bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
XRCC1 and XPD Polymorphisms: Clinical Outcomes and Risk of Prostate Cancer in Bangladeshi Population
Authors: Ahmed Nafisa , Islam Md. Ariful , Hossain M. Mahboob , Kabir Yearul 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
In Bangladesh, only a fraction of prostate cancer patients are diagnosed annually due to lack of symptom awareness and screening challenges, resulting in high mortality. Aiming to improve screening methods, we evaluated X-ray cross-complementing gene 1 (XRCC1) Arg194Gln and Xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) Lys751Gln polymorphisms to determine their relevance as potential markers for predicting prostate cancer risk, severity and clinical parameters in Bangladeshi population.
Methods and Results
This study included 132 prostate cancer patients and 135 healthy controls. Genotype analysis was done from blood samples by the PCR-RFLP method. The XRCC1 Trp/Trp genotype was associated with prostate cancer (ORadj = 5.51; 95% CI = 1.13–26.78; p-value = 0.03) compared to Arg/Arg genotype. No significant association was found between the XPD variants and prostate cancer risk. The XRCC1 Trp/Trp genotype increased prostate cancer risk in smokers and non-smokers but was statistically non-significant. In individuals without a family history of cancer, the XRCC1 Trp/Trp genotype had a non-significant 4.64-fold higher risk (ORadj=4.64; 95% CI = 0.88–24.36; p-value = 0.07), while the XPD Gln/Gln had a 2.66-fold non-significant higher risk (ORadj=2.66; 95% CI = 0.88–8.10; p-value = 0.09). The XRCC1 Trp/Trp variant was associated with hematuria risk, higher mean serum creatinine, and mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in prostate cancer patients. The XPD Gln/Gln variant was only associated with higher mean serum creatinine levels.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that XRCC1 screening may be used as a biomarker for prostate cancer to improve early diagnosis in Bangladesh.
Association between age and glycemic control of adult diabetics in Korea: a cross-sectional study based on KNHANES 2013–2021
Authors: Park Sae-Yeon , Jung Yun Hwa , Park Sohee , Shin Jaeyong , Jang Sung-In 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Diabetes is a major health issue in Korea, with an increasing incidence in patients <50 years of age. Poor disease recognition and glycemic control in adult diabetics, especially those <40 years of age, leads to disastrous outpatient usage and prescription rates. This study examined the association between age and glycemic control in adult diabetics.
Methods: This study included 4,324 individuals with diabetes from the 2013–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey. Exclusion criteria were age <19 years or pregnancy. The adjusted relationship between age and glycemic control (HbA1c) was analyzed by binary logistic regression.
Results: Poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%) was present in 69.7% of males and 58.5% of females <45 years of age, compared with 44.8% of males and 46.7% of females >65 years of age. Males and females 19–44 years of age were 4.22 times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.60–6.84) and 2.36 times (95% CI: 1.33–4.17) more likely to have poor glycemic control, respectively, than those ≥65 years of age. Considering the duration of diabetes, young males within 0–1 year and 4–5 years of initial diagnosis were 4.69 times (95% CI: 1.42–15.51) and 3.82 times (95% CI: 1.15–12.64) more likely to have poor glycemic control, respectively, than elderly males within the same intervals. Similarly, young females within 2–3 years of diagnosis were 3.57 times (95% CI: 1.08–11.76) more likely to have poor glycemic control than elderly females within the same interval. In addition, HbA1c > 8% was 3.57 times (95% CI: 2.15–5.90) and 4.87 times (95% CI: 2.58–9.20) more common in males and females <45 years of age, respectively, compared with those >65 years of age.
Conclusions: Poor glycemic control is more common among young diabetics than among older diabetics, and the difference is especially pronounced among individuals with a recent diabetes diagnosis. Glycemic management differs depending on sex, genetic predisposition, duration of diabetes, general health condition, and behavioral factors such as medication adherence. Further studies should consider genetics and medication adherence as major causes of poor glycemic management in young adult diabetics.
Investigation of the effect of human error on digital and analogue indirect bonding precision: A benchtop study
Authors: Karkazi Frantzeska , Basal Ece 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate whether human error affects bracket position errors by comparing digital and analogue indirect bonding techniques with artificial intelligence.
Materials and Methods
36 intraoral models were divided into three groups. 10 brackets were placed in each cast (incisors, canines, and premolars). In automatic control group, brackets were placed according to the facial axis point automatically by Ortho Analyzer software. In manual digital group (MDG) brackets were placed by an operator, while in manual analogue group (MAG) brackets were placed on the plaster models. Models were digitally superimposed and compared with control models (3D slicer). The linear and angular measurements were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi-square test.
