bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Insights into Hypothyroidism Etiology through Complementary Genetic Association Methods
Authors: Zucker Roei , Kovalerchik Michael , Stern Amos , Kaufman Hadasa , Linial Michal 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that increases with age. The disease manifests itself when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. The disorder includes cases of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) due to thyroid development abnormalities. However, the majority of cases in the developed world derive from dysregulation of the hormonal feedback of the pituitary gland and the destruction of the thyroid gland by autoantibodies. In this study, we sought to identify hypothyroidism causal genes by applying a diverse collection of genome association studies to large populations.
Methods
The study used the UK-Biobank (UKB) database to report 13,687 cases of European ancestry and approximately 260,000 controls. To identify the associated variants, GWAS and coding-GWAS protocols were used. In addition, applying the complementary genetic association methods of PWAS (proteome-based) and TWAS (transcriptome-based) revealed hypothyroidism-associated genes. The prevalence among the affected population was 7.5% and 2.0% for the female and male groups, respectively. We further developed a risk prediction model through sex stratification.
Results
Comparing GWAS summary statistics revealed the CH developmental program. The gene-based PWAS method identified 77 statistically significant genes. Most of these genes are located within the Chr6 MHC locus and are enriched with autoimmunity-related genes. Comparing GWAS and TWAS revealed multiple facets of the etiology of hypothyroidism. Most notably, thyroid developmental programs and dysregulation of hormone secretion capacity in the thyroid. Despite a 3.6-fold higher prevalence in females relative to males for hypothyroidism, using a permutation approach, we found no sex-dependent genetic effect, with 98% of the associated genes being identical between the sexes. The prediction of the polygenic risk score (PRS) for hypothyroidism is mostly derived from the female affected group.
Conclusions
This study highlights the importance of synthesizing complementary genome-wide association methods for this complex disease. We conclude that the integration of established association methods can improve interpretability and clinical utility.
Clinical effects of Sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: He Qin , Zeng Jun , Yang Jianming , Tang Renmin , Wang Wen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been shown to promote urinary glucose excretion through an insulin-independent mechanism.
Objective: To study the relationship between type 2 diabetic (T2D) ketoacidosis and fracture risk in patients treated with the SGLT2i dapagliflozin.
Methods: A total of 755 patients were randomly divided into two groups for 12 weeks between January 2018 and December 2021 :SGLT2i (n= 367) and non-SGLT2I (n=354). Changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, body weight, diabetic ketosis and ketoacidosis, fracture risk, bone mineral density (BMD), and ketone body levels were measured.
Results: Compared with the non-SGLT2i group, HbA1c, BMD, and body weight of the femoral neck and total hip was decreased significant, and the fracture riskwas significantly higher in the SGLT2i group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: In patients with T2D, dapagliflozin significantly reduced HbA1c levels and body weight, while fracture risk and ketone body levels were reversed.
Modelling the possible Debris Flow events in Swat Mountains Using Flow-R -A Case Study in Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Sohaib Hassan Sohaib , Ehsan Saqib Ehsan Saqib , Afzal Sohail Afzal Gill Sohail , Hassan Hassan , Ahmed Ihtasham Ahmed Ihtasham , Saleem Muhammad Usama Bin Saleem Muhammad Usama Bin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Debris flows are dangerous mixtures of water, sediment, and rock that can cause serious problems in mountainous regions.These destructive events happen often in mountain areas, especially during floods and intensive rain fall. The purpose of this study is analyse the possible debris flow events in Swat mountains in Pakistan using Flow-R. Flow-R is a debris flow simulation software that generates susceptibility maps, offering critical insights into the areas most prone to this hazardous phenomenon. The primary inputs required for the Flow-R simulation were digital elevation models (DEM) and the source area file of the region. Two specific algorithms, Holmgren modified and Gamma 2000, have been taken into consideration for this case study. Holmgren Modified considers various factors like topography, climate, vegetation, and land use, while Gamma 2000 focuses on rock type’s influence on debris flow occurrences. By integrating these inputs with the selected algorithms, Flow-R generated susceptibility maps, highlighting three regions: Thal, Kalam, and Kandia Valley, with varying degrees of vulnerability to debris flow events. According to the susceptibility map of Holmgren modified among three regions, the Thal region is highly susceptible to debris flows due to its topography as compared to Kalam and Kandia Valley. On the other hand, the susceptibility map of Gamma 2000 shows that in the Thal region, large rocks contribute more, while in the other two regions, small rocks are mainly responsible for generating debris flow. By identifying the areas most susceptible to debris flows, effective risk mitigation measures can be implemented to reduce potential damage and protect vulnerable communities.
