bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of external genitalia during mini-puberty: Is it related to somatic growth or hormones?
Authors: Gacemer Hazal Arıkan , Tosun Busra Gurpinar , Helvacioglu Didem , Yaman Ali , Abali Zehra Yavas , Haliloglu Belma , Turan Serap Demircioglu , Haklar Goncagul , Bereket Abdullah , Guran Tulay 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Although hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis is active during mini-puberty, its relationship with somatic growth and the role on the development of external genitalia has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the effects of somatic growth and reproductive hormones on the development of external genitalia during mini-puberty.
Methods
Anthropometric data, pubertal examination, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione (A4), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol (E2) and inhibin-B, testosterone (T) and anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) of healthy infants aged 1–4 months were evaluated. Free sex hormone index was calculated as T/SHBG for boys and E2/SHBG for girls.
Results
The mean age of 148 (74 female) infants included in the study was 2.31 ± 0.76 months. Tanner stage 2–3 sex steroid and gonadotropin levels were observed. A statistically significant difference was found between the weight, height, BMI, weight gain and serum FSH, LH, A4 measurements of girls and boys (p < 0.05). Penile length was associated with weight (r = 0.24, p = 0.03), height (r = 0.25, p = 0.02) and AMH (r = 0.3, p = 0.01), but not with testosterone (p = 0.56 respectively). A negative correlation was found between weight and serum LH (r=-0.26, p = 0.2) and T/SHBG levels in males (r=-0.38, p = 0.015 respectively). Weight-SDS was negatively correlated with testosterone in males (r=-0.25, p = 0.02). Testicular size and breast stage did not correlate with any of the hormonal and anthropometric parameters.
Conclusions
External genitalia in males during mini-puberty is related more to somatic growth rather than reproductive hormones. Similar pubertal developmental stages, total and free testosterone is associated negatively with higher weight in mini-puberty.
Infrared spectroscopy as a new approach for Fabry disease screening
Authors: Barretto Carolina Teles , Nascimento Márcia Helena Cassago , Brun Bruna , Silva Tiago Barcelos da , Dias Pedro Augusto Costa , Silva Cassiano Augusto Braga , Singh Maneesh N. , de Martin Francis L. , Filgueiras Paulo Roberto , Romão Wanderson , Campos Luciene Cristina Gastalho , Barauna Valerio Garrone 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder marked by alpha-galactosidase-A (α-Gal A) deficiency, caused by pathogenic mutations in the GLA gene resulting in the accumulation of glycosphingolipids inside lysosomes. The current screening test consists of measuring α-Gal A activity. However, it is limited only to men. Infrared spectroscopy is a technique that provides information about biofluids' molecular composition and has been successfully applied in numerous diseases. Herein, we investigate the vibration profile of plasma chemical bonds in patients with FD through attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) vibrational spectroscopy.
Results
The Fabry disease group (n = 47) and the healthy control group (n = 52) were analyzed with similar ages (39.2 ± 16.9 and 36.7 ± 10.9 years, respectively), and women were predominant in both groups (59,6% vs. 65,4%). All patients had the classic phenotype (100%), and no late-onset phenotype was detected. PLS-DA classification model independent of gender allowed differentiation of the samples between Fabry and the control group, reaching 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.
Conclusion
ATR-FTIR spectroscopy associated with pattern recognition can distinguish between FD patients and healthy control participants as a fast-screening test.
