bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of beta-casein and kappa-casein genotypes on milk production and composition in the Dairy Gir cattle
Authors: Hortolani Bruna , Filho Anibal Eugenio Vercesi , Giglioti Rodrigo , Fernandes Andre Rabello , Faro Lenira El 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effects of variants of the beta-casein and kappa-casein genes on milk production (P305) and milk composition (fat and protein) in Gir Dairy cattle, changing the selection of traits of economic importance, such as the A2 allele for beta-casein and components for higher yields in the dairy industry. The dataset contained 2,088 females genotyped for beta-casein and kappa-casein. The allelic replacement effect of each marker (β-casein and κ-casein) was estimated using mixed models. The genotype frequencies for beta-casein were 0.01, 0.19 and 0.80 for A1A1, A1A2 and A2A2, respectively. The allele frequency for beta-casein was 0.11 for A1 and 0.89 for the A2 allele. The kappa-casein genotype frequencies were 0.82, 0.17 and 0.01 for AA, AB and BB, respectively. The allele frequency was 0.91 for the A allele and 0.09 for the B allele. There was a significant effect of both genotypes (beta-casein and kappa-casein) on milk production (p < 0.05), with highest estimated mean for animals with beta-casein A2A2 and kappa-casein AA. The estimated effect of allelic replacement by beta-casein with an increase of 202.04 kg of milk for the A2 allele and an increase of 291.09 kg of milk for the A allele of kappa casein. There was no significant effect of beta-casein or kappa-casein genotypes on milk fat and protein production. Therefore, the high frequencies of A2 and A alleles in the Gir Leiteiro breed facilitate selection based on the A2A2 and AA genotypes.
Evaluation of asymmetries in early childhood: Is there a consensus?
Authors: Medau Valéria , Maia Paulo Roberto , Júnior Almiro José Machado , Deshayes Marie Josèphe , Neto José Dias Silva 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Craniofacial asymmetries may alter jaw development in babies, thus compromising future occlusion. These changes can start very subtly, which means that an early well-defined diagnosis is necessary.
Objective: To ascertain whether there is a consensus among specialists regarding the importance of identifying and treating craniofacial asymmetries in children before they reach six years of age; and to develop and validate a guide to assist general dentists so that they can identify signs of craniofacial asymmetry, thereby directing preventive and minimally invasive approaches in children aged three to six years.
Materials and Methods: The guide was created after reviewing the literature. It was validated by 37 specialist professionals with master’s and doctoral degrees. The Delphi technique was used for data analysis, along with the content validity index (CVI) and Cronbach's alpha.
Results: Among the evaluators, 81.08% had completed their training more than 10 years ago and 78.38% had been working as dentists for more than 10 years; 2.16% were specialists, 32.16% had a master's degree and 5.41% had a doctoral degree. The agreement between the evaluators through the CVI was 100% and the average Cronbach's alpha was 0.7571, which was considered substantial or acceptable.
Conclusion: The guide was developed and validated.
Clinical Relevance: This protocol will assist general dentists in making early diagnoses of craniofacial asymmetries among children aged three to six years.
Exploring the Impact of Transportation Infrastructure on Regional Economy in China based on GMM and Threshold Effects
Authors: Wei Yunlin , Lu Ke 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
With the continuous implementation of transportation strategies, the relationship between transportation infrastructure and the regional economy has been receiving extensive attention. However, in the face of the economic downturn, whether the investment in transportation infrastructure can obtain the expected return is worthy of further discussion. Firstly, this study uses random forests to downscale the provincial transportation indicators and constructs a comprehensive indicator reflecting the transportation infrastructure. Secondly, to control the influence of lagged economy, this research uses multiple linear regression model to determine the number of lagged periods of the economy. Subsequently, system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and difference GMM estimation are used to explore the relationship between transportation infrastructure and regional economy. Finally, this study explores the nonlinear relationship between the two through the threshold effect. The results show that in the context of economic downturn, transportation infrastructure is still positively correlated with the economy in general. In addition, the employment rate, population, fixed asset investment all have a driving effect on the economy. Industrial structure, on the other hand, currently harms the economy. Further, from a non-linear perspective, transportation infrastructure has an inverted U-shaped effect on the economy. Below the first threshold, transportation infrastructure is negatively correlated with the regional economy; when it lies between the first and second thresholds, the construction of transportation infrastructure has a high driving effect on the regional economy; when it is higher than the third threshold, this driving effect will be weakened.
Isoniazid dose-related prediction model for patients with tuberculosis meningitis in southwest China
Authors: Zong Zhaojing , Jian Yi , Zhu Mei , Liu Quanxian , Zhou Liang , Zhang Jianyong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Tuberculosis meningitis is the most lethal type of tuberculosis, and its prognosis is related to disease severity and early therapeutic intervention. A model was developed to predict the mortality risk of adults with tuberculosis meningitis based on the prognostic factors associated with the disease.
