bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Value of Multimodal Transvaginal Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Combined with Negative Intrauterine Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Female Infertility
Authors: Fen Fu , Ye Qin , Liang Rongxi , Lian Guangtian , Guo Jingjing , Xue Ensheng 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given the important role of the fallopian tube and uterine cavity in human reproduction, a simple, accurate, and quick method for determining fallopian tube patency and diagnosing uterine cavity lesions is needed. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of multimodal transvaginal contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with negative intrauterine contrast-enhanced ultrasound for infertility in women.METHODS: A total of 310 patients with infertility were treated in the outpatient clinic of the Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, from November 2017 to October 2020. Multimodal contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with negative contrast-enhanced uterine cavity examination was used to analyze transvaginal four-dimensional contrast-enhanced hysterosalpinx ultrasound (TVS 4D-HyCoSy, 4D), three-dimensional hysterosalpinx contrast ultrasound (TVS 3D HyCoCoCoSyGray 3D), two-dimensional hysterosalpinx contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (TVS, 2D), and transvaginal harmonic imaging (TVS, HI), and other modal techniques were used to compare tubal patency diagnostic efficiency between a high- and a low seniority group. Further, the diagnostic efficiency of negative hysterography was analyzed in uterine lesions.RESULTS: Among the 310 infertile patients, four gave up examination due to pain. In the other 306 patients, salpingography was successful in 612 cases, revealing 538 patency cases and 74 obstruction cases. In both high- and low seniority groups, tubal patency diagnosis efficiency was significantly different (P<0.01), with the combination of different modes. Similarly, the differences between the following groups were also statistically significant (P<0.05): 4D+3D+2D+HI and 4D+3D+2D, 4D+3D+2D and 4D+3D, and 4D+3D and 4D. However, there was no significant difference in the diagnostic efficiency of fallopian tube patency examination under various multi-modes between the high- and low seniority groups (P>0.05). A total of 306 patients underwent successful negative intrauterine contrast examination. Its accuracy was 91.94% (57/62).CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal transvaginal contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with negative intrauterine contrast-enhanced ultrasound has high accuracy and consistency in fallopian tube patency and uterine lesions evaluation; thus, it is worth promoting.
Response of Four Peatland Emergent Macrophytes to Salinity and Short Salinity Pulses
Authors: Batistel Cheryl , Porsche Christian , Jurasinski Gerald , Schubert Hendrik 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Sea-level rise intensifies saltwater influx into coastal wetlands causing osmotic stress and probably changing vegetation composition. To determine especially the impact of salinity pulses that occur during flooding events, Typha latifolia, Carex acutiformis, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani and Phragmites australis were exposed to different salinity regimes, consisting of control (permanently freshwater and permanently brackish water) and alternating freshwater and brackish water with different exposure durations (2 days brackish – 2 days fresh; 4 days brackish – 4 days fresh; 2 days brackish – 4 days fresh). Plant height, leaf area and chlorophyll fluorescence, root:shoot ratio and photosynthetic pigments were measured. Salinity suppressed the growth of T. latifolia and C. acutiformis resulting in shorter plants, smaller mean leaf area and higher root:shoot ratios whereas photosynthetic pigment ratios and chlorophyll fluorescence were not affected. Shorter but frequent salinity pulses (alternate 2 days brackish – 2 days freshwater, and 2 days brackish – 4 days freshwater) decreased the height of T. latifolia while C. acutiformis was not affected. Salinity and salinity pulses did not affect the height and root:shoot ratio of P. australis and S. tabernaemontani. P. australis showed signs of successful acclimation through decreased chlorophyll a:carotenoid ratio and high fluorescence yield at ≤ 20 mol m− 2 irradiance. Our results imply that with increasing seawater influx into coastal peatlands, T. latifolia and C. acutiformis may experience growth retardation or may even be replaced by S. tabernaemontani or P. australis since they are more resilient against salinity and frequent salinity pulses.
