bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional study of the associations between circulating vitamin D concentrations and insulin resistance in children aged 9–10 years of South Asian, black African Caribbean and white European origins
Authors: Donin Angela , Nightingale Claire M , Sattar Naveed , Fraser William D , Owen Chris G , Cook Derek G , Whincup Peter H 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundLower circulating vitamin D 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations are associated with higher type 2 diabetes risk in adults, although causality remains uncertain. However, associations between 25(OH)D and type 2 diabetes risk markers in children have been little studied, particularly in ethnic minority populations. We examined whether 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with insulin resistance in children and whether lower 25(OH)D concentrations in South Asians and black African Caribbeans could contribute to their higher insulin resistance.MethodsCross-sectional study of 4650 UK primary school children aged 9–10 years of predominantly South Asian, black African Caribbean and white European ethnicity. Children had fasting blood measurements of circulating 25(OH)D metabolite concentrations, insulin and glucose.ResultsLower 25(OH)D concentrations were observed in girls, South Asians and black African Caribbeans. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, month, ethnic group and school, circulating 25(OH)D was inversely associated with fasting insulin (−0.38%, 95% CI −0.49% to −0.27%), homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) insulin resistance (−0.39%, 95% CI −0.50% to −0.28%) and fasting glucose (−0.03%, 95% CI −0.05% to –0.02%) per nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D; associations did not differ between ethnic groups. Ethnic differences in fasting insulin and HOMA insulin resistance (higher among South Asian and black African Caribbeans) were reduced by >40% after adjustment for circulating 25(OH)D concentrations.ConclusionCirculating vitamin D was inversely associated with insulin resistance in all ethnic groups; higher insulin resistance in South Asian and black African children were partly explained by their lower vitamin D levels. Whether vitamin D supplementation can reduce emerging type 2 diabetes risk needs further evaluation.
Cost-effectiveness of endovascular therapy for acute stroke with a large ischemic region in Japan: impact of the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score on cost-effectiveness
Authors: Egashira Shuhei , Shin Jung-ho , Yoshimura Sohei , Koga Masatoshi , Ihara Masafumi , Kimura Naoto , Toda Tatsushi , Imanaka Yuichi 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundAlthough randomized clinical trials (RCTs) demonstrated short-term benefits of endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with a large ischemic region, little is known about the long-term cost-effectiveness or its difference by the extent of the ischemic areas. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of EVT for AIS involving a large ischemic region from the perspective of Japanese health insurance payers, and analyze it using the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS).MethodsThe Recovery by Endovascular Salvage for Cerebral Ultra-acute Embolism-Japan Large Ischemic Core Trial (RESCUE-Japan LIMIT) was a RCT enrolling AIS patients with ASPECTS of 3–5 initially determined by the treating neurologist primarily using MRI. The hypothetical cohort and treatment efficacy were derived from the RESCUE-Japan LIMIT. Costs were calculated using the national health insurance tariff. We stratified the cohort into two subgroups based on ASPECTS of ≤3 and 4–5 as determined by the imaging committee, because heterogeneity was observed in treatment efficacy. EVT was considered cost-effective if the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was below the willingness-to-pay of 5 000 000 Japanese yen (JPY)/quality-adjusted life year (QALY).ResultsEVT was cost-effective among the RESCUE-Japan LIMIT population (ICER 4 826 911 JPY/QALY). The ICER among those with ASPECTS of ≤3 and 4–5 was 19 396 253 and 561 582 JPY/QALY, respectively.ConclusionEVT was cost-effective for patients with AIS involving a large ischemic region with ASPECTS of 3–5 initially determined by the treating neurologist in Japan. However, the ICER was over 5 000 000 JPY/QALY among those with an ASPECTS of ≤3 as determined by the imaging committee.
