bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Series of Genetically Confirmed Congenital Lipodystrophy and Diabetes in adult Southern Indian Patients
Authors: Rajan Remya , Chapla Aaron , Johnson Jabasteen , Varghese Deny , Asha Hesarghatta , Jebasingh Felix , Kapoor Nitin , Paul Thomas , Thomas Nihal 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, we analysed the mutation spectrum in subjects with suspected lipodystrophy using a targeted Next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach. Subjects with suspected lipodystrophy were for screened six genes (AGPAT2, BSCL2, LMNA, PPARG, ZMPSTE24, INSR) and the variants identified were confirmed through Sanger sequencing. The clinical and biochemical parameters were compared among the mutation positive and negative subjects. We identified eight individuals with pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations, including both homozygous and heterozygous variants. Homozygous variants included AGPAT2 c.493-2A>G, c.258_259insGGCTG, and BSCL2 c.570del, while heterozygous variants encompassed LMNA c.1444C>T, c.1456A>G, c.1445G>A, and PPARG c.949T>C mutations. In this cohort, three subjects were diagnosed with congenital generalized lipodystrophy, while the remaining five had familial partial lipodystrophy. Notably, more than half of the subjects (5/8) achieved optimal glycemic control through insulin sensitizers (PPARγ). Interestingly, even with a limited gene panel test, mutation-positive individuals exhibited a higher prevalence of typical clinical features and biochemical characteristics associated with lipodystrophy compared to their mutation-negative counterparts. In subjects with lipodystrophy, targeted NGS based screening may establish a genetic diagnosis and aid in family screening and genetic counselling. Knowing the clinical and biochemical features typical to lipodystrophy may help in diagnosis especially in resource limited setting.
The effect of HIV on the association of hyperglycaemia and active tuberculosis in Zambia, a case-control study
Authors: Bailey Sarah Lou , Floyd Sian , Cheeba-Lengwe Maina , Maluzi Kwitaka , Chiwele-Kangololo Kasanda , Kaluba-Milimo Deborah , Amofa-Sekyi Modupe , Yudkin John S , Godfrey-Faussett Peter , Ayles Helen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To determine if HIV modifies the association between hyperglycaemia and active tuberculosis in Lusaka, Zambia.
Methods
A case-control study among newly-diagnosed adult tuberculosis cases and population controls in three areas of Lusaka. Hyperglycaemia is determined by random blood glucose (RBG) concentration measured at the time of recruitment; active tuberculosis disease by clinical diagnosis, and HIV status by serological result. Multivariable logistic regression is used to explore the primary association and effect modification by HIV.
Results
The prevalence of RBG concentration ≥ 11.1mmol/L among 3,843 tuberculosis cases was 1.4% and among 6,977 controls was 1.5%. Overall, the adjusted odds ratio of active tuberculosis was 1.60 (95%CI 0.91–2.82) comparing those with RBG concentration ≥ 11.1mmol/L to < 11.1mmol/L. The corresponding adjusted odds ratio among those with and without HIV was 5.47 (95%CI 1.29–23.21) and 1.17 (95%CI 0.61–2.27) respectively; p-value for effect modification by HIV = 0.042. On subgroup analysis, the adjusted odds ratio of smear/Xpert-positive tuberculosis was 2.97 (95%CI 1.49–5.90) comparing RBG concentration ≥ 11.1mmol/L to < 11.1mmol/L.
Conclusions
Overall, no evidence of association between hyperglycaemia and active tuberculosis was found, though among those with HIV and/or smear/Xpert-positive tuberculosis there was evidence of association. Differentiation of hyperglycaemia caused by diabetes mellitus and stress-induced hyperglycaemia secondary to tuberculosis infection is important for a better understanding of these findings.
