bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA as a novel biomarker for intra- amniotic infection in obstetrics: a pilot trial
Authors: Zeiner Sebastian , Wohlrab Peter , Rosicky Ingo , Schukro Regina Patricia , Klein Klaus Ulrich , Wojta Johann , Speidl Walter , Kiss Herbert , Muin Dana 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is a rare but serious condition with potential complications such as preterm labor and intrauterine fetal death. Diagnosing IAI is challenging due to varied clinical signs. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been hypothesized to evolve around IAI. This study focused on measuring circulating mtDNA levels, a proposed biomarker for mitochondrial dysfunction, in maternal serum and placenta of women with confirmed IAI and healthy controls. 12 women with confirmed IAI (IAI group) were enrolled following premature preterm rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and compared to 21 healthy women (control group). Maternal blood from the placenta was obtained two weeks pre-partum, peripartum, and postpartum. In the IAI group, maternal blood was taken once weekly until delivery. Circulating cell-free mtDNA was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. Upon admission, in the IAI group, mean mtDNA levels were 735.8 fg/µl compared to 134.0 fg/ul in the control group (p < 0.05). After delivery, in the IAI group, mean mtDNA levels in the placenta were 3010 fg/µl versus 652.4 fg/ul (p < 0.05). Circulating cell-free mtDNA could serve as a valuable biomarker for IAI prediction and diagnosis. Future research should establish reference values for sensitivity in predicting IAI.
Evaluating the Effects of Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. Extracts, Individually and in Combination, on Growth Performance, Body Composition, and Gene Expression Related to Growth, Digestion, Antioxidant, and Immune Responses in Rainbow Trout
Authors: KARATAŞ Boran 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aquaculture is a fast-growing industry requires nutritionally well-balanced and sustainable feed alternatives. Microalgae such as Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. have attracted attention for their potential usability in fish culture due to their growth-promoting and immune-stimulating properties. This study aimed to assess the impact of these microalgae extracts on the growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and gene expression related to growth, digestion, antioxidant, and immune responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbow trout, each weighing an average of 8.92 ± 0.04 g, were randomly allocated into 12 fiberglass tanks, with 15 fish per tank. The study comprised four treatments, including a control group (K) and experimental groups fed with 0.5% Chlorella sp. (CH), 0.5% Schizochytrium sp. (SC), and a combination of 0.25% Chlorella sp. + 0.25% Schizochytrium sp. (CH + SC) for 60 days. The results indicated that individual inclusion of Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. extracts up to 0.5% in the diet did not significantly affect growth performance and feed utilization. However, the combination of both microalgal extracts at the 0.5% level demonstrated significant improvements in all parameters. Notably, the expression level of the growth hormone (GH-I) gene was higher in the CH + SC and SC groups compared to the control group, indicating a potential impact on growth-related mechanisms. Regarding body composition, there were no significant differences in moisture, lipid, and ash among groups. However, fish fed the mixed treatment-supported diet exhibited high crude protein. Additionally, the expression of genes inducing digestive enzymes significantly increased in fish fed the mixed diet, suggesting enhanced digestive activity. Furthermore, the study revealed significant increases in the expression levels of antioxidant-related genes (SOD, CAT, GPx) in all experimental groups compared to the control group, indicating an improvement in antioxidant status. Immunological assessments demonstrated significant differences in the expression of immune-related genes among treatments. Adding algal extracts to the diet positively affected the expression of immune-related genes, such as LYZII, TNF-α, and IL-1β, suggesting enhanced immune responses. This work demonstrated a mixed diet containing Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. extracts positively influenced the growth performance of rainbow trout while enhancing digestive activity, immune responses, and antioxidant status. These findings support a combination of 0.25% Chlorella sp. and 0.25% Schizochytrium sp. in supplementary feed for rainbow trout in aquaculture practices. This research contributes valuable insights toward developing optimized aquafeeds for the aquaculture industry.
A Novel Method for Extraction of High Purity and High Production Phytophthora sojae Oospores
Authors: Chu Xiaomeng , Yin Ziyi , Yue Pengjie , Wang Xinyu , Yang Yue , Sun JiaYi , Kong ZiYing , Ren Jian , Liu XiaoHan , Lu ChongChong , Zhao Haipeng , Li Yang , Ding Xinhua 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background:
Phytophthora sojae, a soilborne oomycete pathogen, has been a yield limiting factor for more than 60 years on soybean. The resurgence of P. sojae（Phytophthora sojae）is primarily ascribed to the durable oospores found in soil and remnants of the disease. P. sojae is capable of infesting at any growth periods of the soybean, and the succeed infestation of P. sojae is predominantly attributed to long-lived oospores present in soil. Comprehending the molecular mechanisms that drive oospore formation and their significance in infestation is vital for effectively managing the varied diseases it causes. However, the existing challenges in isolating and extracting significant quantities of oospores pose limitations in investigating the sexual reproductive stages of P. sojae.