Success and Failure After Surgery for Degenerative Disease of The Lumbar Spine. an Operational Definition Based on Satisfaction, Pain, and Disability
Authors: Brasil Albert Vincent Berthier , Floriani Maiara Anschau , Sfreddo Ericson , Nascimento Tobias Ludwig do , Castro Andriele Abreu , Pedrotti Luana Giongo , Bessel Marina , Maccari Juçara Gasparetto , Mutlaq Mohamed Parrini , Nasi Luiz Antonio 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: To describe success and failure (S&F) after lumbar spine surgery in terms that are preciseand that are equally understandable across the entire health ecosystem. Methods: Back and leg pain (NPRS scale) and disability (Oswestry Disability Index –ODI) of patients operated were prospectively recorded before and 6 to 12 months after the procedure. Satisfaction was recorded in the postoperative period. Initially, patients were classified as Satisfied or Unsatisfied.Optimal cutoff values for disability and pain were estimated with ROC curves. Satisfied and Unsatisfied groups were subdivided into four categories based on a combination of satisfaction, disability and pain: Success, Incomplete success, Incomplete failure and Failure. These categories were translated into operational definitions with simple verbal terms, according to previously described norms of numeric-to-verbal equivalence. Results: 486 consecutive patients were recruited from May 2019 to February 2021, with a drop-out rate of 16.4%; Preoperative PROMs mean values were ODI 42.2 (+ 16.4), NPRS back 6.6 (+ 2.6) and NPRS leg 6.2 (+ 2.9) points; 19.3% were classified as Unsatisfied and cutoff values for disability (ODI=28; AUC 0.79) and pain (NPRS=6; AUC 0.79) were defined. Satisfied and Unsatisfied groups were further subdivided based on concordance or non-concordance with the discrimination cutoff values: Success (59.6%) - satisfied with pain and disability levels concordant (NPRS ≤5, AND ODI ≤27); Incomplete success (20.4%) - satisfied with pain and disability levels non-concordant (NPRS ≥6 AND/OR ODI ≥28); Incomplete failure (7.1%) – unsatisfied with pain and disability levels non-concordant (NPRS ≤5 AND/OR ODI ≤27); and Failure (12.4%) - unsatisfied with pain and disability levels concordant (NPRS ≥6 AND ODI ≥28). After that, groups were translated to: Success - patients are satisfied and present no or only mild to tolerable pain, and no or borderline disability; Incomplete Success – patients are satisfied despite levels of pain and/or disability worse than the ideal for success; Incomplete Failure – patients are not satisfied despite levels of pain and/or disability better than expected for failure; Failure – patients are unsatisfied and present moderate to severe pain and disability.Conclusion: It is possible to report S&F after surgery for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with precise and meaningful operational definitions focused on the experience of the patient.
