bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexural performance of rapid-hardening concrete (RHC) beams with tension lap splice
Authors: El Fakhrany Mohamed Hussein , el-Zamrawi Amal , Ibrahim Wael , Sherif Alaa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Rapid-hardening concrete (RHC) is a specialized type of concrete that gains strength at an accelerated rate, allowing for faster construction and reduced project timelines. The use of RHC in structural applications, such as in beams subjected to flexural loads, has gained significant attention due to its potential for improving construction efficiency. This study focuses on the flexural performance of RHC beams with tension lap splice, which is considered a common method for joining reinforcement bars in concrete structures.

Results
Several parameters were taken into consideration, such as concrete type, concrete cover, and reinforcement bar diameter. The loading test was performed on sixteen beams to show results of load capacities, moment–displacement response, energy absorption, and ductility. As a result, the flexural performance of RHC beams is compared to that of NC beams.

Conclusions
Results indicate that RHC beams require 30 Φ splice length after 3 days of casting, while NC beams require 40 Φ splice length after 28 days. The RHC beam had higher load capacities, ductility, resilience, and toughness than NC beams, by 73%, 41%, 82%, and 88%, respectively. The bar diameter and concrete cover had a significant effect on increasing loads and resilience, while toughness decreased.
Molecular approach for identification and validation of Eurycoma longifolia, Labisia pumila, and Orthosiphon stamineus in herbal products
Authors: Azli Siti Nor Amira Mohd , Bakar Adibah Abu , Shahimi Salwa , Nelson Bryan Raveen , Jamaludin Azi Azeyanty , Al-Obaidi Jameel R. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Eurycoma longifolia (E. longifolia), Labisia pumila (L. pumila), and Orthosiphon stamineus (O. stamineus) are popular species known for their therapeutic properties. An increase in local demand for herbal products makes them susceptible to adulteration, which poses a risk to their safety and efficacy. Current identification methods, such as organoleptic, microscopic, and macroscopic analysis, need to be revised to identify plant species in highly processed herbal products due to their limited ability to detect morphological features and provide comprehensive plant taxonomy information.

Methods
This research objective was to develop a simple, reliable, and accurate DNA molecular identification method based on polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) for E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus, used to validate the species identification for herbal products. PCR–RFLP was developed for rapid identification using restriction enzymes TaqI, BamH I, HinfI, EcoRI, EcoRV, Mbol, and Mspl.

Results
The nuclear DNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences were identified and compared between plant specimens of E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus and 101 samples of commercial herbal products. Plant specimens of E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus were successfully identified with high similarity of 100%, 100%, and 99.33%, respectively, based on National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. The recovery of DNA sequences from the herbal products was 60.4%, of which 81.97% were identified, and 18.03% showed no sequence through Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) identification.

Conclusion
A reliable approach for identifying and validating plant species in herbal products has been created using restriction enzymes. This simple and accurate PCR–RFLP approach efficiently identifies E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus by analysing ITS2 sequences, assuring consumer health and safety.
Characterization of biochemical and optical properties of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) corneal collagen
Authors: Abd-Elrahman Hatem Hassan , Omar Wael Abdel-Moneim , Elnashar Hazem Abdallah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Collagen extracted from fish body parts is a promising biological material. It has an important role in many pharmaceutical, medical applications and tissue engineering such as corneal regeneration and stromal replacement. The present work investigates a new trend to extract collagen from the fish cornea, as a prospected substituent of human corneal collagen by characterizing some biochemical and optical properties of the fish corneal collagen.

Results
Examination of the corneal tissue of Nile tilapia; Oreochromis niloticus was conducted using electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–visible spectrophotometry, optical properties, and thermal properties. The fish were divided into 10 groups each of which consisted of 5 fish. 2 groups of fish were examined for each technique. Results indicated that the corneal layers of O. niloticus are thin at the center and thicker at the periphery with the stroma consisting of a triple helical structure collagen type I. The fish cornea showed very weak transmission at the UV regions (190 nm) and maximum transmission at the visible regions. The values of transmission (T), reflected light (R) and scattered light (S) were 2.685 mw, 100 × 10−3 mw at 45° and 40 × 10−3 mw, respectively. Consequently, the percentage of absorbed light is 21.76%. The denaturation temperature of the fish corneal stroma is 22.27 °C.

