bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Vitamin D, Calcium, and Phosphorus on Sleep Quality, Quality of Life and Psychological Symptoms in Behçet's Disease: A Hierarchical Regression Analysis
Authors: Sari Fulden , Alp Gülay 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Vitamin D has been stated to be related to a variety of chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases, one of which is BD. The aim was to investigate the effects of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus on sleep, quality of life, anxiety, and depression in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). The study analyzed 61 patients with BD. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus levels were measured. Sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), quality of life (Behçet's Disease Quality of Life Scale (BDQLS)), anxiety, and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)) were evaluated in the study. Patients with vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml exhibited poor sleep quality in comparison to those who were above 20 ng/ml. The correlation chart generated using R Studio indicated a weak correlation between vitamin D levels and PSQI, while a weak correlation was observed between calcium and HADS. There was no significant relationship between phosphorus level, PSQI, BDQLS, and HADS. The hierarchical regression analysis backward approach indicated that the PSQI (β=-.295, t=-2.375, p = .021) was a significant and dependent predictor of the vitamin D level in patients with BD. The HADS (β=-.316, t=-2.562, p = .013) were significant and dependent predictors of the calcium level in these patients. In patients with BD, vitamin D levels affect sleep quality, whereas calcium affects anxiety and depression.
Preventive role of Pastinaca sativa in mitigating metabolic dysfunction- associated steatotic liver disease via modulation of metabolic endotoxemia
Authors: Park Ji-Eun , Lee Hye-Bin , Lee Yu Ra , Yoo Guijae , Son Hee-Kyoung , Choi Sang Yoon , Park Miri , Park Ho-Young 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major contributor to liver disorders worldwide. Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) has been utilized in food and medicine for centuries, owing to its high content of dietary fiber and various pharmacological properties. Although the health benefits of this root vegetable have been reported, its anti- MASLD effects remain largely understudied. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prebiotic effects of a parsnip root water-soluble extract (PRE) and its alleviatory effects against MASLD and metabolic endotoxemia in a mouse model. Mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with 50 and 100 mg/kg of PRE for eight weeks. Mice administered with PRE exhibited reduced fat accumulation and serum metabolic changes that were associated with liver injury. Furthermore, PRE treatment reduced the hepatic lipogenic protein levels that were elevated by the high-fat diet. This extract improved intestinal barrier function by modulating endotoxin, intestinal permeability, and tight junction protein expression. This confirms that PRE is associated with improved gut health. These findings suggest that oral administration of PRE may prevent MASLD and improve metabolic health, which can facilitate the use of this extract as a dietary supplement.
The spontaneously regressing retinopathy of prematurity led to immature development of the macula in the early postnatal period
Authors: Cai， Xiaojing , Zhou Xiaohong , Wu Tiancheng , Li Yian , Yang Weiming , Yang Chenhao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the macular development in preterm infants with spontaneously regressed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) utilizing handheld spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) during the early postnatal period.
Design:
A cross-sectional observational study.
Methods
Using handheld SD-OCT, OCT images were acquired in non-sedated infants ages about 37 weeks(w) post-menstrual-age (PMA = gestational age in weeks + chronological age). Central foveal thickness (CFT), mean parafoveal thickness (PT, mean of the temporal and nasal-lateral retinal thickness 1000 µm from the foveal center), the thickness of inner retina layers (IRL) and outer retina layers (ORL) of the foveal center and parafoveal, the depth of the macular fovea (FD), and the angle of the macular fovea (FA) were measured and analyzed.
Results
In contrast to the infants without ROP, OCT images of the infants with spontaneously regressed ROP were more immature. The FD of Group 2 was shallower than Group 1 (P < 0.05); CFT and the foveal center IRL (FIRL) of Group 2 were thicker than Group 1 (P < 0.05); conversely, PT and the mean parafoveal IRL (PIRL) of Group 2 were thinner than Group 1 (P < 0.05); FA of Group 2 was bigger than Group 1 (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the foveal center ORL (FORL) and the mean parafoveal ORL (PORL) between Groups 1 and 2 (P > 0.05). Furthermore, in preterm infants, ROP was moderately correlated with FD, CFT, PT, FIRL, and PIRL (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The spontaneously regressed ROP resulted in immature macular development in the early postnatal period. The inner retinal layers mainly contribute to this but not the outer retinal layers, indicating that the macular fovea's inner and outer retina layers developed asynchronously. ROP is an influential factor in macular development and maturation. This may be associated with the higher probability of visual impairment in children with a history of spontaneous regression of ROP at a prior time.
