bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy incidence and associated risk factors of dichorionic triamniotic triplet under assisted reproduction: A large sample of clinical data analysis
Authors: Liu Shuhua , Xu Qianhua , Wang Yafen , Song Bing , Wei Zhaolian 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundDichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplet pregnancies are rare in spontaneous pregnancy. The aim was to characterize the incidence and risk factors of DCTA triplet pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology (ART).MethodsA retrospective analysis of 10,289 patients, including 3,429 fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycle and 6,860 frozen ET cycle, was performed from January 2015 to June 2020. The effect of different ART parameters on the incidence of DCTA triplet pregnancies was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analyses.ResultsAmong all clinical pregnancies after ART, the incidence of DCTA was 1.24%. 1.22% occurred in the fresh ET cycle, while 1.25% occurred in the frozen ET cycle. The number of ET and cycle type has no effect on the occurrence of DCTA triplet pregnancies (p = 0.987; p = 0.056, respectively). There were significant differences in DCTA triplet pregnancies rate among receiving intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) [1.92% vs. 1.02%, p &lt; 0.001, OR = 0.461, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.315–0.673], blastocyst transfer (BT) versus cleavage-ET (1.66% vs. 0.57%, P &lt; 0.001, OR = 0.329, 95% CI 0.315–0.673), and maternal age ≥ 35 years versus maternal age &lt; 35 years (1.00% vs. 1.30%, P = 0.040, OR = 1.773, 95% CI 1.025–3.066). Based on the regression analysis of cycle type, DCTA triplet pregnancies rate was higher in maternal age &lt; 35 years than in maternal age ≥ 35 years (1.35% vs. 0.97%, P &lt; 0.001, OR = 5.266, 95% CI 2.184–12.701), BT versus cleavage-ET (1.47% vs. 0.94%; P = 0.006, OR = 0.346, 95% CI 0.163–0.735), and receiving ICSI was higher than receiving IVF (3.82% vs. 0.78%, p &lt; 0.001, OR = 0.085, 95% CI 0.039–0.189) in fresh ET cycle. However, DCTA triplet pregnancies rate did not show difference in maternal age, insemination methods, and number of ET, and only BT was found to be associated with a higher DCTA triplet pregnancies rate in the frozen ET cycle (1.73% vs. 0.30%, p &lt; 0.001, OR = 0.179, 95% CI 0.083–0.389).ConclusionThe prevalence of DCTA triplet pregnancies has increased after ART. Maternal age &lt; 35 years, BT, and receiving ICSI are risk factors for DCTA triplet pregnancies, also in fresh ET cycle. However, in frozen ET cycle, BT is an independent risk factor for increased DCTA triplet pregnancies rate.
Caregiving burden and special needs of parents in the care of their short-statured children – a qualitative approach
Authors: Lackner Lea , Quitmann Julia Hannah , Witt Stefanie 
Published: March 2023

PurposeTo explore caregiving burden, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), stress, and individual resources of parents in the care of children with isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) or idiopathic short stature (ISS).MethodsFocused interview analysis of previously, within the Quality of Life in Short Stature Youth (QoLISSY) project, conducted structured focus group discussions (n=7) with parents (n=33) of children with IGHD/ISS aged 4 to 18 years were performed.Results26 out of the 33 parents reported mental stress due to their child’s growth disorder. Social pressure and stigmatization were also mentioned as being demanding. Some parents reported having trouble with human growth hormone (hGH) treatment. Several parents wished for parent support groups with other like-minded parents of short-statured children.ConclusionFor physicians, it is essential to understand the parents’ caregiving burden, stress, and individual resources in caring for IGHD/ISS children. If an impaired HRQOL is detected, psychological intervention for these parents may be scheduled, and coping mechanisms may be discussed. Furthermore, it seems essential for parents to be educated by their healthcare provider about the possible side effects of hGH treatment or to know where to find evidence-based information about it.
