bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What factors influence women's empowerment in Ethiopia? A multilevel analysis of Ethiopia's demographic and health survey data
Authors: Dellie Endalkachew , Tiruneh Misganaw Guadie , Jejaw Melak , Demissie Kaleb Assegid , Getnet Mihret , Belachew Tadele Biresaw , Teshale Getachew , Addis Banchlay , Geberu Demiss Mulatu , Yazachew Lake , Tafere Tesfahun Zemene , Worku Nigusu 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundWomen's empowerment has been a global priority, as countries can achieve significant growth and economic development by empowering women. Understanding the individual and community-level factors that influence women's empowerment is crucial for policymakers to develop effective policies and to improve women's empowerment.MethodA community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 11 administrative regions of Ethiopia. The analysis included a weighted sample of 7,108 married women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from the 2,016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). A multilevel mixed-effect binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the individual and community-level factors associated with women's empowerment. In the final model, significant variables were identified using a p-value of &lt;0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe overall magnitude of women's empowerment was 23.7% (95% CI: 22.7–24.7). Only 30.9% of women reported participating in household decision-making, and 32.5% disagreed with all the reasons justifying wife-beating. At individual-level, factors positively associated with women's empowerment included secondary (AOR: 2.72 (1.77–4.23), and higher (AOR: 3.65 (1.81–7.34) education. However, belonging to the Muslim religion was negatively associated with women's empowerment (AOR: 0.63 (0.47–0.85). At the community level, wealthy communities were positively associated with women's empowerment (AOR: 1.60 (1.05–2.44). Conversely, residing in rural areas (AOR: 0.49 (0.29–0.83), and living in the Afar (AOR: 0.35 (0.17–0.70), Amhara (AOR: 0.45 (0.26–0.79), Oromia (AOR: 0.43 (0.26–0.73), South Nation Nationalities, and Peoples (SNNP) (AOR: 0.42 (0.24–0.75), and Gambella (AOR: 0.36 (0.20–0.66) regional states were negatively associated with women's empowerment.ConclusionThe overall magnitude of women's empowerment in this study was low. Factors that positively influenced empowerment included attending secondary and higher education, as well as residing in communities with higher wealth status. On the other hand, being Muslim, residing in rural areas, and living in the Afar, Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, Gambella, and Tigray regions were negatively associated with women's empowerment. As a result, the government of Ethiopia needs to design community-based women's empowerment strategies and involve women in income-generation activities that improve their participation in household decision-making to empower them.
In silico identification and verification of Tanshinone IIA-related prognostic genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qian Lichao , Xu Zhongchi , Luo Tianjiong , Gao Zhao , Cheng Kun , He Xiaolong , Zhang Zhongai , Ren Shuai , Zhu Yinxing 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundCurrently, adequate treatment and prognostic prediction means for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) haven’t entered into medical vision. Tanshinone IIA (TanIIA) is a natural product, which can be utilized as a potential treatment of HCC due to its high anti-tumor activity. However, the effect on HCC prognosis, as well as the potential targets and molecular mechanism of TanIIA still remain ambiguous. Herein, we investigated them via network pharmacology, explored TanIIA-related prognostic genes by machine learning methods, and verified using molecular docking and cell experiments.MethodsPotential TanIIA-targeted genes and HCC-related genes were obtained from the corresponding database. The Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network and enrichment analyses of the intersection targets were conducted. Furthermore, a TanIIA-related prognostic model was built and verified. We attempted to explore the expression of the TanIIA-related prognostic genes and evaluate its chemotherapeutic sensitivities and the immune infiltrations. Followed by exploration of anti-tumor activity on the human HCC cells Hep3B and HepG2 cell lines in vitro (CCK-8, flow cytometry and transwell assay), the docking molecular was performed. Ultimately, the corresponding protein expressions were determined by western blotting.ResultsA total of 64 intersecting targets were collected. Similarly, GO/KEGG enrichment analysis showed that TanIIA can inhibit HCC by affecting multiple pathways, especially the MAPK signaling pathway. A five-gene signature related to TanIIA was constructed on account of Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression model. Among five genes, ALB, ESR1 and SRC tend to be core genes because of probable status as potential targets for sorafenib. Molecular docking results demonstrated the potential for active interaction between the core genes relevant proteins and TanIIA. Studies in vitro had shown that TanIIA regulated the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and MMP9 in HCC cells, inhibiting their growth, inducing apoptosis and preventing cell invasion. Additionally, we are able to detect an up-regulated trend in the expression of ALB and ESR1, while a down-regulated in the expression of SRC by TanIIA.ConclusionRegulating the expression of TanIIA-related gene signatures (ALB, SRC and ESR1), and inhibiting the SRC/MAPK/ERK signaling axis might potentially contribute to the TanIIA treatment of HCC. And the three gene signatures could be identified for predicting the prognosis of HCC, which may provide novel biomarkers for HCC treatment.
