bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Two Blastocyst Biopsy Strategies in Preimplantation Genetic Testing Treatment and Assessment of Their Effects
Authors: Yang Han , Yang Dandan , Zhu Qi , Wang Kaijuan , Zhang Chao , Chen Beili , Zou Weiwei , Hao Yan , Ding Ding , Yu Zhaojuan , Ji Dongmei , Chen Dawei , Cao Yunxia , Zou Huijuan , Zhang Zhiguo 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundBlastocyst biopsy has become the most mainstream biopsy method. Currently, there are two blastocyst biopsy strategies. Many studies have compared the advantages and disadvantages between blastomere and blastocyst biopsy, but fewer articles have compared the two blastocyst biopsy strategies. For the moment, no published studies have explored the entire set of information on embryo development, next-generation sequencing results, and clinical outcomes, including the baby’s health status with the two blastocyst biopsy strategies.MethodsA total of 323 preimplantation genetic testing cycles from April 2018 to May 2020, including 178 cycles with Strategy A and 145 cycles with Strategy B. Strategy A was to create a laser-assisted zona pellucid opening for cleavage embryo on the third day after insemination, but Strategy B was not. Strategy A performed a biopsy for artificially assisted hatching blastocysts, while Strategy B performed a biopsy for expanded blastocysts on day 5 or 6. In this study, embryo development, next-generation sequencing results, pregnancy outcomes, and offspring health of the two strategies were compared and analyzed.ResultsThere were no statistical differences between the two groups in the rate of fertilization, blastocyst and abortion. The rate of cleavage from Strategy A was slightly higher than Strategy B, and the rate of high-quality cleavage embryo was lower than Strategy B, while the rate of high-quality blastocyst was higher than Strategy B. The rate of no-results blastocyst was significantly lower than Strategy B. In particular, the rate of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth of Strategy A were significantly lower than those of Strategy B. The average Apgar scores of newborns were ≥8 in both groups, and there was no significant difference in average height and weight. In Strategy A, a baby was born with thumb syndactyly, and Strategy B had no congenital disabilities.ConclusionsBlastocyst biopsy strategy without laser-assisted zona pellucid drilling on day 3 achieves better clinical treatment effects. Therefore, Strategy B is an optimal treatment regime for PGT.
IGV Optimization for a Large Axial Flow Fan Based on MRGP Model and Sobol’ Method
Authors: Zhou Shuiqing , Hu Yinjie , Lu Laifa , Yang Ke , Gao Zengliang 
Published: March 2022

Large axial flow fans with inlet guide vanes (IGVs) have been widely used in building ventilation systems. However, it does not readily satisfy the increasing demand for energy saving, high efficiency, or noise reduction. The rotor-stator interaction between the IGVs and the impeller is particularly important for the aerodynamic performance and noise of the fans. Therefore, this article takes a large axial fan, combined with parameterization methods to optimize the IGVs. Based on numerical simulation analysis, the multiple-response Gaussian process (MRGP) approximate model was established to optimize the IGVs structure, and the Sobol´ method was employed for sensitivity analysis. The best model was selected for proofing analysis, and the experimental and numerical simulation results show that the total pressure of the optimized fan increased by 144.4 Pa and the noise decreased by 7.2 dB. These results verify that the multi-objective optimization design method combining the MRGP approximate model and the Sobol´ method demonstrates high credibility and provides a key design direction for the design optimization of large axial flow fans. This novel optimization method also has easy-to-understand parameters and the coupling relationships between parameters and responses, which has potential value for the design of other types of fluid machinery and provides new ideas for the optimization of fluid machinery.
Mass Transport Limitations and Kinetic Consequences of Corn Stover Deacetylation
Authors: Thornburg Nicholas E. , Ness Ryan M. , Crowley Meagan F. , Bu Lintao , Pecha M. Brennan , Usseglio-Viretta Francois L. E. , Bharadwaj Vivek S. , Li Yudong , Chen Xiaowen , Sievers David A. , Wolfrum Edward J. , Resch Michael G. , Ciesielski Peter N. 