Results:
This study focused on optimizing and refining the culture conditions and extraction process of P. sojae, leading to the establishment of an efficient and dependable method for extracting this organism. Optimized novel approachyielded greater quantitiesof high-purity P. sojae than traditional methods. Fortunately, the viability of newly approached oospores did not differ significantly from that of the traditional one, as much the same survival and germination rates of new oospores were detected in deficiency obstructs project implementation (MTT) and plate coating assays. Moreover, in potting experiments, no drastically difference in the pathogenicity of oospores was conducted between the novel and traditional method.
Conclusion:
Consequently, the proposed method for extracting P. sojae oospores efficiently yields a substantial quantity of highly pure, viable, and pathogenic oospores. The enhancements in oospore extraction techniqueswill promote the research on the sexual reproductive mechanisms of P. sojaeand lead to the creation of innovative and effective approaches for managing oomycete diseases.
Clinical analysis of submandibular triangle masses in the past 10 years
Authors: Huang Donghai , Wu Yu , He Zhiying 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Lack of retrospective studies on submandibular triangle masses with large Chinese sample.
Methods
Basic demographic informations, history, physical examination, imaging data and histopathological results of 608 patients who underwent surgery in submandibular triangle in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2009 to June 2019 were collected. Statistical analysis were performed. Differences between malignant and benign masses were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis.
Results
405 males and 203 females were included. The average age was 43.17 ± 19.6 years old (range from 1–80). Congenital masses, inflammatory masses and tumors accounted for 2.6%, 63.5%, 33.9%, respectively. Benign tumors ,borderline tumors ,malignant tumors accounted for 48.4%, 1.6%, 50.0%, respectively. Pleomorphic adenoma and lymphoma were the most common benignancy and malignancy. Metastatic tumors were mostly originated from the head and neck cancers. Univariate analysis showed that there were significantly differences in gender, age, smoking, drinking, chewing betel nut, characteristics of the masses (pain, mobility, texture), and cervical lymph nodes. Multivariate analysis showed that age, drinking and chewing betel nut were high risk factors for malignancy.
Conclusion
Comprehensive analysis of the clinical parameters was helpful for preopreative diagnosis of submandibular triangle masses.
Evaluating the Credibility and Reliability of Online Information on Cannabidiol (CBD) for Epilepsy Treatment
Authors: Zakrzewski Dawid M. , Podlejska Patrycja , Kubziakowska Wiktoria , Dzwilewski Kamil , Waszak Przemysław M. , Zawadzka Marta , Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska Maria 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The interest in potential therapeutic use of cannabis, especially cannabidiol (CBD) has increased significantly in recent years. On the Internet, the users can find lots of articles devoted to its medical features such as reducing seizure activity in epilepsy. The aim of our work was to evaluate the information contained on websites, including social media in terms of the credibility and the reliability of current knowledge about usage of products containing cannabidiol in epilepsy treatment. We used online available links found using the Newspointtool. The initial database included 38367 texts, but after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria the 314 texts were taken into consideration. Analysis was performed by using the DISCERN scale and the set of questions created by the authors. In the final assessment, we observed that most of the texts (58,9%) were characterized by a very poor level of reliability and the average DISCERN score was 26,97 points. Additionally, considering the form of the text, the highest average score (35,73) came from entries on blog portals, whereas the lowest average score (18,33) came from comments and online discussion forums. Moreover, most of the texts do not contain key information regarding the indications, safety, desired effects and side effects of CBD therapy. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to guide patients towards reliable sources of information and cautions against the use of unverified online materials, especially as the only FDA-approved CBD medication, Epidiolex, differs significantly from over-the-counter CBD products.
Effect of integrating Yoga along with multimodal pain management approach on post-mastectomy pain syndrome in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.
Authors: Gondode Prakash , Saxena Ashok Kumar , Chilkoti Geetanjali 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aim & Background: To evaluate the efficacy of Yogic intervention (pranayama) along with integrated multimodal approach on the incidence and severity of post mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) in patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer.
Materials and methods: Forty patients aged 20-65 years undergoing breast cancer surgery of American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I – II were included. All patients received thoracic paravertebral block and tablet pregabalin till the end of the fourth postoperative week. Patients were randomly allocated into one of the two groups; “Control” and “Yoga.” Patients in the Yoga group practiced yogic exercise “Anulom-vilom’’ from post operative day 3 till day 90. The primary outcome was incidence of PMPS and secondary outcomes include Pain Detect Questionnaire (PDQ) score, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) score, Activity assessment scores (AAS) and Quality of Life (QoL) using Short Form (SF)-12 score.
