bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the role of active TGF-β1 as inflammatory biomarker in Kashmiri (North-Indian) patients with systemic sclerosis: a case-control study
Authors: Ayub Sakeena , Shafi Tabasum , Rasool Roohi , Dangroo Mushtaq A. , Bindroo Muzaffar A. , Gull Ayaz , Al-Keridis Lamya Ahmad , Alshammari Nawaf , Saeed Mohd , Shah Zafar Amin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
As a master immune system regulator, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is closely linked to the complicated pathophysiology and development of systemic sclerosis (SSc), a multisystem fibrotic disease.

Objective
We aim to evaluate the transcriptional levels of TGF-β1 mRNA in PBMCs, assess the TGF-β1 serum levels of SSc patients, and compare them with those of healthy subjects.

Methods
PBMCs were isolated from whole blood of 50 SSc patients and in 30 healthy controls. After total RNA was extracted from isolated PBMCs, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis was performed. Afterward, the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR using the SYBR Green, GAPDH, and TGF-β1 specific primers. The serum levels of TGF-β1 were determined using a commercially available ELISA kit.

Results
There was a significant upregulation of TGF-β1 relative expression (p < 0.0001), when SSc patients were compared to the control group. The diffuse subgroup was more common in patients with elevated TGF-β1 mRNA expression (p < 0.0001). However, an insignificant difference was observed between the disease subsets of SSc. Serum TGF- β1 levels were upregulated in SSc patients (78.35 ± 23.16) compared to healthy subjects (61.06 ± 15.90), and were considerably higher in SSc patients with ILD (p < 0.01) and positive anti-topo-Isomerase antibody (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
In patients with SSc, elevated levels of TGF-β1 in serum and their correlation with clinical symptoms imply that this cytokine may serve as a marker for fibrotic and vascular involvement in SSc.
Ketupat: a culinary heritage of Indonesia in Eid Al-Fitr tradition
Authors: Setiarto R. Haryo Bimo , Herlina Vika Tresnadiana 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIndonesia is renowned for its cultural diversity and traditions, which are closely related to religious practices. Among these, the kupatan tradition, a significant Muslim custom, symbolizes gratitude and is prominently observed during major Islamic celebrations, such as Eid Al-Fitr. Ketupat is a typical culinary heritage of this tradition. It is a rice-based dish wrapped in diamond-shaped of young coconut leaves (janur), reflecting a deep cultural and religious connection. This review explores the cultural significance of ketupat from socio-cultural and philosophical perspectives, as well as its cooking methods, physicochemical transformation, shelf-life, and safety aspects. It also addresses the challenges and future prospects for ketupat, including the difficulty of integrating modern technology without losing its cultural essence and the specialized skills required for crafting janur containers. The review suggests that focusing on sustainable production practices, product innovation, efficient processing methods, and effective promotion and marketing strategies could significantly enhance the future outlook for ketupat. This study will provide a crucial basis for future research on ketupat, emphasizing its long-term food value.
Mapping the digitalization in SMEs of Middle East region: trends and insights from bibliometric analysis
Authors: Tripathi Abhishek 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDigitalization is very important for SMEs in the Middle East in order to remain competitive and sustainable in this region. Therefore, the study aims to examine the digitalization in SMEs of the Middle East region using bibliometric analysis by considering publication trends, top authors, journals, articles, countries, and major keywords. The researchers used the Scopus database for data extraction and VOSViewer for the bibliometric analysis of this study. The findings revealed that countries from the Middle East realized the importance of digitalization after 2015, and the research trend rose after 2019 with highest publication count till 2023–24 in this domain. Furthermore, the bibliometric analysis revealed Saudi Arabia being the most influential country due to the highest numbers of publications in this domain. Rana. N.P., as the most influential author from Qatar, revealed Sustainability (Switzerland) is the most influential journal, while “Digitalization and economic growth: A comparative analysis of sub-Saharan Africa and OECD economies” is the highly cited article, and Digital Transformation is the highly co-occurred keyword in relation to digitalization of SMEs in the Middle East. Based on these findings, the study proposed managerial implications for policymakers in SMEs of the target region, and avenues for future researchers in this domain.
Augmenting the safety and therapeutic efficacy of doxycycline and rifampicin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against Brucella abortus using murine model
Authors: Himani K. M. , Anbazhagan Subbaiyan , Prakasan Lakshmi , Thomas Prasad , Kumar Akhilesh , Narayanan Krishnaswamy , Singh Praveen , Chaudhuri Pallab 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Prolonged therapy, hepatic damage, and the development of drug resistance are the limitations of doxycycline and rifampicin in the treatment of brucellosis. This study was designed to assess the effect of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) encapsulation of these antimicrobials against brucella. SLNs were prepared by a double emulsion method and characterized for entrapment efficiency, particle size distribution, drug release, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The encapsulated formulations were tested for stability, safety, and in vitro antimicrobial assay on brucella and brucella-infected mice models.