Salt and heat stress enhances hydrogen production in cyanobacteria
Authors: Broussos Panayiotis-Ilias , Romanos George E. , Stamatakis Kostas 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cyanobacteria are among the most suitable organisms for the capture of excessive amounts of CO2 and can be grown in extreme environments. In our research we use the single-celled freshwater cyanobacteria Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 PAMCOD strain and Synechocystis sp. PCC6714 for the production of chemical compounds and energy. PAMCOD strain and Synechocystis sp. PCC6714 synthesize sucrose when exposed to salinity stress, as their main compatible osmolyte. We examined the cell proliferation rate and the sucrose accumulation in those two organisms under salt (0.4 M NaCl) and heat stress (35 0C) conditions. The intracellular sucrose (mol sucrose content per Chl a) was found to increase by 50% and 108% in PAMCOD strain and Synechocystis sp. PCC6714 cells, respectively. As previously reported, PAMCOD strain has the ability to produce hydrogen through the process of dark anaerobic fermentation (Vayenos D, Romanos GE, Papageorgiou GC, Stamatakis K (2020) Photosynth Res 146, 235–245). In the present study, we demonstrate that Synechocystis sp. PCC6714 has also this ability. We further examined the optimal conditions during the dark fermentation of PAMCOD and Synechocystis sp. PCC6714 regarding H2 formation, increasing the PAMCOD H2 productivity from 2 nmol H2 h-1 mol Chl a-1 to 23 nmol H2 h-1 mol Chl a-1. Moreover, after the dark fermentation, the cells demonstrated proliferation in both double BG-11 and BG-11 medium enriched in NaNO3, thus showing the sustainability of the procedure.
Awareness of medico-legal risks related to anesthesiology among anesthesiologists in China: a survey-based analysis
Authors: Guo Yang , Lu Hongcheng , Lin Jingyan , Li Peng , Du Yu , Zhu Bo , Jiang Xian , Ou Cehua , Zhan Jian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Despite the rising trend in anesthesia-related legal risks in China, there remains insufficient research on the topic. We aimed to conduct a cross-sectional survey to better understand Chinese anesthesiologists' understanding of legal risks related to their practice, narcotics and other drugs, and emergency rescue requirements.
Methods
An anonymous online questionnaire covering various aspects of legal risks related to anesthesia was sent via email to anesthesiologists practicing in China. Data were collected from February 1, 2023, to April 1, 2023. We assessed (1) the incidence of medical compensation claims for anesthesiologists in China; (2) awareness of laws related to drugs and narcotic drugs; and (3) awareness of emergency rescue protocols.
Results
A total of 224 anesthesiologists completed the questionnaires. The incidence of medical compensation was 5.8%. Chinese anesthesiologists were unaware of many aspects of laws related to their practice, with the average response accuracy being 63.4%. Additionally, 85.3% of the respondents did not know the legal consequences of anesthesiologists forging, altering, buying, selling, renting, or loaning physician practicing certificates. Furthermore, there was low awareness of laws related to narcotics and other drugs. The average response accuracy was only 48.1%, and most (75%) of the respondents did not know the penalties for anesthesiologists who illegally supply narcotic drugs. Among the respondents, 71.4% did not know that anesthesiologists who do not obtain the required qualifications for the prescription of narcotic and Class I psychotropic drugs are in violation of the law and bear legal responsibility. Only 56.0% of the anesthesiologists were aware of their responsibilities related to emergency rescue. The vast majority (86.6%) of the respondents did not know the legal consequences of refusing or irresponsibly delaying emergency treatment to patients.
Conclusions
This is the first study to investigate anesthesiologists' perceptions and understanding of anesthesia-related legal risks in China. Such legal risks deserve attention from medical institutions given the potentially far-reaching implications of medical errors, the psychological burden on healthcare workers, and healthcare delivery policymaking. Additional education of anesthesiologists on their legal obligations should be considered.
The tumor inhibitory function of growth differentiation factors on hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhuo Jianyong , Li Huigang , He Chiyu , Shen Wei , Zhang Peiru , Yang Xinyu , Lin Zuyuan , Wei Xuyong , Zheng Shusen , Xu Xiao , Lu Di 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies with very poor outcomes. Inflammatory factors play a huge role in the incidence and development of HCC. But, the tumor-protective functions of growth differentiation factor (GDF) on HCC were not yet clarified clearly.
Methods
The gene expressions of 10 GDF in HCC and paratumors were compared by using the TCGA dataset and tissues from hospital. We enrolled 108 HCC patients who underwent liver transplantation to explore the prognostic role of GDF7 expression. Loss-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo were executed to investigated the role of GDF7 in HCC cells.