Changes in corneal curvature and astigmatism in senile cataract patients after phacoemulsification
Authors: Xiao Yan-Hui , Liu Yue-Qi , Chen Zhi-Gang 
Published: October 2024

PurposeAnalysis of changes in corneal curvature and astigmatism after phacoemulsification for senile cataracts.MethodsRetrospective collection of clinical data from patients who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. The changes in total corneal curvature, anterior surface curvature, posterior surface curvature, and astigmatism were measured by the Sirius system. The axial length was measured by Lenstar 900.ResultsThe total corneal curvature and anterior surface curvature at 3 months were all larger than those before phacoemulsification, and the difference was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with preoperative results, there was no significant change in corneal posterior surface curvature and astigmatism 3 months after surgery (p &gt; 0.05). Changes in corneal curvature and astigmatism were not significantly correlated with age at 3 months after surgery (p &gt; 0.05). Postoperative astigmatism was increased with the growth of axial length, while corneal curvature was decreased (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionPhacoemulsification can lead to increased postoperative corneal curvature in elderly cataract patients, and with the growth of the axial length, the corneal astigmatism was increased.
Paradendryphiella arenariae an endophytic fungus of Centella asiatica inhibits the bacterial pathogens of fish and shellfish
Authors: Shankar Saranya , Sathiavelu Mythili 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionAquaculture has been considered a major food-producing sector in the world during the last few decades. The foremost constraint in the development of aquaculture is bacterial disease control and management. Since various fish pathogens are resistant to conservative treatments, it is essential to screen new and effective alternative antibacterial agents. Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that live in the plant’s internal tissues without harming its host. Endophytic fungi have proven themselves as reliable sources of novel bioactive compounds that can be used as antibacterial agents.MethodsIn the present study, fifteen morphologically different endophytic fungi were isolated from the fresh and healthy stem section of Centella asiatica. The active endophytic fungal crude extracts were tested for agar well diffusion assay, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, Minimum Bactericidal Concentration assays, Time-kill kinetic analysis, Brine shrimp lethality assay.Results and DiscussionAgar plug diffusion and agar well diffusion assays revealed that endophytic fungus CAS1 exhibits maximum antagonistic activity against bacterial fish pathogens. The ethyl acetate crude extract of CAS1 exhibited the maximum zone of inhibitions against Aeromonas hydrophila (21  ±  0.11  mm), Aeromonas caviae (18  ±  0.1  mm), Edwardsiella tarda (23  ±  0.11  mm), Vibrio anguillarum (19  ±  0.05  mm) and Vibrio harveyi (20  ±  0.27  mm). The MIC and MBC values extract varied reliant on the trial pathogens ranging between 12.5-100 μg/mL and 25-100μg/mL correspondingly. The morphological and molecular characterization of potential isolate CAS1 was confirmed as Paradendryphiella arenariae by 18S rRNA ITS gene sequencing with 99.18% identity. This is the foremost findings to study the antagonistic effect of Paradendryphiella arenariae isolated from the stem of Centella asiatica against bacterial fish pathogens which can be used as natural effective antibacterial agents in aquaculture.
