bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemerin in Obese Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with or without Prediabetes
Authors: Karamfilova Vera , Nedeva Iveta , Assyov Yavor , Gateva Antoaneta , Velikova Tsvetelina , Cherkezov Nikolay , Mateva Ludmila , Kamenov Zdravko 
Published: January 2024

Chemerin is one of the recently discovered adipokines closely related with white adipose tissue and insulin resistance (IR) in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but some of these data remain controversial.
This study evaluated the relationship between serum chemerin levels, prediabetes and other biochemical and clinical parameters in obese patients with NAFLD.
A total of 79 obese NAFLD patients without ($n=41$) and with prediabetes ($$n=38$$) were included. Serum chemerin was measured using ELISA method.
Chemerin correlated with body mass index (BMI) ($$r=0.320$$, $$p<0.01$$), hip circumference ($$r=0.296$$, $$p<0.05$$) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) ($$r=0.297$$, $$p<0.05$$). Chemerin strongly correlated with hepatic steatosis index (HSI) ($$r=0.550$$, $$p<0.01$$).
Chemerin is adipokine, which has a significant, but yet not unequivocal role in the metabolic process related with obesity, insulin resistance and NAFLD. In this study we were not able to find an association of serum chemerin levels and prediabetes. There were correlations with BMI, hip circumference, Visceral adiposity index and Hepatic steatosis index.
Biology, ecology, and biogeography of eremic praying mantis Blepharopsis mendica (Insecta: Mantodea)
Authors: Mirzaee Zohreh , Simões Marianna V.P. , Battiston Roberto , Sadeghi Saber , Wiemers Martin , Schmitt Thomas 
Published: January 2024

Background
Blepharopsis mendica (Fabricius, 1775) is a large mantid species found from the Canary Islands across North Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan. Research on this species has been limited, especially in Iran, despite the country’s potential significance for studying its biology and distribution. Adults of this species are easily recognizable by their marble-white pattern and rhomboidal leaf-like pronotum. They are sit-and-wait predators that inhabit various open environments.

Methods
Field observations were conducted across various regions of the Egyptian Flower mantis (Blepharopsis mendica) global distribution, with a focus on Morocco, Tunisia, and Iran. Distribution data for B. mendicawere gathered from fieldwork, museum collections, online biodiversity databases, and publications, totaling 593 occurrence points. Ecological niche modeling was performed using environmental data, and various models were evaluated for suitability. Phylogeographic analyses involved DNA sequencing and construction of a haplotype network to examine genetic relationships between populations. Divergence time estimation and biogeographical range expansion models were applied to explore historical distribution shifts of the species across different regions. The study provided comprehensive insights into the biology, distribution, and genetic history of B. mendica.

Results
We provide information on the life cycle, ootheca, defense behavior, habitat, and biogeography of the Egyptian Flower mantis Blepharopsis mendica. This mantid is an overwintering univoltine species with nymphs emerging in summer and becoming adults in spring. In the wild, females start oviposition in April and can lay their first ootheca within a week after mating. The species is distributed from the Canary Islands to Pakistan in the dry belt. Thus, its distribution is associated with xeric areas or desert and semi-desert habitats. Phylogeographic analyses revealed three major genetic lineages, (i) in the Maghreb, (ii) from Egypt via Arabia to Iran (with internal substructures), and (iii) likely in Pakistan; the estimated onset of differentiation into these lineages is of Pleistocene age. Defense behavior involves flying away or extending wings broadly and lifting forelegs. Performing laboratory breeding, we documented life cycle and color changes from first instar to adulthood. Due to overwintering, the last larval instar needs considerably longer than the others. At 25 °C (±2), average adult life span was 118 days (±6 SD) for females (range: 100–124) and 46 days (±5 SD) for males (range: 39–55), with a significant difference among sexes. On average, oothecae contained 32.3 eggs (±10.1 SD) and the mean incubation period was 36.8 days (±2.9 SD). We did not find evidence of parthenogenesis. In general, the biology of B. mendica shows a variety of adaptations to its often extreme and little predictable type of habitat.
Screening of salt tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.) lines using membership function value and GGE biplot analysis
Authors: Tian Huijuan , Liu Hong , Zhang Dan , Hu Mengting , Zhang Fulai , Ding Shuqi , Yang Kaizhi 
Published: January 2024

