bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between exposure to multiple metals/metalloid and periodontitis risk in US adults: an NHANES study using multipollutant approaches
Authors: He Yuwei , Li Yuguang , Wang Yao , Ji Wei , Zhao Yixin , Zheng Kaiwen , Liu Yining , Liu XiangLiang , Cui JiuWei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background:
Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease affected by multiple factors. Heavy metals exposure may be environmental risk factors for periodontitis. However, relationships between multiple metals/metalloid and periodontitis risk remain unclear.
Methods:
We analyzed associations between blood levels of cadmium, lead, manganese, mercury and selenium and periodontitis prevalence in 4,982 adults aged 30–80 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. Multivariable logistic regression assessed individual and combined metals/metalloid effects. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression evaluated potential non-linear and joint relationships. Mediation analysis was used to explore their potential mediated effects of neutrophils with periodontitis.
Results:
With increasing blood cadmium and lead, periodontitis risk increased significantly, while decreasing selenium was associated with elevated risk. Combined exposure to cadmium and lead conferred greater risk than individual metals. RCS confirmed monotonically increasing trends between cadmium, lead and periodontitis risk at higher levels. WQS found cadmium and lead positively correlated and selenium negatively correlated with periodontitis.
Conclusion:
Increased environmental exposure to cadmium and lead as well as insufficient selenium may be independent risk factors for periodontitis. This study provided important evidence regarding relationships between environmental pollutants, nutritional factors and periodontal health. Further research is warranted to validate our findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Stable critical point of the Robin function and bubbling phenomenon for a slightly subcritical elliptic problem
Authors: Fourti Habib , Ghoudi Rabeh 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we deal with the boundary value problem -Δu = |u|4/(n-2)u/[ln (e+|u|)]ε in a bounded smoothdomain Ω in ℝn, n ≥ 3 with homogenousDirichlet boundary condition. Here ε > 0. Clapp et al. in Journalof Diff. Eq. (Vol 275) built a family of solution blowing up if n ≥ 4 and ε small enough. They conjectured in their paper the existence of sign changing solutions which blow up and blow down at the same point. Here we give a confirmative answer by proving that our slightly subcritical problem has a solution with the shape of sign changing bubbles concentrating on a stable critical point of the Robin function for ε sufficiently small.
Mathematics Subject Classification 2000: 35J20, 35J60.
Droplet-based whole genome amplification: a novel approach for sequencing minute amounts of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA
Authors: Dippenaar Anzaan , Ismail Nabila , Heupink Tim H , Grobbelaar Melanie , Loubser Johannes , Rie Annelies , Warren Robin M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Implementation of whole genome sequencing (WGS) for patient care is hindered by limited Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in clinical specimens and slow Mtb growth. We evaluated droplet multiple displacement amplification (dMDA) for amplification of minute amounts of Mtb DNA to enable WGS as an alternative to other Mtb enrichment methods. Purified genomic Mtb-DNA (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5pg) was encapsulated and amplified using the Samplix Xdrop-instrument and sequenced alongside a control sample using standard Illumina protocols followed by MAGMA-analysis. The control and 5pg input dMDA samples underwent nanopore sequencing followed by Nanoseq and TB-profiler analysis. dMDA generated 105-2400ng DNA from the 0.1-5pg input DNA, respectively. Followed by Illumina WGS, dMDA raised mean sequencing depth from 7× for 0.1pg input DNA to ≥ 60× for 5pg input and the control sample. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a high number of false positive and false negative variants when amplifying ≤ 0.5pg input DNA. Nanopore sequencing of the 5pg dMDA sample presented excellent coverage depth, breadth, and accurate strain characterization, albeit elevated false positive and false negative variants compared to Illumina-sequenced dMDA sample with identical Mtb DNA input. dMDA coupled with Illumina WGS for samples with ≥ 5pg DNA offers precision for drug resistance, phylogeny, and transmission insights.