Methods
Patients were screened for primary tuberculosis meningitis and received a quadruple regimen comprising isoniazid (standard dose 300 mg/day; high dose of 600 mg/day), rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. We analyzed the indices and prognosis factors of patients who died from the disease, using 12-month treatment mortality as the primary observation endpoint. Predictors included demographic data, clinical presentation, ancillary tests, treatment changes, isoniazid dose. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multi-factor logistic regression were employed for data analysis.
Results
A total of 119 patients with tuberculosis meningitis were recruited for this study. At the end of December, there were 18 deaths and 101 surviving patients. Sixty-eight influencing factors were screened and five clinical factors were included in the model as potential prognostic factors: older age, presence of nausea, high MRC grade, imaging suggestive of cerebral infarction, and use isoniazid dose of 300 mg/day. The AUC was 0.8316832. The model utilized in this study proved beneficial to predict outcome of patients.
Conclusion
The final model is suitable for evaluating the risk of death within 12 months in patients with tuberculosis meningitis and helps assess the severity and treatment needs of patients. The isoniazid dose is an important factor affecting the prognosis of these patients.
Foetal outcome of Leptospira and Rickettsial infections during pregnancy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sengupta Mallika , T Latha , Mandal Soumitra , Mukhopadhyay Kaushik 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background – Leptospirosis and Rickettsial infections including scrub typhus are murine typhus are bacterial zoonosis prevalent in different geographical locations. This systematic review aims to identify foetal outcome in pregnant woman diagnosed with Rickettsial infection including scrub typhus and leptospirosis along with its associated factors. Methods - A comprehensive search was done in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane), Web of Science, PsycInfo, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, and Embase using a defined search term. The selection criteria were studies having pregnant women with diagnosed leptospirosis and Rickettsial infections including scrub typhus. The studies were excluded based on - diagnosis not clear, animal study, in vitro study, no pregnant population, co-infection, other infection except those concerned, seroprevalence without any foetal outcome. Studies in language other than English were also excluded. The initial screening of titles and abstracts was conducted by two independent reviewers using the Rayyan Web interface. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Full-text review was carried out by the two reviewers, with disagreements resolved similarly. Data extraction was performed in Microsoft Excel, aided by Zotero for reference management. The assessment of study quality utilized The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. Data synthesis and analysis included a narrative synthesis of findings. Main results – A total of 54 studies were included in the systematic review for analysis. Among the 54 studies included in the systematic review, 22 had data on only scrub typhus, 14 had data on only Rickettsial infection, 16 had data on leptospirosis and 2 studies had data on all three infections. A total of 176 cases of scrub typhus were included with foetal loss in 53 (30.11%) and neonatal death in 3 (1.7%). Among the 38 cases of Rickettsial infection, 4 (10.5%) had foetal loss. Out of the total 63 cases of leptospirosis 13 (20.6%) had foetal loss. There were 6 maternal deaths due to scrub typhus and one maternal death due to Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Conclusion – Leptospirosis and Rickettsial infections including scrub typhus are important causes of loss of pregnancy. Hence diagnosis and appropriate management of these cases in pregnancy is essential.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus and Associated factors among adult Chronic liver disease patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Derebe , Abay Zenahebezu , Tsegaye Tewodros , Ahmed Endris , Diress Abeje 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background:Hepatitis B virus infection is a global health problem with the highest prevalence in Asia and Sub-Saharan countries. It causes both acute and chronic hepatitis with complications including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hence, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and associated factors among chronic liver disease patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia from May to September 2021. Data was collected by face-to-face interview using structured questionnaire, from the patients’ medical record and laboratory test was done from blood sample for HBsAg and hepatitis C virus antibody. Data was entered using Epi-data 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was done for the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed and odds ratio using confidence interval of 95% was retrieved. P-value <0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: A total of 227 chronic liver disease patients were enrolled. The mean age of participants was 44.04 (±12.4). Most (84.6%) of them were males and females account 15.4%. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was 34.8% (95% CI፡ 28.8-41) among chronic liver disease patients. Increased proportion of hepatitis B virus were detected in males (AOR=4.0;95% CI=1.21,13.23). Contact to jaundiced patients (P=0.01), having multiple sexual partners (P=0.001) and hepatitis C virus co-infection (P=0.008) were significantly associated with Hepatitis B virus infection among Chronic liver disease patients.