Results
The particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of doxycycline encapsulated SLN size were 443.6 ± 3.03 nm, 0.858 ± 0.00, and + 26.5 ± 1.87 mV, respectively. The rifampicin SLN showed particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of 348.7 ± 3.35 nm, 0.234 ± 0.00, and + 22.9 ± 1.59 mV. The entrapment efficiency of doxycycline and rifampicin encapsulated SLN was 98% and 96%, respectively. The drug-loaded SLN retained the biophysical properties, drug loading, and entrapment efficiency after storage at 4 °C as well as 25 °C for 6 months. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy depicted effective encapsulation and the Differential scanning colorimetry thermogram revealed a negative interaction of drug and polymer. Drug release parameters were fitted well with the Korsmeyer–Peppas and Hixson–Crowell model (R2 ≥ .09). The MIC findings showed a reduction in MIC values of SLN-encapsulated rifampicin; whereas, doxycycline did not show any changes. The MBC value for free and SLN-encapsulated doxycycline and rifampicin did not show changes. SLN encapsulation did not show any cytotoxicity on murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.76 for both drugs. Doxycycline and rifampicin significantly reduced the CFU of B. abortus compared to the free drug (P > 0.05), resulting in less damage to the liver and kidneys.

Conclusions
The present study concludes that SLN encapsulation of doxycycline and rifampicin would be safe and effective for the prolonged treatment regimen against Brucella infection.