Cardiovascular Impact of COVID-19: Risk Factors and Post-Infection Sequelae in Recovered Patients - Insights from a Single-Center Study
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Wang Dongli , Chen Yongzhi , Zhang Na , Li Tianshu , Fan Ruixia , Yang Lei , Yang Chuanhua , Yang Jie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 sequelae are long-term symptoms of COVID-19. Cardiovascular disease is not only a risk factor for the occurrence of COVID-19 sequelae but also a potential result directly or indirectly caused by COVID-19 infection.
Objectives
To examine cardiovascular symptoms post-novel coronavirus in outpatients and inpatients and analyzing factors, symptoms, aiming to inform precise diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Materials and methods
From January 15, 2023, to February 15, 2023, 452 recovered patients with novel coronavirus infection who were admitted to the Cardiovascular Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine due to symptoms of the cardiovascular system (complaints of chest pain and palpitations) were involved in this study. A unified questionnaire was used to record the general information, past medical history, characteristics of chest pain or palpitations, and other COVID-19-related sequelae of the selected patients. All data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 26.0 statistical software.
Results
In this study of 452 patients (226 with cardiovascular symptoms and 226 without), various factors were linked to increased risks of cardiovascular symptoms post-COVID-19. Women and young individuals exhibited higher risks, as did those with prehypertension, hypertension, prior cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. The prevalent COVID-19 sequelae reported among all patients included fatigue (76.8%), shortness of breath (54.2%), dry or bitter mouth (46.0%), gastrointestinal symptoms (42.7%), sleep disturbances (37.4%), sweating (31.9%), chills (29%), dizziness (25.7%), brain fog (25.2%), and tinnitus (14.6%). Patients with cardiovascular symptoms were notably more prone to experiencing shortness of breath (OR 3.521), gastrointestinal issues (OR 2.039), and dry or bitter mouth (OR 1.918) compared to those without such symptoms. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), emphasizing distinct symptom patterns associated with post-COVID-19 cardiovascular concerns.
Conclusion
COVID-19 shows higher cardiovascular symptom risks in women, young/elderly, prehypertension/hypertension, history of heart disease/diabetes, often associated with other sequelae.
Numerical study of a two-dimensional eco-epidemiological model with diffusion and convex incidence rate: Unconditionally positivity preserving method
Authors: Bagheri Safieh , Akrami Mohammad Hossein , Heydari Mohammad , Loghmani Ghasem Barid 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this paper, a two-dimensional eco-epidemiological model with diffusion and convex incidence rate is studied, that is, the density of population depends on time and two spatial variables. The main challenge in investigation of population models is finding a numerical method to obtain non-negative solutions. Some numerical methods, for instance Euler's method, based on the standard finite difference formulas are inefficient for solving such models because they are not always able to produce non-negative approximate solutions. On the other hand, the non-standard finite difference schemes can provide non-negative approximations conditionally. In current work, first, the stability of the dynamic proposed eco-epidemiological model is examined. Then, a numerical method that provides unconditional acceptable solutions is introduced. In what follows, the consistency and stability of the numerical method are discussed. Finally, using numerical simulation, the efficiency of this method is compared with the Euler and non-standard methods. Furthermore, we examined the role of initial functions in interpreting species-environment interactions and deliberated on predator-prey behaviors in various scenarios.
A case of multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia associated with the ANKRD26 gene variant
Authors: cheng Xiaohang , Zhang Yating , Duan Mengtao , Shen Fuhui , Fan Wang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia (MLT) is a rare disease characterized by congenital progressive vasculopathy of the skin and gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of MLT is unclear and only little is known about the genetic variants associated with it.
Case presentation: We report a case of MLT associated with a ANKRD26 gene variant in a child whose exon gene testing revealed a variant in the ANKRD26 gene at chromosome chr10:27328937 (c.2329-2332del), which is also a gene variant of unknown significance in ANKRD26-associated thrombocytopenia (ANKRD26-RT). The patient presented with cutaneous petechiae, gastrointestinal bleeding, and severe thrombocytopenia. Treatment with propranolol and sirolimus improved his symptoms, including gastrointestinal bleeding.
