bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between exposure to a mixture of metals and chronic kidney disease: Comparison of statistical models
Authors: Wu Miaoling , Hou Weiming , Qin Ruonan , Wang Gang , Sun Da , Geng Ye , Du Yinke 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Previous studies have identified several genetic and environmental risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), but little is known about the relationship between blood metals and CKD risk. Herein, we examined associations between serum levels of metals and the risk of CKD among 100 medical examiners and 443 patients with CKD participating in the medical center of the First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University. Therefore, we aimed to conduct some statistical approaches, machine learning, logistics regression, Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and serial mediation model, to explore the prediction and effect of metals exposure on CKD. In this cross-sectional study, the concentrations serum of metals mixtures was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The result suggested that exposure to K, Na and Ca lead to CKD increasing and Se and Mo lead to CKD decreasing. A significant negative effect of metal mixtures on CKD when metal mixtures concentrations were all from 30th to 45th percentile compared to the median, whereas the opposite was true for the 55th to 60th percentiles. A change in blood K concentration from the 25th to the 75th percentile is associated with a significant increase in CKD disease of 5.15(1.77,8.53), 13.62(8.91,18.33) and 31.81(14.03,49.58) when other metals are fixed at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles, respectively. Finally, our findings suggested that metal cumulative exposures and particularly double-exposure of K and Se might impact CKD. Machine learning could verify the external validation of the metal factors.
Intrusion Detection based on Concept Drift Detection &amp; Online Incremental Learning
Authors: Jemili Farah , Jouini Khaled , KORBAA Ouajdi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Intrusions are constantly evolving and changing, and to keep up with these changes, it is necessary to have models that detect these changes, also known as concept drifts, and offer the ability to update the model without starting the learning process from scratch. In our contribution, we have opted for a new approach to intrusion detection based on concept drift detection and online incremental learning, named DDM-ORF. Our approach is based on the Detection Drift Method (DDM) and Online Random Forest algorithm (ORF). The model has shown very good accuracy compared to traditional approaches and an ability to handle massive data, providing multi-class classification that allows for determining insights. The proposed system achieves very good classification results, along with good processing speed that meets real-world scenarios. Apache Spark Structured Streaming provides important functionalities for dealing with streaming data and enables the deployment of the proposed system DDM-ORF in real-world applications.
Prevalence of the Main Human Genetic Variants Related to Resistance to Malaria in a Population of the Colombian Pacific Coast
Authors: Ortega Diana Carolina , Arango Maria Paula , Cañón Sergio , Cárdenas Heiber , González Ranulfo , Barreto Guillermo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background. Malaria is an endemic disease present in many areas of Colombia. In the city of Buenaventura (Colombian Pacific), there is a high incidence of malaria cases, with a high number of deaths due to this disease. Some genetic variants provide protection against malaria, as is the case for individuals heterozygous for some haemoglobin variants (HbS, HbC, and β-thalassemias), individuals homozygous and heterozygous for the A- variant of the G6PD gene, and individuals homozygous for the FYBES allele of the Duffy gene. The objective of this research was to establish the prevalence of these variants through molecular characterization in a representative sample of the population of the urban area of Buenaventura.
Methods. A total of 819 individuals selected randomly from each of the 12 communities of the city were included. The analysis at the molecular level was carried out using PCR-RFLP and allele-specific PCR. The contained data were subjected to descriptive, independence and regression analyses. These evaluations were carried out using Arlequin 3.5, SPSS 20 and R 3.4.1.
Results. Frequencies of 3.1%, 2.2%, 72.2%, 2.1%, 2.8%, and 11% were found for the resistance alleles HbS, HbC, Duffy, β-Thalassemia-29, β-thalassemia-88 and G6PD, respectively. For the Duffy gene, there was a higher frequency of the resistance genotype in the entire population, as well as a higher occurrence of the Duffy resistance genotype combination with the G6PD and HbS/C resistance genotypes. In addition, compared with other age groups, adolescents and young adults (13 to 26 years) presented the highest proportion of resistance genotypes. Likewise, compared with other communities, the communities of the insular zone of Buenaventura (1, 2, 4, 5) had the highest proportion of resistance genotypes. These data are important to take into account by health and prevention entities in the city because they reveal age groups and communities more susceptible to infection by malaria in the city of Buenaventura and groups prone to developing and/or propagating genes that can increase the prevalence of haemoglobinopathies in the population in the long term.