Preliminary study on the potential impact of probiotic combination therapy on Helicobacter pylori infection in children using 16S gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics approach
Authors: Yan Ya , Dong Lingjun , Xu Juan , Zhang Zhijiao , Jia Pengyan , Zhang Jingmin , Chen Weihong , Gao Weiqi 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore the potential mechanism of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication by probiotic therapy through 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology and untargeted metabolomics.MethodsTwenty four Hp-infected children were recruited from the Shanxi Bethune Hospital, and 24 healthy children were recruited as a blank control group. Group A: fecal samples from 24 healthy children. Group B: fecal samples of 24 children with Hp infection. Group B1 (n = 15): fecal samples of group B treated with probiotic therapy for 2 weeks. Group B2 (n = 19): fecal samples of group B treated with probiotic therapy for 4 weeks. The above fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology and untargeted metabolomics.ResultsThere was no significant difference in alpha diversity and beta diversity among the four groups, but many bacteria with statistical difference were found in each group at the bacterial genus level and phylum level. LEfSe results showed that in group B, Porphyromonadaceae, Shigella and other microorganisms related to intestinal microecological dysbiosis were enriched. And in group B2, abundant characteristic microorganisms were found, namely Bacillales and Prevotella. KEGG metabolic pathway enrichment analysis showed that groups B1 and B2 were involved in 10 metabolic pathways potentially related to probiotic treatment: purine metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, alanine, aspartic acid and glutamate metabolism, glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid extension, fatty acid degradation, pyrimidine metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis.ConclusionProbiotic therapy can inhibit Hp to some extent and can relieve gastrointestinal symptoms, making it a preferred therapy for children with Hp infection and functional abdominal pain. Hp infection can reduce the diversity of intestinal microbes, resulting in the disturbance of intestinal microbiota and changes in the relative abundance of microbiota in children, while probiotic therapy can restore the diversity of intestinal microbes and intestinal microecological balance.
Investigating the efficiency of mixtures based on supercritical CO2 and lubricants by friction tests under conditions similar to the machining of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Koulekpa Koffi Samuel , Benked-Dar Chadi , Elias-Birembaux Hélène , Rossi Frédéric , Poulachon Gérard 
Published: October 2024

New supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2)-based cutting fluids combining the cooling from scCO2 and lubrication from various additives are investigated in this study. Selected components, including ionic liquids, vegetable and mineral oils, water, and PEG, were introduced into supercritical CO2, and tribological tests were performed on a CNC lathe to analyze their influence on Ti6Al4V/WC-Co contact. Forces and temperatures were recorded to compare the perfomances of the scCO2-lubricant mixtures for future use in machining. The analysis of the apparent friction coefficient and sticking zone showed a noticeable decrease by ionic liquids when combined with scCO2 at a speed of 100 m/min and 4 mL/min delivery flow rate. The other lubricants (water and PEG vegetable oils) performed similarly to standard mineral oil and are less expensive, which could help in developing future low-cost yet effective cooling and lubrication methods for the machining industry.
Associations between T-cell traits and narcolepsy type 1: new insights from a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Shiqin , Lv Tian , Li Zongshan , Pan Gonghua , Chen Yiqiao , Zhao Xingwang , Zhang Lisan 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundNarcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is primarily caused by a malfunctioning immune system in which T-cells damage the hypothalamus. To elucidate the causal relationships between biomarkers in T-cells and NT1, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.MethodsWe conducted a two-sample MR analysis utilizing genetically predicted T-cell traits to examine their effects on NT1. Genome-wide association study summary data were extracted from studies by Valeria (3,757 participants) for 211 T-cell traits, Ollila (6,073 cases and 84,856 controls) for NT1. The MR analysis was executed at two threshold levels. Inverse variance weighted, Wald ratio, weighted median, and MR-Egger regression methods were used for the MR analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, and heterogeneity tests, as well as pleiotropy tests, were conducted.ResultsAfter Bonferroni correction at the significant level (p &lt; 1.18 × 10−4), a higher ratio of naive CD4− CD8− T-cells was identified as a risk factor for NT1 (OR = 10.50; 95% CI: 6.98, 15.90, p = 3.89 ×10−29). Conversely, CD4 on HLA DR+ CD4+ T cells (mean fluorescence intensity, MFI) exhibited a negative correlation with NT1. At nominally significant levels (p &lt; 0.05) for both threshold levels, HVEM (herpesvirus entry mediator) on naive CD8+ T cells (MFI) was suggested as a protective factor for NT1. Additionally, a higher ratio of CD25++ CD45RA− CD4 not regulatory T cells, CD127 on CD45RA− CD4 not regulatory T cells (MFI), CD127 on CD28+ CD4+ T cells (MFI), CD3 on HLA DR+ T cells (MFI), and CD3 on HLA DR+ CD4+ T cells (MFI) were suggested as risk factors for NT1.ConclusionThis study confirmed the causal effects of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells on NT1 and found several novel T-cell-related characteristics.
