bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of metformin on vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels among Sudanese with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Al-Ghaili Sumaia Mohammed Ali , tayrab Eltayeb mohammed ahmed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:Metformin is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and hyperglycemia. When taken in high doses or for an extended period, metformin may decrease vitamin B12 (VitB12) level and may increase homocysteine (Hcy) level. There has been no research conducted in Sudan to determine whether metformin has an impact on VitB12 and Hcy levels in individuals withT2DM. The aim of this research isto investigate the effect of metformin on VitB12 and Hcy levels among Sudanese with T2DM.Methods:This cross-sectional study included 98 Sudanese with T2DM who had been taking metformin for at least a year. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS V-26.Results:This study found that 1 patient (1%) had a VitB12 deficiency (< 180 pg/mL), 52 (53.1%) subjects had a normal VitB12 level (180 - 900 pg/mL), and 45 (45.9%) subjects had VitB12 ≥ 900 pg/mL. One patient (2.9%) had an Hcy deficiency (< 3µmol/l) and 34 (97.1%) subjects had a normal Hcy level (3–15 µmol/L). The study showed a, significant negative correlation between VitB12 and vitamin supplements (P = 0.003) and metformin combined with insulin (P = 0.000). Although that belongs to the subgroup that took vitamin supplements, there was a significant positive correlation between VitB12 and metformin alone (P = 0.006) and a significant negative association with metformin combined with insulin (P = 0.000). In the subgroup that did not take vitamin supplements, there was a significant positive correlation between VitB12 and FBS (P = 0.001). There was an insignificant correlation between VitB12 and the metformin dose and use duration. The correlation between VitB12 and Hcy levels was insignificant in the entire group and in both subgroups. The correlation between Hcy levels and metformin use duration was significantly negative (P = 0.015), but the correlation between Hcy levels and metformin dose was insignificant.Conclusions:In Sudanese with T2DM and under metformin treatment,serumVitB12 level was positively and significantly correlated with DM duration and (FBS), was significantly and negatively correlated with vitamin supplements. On the conversely, serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels significantly decreased with metformin use duration.
Sow behavior on the day of farrowing: The main determinant of early piglet growth among maternal ability traits
Authors: Girardie Océane , Laloë Denis , Bonneau Mathieu , Billon Yvon , Bailly Jean , David Ingrid , Canario Laurianne 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Large White and Meishan sows differ in maternal ability and early piglet growth. We investigated the relationships between piglet growth over three periods after birth (D0-D1, D1-D3 and D3-D7; D0 starting at the onset of farrowing) and 101 maternal traits, grouped into 11 blocks according to the biological function they describe. Within and between breed variation was exploited to account for a maximum of variability. The objective was to quantify the contribution of maternal traits to early piglet growth. The relationships were analyzed with multiblock and triadic partial analyses. Several behavioral traits (standing activity, reactivity, postural) and functional traits (body reserves, teat quality) at farrowing had substantial contributions to piglet growth from D0 to D7. Sow aggressiveness towards piglets and time spent standing at D0 were unfavorably correlated to D1-D3 growth. Time spent lying with udder exposed at D0 was favorably correlated to D1-D3 growth. The farrowing duration was negatively correlated to growth from D0 to D3. Furthermore, D3-D7 growth was positively correlated to feed intake in the same period. Several behavior traits and some functional traits play part in early piglet growth, with a greater contribution of sow behavior in the critical period around farrowing than in later days.
Causal Associations of Epigenetic Age Acceleration with Stroke and Its Functional outcome: A Two-Sample, Two-Step Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Qiu Baizhi , Wen Shuyang , Li Zifan , Cai Yuxin , Zhang Qi , Zeng Yuting , Zheng Shuqi , Lin Zhishan , Xiao Yupeng , Zou Jihua , Huang Guozhi , Zeng Qing 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Emerging evidence from observational studies suggested that epigenetic age acceleration may result in an increased incidence of stroke and poorer functional outcomes after a stroke. However, the causality of these associations remains controversial and may be confounded by bias. We aimed to investigate the causal effects of epigenetic age on stroke and its functional outcomes.