Graphical abstract
Enhancing seismic resilience of steel frames through a novel passive control system with non-buckling metal braces
Authors: Zhao Lanying , Chen Jiahao , Song Huimin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this study, a novel passive control mechanism was proposed to enhance the seismic resilience of steel frames through the implementation of a new bracing system. This system involved the design of a non-buckling metal brace featuring both bean-shaped and rectangular cross-section apertures. Subsequently, the impact of various geometric parameters of this damper on its buckling resistance was investigated through computational simulations conducted using ABAQUS finite element software. The study also evaluated the influence of the new system specifications on the mechanical response of the steel frame. The findings revealed that the first buckling load for the brace with one bean-shaped groove and five bean-shaped grooves was determined to be 1.69 kN and 1.25 kN, respectively. This indicates a 25% reduction in the first buckling load with an increase in the number of bean-shaped grooves from one to three, rendering the brace susceptible to buckling. It gave values for rectangular groove braces as 1.67 kN and 1.06 kN, which is a 36% reduction. Another implication of the study is that the adaptability of the bean-shaped core depends on the individual frames, and an increment in the opening length improves the performance of the rectangular core.
Epidemiological characteristics and prevention and control strategies for Eimeria spp. in sheep and goats in China: a systematic review
Authors: Liu Manyu , Li Senyang , Huang Shucheng , Zhang Longxian , Jian Fuchun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSheep and goat coccidiosis has a worldwide distribution and is an important disease on lambing farms. Infection with multiple Eimeria species can lead to severe intestinal damage in sheep/goats and economic losses on farms. Disease is a serious constraint to the healthy development of small ruminant farming. Studies published on PubMed, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang and the resulting references of selected studies were included. Risk factors affecting prevalence were analyzed and stratified by geographic location and climatic variables, age, sex, feeding model, season, sample year, breeds and environment. The total prevalence of coccidia in sheep and goats reached more than 60% in most regions, in which the dominant species in sheep were mainly E. parva, E. ovinoidalis, and E. parva and E. ahsata. East China had the lowest prevalence of coccidia infection in sheep (43.24%), and the dominant species were different from those in the other regions, mainly E. bakuensis and E. gonzalezi. Southwestern China and Central China had slightly less than 40.0% goat coccidia infection, and the dominant species in goats were mainly E. arloingi, E. aligevi, E. hirci and E. ninakohlyakimovae. Sheep/goats of different ages can be infected with coccidiosis, but lambs between 1 and 3 months of age are more susceptible to the disease. When lambs become infected, the pathogen spreads rapidly throughout the herd. Spring, summer and autumn are the seasons with a high incidence of this disease. Environmental pollution may be a significant factor in the development of coccidiosis in sheep raised in large-scale housing. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the species, morphology and geographic distribution of Eimeria species in sheep and goats, summary prevalence in different regions of China, risk factors affecting prevalence, and prevention and control strategies.
Altered Microbiome Signature in Cushing's Syndrome Persists Beyond Remission
Authors: Rubinstein German , Lagkouvardos Ilias , Intze Evangelia , Osswald Andrea , Zopp Stephanie , Braun Leah Theresa , Albani Adriana , Künzel Heike , Riester Anna , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin , Ritzel Katrin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Context
Patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) suffer from metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities caused by hypercortisolism. The human gut microbiome responds to different pathological conditions.

Objective
The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of chronic endogenous cortisol excess on the gut microbiome.

Methods
We prospectively recruited 18 patients with endogenous CS of different etiologies (mainly pituitary CS, n = 13). Patients provided a stool sample during active CS and 1 to 2 years after successful surgical treatment being in biochemical remission. In addition, 36 patients, in whom CS was excluded, served as an obese control group and 108 samples from healthy lean students were used as a reference group. Amplicons of the V3/V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, from every sample, were sequenced and clustered into operational taxonomic units. The microbial profiles of CS patients were then compared to the control and reference groups using R scripts.

Results
In comparison to lean references, the gut microbiome of patients with florid CS demonstrated a disturbed microbial profile. Microbial dysbiosis of patients with CS was maintained even after biochemical remission following curative surgery.

Conclusion
Patients with CS have a distinct and disturbed gut microbiome that persists even after surgery, indicating a possible target for additional probiotic interventions to accelerate convergence to a healthy microbiome.
GLP-1 and Its Analogs: Does Sex Matter?
Authors: Börchers Stina , Skibicka Karolina P 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
While obesity and diabetes are prevalent in both men and women, some aspects of these diseases differ by sex. A new blockbuster class of therapeutics, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs (eg, semaglutide), shows promise at curbing both diseases. This review addresses the topic of sex differences in the endogenous and therapeutic actions of GLP-1 and its analogs. Work on sex differences in human studies and animal research is reviewed. Preclinical data on the mechanisms of potential sex differences in the endogenous GLP-1 system as well as the therapeutic effect of GLP-1 analogs, focusing on the effects of the drugs on the brain and behavior relating to appetite and metabolism, are highlighted. Moreover, recent clinical evidence of sex differences in the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 analogs in obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are discussed. Lastly, we review evidence for the role of GLP-1 analogs in mood and reproductive function, with particular attention to sex differences. Overall, while we did not find evidence for many qualitative sex differences in the therapeutic effect of clinically approved GLP-1 analogs, a growing body of literature highlights quantitative sex differences in the response to GLP-1 and its analogs as well as an interaction of these therapeutics with estrogens. What also clearly emerges is the paucity of data in female animal models or women in very basic aspects of the science of GLP-1—gaps that should be urgently mended, given the growing popularity of these medications, especially in women.
Impact of pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index on neonatal outcomes in twin delivery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zheng Lianghui , Huang Liping , Liu Jiaoxia , Yao Ting , Liao Qiuping , Lin Lin 
Published: December 2024

