bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomical and radiographic distribution of hepatic artery and biliary duct system applied to biochemical parameters indicative to hepatobiliary disease in Egyptian donkey (Equus asinus)
Authors: Maher Mohamed Ahmed , Ahmad Ismail M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe current study was performed on ten adult Egyptian donkeys of both sexes for anatomical and radiographic studies in addition to six other donkeys for enzymatic, biochemical and statistical analysis. The aim was to illustrate the normal hepatic arterial and biliary distribution using different anatomic techniques and radiographic imaging besides, establishing an accurate laboratory profile specific for donkeys that used as standard indicators for hepatobiliary dysfunction. The right branch of the hepatic artery in donkey forms a curved arch erupting five branches, unlike the left branch that erupts six branches, being the direct continuation of the main hepatic artery. The caudate lobe artery either originated from the hepatic artery or its right division. The common hepatic duct represented a very clear enlargement called ‘gall tank’ at its terminal pouring intestinal end and compensating absence of gall bladder, cystic and common bile ducts. The intrahepatic biliary distribution is characterized by a segmental ramification into dorsal, intermediate, and ventral branches of bile ductules especially noticed in the undivided right lobe and left lateral lobe. The quadrate lobe is divided according to its biliary drainage into right and left parts where the former is drained by the left hepatic duct while the latter is drained through a branch from R. lobi medialis sinistri. The serum enzymatic activity was slightly similar to that of the horse while some biochemical parameters differentiating the donkey from the horse such as lowered total bilirubin, serum bile acids, and higher triglycerides, blood urea and prolonged prothrombin time.
Creation and maintenance of neo‐vagina with the use of vaginal dilators as first line treatment: Results from a quaternary paediatric and adolescent gynaecology service in Australia
Authors: Wee Amanda , Bagchi Tapasi , Kimble Rebecca 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundVaginal agenesis is an uncommon condition with an estimated incidence of 1/5000 live female births. There are surgical and non‐surgical treatment options for neo‐vagina creation. Vaginal dilatation has been used to treat vaginal agenesis for over 80 years, but outcome data to date have had poor definitions for ‘success’. The optimal method for neo‐vagina creation varies with vaginal dilator therapy being the most successful first line therapy in women with Mayer‐Rokistansky‐Kuster‐Hauser syndrome, with little literature to guide best practice in women with more complex congenital conditions. There is a paucity of data from Australian and New Zealand paediatric and adolescent gynaecology services on management of women requiring a functional vagina, for any underlying aetiology.AimsTo determine if creation and maintenance of a functional neo‐vagina for vaginal agenesis with non‐surgical management (via vaginal dilators) should be the first line treatment.Materials and MethodsRetrospective observational study between January 2005 and June 2015.ResultsOf the 23 women, 21 (91.3%) achieved a successful vaginal length defined as achieving vaginal length >6 cm and maximum width using the largest dilator if not sexually active, or ability to have sexual intercourse without discomfort.ConclusionVaginal dilator therapy remains an effective first line treatment for neo‐vagina creation and maintenance and can be achieved in an outpatient setting with appropriate support.
Assessment of seminal cell‐free DNA as a potential contaminate in studies of human sperm DNA methylation
Authors: Barney Ryan , Stalker Kelaney , Lutes Andrew , Bayles Ammon , Aston Kenneth , Jenkins Tim 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundHuman seminal cell‐free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) methylation patterns have not yet been thoroughly explored; however, recent work in mouse has suggested that some cfDNA encountered in the epididymis may contaminate DNA methylation studies assessing the mature spermatozoa. Such contamination could clearly prove to be a significant confounder, for many reasons, in epigenetic studies of male factor infertility.ObjectivesTo explore the nature of seminal cfDNA methylation and the likelihood that it would be retained following standard semen sample processing for epigenetic analysis.Materials and methodsWe assessed 12 semen samples collected at Utah Fertility Center. For each sample, seminal cfDNA was isolated from the sperm pellet. The spermatozoa was split into three aliquots including one exposed to DNase to remove any additional cfDNA (termed “pure spermatozoa”), one not exposed to DNase, and one exposed to DNase but reintroduced to seminal cfDNA. We additionally assessed blood DNA as our benchmark for somatic cell DNA methylation patterns. DNA methylation was measured via Illumina's 850k array and assessed for differential regional methylation.ResultsForty‐six thousand three hundred fifty‐two differentially methylated regions (FDR > 40) were identified between pure spermatozoa and seminal cfDNA. We found at these sites that the average DNA methylation in cfDNA always fell somewhere between the average methylation in spermatozoa and blood. We also assessed each sperm treatment groups at all 46,352 regions of interest and found no significant differences at any of these sites.Discussion and conclusionOur data suggest that seminal cfDNA is a clear mixture of both somatic and germline DNA and that cfDNA is not a contaminating feature in sperm DNA methylation studies following standard protocols in human sperm DNA extraction.
