bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting low fetal fraction in fetal screening with cell-free DNA in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mousavi Sanaz , Shokri Ziba , Bastani Parvin , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Riahifar Sevda , Nateghian Hooman 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background

Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) is a non-invasive perinatal test (NIPT) used to assess fetal anomalies. The ability to detect fetal chromosomal aneuploidies is directly related to a sample’s fetal to total DNA fraction, known as the fetal fraction (FF). The minimum FF is considered 4%, and the test result below 4% is uncertain due to low fetal fraction (LFF). This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis to determine the possible factors affecting LFF in cfDNA testing for fetal screening.

Methods
PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Since Direct, Scopus, CINHAL, Cochrane Library, and Persian databases, including Scientific Information Database, Irandoc, and Magiran were searched for studies investigating factors affecting LFF in cfDNA testing from 2000 until the end of 2021. Gathered data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software version 3.3.070. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal of Cohort Studies tool.

Results
Thirteen articles related to the topic were included, and seven related articles were reviewed for meta-analysis. The other six were reviewed qualitatively. Four factors were identified that might have a potential effect on the LFF, of which only gestational age had a significant association with LFF (Pooled mean difference= -1.111, SE = 0.515, 95% CI= -2.121, -0.101, (P-value < 0.05)). Maternal age (P-value = 0.573), maternal weight (P-value = 0.113), and Body Mass Index (P-value = 0.104) had no statically significant effect. The effect size was pooled by mean difference and 95% confidence interval.

Conclusion
Lower gestational age is significantly associated with LFF. Thus, this factor can be considered when interpreting prenatal cfDNA screening tests.
Two subtypes of surgery-categorized upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy identified by MRI, a retrospective study
Authors: Xie Weili , Yang Huan , Shao Shuo , Zheng Ning 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The pregnancy outcomes in women with surgery-categorized upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy (ULIP), previously named angular pregnancy, demonstrate higher heterogeneity than in women with ultrasonography-categorized ULIP. We aimed to use preoperative MRI and correlated clinical characteristics to explore whether the surgery-categorized ULIP comprises obstetric conditions undefined by the current ultrasonography-based diagnostic criteria.

Methods
This retrospective study involved 28 women with surgically and pathologically confirmed ULIP from January 2016 to July 2022. Two board-certified radiologists, blinded to the patients’ information, independently reviewed the MRI images, and determined each MRI feature, including endometrial thickness (EMT) and peri-gestational sac (GS) endometrial interruption. Disagreements were resolved by discussion to achieve a consensus. Based on the cutoff value of EMT (11.5 mm), the patients were divided into above-cutoff EMT (n = 22) and below-cutoff EMT (n = 6) groups.

Results
Two subtypes of surgery-categorized ULIP were identified. Type-I ULIP (n = 22; EMT ≥ 11.5 mm), when compared to the type-II ULIP (n = 6; EMT < 11.5 mm), demonstrated lower incidence of peri-GS endometrial interruption (2/22 [9.1%] vs 6/6 [100%]; P = 0.001), higher logarithmic ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) concentration (4.7 ± 0.4 mIU/ml vs 4.2 ± 0.6 mIU/ml; P = 0.026), lower rate of repeated dilatation and curettage (1/22 [4.6%] vs 4/6 [66.7%]; P = 0.003), less intraoperative blood loss (10.1 ± 6.3 ml vs 28.3 ± 18.3 ml; P = 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (2.8 ± 1.7 days vs 7.5 ± 3.8 days; P = 0.001). The peri-GS endometrial interruption negatively correlated with EMT (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.55; P = 0.001) and logarithmic ß-hCG concentration (OR = 0.08; P = 0.045). The below-cutoff EMT negatively correlated with ß-hCG concentration (OR = 0.06; P = 0.021).

Conclusions
Surgery-categorized ULIP comprised two obstetric conditions among which the type-II ULIP, possessing unique imaging features undocumented in the literature, requires further attention during clinical practice.
Characteristics of the optic disc in young people with high myopia
Authors: Zhang Fen , Liu Xinting , Wang Yanli , Wang Qian , Zheng Miaoran , Chang Feng , Mao Xinjie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the optic disc in adolescents and young adults with high myopia by applying optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods
A total of 112 patients with high myopia (spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ≤ -6.00 D) aged 12 to 30 years old were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Parapapillary atrophy (PPA) and ovality index from scanning laser ophthalmoscopy images and the degree of optic disc tilt from the optic nerve head (ONH) OCT B-scans were analysed using ImageJ and MATLAB software. Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (pRNFLT) and radial peripapillary capillary vessel density (RPC VD) around the optic disc were obtained from the images of the optic disc angiography scan.

