bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic preparation of spermatozoa for ICSI produces similar embryo quality to density-gradient centrifugation: a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Quinn Molly M , Ribeiro Salustiano , Juarez-Hernandez Flor , Simbulan Rhodel K , Jalalian Liza , Cedars Marcelle I , Rosen Mitchell P 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
Does processing of spermatozoa for IVF with ICSI by a microfluidic sperm separation device improve embryo quality compared with density-gradient centrifugation?

SUMMARY ANSWER
Patients randomized to microfluidic sperm preparation had similar cleavage- and blastocyst-stage embryo quality and clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates to those who underwent standard sperm processing for IVF with ICSI.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Microfluidic sperm preparation can isolate spermatozoa for clinical use with minimal DNA fragmentation but with unclear impact on clinical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
A prospective randomized controlled trial of 386 patients planning IVF from June 2017 through September 2021 was carried out.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
One hundred and ninety-two patients were allocated to sperm processing with a microfluidic sperm separation device for ICSI, while 194 patients were allocated to clinical standard density-gradient centrifugation (control) at an academic medical centre.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
In an intention to treat analysis, there were no differences in high-quality cleavage-stage embryo fraction [66.0 (25.8)% control versus 68.0 (30.3) microfluidic sperm preparation, P = 0.541, absolute difference −2.0, 95% CI (−8.5, 4.5)], or high-quality blastocyst fraction [37.4 (25.4) control versus 37.4 (26.2) microfluidic sperm preparation, P = 0.985, absolute difference −0.6 95% CI (−6, 5.9)] between groups. There were no differences in the clinical pregnancy or ongoing pregnancy rates between groups.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The population studied was inclusive and did not attempt to isolate male factor infertility cases or patients with a history of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Microfluidic sperm separation performs similarly to density-gradient centrifugation in sperm preparation for IVF in an unselected population.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
No external funding to declare. M.P.R. is a member of the Clinical Advisory Board for ZyMōt® Fertility, Inc.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT03085433.

TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE
21 March 2017.

DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLLMENT
16 June 2017.
Age-Specific Estimates of Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalizations in 6 European Countries: A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Johannesen Caroline K , van Wijhe Maarten , Tong Sabine , Fernández Liliana V , Heikkinen Terho , van Boven Michiel , Wang Xin , Bøås Håkon , Li You , Campbell Harry , Paget John , Stona Luca , Teirlinck Anne , Lehtonen Toni , Nohynek Hanna , Bangert Mathieu , Fischer Thea K ,   for the RESCEU Investigators, Nair Harish , Campbell Harry , Beutels Philippe , Bont Louis , Pollard Andrew , Openshaw Peter , Martinon-Torres Federico , Heikkinen Terho , Meijer Adam , Fischer Thea K , van den Berge Maarten , Giaquinto Carlo , Abram Michael , Swanson Kena , Rizkalla Bishoy , Vernhes Charlotte , Gallichan Scott , Aerssens Jeroen , Kumar Veena , Molero Eva 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Knowledge on age-specific hospitalizations associated with RSV infection is limited due to limited testing, especially in older children and adults in whom RSV infections are not expected to be severe. Burden estimates based on RSV coding of hospital admissions are known to underestimate the burden of RSV. We aimed to provide robust and reliable age-specific burden estimates of RSV-associated hospital admissions based on data on respiratory infections from national health registers and laboratory-confirmed cases of RSV.

Methods
We conducted multiseason regression analysis of weekly hospitalizations with respiratory infection and weekly laboratory-confirmed cases of RSV and influenza as covariates, based on national health registers and laboratory databases across 6 European countries. The burden of RSV-associated hospitalizations was estimated by age group, clinical diagnosis, and presence of underlying medical conditions.