Conclusions: The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among Chronic liver disease patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was high. Male gender, having multiple sexual partners, contact to jaundiced patients and hepatitis C virus co-infection were predominant factors for hepatitis B virus infection among chronic liver disease patients. Therefore, Proper health education and media campaign should be conducted to the general population to know about the risk factors of HBV infection and its routes of transmission. Chronic liver disease patient counselling and family members screening for HBV should be done to prevent transmission.
Examining the performance of responding to the Khoy earthquake 2022, challenges, strengths, and lessons learned: thematic analysis
Authors: Nazari Saeed , Kivi Hamid Karimi , Kolivand Pirhossein , Norouzi Razieh , Zamani Elham 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Iran experiences earthquakes yearly that cause human and financial losses exceeding global standards and averages. The death rate in developing countries is 12 times higher than that of developed countries. The extent of disasters is such that prevention, preparedness, and response against them are impossible without the widespread participation of organizations and people. One of the methods for reducing damages and risks is to teach first aids to the general public on a large scale. The main objective of this research was to investigate the challenges, strengths, and lessons learned in responding to the earthquake in Khoy.
Methodology: This research used a qualitative data collection method. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and purposive sampling was used to select interviewees. After individual interviews, data were transcribed as documents and audio recordings. For data evaluation and interpretation, thematic content analysis with an inductive approach was used.
Findings: After conducting 40 interviews and reaching data saturation, the extraction of experiences and lessons learned for investigating the performance of responsible organizations in the Khoy earthquake in 2022 was obtained. The obtained data were divided into 8 categories and 39 subcategories. The categories included warning and calling forces, disaster assessment, emergency operations management, emergency housing, supply and distribution of items, organization and guidance of public participation and charities, psychological support, logistics operations, monitoring, evaluation and documentation, information dissemination, and media management.
Conclusion: This study presented the experiences and lessons learned by responsible organizations in responding to the Khoy earthquake. Responding organizations and institutions in disasters must be prepared for contingency planning as they may face challenges in the response process during assigned missions. It is suggested that various components extracted from this study be used to provide appropriate, effective services, and prevent challenges from arising in similar disaster response phases.
A Whole Food, Plant-Based Randomized Controlled Trial in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Feasibility, Nutrient, and Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Campbell  , Campbell Thomas M. , Culakova Eva , Blanchard BS Lisa M. , Wixom RD BS Nellie , Guido MS Joseph , Fetten James , Huston Alissa , Shayne Michelle , Janelsins Michelle , Mustian PhD Karen , Moore Richard G. , Peppone Luke J. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Quality of life (QOL) is among the most important outcomes for women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and it predicts survival. QOL is negatively impacted by cognitive impairment, fatigue, and weight gain. We assessed whether a whole food, plant-based (WFPB) diet promoting weight loss is feasible and might improve QOL.
Methods
Women with MBC on stable systemic treatments were randomized 2:1 to 1) WFPB dietary intervention (n = 21) or 2) usual care (n = 11) for 8 weeks. Participants attended weekly education visits and consumed an ad libitum WFPB diet (3 prepared meals/day provided). Patient-reported outcomes and 3-day food records were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. The effects of WFPB diet on changes in outcomes were assessed by analysis of covariance model controlling for baseline.
Results
20 intervention and 10 control participants completed the trial. Intervention participants were highly adherent to the WFPB diet (94.3% total calories on-plan). Intervention group nutrient intakes changed significantly including dietary fat (35.8–20.4% percent calories from fat, p < 0.001) and fiber content (22.1 to 40.8 grams fiber/1000 kcal, p < 0.001). Perceived cognitive function (FACT-Cog total + 16.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.8–31.7; p = 0.040) and emotional well-being (FACT-B emotional well-being subscale + 2.3; CI = 0.5–4.1; p = 0.016) improved in the WFPB versus the control group. Fatigue, measured by the BFI, improved within the WFPB group for fatigue severity (M = 4.7 ± 2.5[SD] to 3.7 ± 2.3, p = 0.047) and fatigue at its worst (5.8 ± 2.8 to 4.4 ± 2.4, p = 0.011).
Conclusions
Significant dietary changes in this population are feasible and may improve QOL by improving treatment-related symptoms. Additional study is warranted.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03045289. Registered 7 February 2017.