The neurocognitive correlates of DTI indicators of white matter disorganization in pediatric moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Ignacio Daniel A. , Babikian Talin , Dennis Emily L. , Bickart Kevin C. , Choe Meeryo , Snyder Aliyah R. , Brown Anne , Giza Christopher C. , Asarnow Robert F. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionNeuroimaging has expanded our understanding of pediatric brain disorders in which white matter organization and connectivity are crucial to functioning. Paralleling the known pathobiology of many neurodevelopmental disorders, traumatic brain injury (TBI) in childhood can alter trajectories of brain development. Specifically, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies in TBI have demonstrated white matter (WM) abnormalities that suggest microstructural disruptions that may underlie atypical neurodevelopment. The neurocognitive correlates of these previous findings will be explored in this study.MethodsIndicators of WM organization were collected in 44 pediatric patients with moderate/severe TBI and 76 controls over two post-injury time points: T1 (8–20 weeks) and T2 (54–96 weeks). Our previous work identified two TBI subgroups based on information processing differences: one with slower interhemispheric transfer times (IHTT) of visual information than controls and another with comparable IHTT. We extend this prior work by evaluating neurocognitive trajectories associated with divergent WM structure post-injury in slow and normal IHTT TBI subgroups.ResultsAt T1, both TBI subgroups performed significantly worse than controls on a norm-referenced working memory index (WMI), but only the Normal IHTT TBI subgroup significantly improved over the 12-month follow-up period (p = 0.014) to match controls (p = 0.119). In contrast, the Slow IHTT TBI subgroup did not show any recovery in working memory performance over time and performed more poorly than the control group (p &lt; 0.001) at T2. Improvement in one of the two WMI subtests was associated with DTI indicators of WM disorganization in CC tracts to the precentral, postcentral, frontal, and parietal cortices. IHTT and WM mean diffusivity predicted 79% of the variance in cognitive recovery from T1 to T2 when also accounting for other known predictors of TBI recovery.DiscussionIn the year following TBI, some pediatric patients experienced persisting working memory disturbance while others exhibited recovery; stratification was based on an event-related potential marker. More or less improvement in neurocognition was also associated with the degree of WM disorganization. IHTT, measured post-acutely after TBI, and progression of WM disorganization over time predicted neurocognitive trajectories at the chronic timeframe - potentially representing a prognostic biomarker.
Association between body roundness index and osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2011–2018
Authors: Liang Huazheng , Si Wenyue , Li Lin , Yang Kaiying 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the potential association between body roundness index (BRI) and the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) in US adults.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis consisting of 20,232 participants was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. Participants (≥20 years of age) were included and divided into OA and non-OA groups. Then, the demographics and characteristics of the participants were compared between the two groups. The relationship between BRI and OA was assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model with fitted smoothed curve techniques. Additionally, subgroup analyses on the correlation between BRI and OA were performed.ResultsThe BRI scores in OA group were significantly higher than in the non-OA group (6.60 ± 2.62 vs. 5.46 ± 2.34, p &lt; 0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that a significantly positive association between BRI and OA (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.09–1.14, p &lt; 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, only the race subgroup showed a significant difference between BRI and OA (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionOur findings highlight a significantly positive association between BRI and OA prevalence in the general US population.