Probability Evaluation of the ternary polymerization and reactivity ratio of bio-based PA5T/56
Authors: Meng Chihan , Zhong Jiachun , Pu Zejun , Wu Wenhui , Zhu Rongli , Yang Yuhao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Bio-based PA5T/56 was successfully prepared by a nover modulated polymerization on this condition when the relationship between temperature and pressure was strictly controlled during the process to render the reactivity ratio of each monomers basically the same. In this case, the obtained PA5T/56, with approximately alternating copolymerization structure, possesses better physical and chemical performance and melt flowing properties. Meanwhile, the real-time sampling and testing was operated during the process to get the experimental values of reactivity ratio. Furthermore, the chain growth process of the ternary polymerization reaction was also calculated and simulated by referring to the Mayo-Lewis formula as well as using the Monte Carlo method, and a probabilistic statistical treatment for estimating the reactivity ratio was given. Finally, by comparing the results, it can be found that the experimental values of the reactivity ratio were in general accord in the calculated values with reference to the Mayo-Lewis formula and the simulated values of the mathematical model, the values of \({r}_{12}\) and \({r}_{13}\) are basically the same, which confirmed the successful synthesis of the bio-based PA5T/56 with approximately alternating copolymerization structure, and that the established mathematical model for estimating the reactivity ratio is relatively accurate and is applicable to the ternary polymerization.
miR394 and LCR cooperate with TPL to regulate AM initiation
Authors: Zhang Cui , Liu Liya , Hu Binbin , Guo Siying , Xue Zhihui , Wang Tao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The plant architecture is a main determinate of crop yield, and lateral branching significantly influences the number of inflorescences and seeds. Axillary buds support lateral branch growth, and the development of axillary buds includes two stages, initiation and outgrowth. Extensive studies on the outgrowth stage have uncovered fine regulatory mechanisms of branch growth, while our understanding of axillary bud initiation remains unclear. This work aims to study how miRNA regulate axillary bud initiation. By constructing small RNA library and screening mutant population, we identified miR394s promote axillary bud initiation. We found that the initiation of axillary buds is specifically induced by miR394 and repressed by its target LEAF CURLING RESPONSIVENESS (LCR) in the center of leaf axils. Using promoter-driven fluorescent tags and in situ hybridization, we showed that miR394 localized in the position where AMs initiate. Through molecular and genetic research, we found miR394 may regulate REVOLUTA-STM pathway to establish axillary meristem. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry studies showed that LCR, as an F-box protein, interacted with TOPLESS (TPL) proteins and participate in ubiquitinated protein degradation. Our results reveal an important mechanism that miR394s regulated LCR accelerates the degradation of TPL to precisely modulate axillary bud initiation.
Supplementary force effect of nonlinear energy sink inerter on vortex-induced vibration mitigation in a multiple-span structure
Authors: Xie Ruihong , Xu Kun , Gao Xingliang , Zhao Lin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Nonlinear energy sinks (NESs) with broad energy absorption and inerters with substantial mass amplification effect have found widespread investigation for vortex-induced vibration (VIV) control in recent years. However, these studies commonly overlook the sensitivity of vertical nonlinear vibration systems to additional loading effect, especially in terms of weight variations. To this end, the present study delves into the examination of the influence exerted by weighty nonlinear energy sink inerters (NESIs), specifically the bistable nonlinear energy sink inerter (BNESI) and the cubic stiffness nonlinear energy sink inerter (CNESI), on the control efficacy of VIV in structures. Universal models for the NESI-beam system, accounting for the effects of weight, have been established and numerically solved. It has been found that VIV is more sensitive to weight effects compared to harmonic forced vibration (HFV), as under weight, VIV vibrations generate more transient resonance capture (TRC) frequency ratio components, leading to a decrease in vibration control capability. The degradation of the VIV control capability is essentially due to the variation in the effective control parameter range of NESI caused by weight effects. The adoption of inerters with small inertance coefficients and large spacing between ends can significantly overcome this limitation. Moreover, the enhanced NESI system balances weight by positive linear stiffness elements, thus circumventing the impact of weight on the nonlinear stiffness system. It not only eliminates weight effects but also restricts static displacement of the mass block.