Results
Across the 6 European countries, hospitalizations of children with respiratory infections were clearly associated with RSV, with associated proportions ranging from 28% to 60% in children younger than 3 months and we found substantial proportions of admissions to hospital with respiratory infections associated with RSV in children younger than 3 years. Associated proportions were highest among hospitalizations with ICD-10 codes of “bronchitis and bronchiolitis.” In all 6 countries, annual incidence of RSV-associated hospitalizations was &gt;40 per 1000 persons in the age group 0–2 months. In age group 1–2 years the incidence rate ranged from 1.3 to 10.5 hospitalizations per 1000. Adults older than 85 years had hospitalizations with respiratory infection associated to RSV in all 6 countries although incidence rates were low.

Conclusions
Our findings highlight the substantial proportion of RSV infections among hospital admissions across different ages and may help public health professionals and policy makers when planning prevention and control strategies. In addition, our findings provide valuable insights for health care professionals attending to both children and adults presenting with symptoms of viral respiratory infections.
A New Benzyl Phenethanolamine-β-Cyclodextrin Bonded Phase: Chiral Chromatography Performance and Application for LC-MS/MS Analysis of Pesticide Enantiomers in Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Li Liang , Jin Yongjiu , Jin Yanhong , Zhang Zhi , Zhu Zhou , Kou Haiqun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
At present, the research on achiral drug and pesticide residue detection methods is still the mainstay at home and abroad, and there is still a lack of systematic research on the enantiomeric analysis of chiral drugs and pesticides.

Objective
In order to prepare a novel chiral stationary phase, whose “multi-mode” chiral separation chromatographic performance and its utility was verified.

Method
An S-(-)-2-benzylamino-1-phenylethanol mono-derivative β-cyclodextrin bonded stationary phase (BzCSP) was prepared based on the “thiol-ene” addition reaction. The chiral compounds including four types of chiral compounds were used as “probes,” and their chiral chromatographic properties were evaluated. Furthermore, a new LC-MS/MS method for the determination of the enantiomeric residues of three chiral pesticides in five kinds of fruits and vegetables was established.

Results
The study found that the novel stationary phase was suitable for a variety of chromatographic modes (normal phase mode, reversed-phase mode, polar organic mode). The resolutions of hexaconazole (Hex), tebuconazole (Teb), and triticonazole (Trit) enantiomers could be up to 2.31, 1.68, and 1.48, respectively, within 30 min under reversed-phase chromatography. Based on the optimal chromatographic and mass spectrum conditions, a new LC-MS/MS quantitative method for the Hex, Teb, and Trit enantiomers was established by multi-reaction positive ion monitoring (MRM). The detection limits (LODs) of enantiomers were less than 0.89 µg/kg for Hex, 0.93 µg/kg for Teb, and 0.93 µg/kg for Trit, and the averaged recoveries of enantiomers were in the range of 75.8–106.3% for Hex, 77.4–116.3% for Teb, and 78.7–113.4% for Trit. The method had good reproducibility with the RSDs (&lt;5%) for intraday and (&lt;7%) for interday.

Conclusions
The established method had the characteristics of good selectivity, high sensitivity, strong resistance to matrix interference, and good reproducibility. It is indicated that the stationary phase prepared by the “thiol-ene” addition reaction is a new type of multi-mode stationary phase, which has a good development value.