Methods
We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal relationships between epigenetic age and stroke and its outcomes. Additionally, a two-step MR analysis was performed to investigate whether lifestyle factors affect stroke via epigenetic age. Datasets of epigenetic age were obtained from a recent meta-analysis (n = 34710), while those of stroke and its outcomes were sourced from the MEGASTROKE (n = 520000) consortium and Genetics of Ischaemic Stroke Functional Outcome network (n = 6165).
Results
Two-sample MR analysis revealed a causal relationship between PhenoAge and small vessel stroke (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03–1.12; p = 2.01 × 10− 3). Mediation analysis through two-step MR indicated that the increased risk of small vessel stroke due to smoking initiation was partially mediated by PhenoAge, with a mediation proportion of 9.5% (95% CI, 1.6–20.6%). No causal relationships were identified between epigenetic age and stroke outcomes.
Conclusions
Our study confirms a causal relationship between epigenetic age acceleration and stroke, indicating that epigenetic age acceleration may mediate the increased stroke risk due to smoking. Interventions specifically aimed at decelerating epigenetic aging, such as specific lifestyle changes, offer effective strategies for reducing stroke risk.
OptiSelect and EnShap: Integrating Machine Learning and Game Theory for Ischemic stroke prediction
Authors: Chakraborty Pritam , Bandyopadhyay Anjan , Parui Sricheta , Swain Sujata , Banerjee Partha Sarathy , Si Tapas , Mallik Saurav , Alfurhood Badria Sulaiman , Al-Betar Mohammed Azmi , Almomani Ammar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to predictive Ischemic brain stroke analysis using game theory and machine learningtechniques. The study investigates the use of the Shapley value in predictive Ischemic brain stroke analysis. Initially, preferencealgorithms identify the most important features in various machine learning models, including logistic regression, K-nearestneighbor, decision tree, support vector machine (linear kernel), support vector machine (RBF kernel), neural networks, etc. For each sample, the top 3, 4, and 5 features are evaluated and selected to evaluate their performance. The Shapley Valuemethod has been used to rank the models using their best four features based on their predictive capabilities. As a result,better-performing models have been found. Afterward, ensemble machine learning methods were used to find the mostaccurate predictions using the top 5 models ranked by shapely value. The research demonstrates an impressive accuracyof 92.39%, surpassing other proposed models’ performance. This study highlights the utility of combining game theory andmachine learning in Ischemic brain stroke prediction and the potential of ensemble learning methods to increase predictiveaccuracy in Ischemic stroke analysis.
Analysis of unsuccessful GeneXpert MTB/RIF tests and the handling experience in Shanghai
Authors: Wei Jian-Hao , Zhu Zhao-Qin , Wan Yan-Min , Qian Xue-Qin , Zhao Xiao-kai , Zhang Chun-Yan , Guo Wei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay is a widely used technology for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) in clinical settings. But limited studies have focused on the failure of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay during routine implementation. This study investigated the reasons for unsuccessful GeneXpert MTB/RIF tests and verified the stability of GeneXpert testing on clinical samples that had been pretreated at 15 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours later, as recommended by the instructions from Cepheid. According to our statistics, the failure rate for GeneXpert assay tests in our laboratory is 2.37% (268 out of 11,241). The main reason for these failures was the occurrence of "Error" reports. In the stability tests of prolonged pretreatment homogenates, 85% (102/120) of the cases yielded the same results as the three treatment timelines in GeneXpert tests. However, 2.5% (3/120) of the paucibacillary samples yielded inconsistent results in MTB and rifampicin resistance detection. To address the unsuccessful tests of GeneXpert MTB/RIF, it would be more effective to "resample" to test rather than conduct additional trials with the remaining samples. Above all, we suggest that understanding the reasons for the failures in GeneXpert tests is essential and meaningful for both laboratory quality control and cost reduction in clinical laboratories.