Results: A reduced incidence of PMPS (10% vs 30%), mean VAS pain score, PDQ, and NPSI was observed in Yoga group along with improvement in SF-12 scores and AAS score in post mastectomy patients; however, not statistically significant.
Conclusion: This study encourages the integration of yoga along with multimodal pain management approach for PMPS.
Determinants of Suboptimal Birth Spacing among Reproductive-Age Women in Adama District, Ethiopia: A Community-Based Unmatched Case-Control Study
Authors: Belachwe Yohanes Abera , Komicha Meyrema Abdo , Girsha Worku Dugassa , Getahun Mihiret Shawel , Seifu Beminate Lemma , Negussie Yohannes Mekuria 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Birth spacing is crucial for ensuring the health of mothers and their children, as well as determining population growth. Short birth intervals represent a universal public health problem associated with adverse maternal, fetal, neonatal, and child outcomes. However, there is limited information in the study area regarding the determinants of suboptimal birth spacing. Thus, this study aimed to identify the determinants of suboptimal spacing among women of reproductive age in the Adama district, Ethiopia.
Methods
A community-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 568 randomly selected reproductive-age women using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to model the association between suboptimal birth spacing practices and independent variables. Adjusted odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the strength of the association. A p-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.
Result
Educational status (no formal education) (AOR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.23–1.75), Inadequate knowledge of optimal birth space (AOR = 2.60; 95% CI; 1.80–3.90), non-use of modern contraceptives (AOR = 3.00; CI: 1.90–4.20), short breastfeeding duration (AOR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.50–3.40), and having female index child (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.13–2.50) were independent determinants of suboptimal birth spacing practice.
Conclusion
Having no formal education, Inadequate knowledge of optimal birth space, non-use of modern contraceptives, having short breastfeeding duration, and having a female index child were determinants of suboptimal birth spacing. Encouraging women's education, contraceptive use, and breastfeeding is crucial for birth spacing. Cultural awareness and parental understanding are key to preventing sex-based birth intervals.
Gene Expression and Clinical Relevance Analysis of ALG3 as an Adverse Prognosis Biomaker in Multiple Myeloma Based on Oncomine Database and CCLE Database
Authors: Xu Jie , Zhao Wen-Xiao , Jiao Yu-Tian , Gu Xiao-Ran , Yu Xiao-Xiao , Du Jun , Huang Zou-Fang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aim
To investigate the expression and clinical relevance of the alpha- 1,3- mannosyltransferasegene (ALG3) gene in Multiple Myeloma through intensive mining of the Oncomine database and CCLE database.
Methods
Meta-analysis was performed on all MM datasets included in the Oncomine database. The ALG3 gene was identified and the expression changes in MM patients were analyzed. Download the source files of MM datasets containing survival information and perform survival analysis depending on the level of ALG3 mRNA expression. Correlation analysis and Cox multifactor regression analysis were performed using SPSS statistical analysis software for factors including ALG3 expression and 1q21 + status. The expression of ALG3 in each tumor cell line was evaluated with CCLE database. Co-expression analysis, as well as KEGG and GO enrichment analysis, were performed for ALG3 through the STRING online data analysis tool.
Results
The Oncomine database contains 33 MM datasets with 3157 samples. Meta-analysis of two datasets containing 207 samples labeled "Multiple Myeloma vs Normal" showed that ALG3 was the 18th most significantly hyper-expressed molecule. Survival analysis indicated that ALG3 expression was negatively associated with overall survival of MM patients. High ALG3 expression was a poor prognostic factor independent of 1q21 amplification. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis of molecules co-expressed with ALG3 revealed the correlation of ALG3 with pathways involving RNA degradation, proteasome regulation, HIF- 1 signaling pathway and shear body formation.
Conclusion
ALG3 is highly expressed in multiple myeloma and negatively correlates with survival prognosis of patients. ALG3 is a poor prognostic marker in MM patients, associated with upregulation in myeloma with pathways including proteasome regulation, RNA degradation and shedder formation, which is promising as a precise therapeutic target for MM.