Design and analysis of a power transmission system for 55 kW electric tractor using agricultural workload data
Authors: Baek Seung-Min , Jeon Hyeon-Ho , Kim Yong-Joo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this study, an e-powertrain system for 55 kW electric tractors was designed and analyzed using agricultural workload data. The electric tractor power transmission system structure was analyzed, and three types were selected: the single-motor, the dual-motor, and the dual-motor including a planetary gear set (PGS). Load measurement and analysis during agricultural operations were performed to determine motor specifications and compare the characteristics of these three structures. Type I is a single-motor type and exhibits the highest torque and output of 62.8 kW at 199.5 Nm. Since the engine is replaced with a motor, a conventional transmission system with a clutch is adopted. Types II and III are dual-motor types and are classified by the use of a PGS. The PTO motor specifications are the same, namely, approximately 55.3 kW at 176.0 Nm. Notably, when a PGS is employed, the driving motor specifications can be significantly reduced from 58.4 kW at 185.3 Nm to 11.8 kW at 37.7 Nm. Hence, this is advantageous for saving space and optimizing the layout, which are key design elements of electric tractors. This study could facilitate future optimization and development.
Mediation role of health behaviours in the relation between mental resilience and cardiovascular risk in young adults with a diagnosed congenital heart defect
Authors: Mroczkowska Renata , Szlenk-Czyczerska Elżbieta , Szwamel Katarzyna , Fiszer Roland 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction.
With age, patients with a congenital heart defect are under higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and more complex selfcare requirements.
Aim of the study.
The analysis of the mediation role of health-oriented behaviours in the relation between mental resilience and the cardiovascular risk in young adults with congenital heart defects.
Material and methods.
The research was based on the examination of 201 patients with congenital heart defects using the medical record analysis, the method of estimating and the diagnostic survey method. The other examination tools included the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Scale, the Resilience Assessment Scale (SPP-25) and the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI).
Results.
The examination confirmed that every second patient was susceptible to a cardiovascular disease due to the prevalence of three risk factors. The general indicator of the intensity of health-related behaviours amounted to 83.16 ± 12.94. The lowest intensity of all health behaviours was observed for eating habits (3.14 ± 0.83). The highest score of mental resilience was reported in terms of openness to new experience and sense of humour (15.31 ± 3.05), whereas the lowest was related to optimism and mobilization capability in difficult situations (12.97 ± 3.46). The higher the perseverance and determination (β = -0.16; p < 0.001), openness and sense of humour (β = -0.09; p < 0.01), tolerance to failure and perceiving life as a challenge (β = -0.09; p < 0.01), optimism and the mobilization capability in difficult situations (β = -0.08; p < 0.01) and overall mental resilience scale measurement (β = -0.11; p < 0.001), the lower the cardiovascular risk. In short, higher psychological resilience was associated with higher intensity of health-related behaviours.
Conclusions.
Health-related behaviours play a mediation role between mental resilience and the cardiovascular risk in the group of young adults with congenital heart defects. Psychological resilience as a preventive and promotional factor of mental health appears to be of a very essential value while developing health promoting programmes aimed at decreasing the cardiovascular risk in patients with a congenital heart defect. The evaluation of mental resilience may provide better understanding of the patient and ensure proper health care.
Resilience and religiosity as moderators between war-related media exposure and psychotic experiences: A Multi-Country Population-based Study in the aftermath of the October 2023 Israel-Gaza war
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Helmy Mai , Alhuwailah Amthal , Shuwiekh Hanaa Ahmed Mohamed , Maalej Emna , Naser Abdallah Y , Obeid Sahar , Loch Alexandre Andrade , Cheour Majda , Hallit Souheil 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
After the 7th of October 2023, millions of individuals across the globe have been facing an unprecedented indirect exposure to war and terror through media coverage. Young people exposed to such early, extensive and repeated war-related media content are at increased risk for detrimental psychological consequences, including the development of psychotic experiences (PEs), particularly when mitigating resources are lacking. This study sought to test the hypothesis that resilience and religiosity are involved as moderators in pathways linking early war-related media exposure and PEs in community emerging adults.
Method
This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted two to four weeks following the start of Israel's war on Gaza on the 7th of October 2023. Young adults from the general population of Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Tunisia (N = 2424) took part in the study through an online survey.
Results
The interaction war-related media exposure by resilience was significantly associated with PEs; at low and moderate levels of resilience, more war-related media exposure was significantly associated with higher PEs. This effect was not significant at high levels of resilience. In addition, the interaction war-related media exposure by religiosity was significantly associated with PEs; at low and moderate levels of religiosity, more war-related media exposure was significantly associated with higher PEs. This effect was not significant at high levels of religiosity.
Conclusion
Results suggest that individual’s high levels of resilience and religiosity could play a significant role in mitigating possible negative impact of war-related media exposure on the manifestations of PEs.