Conclusions: In this study a possible link between ANKRD26 variant chr10:27328937 (c.2329-2332del) and MLT was identified, and ANKRD26-RT does not exclude other variants on the chromosomal loci. Genetic testing should be completed extremely early when MLT is suspected to facilitate the clinical diagnosis and treatment of MLT and provide personalized genetic counseling for affected children.
Ectomycorrhizal hydrophobicity influences ectomycorrhizal C dynamics, N dynamics, and fruiting patterns in N addition experiments under pine
Authors: Hobbie Erik A. , Jocher Georg , Peichl Matthias , Zhao Peng , Zhou Zaixing , Hasselquist Niles J. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Fungal morphology such as the hydrophobicity of ectomycorrhizae may correspond to functional attributes including enzymatic capabilities, carbon (C) demand from host plants, temporal patterns of fruiting, C sequestration, and nitrogen (N) sequestration. Here, we assessed how ectomycorrhizal hydrophobicity influenced the timing of C dynamics and fungal processing of C and N, as integrated by fruiting patterns, δ13C, δ15N, and loge C/N of ectomycorrhizal sporocarps.
Methods
We linked δ13C, δ15N, loge C/N, and temporal fruiting patterns of ectomycorrhizal sporocarps and soils across seven N fertilization treatments in two Swedish Pinus sylvestris L. forests to ectomycorrhizal hydrophobicity and daily gross primary production.
Results
Gross primary production of seven and 6–9 days prior to collection correlated positively with sporocarp δ13C and loge C/N, respectively, reflecting transit times of peak delivery of plant-derived carbohydrates to sporocarp formation. Hydrophobic taxa fruited 10 days later than hydrophilic taxa, suggesting greater C demands for hydrophobic taxa. Taxa with hydrophobic ectomycorrhizae had lower δ13C, higher δ15N, and higher loge C/N (less protein) than taxa with hydrophilic ectomycorrhizae.
Conclusions
Long C accumulation times and high sequestration (hydrophobic taxa) versus low sequestration (hydrophilic taxa) of 13C-enriched carbohydrates and 15N-depleted chitin in mycelia could account for the late fruiting, 13C depletion, and 15N enrichment of hydrophobic sporocarps. We concluded that sporocarp production and hydrophobicity integrated functional information about the extent of belowground hyphal development and the C accumulation times of C transfers from host Pinus.
Examining the Role of Digital Technology as an Enabler of Digital Disruption: A Systematic Review
Authors: lei jingjun , Indiran Logaiswari , Kohar Umar Haiyat Abdul , Liu Haibing , Khatib Saleh F. A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This systematic review critically analyzes the intricate relationship between digital technology and digital disruption by examining 83 papers from the Scopus database. Utilizing a systematic literature review methodology, the study delves into the impact of key technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, 3D printing, Internet of Things, big data, and cloud computing. Findings underscore the substantial role of digital tech in prompting disruption, challenging norms, and reshaping industry boundaries. Notably, artificial intelligence emerges as a major influencer, prompting organizations to reassess business strategies. The analysis explores collaborative and democratizing effects driven by platforms like IoT, blockchain, big data, and cloud computing. The results offer practical insights for enterprises, policymakers, and practitioners, emphasizing the transformative potential of digital technologies. Key drivers include operational efficiency, predictive analytics, personalization, and supply chain integration. Recognition of synergies among digital technologies provides strategic guidance for fostering innovation and gaining a competitive edge. Societal consequences and adoption challenges are examined, highlighting the importance of stakeholder reactions, decision-making processes, governance, and user acceptance in successful implementation.