Breast Cancer Subtypes and Prognosis: Answers to Subgroup Classification Questions, Identifying the Worst Subgroup in Our Single-Center Series
Authors: Cosar Rusen , Sut Necdet , Ozen Alaattin , Tastekin Ebru , Uzunoglu Sernaz , Cicin Irfan , Nurlu Dilek , Ozler Talar , Demir Seda , Yildiz Gokay , Uzal Mustafa Cem 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) remains the most common cancer in women, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Because of advances in treatment, long life is now possible even in patients with metastatic BC, whereas certain groups of patients survive for a very short time despite being diagnosed at an early stage. In many studies, the triple negative BC subgroup is stated to have the worst prognosis, as such patients are deprived of antihormonal therapy and trastuzumab therapy. While HER2 overexpression was interpreted as a poor prognostic factor before trastuzumab treatment, it was reported to be the worst prognostic subgroup of TNBC in posttrastuzumab publications. In the current study, we aimed to find the worst prognostic subgroup as far as we could by capturing the biodiversity in our series of BC patients, and for this purpose, we compared the treatment results in patients grouped according to their receptor status. Methods: We reviewed the records of patients with BC who were admitted to our department between July 1999 and December 2019. We grouped the patients into four main groups (Luminal A, Luminal B, triple negative, and HER2 enriched) and we recorded patient and treatment characteristics and oncological results. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the significance of survival differences among the selected variables was compared by using the log-rank test. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios. Then, multivariate Cox regression analysis with the backward elimination method was used to estimate hazard ratios and to identify independent prognostic factors.Results: A total of 2474 patients with BC and after exclusions, statistical analysis was performed on 2017 patients with BC. The HER2 positivity rate was 23.7% and the TNBC patient rate was 11.7% (n = 236). The distribution of the four main groups was 47.1% for Luminal A, 34.1% for Luminal B, 7.1% for HER2 enriched, and 11.7% for the TN subgroup. Age (<35 years); no axillary surgery; Ki67≥15; high tumor grade; high mitotic index; the presence of skin infiltration; advanced T/N stage; the presence of metastasis; nontreatment with chemotherapy; less than 5 years of using TMX or AI; and being in the HER2-enriched subgroup were determined to be negative factors for overall survival as a result of multivariate analysis.Conclusions: The HER2-enriched subgroup had the worst prognosis despite receiving targeted therapy. However, treatment with trastuzumab increased survival 1.5-fold over that of the HER2-enriched subgroup that did not receive it.
Seismic Reliability Analysis of Long-Span Single-Pylon Suspension Bridge Subject to Nonstationary Ground Motions
Authors: Zhang Jin , wang gang , Chen Zhi-qiang , Yang Zhen-yu , Shi Xing-hu , Xie Ming-zhi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
To efficiently and accurately evaluate the critical seismic response extreme value distribution (EVD) and seismic reliability analysis (SRA) of complex non-linear structures under nonstationary ground motions, a novel method for obtaining fractional moments via unequal weights combined improved correlation-reduced Latin hypercube sampling method (ICLHS) was proposed in this investigation. First, the basic theoretical methods of SRA were presented including dimension reduction simulation of nonstationary ground motions, single-loop maximum entropy theory of fractional moments, along with ICLHS for abtaining the fractional moments. Then, an effective structural seismic reliability assessment framework of complex nonlinear structures under nonstationary ground motions was built considering the double uncertainties of structural variables and seismic ground motions. and a three-story nonlinear shear frame structure was employed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Finally, Based on the proprosed method and OpenSees finite element platform, the SRA of a typical long-span single-pylon suspension bridge was carried out and some critical conclusions were drawn.
Pan-cancer study of PARK7/DJ-1 as a biomarker for prognostic and immunological role in 33 human cancers
Authors: Liu Zeyuan , Gao Qing , Gu Junjie , Sun Xinchen , Di Xiaoke 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: An increasing number of studies have suggested that PARK7 expressed at a high level in various tumors and is closely associated with malignant tumor generation, progression and prognosis. However, there are relatively few studies on the specific role of PARK7 in tumor immunity.Methods: Gene expression data and clinical characteristics for 33 cancers were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The correlations between PARK7 with clinical Indicators and survival were analyzed. To investigate the role of PARK7 in cancer immunotherapy, we analyzed the relevance of PARK7 to the tumor microenvironment and its relationship with immune cell infiltration, immune related genes. In addition, we investigated the correlation between PARK7 and immunotherapeutic biomarkers and explored the underlying pathways of PARK7.Results: Higher expression levels were seen in tumor samples of BLCA, BRCA, COAD, ESCA, GBM, HNSC, LIHC, LUAD, LUSC, PRAD, STAD, UCEC than normal tissues. Regarding the prognostic value of PARK7, the results of the multivariate COX regression model analyses revealed PARK7 as an independent prognostic factor in KICH, KIRP, LAML and UVM. PARK7 were significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, MSI, TMB and some immune related genes in various cancers. Patients with low PARK7 expression in the GSE67501 cohort were more responsive to immunotherapy (p = 0.024).Conclusion: This study suggested that PARK7 can be used not only as a prognostic biomarker for some cancers, but also as a potential biomarker for assessing the response to immunotherapy. These findings can provide some theoretical basis for future research, while more research is required to prove these findings.
