bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors and Diagnostic Markers for Fatty Liver and Metabolic Syndrome Among Young Adults: Insights from a Community-Based Investigation
Authors: Lin Yi-Hung , Wu Yi-Fang , Wang Po-Chang , Chen Mei-Yen , Tu Ya-Chi , Hsieh Yung-Yu , Lin Ming-Shyan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
There is a growing incidences of hepatosteatosis and metabolic syndrome in young adults worldwide. This study aimed to address these gaps by systematically evaluating simple indices in clinical practice to strengthen the prediction and prevention of hepatosteatosis in young adults.
Methods
Of the 4,067 young adults (20–40 years old) who underwent a community health check-up between March and December 2022, 3,796 (93%) were eligible for analysis. The characteristics of the participants with and without moderate-to-severe fatty liver were compared using SPSS 26 with two-tailed tests. Multivariable logistic regression model and AUC were performed to assess the correlation between fatty liver and associated factors in this study.
Results
Those prevalence was significant, with 24.9%, 19.8%, and 7.1% of the participants having mild, moderate, and severe fatty liver, respectively. The alanine transaminase/aspartate transaminase ratio (ALT/AST) showed a good diagnostic performance for fatty liver (AUC = 79.1%, 95% CI = 77.8 to 80.4%) and cutoff value > 1.3 for ALT/AST ratio, whereas blood cell parameters were less effective. Multivariable analysis identified male (odds ratio [OR] 1.44, 95% CI 1.20–1.73), elder age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.05–1.08), ALT/AST > 1.3 (OR 6.13, 95% CI 5.15–7.30) associated with a higher risk of significant fatty liver while smoking and betel chewing additionally associated with metabolic syndrome. By contrast, regular exercise (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64–0.93) and dental scaling (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69–0.96) were significantly associated with a lower risk.
Conclusions
Beyond male, age, education, exercise and dental scaling, our study found ALT/AST ratios > 1.3 might be significantly correlated with moderate-to-severe hepatosteatosis and metabolic syndrome among young adults. Further large-scale and long-term observations are required to verify these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations of Double Bracket-to-CHS Column Joints
Authors: Abdelaal Ahmed H. , Radwan Tamer H. , Shaat Amr A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to precisely characterize the behavior of double bracket-to-circular Hollow Section (CHS) column joints due to combined internal forces resulting from double tensile loading in opposite directions. In order to accomplish this goal, an experimental program consisting of eight specimens has been carried out and numerical finite element modeling has been employed for the same specimens to analyze the stresses and deformations that occur within the vicinity of bracket-to-CHS joints. The study included an investigation of various parameters, including the spacing between brackets in the longitudinal direction, as well as the depth-to-thickness ratio of the CHS columns and adding a T-stiffener to the bracket configuration. The study determined that an increase in the diameter-to-thickness ratio of the CHS columns significantly reduced the overall strength of the joint. Furthermore, findings suggested that increasing the longitudinal spacing between brackets resulted in an increase in single-bracket joint strength and a minor reduction regarding joint strength considering the effect of line loading. Moreover, adding a T-stiffener shape for the brackets enhanced the joint strength and prevented bracket tip fracture. In addition, a distinct behavior arises when considering joints with positive eccentricity, where the forces' line of action extends beyond the circular cross-section of the CHS. In such cases, a reduction in joint strength is observed. Finally, a modification factor “A” is applied to the X-type branch plate-to-CHS strength equation presented by the AISC-22 to account for the longitudinal spacing between brackets.
A Computed Tomography–Based Morphometric Analysis of Thoracic Pedicles in a European Population
Authors: Zellner Alberto Alfieri , Prangenberg Christian , Roos Jonas , Amar Soufian Ben , Babasiz Tamara , Wahlers Christopher , Eysel Peer , Oppermann Johannes 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
The goal of this retrospective study was to perform a CT imaging assessment of thoracic pedicles to provide a representative understanding of pedicle morphology for pedicle-based fixation systems commonly used in orthopedics, trauma and neurosurgery. This study aimed to better understand the morphology of the spine and therefore reduce the complication rate of surgical techniques such as spinal fusion, which rely on placing screws in the pedicles.