Highlights
The study reported a new method for the rapid preparation of a rare “multi-mode” chiral stationary phase BzCSP based on the “thiol-ene” addition reaction and verified the practicability of BzCSP including good selectivity, high sensitivity, strong resistance to matrix interference, and good reproducibility.
Reset Required: The Euro-area Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance Framework
Authors: Huertas Thomas F 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The crisis management and deposit insurance (CMDI) framework in the euro area requires a reset. This article explains why and proposes a new framework. This could start as early as 1 January 2024 when significant institutions in the euro area will have met requirements to have enough subordinated obligations outstanding to recapitalize the bank if it were to fail. The proposed framework has four components: a single lender of last resort (the European Central Bank); a single presumptive path for resolution (exit via the use of bail-in to facilitate orderly liquidation of the failed bank by the Single Resolution Board under a solvent wind-down strategy); an investor of last resort in a bank’s gone-concern capital (its national deposit guarantee scheme); and a Single Deposit Guarantee Scheme (the Single Resolution Fund with a backstop from the European Stability Mechanism). Together, these measures would limit forbearance, assure bail-in did not touch deposits, promote competition, limit recourse to taxpayer money, standardize resolution procedures for all banks, complete Banking Union and guarantee that a euro of covered deposits would remain a euro, all without forcing national deposit guarantee schemes to reinsure one another. Last but not least the proposed framework would promote financial stability.
ProteinsPlus: a comprehensive collection of web-based molecular modeling tools
Authors: Schöning-Stierand Katrin , Diedrich Konrad , Ehrt Christiane , Flachsenberg Florian , Graef Joel , Sieg Jochen , Penner Patrick , Poppinga Martin , Ungethüm Annett , Rarey Matthias 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Upon the ever-increasing number of publicly available experimentally determined and predicted protein and nucleic acid structures, the demand for easy-to-use tools to investigate these structural models is higher than ever before. The ProteinsPlus web server (https://proteins.plus) comprises a growing collection of molecular modeling tools focusing on protein–ligand interactions. It enables quick access to structural investigations ranging from structure analytics and search methods to molecular docking. It is by now well-established in the community and constantly extended. The server gives easy access not only to experts but also to students and occasional users from the field of life sciences. Here, we describe its recently added new features and tools, beyond them a novel method for on-the-fly molecular docking and a search method for single-residue substitutions in local regions of a protein structure throughout the whole Protein Data Bank. Finally, we provide a glimpse into new avenues for the annotation of AlphaFold structures which are directly accessible via a RESTful service on the ProteinsPlus web server.
Ultrastructure and nuclear architecture of telomeric chromatin revealed by correlative light and electron microscopy
Authors: Hübner Barbara , von Otter Eric , Ahsan Bilal , Wee Mei Ling , Henriksson Sara , Ludwig Alexander , Sandin Sara 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Telomeres, the ends of linear chromosomes, are composed of repetitive DNA sequences, histones and a protein complex called shelterin. How DNA is packaged at telomeres is an outstanding question in the field with significant implications for human health and disease. Here, we studied the architecture of telomeres and their spatial association with other chromatin domains in different cell types using correlative light and electron microscopy. To this end, the shelterin protein TRF1 or TRF2 was fused in tandem to eGFP and the peroxidase APEX2, which provided a selective and electron-dense label to interrogate telomere organization by transmission electron microscopy, electron tomography and scanning electron microscopy. Together, our work reveals, for the first time, ultrastructural insight into telomere architecture. We show that telomeres are composed of a dense and highly compacted mesh of chromatin fibres. In addition, we identify marked differences in telomere size, shape and chromatin compaction between cancer and non-cancer cells and show that telomeres are in direct contact with other heterochromatin regions. Our work resolves the internal architecture of telomeres with unprecedented resolution and advances our understanding of how telomeres are organized in situ.
Layer-by-layer epitaxy of multi-layer MoS2 wafers
Authors: Wang Qinqin , Tang Jian , Li Xiaomei , Tian Jinpeng , Liang Jing , Li Na , Ji Depeng , Xian Lede , Guo Yutuo , Li Lu , Zhang Qinghua , Chu Yanbang , Wei Zheng , Zhao Yanchong , Du Luojun , Yu Hua , Bai Xuedong , Gu Lin , Liu Kaihui , Yang Wei , Yang Rong , Shi Dongxia , Zhang Guangyu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The 2D semiconductor of MoS2 has great potential for advanced electronics technologies beyond silicon. So far, high-quality monolayer MoS2 wafers have been available and various demonstrations from individual transistors to integrated circuits have also been shown. In addition to the monolayer, multilayers have narrower band gaps but improved carrier mobilities and current capacities over the monolayer. However, achieving high-quality multi-layer MoS2 wafers remains a challenge. Here we report the growth of high-quality multi-layer MoS2 4-inch wafers via the layer-by-layer epitaxy process. The epitaxy leads to well-defined stacking orders between adjacent epitaxial layers and offers a delicate control of layer numbers up to six. Systematic evaluations on the atomic structures and electronic properties were carried out for achieved wafers with different layer numbers. Significant improvements in device performances were found in thicker-layer field-effect transistors (FETs), as expected. For example, the average field-effect mobility (μFE) at room temperature (RT) can increase from ∼80 cm2·V–1·s–1 for monolayers to ∼110/145 cm2·V–1·s–1 for bilayer/trilayer devices. The highest RT μFE of 234.7 cm2·V–1·s–1 and record-high on-current densities of 1.70 mA·μm–1 at Vds = 2 V were also achieved in trilayer MoS2 FETs with a high on/off ratio of &gt;107. Our work hence moves a step closer to practical applications of 2D MoS2 in electronics.
Short-term variations of ΔT from Yángdì-eclipse on AD 616 May 21, Suiko eclipse on AD 628 April 10, and neighboring solar eclipses and occultations
Authors: Tanikawa Kiyotaka , Sôma Mitsuru , Qu Anjing 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We obtain a narrower and more reliable range of the delay of Earth’s rotation, ΔT, than those obtained before. At the same time, we determine the observation sites of these eclipses in the early seventh century. The eclipses are the one on AD 616 May 21 recorded in the history book Suíshū of the Suí dynasty, and the one on AD 628 April 10 recorded in the first official Japanese history book Nihon Shoki (also called as Nihongi). Our method of analysis is to express multiple observations simultaneously on the “Sôma” diagram in which the ordinate is ΔT and the abscissa is the correction to the coefficient of the lunar tidal term. In order to increase the reliability of the present result, we analyze several solar eclipses and an occultation of Mars during the period from the fifth century to the end of the seventh century. These analyses show the short-term variations of ΔT off the smoothed spline curves of Stephenson, Morrison, and Hohenkerk (2016, Proc. R. Soc. A, 472, 20160404).
Creating a Learning Scenario for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Caballero Valderrama María de Regla , Allande Cussó Regina , Cervera Barajas Antonio , Pérez Ruz Rocío , Pérez López Enrique , Caballero Oliver Antonio 
Published: April 2022