Ventilatory variables and computed tomography features in COVID-19 ARDS and non– COVID-19-related ARDS: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Chiu Li-Chung , Li Hsin-Hsien , Juan Yu-Hsiang , Ko How-Wen , Kuo Scott Chih-Hsi , Lee Chung-Shu , Chan Tien-Ming , Yu-Jr  , Chuang Li-Pang , Hu Han-Chung , Kao Kuo-Chin , Hsu Ping-Chih 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) differ from those of non–COVID-19-related ARDS. This study compared the ventilatory variables and computed tomography (CT) features of patients with COVID-19 versus those of patients with pulmonary non–COVID-19-related ARDS during the early phase of ARDS.
Methods
This prospective, observational cohort study of ARDS patients in Taiwan was performed between February 2017 and June 2018 as well as between October 2020 and January 2024. Analysis was performed on clinical characteristics, including consecutive ventilatory variables during the first week after ARDS diagnosis. Analysis was also performed on CT scans obtained within one week after ARDS onset.
Results
A total of 222 ARDS patients who underwent mechanical ventilation were divided into a COVID-19 ARDS group (n = 44; 19.8%) and a non–COVID-19 group (all pulmonary origin) (n = 178; 80.2%). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of all-cause hospital mortality (38.6% versus 47.8%, p = 0.277). Pulmonary non–COVID-19 patients presented higher values for mechanical power (MP), MP normalized to predicted body weight (MP/PBW), MP normalized to compliance (MP/compliance), ventilatory ratio (VR), peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak), and dynamic driving pressure (∆P) as well as lower dynamic compliance from day 1 to day 7 after ARDS onset. In both groups, non-survivors exceeded survivors and presented higher values for MP, MP/PBW, MP/compliance, VR, Ppeak, and dynamic ∆P with lower dynamic compliance from day 1 to day 7 after ARDS onset. The predominant CT patterns were ground-glass opacity in the COVID-19 group (62.5%) and consolidation in the non–COVID-19 group (75%). The CT severity score for each of the five lung lobes and total CT scores were all significantly higher in the non–COVID-19 group than in the COVID-19 group (all p < 0.05).
Conclusions
In the early course of ARDS, physicians should be aware of the distinctions between COVID-19-related ARDS and non–COVID-19-related ARDS in terms of ventilatory variables and CT imaging presentations. It is also important to tailor the mechanical ventilation settings according to these distinct subsets of ARDS.
Causal relationship between dermatomyositis and autoimmune d isorders: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Zhongyuan , Wang Jiajia , Zhu Ping , Xu Lingxiao , Yan Dandan , Wang Xu , Tian Yian , Liu Shanshan , Meng Deqian , Wang Kai , Li Ju 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Various autoimmune disorders have been linked to dermatomyositis (DM) based on findings from epidemiological studies. The objective of this study is to examine the causal association between autoimmune disorders and DM utilizing the methodology of Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods
We employed summary statistics from the largest European genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on autoimmune disorders to assess the genetically predicted effects on DM risk in a two-sample MR framework. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with 10 immune-related traits were extracted from these GWAS datasets and their effects were examined in a European DM GWAS cohort (201 cases and 172834 controls). In order to address potential bias arising from the intricate linkage disequilibrium structure observed in the human leukocyte antigen region, the analysis excluded SNPs within this specific genomic region. Subsequently, a multivariate Mendelian analysis was conducted to investigate the association between one autoimmune disease and DM.
Results
After applying the Bonferroni correction to account for multiple testing, our MR analyses revealed a potential heightened risk of DM associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D), one of the autoimmune diseases under investigation. We further conducted a Mendelian analysis focusing on T1D and the occurrence of DM, incorporating type 2 diabetes, viral infection, sunburns and smoking status. Our findings revealed that T1D independently increased the risk of DM, regardless of smoking and viral infection, which were previously identified as DM risk factors.
Conclusion
Our MR study provides evidence supporting a relationship between susceptibility to T1D and increased DM risk in the European population.
Interaction Effect of Common Bean Intercropping with NPS Blended Fertilizer on Striga hermontica severity reduction and Productivity of Sourghum at Fedis, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Degebasa Lemma , Tessema Taye , Bekeko Zelalem , Belete Ketema 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In Ethiopia, sorghum is the main crop grown for food and feed. But in the majority of eastern Ethiopia's sorghum-growing regions, Striga hermonthica is the main obstacle. In Fedis District, an experiment was carried out to assess the interaction effect of blended NPS fertilizer and common bean planting density for Striga management over the two main cropping seasons of 2019 and 2020. The treatment combination consisted of four NPS blended fertilizer levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1 NPS) in a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications, susceptible sorghum variety (Teshale) and common bean variety (Dursitu), planting densities of (25%, 50%, and 75%). The analysis of variance results indicated that treatment interactions on Striga infestation caused highly significant (p < 0.001) changes. The combination of 50% common bean planted density and 100 kg ha-1 NPS blended fertilizer application gave the lowest Striga count (2 Striga shoots) per plot, whereas the single planted susceptible sorghum variety (Teshale) produced the highest Striga count (8 Striga shoots) per plot. The main findings of this study consequently indicate that the host crop (sorghum) was supported by a 60% reduction in Striga hermonthica infestation when NPS fertilizer and common bean planted density were combined. The combination of 50% common bean planted density and 100 kg NPS ha-1 blended fertilizer application produced the maximum (2.54 t ha-1) grain yield of sorghum, while the control plot produced the lowest (0.98 t ha-1) grain yield. Hence, farmers in the study area could manage Striga and improve sorghum productivity through the combination of common bean with NPS blended fertilizer under natural Striga infestation.