Addressing opioid misuses through community-engaged strategy development: Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zimmerman Emily B , Rafie Carlin , Wenzel Sophie , Hosig Kathy , Dance Jon , Lee Samantha S 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Involving stakeholders in the research process facilitates collaboration, increasing understanding of factors influencing their wellbeing and motivating community action. Currently, there is a need for randomized controlled trials to test the effectiveness of community-engaged research approaches for health, well-being, and engagement outcomes. In this study, we test the effectiveness of both the SEED Method and a modified Delphi method in a participatory project to develop local strategies to address the opioid epidemic in three rural communities. The purpose of this study is to increase the level of evidence for community engaged research approaches through a randomized controlled trial.
Methods
Two communities will use the SEED Method and one will use a modified Delphi method. A total of 144 participants will be recruited (48 per community). Participants in each community will be randomized to an intervention or control group. In addition, we will collect outcome data from the participatory research team members leading the projects in each county (n = 18) and from focus group participants (n = 32). The primary outcome for this study will be the change in self-reported civic engagement as measured as the total score on the Individual Mobilization Scale.
Discussion
In the context of participatory action to address opioid misuse in rural counties, this study will provide an understanding of the effectiveness of two community engagement methods for increasing civic engagement, as well as the extent to which participants successfully create locally tailored action strategies. The study will also explore how observed effects differ depending on participant role in the project (stakeholder participant, community research team member, focus group participant), which is an important consideration for participatory research.
Outcome of Guilian Barre'-Syndrome Using Clinical and Electrophysiological Parameters
Authors: Daoud Mahmoud H.S. , Saeed Mohamed KhalafAllah , Ahmed Ammar El Tahir Mohamed , Ibrahim Etedal Ahmed AbuElbasher , Mohammed Omer Eladil Abdalla Hamid , Al Khalid Mohammed , Elsayed Muaz Abdellatif Mohammed , Mohmed Mohmed Hussien Ahmed , Elamin Abubakr Elmotesim Abdulla , Obaida Husam Abo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Guillian Barre'-Syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune mediated disorder, commonly characterized by a rapidly progressive, ascending weakness of the extremity, trunk, respiratory and facial musculature, with inconstant sensory and autonomic dysfunction. This research conducted in Sudanese patients to study the relation between the outcome in GBS and a four parameters; age of the patient, onset duration, presence of autonomic dysfunction and the electrophysiological subtypes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving the main three neurology centers in Sudan conducted from March to September 2020, 62 patients enrolled in the study, structured questionnaire consisted of personal data, clinical history, examination findings, management and outcome. The Hughes Functional Grading Scale (HFGS), which provides an objective measure of disability, was used to rate clinical performance at disease nadir and at 90 day from the illness.
Results: The study revealed that males and females are equally represented, the majority of patients (70%) are between 18 and 50 years. The onset of weakness was less than or equal 3 days in (33.9%) of patients, from 4 to 7 days in (41.9%), from 8 to 14 days in (11.3%) and above 14 days in (12.9%).A 25 patients (40.3%) had Evidence of autonomic dysfunction. Based on the electrophysiology, (37.09%) of patients were classified as acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), (29.03%) as acute inflammatory demyelinating poly neuropathy (AIDP) and (29.03%) as acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN).
Regarding the outcome, 30 patients (48.4%) fully recovered, 25 patients (40.3%) recovered with motor deficit, and 7 patients (11.3%) unfortunately died. The results showed that there was no statistically significance between different age groups, duration of onset or presence of autonomic dysfunction and the outcome after three months, P value ( .21, .21, .1) respectively. The results showed that the Prognosis after three months and the mortality rate of AMAN and AMSAN subtypes were poorer than that of AIDP.
Conclusion: Axonal type of GBS found to be in nearly 2/3 patients. 40% showed clinical evidence of dysautonomia, and showed no statistical evidence with outcome, Age of the patients, onset of the disease also did not show statistically significant effect on outcome at day- 90. The outcome of axonal types at day-90 was poorer than that of demyelinating form.
Molecular interactions between silver ions (Ag+) and amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides: binding affinities and structural effects
Authors: Lakela Amanda L. , Berntsson Elina , Vosough Faraz , Jarvet Jüri , Paul Suman , Barth Andreas , Gräslund Astrid , Roos Per M. , Wärmländer Sebastian K.T.S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Because silver is toxic to microbes, but not considered toxic to humans, the metal has been used as an antimicrobial agent since ancient times. Today, silver nanoparticles and colloidal silver are used for antibacterial purposes, and silver-peptide and similar complexes are being developed as therapeutic agents. Yet, the health effects of silver exposure are not fully understood, nor are the molecular details of silver-protein interactions. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia worldwide, amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides aggregate to form soluble oligomers that are neurotoxic. Here, we report that monovalent silver ions (Ag+) bind wildtype Aβ40 peptides with a binding affinity of 25 ± 12 µM in MES buffer at 20 °C. The N-terminal His residues are involved as binding ligands. Weaker Ag+ binding is observed for the truncated Aβ(4-40) variant, for an Aβ40 mutant without histidines, and for the wt Aβ40 peptide at acidic pH. Because the Ag+ ions do not induce any changes in the size or structure of Aβ42 oligomers, we speculate that Ag+ ions have a minor influence on Aβ toxicity.