Construction of Salmonella typhimurium sptP mutant and evaluation of its characterization and immunoprotective effect
Authors: Zhou Nanlong , Ding Yonghui , He Ting , Chen Hongfang , Sun Yuling , Huang Meiling , Li Tiansen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Salmonella typhimurium is a pathogen that poses a severe health risk to humans and animals. We discussed the feasibility of the Salmonella typhimurium ΔsptP mutant as a live attenuated vaccine, constructed a Salmonella typhimurium ΔsptP mutant by homologous recombination, and evaluated its biological functions, such as growth characteristics, immunogenicity, and protective properties. We found that the ΔsptP gene mutant of Salmonella typhimurium is a safe and effective live attenuated vaccine. The mutation of the sptP gene does not affect the growth and character of bacteria and has genetic stability. Compared with wild-type Salmonella typhimurium, the colonization ability of the mutant in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages and mice was significantly weakened. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the ΔsptP mutant was 39.92 times that of the wild-type strain, indicating that the virulence of the ΔsptP mutant was significantly weakened. After inoculation with 2×104 CFU ΔsptP mutant and one booster immunization, the mice were able to resist 87.5% of the virulent strains compared to the PBS control group, and the level of IgG antibodies produced by the mutant was similar to that of the wild-type strain. These results show that ΔsptP mutants of Salmonella typhimurium are significantly less virulent to mice than wild-type strains. The sptP mutant is immunogenic and protective in mice, and ΔsptP can be used as a live attenuated vaccine for Salmonella typhimurium disease.
Navigating Growth: A Formalized Approach to Small Firm Revenue and Profit Enhancement
Authors: Bari MD Abdul , Khan Arifuzzaman , Khan Ghulam Dastgir , Yoshida Yuichiro 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Governments often have strong motivation to formalize ever-growing informal firms. However, whether formalization improves the earnings of small firms is a crucial policy question. Firms chose to be formal so the impact evaluation of formalization suffers for self-selection bias. This study aims at examining the impact of the impact of formalization on revenue and profit of informal small firms using Randomized Encouragement Design. Small firms in Malawi, one of the poorest countries, are considered as the units of analysis in the present study. This study uses dataset prepared by Campos et al. (2018) who conducted Randomized Control Trial to examine different ways to formalize small firms in Malawi. Campos et al. (2023) examined the impact of Offer for cost-free business registration, coupled with a bank account opening information session as one of the treatment variables and formalization as one of the outcome variables in their study. In contrast, this study considers the offer for cost-free business registration, coupled with a bank account opening information session as an instrumental variable and formalization as the treatment variable. The result shows that formalization significantly increases revenue and profit of small firms. Heterogeneous impact analysis suggests formalization helps only manufacturing farms to earn more.
Road Cycling causes more serious injuries than Mountain Biking. A prospective study and Review of the Literature
Authors: Martinez-Sañudo Luís , Verdaguer-Figuerola Arnau , Martínez-Carreres Laia , Garcia-Giménez Santiago , Cueva-Sevieri Enrique , Pelfort Xavier 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The number of cyclists and cycling crashes have increased in the last years around the world. Road Cycling and Mountain Bike are probably the most frequent practiced styles. The main purpose of our study was to analyze the severity of the injuries related to these two disciplines. Furthermore, we evaluated the frequency and the risk factors associated to these two sports within the broad category of cycling.
Methods
We performed a prospective study including 149 injured Road or Mountain Bike cyclists that we received to our Emergency Trauma Department between the period of November 2020 and October 2021. We analyzed the severity of the lesions by using the Injury Severity Score (ISS). Other associated variables like mechanism of the injury, use of helmet, alcohol or drugs consumption and the experience of the cyclist were also evaluated.
Results
We observed significant higher values on the ISS score and less frequency of the injuries in the Road Cycling group compared to the Mountain Bike one (67,1% vs 32,9% respectively). We also found a relation between the age of the cyclist and the severity of the injury. Older patients suffered more serious lesions.
Conclusion
Road Cycling crashes were less frequent than Mountain Bike ones but provided more risk of serious injuries. Older cyclist had more risk to suffer severe lesions.