Results
In young high myopia patients, the PPA area was positively correlated with age, axial length (AL) and pRNFLT (all p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with SER (r = -0.222, p = 0.020). The degree of the optic disc tilt was associated with increasing AL and pRNFLT (all p < 0.05). The disc area was positively correlated with AL, pRNFLT, and RPC VD (all p < 0.05). In the multivariate regression analysis, PPA area was independently associated with the degree of optic disc tilt and disc area. The degree of optic disc tilt was affected by AL and PPA area while the change of disc area was influenced by PPA area and pRNFLT (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion
In young patients with high myopia, PPA area, the degree of optic disc tilt and disc area increased with AL and pRNFLT, while decreased with SER. The association between these factors was slightly different in the adolescent and young adult groups. The degree of the optic disc tilt was more associated with AL and SER in the adolescent group while disc area showed more correlated with AL and SER in the young adult group.
Public knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards herbal medicines; a cross-sectional study in Western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zaidi Syed Faisal , Saeed Sheikh Abdul , Khan Muhammad Anwar , Khan Aslam , Hazazi Yaqoub , Otayn Mohammed , Rabah Mohammed , Daniyal Muhammad 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Herbal medicines, derived from medicinal plants, are among the most popular alternative remedies around the globe. In Saudi Arabia, herbal medicines are extensively used by public as part of the culture as well as religious norms. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding herbal medicines among the general population in Saudi Arabia.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional survey study was conducted on the general population of Jeddah city with the help of a validated and self-administered questionnaire. Sample size was calculated to be 450 with subjects between 20 and 60 years of either gender. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results
Results of our data showed that 173 (42.2%) of the total participants used herbal medicines, however, significant association was found between female gender and the usage of herbal medicines (p < 0.001). Approximately, more than half (56.0%) of the respondents agreed that herbal medicines could be used to promote health and treat illnesses, and 45% respondents agreed that herbal medicines are safe. 153 (37.4%) of the participants opined that herbal medicines could be taken with conventional or allopathic medicine. The data also showed a significant (p < 0.05) association between knowledge about the source of herbal medicine and gender where females were found to have more knowledge compared to males. Moreover, a significantly higher number of chronic disease patients were using herbal medicines compared to individuals with no medical problems (p < 0.001). Strikingly, majority (n = 204; 49.9%) of the respondents used herbal medicines as a first choice when sick, while a good number (n = 172; 42.1%) of respondents did not consult doctors before taking herbal medicines.

Conclusion
The use of herbal medicines is common among the general population of Jeddah. Although most of the participants believed that the herbal medicines are safe and do not require consultation, there is a dire need to increase awareness as well as to establish effective strategies to evaluate the safety, efficacy and quality of the herbal medicines for propitious consequences of this commonly used entity in the local society.
Variability in low-flow oxygen delivery by nasal cannula evaluated in neonatal and infant airway replicas
Authors: Sabz Mozhgan , Tavernini Scott , Pillay Kineshta , Christianson Cole , Noga Michelle , Finlay Warren H. , Rouhani Hossein , Martin Andrew R. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe nasal cannula is considered a trusted and effective means of administering low-flow oxygen and is widely used for neonates and infants requiring oxygen therapy, despite an understanding that oxygen concentrations delivered to patients are variable.MethodsIn the present study, realistic nasal airway replicas derived from medical scans of children less than 3 months old were used to measure the fraction of oxygen inhaled (FiO2) through nasal cannulas during low-flow oxygen delivery. Parameters influencing variability in FiO2were evaluated, as was the hypothesis that measured FiO2values could be predicted using a simple, flow-weighted calculation that assumes ideal mixing of oxygen with entrained room air. Tidal breathing through neonatal and infant nasal airway replicas was controlled using a lung simulator. Parameters for nasal cannula oxygen flow rate, nasal airway geometry, tidal volume, respiratory rate, inhalation/exhalation, or I:E ratio (ti/te), breath waveform, and cannula prong insertion position were varied to determine their effect on measured FiO2. In total, FiO2was measured for 384 different parameter combinations, with each combination repeated in triplicate. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the influence of parameters on measured FiO2.ResultsMeasured FiO2was not appreciably affected by the breath waveform shape, the replica geometry, or the cannula position but was significantly influenced by the tidal volume, the inhalation time, and the nasal cannula flow rate.ConclusionsThe flow-weighted calculation overpredicted FiO2for measured values above 60%, but an empirical correction to the calculation provided good agreement with measured FiO2across the full range of experimental data.
Glioblastoma cells have increased capacity to repair radiation-induced DNA damage after migration to the olfactory bulb
Authors: Degorre Charlotte , Sutton Ian C. , Lehman Stacey L. , Shankavaram Uma T. , Camphausen Kevin , Tofilon Philip J. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The invasive nature of GBM combined with the diversity of brain microenvironments creates the potential for a topographic heterogeneity in GBM radioresponse. Investigating the mechanisms responsible for a microenvironment-induced differential GBM response to radiation may provide insights into the molecules and processes mediating GBM radioresistance.