Published: March 2022

Alkaline pretreatment of herbaceous feedstocks such as corn stover prior to mechanical refining and enzymatic saccharification improves downstream sugar yields by removing acetyl moieties from hemicellulose. However, the relationship between transport phenomena and deacetylation kinetics is virtually unknown for such feedstocks and this pretreatment process. Here, we report the development of an experimentally validated reaction–diffusion model for the deacetylation of corn stover. A tissue-specific transport model is used to estimate transport-independent kinetic rate constants for the reactive extraction of acetate, hemicellulose and lignin from corn stover under representative alkaline conditions (5–7 g L−1NaOH, 10 wt% solids loadings) and at low to mild temperatures (4–70°C) selected to attenuate individual component extraction rates under differential kinetic regimes. The underlying transport model is based on microstructural characteristics of corn stover derived from statistically meaningful geometric particle and pore measurements. These physical descriptors are incorporated into distinct particle models of the three major anatomical fractions (cobs, husks and stalks) alongside an unsorted, aggregate corn stover particle, capturing average Feret lengths of 917–1239 μm and length-to-width aspect ratios of 1.8–2.9 for this highly heterogeneous feedstock. Individual reaction–diffusion models and their resulting particle model ensembles are used to validate and predict anatomically-specific and bulk feedstock performance under kinetic-controlled vs. diffusion-controlled regimes. In general, deacetylation kinetics and mass transfer processes are predicted to compete on similar time and length scales, emphasizing the significance of intraparticle transport phenomena. Critically, we predict that typical corn stover particles as small as ∼2.3 mm in length are entirely diffusion-limited for acetate extraction, with experimental effectiveness factors calculated to be 0.50 for such processes. Debilitatingly low effectiveness factors of 0.021–0.054 are uncovered for cobs—implying that intraparticle mass transfer resistances may impair observable kinetic measurements of this anatomical fraction by up to 98%. These first-reported quantitative maps of reaction vs. diffusion control link fundamental insights into corn stover anatomy, biopolymer composition, practical size reduction thresholds and their kinetic consequences. These results offer a guidepost for industrial deacetylation reactor design, scale-up and feedstock selection, further establishing deacetylation as a viable biorefinery pretreatment for the conversion of lignocellulosics into value-added fuels and chemicals.
Trifluralin Impacts Soil Microbial Community and Functions
Authors: Li Shuang , Du Pengqiang , Wu Xiaohu , He Hairong , Zhou Lin , Dong Fengshou , Liu Xingang , Zheng Yongquan 
Published: March 2022

A 3-month experiment was designed to research the impact of trifluralin (TFL) on soil microbial communities and functions under the condition of greenhouse. In this work, silty loam from Langfang was treated with three doses of TFL (1,260, 12,600, and 126,000 g ha−1) and incubated for 90 days. The half-lives of TFL were 15–23 days in all cases. The bacterial and fungal diversities and community structures were impacted by TFL. The bacterial functions of chemoheterotrophy and sulfur oxidation were decreased shortly, but the hydrocarbon degradation ability was significantly increased in the results of functional annotation of prokaryotic taxa (FAPROTAX). For the predicted results of Tax4Fun, amino acid (arginine and proline) metabolism and ABC transporter were decreased significantly, while nitrogen metabolism and ribosome translation were significantly increased. In conclusion, this work aids us to understand the risk of TFL in soil more comprehensively.