Results
Between the two techniques, there were statistically significant differences in vertical, tipping, torque, and rotation variables for incisors; in vertical and torque variables for canines. The error frequency showed that 81.1% of brackets in MDG were within clinically acceptable limits, whereas only 62.5% were accurate in MAG group. The prevalence of accuracy in MDG was higher in all variables except tipping.
Conclusions
Digital aids improved bracket position accuracy. Horizontal axis was the safest variable in MAG. Accuracy levels of torque and rotation parameters were the lowest for both groups.
Clinical Relevance:
Unlike premolars, positioning of incisors and canines requires special attention in analogue technique.
Injectable and NIR-Responsive CDN-POM Hydrogels for Combined Non-Inflammatory Photo-immunotherapy
Authors: Jiang Hailong , Liu Die , Wang Jianing , Li Jingchao , Pang Xinrui , Zhang Ke , Shan Hong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Similar to clinically applied thermal ablation techniques, the cellular necrosis that occurs during photothermal tumor therapy (PTT) can induce inflammatory response, severely compromising the therapeutic efficacy and clinical translation of PTT. Inspired by the remarkable ROS-scavenging activity and high photothermal efficiency of molybdenum-based polyoxometalate (POM) and immunostimulatory effect of Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), a NIR-responsive and injectable DNA-mediated hybrid hydrogel (CDN-POM) is developed. The hydrogels have superior photothermal efficiency (43.41%) to POM, impressive anti-inflammatory capability and prolonged intratumoral CDN-releasing behavior, thus enabling synergistic anti-tumor therapeutic outcomes. Meanwhile, local treatment induced by CDN-POM hydrogels displays minimal side effects on normal tissue. Taking advantage of the high phototherapeutic effect, ROS-scavenging activity and sustained CDN release of CDN-POM hydrogels, a novel combined approach that integrates the photothermal and immunotherapy of breast tumor is successfully pioneered.
Identification and Characterization of Glycosyltransferase 43 (GT43) Gene Family in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Rehana Rehana , Arshad Sarmad Frogh , Saleem Muhammad Asif , Arshad Hasan Junaid , Usman Muhammad , Anwar Muhammad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an essential bioenergy crop. Cellulosic and non-cellulosic polysaccharides, which can both be transformed into biofuels, make up a majority of their biomass. Many glycosyltransferases (GT) families, including GT43, are involved in the biosynthesis of xylan in the primary and secondary cells of plants. In this study, we performed identification, phylogenetic tree, physiochemical properties, subcellular localization, protein-protein interaction network, detection of motifs analysis, gene structure, secondary and three-dimensional (3D) model construction, functional domain, gene duplication, cis-acting elements, sequences logos, multiple sequence alignment and gene expression profiles based on RNA-sequence analyses in GT47 gene family. As a result, we identified eleven members of the GT43 gene family. The eleven GT43 genes in sorghum that we were able to identify and explain here. The phylogenetic tree of the GT43 genes family showed that all GT43 genes have evolutionary relationships with each other in sorghum. Gene structure, motifs, sequence logos, and multiple sequence alignment analysis showed that all members of the GT47 protein were highly conserved. Subcellular localization showed all members of GT43 proteins were localized in the different compartments of sorghum. The secondary structure of GT43 genes was made up of a different percentage of α-helix, random coils, β-turn, and extended strands and the tertiary structure model showed that all GT43 proteins had similar 3D structures. Current results indicated that GT43 members of the GT43 gene family (Sobic.010G238800,Sobic.003G254700 Sobic.001G409100) were highly expressed in internodes of sorghum plant based on RNA-Sequence. These results indicated the extensive and dependent relationship of GT43 genes involved in sorghum (S. bicolor). This study will also help formulate accurate and precise laboratory experiments for future use.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal CmMYB308 as a key regulator in the pink flower color variation of ‘Dante Purple’ chrysanthemum
Authors: Geng ZhiQiang , Liu Miao , Wang Yiguang , Wang Yuxi , Wang You , Sun Yanyan , Wang Haibin , Zhou Lijie , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Flower color variation is a widespread natural occurrence that plays a significant role in floral breeding.We discovered a variation in the flower of the chrysanthemum cultivar ‘Dante Purple’ (abbreviated as ‘DP’), where the flower color shifted from purple to pink. Through tissue culture, we successfully propagated these pink flowers and designated them as DPM. By conducting transcriptome and metabolome analysis, we identified a reduction in the expression of key genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis—CmPAL, CmC4H, and Cm4CL—in the DPM. This downregulation led to an accumulation of phenylalanine and cinnamic acid within the general phenylpropanoid pathway (GPP), which prevented their conversion into cyanidin and cyanidin 3-glucoside. As a result, the flowers turned pink. Additional transformation and biochemical experiments confirmed that the upregulation of CmMYB308 gene expression in the DPM directly suppressed CmPAL-1 and CmC4H genes, which indirectly affected Cm4CL-3 expression and ultimately inhibited anthocyanin biosynthesis in the DPM. This study offers a preliminary insight into the molecular mechanism underlying chrysanthemum flower color mutation, paving the way for genetic improvements in chrysanthemum flower color breeding.