Introduction:
Different organizations have recommended changes in life support in the COVID-19 pandemic, just when maintaining the competence in cardiopulmonary resuscitation is compromised because on-site training must be avoided. We developed a pilot teaching-learning experience to promote cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills acquisition in this situation. The aim of this study was to describe that tool and to analyze its usefulness.

Methods:
The experience consisted of three phases: first, reviewing the scientific literature; second, defining written local recommendations and recording a short video simulating the initial attention to a cardiac arrest in this COVID-19 context; third, creating a test to be answered by hospital health professionals.

Results:
The final sample was 121 subjects; 66.1% were women; the mean age was 45.8 years (SD = 10.24). Among them, 43% were doctors, 43% nurses, 4.1% nursing assistants, and 9.9% others. 89.3% participants had received prior training in life support. In the test, questions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were answered correctly by more than 80%; questions 3 and 4 were answered correctly by 57.9% and 41.3%, respectively. All participants expressed that the video helped them to refresh their knowledge and skills in life support.

Discussion:
When on-site training is not possible, distance learning—as in our teaching-learning innovation because of the COVID-19 pandemic—may be a valid option to acquire/refresh cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills.
INVERTED INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE FLAP TECHNIQUE FOR MACULAR HOLE COEXISTENT WITH RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT
Authors: Stappler Theodor , Montesel Andrea , Konstantinidis Lazaros , Wolfensberger Thomas J. , Eandi Chiara M. 
Published: April 2022

Purpose:
To report the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with macular hole coexistent with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgically treated with pars plana vitrectomy and inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique.

Methods:
Eleven consecutive patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and macular hole who underwent vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling with the inverted flap technique between December 2017 and February 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. The main outcome measures were retinal reattachment rate, macular hole closure rate, and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity. A nonsystematic literature review was performed to compare the study outcomes with those previously reported.

Results:
The primary retinal reattachment rate was 90% (10/11) with one surgery and 100% with 2 surgical procedures. Macular hole closure was achieved in all patients (11/11). All patients showed an improvement in visual acuity at the final postoperative visit, and the mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 0.60 ± 0.32 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/80 Snellen equivalent).