Results
The mRNA and protein levels of GDF7 were significantly decreased in HCC tumors compared to paratumors (P < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that decreased GDF7 expression in HCC indicated worse overall survival (OS, 5-year OS rate: 61.8% vs. 27.5%, P < 0.001) and increased recurrence risk (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that low GDF7 expression, presence of microvascular invasion, and elevated AFP level were independent risk factors for post-transplant tumor recurrence and poor survival. In vitro, GDF7 was downregulated by JUNB, and down-regulation of GDF7 increased the tumor proliferation, migration, invasion via the EMT pathway. Moreover, GDF7 knockdown could enhance the tumor growth in HCC xenograft model.
Conclusion
GDF7 could be a potential biomarker to predict superior outcomes of HCC patients. GDF7 amplification might be a potential cancer-directed therapeutic option.
Use of tamoxifen derivatives in combination with colistin against colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Panadero Irene Molina , Hmadcha Karim , Princiotto Salvatore , Dallavalle Sabrina , Christodoulou Michael S. , Smani Younes 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We aimed to discover new tamoxifen derivatives with antimicrobial potential, particularly targeting colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
We determined the MIC of 22 tamoxifen derivatives against both A. baumannii wild-type and colistin-resistant strains using microdilution assays, in monotherapy and in combination with colistin. The antibacterial effects of selected tamoxifen derivatives, in monotherapy and in combination with colistin, against colistin-resistant A. baumannii (Ab22), were assessed through bacterial growth assays. Changes in bacterial membrane permeability and the profile of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) were analyzed by using fluorescence assays and SDS-PAGE, respectively.
The MIC of the tamoxifen derivatives in monotherapy exceed 64 mg/L. However, the combination of tamoxifen derivatives (1), (14), and (18) with colistin displayed MIC between 0.125 and 2 μg/mL for the reference ATCC 17978 strain and between 0.5 and 1 μg/mL for the colistin-resistant Ab22 strain. Bacterial growth assays demonstrated that tamoxifen derivatives (1), (14), and (18) delayed the growth of the Ab22 strain during the first 4 h. Moreover, treatment with these derivatives resulted in increased membrane permeabilization without affecting the expression of OMPs.
These data suggest that tamoxifen derivatives exhibit antibacterial activity against colistin-resistant A. baumannii, potentially broadening the spectrum of available drug treatments for combating antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative bacilli.
The Design and Development of a Metamaterial Absorber for Enhancing Broadband Light Absorption in Quantum Dot Photodetecting Applications
Authors: Raeyani Davoud , Emami Sina , Shirmohammadi Saman , Asgari Asghar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Recent advancements in nanostructured photodetectors have led to the development of a new metamaterial absorber design that enables control of light absorption and prevents the loss of photons. An optical simulation studied a broadband plasmonic metamaterial absorber using two-dimensional MXene (Ti3C2Tx) with arrays of tetragram shapes. By altering the angles of the edges of the tetragrams, the broadening of absorption can be tuned, resulting in high-efficiency absorption rates of over 90% for a broad range of wavelengths from 1200 nm to 2500 nm. Additionally, the coupling of PbS quantum dots to the colloidal plasmonic structure has been demonstrated, resulting in enhanced photon absorption capability of PbS QDs. This broadband PbS QD metamaterial absorber can be used as the channel in near-IR phototransistor devices. These findings contribute significantly to the field of photonics and have important implications for developing new and improved photodetectors.
Bond behavior of lightweight coconut shell concrete-filled circular steel tube column
Authors: Sornam Ilanthalir Amala , Dominic Jerlin Regin Joseph 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Coconut shell concrete is a lightweight concrete produced from waste coconut shells. In this paper, the bond strength between lightweight coconut shell concrete with silica fume and circular steel tube was experimentally investigated. Coconut shells were used as coarse aggregates and silica fume as the mineral admixture. Two concrete mixes with and without silica fume were tested for bond strength. The parameters of study were the D/t ratio, interface length, and the interface type (roughened steel surface and internal stiffeners). The steel tube thickness (2.5mm) was kept constant, and the external diameter (88mm, 114mm and 140mm), and the length of the tubes (300mm and 400mm) were varied. Silica fume significantly increased the bond strength and was evidenced through the micro-structural study of the interface with a scanning electron microscope. Higher bond strength was obtained in columns with a low D/t ratio, and increasing the interface length could not improve the bond strength. The combination of silica fume with internal stiffeners improved the bond strength by 5.33–27% more than the combination of roughened steel surface and silica fume. Test results were compared to EC4 and ANSI/AISC 360 recommendations. The test values exceeded code design bond strengths.
Resilience buffers the association between psychotic-like experiences and suicide risk: Results from the prospective study in a non-clinical sample
Authors: Karska Julia , Rejek Maksymilian , Misiak Błażej 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Several studies have reported that psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are associated with low levels of resilience and increased suicide risk. However, it remains unknown as to whether resilience mediates or moderates the association between PLEs and suicide risk. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the moderating and mediating effect of resilience in the association between PLEs and suicide risk.