Performance of DNA methylation and blood-borne tumor indicators in detecting colorectal neoplasia and adenomas: a comparative study with the fecal occult blood test
Authors: Chen Ming , Zhang Ji , Xu Bin , Yao Bilian , Wang Zhenzhen , Chen Ying , Cai Kaiyu , Zhang Chenli 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesTo evaluate the performance of stool methylated syndecan2 (mSDC2), methylated septin9 (mSEPT9), fecal occult blood test (FOBT), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) in detecting colorectal neoplasia and adenomas.MethodsBlood-borne CEA, CA125, and CA199 levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence. The SDC2 methylation was detected by Methylation Detection Kit for Human SDC2 Gene (Real time PCR), and the SEPT9 methylation was detected by the Septin9 Gene Methylation Detection Kit based on PCR fluorescent probe assay. The colonoscopy combined with tissue biopsy pathology was used as a validation criterion for colorectal neoplasia.ResultsIn detecting colorectal neoplasia, the AUCs of mSDC2, FOBT and mSEPT9 were 0.935 (95% CI: 0.915-0.956, P&lt;0.001), 0.824 (95% CI: 0.617-1.000, P&lt;0.001) and 0.671 (95% CI: 0.511-0.831, P&lt;0.001), respectively. The sensitivity of mSDC2, FOBT and mSEPT9 were 100.0%, 66.7% and 40.0%, respectively. But the AUC of CEA, CA125 and CA199 were not statistically significant for colorectal neoplasia (all P&gt;0.05). The combined application of mSEPT9 and mSDC2 showed the best predictive performance (AUC: 0.956, 95% CI: 0.887~1.000). For adenomas, the AUC of FOBT was extremely low (AUC: 0.524, 95% CI: 0.502-0.545, P=0.004). The CEA, CA125, CA199, mSEPT9 and mSDC2 were not statistically significant in detecting adenomas (all P&gt;0.05).ConclusionsFor individual tests, FOBT and mSDC2 are relatively better indicators for detecting colorectal neoplasia compared to mSEPT9, CEA, CA125 and CA199. The combined form of mSEPT9 and mSDC2 to detect colorectal neoplasia has good predictive performance. However, none of these indicators demonstrated significant predictive power for detecting adenomas in our study.
Comparative prediction of lymph node metastasis in pT1 colorectal cancer among Western and Japanese guidelines
Authors: Tanino Fumiaki , Yamashita Ken , Morimoto Shin , Takehara Yudai , Yamamoto Noriko , Kamigaichi Yuki , Nishimura Tomoyuki , Tanaka Hidenori , Takigawa Hidehiko , Urabe Yuji , Kuwai Toshio , Shimamoto Fumio , Oka Shiro 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundAdditional surgery with lymph node (LN) dissection is recommended for pT1 colorectal carcinoma (CRC) resected by endoscopy, based on pathological risk factors for LN metastasis (LNM), according to guidelines by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 560 consecutive patients with T1 CRC who underwent endoscopic resection alone (n=190) or initial or additional surgery with LN dissection (n=370) between 1992 and 2017 at Hiroshima University Hospital. Patients were classified into LNM low- and high-risk groups according to guidelines by the JSCCR, NCCN, and ESMO as follows. Patients without any specified pathological LNM risk factor were included in the LNM low-risk group, while the high-risk group comprised all other patients. We analyzed the LNM predictive ability of each guideline.ResultsThe LNM high-risk rate, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy of LNM risk, and AUC for LNM predictive ability were 82%, 100%, 19%, 9%, 100%, 26% and 0.596 in the JSCCR guidelines; 52%, 98%, 52%, 15%, 99%, 56%, and 0.749 in the NCCN; and 54%, 98%, 50%, 15%, 99%, 54%, and 0.743 in the ESMO, respectively.ConclusionsThe JSCCR guidelines could diagnose LNM in all cases but had the highest false-positive rate. It is important to reduce unnecessary additional surgeries for pT1 CRCs after ER.