Methods
Using a model system in which human GBM stem-like cells implanted into the right striatum of nude mice migrate throughout the right hemisphere (RH) to the olfactory bulb (OB), the radiation-induced DNA damage response was evaluated in each location according to γH2AX and 53BP1 foci and cell cycle phase distribution as determined by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. RNAseq was used to compare transcriptomes of tumor cells growing in the OB and the RH. Protein expression and neuron–tumor interaction were defined by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy.

Results
After irradiation, there was a more rapid dispersal of γH2AX and 53BP1 foci in the OB versus in the RH, indicative of increased double strand break repair capacity in the OB and consistent with the OB providing a radioprotective niche. With respect to the cell cycle, by 6 h after irradiation there was a significant loss of mitotic tumor cells in both locations suggesting a similar activation of the G2/M checkpoint. However, by 24 h post-irradiation there was an accumulation of G2 phase cells in the OB, which continued out to at least 96 h. Transcriptome analysis showed that tumor cells in the OB had higher expression levels of DNA repair genes involved in non-homologous end joining and genes related to the spindle assembly checkpoint. Tumor cells in the OB were also found to have an increased frequency of soma–soma contact with neurons.

Conclusion
GBM cells that have migrated to the OB have an increased capacity to repair radiation-induced double strand breaks and altered cell cycle regulation. These results correspond to an upregulation of genes involved in DNA damage repair and cell cycle control. Because the murine OB provides a source of radioresistant tumor cells not evident in other experimental systems, it may serve as a model for investigating the mechanisms mediating GBM radioresistance.
Augmented reality for stroke rehabilitation during COVID-19
Authors: Yang Zhen-Qun , Du Dan , Wei Xiao-Yong , Tong Raymond Kai-Yu 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The lack of the rehabilitation professionals is a global issue and it is becoming more serious during COVID-19. An Augmented Reality Rehabilitation System (AR Rehab) was developed for virtual training delivery. The virtual training was integrated into the participants’ usual care to reduce the human trainers’ effort so that the manpower scarcity can be eased. This also resulted in the reduction of the contact rate in pandemics.

Objective
To investigate the feasibility of the AR Rehab-based virtual training when integrated into the usual care in a real-world pandemic setting, by answering questions of whether the integrated trials can help fulfill the training goal and whether the trials can be delivered when resources are limited because of COVID-19.

Methods
Chronic stroke participants were randomly assigned to either a centre-based group (AR-Centre) or a home-based group (AR-Home) for a trial consisting of 20 sessions delivered in a human–machine integrated intervention. The trial of the AR-Centre was human training intensive with 3/4 of each session delivered by human trainers (PTs/OTs/Assistants) and 1/4 delivered by the virtual trainer (AR Rehab). The trial of the AR-Home was virtual training intensive with 1/4 and 3/4 of each session delivered by human and virtual trainers, respectively. Functional assessments including Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Barthel Index (BI) of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Physical Component Summary (SF-12v2 PCS) and Mental Component Summary (SF-12v2 MCS) of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12v2), were conducted before and after the intervention. User experience (UX) using questionnaires were collected after the intervention. Time and human resources required to deliver the human and virtual training, respectively, and the proportion of participants with clinical significant improvement were also used as supplementary measures.

Results
There were 129 patients from 10 rehabilitation centres enrolled in the integrated program with 39 of them were selected for investigation. Significant functional improvement in FMA-UE (AR-Centre: p = 0.0022, AR-Home: p = 0.0043), FMA-LE (AR-Centre: p = 0.0007, AR-Home: p = 0.0052), SF-12v2 PCS (AR-Centre: p = 0.027, AR-Home: p = 0.036) were observed in both groups. Significant improvement in balance ability (BBS: p = 0.0438), and mental components (SF-12v2 MCS: p = 0.017) were found in AR-Centre group, while activities of daily living (BI: p = 0.0007) was found in AR-Home group. Contact rate was reduced by 30.75–72.30% within AR-All, 0.00–60.00% within AR-Centre, and 75.00–90.00% within AR-Home.

Conclusion
The human–machine integrated mode was effective and efficient to reduce the human rehabilitation professionals’ effort while fulfilling the training goals. It eased the scarcity of manpower and reduced the contact rate during the pandemics.
Incidence of growth disturbance after distal tibia physeal fracture in children
Authors: Chen Hui , Chen Zhao , Chen Peisheng , Zheng Zibing , Lin Jinrun 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
To analyze the growth disturbance after distal tibia physeal fracture in children.