Phenotype Heterogeneity and the Association Between Visual Acuity and Outer Retinal Structure in a Cohort of Chinese X-Linked Juvenile Retinoschisis Patients
Authors: Guo Qingge , Li Ya , Li Jiarui , You Ya , Liu Changgeng , Chen Kang , Li Shuyin , Lei Bo 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS), caused by mutations in the RS1 gene, is an X-linked recessive inherited disease that typically involves both eyes in the first 2 decades of life. Recently, the phenotype heterogeneity of this condition has drawn increasing attention. We reported various phenotypes caused by RS1 gene mutations in eleven patients from ten Chinese families.Methods: Data on the medical history of the patients from ten Han families of central China were collected. Ophthalmic examinations including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus photography, ultra-wide-angle sweep source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), and electroretinography (ERG) were performed. Adaptive optics (AO) images were acquired to evaluate the cone photoreceptor mosaic when applicable. Venous blood of the probands and their family members was collected, and DNA was subjected to sequencing based on next-generation sequencing with a custom-designed targeted gene panel PS400 for inherited retinal diseases. Validation was performed by Sanger sequencing and cosegregation. Pathogenicity was determined in accordance with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.Results: Ten RS1 mutations, including eight missense mutations and two terminator mutations, were identified in 10 XLRS families. c.657C &gt; A (p.C219X) was a novel mutation in this cohort. These patients showed a variety of clinical phenotypes, including fovea schisis, bullous retinoschisis, and macular or peripheral atrophy. Fifteen eyes of eight patients exhibited macular retinoschisis, and twelve eyes of seven patients exhibited peripheral retinoschisis. In addition, three patients showed asymmetrical fundus manifestations. Of importance, three patients without macular retinoschisis were misdiagnosed until genetic testing results were obtained. AO showed a decrease in cone density and loss of regularity in the cystic schisis macular of XLRS. Furthermore, the BCVA was associated with the photoreceptor inner segment and outer segment (IS/OS) thickness.Conclusion: With complicated clinical manifestations, a considerable portion of XLRS patients may present various phenotypes. It should be noted that asymmetry in fundus appearance in both eyes could lead to misdiagnosis easily. Thus, genetic testing is crucial for making a final diagnosis in those patients who are suspected of having amblyopia, bilateral or unilateral macular atrophy, or conditions presenting an asymmetric fundus appearance. In addition, the residual cone photoreceptor structure was critical for the maintenance of useful vision.
Exploring the Genomic Patterns in Human and Mouse Cerebellums Via Single-Cell Sequencing and Machine Learning Method
Authors: Li ZhanDong , Wang Deling , Liao HuiPing , Zhang ShiQi , Guo Wei , Chen Lei , Lu Lin , Huang Tao , Cai Yu-Dong 
Published: March 2022

In mammals, the cerebellum plays an important role in movement control. Cellular research reveals that the cerebellum involves a variety of sub-cell types, including Golgi, granule, interneuron, and unipolar brush cells. The functional characteristics of cerebellar cells exhibit considerable differences among diverse mammalian species, reflecting a potential development and evolution of nervous system. In this study, we aimed to recognize the transcriptional differences between human and mouse cerebellum in four cerebellar sub-cell types by using single-cell sequencing data and machine learning methods. A total of 321,387 single-cell sequencing data were used. The 321,387 cells included 4 cell types, i.e., Golgi (5,048, 1.57%), granule (250,307, 77.88%), interneuron (60,526, 18.83%), and unipolar brush (5,506, 1.72%) cells. Our results showed that by using gene expression profiles as features, the optimal classification model could achieve very high even perfect performance for Golgi, granule, interneuron, and unipolar brush cells, respectively, suggesting a remarkable difference between the genomic profiles of human and mouse. Furthermore, a group of related genes and rules contributing to the classification was identified, which might provide helpful information for deepening the understanding of cerebellar cell heterogeneity and evolution.
Effect of LncRNA XIST on Immune Cells of Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: She Chunhui , Yang Yifei , Zang Bo , Yao Yuan , Liu Qixuan , Leung Patrick S. C. , Liu Bin 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivePrimary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease with significant gender difference. X chromosome inactivation (XCI) plays important roles in susceptibility to diseases between genders. This work focuses on the differences of LncRNA XIST in several defined immune cells populations as well as its effects on naive CD4+ T cells proliferation and differentiation in patients with PBC.MethodsNKs, B cells, CD4+ T, and CD8+ T cells were separated by MicroBeads from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PBC patients and healthy control (HC). The expression levels of LncRNA XIST in these immune cells were quantified by qRT-PCR and their subcellular localized analyzed by FISH. Lentivirus were used to interfere the expression of LncRNA XIST, and CCK8 was used to detect the proliferation of naive CD4+ T cells in PBC patients. Finally, naive CD4+ T cells were co-cultured with the bile duct epithelial cells (BECs), and the effects of LncRNA XIST on the typing of naive CD4+ T cells and related cytokines were determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA.ResultsThe expression levels of LncRNA XIST in NKs and CD4+ T cells in PBC patients were significantly higher than those in HC, and were primarily located at the nucleus. LncRNA XIST could promote the proliferation of naive CD4+ T cells. When naive CD4+ T cells were co-cultured with BECs, the expressions of IFN-γ, IL-17, T-bet and RORγt in naive CD4+ T cells were decreased.ConclusionLncRNA XIST was associated with lymphocyte abnormalities in patients with PBC. The high expression of LncRNA XIST could stimulate proliferation and differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells, which might account for the high occurrence of PBC in female.