English Speaking as a Second Language for Health Sciences’ Undergraduates: Preferred Activities &amp; Motivators
Authors: Jayasinghe Manori , Liyanage Lakeesha , Wijesekara Kanchana , Kotapola Imendra 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Fluency in speaking English as a second language is critical for non-natives in Allied Health Sciences. Unfortunately, the undergraduates who study for health sciences degrees in English medium of instruction still find it challenging. This has made the faculty administration deliver numerous programs to enhance oral skills, which often fail due to poor turnout. The lack of motivation and reluctance to practice are two reasons visible on the surface. Identifying ways to enhance learner motivation has been considered a key challenge in the present study. The types of activities students were interested in have been examined and reported.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the undergraduates in the Pharmacy, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Science programs. Data were gathered using a self-prepared, validated, self-administered online survey questionnaire that was pilot tested for reliability using 10% (n = 21) of the minimum sample size. Cronbach's Alpha values appeared ˃ 0.7. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. The distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators and demotivators was examined using a paired sample t-test.
Results
There were 277 responses from Pharmacy (33.2%, n = 92), Nursing (45.8%, n = 127), and MLS (20.9%, n = 58). Intrinsic motivation factors had a significant effect (p < 0.001, 95% CI) on speaking skills compared to extrinsic motivation factors. Mean intrinsic motivation and mean extrinsic motivation were 4.16 (n = 277, SD = 0.66) and 3.73 (n = 277, SD = 0.81), respectively. The mean intrinsic demotivation, 3.16 (n = 277, SD = 0.77), and mean extrinsic demotivation, 2.56 (n = 277, SD = 0.91) also showed a significant variation. Findings denoted that students prefer free, relaxing learning experiences over compulsory English-speaking programs.
Conclusions
The results signified that self-motivation was the primary source of inspiration. It is essential that faculty revisit the compulsory and authoritative program designs to realign them, considering the students' motivation and interests at the center of it.
Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs signature as a potential predictor biomarker for prognosis and immune response in LUAD patients
Authors: Qin Yinyin , Deng Yanjun , Wang Mingdeng , Lin Yuansheng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of lung cancer on a global scale, and the patients are suffering from a poor survival outcome. Cuproptosis and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are recognized to have significant prognostic value and play important roles in immunotherapy for LUAD. Therefore, identifying cuproptosis-related lncRNAs are vital for the prognosis and treatment of LUAD.
Methods: Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in LUAD were initially screened out. Uni-variate, LASSO and multi-variate Cox regression models were adopted to establish lncRNA signature of prognostic significance for LUAD. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and functional enrichment analysis were performed. A nomogram based on the signature and clinical features of LUAD was correspondingly constructed. Associations of the lncRNA signature with immunotherapy response and drug sensitivity were explored. Last, mRNA expression of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in LUAD was verified by qRT-PCR.
Results: Four cuproptosis-relatedlncRNAs signature was established and identified as independently prognostic for overall survival of LUAD. In addition, the signature could well differentiate between patients with different responses to immunotherapy. Finally, candidate compounds targeting the signature were identified.
Conclusion: Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs signature is expected to be used in clinic in prediction of survival and immunotherapy outcomes in LUAD patients.
The geology and evolution of a the Near-Earth binary asteroid system (65803) Didymos.