Methods:
In this study, we retrospectively measured the thoracic spine pedicles of a total of 16 males and 16 females, totaling in 768 individual pedicles. For the measurements, we used standardized planes in computed tomography imaging with a maximum slice thickness of 1 mm.
Results:
In brief, we identified significant differences in various measurements of male and female pedicle morphology. The medial cortical wall of the pedicles was significantly thicker than the lateral wall, and, in both sexes, vertebral body number four was the vertebra with the least amount of cortical bone in the pedicle.
Conclusions:
Surgeons performing operations involving pedicle screw placement should be aware of the sex-specific differences in thoracic spine pedicle morphology noted in this research.
Simple Biliary Atresia Score - A Validated Diagnostic Aid for Infantile Cholestasis
Authors: Toh Qi , Chen Yong , Lee Yang Yang , Mali Vidyadhar , Choo Suet Cheng , Chiang Li Wei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The work-up of jaundiced infants may be variable and protracted, thereby delaying the diagnosis and timely intervention for biliary atresia (BA). This potentially leads to inferior outcomes. We developed a practical score to stratify infantile cholestasis according to the risk of having BA.
Method
The score (0-7)[gallbladder length ≤15mm(+1), common-bile-duct (CBD) diameter <0.5mm(+1), pre-portal vein (PV) echogenicity(+1), direct-to-total bilirubin ratio (D/T) ≥0.7(+2) and gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) ≥200IU/L(+2)] is derived from logistic regression of data from a retrospective cohort of cholestatic infants (n=58, 41 BA) in our institution. It was then validated with a separate retrospective cohort (n=28, 17 BA) from another institution. Final diagnoses were as per intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) and liver histopathology.
Results
A cut-off score of ≥3 diagnosed BA with 100% and 94% sensitivity in the derivative cohort (area-under-Receiver-Operating-Characteristic-curve, AUROC 0.869) and validation cohort (AUROC 0.807) respectively. D/T ratio was the most sensitive (93%) and CBD diameter was the most specific (88%) parameter. The score accurately predicted non-BA in 11(65%) and 7(63%) infants in the derivative and validation cohorts respectively, with one missed BA in the latter.
Conclusion
We propose a validated, simple, yet sensitive diagnostic score to risk-stratify cholestatic infants, aiming to expedite definitive management of BA.
Interdecadal Variability in Ocean Memory of the Maritime Continent and Its Effect on Asian-Australian Monsoon Prediction
Authors: han Simeng , Wu Zhiwei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ocean memory is crucial for improving climate models and enhancing the accuracy of climate predictions. However, due to the changes in ocean memory over the past few decades, its impact on monsoon predictions remains unclear. The persistence of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies, as a key indicator of ocean memory, can regulate the local air-sea coupling processes affecting the Asian-Australian monsoon (A-AM), thereby significantly influencing climate predictions for Asia, Australia, and the entire Indo-Pacific region. Based on observational and numerical modeling evidence, the study finds that within the context of interdecadal variation in ocean memory, the seasonal persistence of Maritime Continent (MC) SST anomalies is more pronounced during the strong memory epoch (1982–1999), sustaining the anomalous western North Pacific anti-cyclone (WNPAC) through a stronger Matsuno-Gill response during the decaying phase of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), thereby enhancing the overall strength of the A-AM system during the monsoon year. Additionally, the connection between ENSO and the A-AM is strengthened. By contrast, these air-sea coupling processes have weakened during the weak memory epoch (2000–2017), making it more difficult to capture the characteristics of the A-AM. The early 21st-century decline in MC ocean memory reduced the prediction skills of the leading mode of the A-AM. Above all, this study emphasizes the significant impact of ocean memory on monsoon prediction skills, providing new insight into seeking more reliable sources of predictability for the A-AM.