Effect of acupuncture on the opening time of implantation window and endometrial receptivity in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation rats during peri-implantation period
Authors: Hu Runan , Huang Yanjing , Song Yufan , Wu Xiao , Song Kunkun , Huang Guangying , Zhang Mingmin , Dong Haoxu 
Published: March 2023

PurposeTo investigate the effect of acupuncture for improving the pregnancy rate of COH rats from the viewpoint of regulating the opening time of the implantation window and endometrial receptivity.MethodsExperimental rats were randomly divided into normal group (N), model group (M) and acupuncture group(A), and samples were collected on Day 4, 5 and 6 after mating. COH rats were treated with acupuncture at SP6, LR3, and ST36 once a day for 7 times. The pinopodes were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Serum estrogen and progesterone levels were measured via ELISA. The protein and mRNA levels of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), integrin β3, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) in the endometrium were evaluated via West-blot, immunohistochemistry, and PCR.ResultsCompared with group N, the pregnancy rate of group M was significantly decreased (P&lt;0.05), and the abnormal serum hormone levels and implantation window advancement were observed. Compared with group M, the pregnancy rate of group A was significantly increased (P&lt;0.05), the supraphysiological serum progesterone levels were restored to normalcy (P&lt;0.05), and the advanced implantation window was restored to a certain extent. Further, the abnormal ER, PR, LIF, integrin β3, VEGF, and FGF-2 expression levels of the endometrium got recovered to varying degrees.ConclusionAcupuncture may restore the estrogen and progesterone balance in COH rats and the forward shift of the implantation window to a certain extent, improving the endometrial receptivity and finally improving the pregnancy rate of COH rats.
Genetic and clinical characteristics including occurrence of testicular adrenal rest tumors in Slovak and Slovenian patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Saho Robert , Dolzan Vita , Zerjav Tansek Mojca , Pastorakova Andrea , Petrovic Robert , Knapkova Maria , Trebusak Podkrajsek Katarina , Suput Omladic Jasna , Bertok Sara , Avbelj Stefanija Magdalena , Kotnik Primoz , Battelino Tadej , Pribilincova Zuzana , Groselj Urh 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveTo analyze the mutational spectrum, clinical characteristics, genotype–phenotype correlations, testicular adrenal rests tumor prevalence, and role of neonatal screening in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients from Slovakia and Slovenia.Design and methodsData were obtained from 104 patients with CAH registered in Slovak and Slovenian databases. Low-resolution genotyping was performed to detect the most common point mutations. To detect deletions, conversions, point mutations, or other sequence changes in the CYP21A2 gene, high-resolution genotyping was performed. Genotypes were classified according to residual 21-hydroxylase activity (null, A, B, C).Results64% of the individuals had the salt-wasting form (SW-CAH), 15% the simple virilizing form (SV-CAH), and 21% the non-classic (NC-CAH). CYP21A2 gene deletion/conversion and c.293-13A/C&gt;G pathogenic variant accounted together for 55.5% of the affected alleles. In SV-CAH p.Ile172Asn was the most common pathogenic variant (28.13%), while in NC-CAH p.Val282Leu (33.33%), CYP21A2 gene deletion/conversion (21.43%), c.293-13A/C&gt;G (14.29%), Pro30Leu (11.90%). The frequency of alleles with multiple pathogenic variants was higher in Slovenian patients (15.83% of all alleles). Severe genotypes (0 and A) correlated well with the expected phenotype (SW in 94.74% and 97.3%), while less severe genotypes (B and C) correlated weaklier (SV in 50% and NC in 70.8%). The median age of SW-CAH patients at the time of diagnosis was 6 days in Slovakia vs. 28.5 days in Slovenia (p=0.01). Most of the Slovak patients in the cohort were detected by NBS. (24 out of 29). TARTs were identified in 7 out of 24 male patients, of whom all (100%) had SW-CAH and all had poor hormonal control. The median age at the diagnosis of TARTs was 13 years.ConclusionThe study confirmed the importance of neonatal screening, especially in the speed of diagnosis of severe forms of CAH. The prediction of the 21-OH deficiency phenotype was reasonably good in the case of severe pathogenic variants, but less reliable in the case of milder pathogenic variants, which is consistent compared to data from other populations. Screening for TARTs should be realized in all male patients with CAH, since there is possible remission when identified early.