Identification of two new acetylated Iridoids from Scrophularia umbrosa rhizome
Authors: Nikkhah Elhameh , Delazar Abbas , Saadat Maryam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Scrophularia umbrosa is a medicinal plant used as a traditional herb. This plant is one of the native species of Iran and consists of about 200 species of herbaceous flowering plants, commonly known as ‘figwort’. Many iridoid glycosides have been found in the Scrophularia genus. In this research work the methanolic extracts of Scrophularia umbrosa (S. umbrosa) rhizome was studied. For this first methanolic extract of rhizome powder was subjected to the HPLC in which two materials was detected in 220 nm and was separated. In continue 1D and 2D NMR technique has been employed for the identification of the active components. finally phytochemical investigations of the S. umbrosa rhizome indicate the presence of two new acetylated iridoid glycosides, 6- O [2', 3'diacyl-4'-O-Trans-cynamoyl]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-aucubin and 6- O [2', 3’ diacyl-4'-O-Trans-p-methoxycinamoyl]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-aucubin. HNMR and CNMR were the main apparatuse to identification of these compounds which has been shown medicinal property, in rhizome of Scrophularia umbrosa.
Perspectives of Midwives on the Use of Kaligutim (Local Oxytocin) for Induction of Labour Among Pregnant Women in the Government Hospitals in Tamale
Authors: Alhassan Ahmad Sukerazu , Dakurah Shivera , Lasong Joseph 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The use of herbal medicine and/or its products is common throughout the world. In Tamale Metropolis, pregnant women frequently use local oxytocin to induce labour, as shown by the fact that 90% of midwives reported managing patients who used kaligutim (local oxytocin) to speed up labour. Early career midwives are also aware of this and have personally observed it being used by their clients. The purpose of the study was to assess midwives' opinions on pregnant women's use of the well-known kaligutim (local oxytocin) for labour induction in the Tamale Metropolis.
Methods: A facility-based, quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used for the study. A total of 214 working midwives from Tamale's three main public hospitals participated. Data for the study were gathered through a standardized questionnaire. For the analysis and presentation of the data, descriptive and analytical statistics, such as basic frequencies, percentages, Fisher’s exact test, chi square test and multivariate analysis, were employed.
Results: According to the findings of this study, the safety, dosages, and contraindications of kaligutim during pregnancy and labour are unknown. The cessation of contractions was reported by 44 (22.4%) of the respondents whose clients used local oxytocin. The study also revealed that women in Tamale metropolises use “walgu”, a spiritual form of oxytocin, to induce and augment labour. Respondents who responded, “yes to baby” and were admitted to the new-born care unit were 25% more likely to use kaligutim (local oxytocin) than were those who responded, “no to baby” and were admitted to the new-born care unit (AOR= 0.25 95% CI (0.01, 0.53), P=0.021).
Conclusions: It can be concluded that using kaligutim to start labour has negative effects on both the mother and the foetus. Additional research is required to evaluate the efficacy, effectiveness, biochemical makeup, and safety of these herbal medicines, particularly during pregnancy and delivery, as well as the spiritual significance of kaligutim (Walgu) and its forms.
Enteral Nutrition Support enhances the treatment of lung cancer----A multi-center real world research
Authors: Xu Jiaqiang , Yang Chunxiao , Chen Xu , Luo Juan , Li Shijun , Zhuang Qian , Hou Zhengyao , Zhang Yu , Shi Chen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Backgrounds: Since the treatment for lung cancer has been developing rapidly during the past decades, the mortality of lung cancer still remains high rate. Nutrition support plays an important role during cancer treatment. However, no standard proposal has been determined for cancer therapy.
Methods: To establish a proper, strong basic knowledge for providing an appropriate nutrition support method in the treatment of lung cancer. A multi-center real world research to explore the significance of nutrition support in the process, especially enteral nutrition was conducted in this research.