C7ORF41 Alleviated Ferroptosis Through Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Axis in Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Yu Xi , Ye Chenglin , Wang Zhong , Wang Huaxin , Shao Haoren , Yang Yunzhao , Peng Xuan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) stemming from sepsis, termed SA-AKI, frequently emerges as a predominant complication among critically ill patients, with over half of intensive care unit (ICU) AKI cases linked to sepsis. Ferroptosis in tubules is implicated in SA-AKI development, yet its regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Recently, C7ORF41, a conserved sequence on chromosome 7, was associated with inflammation and lipid accumulation in palmitic acid. We investigated C7ORF41's role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced AKI models in C57BL mice. Post-LPS treatment, renal tubules showed reduced C7ORF41 expression. C7ORF41 deficiency significantly mitigated LPS induced lipid peroxidation, tissue damage, and renal dysfunction. In vitro experiments showed decreased ferroptotic cell death, lipid ROS, and GPX4 expression in renal tubular cells lacking C7ORF41. From a mechanistic standpoint, ferroptosis is facilitated by C7ORF41 through activating the pathway involving Keap1, Nrf2, and HO-1, known for its cytoprotective and antioxidant properties. Our findings suggest that C7ORF41 promotes ferroptosis in SA-AKI through Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Axis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for SA-AKI treatment.
De novo biosynthesis of β-Arbutin in Komagataella phaffii based on metabolic engineering strategies
Authors: yang Jiashuo , Yang Liu , Zhao Fengguang , Ye Chunting , Han Shuangyan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
β-Arbutin, found in the leaves of bearberry, stands out as one of the globally acknowledged eco-friendly whitening additives in recent years. However, the natural abundance of β-Arbutin is low, and the cost-effectiveness of using chemical synthesis or plant extraction methods is low, which cannot meet the requirements. While modifying the β-Arbutin synthesis pathway of existing strains is a viable option, it is hindered by the limited synthesis capacity of these strains, which hinders further development and application.
Results
In this study, we established a biosynthetic pathway in Komagataella phaffii for β-Arbutin production with a titer of 1.58 g/L. Through diverse metabolic strategies, including fusion protein construction, enhancing shikimate pathway flux, and augmenting precursor supplies (PEP, E4P, and UDPG), we significantly increased β-Arbutin titer to 4.32 g/L. Further optimization of methanol concentration in shake flasks led to a titer of 6.32 g/L titer after 120 h of fermentation, representing a four-fold increase over the initial titer. In fed-batch fermentation, strain UA3-10 set a record with the highest production to date, reaching 128.6 g/L in a 5 L fermenter.
Conclusions
This is the highest yield in the fermentation tank level of using microbial cell factories for de novo synthesis of β-Arbutin. Applying combinatorial engineering strategies has significantly improved the β-Arbutin yield in K. phaffii and is a promising approach for synthesizing functional products using a microbial cell factory. This study not only advances low-cost fermentation-based production of β-Arbutin but also establishes K. phaffii as a promising chassis cell for synthesizing other aromatic amino acid metabolites.
Controlling Reactivity and Electron Transfer in De Novo Designed Artificial Cu Proteins by Systematic Primary, Secondary, and Outer Sphere Modulation
Authors: Chakraborty Saumen , Prakash Divyansh , Mitra Suchitra , Sony Simran , Murphy Morgan , Andi Babak , Ashley Landon , Prasad Pallavi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Copper-dependent metalloenzymes play essential roles in biology. However, unraveling how the active sites and the surrounding environment influence their functions presents a significant challenge. Inspired by Cu enzymes, we report de novo designed artificial copper proteins (ArCuPs) within trimeric (3SCC) and tetrameric (4SCC) self-assemblies, featuring a trigonal Cu(His)3 and a square pyramidal Cu(His)4(OH2) coordination. 3SCC electrocatalyzes C-H oxidation, but 4SCC does not. CuI-3SCC reacts more rapidly with H2O2 compared to O2, while 4SCC is less active. These trends mirror the peroxygenation of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) and the unreactive nature of the particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) CuB site. The differences in reactivity are attributed to inherent reducibility and reoxidation processes, with ET and reorganization energies (l) along with second-sphere and outer-sphere H2O-mediated H-bonding patterns providing further insights. Modulation of second/outer-sphere H-bonding without changing the primary coordination tunes the solvent l, which renders the unreactive 4SCC active for C-H peroxidation.
