research progress of cardiac regeneration based on cell therapy, the opportunity and development of cardiac regeneration in the context of bioengineering, and the clinical application of cell therapy in ischemic diseases.
Anatomical and histochemical characterization of some highly medicinal plants as a tool for quality control
Authors: Dastagir Ghulam , Hussain Farrukh , Uza Noor Ul 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMedicinal plants are richest source of chemical compounds that can be used to evolve novel drugs. According to World Health Organization (WHO), in developing countries more than 3.5 billion people relay on herbal drugs for their primary health care. In the present study, an attempt was carried out to authenticate some selected medicinal plants (Fagonia cretica L., Peganum harmala L., Tribulus terrestris L., Chrozophora tinctoria L. Raf. and Ricinus communis L.) from family Zygophyllaceae and Euphorbiaceae using light and scanning electron macroscopic techniques. Macroscopic evaluation and comparative anatomy (Light Microscopy) of the root and fruits revealed great diversity in macro and microscopic features. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of root powder showed non‐glandular trichomes, stellate trichomes, parenchyma cells and vessels. Fruits SEM exhibited non‐glandular trichomes, glandular trichomes, stellate trichomes, peltate trichomes and mesocarp cells. Both macroscopic and microscopic evaluation plays a crucial role in the correct substantiation and validation of novel sources. These findings can serve as an essential source of information to accomplish the authenticity and to appraise the quality and purity of the herbal drugs in accordance to WHO guidelines. These parameters can be used to distinguish the selected plants from their commonly used adulterants.Research Highlights
In the current work, five plants (Fagonia cretica L., Peganum harmala L., Tribulus terrestris L., Chrozophora tinctoria L. Raf. and Ricinus communis L.) from Zygophyllaceae and Euphorbiaceae were investigated for macroscopy and microscopy (LM & SEM) for the first time.
Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation disclosed great diversity in morphology and histology. Microscopy is the backbone of standardization process.
Current study helped in correct identification and quality assurance of the plant materials. Their statistical investigation may possess great potency for plant taxonomists to further appraise the vegetative growth and tissue development which is requisite especially for fruit to enhance the yield of herbal drugs and their formulation. Further molecular studies, compounds isolation and characterization are required to deepen the knowledge of these herbal drugs.
Altered Callosal Morphology and Connectivity in Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Liu Xitong , Xu Dan , Zhong Xiaoli , Ren Jinxia , Wang Huan , Yu Minhua , Gao Lei , Xu Haibo 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundCarotid stenosis, even in the clinically asymptomatic stage, causes cognitive impairment, silent lesions, and hemispheric changes. The corpus callosum (CC) is crucial for hemispheric cortical integration and specialization.PurposeTo examine if CC morphology and connectivity relate to cognitive decline and lesion burden in asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS).Study TypeRetrospective, cross‐sectional.Population33 patients with unilaterally severe (70%) ACS and 28 demographically and comorbidity‐matched controls. A publicly available healthy adult lifespan (ages between 18 and 80; n = 483) MRI dataset was also included.Field Strength/SequenceA 3.0 T; T1 MPRAGE and diffusion weighted gradient echo‐planar imaging sequences.AssessmentStructural MRI and multidomain cognitive data were obtained. Midsagittal CC area, circularity, thickness, integrity, and probabilistic tractography were calculated and correlated with cognitive tests and white matter hyperintensity. Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity were determined from DTI.Statistical TestsIndependent two‐sample t‐tests, χ2 tests, Mann–Whitney U, locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) curve fit, and Pearson correlation. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsPatients with ACS demonstrated significant reductions in callosal area, circularity, and thickness compared to controls. The callosal atrophy was significantly correlated with white matter hyperintensity size (r = −0.629, P < 0.001). Voxel‐wise analysis of diffusion measures in the volumetric CC showed that ACS patients exhibited significantly lower fractional anisotropy and higher MD and radial diffusivity in the genu and splenium of the CC than controls. Further lifespan trajectory analysis showed that although the midsagittal callosal area, circularity, and thickness exhibited age‐related decreases, the values in the ACS patients were significantly lower in all age groups.Data ConclusionMidsagittal callosal atrophy and connectivity reflect the load of silent lesions and the severity of cognitive decline, respectively, suggesting that CC degeneration has potential to serve as an early marker in ACS.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage2
Prevalence and risk factors of long COVID 6–12 months after infection with the Omicron variant among nonhospitalized patients in Hong Kong