Adverse childhood experiences lead to slower symptom improvement during psychotherapy of patients with anxiety disorders
Authors: Nowak Jonathan , Nikendei C. , Rollmann I. , Orth M. , Friederich H.-C. , Kindermann D. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Adverse childhood experiences were previously identified to be important risk factors for the development of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, anxiety disorders were shown to be associated with impairments of personality functioning. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of adverse and protective childhood experiences on symptom improvement of patients with anxiety disorders during outpatient psychotherapy. Personality functioning, according to the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis system, was examined as a potential predictor.
Methods
The sample consisted of n = 312 completed psychotherapies. The symptom improvement rate was calculated using a two-stage hierarchical linear model. Direct and indirect effects of adverse and protective childhood experiences on the symptom improvement rate during psychotherapy were then examined using a structural equation model.
Results
The presence of adverse childhood experiences predicted a slower improvement rate during psychotherapy. In addition, a higher number of adverse childhood experiences was associated with greater impairments in the abilities of perception and regulation as dimensions of personality functioning. A higher number of protective childhood experiences was associated with fewer impairments in the communication and attachment dimensions. Impairments in personality functioning in patients with anxiety disorders did not predict symptom improvement rate during psychotherapy.
Conclusions
Among patients with anxiety disorders, adverse childhood experiences lead to slower symptom improvement in psychotherapy. Therefore, childhood adversity should be regularly assessed before starting psychotherapy in patients with anxiety disorders.
Dysregulation of LincRNA-p21 in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jahandoust Somayeh , Farhangiyan Pourandokht , Khalili Mitra 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the world and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the lack of appropriate biomarkers. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered promising biomarkers in various cancers such as GC. LincRNA-p21 is located upstream of the p21 (Cdkn1) tumor suppressor gene and regulates its expression. Despite reports of lincRNA-p21 deregulation in some cancers, its role in GC has not been well clarified.
Materials &Methods:
In this case-control study, total RNA was extracted from 33 matched pairs of tumor and non-tumor gastric samples and also gastric cancer cell lines (AGS and MKN45). Following cDNA synthesis, real-time PCR was performed. Data analysis was conducted by the GenEX5 and Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) software programs.
Results
Our results revealed a significant decrease in the expression of LncRNA-p21 in tumor samples compared to non-tumor samples (P = 0.009). The ability of LncRNA-p21expression level to discriminate between tumor and non-tumor samples was confirmed by ROC analysis. Additionally, lincRNA-p21 was found to be decreased in different grades of cancer.
Conclusions
The downregulation of lincRNA-p21 may leading to the loss of cell cycle control and increased tumorigenicity. Moreover, the observation that decreased expression of lincRNA-p21 occurs in different grades of malignancy highlights the potential of lincRNA-p21 as a valuable biomarker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer.
Humanization of Online Mathematics Questions Development and Logical Grading Techniques
Authors: Amour Idrissa S. , Abdalla Abdi T. , Simba Fatuma , Kitta Septimi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
During shift to online mathematics practices, instructors usually abandon most of their classical questions in favor of easily gradable questions. These questions prevent students from effective and intended learning outputs. This work proposed a human-like grading approach for comprehensive mathematics questions. The questions were developed based on an open sourced plugin, the System for Teaching and Assessment using a Computer Algebra Kernel (STACK). The practice was studied using two undergraduate engineering mathematics courses at the University of Dar es Salaam, which were delivered through Moodle e-Learning system. The courses cover the contents in Linear Algebra, Calculus, Complex numbers and Numerical Methods. In addressing the issue of authoring easily- gradable online questions, we have re-used and digitized with randomisation the classical questions from the previous years. Several cases were demonstrated with human-like grading procedures. Grading with partial scores from unsorted multi-inputs answers has been outlined and demonstrated. The technique shall assist instructors to author high quality STACK questions with the taste of paper-pen questions' quality and natural grading approach. Automated mathematics practice and assessment shall also be favored to replace classical fashion, which are usually expensive to run, which shall also open the doors for fully conducting mathematics and related subjects online programmes.