Multiphysical Characterization for Predicting Compressive Strength of Portland Cement Concrete using Synthetic Aperture Radar, Ultrasonic Testing, and Rebound Hammer
Authors: Abazarsa Maryam , Yu Tzuyang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Portland cement concrete (PCC) is a versatile and widely used construction material renowned for its strength and durability. The mechanical properties of PCC, including compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength, play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of structures such as buildings, bridges, and dams. Traditionally, the determination of PCC's compressive strength involves destructive testing of standard-size concrete cylinders until they fail. While nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques are available for assessing these properties, they often require direct contact between the sensor and the concrete surface, making them less efficient and practical compared to remote sensing techniques. In this paper, we applied three NDE techniques for estimating the mechanical properties of concrete, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), ultrasonic testing (UT), and a rebound hammer (RH). We manufactured a total of 48 laboratory concrete cylinders (diameter = 3", height = 6"). These cylinders were created with different water-to-cement ratios (0.4, 0.45, 0.5, and 0.55) with a mix design ratio of 1:2:3 for cement: sand: gravel (by mass). Before these cylinders were tested by destructive compression test, they were measured by three NDE techniques. A 10GHz SAR system, a 54kHz UT system, and a RH sensor were used to inspect those cylinders at different concrete ages (7, 14, 28, and 96 days). From our result, the performance ranking among three NDE techniques was individually UT, SAR, and RH. When combining two NDE techniques, SAR with UT delivered the best performance. Multiphysical NDE (SAR with UT) outperformed uniphysical NDE (UT with RH) on the prediction of compressive strength of concrete. This research demonstrates the promising potential of multiphysical NDE for other engineering problems.
GSBF-YOLO: a lightweight model for tomato ripeness detection in natural environments
Authors: Hao Fengqi , Zhang Zuyao , Ma Dexin , Kong Hoiio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Accurate tomato ripeness detection is essential for optimizing harvest timing and maximizing yield. Deep learning-based object detection has proven effective in this task. However, many existing algorithms have numerous parameters and substantial computational demands, making them unsuitable for agricultural environments with limited computational resources. Additionally, accurate detection becomes challenging with overlapping fruits, leaf occlusion, or complex backgrounds. To address these issues, this paper proposes a lightweight detection model, GSBF-YOLO. This model designs the GSim module to reduce parameters while maintaining detection accuracy. The C3Ghost module further reduces parameter count by replacing the traditional C3 module. The PANet multi-scale feature fusion network in the neck is replaced with the Bi-directional Feature Pyramid Network (BiFPN), which adjusts weights based on the importance of input features. Lastly, the fine-tuned FocalEIOU Loss function is used to calculate the bounding box regression loss, enhancing the model's ability to adjust the weights of high-quality anchor boxes for better detection of targets in occlusion scenarios. Experimental results show that GSBF-YOLO reduces parameters and computational load by 42% and 45%, respectively, while mean Average Precision (mAP) increases by 1.9% and 1.6% on two datasets. The model achieves 110 Frames Per Second (FPS), meeting real-time detection requirements, and has fewer parameters and higher accuracy compared to models like YOLOv8. The research indicates that the proposed lightweight model can effectively detect tomato ripeness in natural environments.