A holistic biopsychosocial management approach for cis-gender males with chronic pelvic pain syndrome attending sexual health services: a retrospective case review
Authors: Horner Paddy J , Connor Emma , Williams Sara , Butterly Jessica , Crofts Megan 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesChronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) in men is a condition associated with significant morbidity which is typically managed in sexual health services. We introduced a modified biopsychosocial approach for managing CPPS in men, reducing use of antibiotics and evaluated its application in a retrospective case review.MethodsPatients attended for a full consultation covering symptomology, onset and social history. Examination included urethral smear and assessment of pelvic floor tension and pain. A focus on pelvic floor relaxation was the mainstay of management with pelvic floor physiotherapy if required. Prescribing of antibiotics being discontinued if no evidence of urethritis at first consultation. The main outcome was change in the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) score (which patients completed at each attendance); significant clinical improvement was defined as a NIH-CPSI score reduction of >25% and/or ≥6 points.ResultsAmong 77 consecutive patients diagnosed with CPPS between April 2017 and December 2018, the mean NIH-CPSI score at the initial visit was 24.1 (11–42). Antibiotics were prescribed to 38/77 (49.4%) and alpha-blockers to 58/77 (75.3%). Overall, 50 (64.9%) patients with a mean initial NIH-CPSI score of 25.4 (11–42) re-attended a CPPS clinic. Among these, the average NIH-CPSI score at the final CPPS clinic appointment declined to 15.9 (0–39) (p<0.001); 34/50 (68%) men experienced significant clinical improvement. Men who attended only one CPPS clinic compared with those who reattended had a shorter duration of symptoms (18 (1–60) vs 36 (1–240) months; p=0.038), a lower initial NIH-CPSI score (21.7 (11–34) vs 25.4 (11–44); p=0.021), but had attended a similar number of clinics prior to referral (2.9 (0–6) vs 3.2 (0–8); p=0.62).ConclusionsThe biopsychosocial approach significantly reduced the NIH-CPSI score in those who re-attended, with 68% of patients having a significant clinical improvement. The first follow-up consultation at 6 weeks is now undertaken by telephone for many patients, if clinically appropriate.
Dietary Bacillus subtilis- and Clostridium butyricum-based probiotics supplement improves growth and meat quality, and alters microbiota in the excreta of broiler chickens
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Cho Sungbo , Kibria Sumya , Kim In Ho 
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the effects of the multi-probiotics consisting of Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium butyricum with varying doses (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and cecal microbes of male broiler chickens. Seven hundred and twenty Ross 308, 1-day-old male broiler chicks were distributed into four dietary groups. Over 35 days of feeding, the average daily gain (ADG) was linearly elevated ( P < 0.05) during days 1–21 and 1–35 as probiotic doses increased. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) tended to be linearly ( P = 0.059) increased from day 22 to 35, and was improved from day 1 to 35 ( P = 0.031). Ascending doses of multi-probiotics tended to ( P = 0.060) reduce Clostridium perfringens counts on day 35 and prompted ( P = 0.001) the proliferation of Lactobacillus. Moreover, broilers fed a 0.1% dose of multi-probiotics had a higher pH and water-holding capacity ( P < 0.05) in the breast meat. In conclusion, the 0.2% multi-probiotics could boost ADG by improving ADFI and modulating the cecal microbe. The dietary 0.1% multi-probiotics contributed to better meat quality.
Study of anomalous $$W^-W^+\gamma /Z$$ couplings using polarizations and spin correlations in $$e^-e^+\rightarrow W^-W^+$$ with polarized beams
Authors: Subba Amir , Singh Ritesh K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe investigate the anomalous $$W^-W^+\gamma /Z$$