Gender in Professional Football: Unveiling Stereotypes and Sport Performance Variabilities in Recent 2022 and 2023 World Cups.
Authors: Vázquez Adriana Fernández de Caleya , Martín-Magdalena Jorge , Garrido-Merchán Eduardo C. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study aims to interrogate the gendered stereotypes and perceived performance differences in professional football, utilizing data from the recent FIFA World Cups (Qatar 2022 and Australia & New Zealand 2023). A comprehensive analysis of 141 variables, encompassing various facets of gameplay, was undertaken to determine whether gender-based disparities in performance actually exist. The key focus was identifying variables showing no significant gender differences or where women's performance surpassed that of men. Surprisingly, over half of the variables, including goals scored, assists, shots on target, and passing distances, displayed no significant gender variance. Furthermore, women exhibited superior performance in 28% of the analysed variables, notably in precision and successful completion rates of various types of passes, indicating a higher efficiency in certain game aspects. These findings challenge the entrenched stereotypes within the sport, suggesting that gender differences in football performance are not as pronounced as commonly believed and highlighting the need for a fair and equitable appreciation of sporting talent across genders.
The relationship between serum astroglial and neuronal markers and AQP4 and MOG autoantibodies
Authors: Chatanaka Miyo K , Avery Lisa M , Pasic Maria D , Sithravadivel Shanthan , Rotstein Dalia , Demos Catherine , Cohen Rachel , Gorham Taron , Wang Mingyue , Stengelin Martin , Mathew Anu , Wohlstadter Jacob , Prassas Ioannis , Diamandis Eleftherios P 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Certain demyelinating disorders, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) exhibit serum autoantibodies against aquaporin-4 (αAQP4) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (αMOG). The variability of the autoantibody presentation warrants further research into subtyping each case.
Methods
To elucidate the relationship between astroglial and neuronal protein concentrations in the peripheral circulation with occurrence of these autoantibodies, 86 serum samples were analyzed using immunoassays. The protein concentration of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain (NFL) and tau protein was measured in 3 groups of subcategories of suspected NMOSD: αAQP4 positive (n = 20), αMOG positive (n = 32) and αMOG/αAQP4 seronegative (n = 34). Kruskal-Wallis analysis, univariate predictor analysis, and multivariate logistic regression with ROC curves were performed.
Results
GFAP and NFL concentrations were significantly elevated in the αAQP4 positive group (p = 0.003; p = 0.042, respectively), and tau was elevated in the αMOG/αAQP4 seronegative group (p < 0.001). A logistic regression model to classify serostatus was able to separate αAQP4 seropositivity using GFAP + tau, and αMOG seropositivity using tau. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were 0.77 and 0.72, respectively. Finally, a combined seropositivity versus negative status logistic regression model was generated, with AUC = 0.80.
Conclusion
The 3 markers can univariately and multivariately classify with moderate accuracy the samples with seropositivity and seronegativity for αAQP4 and αMOG.
Effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on cisplatin induced cytotoxicity in parotid gland of rats (Histological and Ultrastructural studies)
Authors: Abdelaziz Ahmed , sherif Hany , mawla Abd Elnasser Abd El 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective: the current study was implemented to assess the therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on parotid glands following cytotoxicity induced by cisplatin administration in rats.
Materials and Methods: The study employed a sample of 36 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The samples were categorized into two groups. Group I: The control group (6 rats) received 0.5ml phosphate-buffered saline. Group II: The experimental group was divided into two subgroups; subgroup (A), referred to as the cisplatin group, (15 rats) was administered a solitary intraperitoneal injection of the cisplatin medication at a dosage of 10 mg/kg. Subgroup (B) BMMSc group (15 rats) was administered the same dose of cisplatin as subgroup A. On day three following cisplatin administration, 5x105 BMMSCs suspended in 0.5 ml of PBS were injected intraparotid. After cisplatin injection and BMMSc administration rats were sacrificed according to different time intervals (7 and 21 days) for histological and ultrastructural analysis.