The influence of soil characteristics on radon/thoron concentrations in soil gas, radon exhalation rate and in ambient air in Kuwait
Authors: Aljber Reem , Shaaban Fouad , Al-Azmi Darwish 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The influence of soil characteristics on outdoor radon concentrations, radon exhalation from soil surface, and radon/thoron in the soil were studied in Kuwait. Field measurements were carried out in 20 sites beset with different types of soil, using AlphaGuard radon monitor. Grain size analysis of the collected soil samples were performed, moisture content and soil porosity were determined. The grain size analysis revealed that the soils belong to gravelly sand and muddy sand category. The results showed that the study area is characterized by low levels of outdoor radon concentration with a mean value of 9 Bq/m3, and the low radon exhalation rates range from 2.84 to 18.16 mBq/m2s with a mean value of 9.70 mBq/m2s. Correlation of studies show that radon exhalation rate is influenced by the soil type, moisture content, compaction and effective porosity. The relatively high exhalation rates were recorded in the dry, friable gravelly sand soil, while the lower values were recorded in the wet, compacted muddy sand soil.
Multi-Dimensional Predictors of HIV PrEP Knowledge, Acceptability and HIV Testing Among Adolescents and Young Adult Men in Ghana: Evidence from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Odii Ikenna Obasi , Chipalo Edson 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) face structural, social, biological, behavioral, and psychological barriers, making them susceptible to new HIV infections due to high-risk behaviors. Research on sexuality and HIV prevention among AYAs in Ghana is severely lacking despite recent progress in HIV prevention efforts and low generalized HIV levels, highlighting significant empirical knowledge gaps, particularly regarding HIV PrEP knowledge and testing among AYA males aged 15–24 years.
Methods
The men’s dataset of the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (n = 2,453) were utilized for this study. Descriptive characteristics were summarized using frequencies and proportions. Three sets of multivariate logistic regression models examined the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Results
Findings reveal that among young men aged 15–24 years in Ghana, only 15.3% had knowledge of PrEP, with a low acceptability rate of 32.1%, while merely 8.5% had undergone HIV testing, despite a 49% rate of sexual activity. Significant associations existed between socio-demographic factors such as region (Volta, Eastern, Western North, Bono East), being widowed/separated/divorced, and having a higher education, and HIV PrEP knowledge; while being from Central region, ages 20–24 years, having secondary or higher education and being sexually active were also significantly associated with HIV testing. No statistical significance was found between HIV PrEP acceptability, and socio-demographic factors. The logistic regression results suggests that there were higher odds of HIV PrEP knowledge, HIV PrEP acceptability, and HIV testing among the AYA male population from the Volta, Eastern, Western, Bono, and North East regions, coupled with the widowed/separated/divorced, and the participants with a higher education.
Conclusion
Region, marital status, employment status, religion, and recent sexual activity are universal predictors of HIV PrEP knowledge, HIV PrEP acceptability, and HIV testing among the AYA population in Ghana; whereas having a higher education is a sole strongly significant predictor of both HIV PrEP knowledge and HIV testing respectively. AYA men remain a key population of focus in achieving the global targets of reducing new HIV infections in Ghana, therefore existing HIV prevention efforts should be intensified using these empirically significant multi-dimensional predictors as a useful guide.
Stability analysis of trapping Bose Gas with quintic Gross-Pitaevskii equation in Tonks-Girardeau regimes
Authors: Sasireka S. , Lekeufack O. T. , Uthayakumar A. , Sabari S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We investigate the stability aspects of quintic Gross-Pitaevskii (GP) equation with the presence and absence of external trapping potential for a Bose Gas (BG) in both the Tonks-Girardeau (TG) and the super Tonks-Girardeau (sTG) regimes. For this purpose, we compute both analytically and numerically a pure quintic GP equation with the presence of the scattering lengths. Using the time-dependent variational approach, we derive the equations of motion and effective potential of the system for both cases. Through the effective potential, we discuss the stability properties of pure quintic GP equation and obtain the modulational instability condition of BECs. The variational results are verified by means of the direct numerical simulations using split-step Crank-Nicolson method and the observed results are in agreement with the analytical predictions.
New evidence on the spread in Catalonia of the invasive longhorn beetle, Xylotrechus chinensis, and the efficacy of abamectin control
Authors: Monteys Victor Sarto i , Savin Ivan , Tutusaus Glòria Torras , Balsach Mònica Bedòs 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The invasive wasp-mimicking Tiger Longicorn Beetle, Xylotrechus chinensis, a potentially lethal pest of mulberry trees (Moraceae: Morus), was first reported in Europe in 2018. In Catalonia its spread has been impressive: one district, four towns, 44 km2 in February 2018; four districts, 12 towns, 378 km2 in July 2020; seven districts, 65 towns, 1,134 km2 in December 2023. It is likely the infestation will spread further in the future, specially along the Mediterranean coast from Spain to Greece.