Micro‐straw: An efficient cryopreservation carrier for rare human spermatozoa
Authors: Luo Xue‐Feng , Huang Chuan , Ji Xi‐Ren , Luo Qiang , Tang Yu‐Lin , Zhou Wen‐Jun , Huang Zeng‐Hui , Liu Qian , Fan Li‐Qing , Zhu Wen‐Bing 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundMany cryopreservation carriers have been introduced to freeze rare human spermatozoa, however, these carriers relative attributes and comparative effectivenesses have not yet been systematically studied.ObjectivesIs the micro‐straw cryopreservation carrier more effective for cryopreserving rare human spermatozoa compared with the Cryoplus and a new micro‐straw (LSL straw) carriers?Materials and methodsThis study involves 93 samples from healthy sperm donors and 40 samples from patients diagnosed with oligospermia, asthenospermia, oligoasthenospermia, or obstructive azoospermia. We determined the optimal freeze–thaw protocol for the Micro‐straw carrier. The post‐thaw survival rate, normal sperm morphology, acrosome integrity, and DNA fragmentation for Micro‐straw, Cryoplus, and LSL carriers were then determined. Finally, we verified the effects of freezing using these carriers by comparing the qualities of post‐thaw spermatozoa from patients.ResultsThe highest total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PR) survival rates were obtained by placing the Micro‐straw at 1 cm above the LN2 surface for 70 s during freezing and in a 42°C water bath for 40 s during thawing. No differences were observed in the PR survival rate, acrosome integrity, and DNA fragmentation of the post‐thaw spermatozoa from the three carriers. However, the normal morphology rate of spermatozoa frozen using the Micro‐straw carrier was higher than for the Cryoplus carrier (p < 0.05), and the TM survival rate of spermatozoa frozen with the Micro‐straw was higher than that for the LSL carrier (p < 0.01). In verification tests, there were no significant differences in the quality of post‐thaw spermatozoa cryopreserved using these carriers for both rare spermatozoa or epididymal sperm.Discussion and conclusionMicro‐straw, Cryoplus, and LSL carriers are all efficient means of freezing rare human spermatozoa. However, the Micro‐straw carrier is more economical, safe, and user‐friendly.
Atypical primary varicella rash: Systematic literature review
Authors: Mazzara Calogero , Milani Gregorio Paolo , Lava Sebastiano A. G. , Bianchetti Mario Giovanni , Gualco Gianluca , Simonetti Giacomo D. , Camozzi Pietro , Kottanattu Lisa 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimIn previously healthy subjects, primary varicella presents with a distinctive vesicular rash that is more intense on the trunk and head than on the extremities. However, an atypical presentation may occasionally develop. We aimed at systematically assessing the characteristics of cases affected by atypical primary varicella rash.MethodsThe United States National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Medica and Web of Science databases were reviewed, without date or language restrictions. Articles were eligible if reporting previously healthy and immunocompetent subjects with a primary varicella rash (i.e., a photo‐localised primary varicella or skin inflammation‐associated primary varicella).ResultsThirty‐eight reports providing information on 59 cases of atypical primary varicella were identified. Twenty‐four cases (median 8.5 years of age, 19 females) were photo‐localised and 35 (median 4.8 years of age, 15 females) were associated with pre‐existing skin inflammation (including cast occlusion, diaper irritation, operative sites, burns, insect bites, vaccinations or pre‐existing skin disease). The skin rash was monomorphic and without a “starry sky” appearance.ConclusionPrimary varicella may have a modified presentation in areas of irritation such as sun exposure or pre‐existing inflammation. There is a need for a wider awareness of these modulators of varicella rash.
Immunophenotypic changes in juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia after treatment with hypomethylating agent: Do they help to evaluate dept of response?