Dual chemo- and photodynamic therapy against DMBA- induced mammary carcinoma in mice using water soluble porphyrin and phthalocyanine photosensitizers
Authors: Mokhtar Aya , Mohamed Tarek , Eigza Ahmed Osman , El-Khouly Mohamed E. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Breast cancer ranks as the second most widespread form of cancer globally and holds the highest mortality rate among women. Currently, combination therapy is being actively employed in clinical practice to augment the efficiency of anticancer treatment. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of a combination of femtosecond laser-based PDT utilizing two distinct photosensitizers (PSs), zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (ZnPcS4) and meso-tetrakis(4-N-methylpyridyl) porphine (TMPyP) in conjunction with doxorubicin chemotherapeutic agent, on mammary carcinomas experimentally induced in female mice using 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA). Our results showed the efficiency of the combined therapy for promoting tissue apoptosis and necrosis as evidenced by histopathological observations and the noticeable reduction of Bcl-2 and Ki-67 expression. Moreover, there was a reduction in serum levels of the carcinoma antigen CA15-3 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Co-treatment of doxorubicin with ZnPcS4-PDT or TMPyP-PDT or a combination of both resulted in a decrease in the expression of EGFR and its downstream oncogenes NRAS, NF-κB, mTERT, and c-Myc, and an increase in the expression of the caspase-3 apoptotic gene. These results validate the therapeutic potential of combining doxorubicin with photodynamic therapy, highlighting the potential of this co-treatment strategy as a promising alternative for enhancing existing anticancer approaches.
Demographic and Regional Trends of Pneumonia Mortality in the United States
Authors: Holland Eva , Jabbar Ali Bin Abdul , Asghar Muhammad Sohaib , Asghar Noureen , Mistry Karishma , Mirza Mohsin , Tauseef Abubakar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Pneumonia is the amongst the leading causes of death in the United States. In 2020, pneumonia accounted for over 53,000 deaths and 2.6 million emergency department visits. Further research is needed to study the evolution of country-wide trends and highlight disparities.
Methods:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) was used to identify pneumonia-related deaths occurring within the United States. We extracted data regarding pneumonia-related deaths and population sizes from 1999 to 2020. Data on demographic and regional groups were analyzed, including gender, race/ethnicity, age, urban-rural classification, region, and states.
Results:
Overall mortality from pneumonia related deaths declined within the study period. Males experienced a larger age-adjusted mortality rate decrease than females. African American and Black people experienced the highest mortality throughout the duration of the study, while American Indian and Native Alaskan had the greatest reduction in mortality. Nursing home deaths decreased over time, and in turn, hospice deaths substantially rose. Deaths in people 85 years and older steadily declined. Finally, several geographical differences were found between urban-rural groups, states, and census regions.
Conclusions:
Pneumonia-related mortality between 1999–2020 has decreased in the United States. Policies to increase vaccination rates appear to be most promising in continuing the downward trend. Further research is needed to address pneumonia-related mortalities across demographic and geographical disparities.
Annotated Sequence Record - Complete genomic sequences of two novel Ralstonia jumbo phages isolated from leaf litter compost
Authors: Takahashi Hideki , Sasaki Ryota , Miyashita Shuhei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Two Ralstonia phages, FLC1-1B and FLC4-3B, were isolated from leaf litter compost, using Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, which is a causal agent of bacterial wilt disease, as a host. The genomic DNA sequences of FLC1-1B and FLC4-3B were 290,008 bp and 291,257 bp, respectively, and they were therefore classified as jumbo phages. However, they did not show high similarity to any jumbo phage genomic sequences according to a blastn search using the NCBI nt database. The closest hit was to the jumbo phage Ripduovirus RP12 with only 35% coverage and 77% sequence identity, whereas 99.0% of the genomic sequence between FLC1-1B and FLC4-3B was similar. Based on these findings, FLC1-1B and FLC4-3B should be classified into a different genus of the order Caudoviricetes. The wilt disease–suppressive activity of FLC4-3B in tomato plants suggested that these two Ralstonia phages have potential application as a biocontrol agent for managing R. pseudosolanacearum.