Persistence of Immune Response in Health Care Workers After Two Doses BNT162b2 in a Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Herzberg Jonas , Fischer Bastian , Lindenkamp Christopher , Becher Heiko , Becker Ann-Kristin , Honarpisheh Human , Guraya Salman Yousuf , Strate Tim , Knabbe Cornelius 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe mRNA-based vaccine BNT162b2 of BioNTech/Pfizer has shown high efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection and a severe course of the COVID-19 disease. However, little is known about the long-term durability of the induced immune response resulting from the vaccination.MethodsIn a longitudinal observational study in employees at a German hospital we compared the humoral and cellular immune response in 184 participants after two doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine (BNT162b2) with a mid-term follow-up after 9 months. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 binding antibodies were determined using both a quantitative and a semi-quantitative assay. For a qualitative assessment of the humoral immune response, we additionally measured neutralizing antibodies. Cellular immune response was evaluated by measuring Interferon-gamma release after stimulating blood-cells with SARS-CoV-2 specific peptides using a commercial assay.ResultsIn the first analysis, a 100% humoral response rate was described after two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine with a mean antibody ratio of 8.01 ± 1.00. 9 months after the second dose of BNT162b2, serological testing showed a significant decreased mean antibody ratio of 3.84 ± 1.69 (p &lt; 0.001). Neutralizing antibodies were still detectable in 96% of all participants, showing an average binding inhibition value of 68.20% ± 18.87%. Older age (p &lt; 0.001) and obesity (p = 0.01) had a negative effect on the antibody persistence. SARS-CoV-2 specific cellular immune response was proven in 75% of individuals (mean Interferon-gamma release: 579.68 mlU/ml ± 705.56 mlU/ml).ConclusionOur data shows a declining immune response 9 months after the second dose of BNT162b2, supporting the potentially beneficial effect of booster vaccinations, the negative effect of obesity and age stresses the need of booster doses especially in these groups.
Abnormal Changes of Monocyte Subsets in Patients With Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: He Yan , Chen Rongjuan , Zhang Mengqin , Wang Bin , Liao Zhangdi , Shi Guixiu , Li Yan 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundRecent studies have proven the existence of distinct monocyte subsets, which play a significant role in the development of some rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was performed to define the changes of monocyte subsets in patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome (SjS).MethodsSingle cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of monocytes from SjS patients and controls were analyzed. The transcriptomic changes in monocyte subsets between SjS and controls were identified and potential key functional pathways involved in SjS development were also explored.ResultsA total of 11 monocyte subsets were identified in the scRNA-seq analyses of monocytes. A new monocyte subset characterized by higher expression of VNN2 (GPI-80) and S100A12 (Monocyte cluster 3) was identified, and it was increased in SjS patients. Compared with controls, almost all monocyte subsets from SjS patients had increased expression of TNFSF10 (TRAIL). Moreover, interferon (IFN)-related and neutrophil activation-associated pathways were main up-regulated pathways in the monocytes of SjS patients.ConclusionThis study uncovered the abnormal changes in monocyte subsets and their transcriptomic changes in SjS patients, and identified TNFSF10high/+monocytes as a potential key player in SjS pathogenesis and a promising target for SjS treatment.