Is preclinical diabetic retinopathy in diabetic nephropathy individuals more severe?
Authors: Yao Hongyan , Li Zijing 
Published: March 2023

PurposeTo analyse the retinal vessel density and thickness characteristics of diabetic nephropathy (DN) individuals with preclinical diabetic retinopathy (DR) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).MethodsThis retrospective case−control study included 88 eyes of 88 type 2 DM patients with preclinical DR [44 non-DN (NDN) and 44 DN]. OCTA images and data were acquired using AngioVue 2.0 of the spectral domain OCT device. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus vessel densities, ganglion cell complex (GCC) and full retinal thicknesses, peripapillary capillary density and nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness were compared between the NDN and DN groups. The relationship between each renal function parameter and each OCTA parameter was analysed.ResultsSCP vessel density, GCC thickness and full retinal thickness were significantly reduced in DN individuals compared to NDN individuals [(NDN versus DN) SCP vessel density: 46.65 ± 3.84% versus 44.35 ± 5.25%, p=0.030; GCC thickness: 100.79 ± 5.92 μm versus 93.28 ± 8.66 μm, p&lt;0.001; full retinal thickness: whole area: 287.04 ± 13.62 μm versus 277.71 ± 15.10 μm, p=0.005). Within the peripapillary area, capillary density was also significantly reduced in the whole area (50.19 ± 3.10% versus 47.46 ± 5.93%, p=0.016) and some sectors in the DN group, though RNFL thickness was only decreased in some sectors. For all individuals, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) correlated significantly with most OCTA parameters and then showed a significantly negative correlation with FAZ area (β=−16.43, p=0.039) in multivariate linear regression analysis. In the NDN group, eGFR showed a significantly negative correlation with FAZ area (β=−18.746, p=0.048) and a significantly positive correlation with SCP vessel density (β=0.580, p=0.036).ConclusionPreclinical DR may be more severe in DN individuals than in NDN individuals with regard to microvascular and microstructural impairment. Moreover, eGFR may be a good indicator for retinal microvascular impairment.
The network analysis of organizations in watershed management toward sustainability in Northern Iran
Authors: Rezaei-Moghaddam Kurosh , Fatemi Mahsa 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The integrated water resource management is considered for development planning and water and soil resources management with an emphasis on the socio-economic features of the region for sustainability. The main purpose of study was to identify the organizations involved in the watershed management of Chehelchay of Golestan province in Iran, as well as analyzing the types of communications and interactions between organizations in terms of intensity and type.Methods: Three networks of information exchange, coordination and participation were studied due to network analysis. Thus, the related organizations involved in participatory and comprehensive management of Chehelchay watershed (30 organizations) were introduced during the trips of the research team to the site and using special questionnaire. Then, the other specialized questionnaires were collected from the informed panels of each organization to provide the required data in the network analysis. A total of 84 specialists were interviewed. About half of the respondents (42 individuals) had graduate education and their average work experience was about 15 years. One third of the respondents (28 individuals) were women. The data analysis process was performed with UCINET6.631 and NetDraw.Results and Discussion: The results indicated that the density index in information exchange (31.5%), coordination (27.5%) and participation (10%) networks were less than average. In the participation network, the values of the density index are very low and coherence is the same among the networks (information exchange, coordination, and participation). The results of reciprocity index among the organizational actors in the networks of information exchange (31.10%), coordination (33.52%) and participation (10.13%) were also less than average. Therefore, identifying the key actors with high social power in the network of local natural resources is a requirement of watershed participatory management plan. The runtime and cost of implementing natural resource projects can be significantly decreased by understanding and deploying these organizations and individuals. Social power and comprehensive participatory management is generally the key tools for building trust between local natural resource users. A systematic shift is also required from governmental management toward governance in order to achieve sustainable natural resource and watershed management.
Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in follicular fluids and their association with assisted reproduction
Authors: Chillon Thilo Samson , Weiss Gregor , Demircan Kamil , Minich Waldemar B. , Schenk Michael , Schomburg Lutz 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionEvery second woman suffering from infertility asks for medical help. There is public concern that vaccination-induced antibodies (Ab) are negatively associated with fertility. A recent study has demonstrated an association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and a lower pregnancy rate in the subsequent 60 days. Consequently, Ab could affect fertility success in assisted reproduction.MethodsTo address this question, we compared fertilization outcomes of vaccinated (n=35) and nonvaccinated (n=34) women. Paired serum samples and multiple follicular fluids (FF) (up to 10 from the same donor) were collected during the course of assisted reproduction and characterized for oocyte quality, the presence of Ab and trace element concentrations.ResultsThe results showed a positive correlation of vaccination-induced neutralizing activity of SARS-CoV-2-Ab in serum and FF. On average, Ab concentrations in serum were higher than in the corresponding FF. However, wide variations in SARS-CoV-2 Ab titers were observed between different FF, correlating to trace element levels, even when retrieved from the same donor.DiscussionOverall, FF contents are highly variable, but no negative association was observed between Ab in serum or FF and fertilization success and oocyte development, supporting the safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during assisted reproduction.
Varicella Zoster Virus infects mucosal associated Invariant T cells
Authors: Purohit Shivam K. , Corbett Alexandra J. , Slobedman Barry , Abendroth Allison 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionMucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells that respond to conserved pathogen-derived vitamin B metabolites presented by the MHC class I related-1 molecule (MR1) antigen presentation pathway. Whilst viruses do not synthesize these metabolites, we have reported that varicella zoster virus (VZV) profoundly suppresses MR1 expression, implicating this virus in manipulation of the MR1:MAIT cell axis. During primary infection, the lymphotropism of VZV is likely to be instrumental in hematogenous dissemination of virus to gain access to cutaneous sites where it clinically manifests as varicella (chickenpox). However, MAIT cells, which are found in the blood and at mucosal and other organ sites, have yet to be examined in the context of VZV infection. The goal of this study was to examine any direct impact of VZV on MAIT cells.MethodsUsing flow cytometry, we interrogated whether primary blood derived MAIT cells are permissive to infection by VZV whilst further analysing differential levels of infection between various MAIT cell subpopulations. Changes in cell surface extravasation, skin homing, activation and proliferation markers after VZV infection of MAIT cells was also assessed via flow cytometry. Finally the capacity of MAIT cells to transfer infectious virus was tested through an infectious center assay and imaged via fluorescence microscopy.ResultsWe identify primary blood-derived MAIT cells as being permissive to VZV infection. A consequence of VZV infection of MAIT cells was their capacity to transfer infectious virus to other permissive cells, consistent with MAIT cells supporting productive infection. When subgrouping MAIT cells by their co- expression of a variety cell surface markers, there was a higher proportion of VZV infected MAIT cells co-expressing CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ MAIT cells compared to the more phenotypically dominant CD8+ MAIT cells, whereas infection was not associated with differences in co-expression of CD56 (MAIT cell subset with enhanced responsiveness to innate cytokine stimulation), CD27 (co-stimulatory) or PD-1 (immune checkpoint). Infected MAIT cells retained high expression of CCR2, CCR5, CCR6, CLA and CCR4, indicating a potentially intact capacity for transendothelial migration, extravasation and trafficking to skin sites. Infected MAIT cells also displayed increased expression of CD69 (early activation) and CD71 (proliferation) markers.DiscussionThese data identify MAIT cells as being permissive to VZV infection and identify impacts of such infection on co- expressed functional markers.