Grey Matter Changes On Brain MRI In Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arrondo Pablo , Elía-Zudaire Óscar , Martí-Andrés Gloria , Fernández-Seara María A. , Riverol Mario 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: People with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) report cognitive deterioration. However, their performance in neuropsychological evaluation falls within the normal range. The present study aims to analyse whether structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals grey matter changes in SCD population compared with healthy normal controls (HC). Methods: Parallel systematic searches in PubMed and Web of science databases were conducted, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Quality assessment was completed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS)Results: 51 MRI studies were included. 35 studies used a region of interest (ROI) analysis, 15 used a voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis, and 10 studies used a cortical thickness (CTh) analysis. 10 studies combined both, VBM or CTh analysis with ROI analysis.Conclusions: Medial temporal structures, like the hippocampus or the entorhinal cortex (EC) seemed to present grey matter reduction in SCD compared with HC, but the samples and results are heterogeneous. Larger sample sizes could help to better determine if these grey matter changes are consistent in SCD subjects.
Targeted Identification of Rice Grain-Associated Gene Allelic Variation through Mutation Induction, Targeted Sequencing, and Whole Genome Sequencing Combined with a Mixed-Samples Strategy
Authors: Sun Kai , Li Dandan , Xia Aoyun , Zhao Hua , Wen Qin , Jia Sisi , Wang Jiafeng , Yang Guili , Zhou Danhua , Huang Cuihong , Wang Hui , Chen Zhiqiang , Guo Tao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The mining of excellent allelic variation and the creation of new crop germplasm are the basis for improving breeding efficiency.Results: In this study, a total of 3872 heavy ion-irradiated M2 generation rice seeds and individual leaves were collected, and 484 mixed samples were obtained at a seed-to-leaf ratio of 8:1. Targeted sequencing technology was used to detect the major grain length genes GS3 and grain length. The allelic variation in the broad major gene GW5 and the phenotype data were measured, and 12 mixed samples containing potential mutations and 15 SNPs were obtained; 96 individual plants in the 12 mixed samples were then subjected to Sanger sequencing, combined with the phenotypic data obtained 13 key mutants and their corresponding SNPs; the protein structure and function analysis of the key mutants was carried out, and 6 allelic variants that led to the change in grain shape were mined, as well as the corresponding mutants, including long-grain mutants GS3-2 and GS3-7, short-grain mutants GS3-3 and GS3-5, wide-grain mutant GW5-1 and narrow-grain mutant GW5-4; sequencing identified new grain length gene allelic variants GS3-G1, GS3-G2 and GS3-G3, which provided new functional gene loci and a material basis for molecular breeding and genotype mutation and phenotype analysis, particularly in the context of mutational associations.Conclusion: Based on the above studies, we propose a method for targeted identification of allelic variation in rice grain type genes by combining targeted sequencing of mixed samples and whole genome sequencing. This method can sequence the target fragments of mixed samples, and the detection cost is low; furthermore, the identification cycle based on present method is short due to screening process is on the mutation offspring and the recombination genetic population is not necessary. The principle of present method is not limited to the grain type phenotype and can also be used for the directional detection and identification of other target traits and allele genes.
REALizing and improving management of stable COPD in China: Results of a multicentre, prospective, observational study (REAL)
Authors: Yang Ting , Cai Baiqiang , Cao Bin , Kang Jian , Wen Fuqiang , Chen Yahong , Jian Wenhua , Wang Chen , Fei Yue 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management in China is far from adequate, with underdiagnosis and undertreatment being the major barriers to optimal care and improved patient outcomes. To better understand the burden of COPD and its management in China, real-world characterization of the severity and treatment of COPD across the country is needed.