Methods: A total of 1100 non-clinical, young adults (aged 18 – 35 years) with a negative history of psychiatric treatment were enrolled (T1). They were followed-up for about 7 months (T2). Variables of interest were recorded using self-reports.
Results: The moderation analysis revealed that higher levels of PLEs and related distress (T1) were associated with significantly higher suicide risk (T2) after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, depressive and anxiety symptoms, a history of childhood trauma, and problematic cannabis use (T1). The interaction between resilience (T2) and distress related to PLEs (T1) was significantly and negatively associated with suicide risk (T2). Specifically, the correlation between the level of distress related to PLEs (T1) and suicide risk (T2) was significant and positive only in participants with lower levels of resilience (T2). This interaction did not reach statistical significance for the level of PLEs (T1). No significant mediating effect of resilience level (T2) in the association between PLEs (T1) and suicide risk (T2) was found.
Conclusions: Findings from the present study indicate that resilience might protect against suicide risk in people with PLEs. Future studies need to explore the effects of interventions targeting resilience for individuals with PLEs.
Stochastic Weather Simulation Based on Gate Recurrent Unit and Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Han Lingling , Fu Xueqian , Zhang Chunyu , BAMISILE Olusola , Shang Shirong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The weather has a significant impact on power load and power system planning. Stochastic weather simulation is important in the field of power systems. However, due to factors such as long recording years, observation technology, and so on, the historical weather data often have the problem of missing or insufficient. Meteorological data are characterized by changeable, rapid change, and high dimensions. Therefore, it is a challenging task to accurately grasp the law of weather data. This paper presents a random weather simulation model based on gate recurrent unit (GRU) and generative adversarial networks (GAN). GRU selectively learns or forgets what was in the previous moment during training, it can learn the previous and current data of the time series data. When combined with the GAN, it will produce data with the same distribution as the original weather data. We evaluate the proposed method on a real weather dataset, and the results show that the proposed method outperforms the other contrast algorithms.
Factors Influencing Childhood Immunization Coverage in Juba County, South Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Mwanje Jolem 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction: The study aimed to investigate the immunization status of children aged 1 to 2 years in Juba County, South Sudan, and to identify factors associated with their immunization coverage. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, with Juba being purposively sampled and the Payams in Juba being stratified, followed by the random sampling of villages within these Payams. Data was collected through structured interviews and analyzed using SPSS v22, incorporating descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The study revealed that more than three-quarters of the children had received all the recommended vaccines, with the BCG vaccine being the most commonly received, while the measles vaccine was the least received. The study identified several factors associated with immunization coverage, including parental age, religious affiliation, knowledge of the benefits of immunization, maternal economic activity, and perceived flexibility of immunization services provided at healthcare facilities. Notably, the prevalence of reception of all vaccines was lower among children whose parents were aged 18–25 years and born-again Christians, while it was higher among children whose parents recognized the benefits of immunization. Additionally, children whose mothers were engaged in economic activities were less likely to receive all primary vaccines. Furthermore, the study found that the flexibility of immunization services at healthcare facilities was associated with lower immunization coverage. Conclusion: The study highlighted that while the proportion of children in Juba receiving all vaccines is relatively high, it still falls below the global standard of 90%. The immunization status of children in Juba was found to be primarily influenced by parental characteristics, with institutional characteristics playing a smaller role. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to address specific parental and institutional factors that may hinder optimal immunization coverage in Juba County, South Sudan.
Multimodal Seismic Assessment of Infrastructures Retrofitted with Exoskeletons: Insights from the Foggia Airport Case Study
Authors: Cucuzza Raffaele , Aloisio Angelo , Domaneschi Marco , Nascimbene Roberto 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Addressing the seismic vulnerability of infrastructures is critical, especially for those built before the introduction of the current seismic regulations. One of the primary challenges lies in retrofitting these buildings without interrupting their functionality. In this context, the use of exoskeletons for seismic retrofitting represents an effective solution. This approach increases the seismic resistance and ensures the continuous operation of the building during retrofitting. This advantage is especially crucial for critical infrastructures, such as airports. Nevertheless, traditional seismic assessment methods based on pushover analyses might not accurately predict the seismic capacity of complex infrastructures dominated by local vibration modes. To bridge this gap, the study proposes refining the multimodal pushover analysis tailored for seismic vulnerability assessments of large infrastructures with exoskeletons characterized by low modal participation ratios. The Foggia Airport case study exemplifies these points and highlights the practical applications of the discussed advancements. The authors compared two force distributions for push-over analysis, addressing the fine-tuning of exoskeletons to maximize their seismic resistance.