Authors: Barnouin Olivier , Ballouz Ronald-Louis , Marchi Simone , Vincent Jean-Baptiste , Agrusa Harrison , Zhang Yun , Ernst Carolyn , Pajola Maurizio , Tusberti Filippo , Lucchetti Alice , Daly R , Palmer Eric , Walsh Kevin , Michel Patrick , Sunshine Jessica , Farnham Tony , Richardson Derek , Parro Laura , Murdoch Naomi , Robin Colas , Hirabayashi Masatoshi , Kohout Tomas , Asphaug Erik , Raducan S. , Jutzi Martin , Ferrari Fabio , Hasselmann Pedro , Bagatin Adriano Campo , Chabot Nancy , Li Jian-Yang , Cheng Andrew , Nolan Micheal , Stickle Angela , Karatekin Ozgur , Dotto Elisabetta , Corte Vincenzo Della , Epifani Elena Mazzotta , Rossi Alessandro , Gai Igor , Deshapriya Prasanna , Bertini Ivano , Zinzi Angelo , Trigo-Rodriguez Josep , Beccarelli Joel , Ivanovski Stavro , Brucato John , Poggiali Giovanni , Zanotti Giovanni , Amoroso Marilena , Capannolo Andrea , Cremonese Gabriele , Dall'Ora Massimo , Ieva Simone , Impresario Gabriele , Lavagna Michelle , Modenini Dario , Palumbo Pasquale , Perna Davide , Pirrotta Simone , Tortora Paolo , Zannoni Marco , Rivkin Andrew 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Images collected by the DART and LICIAcube spacecraft provide the first resolved views of the Didymos binary asteroid system. These images reveal that the primary asteroid, Didymos, is flattened and has a non-circular equatorial perimeter. At high elevations, its surface is undulating and contains large boulders and craters; at low elevations its surface is smoother and possesses fewer large boulders and craters. Didymos' moon, Dimorphos, possesses a uniform surface covered by boulders, several asteroid-wide lineaments, and a handful of craters. The surfaces of both asteroids include boulders that are large relative to their host body, suggesting that both asteroids are rubble piles. Models run to explain the observations indicate that Didymos has a surface cohesion ≤1 Pa and an interior cohesion of ~$10 Pa, while Dimorphos has a surface cohesion of <0.9 Pa. Crater size-frequency analyses indicate the surface age of Didymos is 40-130x older than Dimorphos, with likely absolute ages of ~12.5 Myr and <0.3 Myr, respectively. Solar radiation could have increased Didymos' spin rate leading to internal deformation and surface mass shedding, which likely created Dimorphos. If part of the Bauptistina family, Didymos likely represents the latest of multiple asteroid generations stemming from the original parent.
R425 first year student nurses ‘experience of encounters with death of a patient during clinical placement
Authors: Molefe Lebogang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
R425 first year student nurses encountered death of patients at their earliest time of training due to the curriculum that expects them to be placed in various clinical facilities to obtain psychomotor skills competencies. These encounters have been found to be very difficult and challenging for first year student nurses, because of inadequate knowledge and skills to effectively deal with death of a patient. The aim of this study is to explore and describe R425 first year student nurses ‘experience of encounters with death of a patient during clinical placement.
Method
A qualitative-exploratory-descriptive and contextual research design was conducted, using a purposive, nonprobability sampling approach. Fifteen R425 first year student nurses voluntary agreed to participate in the study. Unstructured individual interviews were conducted with all fifteen participants.
Results
Four themes emerged, namely, knowledge, psychological trauma, low self-esteem, and nutritional disorders. Themes had sub-themes. Results confirmed that indeed first year student nurses are not coping in dealing with death of a patient during clinical placements.
Conclusion
Due to inability of R425 first year student nurses to cope in dealing with death and dying of a patient during clinical placement, it is evident that in that level of training, it is too early to expose students to skills such as last offices, and such skills can be deferred and introduced at a later stage of training. There is, therefore, a need for review of curriculum for R425 first year student nurses.
Association between additional weekend rehabilitation and functional outcomes in patients with hip fractures: Does age affect the effectiveness of weekend rehabilitation ?
Authors: Ogawa Takahisa , Onuma Ryo , Sagae Hiromori , Schermann Haggai , Kristensen Morten Tange , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yoshii Toshitaka , Jinno Tetsuya 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery is crucial for improving physical function. Additional rehabilitation over the weekend or after working hours is reportedly associated with improved physical function; however, this may not apply to an aging population, including patients aged > 90 years. This study aimed to investigate the association between additional weekend rehabilitation and functional outcomes in different age groups.