Preparation and Study on Nitrogen- and Phosphorus- Containing Fire Resistant Coatings for Wood by UV-Cured Methods
Authors: Ma Guoru , Wang Xuan , Cai Wei , Ma Chao , Wang Xin , Zhu Yulu , Kan Yongchun , Xing Weiyi , Hu Yuan 
Published: March 2022

Wood has been widely used since ancient times due to its biodegradability, good elasticity, impact resistance, and easy availability. However, the flammability of wood has vastly limited its applications and the fire hazard of wood has cost a great loss of life and property. Thus, it is important to improve the fire resistance of wood. Here, we used a phosphate acrylate monomer (PGMA) which was synthesized with phosphoric acid and glycidyl methacrylate by ring-opening reaction and melamine acrylic ester (MAAR) to make up a series of fireproof coatings with different proportions, and the fire resistance of wood has been investigated using the limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, back temperature test, and cone calorimeter test. When the wood was coated with the composite of 33.3% PGMA and 66.7% MAAR, the total heat release value decreased from 39.0 to 38.2 MJ/m2, and the total smoke release value decreased from 622 to 512 m2/m2, showing a remarkable improvement in fire resistance and smoke suppression. Thus, this easily prepared, cheap, and effective flame retardant coating can promote a wider application of wood.
Favipiravir Effectiveness and Safety in Hospitalized Moderate-Severe COVID-19 Patients: Observational Prospective Multicenter Investigation in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Muhsen Saleh , Al-Numair Nouf S. , Saheb Sharif-Askari Narjes , Basamh Roaa , Alyounes Banan , Jabaan Amjad , Saheb Sharif-Askari Fatemeh , Alosaimi Mohammed F. , Alsohime Fahad , Halwani Rabih , Al-Saud Haya 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThere are limited data on the efficacy and safety of favipiravir antiviral in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly in the more progressed disease phase. This study aims to evaluate the favipiravir effect on reducing the length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality among moderate and severe hospitalized COVID-19 patients.MethodsA prospective, multicenter observational study was conducted that included moderate and severe hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients in four major regions (Riyadh (Riyadh), Eastern (Dammam), Al-Qassem (Buraydah), and Macca (Jeddah) of Saudi Arabia. For the primary outcome of all-cause mortality, a Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed. While the association between favipiravir use and length of hospital stay was determined using adjusted generalized linear model. This study was approved by the Central Institutional Review Board in The Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) with the approval number IRB # 20-85-M.ResultsThis study included 598 moderate and severe COVID-19 patients, of whom 156 (26%) received favipiravir. Favipiravir treatment was associated with more extended hospital stays (14 vs. 10 median days, P = 0.034) and higher mortality rate (aHR 3.63; 95% CI 1.06–12.45) compared to no favipiravir regimen. Despite lack of effectiveness, favipiravir use was only associated with higher diarrhea adverse effects (12 vs. 5%, P = 0.002), but it did not affect the renal and liver profiles of patients.ConclusionFavipiravir was ineffective in reducing the length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19.
Clinical Factors and Perinatal Outcomes Associated With Short Latency Period in Twin Pregnancies With Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes Before 34 Weeks: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Shuwei , Mei Lingwei , Zhou Wei , Yang Yajun , Zhang Xiaoyan , Mu Xiaoling , Quan Quan , Wang Lan 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThere is a lack of literature on short latency period (SLP) in twin pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the clinical factors and perinatal outcomes associated with SLP in twin pregnancies with PPROM and to establish a predictive model to identify SLP.MethodsTwin pregnancies with PPROM between 24 0/7 and 33 6/7 weeks were included and a retrospective analysis was performed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the latency period after PPROM: Group 1 ≤24 h (defined as SLP) and Group 2 &gt;24 h (defined as long latency period, LLP), the clinical factors and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to identify the independent clinical factors associated with latency period after PPROM and assess the predictive accuracy for SLP.Results98 and 92 pregnant women had short and long latency period, respectively. Prolonged latency significantly increased the occurrence of chorioamnionitis. Neonatal outcomes were not affected by latency duration after PPROM. Binary regression analysis revealed that higher gestational age (GA) at PPROM (P = 0.038), presence of uterine contractions (P &lt; 0.001), Bishop score &gt; 4 (P = 0.030), serum procalcitonin levels ≥0.05 ng/mL upon admission, and absence of use of tocolytic agents (P &lt; 0.001) were significant independent predictors of a SLP. A predictive model developed using these predictors had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.838, and the presence of uterine contractions alone had an AUC of = 0.711.ConclusionUterine contraction was the most important prognosticator for a SLP. A latency period of &gt;24 h was associated with chorioamnionitis, but adverse neonatal outcomes were not observed.