Authors: Oliveira Anita Frisanco , Tansini Aline , Toledo Thais , Balceiro Rafael , Lee Maria Lucia Martino , Villela Neysimelia , Ikeuty Patricia , Metze Konradin , Lopes Luiz Fernando , Lorand‐Metze Irene 
Published: February 2022

Summary5‐Azacitidine has been used before stem cell transplantation in juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) patients. Recently, we have described immunophenotypic features in JMML at diagnosis. Here, our aim was to examine the changes in the immunophenotypic features during azacitidine treatment, correlating it with clinical response. Patients treated with 5‐azacitidine were evaluated at diagnosis and after three and six cycles of medication. Among 32 patients entering the study, 28 patients were examined after three cycles and 25 patients after six. Patients showed a reduction in CD34/CD117+ cells: median 3.35% at diagnosis, 2.8% after three cycles and 1.63% after six. B‐cell progenitors were decreased at diagnosis and decreased after treatment. Monocytes decreased: 11.91% to 6.4% and 4.18% respectively. Complete response was associated with increase in classical monocytes. T lymphocytes, reduced at diagnosis, increased in patients responding to 5‐azacitidine. Immunophenotypic aberrancies including expression of CD7 in myeloid progenitors remained after treatment. This feature was associated with a worse response to treatment, as well as presence of NF1. Immunophenotyping was feasible in all patients. Clinical response was associated with a decrease of myeloid progenitors and monocytes and a rise in T lymphocytes although phenotypic aberrancies persisted. The largest effect was observed after three cycles.
Resting electrocardiogram and blood pressure in young athletes and nonathletes: A 4‐year follow‐up
Authors: Pentikäinen Heikki , Toivo Kerttu , Kokko Sami , Alanko Lauri , Heinonen Olli J. , Nylander Tiina , Selänne Harri , Vasankari Tommi , Kujala Urho M. , Villberg Jari , Parkkari Jari , Savonen Kai 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA follow‐up data on electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure (BP) changes in adolescent athletes are scarce. We compared ECG and BP between adolescent athletes and nonathletes in a 4‐year follow‐up. A total of 154 youth sports clubs (SC) in Finland and 100 secondary schools for comparison data participated in this observational follow‐up study. Those who maintained or adopted SC participation are referred to as ‘Always athletes’ (n = 137), those who never participated in SC as ‘Never athletes’ (n = 108) and those who dropped out ofSC during the follow‐up as ‘Changers’ (n = 116). The mean age of the participants was 15.5 (0.6) years in all study groups at baseline. Resting ECG including heart rate, PR interval, QRS duration, QRS axis, QRS amplitude, T axis and QT interval and BP were measured from all participants at baseline and after follow‐up. ‘Always athletes’ had lower resting heart rate, more negative T‐wave axis and higher QRS amplitude than ‘Never athletes’ at baseline and at 4 years (p < 0.05). ‘Changers’ had lower resting heart rate, more negative T‐wave axis and higher QRS amplitude, systolic BP and pulse pressure than ‘Never athletes’ at baseline (p < 0.05). None of the observed differences at baseline, were visible at 4 years (p > 0.05) except the difference in T‐wave axis (p = 0.028). The significant group × time interaction between ‘Changers’ and ‘Never athletes’ was found for QRS amplitude (p = 0.017). Adolescent athletes have several training‐induced cardiovascular adaptations, which return towards the levels of nonathletes after cessation of regular training.
Suppression of tumorigenicity‐2 (ST2) is a promising biomarker in heart transplantation
Authors: Galeone Antonella , Salem Joe‐Elie , Lebreton Guillaume , Coutance Guillaume , Nguyen Lee , Hulot Jean Sébastien , Atassi Fabrice , Bega Marco , Leprince Pascal , Varnous Shaida 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the association between donors’ and recipients’ serum levels of soluble ST2 (sST2) and recipients’ outcome after heart transplantation (HT).MethodsBlood samples were collected in 50 heart donors before organ procurement and in 50 recipients before HT (D0), a week after HT (D7) and at every first year's endomyocardial biopsy (EMB); sST2 levels were evaluated by ELISA.ResultsDonors who sustained a cardiac arrest, had significantly higher sST2 levels. Recipients on national high emergency waiting list had significantly higher preoperative sST2 levels compared to recipients who did not. Recipients with postoperative sepsis or continuous renal replacement therapy had significantly higher sST2 levels at D7. Recipients who needed a postoperative ECMO for allograft dysfunction had significantly higher sST2 levels in their corresponding donors. Recipients who died during the hospitalization after the transplantation had significantly higher sST2 levels at D7 compared to recipients who did not. No difference was observed in sST2 levels in recipients who had mild allograft rejection and recipient who did not.ConclusionsHigher sST2 levels in donors are associated to allograft dysfunction requiring ECMO in recipients; higher postoperative sST2 levels in recipients are associated with in‐hospital mortality.