STING coordinates resolution of inflammation during wound repair by modulating macrophage trafficking through STAT3
Authors: He Weifeng , Cai Xin , Liu Zhihui , Zhang Weiguang , Yang Jiacai , Tang Yuanyang , Chen Yunxia , Huang Yong , Hu Wengang , Zhang Xiaorong , Zhou Junyi , wu Yanjun , Yin Wenjing , Shang Ruoyu , Lu Qudong , Sheng Hao , Ju Zhenyu , Luo Gaoxing , Chen Cheng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Efficient cutaneous wound healing requires a coordinated transition between inflammatory phases mediated by dynamic changes in leukocyte subset populations. Here, we identify STING as a key innate immune mediator governing timely resolution of inflammation by regulating macrophage dynamics during skin repair. Using a mouse model, we show STING deficiency caused delayed wound closure associated with abnormal persistence of TNFα+ leukocytes. This resulted from the failed contraction of neutrophils coupled with impaired macrophage recruitment. STING controlled the trafficking of bone marrow myeloid cells into blood and wounds, intrinsically enhancing macrophage migratory capacity through STAT3 activation. Specifically, STING modulated the production of monocyte chemokines and their receptors CCR2/CCR5 to enable efficient egress and wound infiltration. Consequently, disrupted systemic and local STING-STAT3-chemokine signaling combine to delay macrophage influx and prevent timely neutrophil-to-macrophage inflammatory phase transition. This study elucidates STING as a critical rheostat tuning macrophage responses through STAT3 to orchestrate inflammatory resolution necessary for efficient wound healing. Our findings have broad implications for targeting STING therapeutically in both regenerative medicine and inflammatory disease contexts.
The development of the adult nervous system in the annelid Owenia fusiformis
Authors: Carrillo-Baltodano Allan M. , Donnellan Rory D. , Williams Elizabeth A. , Jékely Gáspar , Martín-Durán José M. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The evolutionary origins of animal nervous systems remain contentious because we still have a limited understanding of neural development in most major animal clades. Annelids — a species-rich group with centralised nervous systems — have played central roles in hypotheses about the origins of animal nervous systems. However, most studies have focused on adults of deeply nested species in the annelid tree. Recently, Owenia fusiformis has emerged as an informative species to reconstruct ancestral traits in Annelida, given its phylogenetic position within the sister clade to all remaining annelids.
Methods
Combining immunohistochemistry of the conserved neuropeptides FVamide-lir, RYamide-lir, RGWamide-lir and MIP-lir with gene expression, we comprehensively characterise neural development from larva to adulthood in Owenia fusiformis.
Results
The early larval nervous system comprises a neuropeptide-rich apical organ connected through peripheral nerves to a prototroch ring and the chaetal sac. There are seven sensory neurons in the prototroch. A bilobed brain forms below the apical organ and connects to the ventral nerve cord of the developing juvenile. During metamorphosis, the brain compresses, becoming ring-shaped, and the trunk nervous system develops several longitudinal cords and segmented lateral nerves.
Conclusions
Our findings reveal the formation and reorganisation of the nervous system during the life cycle of O. fusiformis, an early-branching annelid. Despite its apparent neuroanatomical simplicity, this species has a diverse peptidergic nervous system, exhibiting morphological similarities with other annelids, particularly at the larval stages. Our work supports the importance of neuropeptides in animal nervous systems and the evolution of biphasic life cycles.
A Step towards incorporating return period in rainfall erosivity of India using high temporal resolution Satellite precipitation product
Authors: Das Tapasranjan , Sarma Arup Kumar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Return period analysis has been incorporated into the Rainfall erosivity of India. This has been performed by applying frequency analysis on the annual rainfall erosivity factor data series with the help of twelve widely used theoretical probability distributions. The annual rainfall erosivity factor was calculated using IMERG half-hourly satellite precipitation product and with the standard method given in the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) handbook. The spatially distributed map of best-fitted distribution was generated. Return level values of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100-year return periods are evaluated using the cumulative distribution function of best fitted distribution and a spatially distributed map of each return period was prepared. These maps will offer liberty to the stakeholders and policymakers to decide on the level of risk they are willing to take. Moreover, the high spatial resolution gridded data will minimise the probable error of interpolated maps in areas with a limited number of stations or no stations. In traditional practice, the average annual rainfall erosivity is considered for computing soil loss. However, this study revealed that the average annual rainfall erosivity fell between return levels of 2 and 5-year return periods in around 94% of the studied area, highlighting the underestimation of rainfall erosivity.
Heat generation and assimilation-MHD model for convective flow of two immiscible fluids in a vertical channel
Authors: Kandagal Mangala , Kempepatil Ramesh 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This research takes into consideration heat assimilation and heat generation, as well as the dissimilar characteristics of the two fluids, to analyze the convective flow of the fluids in a vertical channel. Magnetoconvection in a vertical container with two electrically conducting regions is analyzed using a two-zone model. Both fluids are assumed to retain their transport properties. The channel walls are maintained at differing temperatures. The resultant coupled non-linear equations for momentum and energy are solved analytically by using the standard perturbation technique. When Br=Pr Ec (heat conduction from a wall) is small, this technique may be used. Various elements affecting the velocity field, temperature field, and concentration field in connection to heat assimilation and heat production are discussed, and their effects are graphically shown.
The effects of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) on the observed velocities, temperatures, and concentrations were shown.