A Randomized, Open Label, Parallel Group Clinical Study Comparing the Relative Bioavailability, Safety and Efficacy of Microcore Nesc® With Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Citrate Malate in Osteopenic and Osteoporotic Patients
Authors: SAKTHIBALAN  
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by loss of bone mass, reduced bone strength and increased bone fragility predisposing to fractures.
Objectives
To study the efficacy, safety and relative bioavailability of Microcore NESC® (Natural Egg Shell Calcium) in osteopenia and Osteoporotic patients.
Methods
This was a Randomized, Open label, parallel group interventional clinical trial which included 60 study participants with osteopenia and osteoporosis who were randomized into 3 groups (20 each). Group 1 - Microcore NESC®, Group 2- Shelcal and Group 3- CCM with 12 weeks treatment period. The participants were evaluated for relative oral bioavailability, Bone mineral density (BMD), Serum Osteocalcin, change in VAS pain scale and quality of life- Questionnaires.
Results
There was significant improvement in the BMD T scores- post treatment with MICROCORE NESC® and shelcal. Higher percentage of improvement in calcium absorption as depicted by an increase in serum calcium levels (10.23%) in the MICROCORE NESC® treated group when compared to Shelcal (7.7%) and CCM (7.2%). The relative bio availability of MICROCORE NESC® with respect to shelcal was 93%.
Discussion
MICROCORE NESC®, has shown a better oral relative bio availability of calcium (93%), better improvement of BMD T score compared to Shelcal and CCM. The general health status has improved to very good/ excellent in 83% of patients in MICROCORE NESC® treated group.
Conclusion
MICROCORE NESC® can be considered a better and safe calcium supplement, as there are very few side effects observed without any clinically significant abnormalities in lab parameters.
Quality of Life of parents of children with developmental disabilities: A marginalized community in India
Authors: Pathak Abhijit , Biswal Ramakrishna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective The seasonal discourse surrounding the challenges faced by parents of children with Developmental Disabilities (DD) contributes to their marginalization, with limited exploration of intersectionality based on sociodemographic factors in India. This study aims to investigate differences in stress levels, coping strategies, and quality of life among mothers and fathers of children with DD. Additionally, it seeks to explore the impact of sociodemographic factors on quality of life.
Method A cross sectional study with a sample of 400 parents (193 fathers and 207 mothers) as identified through NGOs (working in the field of disability) across the state of Odisha, India participated in the study. Parents were administered with Parental Stress Scale, Ways of Coping questionnaire and Quality of Life BREF in addition to the sociodemographic information
Results Findings revealed significant differences in stress, coping strategies, and quality of life between mothers and fathers, with mothers consistently reporting higher stress and lower quality of life in all domains. Multiple regression analysis established a link between quality of life, stress, and coping styles, highlighting that positive reappraisal and escape avoidance coping adversely affected physical, psychological, and environmental domains of quality of life. Sociodemographic findings, confirmed by MANOVA and post hoc analysis, indicated evident marginalization, yet the study did not uncover intersectionality.
Conclusion the study advocates for heightened empathy in service delivery to improve the overall quality of life for parents of children with DD, shedding light on the nuanced challenges faced by different demographic groups.
X-photon 3D lithography by fs-oscillators: wavelength-independent and photoinitiator-free
Authors: Ladika Dimitra , Butkus Antanas , Melissinaki Vasileia , Skliutas Edvinas , Kabouraki Elmina , Juodkazis Saulius , Farsari Maria , Malinauskas Mangirdas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Laser direct writing employing multi-photon 3D polymerisation is a scientific and industrial tool used in various fields such as micro-optics, medicine, metamaterials, programmable materials, etc., due to the fusion of high-throughput and fine features down to hundreds of nm. Some limitations of technology applicability emerge from photo-resin properties, however any material modifications can strongly affect its printability, as photoexcitation conditions alter as well. Here we present wavelength-independent 3D polymerisation using low peak power laser oscillators. High pulse repetition rate and fast laser direct writing was employed for advancing additive manufacturing out of the SZ2080TM photo-resist without any photo-initiator. Wavelengths of 517 nm, 780 nm, and 1035 nm are shown to be suitable for producing 300 nm polymerized features even at high – up to 100 mm/s – writing speeds. Variation of organic-inorganic ratio in hybrid material results in shift and decrease of the dynamic fabrication window, yet not prohibiting the photo-structuring. Controlled energy deposition per focal volume is achieved due to localized heating enabling efficient 3D printing. Such spatio-selective photo-chemical cross-linking widens optical manufacturing capacity of non-photo-sensitive materials.