W
-

W
+

γ
/
Z

couplings in $$e^-e^+\rightarrow W^-W^+$$

e
-

e
+

→

W
-

W
+

followed by semileptonic decay using a complete set of polarization and spin correlation observables of W boson with the longitudinally polarized beam. We consider a complete set of dimension-six operators affecting $$W^-W^+\gamma /Z$$

W
-

W
+

γ
/
Z

vertex, which are $$SU(2)\times U(1)$$

S
U
(
2
)
×
U
(
1
)

gauge invariant. Some of the polarization and spin correlation asymmetries average out if the daughter of $$W^+$$

W
+

is not tagged and to overcome this we developed an artificial neural network and boosted decision trees to distinguish down-type jets from up-type jets. We obtain bounds on the anomalous couplings using MCMC analysis at $$\sqrt{s} = 250$$

s

=
250

GeV with integrated luminosities of $$\mathcal {L}\in \{100~\text {fb}^{-1}, 250~\text {fb}^{-1}, 1000~\text {fb}^{-1}, 3000~\text {fb}^{-1}\}$$

L
∈
{
100

fb

-
1

,
250

fb

-
1

,
1000

fb

-
1

,
3000

fb

-
1

}

and different sets of systematic errors. We find that using spin-related observables along with cross section in the presence of initial beam polarization significantly improves the bounds on anomalous couplings compared to previous studies.
Analytical quasibound states of black holes emerging from modified theories of gravity
Authors: Senjaya David 
Published: December 2023

The Rayleigh–Schrodinger method or more commonly called time independent perturbation theory is a powerful method to solve a Hamiltonian system with a relatively small perturbation [W. Nolting, Theoretical Physics 7: Quantum Mechanics–Methods and Applications (Springer International, 2017); F. Schwabl, Quantum Mechanics, 4th edn. (Springer, 2007)]. In this work, we make use of the Rayleigh–Schrodinger method to formulate a general method to calculate quasibound states of static spherically symmetric black hole solutions arising from modified theories of gravity. We discover that the Schwarzschild-like term corresponds to the main Hamiltonian while the modified theory of gravity’s contribution of the spacetime metric corresponds to the perturbation terms. At the end, formula to calculate main Hamiltonian and perturbed Hamiltonian are discovered and presented.
Tropical Cyclogenesis Bias over the Central North Pacific in CMIP6 Simulations
Authors: Peng Yi , Guo Yi-Peng , Zhao Jiuwei , Tan Zhe-Min , Chen Xu , Feng Xiangbo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Current coupled climate models contain large biases in simulating tropical cyclogenesis, reducing the confidence in tropical cyclone (TC) projection. In this study, we investigated the influence of sea surface temperature (SST) biases on TC genesis in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 simulations from 1979 to 2014. Positive TC genesis biases were found over the tropical central North Pacific (CNP) in most of climate models, including the high-resolution models. Compared to coupled models, TC genesis density (TCGD) simulations over CNP in uncoupled models forced by observational SST improved obviously. A warm SST bias over the tropical CNP in the coupled models is the main cause of TC genesis biases. The SST bias–induced diabatic heating leads to an anomalous Gill-type atmospheric circulation response, which contributes to a series of favorable environmental conditions for TC formation over the CNP. Numerical experiments were also performed with HiRAM to demonstrate the influence of SST biases on the TCGD simulation, further confirming our conclusion. The current results highlight the importance of improving TC simulation in state-of-the-art climate models by reducing SST simulation bias.
Physicomechanical and erosion wear characterization of PLA/Jute fiber biocomposite
Authors: Sharma Ratnesh Kumar , Kumar Shiv Ranjan 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The present study has demonstrated the effect of short jute fiber on physical, mechanical and erosion wear performance of PLA based composite. Problem Statement: An attempt has been made to develop and investigate the environment friendly and biodegradable composites based on jute fiber and PLA composite. Materials and Method: The erosion wear performance was assessed on Air-jet erosion tester. The design of experiments was prepared as per Taguchi orthogonal array L16 under for different factors of impact velocity, impingement angle, erodent size and jute fiber fraction and level of each factor was kept four. ANOVA was applied to find the best significant factor affecting erosion rate of composite. Main Results: The finding of results indicated that the density significantly increased with the addition of jute fiber and in parallel, it indicated the increment in the void content. The mechanical properties like hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and fracture toughness of PLA based composite reinforced with 15 wt.-% jute fiber were increased by 59%, 233%, 42%, 62% and 168% respectively. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of the composite was decreased by 31% with the addition of 15 wt.-% of jute fiber. The minimum erosion wear rate was obtained for 15 wt.-% of jute fiber under impact velocity of 35 m/sec and angle of impingement of 90° and erodent size of 250 µm. Finally, ANOVA concluded that the impact velocity and jute fiber fraction played the most important role in influencing the erosion wear rate of PLA composite. Recommendation: For many construction and structural applications, jute PLA/fiber composite can be suitable due to excellent mechanical properties and low thermal conductivity.
Gender and Intermediate Microeconomics Course Performance: Does Course Type Matter?
Authors: Ahlstrom Laura J. , Switzer David M. 
Published: December 2023