Conclusion:
Vitrectomy with the inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique achieved not only favorable anatomical retinal reattachment rates but also an encouraging recovery of central macular anatomy and visual function in patients with macular hole coexistent with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
“Air-Assisted” Donor Lenticule Insertion in Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty in Aphakia With Large Iris Defect and Without Posterior Capsular Support
Authors: Basak Soham , Basak Samar K. 
Published: April 2022

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to report a novel technique of donor lenticule insertion in Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) in aphakic corneal edema with large iris defect and without any posterior capsular support.

Methods:
This was a retrospective consecutive interventional case series. Clinical records of ten 1-eyed aphakic patients with corneal edema with large iris defect and no capsular support who underwent air-assisted donor lenticule insertion in DSEK were evaluated. After making 6.0- to 6.5-mm sclerocorneal tunnel and 2 side ports, limited anterior vitrectomy was performed if required. Then, Descemetorhexis was performed under air through side ports. Manually dissected donor lenticule was inserted into the anterior chamber under full-chamber air by a 30-G needle push-in technique. Further air tamponade was given if necessary. No fluid–air exchange was performed. The patient was kept on the same operating table for at least 1 hour and then shifted. Graft attachments in early postoperative period, corrected distant visual acuity, and endothelial cell density after 3, 6, and 12 months were analyzed.

Results:
The mean postoperative follow-up period was 19.2 ± 6.7 months. There was no donor dislocation in this small group. All patients achieved a corrected distant visual acuity of 0.70 (20/100) after 3 months and maintained until 12 months. The endothelial cell density at 3 months (n = 8) was 2028 ± 151/mm2, at 6 months (n = 7) 1776 ± 198/mm2, and at 12 months (n = 7) 1721 ± 172/mm2. The corresponding endothelial cell loss was 25.8% ± 5.6%, 34.4% ± 5.1%, and 37.8% ± 7.1%, respectively. One graft failed after 15 months.

Conclusions:
“Air-assisted” donor lenticule insertion in DSEK is a safe surgical technique in aphakic patients with corneal edema with large iris defect and no capsular support.
Role of Blepharoexfoliation in Demodex Blepharitis: A Randomized Comparative Study
Authors: Mohammad-Rabei Hossein , Arabi Amir , Shahraki Toktam , Rezaee-alam Zahra , Baradaran-rafii Alireza 
Published: April 2022

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of blepharoexfoliation in the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.

Methods:
Patients with microscopically approved Demodex blepharitis were enrolled. Patients in the treatment group were treated once with in-office blepharoexfoliation (BlephEx LLC; Franklin, TN) using tea tree oil 2% shampoo, followed by eyelid scrubs with tea tree oil 2% shampoo twice a day for 8 weeks. Patients in the control group were treated with the same protocol, except for the in-office sham blepharoexfoliation procedure. As the main outcome measurement, the changes in the severity of symptoms [Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score] were compared. The changes in Demodex count and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) severity were compared as the secondary outcome measurements.

Results:
Eighty-one patients (36 male and 45 female) were included. The mean age of the patients was 53.56 ± 8.13 years. The mean baseline OSDI score was 33.30 ± 11.80. The mean baseline Demodex count was 4.84 ± 1.49. The Demodex count at the baseline visit was moderately correlated with the baseline OSDI score (R = 0.526, P = 0.011) and baseline MGD severity (P = 0.02). At the 8-week visit, the OSDI score was 22.62 ± 8.23 and 27.09 ± 9.11 in the blepharoexfoliation and control groups, respectively (P = 0.016). At the 8-week visit, the Demodex count was 2.6 ± 1.08 and 3.03 ± 1.27 in the treatment and control groups, respectively (P = 0.025). MGD improved in both groups (P = 0.84). In the blepharoexfoliation group, the change in the OSDI score was moderately correlated with the baseline OSDI score (R = 0.611, P = 0.01).

Conclusions:
One session of blepharoexfoliation, followed by manual eyelid scrubs was more effective than eyelid scrubs alone in reducing patients’ symptoms and Demodex count.