Baseline haemoglobin A1c and the risk of COVID‐19 hospitalization among patients with diabetes in the INSIGHT Clinical Research Network
Authors: Min Jea Young , Williams Nicholas , Simmons Will , Banerjee Samprit , Wang Fei , Zhang Yongkang , Reese April B. , Mushlin Alvin I. , Flory James H. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimsTo examine the association between baseline glucose control and risk of COVID‐19 hospitalization and in‐hospital death among patients with diabetes.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients in the INSIGHT Clinical Research Network with a diabetes diagnosis and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurement in the year prior to an index date of March 15, 2020. Patients were divided into four exposure groups based on their most recent HbA1c measurement (in mmol/mol): 39–46 (5.7%–6.4%), 48–57 (6.5%–7.4%), 58–85 (7.5%–9.9%), and ≥86 (10%). Time to COVID‐19 hospitalization was compared in the four groups in a propensity score‐weighted Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for potential confounders. Patients were followed until June 15, 2020. In‐hospital death was examined as a secondary outcome.ResultsOf 168,803 patients who met inclusion criteria; 50,016 patients had baseline HbA1c 39–46 (5.7%–6.4%); 54,729 had HbA1c 48–57 (6.5–7.4%); 47,640 had HbA1c 58–85 (7.5^%–9.9%) and 16,418 had HbA1c ≥86 (10%). Compared with patients with HbA1c 48–57 (6.5%–7.4%), the risk of hospitalization was incrementally greater for those with HbA1c 58–85 (7.5%–9.9%) (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.34) and HbA1c ≥86 (10%) (aHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.19–1.64). The risk of COVID‐19 in‐hospital death was increased only in patients with HbA1c 58–85 (7.5%–9.9%) (aHR 1.29, 95% CI 1.06, 1.61).ConclusionsDiabetes patients with high baseline HbA1c had a greater risk of COVID‐19 hospitalization, although association between HbA1c and in‐hospital death was less consistent. Preventive efforts for COVID‐19 should be focused on diabetes patients with poor glucose control.
Automated synthesis of biodiversity knowledge requires better tools and standardised research output
Authors: Cornford Richard , Millard Joseph , González‐Suárez Manuela , Freeman Robin , Johnson Thomas Frederick 
Published: February 2022

As the impact of anthropogenic activity on the environment has grown, research into biodiversity change and associated threats has also accelerated. Synthesising this vast literature is important for understanding the drivers of biodiversity change and identifying those actions that will mitigate further ecological losses. However, keeping pace with an ever‐increasing publication rate presents a substantial challenge to efficient syntheses, an issue which could be partly addressed by increasing levels of automation in the synthesis pipeline.Here, we evaluate the potential for automated tools to extract ecologically important information from the abstracts of articles compiled in the Living Planet Database. Specifically, we focused on extracting key information on taxonomy (studied species names), geographic location and estimated population trend, assessing the accuracy of automated versus manual information extraction, the potential for automated tools to introduce biases into syntheses, and evaluating if synthesising abstracts was enough to capture the key information from the full article.Taxonomic and geographic extraction tools performed reasonably well, although information on studied species was sometimes limited in the abstract (compared to the main text) preventing fast extraction. In contrast, extraction of trends was less successful, highlighting the challenges involved in automating information extraction from abstracts, such as deficiencies in the algorithms, linguistic complexity associated with ecological findings, and limited information when compared to the main text.In light of these results, we cautiously advocate for a wider use of automated taxonomic and geographic parsing tools for ecological synthesis. Additionally, to further the use of automated synthesis within ecology, we recommend a dual approach: development of improved computational tools to reduce biases; and enhanced protocols for abstracts (and associated metadata) to ensure key information is included in a format that facilitates machine‐readability.