Methods
This study analysed a cohort of patients aged ≥ 60 years who had hip fractures and were operated on from 2013 to 2018. Data were extracted from a nationwide multicentre database. Functional outcomes at discharge were compared between patients who underwent rehabilitation on weekdays only and those who underwent rehabilitation on both weekdays and weekends. The patient groups were selected using propensity score matching analysis. Furthermore, a sub-analysis was conducted on patients in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Results
A total of 411,056 patients underwent surgery during the study period. After matching, each group comprised 129,583 patients. Patients who underwent weekend rehabilitation exhibited improved physical function in transferring, walking, and stair climbing at discharge, as compared with patients who did not (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.17 [1.15–1.19], 1.17 [1.15–1.2], and 1.06 [1.03–1.08], respectively). Except for stair climbing, the positive association between weekend rehabilitation and patient function was observed across all age groups.
Conclusion
Weekend rehabilitation was significantly associated with improved physical function. Given the limited healthcare resources, high-demand activities such as stair climbing may be reserved for younger age groups to optimise rehabilitation therapy.
Factors associated with utilization of cervical cancer screening services among HIV positive women aged 18 to 49 years at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda
Authors: Layet Florence , Ashaba Nasser , Murungi Tom , Opollo Marc Sam , Kigongo Eustes 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Women with HIV have a higher risk of getting cervical cancer due to induced immunosuppression. Though this burden could be avoided through early identification and appropriate management, there is a paucity of information about the utilization of cervical cancer screening (CCS) services in Lira City. This study investigated the level and factors associated with the utilization of cervical cancer screening services among HIV positive women aged 18 to 49 years at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira City.
Methods
We conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study employing quantitative techniques. We used consecutive sampling to recruit 297 HIV positive women at the ART clinic of Lira Regional Referral Hospital. Structured researcher-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Ethical approval was sought from Lira University Research Ethics Committee (LUREC-2022-5). Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize the data. Logistic regression was performed to ascertain the factors associated with the utilization of cervical cancer screening. Odds ratios at 95% confidence intervals were reported.
Results
The study had a perfect response rate. Majority of the respondents 157(52.9%) were aged 31–49 years, 153(51.5%) had para 1–3, 141(47.5%) married, 142(47.8%) completed secondary education, 150(50.5%) self-employed and 176(59.3%) were diagnosed with the HIV infection five years ago. Out of 297 respondents, 175(58.9%) utilized cervical cancer screening and the factors associated were having ever heard of CCS (p < 0.001), knowing where CCS is done (p < 0.001), fear of CCS outcomes (p < 0.001), not knowing whether CCS is beneficial or not (p = 0.002) and having friends/relatives who screened for cervical cancer (p = 0.05).
Conclusion
The level of utilization of cervical cancer screening services is suboptimal, with only four in ten women with HIV infection in Lira City utilizing the services. This signifies a daring need to integrate screening services into routine HIV services, and also step up continuous education among women.
Predicting short-term outcomes in brain-Injured patients: A comprehensive approach with transcranial Doppler and intracranial compliance assessment
Authors: Brasil Sergio , Cardim Danilo , Caldas Juliana , Robba Chiara , Taccone Fabio Silvio , de-Lima-Oliveira Marcelo , Yoshikawa Márcia Harumy , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sá , Paiva Wellingson Silva 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Neurocritical patients frequently exhibit abnormalities in cerebral hemodynamic (CH) impairment and/or intracranial compliance (ICC), all of which significantly impact their clinical outcomes. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and the cranial micro-deformation sensor (B4C) are valuable techniques for assessing CH and ICC, respectively. However, there is a scarcity of data regarding the predictive value of these techniques in determining patient outcomes.
Methods
We prospectively included neurocritical patients undergoing intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring within the first 5 days of hospital admission for TCD and B4C assessments. Comprehensive clinical data were collected alongside parameters obtained from TCD (including blood velocities, pulsatility index, estimated ICP - eICP and estimated cerebral perfusion pressure - eCPP]) and B4C (measured as the P2/P1 ratio). These parameters were evaluated individually as well as in combination. These parameters were evaluated alone as well as in combinations among them. The short-term outcomes (STO) of interest were the therapy intensity levels (til) for icp management recommended by the SIBICC, as TIL 0 (STO 1), TIL 1–3 (STO 2) and death (STO 3), at the seventh day after last data collection.