This study examines the effects of gender on performance for students taking one of two different intermediate microeconomics courses: a quantitative, calculus-based course and a non-quantitative, non-calculus-based course. We also assess how gender differences in students’ math and verbal abilities and college achievement affect intermediate microeconomics course grades. Our results indicate gender is not a significant indicator of intermediate microeconomics course performance. Math SAT scores and principles of microeconomics course grades are significant predictors of performance for non-quantitative course students only. Cumulative GPAs have strong, positive correlations with grades for students in both course types. These findings have implications for students’ economics major selection and are positive in the context of closing the gender gap in economics degree attainment. JEL Codes: A20, A22
Prion Protein Overexpression in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADMSCs) Effectively Protected Rodent Kidney Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Via Enhancing ATP/Mitochondrial Biogenesis—Role of ADMSC Rejuvenation and Proliferation
Authors: Chen Yen-Ta , Yang Chih-Chao , Chiang John Y. , Sung Pei-Hsun , Shao Pei-Lin , Huang Chi-Ruei , Lee Mel S. , Yip Hon-Kan 
Published: December 2023

Background: We tested the hypothesis that overexpression of cellular-prion-protein in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PrPCOE-ADMSCs) effectively protected the kidney against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rat. Methods: Part I of cell culture was categorized into A1(ADMSCs)/A2(ADMSCs+p-Cresol)/A3(PrPCOE in ADMSCs)/A4 (PrPCOE in ADMSCs+p-Cresol). Part II of cell culture was divided into B1(ADMSCs)/B2[ADMSCs+lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]/B3(PrPCOE in ADMSCs)/B4(PrPCOE in ADMSCs+LPS). Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 50) were equally categorized into groups 1 (sham-operated-control)/2 (IR)/3 (IR+ADMSCs/6.0 × 105 equally divided into bilateral-renal arteries and 6.0 × 105 intravenous administration by 1 h after IR)/4 [IR+PrPCOE-ADMSCs (identical dosage administered as group 3)]/5 [IR+silencing PRNP -ADMSCs (identical dosage administered as group 3)], and kidneys were harvested post-day 3 IR injury. Results: Part I results demonstrated that the cell viability at 24/48/72 h, BrdU uptake/number of mitDNA/APT concentration/mitochondrial-cytochrome-C+ cells and the protein expressions of ki67/PrPC at 72 h-cell culturing were significantly higher in PrPCOE-ADMSCs than in ADMSCs (all P < 0.001). The protein expressions of oxidative-stress (NOX-1/NOX2/NOX4/oxidized protein)/mitochondrial-damaged (p22-phox/cytosolic-cytochrome-C)/inflammatory (p-NF-κB/IL-1ß/TNF-α/IL-6)/apoptotic (cleaved caspase-3/cleaved-PARP) biomarkers were lowest in A1/A3 and significantly higher in A2 than in A4 (all P < 0.001). Part II result showed that the protein expressions of inflammatory (p-NF-κB/IL-1ß/TNF-α/IL-6)/apoptotic (cleaved caspase-3/cleaved-PARP) biomarkers exhibited an identical pattern of part I among the groups (all P < 0.001). The protein expressions of inflammatory (p-NF-κB/IL-1ß/TNF-α/MMP-9)/oxidative-stress (NOX-1/NOX-2/oxidized-protein)/mitochondrial-damaged (cytosolic-cytochrome-C/p22-phox)/apoptotic (cleaved caspase-3/cleaved-PARP/mitochondrial-Bx)/autophagic (beclin-1/ratio of LC3B-II/LC3B-I)/fibrotic (Smad3/TGF-ß) biomarkers and kidney-injury-score/creatinine level were lowest in group 1, highest in group 2, significantly higher in group 5 than in groups 3/4 (all P < 0.0001). Conclusion: PrPCOE in ADMSCs rejuvenated these cells and played a cardinal role on protecting the kidney against IR injury.
Preliminary Rasch Construct and Reliability Validation of TeleWrite: A Telehealth-Based Handwriting Assessment
Authors: Guzmán Julia M. , Grajo Lenin C. 
Published: December 2023

Background: Telehealth is rapidly expanding, and telehealth-based occupational therapy assessments must be developed and validated to keep pace with this transition. TeleWrite aims to bridge this gap. Objectives: To analyze the tool’s initial psychometric properties using Rasch methods. Method: Internal construct validity and test reliability were analyzed using data from 148 children from first to third grade. Results: Rasch analysis helped to identify that TeleWrite is composed of three separate constructs for rate, accuracy, and fluency. All Infit/Outfit mean square (MNSQ) values fell within acceptable ranges of 0.5 to 1.7 logits. Separation analysis indicated lower but acceptable person separation values for rate (0.68–0.76) and fluency (0.61–0.73), but accuracy scales were in the poor-fair range (0.20–0.60), given sample limitations. Conclusion: TeleWrite is comprised of three separate constructs, showed a good fit with the Rasch model, indicated strong construct and internal validity, and moderate ability to reliably separate abilities of students in terms of handwriting skills.
Maintaining Posterior Tibial Slope and Patellar Height During Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Mabrouk Ahmed , An Jae-Sung , Fernandes Levi Reina , Kley Kristian , Jacquet Christophe , Ollivier Matthieu 
Published: December 2023