Milk production and profitability of the various smallholder dairying models used in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mafigu Takudzwa , Masunda Blessed , Imbayarwo-Chikosi Venancio Edward , Mbiriri David Tinotenda , Hodzi Pride 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

An evaluation of milk yield, dairy products and profitability of the smallholder dairy production models used in Zimbabwe was carried out. We used secondary data on 1167 smallholder dairy farmers. These were categorised into commercial dairying (119), Milk collection centre (MCC) bulking and processing (145), MCC bulking and delivering to processor (87), farm gate (468) and other (348) models. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Average daily and monthly milk yields were highest (P < 0.05) in the commercial dairying model, at 209 L and 6270 L, respectively. The average milk yield per cow were 8.92 ± 1.0 L, 8.90 ± 0.9 L, 5.91 ± 1.2 L, 3.93 ± 0.5 L and 2.00 ± 0.6 L in the Commercial dairying, MCC bulking and processing, MCC bulking and delivering to processor, farm gate and other models, respectively. Fermented milk was produced in the largest volumes across all the models compared to the rest of the dairy products. Highest volumes of fermented milk were recorded in the farm gate (93.95 ± 13.6 l) followed by MCC bulking and processing (54.14 ± 24.5 l), and commercial dairying (45.8 ± 27.0 l) models. The commercial dairying model was the most profitable with a gross margin of $1539 ± 390. The rest of the dairying models, except for the farm gate model recorded losses. The commercial dairying model surpassed all models on herd size, milk production and gross margin, therefore, we recommend that smallholder dairy farmers practising other models transform into this model.
Combining OPTRAM soil moisture index with environmental variables to downscale monthly IMERG rainfall data
Authors: Talha Syed Muhammad , Hassan Mujtaba , Ahmad Bashir , Abbas Shahanshah , Qadeer Asim 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Rainfall is an essential variable for modeling various Land-Use-Land-Cover (LULC) dynamics along with hydrological and climatic modeling. Various satellite products are available for rainfall monitoring but lack high spatial resolution. In this study, the Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for GPM(IMERG) rainfall product is downscaled using the Optical Trapezoidal Model (OPTRAM) soil index along with other auxiliary variables to a resolution of 500m. This approach is validated using station data for the district of Sahiwal in Pakistan, with an R2 of 0.98 and 0.89 for the years 2019 and 2020 respectively and an RMSE of 7.09mm/month and 12.25mm/month respectively using the Random Forest Algorithm. The study used both Random Forest (RF) and Epsilon Support Vector Regressor (E-SVR) Algorithm and established that RF outperformed E-SVR. The used approach achieved satisfactory results and can be used to downscale rainfall products to a suitable spatial resolution which is important for various hydrological and climatic models. This study is important for researchers and signifies the importance of freely available remote sensing datasets for predicting and monitoring urban-climatic dynamics.
The use of LNG-IUS-19.5mg in daily gynecological routine practice in Germany: data from the KyleenaTM Satisfaction Study (KYSS)
Authors: Römer Thomas , Frenz Ann-Kathrin , Dietrich-Ott Susanne , Fiedler Anja 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose: The Kyleena™ Satisfaction Study (KYSS) provided the first data on 19.5mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS-19.5mg) use in routine clinical practice. Here we report results from the German participants in KYSS.
Methods: This prospective, observational, single-arm cohort study recruited women who independently chose to use LNG-IUS-19.5mg during routine counseling in Germany. Overall satisfaction and bleeding profile satisfaction, continuation rates, and safety profile were evaluated at 12 months or premature end of observation (EoO).
Results: In the German study population, LNG-IUS-19.5mg placement was attempted in 508 women and successful in 506 women. Mean age was 32.3 years, and 60.0% (n=305/508) were parous. Placement was considered easy and associated with no more than mild pain, even in younger and nulliparous participants.
Of those with satisfaction data available, 87.6% (n=388/443) were satisfied with LNG-IUS-19.5mg at 12 months/EoO. Satisfaction was similar for parous (86.9%, n=238/274) and nulliparous (88.8%, n=150/169) women, and was independent of age, prior contraceptive method, or reason for choosing LNG-IUS-19.5mg. Most participants (73.6%, n=299/406) were also satisfied with their bleeding profile at 12 months/EoO, independent of parity, age, prior contraceptive method, presence of amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea severity.