Conclusions
The method for obtaining fish collagen affects the specific properties of collagen and consequently its further uses as a potential biomedical substituent for mammalian collagen. Specification of the fish species and tissue type is crucial in identifying the quality as well as the physical and functional properties of the extracted collagen.
The role of surface electromyography in confirming the effect of blepharoplasty on strength of levator palpebrae superioris muscle in congenital blepharoptosis
Authors: Saif Dalia S. , Saad Sameh , Saadany Abdel Khalek El , Elsaify Salma , Sharafeldin Asmma Y. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Blepharoptosis is an abnormal drooping of the upper eyelid margin with the eye in the primary gaze position. The clinical evaluating tests of upper eyelid muscle function lack objectivity, while surface electromyography (SEMG) is an objective evaluating tool of muscle power. We aimed to confirm the effect of blepharoplasty on levator muscle power after its shortening via levator aponeurosis resection surgery in cases of congenital ptosis through electrophysiological and clinical studies.
The study included 40 patients aged ≥ 10 years with congenital blepharoptosis from the ophthalmology department of our university hospital, along with 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants were subjected to clinical and electrophysiological assessment of levator muscle before and after blepharoplasty.

Results
There was a significant improvement in clinical and electrophysiological findings among cases post-surgery compared with preoperative parameters. We recorded clinical improvement in 90% of patients postoperatively regarding eyelid morphology, symmetry, and visual field. Meanwhile, 82.5% of patients showed improvement in their muscle power using SEMG parameters in terms of improved muscle amplitude and firing characters compared with preoperative measures.

Conclusion
SEMG provides a standardized, objective method of analysis of upper eyelid muscle power. It confirms that levator muscle shortening via levator aponeurosis resection surgery could increase its power based on its pre-surgical power and electrophysiological characteristics; so, it could be considered an indicator of post-operative improvement of ptosis based on electrophysiological measurements before surgery. The relatively short follow-up period and lack of quantitative analysis of EMG were limitations of this study.
Inhibiting Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Suppresses NF-κB p65 Signaling and Reduces CXCL10 Expression as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: Feng Jing , Xu Xianghong , Cai Wei , Yang Xingwen , Niu Ruilan , Han Ziqi , Tian Limin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Although Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of most common autoimmune thyroid diseases, its treatment remains focused on symptom relief. The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) shows potential functions as a drug target in alleviating some autoimmune diseases; however, we seldom know its role in HT.

Methods
The protein expression of sEH and related downstream molecules were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, ELISA, or immunofluorescence staining. RNA sequencing of tissue samples was performed to analyze differential genes and dysregulated pathways in HT and controls. The thyroid follicular epithelial cells (TFECs) and rat HT model were used to verify the biological function of sEH and the inhibition role of adamantyl-ureido-dodecanoic acid (AUDA) in HT.

Results
The sEH was significantly upregulated in HT patients compared with healthy individuals. Transcriptome sequencing showed cytokine-related pathways and chemokine expression; especially chemokine CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 were aberrant in HT patients. In TFECs and a rat HT model, blocking sEH by AUDA inhibitor could effectively inhibit the autoantibody, proinflammatory nuclear kappa factor B (NF-κB) signaling, chemokine CXCL10/CXCR3 expression, and type-1 helper CD4+ T cells.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that sEH/NF-κB p65/CXCL10-CXCR3 might be promising therapeutic targets for HT.
Contributions of Common Genetic Variants to Constitutional Delay of Puberty and Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Lippincott Margaret F , Schafer Evan C , Hindman Anna A , He Wen , Brauner Raja , Delaney Angela , Grinspon Romina , Hall Janet E , Hirschhorn Joel N , McElreavey Kenneth , Palmert Mark R , Rey Rodolfo , Seminara Stephanie B , Salem Rany M , Chan Yee-Ming ,   the Delayed Puberty Genetics Consortium, Howard Sasha R , Dunkel Leo , Latronico Ana Claudia , de Lima Jorge Alexander A , Rezende Raíssa Carneiro , Giannakopoulos Aristeides , Mericq Verónica , Merino Paulina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Context
Constitutional delay of puberty (CDP) is highly heritable, but the genetic basis for CDP is largely unknown. Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) can be caused by rare genetic variants, but in about half of cases, no rare-variant cause is found.

Objective
To determine whether common genetic variants that influence pubertal timing contribute to CDP and IHH.

Design
Case-control study.

Participants
80 individuals with CDP; 301 with normosmic IHH, and 348 with Kallmann syndrome (KS); control genotyping data from unrelated studies.

Main Outcome Measures
Polygenic scores (PGS) based on genome-wide association studies for timing of male pubertal hallmarks and age at menarche (AAM).