The flight period of this beetle in Mediterranean countries is expanding on both ends (from the end of April to the end of October), probably due to increasing temperatures because of climate change. The adult beetle life span is 18-23 days in insectaria, likely somewhat shorter in the wild.
The single treatment with abamectin carried out in a Catalonian town in June 2022 on a sample of 24 trees (12 treated, 12 untreated) has been effective in reducing the infestation of this beetle in relation to untreated trees. But the reduction was not complete since new emergence holes appeared during the summer of the following year. Therefore, a reinforcing treatment carried out during the first ten days of October is recommended to control this pest. Also, to get satisfactory mulberry trees protection, treatments should be repeated during a few consecutive years. Yearly re-infestations from untreated public and/or private mulberry trees are also a concern and make short-term control of this pest difficult, no doubt accounting for the rapid spread of this beetle.
Dog Ownership for People With Substance Use Disorder: Self-Reported Influence on Mental Health and Substance Use
Authors: KERR-LITTLE ANDI , BRAMNESS JØRGEN G. , NEWBERRY RUTH C. , BIONG STIAN 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Dog ownership is reported to influence the everyday life for people with substance use disorder (SUD) such that they report feeling more connected socially with a sense of belonging and structure within their day. Yet how dog ownership affects their substance use specifically, has received little research. The aim of this study was to explore how people with SUD perceived that dog ownership affected their use of substances.Method: Qualitative, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight people with experience of dog ownership and SUD. Data were gathered and analysed using a 4-step qualitative content analysis.Results: Three categories of perceived effects emerged from the analysis. Firstly, participants became more conscious of their substance use, managing, planning or stopping use altogether. Secondly, the relationship with their dog helped the participants in their mental wellbeing and in their perception of themselves. Thirdly, the influence was valued precisely because it came from the dog and not another human.Discussion: Dog ownership helped the participants move away from habitual patterns around substance use and promoted a considered, less harmful approach to their use. The participants were able to experience a positive sense of themselves where they steadied their mental health and saw themselves as important. These findings add to the current research illuminating the unique influence a dog can have for someone with SUD.
Travel time prediction for an intelligent transportation system based on a data-driven feature selection method considering temporal correlation
Authors: Kandiri Amirreza , Ghiasi Ramin , Teixeira Rui , Nogal Maria 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Travel-time prediction holds significant importance in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), providing essential information for tasks such as accident detection and congestion control. While data-driven methods are commonly used for travel-time prediction, the accuracy of predictions heavily relies on the selection of appropriate features. In this study, a two-stage methodology for travel time prediction is introduced, comprising a novel feature selection method called OA2DD with two layers of optimization and a layer of data-driven predictive methods. In the first stage (offline process), the optimal set of features and architecture for the machine learning model is selected using interconnected optimization algorithms. In the second stage (real-time process), travel time prediction is performed using new data from unseen parts of the dataset. The method is applied to a case study involving the M50 motorway in Dublin. Additionally, several wrapper feature selection methods are employed to assess and validate its performance. Results show that the proposed method has a better convergence curve and reduces the number of selected features by up to half, which reduces the computational cost of prediction process up to 56%. Moreover, employing the selected features from the OA2DD method leads to a reduction in predication error by up to 29% compared to the full set of features and the other feature selection methods.
Development, chlorophyll content, and nutrient accumulation in shoots of Melaleuca alternifolia in vitro under different light wavelengths and benzylaminopurine (BAP)
Authors: Cardoso Jean Carlos , Gonzales-Alvarado Antony Cristhian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In vitro growing of Melaleuca can contribute to the cloning of superior genotypes. Studies on factors affecting micropropagation are necessary, especially those using recent technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This study aimed at better understanding the effects of wavelengths on the development and physiology of Melaleuca cultivated in vitro, as well as the interaction of LED with N6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), the main cytokinin used in micropropagation. The BAP and wavelengths, and their interaction, had a strong influence on most variables analyzed, altering the in vitro development and chlorophyll concentrations in the plants and changing the different variables of the culture medium, such as pH, EC, levels of Ca2+, Mg2+ and P in culture media and the nutrient accumulation in the shoots. The results demonstrated that the main effects of adding BAP in the in vitro cultivation of Melaleuca are the increase in the number of shoots, which resulted in a greater increase in fresh and dry mass, reduction in height and chlorophyll contents, complete inhibition of adventitious rooting, higher consumption of Mg and lower consumption of Ca and P from the culture media, higher contents of Fe and lower contents of P, S, Mn, Cu and B in the in vitro tissues.