Statistical damage constitutive model of MICP-treated specimens based on Lognormal Distribution
Authors: Jiang Qiwu , Huang Ming , Xu Kai , Cui Mingjuan , Li Shuang , Jin Guixiao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique have the potential to be an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for engineering problems that has presented promise in various geotechnical applications. Despite the extensive amounts of studies about the MICP technique has been conducted recently, there are few studies on the constitutive model of MICP-treated specimens. In this study, the statistical damage constitutive model of MICP-treated specimens was established based on the statistical theory and damage mechanics theory. The model assumed that the microelement strength of bio-cemented sand obeys the log-normal random distribution and the D-P criterion. The parameters S0 and F0 in the constitutive model were determined and the physical significance of parameters were discussed accordingly. The reasonableness of the proposed model were verified by comparing the theoretical results and the experimental results. The evolution of the damage variable (D), parameter S0 and parameter F0 with different calcium carbonate content (CCC) were analyzed. The statistical damage models based on log-normal distributions was then compared with that based on Weibull distributions. The results show that the parameter F0 and S0 can reflect the limiting strength and brittleness of MICP-treated specimens, respectively. The damage rate accelerates with increase in cementation level, leading to larger damage values. The damage variables eventually reaches a stable value as the axial deformation increases. The proposed model can reflect the strain softening and strain hardening phenomena well, which can also represent the shear expansion and shear contraction characteristics of the volume strain curve. Overall, the research in this study provide some theoretical support for the engineering application of MICP-treated specimens.
Kidney Damage Following a 90-day Subchronic Inhalation Exposure to HTP Aerosol and Cigarette Smoke in Rats
Authors: Tian Yushan , Wang Hongjuan , Fu Yaning , Wang Wenming , Ma Shuhao , Xu Xiaoxiao , Li Xianmei , Lu Fengjun , Feng Pengxia , Han Shulei , Chen Huan , Hou Hongwei , Hu Qingyuan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cigarette smoking (CS) was reported to increase renal damage and the risk of kidney diseases. Heated tobacco product (HTP) was a new type of tobacco product, which contained lower harmful and potentially harmful constituents than cigarette and was reported a modified risk tobacco product to reduce exposure risk. Up to now, there are few studies on HTP, its health risk of kidneys is largely unknown. In our study subchronic inhalation toxicity of HTP aerosols and CS for 90 days was preformed to assess the health risk of kidney in rats. All the rats were randomly into sham, HTP (HTP_10, HTP_23, and HTP_50), and CS (Cig_23) groups and exposed using nose-only exposure system. After exposure, the blood, oxidative stress, biomarkers in early injury, apoptosis and histopathology of kidney were measured. The results showed that HTP and CS induced the increase of biomarkers including KIM-1, NGAL, and IL-18, oxidative stress and biochemical markers associated with of kidney function, while CS displayed more significant effect than CS on oxidative stress and creatinine and uric acid. Moreover, no obvious apoptosis and pathology of kidney were observed after HTP exposure and CS inhalation induced pathological damage only in male rats, which suggested that CS induced kidney damage in male rats in an un-dependent way with apoptosis and HTP exposure may cause no obvious pathological changes but along with in some biomarker abnormal. Overall, these results suggested that the health risks of HTP are significantly lower than those of cigarettes.
The k-Egalitarian Myerson values: Characterizations and Implementation
Authors: Boruah Parishmita , Kakoty Niharika , Borkotokey Surajit 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Network games under cooperative setups have gained significant attention due to their potential applications in various fields, involving humans, computers and society. Players in such games generate values by forming networks under binding agreements. The challenge lies in identifying an appropriate allocation rule that can effectively distribute the generated value. Allocation rules are either player-based or link-based. The Equal Division rule and the Myerson value are two widely used player-based allocation rules, rooted in egalitarian and marginalistic principles, respectively. Egalitarianism emphasizes equality and fairness among individuals, while marginalism focuses on individuals’ additional involvement in a particular work and their inequalities. However, in many real situations, both these mechanisms are inadequate to deal with societal issues as egalitarianism attempts to establish equality, while marginalism highlights existing inequalities. Therefore, a trade-off between these two mechanisms has gained ample interest in recent years. In this paper, we propose a player-based allocation rule for network games that consolidates the Equal Division rule and the Myerson value. The proposed rule allocates an equal share to each player in a component with a size not surpassing a specified number k, and assigns her marginal contributions in components with a size exceeding k. Further, we provide axiomatic characterisations and a bidding mechanism that implements our proposed allocation rule.
On the Convergence of Inexact Alternate Minimization in Problems with ℓ0 Penalties
Authors: Lapucci Matteo , Sortino Alessio 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In this work, we consider unconstrained nonlinear optimization problems where the objective function presents a penalty term on the cardinality of a subset of the variables vector; specifically, we prove that an alternate minimization scheme has global asymptotic convergence guarantees towards points satisfying first order optimality conditions, even when the optimization step with respect to one of the blocks of variables is inexact and without introducing proximal terms. This result, supported by numerical evidence, justifies the use of pure alternate minimization in applications, even in absence of convexity assumptions.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 90C26 · 90C30