Results
The CDP cohort had higher PGS for male pubertal hallmarks and for AAM compared to controls (for male hallmarks, Cohen's d = 0.67, P = 1 × 10−10; for AAM, d = 0.85, P = 1 × 10−16). The normosmic IHH cohort also had higher PGS for male hallmarks compared to controls, but the difference was smaller (male hallmarks d = 0.20, P = .003; AAM d = 0.10, P = .055). No differences were seen for the KS cohort compared to controls (male hallmarks d = 0.05, P = .45; AAM d = 0.03, P = .56).

Conclusion
Common genetic variants that influence pubertal timing in the general population contribute strongly to the genetics of CDP, weakly to normosmic IHH, and potentially not at all to KS. These findings demonstrate that the common-variant genetics of CDP and normosmic IHH are largely but not entirely distinct.
Effect of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RA) on Weight Loss Following Bariatric Treatment
Authors: Kramer Caroline K , Retnakaran Matthew , Viana Luciana V 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Context
There has been growing recognition of the need for considering weight-loss strategies following metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) to limit the magnitude of potential weight regain. The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in this setting remains uncertain.

Objective
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of GLP-1RAs on weight changes in patients who previously underwent MBS.

Methods
We examined the effect of GLP-1RAs on weight changes by calculating pooled estimates (random-effects model) of the absolute differences in body weight (kg) compared to baseline for observational studies and compared to a control group for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A total of 17 studies (1164 participants) met our inclusion criteria. Pooling the data from the 14 observational studies evaluating the effect of GLP-1RAs post bariatric treatment demonstrated a reduction of 7.83 kg compared to pre treatment (before the use of GLP-1RA) (weight—7.83 kg [95% CI, −9.27 to −6.38]). With respect to tolerability, 23% (95% CI, 10%-36%) of participants reported any adverse event but only 7% discontinued treatment. Data from RCTs showed that the use of GLP-1RAs induced weight reduction of 4.36 kg (95% CI, −0.42 to −8.30) compared to placebo with a similar safety profile.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the use of liraglutide and semaglutide in patients who previously underwent MBS can promote significant weight reduction with an acceptable safety profile.
Low Cortisone as a Novel Predictor of the Low-Renin Phenotype
Authors: Tapia-Castillo Alejandra , Carvajal Cristian A , Pérez Jorge A , Sandoval Alejandra , Allende Fidel , Solari Sandra , Fardella Carlos E 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

A large proportion of patients with low-renin hypertension (LRH) correspond to primary aldosteronism (PA). However, some of these subjects have low to normal aldosterone. Since low renin is driven by excessive mineralocorticoids or glucocorticoids acting on mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), we hypothesize that a low-cortisone condition, associated classically with 11βHSD2 deficiency, is a proxy of chronic MR activation by cortisol, which can also lead to low renin, elevated blood pressure, and renal and vascular alterations.

Objective
To evaluate low cortisone as a predictor of low renin activity and its association with parameters of kidney and vascular damage.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out in 206 adult subjects. The subjects were classified according to low plasma renin activity (&lt;1 ng/mL × hours) and low cortisone (&lt;25th percentile).

Results
Plasma renin activity was associated with aldosterone (r = 0.36; P &lt; .001) and cortisone (r = 0.22; P = .001). A binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum cortisone per ug/dL increase predicted the low-renin phenotype (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.21-0.78). The receiver operating characteristic curves for cortisone showed an area under the curve of 0.6 to discriminate subjects with low renin activity from controls. The low-cortisone subjects showed higher albuminuria and PAI-1 and lower sodium excretion. The association study also showed that urinary cortisone was correlated with blood pressure and serum potassium (P &lt; .05).