Methods
We conducted a 52-week multicentre, prospective, observational study on outpatients (≥ 40 years old) diagnosed with COPD, enrolled from 50 secondary and tertiary hospitals across six geographical regions. Data were collected in routine clinical practice.
Results
Between December 2017 and August 2020, 5013 patients were enrolled and 4978 included in the analysis. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 66.2 (8.9) years and 79.5% were male. Most COPD outpatients (90%) had moderate-to-very-severe airflow limitation (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] II–IV). Overall, the annual rate (per patient) of COPD exacerbations of any severity was 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54–0.58). During 1-year, 1536 (30.8%) patients experienced ≥ 1 exacerbation of any severity and 960 (19.3%) patients had ≥ 1 exacerbation requiring hospitalization/emergency visit. The annual severe exacerbation rate was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.29–0.33). Mean (SD) COPD assessment test score was 14.6 (7.6) at baseline and 10.6 (6.8) at follow-up; however, 42–55% of patients had persistent dyspnoea, chest tightness and wheezing at 1-year. The most prescribed treatments were inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) combination (36.0%), ICS/LABA + long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) (17.7%) and LAMA monotherapy (15.3%). Among patients with high exacerbation risk (GOLD Groups C and D), 10.1% and 13.1, respectively, did not receive any long-acting inhalers; only 53.8% and 63.6% of Group C and D patients with ≥ 1 exacerbation during follow-up were prescribed ICS-containing therapy, respectively. Mean (SD) adherence (actual drug taken days/follow-up days) for long-acting inhalers was 59.0% (34.3). Mean (SD) score for the COPD questionnaire was 6.7 (2.4).
Conclusions
These results indicate a high burden of severe exacerbations and symptoms in Chinese outpatients with COPD, and low adherence with treatment guidelines, highlighting the need for more effective management nationwide.
Trial Registration:
The trial was registered on 20 March 2017 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03131362).
Flower-like meristem conditions and spatial constraints shape architecture of floral pseudanthia in Apioideae
Authors: Baczyński Jakub , Celep Ferhat , Spalik Krzysztof , Claßen-Bockhoff Regine 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundsPseudanthia are multiflowered units that resemble single flowers, frequently by association with pseudocorollas formed by enlarged peripheral florets (ray flowers). Such resemblance is not only superficial, because numerous pseudanthia originate from peculiar reproductive meristems with flower-like characteristics, i.e., floral unit meristems (FUMs). Complex, FUM-derived pseudanthia with ray flowers are especially common in Apiaceae but our knowledge about their patterning is scanty. In this paper we aimed to investigate both the genetic and morphological basis of their development. Results We analysed umbel morphogenesis with SEM in six species representing four clades of Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae with independently acquired floral pseudanthia. Additionally, using in situ hybridization, we investigated expression patterns of LEAFY (LFY), UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO), and CYCLOIDEA (CYC) during secondary umbel development in carrot (Daucus carota subsp. carota). Here, we show that initial differences in size and shape of umbel meristems influence the position of ray flower formation, whereas an interplay between peripheral promotion and spatial constraints in umbellet meristems take part in the establishment of specific patterns of zygomorphy in ray flowers of Apiaceae. This space-dependent patterning results from flower-like morphogenetic traits of the secondary umbel which are also visible at the molecular level. Transcripts of DcLFY are uniformly distributed in the incipient umbel, umbellet and flower meristems, while DcCYC shows divergent expression in central and peripheral florets.Conclusions Our results indicate that secondary umbels develop from determinate reproductive meristems with flower-like characteristics, which supports their recognition as floral units. The great architectural diversity and complexity of pseudanthia in Apiaceae can be explained by the unique conditions of FUMs – an interplay between expression of regulatory genes, specific spatiotemporal ontogenetic constraints and morphogenetic gradients arising during expansion and repetitive fractionation. Alongside Asteraceae, umbellifers constitute an interesting model for investigation of patterning in complex pseudanthia.