Authors: Luo Jingyuan , Zhang Jialing , Tang Hiu To , Wong Hoi Ki , Lyu Aiping , Cheung Chun Hoi , Bian Zhaoxiang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractLong COVID has been reported among patients with COVID‐19, but little is known about the prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID 6–12 months after infection with the Omicron variant. This is a large‐scale retrospective study. A total of 6242 out of 12 950 nonhospitalized subjects of all ages with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (confirmed by polymerase chain reaction/rapid antigen test) during the Omicron dominant outbreak (December 31, 2021–May 6, 2022) in Hong Kong were included. Prevalence of long COVID, frequencies of symptoms, and risk factors were analyzed. Three thousand four hundred and thirty (55.0%) subjects reported at least one long COVID symptom. The most reported symptom was fatigue (1241, 36.2%). Female gender, middle age, obesity, comorbidities, vaccination after infection, having more symptoms, and presenting fatigue/chest tightness/headache/diarrhea in the acute stage of illness were identified as associated risk factors for long COVID. Patients who had received three or more doses of vaccine were not associated with a lower risk of long COVID (adjusted odds ratio 1.105, 95% confidence interval 0.985–1.239, p = 0.088). Among patients with at least three doses of vaccine, there was no significant difference in the risk of long COVID between the CoronaVac vaccine and BNT162b2 vaccine (p > 0.05). Omicron infection can lead to long COVID in a significant proportion of nonhospitalized patients 6–12 months after infection. Further investigation is needed to uncover the mechanisms underlying the development of long COVID and determine the impact of various risk factors such as vaccines.
The role of root size and root efficiency in grain production, and water‐and nitrogen‐use efficiency in wheat
Authors: Yan Minfei , Lian Huida , Zhang Cong , Chen Yinglong , Cai Huanjie , Zhang Suiqi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe root system is the major plant organ involved in water and nutrient acquisition, influencing plant growth and productivity. However, the relative importance of root size and uptake efficiency remains undetermined. A pot experiment was conducted using two wheat varieties with different root sizes to evaluate their capacity for water and nitrogen (N) uptake and their effects on grain production, water‐use efficiency (WUE), and N‐use efficiency (NUE) under two water treatments combined with three N levels.RESULTSThe leaf water potential and root exudates of changhan58 (CH, small root variety) were higher or similar to those of changwu134 (CW, large root variety) under water/N treatment combinations, indicating that small roots can transport enough water to above the ground. The addition of N improved plant growth, photosynthetic traits, and WUE significantly. There were no significant differences in WUE or grain production between the two cultivars under well‐watered conditions. However, they were significantly higher in CH than in CW under water deficit stress. Nitrogen uptake per unit root dry weight, glutaminase, and nitrate reductase activities were significantly higher in CH than in CW, regardless of moisture conditions. Root biomass was positively correlated with evapotranspiration, while the root/shoot ratio was negatively correlated with WUE (P < 0.05) but not with NUE.CONCLUSIONIn a pot experiment, water and N uptake were more strongly associated with resource uptake availability than root size. This may provide guidance in wheat breeding programs for drought‐prone regions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of the breaking points in the global care pathway of patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Saint-Aroman Markéta , Carballido Fabienne , Jean‐Decoster Catherine , Agaësse Angela 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic skin disease with flare‐ups. All age groups can be affected. The quality of life of AD patients can be altered if their medical follow‐up is not optimal.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to identify the breakpoints in the care pathway for patients with atopic dermatitis.MethodsWe carried out an analysis of care pathways based on responses from healthcare professionals and patients with AD using anonymized questionnaires designed by a steering committee of expert patients and health care professionals.ResultsAt the end of this survey, we collected 260 responses to the questionnaires from the patients and 57 responses from the healthcare professionals. Three break points were identified. Firstly, a large majority of patients admitted to not having enough social support and especially paramedical support. The second breaking point is patient compliance with treatment. 20% of patients discontinue their treatment, and a vast majority express a lack of information about their disease. The last point of rupture between patients and healthcare professionals is the appointment for their initial consultation; delays are underestimated or under‐reported by practitioners.ConclusionsThis study shows that some points need to be improved in the patient care process on both sides, patients, and health professional. A dialogue between the two parts should be open to focus on solutions to improve the care pathway of patients with AD.