Objective: This study examined the potential link between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (PPBMI) with neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies.
Methods: This retrospective analysis records of 1,270 women with twin pregnancies, delivered at the Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between 2019 and 2021, were retrospectively analysed. Women were diagnosed as underweight, normal BMI, and overweight/obese according to their PPBMI. Neonatal outcomes included low birth weight (LBW), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), prematurity, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, neonatal mortality, and low APGAR scores. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed.
Results: The proportions of neonates with LBW, IUGR, prematurity, and NICU admission were 34.7%, 2.5%, 27%, and 30%, respectively. Five neonatal deaths occurred, all born to mothers with normal BMI. Low APGAR scores at five minutes were observed in one neonate in the maternal overweight/obese group and one neonate in the normal maternal BMI group. Multivariate regression analysis showed that underweight women had an approximately twice higher risk of delivering LBW twins (OR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.89) than women with normal BMI. No statistically significant associations were found between maternal BMI and other neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion: Low PPBMI increases the risk of delivering LBW twins, independent of other factors. Our findings emphasize the importance of pre-pregnancy nutritional status in optimizing neonatal outcomes in twin deliveries.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.11135
How to cite this: Zheng L, Huang L, Liu J, Yao T, Liao Q, Lin L. Impact of pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index on neonatal outcomes in twin delivery: A retrospective cohort study. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(1):49-54. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.11135
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Optimizing Initial Screening for Colorectal Cancer Detection with Adherence Behavior
Authors: Gao Sarah Yini , He Yan , Zhang Ruijie , Zheng Zhichao , Lam Shao Wei , Tan Emile 
Published: December 2024

Two-stage screening programs for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection typically involve a first-stage test that evaluates fecal-hemoglobin (f-Hb) concentration in stool samples, with positive results leading to a recommended second-stage diagnostic test (colonoscopy). We explore the design of the first-stage test—specifically the selection of f-Hb cutoffs to report test outcomes—to balance screening effectiveness (CRC and polyp detection) and efficiency (colonoscopy costs), considering that not all individuals follow up with a colonoscopy. We propose an information design model that integrates Bayesian persuasion with information avoidance to address this issue. The model is applied to the design of Singapore’s CRC screening program and calibrated using data from multiple sources, including a nationwide survey of 3,920 respondents in Singapore. Our findings indicate that under certain conditions, using a single cutoff maximizes follow-up adherence, whereas showing exact f-Hb readings optimizes detection effectiveness. Raising the cutoff to 39 [Formula: see text], as compared with the current practice, could detect 21% more CRC and polyp cases, reduce colonoscopies by 27%, and lower lifetime CRC risk by 11%. This adjustment would reduce public healthcare expenditure by S$20 million and individual spending by S$12 million on average in screening costs. Choosing appropriate cutoffs for the first-stage test can significantly enhance the screening effectiveness while efficiently managing colonoscopy demands. The prevalent practice of using lower cutoffs to achieve high sensitivity may lead to excessive unnecessary colonoscopies and reduced follow-up adherence. This paper was accepted by Scholtes Stefan, healthcare management. Funding: This work was supported by the Ministry of Education - Singapore [Grant 18-C207-SMU-011]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01319 .
Challenges in Using Parent-Reported Bed and Wake Times for Actigraphy Scoring in Rett-Related Syndromes
Authors: Byiers Breanne J. , Merbler Alyssa M. , Burkitt Chantel C. , Symons Frank J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Sleep problems are common in Rett syndrome and other neurogenetic syndromes. Actigraphy is a cost-effective, objective method for measuring sleep. Current guidelines require caregiver-reported bed and wake times to facilitate actigraphy data scoring. The current study examined missingness and consistency of caregiver-reported bed and wake times from paper sleep diaries and actigraphy event mark button presses in a sample of 38 individuals with Rett and related syndromes (aged 2–36 years, mean = 13.1) across two 14-day collection time points. Rates of missingness and discrepancy between the 2 sources were relatively high and correlated with clinical severity and quality of life. Overall, the results suggest a need for alternative actigraphy scoring methods that do not rely on caregiver report in this population.
Resilience in Families of Autistic Children and Children With Intellectual Disability During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dimitrova Elizaveta , Kouroupa Athanasia , Totsika Vasiliki 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Resilience in families of autistic children and children with intellectual disability is associated with factors such as family functioning, social support, and financial strain. Little is known about family resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic when many resources were limited. This study examined the association of family resilience with child characteristics, family resources, and socioecological factors during the pandemic. Data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic from 734 United Kingdom parents/caregivers of children who are autistic and/or have intellectual disability were analyzed using path analysis. Greater family resilience was significantly associated with fewer child behavior problems, absence of intellectual disability, higher financial status, and greater family functioning, though not school support. These factors might guide future research and practices to support vulnerable families at risk of low resilience.
Micro-ring wavelength selective switch device based on contra-DC
Authors: Chu Xixi , Song Yuqing , Chen Rongquan , Wang Wei , Hu Xudong , Pan Zhouyan , Liu Jinbiao , Chen Ming 
Published: December 2024