Results
A total of 98 patients were included, with 67% having experienced traumatic brain injury; ICP, P2/P1, and eCPP demonstrated the highest ability to predict early mortality (p = 0.02, p = 0.02, and p = 0.006, respectively). P2/P1 was the only parameter significant for the prediction of STO 1 (p = 0.03). Combining B4C and TCD parameters, the highest areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.85 to predict death (STO 3), using P2/P1 + eCPP, whereas AUC was 0.72 to identify ICP > 20 mmHg using P2/P1 + eICP.
Conclusion
The combined noninvasive neuromonitoring approach using TCD and B4C demonstrated improved performance in predicting outcomes during the early phase after acute brain injury. Correlation between these parameters and intracranial hypertension was moderate, supporting the role of multimodal neuromonitoring as ancillary information in the ICU.
Trial registration
NCT03144219, Registered 01 May 2017 Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03144219
Transcriptome sequencing discovers key genes involved in oil accumulation and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in seeds of Hibiseu manihot
Authors: Yu Jie , Feng Xiaoyan , Yue Kexin , Wang Qifeng , Shi Huimin , Zhu Bo , Lu Junxing , Zhang Tao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
To reveal the genes associated with fatty acid synthesis and accumulation in the seeds of Hibiseu manihot, transcriptome analysis was performed using seeds from 5, 15 and 30 days after flowering (DAF) in Hibiseu manihot. There were 3338 (1320 down, 2018 up) and 6657 (3408 down, 3249 up) differentially expressed genes in 5 DAF vs 15 DAF, 5 DAF vs 30 DAF. A total of 413 DEGs were identified that were associated with fatty acid pathway, and most of them were highly expressed at 5 DAF and 15 DAF. The expression levels of PDAT and FATA increased with development, KASII and FAD2 were highly expressed in the early and middle stages, respectively, SAD was highly expressed in the late stage, and the high expression of KASII and SAD and the low expression of FAD2 were related to the accumulation of oleic acid, while the high expression of FAD2 and the low expression of FAD3 contributed to linoleic acid accumulation. Consistent with the results of fatty acid content measurements at different stages of Hibiseu manihot, oleic acid content increased and then decreased with seed development, while linoleic acid decreased and then increased. It was hypothesised that KASII, SAD, FATA, PDAT and FAD2 might be closely related to the high oleic acid content of Hibiseu manihot seeds, which laid a molecular foundation for further study on the functions of these genes. This study has important significance and reference value for discovering the key genes involved in the fatty acid synthesis and accumulation in Hibiseu manihot.
PRESEP: Cluster Based Metaheuristic Algorithm for Energy-efficient Wireless Sensor Network Application in Internet of Things
Authors: Sharma Sarvesh Kumar , Chawla Mridul 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
A metaheuristic approach based hybrid data routing algorithm is proposed in this paper for energy-efficient wireless sensor network (WSN) applications in Internet of Things (IoT). High speed generation of network demands of more IoT enabled services and platforms. Swarm optimization in route finding is integrated with energy-efficient heuristic method to obtain improved data routing algorithm for heterogeneous WSN. Particle swarm optimized Residual Energy based Stable Election Protocol (PRESEP) simulation yields multi objective solutions for use of residual node energy, prolonged network lifetime and stable cluster formation. Protocol minimizes the cluster head (CH) selection cycle as an outcome of reactive protocol benefits of easy global search of swarm optimization for sustainable data routing in energy-efficient cluster based heterogeneous WSN. Scaling of network is supported by the algorithm with varied heterogeneity factor. Support for heterogeneous WSN with various network sizes are evaluated and found it outperformed previous heterogeneous algorithm in terms of network lifetime, alive nodes, reduced energy consumption with minimum number of repeated CH selection process.