The 12-month continuation rate was 84.1% (n=427/508). Most discontinuations were due to loss to follow-up (8.5%, n=43/508) or treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (4.7%, n=24/508). TEAEs were reported in 12.6% (n=64) of participants, with 9.3% (n=47) considered to have an LNG-IUS-19.5mg-related TEAE.
Conclusion: Our real-world findings on LNG-IUS-19.5mg use in German KYSS participants reflected its suitability for a broad population, including young and nulliparous women.
Clinical trial registration: NCT03182140 (date of registration: June 2017)
Integrated Assessment of Basin Effects on Seismic Damage: A Coupled 3D SEM-FEM Approach with Domain Reduction Method
Authors: Soto Valeria , Lopez-Caballero Fernando 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Sedimentary materials enclosed in basins modify the ground motion by energy trapping, resonance and surface wave generation at the basin edge. In general, the effects of basin presence are approximated by amplification factors (AF), focusing directly on the horizontal components of ground motion. The current study presents a coupled framework to assess the impact of basin effects on the seismic damage of a nonlinear structure. Using the Domain Reduction Method (DRM), a complete time-analysis from the earthquake source, at a regional scale, to an infrastructure, at a local scale is performed. The numerical wave propagation simulation uses a coupled 3D SEM-FEM approach including non-linearities and soil-structure interaction. With the results is possible to correlate the amplification factors obtained from ground motions and the associated damage of the structure. The findings indicate that basins' effect on structural damage may be estimated in a simplified form using a combination of a structural behavior predictor and AFs derived from the free-field ground motions. However, these factors should be correctly predicted, including both basin and source variability.
FZD5 induces chemoresistance through ALDH1A1 in ovarian cancer
Authors: Xia Yuhong , Wang Shan , Sun Yu , Wang Wei , Chang Shijie , Zhang Zhongbo , Zhao Chenghai 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Chemoresistance is associated with tumor relapse and unfavorable prognosis. Multiple mechanisms underlying chemoresistance have been elucidated, including stemness and DNA damage repair. Here, the involvement of WNT receptor FZD5 in ovarian cancer (OC) chemoresistance was investigated. Function studies on OC cells showed that FZD5 contributes to epithelial phenotype maintenance, growth, stemness, homologous recombination (HR) repair, and chemoresistance. Mechanistically, FZD5 modulates the expression of ALDH1A1, a functional marker for cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), in a β-catenin-dependent manner. ALDH1A1 activates Akt signaling, further upregulating RAD51 and BRCA1 to promote HR repair. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that FZD5-ALDH1A1-Akt pathway is responsible for the survival of OC cells, and targeting this pathway can sensitize OC cells to DNA-damaging therapy.
Critical period for first language acquisition may be shorter in autistic children than in typical children
Authors: Vyshedskiy Andrey , Marsiglio Allegra , Batham Sahil , Tagliavia Alessandro , Venkatesh Rohan , Tarakbay Anel , Mundhia Sagar , Urs Samarth , Khokhlovich Edward , Pinsky Eugene 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Typical children demonstrate nearly constant syntactic language learning-rate, as measured by a parent-reported Mental Synthesis Evaluation Checklist (MSEC), from 2 to 6 years of age and reach the ceiling MSEC score around 8 years of age 1. In this study we report syntactic language learning-rate (measured as MSEC score change per year) in 15,183 autistic individuals of 2 to 22 years of age. Of these, 98.5% participants did not reach the ceiling MSEC score. Computational models used to estimate the trajectory of underlying learning-rate showed that unlike a constant syntactic language learning-rate in typical children, which is observed until at least 6 years of age, learning-rate in autistic individuals declined exponentially starting from 2.3 years of age. Furthermore, this decline started earlier in more severe forms of autism. One possible explanation for this difference is a shorter critical period for syntactic language acquisition in autistic children compared to typical controls. This early closing of the critical period may explain lifelong syntactic language deficits in some autistic individuals.