Examination of thermoforming techniques to secure mouthguard thickness of the labial and buccal sides with a single sheet: An in vitro study
Authors: Takahashi Mutsumi , Bando Yogetsu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground/AimMouthguards must have an appropriate thickness to prevent oral trauma during sports. The aim of this study was to establish a thermoforming technique to secure the labial and buccal thicknesses of the mouthguard with a single sheet.Materials and MethodsMouthguards were thermoformed using 4.0‐mm thick sheets manufactured by extrusion molding, a plaster model, and a vacuum forming machine. Two sheet installation conditions were compared: the sheet extrusion direction was either parallel (P) or vertical (V) to the model's centerline. In each extrusion direction, two forming conditions were compared: (1) the sheet was formed when it sagged 15‐mm below the sheet frame at the top of the post (control group; C‐P, C‐V); and (2) the sheet frame was lowered 50‐mm below the ordinary level and heated, the frame was lowered when it sagged 15‐mm, and the model was moved forward 20‐mm before formation (experimental group; E‐P, E‐V). Difference in thickness (incisal edge, labial surface, cusp, and buccal surface) due to sheet extrusion direction and forming conditions were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA and the Bonferroni method.ResultsAt all measurement sites, a significant difference in thickness depending on the sheet extrusion direction was observed in the experimental group (p < .01), but not in the control group. Difference in thickness depending on the forming condition was observed at all measurement sites, and the thickness was in the order C‐P, C‐V < E‐P < E‐V. Thicknesses of E‐P and E‐V were 3.01 ± 0.03 mm and 3.25 ± 0.02 mm on the labial surface, and 2.81 ± 0.02 mm and 3.02 ± 0.02 mm on the buccal surface.ConclusionsIt was possible to obtain 3 mm or more thickness on the labial and buccal sides with a single sheet by adjusting the sheet extrusion direction and the heating method of the sheet, and by applying the thermoforming method where the model is moved forward just before formation.
Inhibition of TRPC3 channels by a novel pyrazole compound confers antiseizure effects
Authors: Nagib Marwa M. , Zhang Sicheng , Yasmen Nelufar , Li Lexiao , Hou Ruida , Yu Ying , Boda Vijay K. , Wu Zhongzhi , Li Wei , Jiang Jianxiong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveAs a key member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily, TRP canonical 3 (TRPC3) regulates calcium homeostasis and contributes to neuronal excitability. Ablation of TRPC3 lessens pilocarpine‐induced seizures in mice, suggesting that TRPC3 inhibition might represent a novel antiseizure strategy. Among current TRPC3 inhibitors, pyrazole 3 (Pyr3) is most selective and potent. However, Pyr3 only provides limited benefits in pilocarpine‐treated mice, likely due to its low metabolic stability and potential toxicity. We recently reported a modified pyrazole compound 20 (or JW‐65) that has improved stability and safety. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of TRPC3 inhibition by our current lead compound JW‐65 on seizure susceptibility.MethodsWe first examined the pharmacokinetic properties including plasma half‐life and brain to plasma ratio of JW‐65 after systemic administration in mice. We then investigated the effects of TRPC3 inhibition by JW‐65 on behavioral and electrographic seizures in mice treated with pilocarpine. To ensure our findings are not model specific, we assessed the susceptibility of JW‐65‐treated mice to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)‐induced seizures with phenytoin as a comparator.ResultsJW‐65 showed adequate half‐life and brain penetration in mice, justifying its use for central nervous system conditions. Systemic treatment with JW‐65 before pilocarpine injection in mice markedly impaired the initiation of behavioral seizures. This antiseizure action was recapitulated when JW‐65 was administered after pilocarpine‐induced behavioral seizures were well established and was confirmed by time‐locked electroencephalographic monitoring and synchronized video. Moreover, JW‐65‐treated mice showed substantially decreased susceptibility to PTZ‐induced seizures in a dose‐dependent manner.SignificanceThese results suggest that pharmacological inhibition of the TRPC3 channels by our novel compound JW‐65 might represent a new antiseizure strategy engaging a previously undrugged mechanism of action. Hence, this proof‐of‐concept study establishes TRPC3 as a novel feasible therapeutic target for the treatment of some forms of epilepsy.