This paper presents, to our knowledge, a novel micro-ring wavelength selective switch
device based on a contra-directional coupler (contra-DC), which
utilizes the transparent window formed by the contra-DC to select the
single resonant wavelength of the micro-ring resonator, avoiding the
limitation of free spectral range and realizing the function of
wavelength selection/switching. The desired wavelength switching
function is achieved by changing the crystal state of the Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) loaded on the micro-ring
resonator. When the device is in the on state, the desired wavelength
signal is selectively output from the drop port of the bus waveguide;
when the device is in the off state, light is output from the through
port. By modifying the GST crystal state, selective routing of light
can be achieved, which can be used in optical interconnection
networks. The simulation is performed using a 3D finite-difference
method. The wavelength selection device achieves a 3 dB
bandwidthof 1.6 nm with a side lobe suppression ratio of
20 dB at a length of 230 µm; the switching device
achieves the extinction ratio of about 14.7 dB and a side lobe
suppression ratio of 18.2 dB between the on/off states.
Tunable multiband asymmetric transmission based on flexible chiral metamaterial for refractive index sensing
Authors: Lu Mengjia , Guo Zhenzhao , Deng Chunyu , Hu Xuefang , Chen Mengmeng 
Published: December 2024

Tunable multiband asymmetric transmission (AT) effect is effectively demonstrated using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based flexible chiral metamaterial (FCM) in the mid-infrared region. The unit cell of the FCM comprises J-shaped and F-shaped gold patterns to achieve three-dimensional (3D) chirality, and a multiband AT effect can be realized. Due to the excitation of enantiomerically sensitive plasmons, the FCM can realize a tunable multiband AT effect that is rarely reported, whose peak values can reach 51.89%, 37.72%, and 28.91% at resonance wavelengths of 9.03 µm, 10.25 µm, and 12.77 µm, respectively. The tunability of the FCM demonstrated that the peaks of AT shift to longer wavelengths when stretching along different directions respectively. Compared with reported refractive index sensors based on chiral metamaterial, FCM has tunable multibands and better refractive index sensitivity, which can reach 7875 nm/RIU, 3375 nm/RIU, and 1625 nm/RIU, respectively. Our proposed FCM opens an avenue to develop refractive index sensors.