Results: Our research revealed that an appropriate enteral nutrition support would not only significantly reduce the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADR) during anti-tumor therapy, but prolong the overall survival (OS), decrease mortality rates, as well as the improvement of patient prognosis. However, the occurrence of digestive system ADR might be increased, with an optimal increased levels of albumin (ALB), which can be the reason of the risk decrease of patient mortality.
Conclusions: Thus, a propriate nutrition support method should be considered individually during lung cancer treatment, based on the comprehensive situation of patients and should be consistently provided.
Trial Registration: This study was registered in Clinicaltrial.gov, asa the registration number is ChiCTR2300070143.
Surgical site infection and antimicrobial use following caesarean section at QECH in Blantyre, Malawi: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kachipedzu Amos Tumizani , Kulapani David King , Meja Samuel James , Musaya Janelisa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the third most common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and preventable complication of surgical procedure; continue to threaten public health with significant effects on the patients and health care human and financial resources. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence of SSIs, risk factors and common microorganisms associated with SSI and assess the practice of antimicrobial use in women following CS at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).
Methods: This was a hospital-based quantitative prospective study design involving pregnant women who underwent a Caesarean Section (CS) between February, 2023 and July, 2023 at QECH with 30 day-follow-ups. Some wound specimens (pus swabs) were collected from infected CS wounds and processed at QECH main laboratory, and susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method with results reported only as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant and the collected data was analyzed using Stata.
Results: The overall cumulative incidence of SSI recorded at QECH during the study period was 10% (20 cases out of 208). Of these, 19 (95%) of them reported superficial SSI following CS. The mean age was 26.1 years with a standard deviation of 6.2. In contrast to the previous studies, potential risk factors including skin closure, age, parity or ANC visits were not associated with SSIs. The majority of patients with SSIs (n=12, 60%) were readmitted and 5 (25%) out of 20 with SSIs had antimicrobial resistance following susceptibility testing. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism (3, 60%) and other bacterial isolates included were Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter baumanni. All pregnant women who underwent for CS received antibiotic prophylaxis.
Conclusion: The incidence of SSIs and inappropriate antimicrobial use following CS remains a challenge at QECH. Therefore, due to increased number of SSIs following CS with relative emergence of AMR ensure intensive infection prevention and control practices, establishing AMS program and routine surveillance of SSIs at QECH.
Production of herbal dyes from different plant parts used in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India.
Authors: Nagwand M/S Kiranmae P Nagwand 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Herbal dye can be used as dyeing material for the Textile Fibre as well as making colourful powder which is eco-friendly, non-hazardous and very less cost effective.
In India, flowers are cultivated in a huge amount. Karnataka is the 2th largest producer of flowers after Andhra Pradesh, and next is Tamilnadu. These flowers are mainly used for decorative purposes and for offering to God. A survey report reveals that 40% of the total productions of flowers are unsold and wasted everyday which are thrown in water of rivers like Ganga, ponds lakes and different water bodies or dumped which also creates water pollution as well as environmental pollution. These wasted flowers can be used in various ways & effective utilization can generate considerable amount of revenue.
The various uses of these wasted flowers are:
Extraction of colourful dyes from these flowers.
The residual waste portion can be used as bio-fertilizers.
Scent of flowers extract can use.
Colourful dye can also be extracted from plant parts for dyeing textile fibre, using in festivals.
These herbal dyes are eco-friendly
It has no allergic action on skin like synthetic dye.
The procedure is very cost-effective and depending on it small scale Industry as well as Large scale Industry can be set up.