Fitness consequences of host switching by Psix saccharicola, a stink bug egg parasitoid in pistachio orchards
Authors: Sardary Abbas Esmaeili , Ranjbar Fatemeh , Celis Sabrina L. , Jalali M. Amin , Ziaaddini Mahdi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

To successfully implement augmentative biological control, it is imperative to identify the most efficient host for parasitoid rearing and the impact of host switching on reproduction when multiple hosts are available. This study examined the effect of host switching on parasitoid fitness and reproduction using the wasp Psix saccharicola Mani (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), a dominant stink bug egg parasitoid in Iranian pistachio orchards, and two common hosts— Acrosternum arabicum Wagner (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and Brachynema germariKolenati (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The results indicated that rearing wasps on A. arabicum was more efficient, resulting in a shorter population doubling time, a shorter mean generation time, and higher finite and intrinsic rates of increase compared to rearing on B. germari. While switching the host from A. arabicum to B. germari led to increased population growth parameters for P. saccharicola in the first generation of host switching, switching the host from B. germari to A. arabicum decreased parasitoid fitness and reproduction. However, the effect of host switching largely disappeared in the second generation after host-switch, suggesting that changes in parasitoid fitness due to host switching could be temporary and may revert in subsequent generations. Our study highlights the importance of evaluating the impact of host switching when implementing a rearing program for P. saccharicola, ultimately leading to more sustainable pest control of stink bugs in pistachio orchards.
Importance of EQA/PT for the detection of genetic variants in comprehensive cancer genome testing
Authors: Matsushita Kazuyuki , Ishige Takayuki , Watanabe Kousuke , Akahane Toshiaki , Tanimoto Akihide , Yoshimoto Michiko , Yamakuchi Munekazu , Hashiguchi Teruto , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Ikejiri Makoto , Yamaguchi Toshikazu , Yamasaki Tadashi , Takeda Mayu , Hibi Masaaki , Akiyama Naoki , Shimizu Kaho , Hashimoto Naonori , Sato Hiroko , Tanaka Yoshinori , Amari Fumie , (JACLS) EQA working group of Japan Association for Clinical Laborato 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) is increasingly used as a clinical laboratory test and being applied to cancer treatment; however, standardization and external quality assessments (EQA) have not been fully developed. This study performed cost-effective EQA and proficiency tests (PT) for CGP testing among multiple institutions those belong to the EQA working group of Japan Association for Clinical Laboratory Science (JACLS). This study revealed that preanalytical processes, such as derived nucleic acids (NA) extraction from formalin fixed paraffine embedded (FFPE) samples, are critical. First, EQA with extracted DNA from cell lines showed a detection rate of 100% (9 out of 9) in KRAS (c.38G > A; p.G12D), PIK3CA (p.H1047R), and B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) (c.1799T > A; p.V600E) in cases of > 10% variant allele frequency (VAF). However, BRAF (c.1799T > A; p.V600E) detection decreased to 67% (6 out of 9) for a VAF of 4.9%. Second, when DNA was extracted from FFPE samples, pathogenic variants or companion diagnostics were detected in all 10 participating laboratories. Each variant had < 20% VAFs on average (8.1–19.1%) and wide variability among laboratories was observed (relative standard deviation, 13–60%). Nonetheless, BRAF (c.1798_1799delinsAA; p.V600K) of 8.1% VAF, EGFR (c.2235_2249del; p.E746_A750del) of 9.7% VAF, and EGFR (c.2254_2277del; p.S752_I759del) of 9.8% VAF were detected with 70% (7/10), 70% (7/10), and 60% (6/10) probability, respectively. Therefore, 10% VAF in pre-analytic processing for DNA extraction from FFPE is critical for variant detection in CGP analysis. Further, incorrect results were reported in case independent variant calling of BRAF; c.1798_1799delinsAA (p.V600K) was interpreted as c.1798G > A, and c.1799T > A was on the other allele. In conclusion, the EQA/PT among 10 institutes with common samples revealed the importance of VAF in pre-analysis and helped us understand the significance of the pipeline and common pitfalls usually ignored by the internal quality control in a single institute.