Methods
Data about children with distal tibia physeal fractures between September 2015 to September 2018 were collected, including age, gender, affected side, Salter–Harris classification, initial maximal displacement, with or without fibula fracture, open or closed reduction, the method of fixation, time to surgery, blood loss, duration of operation, and complications. Patients were placed in the growth disturbance group when leg length discrepancy was equal to or greater than 1.5 cm, or when they had more than 5 degrees of varus or valgus deformity. Others were placed in the no-growth disturbance group.

Results
A total of 143 patients (96 boys and 47 girls) were enrolled in this study. The length of the follow-up periods averaged 29.34 ± 7.46 months (26 to 61 months). Among the total of 143 patients, the incidence of growth disturbance was 15.39% (22/143). The no-growth disturbance group consisted of 121 patients (84 boys and 37 girls), with a mean age of 11.50 ± 3.20 years, and there were 68, 52, and 1 injuries to the left, right, and bilateral sides, respectively. The average maximal displacement was 5.51 ± 3.18 mm, and 27.27% (33/121) of patients also had a fibula fracture. The growth disturbance group contained 22 patients (12 boys and 10 girls) with a mean age of 9.32 ± 3.56 years, and there were 12, 10, and 0 injuries on the left, right, and bilateral sides, respectively. The average maximal displacement was 5.77 ± 4.89 mm, and 45.45% (10/22) of patients also had a fibula fracture. There was a significant difference in age (p = 0.004) and fibula fracture (p = 0.011) between the two groups. More patients had Salter–Harris types III and IV fractures in the growth disturbance group than in the no-growth disturbance group (p = 0.043).

Conclusions
Children with Salter–Harris types III and IV fractures, younger children, and children with fibula fractures all have a higher incidence of growth disturbance after distal tibia physeal fractures.

Level of evidence
Level III-Prognostic study.
Socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of low carbon technologies under rice production systems in China
Authors: Chen Zhong-Du , Chen Fu 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, such as farmers’ livelihood and the soil quality, has been identified to be strong influenced by climate change in China. However, the benefits of low carbon technologies (LCTs) are still debatable in rice production for farmers, which have been identified to tackle agricultural challenges. The choice of potential LCTs relevant to the case study is based on a literature review of previous empirical studies. Thus, the objectives of the study were to (1) investigate the public perception and preferences of LCTs in rice production of China, and (2) analyze the influences of the factors on farmer’s decision in adopting LCTs in rice production. There were 555 farmer surveys from eight representative rice production counties in HP province of southern China, both the Poisson estimators and multivariate probit (MVP) approach were applied in the study.

Results
Our results show that water-saving irrigation, integrated pest management techniques and planting green manure crops in winter season were the three major LCTs adapted by farmers in rice production. The intensity and probability of LCTs adoptions were influenced by the main factors including farmers’ education level, climate change awareness, machinery ownership, technical support and subsidies. There is a significant correlation among the LCTs, and the adoption of the technologies is interdependent, depicting either complementarities or substitutabilities between the practices.

Conclusions
This study suggests that policies enhance the integration of LCTs would be central to farmers’ knowledge, environmental concerns, technical service and financial support in rice production systems in China.
Targeting cell death pathways for cancer therapy: recent developments in necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis research
Authors: Tong Xuhui , Tang Rong , Xiao Mingming , Xu Jin , Wang Wei , Zhang Bo , Liu Jiang , Yu Xianjun , Shi Si 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMany types of human cells self-destruct to maintain biological homeostasis and defend the body against pathogenic substances. This process, called regulated cell death (RCD), is important for various biological activities, including the clearance of aberrant cells. Thus, RCD pathways represented by apoptosis have increased in importance as a target for the development of cancer medications in recent years. However, because tumor cells show avoidance to apoptosis, which causes treatment resistance and recurrence, numerous studies have been devoted to alternative cancer cell mortality processes, namely necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis; these RCD modalities have been extensively studied and shown to be crucial to cancer therapy effectiveness. Furthermore, evidence suggests that tumor cells undergoing regulated death may alter the immunogenicity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to some extent, rendering it more suitable for inhibiting cancer progression and metastasis. In addition, other types of cells and components in the TME undergo the abovementioned forms of death and induce immune attacks on tumor cells, resulting in enhanced antitumor responses. Hence, this review discusses the molecular processes and features of necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis and the effects of these novel RCD modalities on tumor cell proliferation and cancer metastasis. Importantly, it introduces the complex effects of novel forms of tumor cell death on the TME and the regulated death of other cells in the TME that affect tumor biology. It also summarizes the potential agents and nanoparticles that induce or inhibit novel RCD pathways and their therapeutic effects on cancer based on evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies and reports clinical trials in which RCD inducers have been evaluated as treatments for cancer patients. Lastly, we also summarized the impact of modulating the RCD processes on cancer drug resistance and the advantages of adding RCD modulators to cancer treatment over conventional treatments.