Association of adenotonsillar disease and adenotonsillectomy with the development of vitiligo: A nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Kim Jong Seung , Lee Min Gyu , Lee Sang-Kyung , Yeom Sang-Woo , Kang Min-Gu , Lee Jong Hwan , Lee Il-Jae , Park Jin , Yun Seok-kweon , Nam Kyung-Hwa 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundVitiligo is a common acquired skin depigmentation disorder and is associated with various other autoimmune diseases which include thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Similarly, adenotonsillar disease (ATD) may induce inflammatory or autoimmune diseases in other organs which include the skin. However, the influence of ATD on the development of vitiligo has not been studied.ObjectivesTo determine the association between ATD and adenotonsillectomy, and the development of vitiligo.Design and methodsUsing data from the National Health Insurance Service database, patients diagnosed with ATD between 2008 and 2010 were included in the study. We performed two rounds of 1:1 propensity score matching in the ATD and adenotonsillectomy groups. The ATD and non-ATD groups both included 206,514 individuals. Among the ATD group, the adenotonsillectomy and non-adenotonsillectomy groups both included 23,354 individuals. Each individual was monitored until 2019. The primary end point was the risk of vitiligo. Using the Cox Proportional Hazards model, the incidence of vitiligo and the hazard ratio (HR) were calculated.ResultsThe incidence of vitiligo was 1.16-fold higher in the ATD group than in the non-ATD group [adjusted HR (aHR), 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09–1.24] and 0.82-fold lower in the adenotonsillectomy group than in the non-adenotonsillectomy group (aHR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68–0.99). Additionally, the other risk factors for developing vitiligo included thyroid disease (aHR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11–1.98), age younger than 30 years (aHR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09–1.27), and age over 60 years (aHR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.06–1.41), whereas factors including rural residency (aHR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85–0.98) and low economic status (aHR 0.87; 95% CI, 0.82–0.93) were associated with decreased incidence of vitiligo.ConclusionIn this study, ATD increases the risk of vitiligo and adenotonsillectomy attenuates its development. Clinicians should consider ATD as a pathogenic factor for vitiligo and the potential effect of adenotonsillectomy in its management.
Bacterial community structure in geothermal springs on the northern edge of Qinghai-Tibet plateau
Authors: Zhang Huai-sheng , Feng Qing-da , Zhang Ding-yue , Zhu Gui-lin , Yang Li 
Published: March 2023

Introduction:In order to reveal the composition of the subsurface hydrothermal bacterial community in the zones of magmatic tectonics and their response to heat storage environments.Methods:In this study, we performed hydrochemical analysis and regional sequencing of the 16S rRNA microbial V4-V5 region in 7 Pleistocene and Lower Neogene hot water samples from the Gonghe basin.Results:Two geothermal hot spring reservoirs in the study area were found to be alkaline reducing environments with a mean temperature of 24.83°C and 69.28°C, respectively, and the major type of hydrochemistry was SO4-Cl·Na. The composition and structure of microorganisms in both types of geologic thermal storage were primarily controlled by temperature, reducing environment intensity, and hydrogeochemical processes. Only 195 ASVs were shared across different temperature environments, and the dominant bacterial genera in recent samples from temperate hot springs were Thermus and Hydrogenobacter, with both genera being typical of thermophiles. The correlation analysis showed that the overall level of relative abundance of the subsurface hot spring relied on a high temperature and a slightly alkaline reducing environment. Nearly all of the top 4 species in the abundance level (53.99% of total abundance) were positively correlated with temperature and pH, whereas they were negatively correlated with ORP (oxidation–reduction potential), nitrate, and bromine ions.Discussion:In general, the composition of bacteria in the groundwater in the study area was sensitive to the response of the thermal storage environment and also showed a relationship with geochemical processes, such as gypsum dissolution, mineral oxidation, etc.