RETRACTED: Verifying the hybrid nature in breeding common beans against Meloidogyne javanica using microsatellite markers
Authors: Sadeghi Leila , Naderpour Masoud , Jamali Salar , Naghavi Mohamad Reza , Lahiji Habibollah Samizadeh , Noushabadi Mohammad Reza Jazayeri , Kheiri Farhad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Neuroathletic training in stroke rehabilitation? A single-blind randomized controlled pilot study on the potentials of neuroathletic training on balance ability in stroke outpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Evers Judith , Stolz Isabel , Klein Marilena 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Recently, neuroathletic training has been increasingly applied in competitive sports, in therapy, and prevention. Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of this approach, however, has been poorly developed. To investigate possible effects of neuroathletic exercises on balance ability of post-stroke patients, a controlled trial with a standardized protocol of daily neuroathletic exercises compared to traditional movement therapy during a four-week medical rehabilitation, was conducted (N = 19). Results of the pre-post-measurement via Berg-Balance-Scale (BBS) show significant balance improvements in the intervention and control group, whereas the intervention group reached a higher total score with half the size of the standard deviation. Comparing the results of both groups, the analyses support the general effectiveness of movement therapy for the improvement of balance in stroke rehabilitation. However, neuroathletic training exercises did not lead to a stronger effect. At the same time, the intervention group did not score significantly lower than the control group. A negative influence can therefore not be assumed. For the further investigation of neuroathletic training compared to treatment-as-usual to improve the balance in stroke rehabilitation, more research with larger sample sizes and longer treatment periods is to be conducted.
Genome-Wide identification of Heavy-metal ATPases genes in Areca catechu: Investigating their functionality under heavy metal exposure
Authors: Khan Noor Muhammad , Ali Akhtar , Wan Yinglang , Zhou Guangzhen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Heavy-metal ATPases (HMAs) play a vital role in plants, helping in the transportation of heavy metal ions across cell membranes. However, insufficient data exists concerning HMAs genes within the Arecaceae family. In this study, 12 AcHMA genes were identified within the genome of Areca catechu, grouped into two main clusters based on their phylogenetic relationships. Genomic distribution analysis reveals that the AcHMA genes were unevenly distributed across six chromosomes. We further analyzed their physicochemical properties, collinearity, and gene structure. Furthermore, RNA-seq data analysis exhibited varied expressions in different tissues of A. catechu and found that AcHMA1, AcHMA2, and AcHMA7 were highly expressed in roots, leaves, pericarp, and male/female flowers. A total of six AcHMA candidate genes were selected based on gene expression pattern, and their expression in the roots and leaves was determined using RT-qPCR under heavy metal stress. Results showed that the expression levels of AcHMA1 and AcHMA3 genes were significantly up-regulated under Cd2 + and Zn2 + stress. Similarly, in response to Cu2+, the AcHMA5 and AcHMA8 revealed the highest expression in roots and leaves, respectively. In conclusion, this study will offer a foundation for exploring the role of the HMAs gene family in dealing with heavy metal stress conditions in A. catechu.
Factors Associated with Non-Communicable Diseases Among Government Employees Working in Makwanpur District of Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chapagain Durga Datta , Osei Kennedy Mensah , Prasiska Danik Iga , Rajaguru Vasuki , Kang Sun Joo , Lee Sang Gyu , Han Whiejong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of noncommunicable disease(s) and to identify the factors associated with common NCDs such as hypertension, prediabetes, and diabetes among government employees in Nepal.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 994 government employees in the Makwanpur district of Nepal. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, medical history, and behavioral/lifestyle risk factor data were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for NCDs; the odds ratio (OR) was considered for the explanatory variable at the 95% confidence interval.
Results: The majority of participants were male (82%), aged 30-39 years (41.3%), with a mean age of 31± 9 years, and were ethnically Brahmin/Chhetri (47.2%). Older persons had a greater risk of NCDs such as hypertension (OR: 6.22, CI: 3.16-12.24), prediabetes (OR: 7.26, CI: 3.1-17), and diabetes (OR: 19.62, CI: 2.9-130.8) than other age groups. Overweight was significantly associated with a high incidence of hypertension (OR: 4.38, CI: 2.601–7.366), while obesity was associated with hypertension (OR: 3.68, CI: 2.574–5.253) and prediabetes (OR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.18–5.20).
Conclusion: This study recommends intensifying awareness campaigns, establishing routine screening systems for government employees, focusing on reducing risk factors associated with NCDs, and encouraging healthier lifestyles to enhance disease prevention.