Conclusion
This is the first study showing that low cortisone is a predictor of a low-renin condition. Low cortisone also predicted surrogate markers of vascular and renal damage. Since the aldosterone to renin ratio is used in the screening of PA, low cortisone values should be considered additionally to avoid false positives in the aldosterone–renin ratio calculation.
Research Note: A Novel Sullivan Method Projection Framework With Application to Long COVID
Authors: Ryan-Claytor Cayley , Verdery Ashton 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Originally developed for estimating healthy life expectancy, the traditional Sullivan method continues to be a popular tool for obtaining point-in-time estimates of the population impacts of a wide range of health and social conditions. However, except in rare data-intensive cases, the method is subject to stringent stationarity assumptions, which often do not align with real-world conditions and restrict its resulting estimates and applications. In this research note, we present an expansion of the original method to apply within a population projection framework. The Sullivan method projection framework produces estimates that offer new insights about future trends in population health and social arrangements under various demographic and epidemiologic scenarios, such as the percentage of life years that population members can expect to spend with a condition of interest in a time interval under different assumptions. We demonstrate the utility of this framework using the case of long COVID, illustrating both its operation and potential to reveal insights about emergent population health challenges under various theoretically informed scenarios. The traditional Sullivan method provides a summary measure of the present, while its incorporation into a projection framework enables preparation for a variety of potential futures.
Rhetorical Narrative Theory and the Act of Telling: Reflections on the Search for a New Paradigm
Authors: Edholm Roger 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
James Phelan presents his rhetorical approach to narrative in opposition to the existing paradigm in contemporary narrative theory. His rhetorical poetics is therefore described as a search for a new paradigm. This article argues, however, that Phelan's view of narrative does not challenge the dominant paradigm within narrative theory. The main reason his approach fails to meet its goals is that it shares the common narratological aim of comprehending narrative according to a particular definition. Although the rhetorical emphasis on the action of somebody telling somebody else might seem applicable to most communicative situations we deem to be narrative, his definition is problematic in relation to literary fiction and fictional storytelling across different media. The article's examination of the key principles of Phelan's rhetorical theory thus leads to an interrogation of the methodological implications of his definition of narrative, in particular by analyzing the example of character narration. The author also presents a revised rhetorical approach, understanding narrative as a term used to denote communicative actions within a variety of contexts. The motivation behind this alternative lies not only in its theoretical contribution but also in its methodological possibilities, connecting the study of narrative fiction across different media.
The Promise, Mystery, and Perils of Stenting for Symptomatic Internal Jugular Vein Stenosis: A Case Series
Authors: Fargen Kyle M. , Midtlien Jackson P. , Belanger Katherine , Hepworth Edward J. , Hui Ferdinand K. 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Cerebral venous outflow disorders (CVDs) secondary to internal jugular vein (IJV) stenosis are becoming an increasingly recognized cause of significant cognitive and functional impairment in patients. There are little published data on IJV stenting for this condition. This study aims to report on procedural success.

METHODS:
A single-center retrospective analysis was performed on patients with CVD that underwent IJV stenting procedures.

RESULTS:
From 2019 to 2023, 29 patients with CVD underwent a total of 33 IJV stenting procedures. Most patients (20; 69%) had an underlying connective tissue disorder diagnosis. The mean age of the included patients was 36.3 years (SD 12.4), 24 were female (82.8%), and all were Caucasian except for 2 patients (27; 93.0%). Twenty-eight procedures (85%) involved isolated IJV stenting under conscious sedation, whereas 5 procedures (15%) involved IJV stenting and concomitant transverse sinus stenting under general anesthesia. Thirteen (39%) patients underwent IJV stenting after open IJV decompression and styloidectomy. Three patients had stents placed for stenosis below the C1 tubercle, one of which was for carotid compression. Periprocedural complications occurred in 11 (33%), including intracardiac stent migration in 1 patient, temporary shoulder pain/weakness in 5 (15%), and persistent and severe shoulder pain/weakness in 2 patients (6%). Approximately 75% of patients demonstrated improvement after stenting although only 12 patients (36%) had durable improvement over a mean follow-up of 4.5 months (range 6 weeks-3.5 years).

CONCLUSION:
Our experience, along with early published studies, suggests that there is significant promise to IJV revascularization techniques in these patients; however, stenting carries a high complication rate, and symptom recurrence is common. Most neurointerventionalists should not be performing IJV stenting unless they have experience with these patients and understand technical nuances (stent sizing, anatomy, patient selection), which can maximize benefit and minimize risk.
Sexually dimorphic dynamics of the microtubule network in medaka (Oryzias latipes) germ cells
Authors: Kikuchi Mariko , Yoshimoto Miyo , Ishikawa Tokiro , Kanda Yuto , Mori Kazutoshi , Nishimura Toshiya , Tanaka Minoru 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Gametogenesis is the process through which germ cells differentiate into sexually dimorphic gametes, eggs and sperm. In the teleost fish medaka (Oryzias latipes), a germ cell-intrinsic sex determinant, foxl3, triggers germline feminization by activating two genetic pathways that regulate folliculogenesis and meiosis. Here, we identified a pathway involving a dome-shaped microtubule structure that may be the basis of oocyte polarity. This structure was first established in primordial germ cells in both sexes, but was maintained only during oogenesis and was destabilized in differentiating spermatogonia under the influence of Sertoli cells expressing dmrt1. Although foxl3 was dispensable for this pathway, dazl was involved in the persistence of the microtubule dome at the time of gonocyte development. In addition, disruption of the microtubule dome caused dispersal of bucky ball RNA, suggesting the structure may be prerequisite for the Balbiani body. Collectively, the present findings provide mechanistic insight into the establishment of sex-specific polarity through the formation of a microtubule structure in germ cells, as well as clarifying the genetic pathways implementing oocyte-specific characteristics.