Results: stem cell treated group exhibited superior histological and ultrastructural characteristics.
Conclusion: This investigation proved that BMMSCs can improve the histological and ultrastructural changes of parotid gland induced by cisplatin administration.
Privatization Neutrality Theorem in the Presence of Vertically Related Industries
Authors: Wu Tsaur Chin , Chang Hsiu-Wei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This paper considers a model wherein public and private firms purchase inputs from a foreign firm to produce a homogenous good and compete in quantity. Using this model, we examine the optimal subsidy for the public and private firms and the optimal degree of privatization. In particular, the privatization neutrality theorem (PNT), which means that the optimal subsidy achieves the first-best allocation and is independent from the degree of privatization, is explored. There are three main results. First, when the foreign firm competitively behaves, the PNT holds. Second, when the foreign firm is a monopolist and applies the uniform pricing, the PNT does not hold and the optimal policy is full nationalization. Finally, when the foreign firm adopts the discriminatory pricing, the PNT does not hold and the optimal policy is partial privatization.
Mesothelin promotes brain metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer by activating MET
Authors: Xia shengkai , Duan Wenzhe , Xu Mingxin , Li Mengqi , Tang Mengyi , Wei Song , Lin Manqing , Li Encheng , Liu Wenwen , Wang Qi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Brain metastasis (BM) is common among cases of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is the leading cause of death for these patients. Mesothelin (MSLN), a tumor-associated antigen expressed in many solid tumors, has been reported to be involved in the progression of multiple tumors. However, its potential involvement in BM of NSCLC and the underlying mechanism remain unknown. In this study, we found that MSLN expression was significantly elevated in both serum and tumor tissue samples from NSCLC patients with BM and correlated with a poor clinical prognosis. Our in vitro and ex vivo experiments demonstrated that MSLN significantly enhanced the brain metastatic abilities of NSCLC cells, especially blood–brain barrier (BBB) extravasation. Mechanistically, we found that MSLN facilitated the expression and activation of MET through the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, which allowed tumor cells to disrupt tight junctions and the integrity of the BBB and thereby penetrate the barrier. Intriguingly, our in vivo experiments indicated that drugs targeting MSLN (anetumab) and MET (crizotinib) effectively blocked the development of BM and prolonged the survival of mice, with anetumab showing a superior therapeutic effect compared with crizotinib. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MSLN plays a critical role in BM of NSCLC by modulating the JNK/MET signaling network and thus, provides a potential novel therapeutic target for preventing BM in NSCLC patients.
A Method for Quantitative Analysis of Long-distance Cellular Communication in 3D Time-lapse in vivo Living Embryos
Authors: LI Zelin , ZHAO Zhongying , YAN Hong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Embryogenesis is a precise process with cell growth patterns, where the embryonic development is related to the cell morphological features. The cell morphology and cell-cell contact are crucial for biophysically quantitative analysis of in vivo animals. The studies of cell-cell contact and communication are increasing to understand the influence mechanisms in the growing embryonic systems. Morphological features are the significant ways to know the details of inner cellular development during embryogenesis. Studies of cell-cell interactions do not adequately take account of the impact of the cell-cell contact and communication.
Methods: An cellular features embedding method is proposed for cellular contact study, where the Alpha shape helps the method build accurate 3D cell-cell contact graphs for long-distance cell-cell communication. Graph wavelet transform (GWF) embedding can systematically characterize the morphological features of the contact cells of a cell. The embedded morphological features, like cell size ratio, with higher precision, are applied in the power law relationship between the cell size ratio and the cell cycle duration in C. elegans.
Conclusions: The proposed method enables the analysis of accurate 3D cellular features by integrating information of cell neighborhoods, showing that long-distance cellular communication exists during early embryogenesis. With long-distance communication information extracted by graph wavelet, asymmetries between the enhanced morphological features explains cell lineage patterns well.