Background: Increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) and decreased patellar height (PH) after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) have been repeatedly reported in the literature. However, this has been disputed in more recent biomechanical studies. Hypothesis: No change in PTS or PH would result after MOWHTO with the freehand technique, regardless of the degree of the coronal plane correction. Study Design: Case series. Methods: A total of 62 patients who underwent MOWHTO between 2018 and 2020 were included. Surgery was performed using a dedicated step-by-step protocol to reduce the risk of unintentional slope changes. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and at a 2-year follow-up with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and the University of California, Los Angeles physical activity scale. Pre- and postoperative radiographic lower limb alignment parameters—including hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, proximal posterior tibial angle (PPTA), joint line convergence angle, and joint line obliquity—were measured on full-length lower limb radiographs. PH measurements assessed on lateral and anteroposterior knee radiographs included the Caton-Deschamps, Insall-Salvati, and Schröter indices. Results: A significant change was observed in the coronal plane alignment, with an increase in the MPTA from 84.38° to 90.39° ( P < .001) and a consequent increase in the HKA from 172.19° to 180.15° ( P < .001). No significant changes were observed in the PTS, as evidenced by a postoperative PPTA of 80.6° versus a preoperative value of 80.4° ( P = .2). No significant changes were detected in the mean PH on all 3 indices used—pre- versus postoperative Caton-Deschamps, Insall-Salvati, and Schröter indices measured 0.95 versus 0.93 ( P = .2), 1.03 versus 1.03 ( P = .5), and 1.56 versus 1.54 ( P = .3), respectively. Conclusion: In this study, MOWHTO did not result in significant changes in the PTS or PH when accurate preoperative planning and precise intraoperative freehand technique were adopted..
The genetics of gaits in Icelandic horses goes beyond DMRT3, with RELN and STAU2 identified as two new candidate genes
Authors: Sigurðardóttir Heiðrún , Boije Henrik , Albertsdóttir Elsa , Kristjansson Thorvaldur , Rhodin Marie , Lindgren Gabriella , Eriksson Susanne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
In domesticated animals, many important traits are complex and regulated by a large number of genes, genetic interactions, and environmental influences. The ability of Icelandic horses to perform the gait ‘pace’ is largely influenced by a single mutation in the DMRT3 gene, but genetic modifiers likely exist. The aim of this study was to identify novel genetic factors that influence pacing ability and quality of the gait through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and correlate new findings to previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) and mutations.

Results
Three hundred and seventy-two Icelandic horses were genotyped with the 670 K+ Axiom Equine Genotyping Array, of which 362 had gait scores from breeding field tests. A GWAS revealed several SNPs on Equus caballus chromosomes (ECA) 4, 9, and 20 that were associated (p < 1.0 × 10–5) with the breeding field test score for pace. The two novel QTL on ECA4 and 9 were located within the RELN and STAU2 genes, respectively, which have previously been associated with locomotor behavior in mice. Haplotypes were identified and the most frequent one for each of these two QTL had a large favorable effect on pace score. The second most frequent haplotype for the RELN gene was positively correlated with scores for tölt, trot, gallop, and canter. Similarly, the second most frequent haplotype for the STAU2 gene had favorable effects on scores for trot and gallop. Different genotype ratios of the haplotypes in the RELN and STAU2 genes were also observed in groups of horses with different levels of pacing ability. Furthermore, interactions (p < 0.05) were detected for the QTL in the RELN and STAU2 genes with the DMRT3 gene. The novel QTL on ECA4, 9, and 20, along with the effects of the DMRT3 variant, were estimated to account jointly for 27.4% of the phenotypic variance of the gait pace.

Conclusions
Our findings provide valuable information about the genetic architecture of pace beyond the contribution of the DMRT3 gene and indicate genetic interactions that contribute to the complexity of this trait. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the underlying genetic factors and interactions.