Soil salinization is a widely recognized global environmental concern that has a significant impact on the sustainable development of agriculture at a global scale. Maize, a major crop that contributes to the global agricultural economy, is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of salt stress, which can hinder its growth and development from germination to the seedling stage. This study aimed to screen highly salt-tolerant maize varieties by using four NaCl concentrations of 0, 60, 120, and 180 mMol/L. Various agronomic traits and physiological and biochemical indices associated with salt tolerance were measured, and salt tolerance was evaluated using principal component analysis, membership function method, and GGE biplot analysis. A total of 41 local maize varieties were assessed based on their D values. The results show that stem thickness, germ length, radicle length, leaf area, germination rate, germination index, salt tolerance index, and seed vigor all decreased as salt concentration increased, while electrical conductivity and salt injury index increased with the concentration of saline solution. Under the stress of 120 mMol/L and 180 mMol/L NaCl, changes in antioxidant enzymes occurred, reflecting the physiological response mechanisms of maize under salt stress. Principal component analysis identified six major components including germination vigor, peroxidase (POD), plant height, embryo length, SPAD chlorophyll and proline (PRO) factors. After calculating the comprehensive index (D value) of each variety’s performance in different environments using principal component analysis and the membership function method, a GGE biplot analysis was conducted to identify maize varieties with good salt tolerance stability: Qun Ce 888, You Qi 909, Ping An 1523, Xin Nong 008, Xinyu 66, and Hong Xin 990, as well as varieties with poor salt tolerance: Feng Tian 14, Xi Meng 668, Ji Xing 218, Gan Xin 2818, Hu Xin 712, and Heng Yu 369. Furthermore, it was determined that a 120 mMol/L NaCl concentration was suitable for screening maize varieties during germination and seedling stages. This study further confirmed the reliability of GGE biplot analysis in germplasm selection, expanded the genetic resources of salt-tolerant maize, and provided theoretical references and germplasm utilization for the introduction of maize in saline-alkali areas. These research findings contribute to a better understanding of maize salt tolerance and promote its cultivation in challenging environments.
Clinical value of serum DJ-1 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Lin , Wei Li , Miao Shuxian , Zhang Wei 
Published: January 2024

Objective
DJ-1 is an oncoprotein secreted by cancer cells. However, the physiological and pathological significance of DJ-1 secretion is not clearly understood. This study investigated the clinical value of serum DJ-1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods
The study involved 224 LUAD patients, 110 patients with benign pulmonary disease and 100 healthy controls from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. We detected the expression of DJ-1 in lung cell lines in vitro. Meanwhile, serum concentrations of DJ-1, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1) were measured. The diagnostic performance of LUAD was obtained using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Kaplan–Meier, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for progression-free survival (PFS).

Results
DJ-1 was highly expressed in LUAD cell lines. Serum DJ-1 levels were significantly higher in the LUAD group compared to the benign pulmonary disease group (5.04 vs. 3.66 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and healthy controls (5.04 vs. 3.51 ng/mL, P < 0.001). DJ-1 levels were associated with gender (P = 0.002), smoking history (P = 0.042) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.040). ROC curve analysis of DJ-1 revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.758 (95% CI [0.714–0.803], P < 0.001) with a sensitivity of 63.8% and specificity of 78.6% at a cutoff value of 4.62 ng/mL for the detection of LUAD. Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that the preoperative serum DJ-1 level, tumor stage and smoking history were independent prognostic factors of PFS.

Conclusion
Our study is the first to explore the clinical value of serum DJ-1 in LUAD comprehensively. Serum DJ-1 could be a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for LUAD.
Adherence of Hypertension Patients to a Healthy Diet and Physical Activity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alshahrani Abdullah Nasser , Alhweti Ahmad Abrahem Awadh , Alshehri Badaya Awadh M. , Alqhtani Rayan Abdullah Said , Alzahib Mohammed Hussain , Alamri Ibrahim Abdullah , Alqahtani Fahad Abdullah , Alkahtani Norah Saad Jubran 
Published: January 2024

Background: One of the main pathological risk factors for the emergence of many cardiovascular illnesses is high blood pressure (BP). Exercise and diet play a significant role in modifying blood pressure, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood.
Objectives: To summarize the available data on the extent of compliance of hypertensive patients to diet and exercise.
Methods: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Science Direct were systematically searched for relevant literature. Rayyan QRCI was employed throughout this comprehensive process.
Results and Interpretation: We included fourteen studies with a total of 752 patients, and 215 (28.6%) were males. One of the key elements in managing hypertension is physical activity. Only research revealed a low rate of compliance with dietary requirements. A decrease in the number of fruits and vegetables ingested and increased consumption of fatty and salty foods are examples of this non-compliance. Family support and self-motivation were found to be strongly correlated with diet compliance. Three studies indicated that patients had high levels of adherence to their diet and medicine, particularly those who had a family history of hypertension. Future research should concentrate on exposures that are probably biologically linked to the risk of hypertension and blood pressure changes, even though the quality of the available data is still poor.
Evaluation of the Biological Response to Acetylsalicylic Acid by Platelet Occlusion Time in Pregnant Women in Brazzaville
Authors: Gokaba LT Ocko , Samba JA Elira , Atipo-Tsiba OF Galiba , Buambo GRJ , Ngolet LO , Iwandza RC , Amboulou P Issongo , Mboumba J Nziengui , Bango C , Itoua C , Dokekias A Elira 
Published: January 2024

Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been recommended for pregnant women since 2011 by the OMS to prevent thrombotic phenomena. Despite the variability of its clinical efficacy (resistance phenomena), its non-standardized biological monitoring can be performed using platelet occlusion time (POT). The aim of this study was to assess the response to ASA using POT.
A multicenter, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in the obstetrics and gynaecology departments of six Brazzaville hospitals over a period of 09 months and included pregnant women on ASA 100 mg daily for at least 7 days. POT was measured using the INNOVANCE® PFA®-200 system. The variables studied were clinical (age, medical and obstetrical history) and biological (blood count, POT). Non-response to ASA was defined by a POT of 150 seconds or less. Data analysis was performed using STATA 12 software. Logistic regression was used to assess the determinants associated with non-response. The incidence of obstetric complications according to ASA resistance was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-Rank test. The significance threshold was p<0.005.
The study involved 39 pregnant women, mean age 33.9 ± 5.4 years, treated with ASA for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy n=19 (48.7%), chronic arterial hypertension n=7 (18%), diabetes n=3(7.7%) fetal death n=3(7.7%), unexplained miscarriage n=3(7.7%), advanced age n=2 (5.1%) and twin pregnancy n=2(5.1%). The median body index was 25.5 kg/m2 [23.7;29.4] with 35.9% women of normal weight, 48.7% overweight and 15.4% obese. Non-response to ASA was found in 12 pregnant women (30.7%). No statistically significant differences were observed between non-responders and responders with regard to epidemiological, clinical and haematological determinants (p>0.05). Non-response was more observed in women with complications 23.08% versus 7.7% (p=0,008).
Non-response to ASA, present in a third of hypertensive pregnant women, is associated with the occurrence of obstetrical complications in Brazzaville.
Host-specific Wolbachia strains in widespread populations of Phlebotomus perniciosus and P. papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae), and prospects for driving genes into these vectors of Leishmania
Authors: Benlarbi M. , Ready P.D. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractA single strain of Wolbachia (α-proteobacteria, Rickettsiales) was found in widespread geographical populations of each of two Phlebotomus species, within which there was no indication of ‘infectious speciation’. The two strains were identified by sequencing a fragment of wsp (a major surface protein gene), amplified by polymerase chain reaction from DNA extracted from the body parts of individual sandflies. Infection rates were high in the males and females of both sandflies, but they were lower for the B-group wPrn strain of Wolbachia in Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead (60.3% overall) than for the A-group wPap strain in P. papatasi (Scopoli) (81.7%). Infections were frequent in the thorax, where Leishmania develops infective forms, as well as in the abdomen, where Wolbachia must infect the reproductive tissues to ensure its vertical transmission. These findings were related to knowledge of the population biology of Wolbachia in other insects, leading to the conclusion that this endosymbiont could be useful for driving transgenes through wild populations of both sandflies. This will require characterizing the cytoplasmic incompatibility phenotypes of Wolbachia–sandfly combinations, as well as estimating for them the incidence of paternal transmission and the fidelity of maternal transmission. Paternal transmission is one explanation for finding a single Wolbachia strain associated with all mitochondrial haplotypes and lineages of each sandfly species. However, this distribution pattern could also result from multiple horizontal transmissions or the failure of wsp to provide strain markers.
Resource use of insect seed predators during general flowering and seeding events in a Bornean dipterocarp rain forest
Authors: Nakagawa M. , Itioka T. , Momose K. , Yumoto T. , Komai F. , Morimoto K. , Jordal B.H. , Kato M. , Kaliang H. , Hamid A.A. , Inoue T. , Nakashizuka T. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractInsect seed predators of 24 dipterocarp species (including the genera of Dipterocarpus, Dryobalanops and Shorea) and five species belonging to the Moraceae, Myrtaceae, Celastraceae and Sapotaceae were investigated. In a tropical lowland dipterocarp forest in Sarawak, Malaysia, these trees produced seeds irregularly but intensely during general flowering and seeding events in 1996 and/or 1998. Dipterocarp seeds were preyed on by 51 insect species (11 families), which were roughly classified into three taxonomic groups: smaller moths (Tortricidae, Pyralidae, Crambidae, Immidae, Sesiidae and Cosmopterigidae), scolytids (Scolytidae) and weevils (Curculionidae, Apionidae, Anthribidae, and Attelabidae). Although the host-specificity of invertebrate seed predators has been assumed to be high in tropical forests, it was found that the diet ranges of some insect predators were relatively wide and overlapped one another. Most seed predators that were collected in both study years changed their diets between general flowering and seeding events. The results of cluster analyses, based on the number of adults of each predator species that emerged from 100 seeds of each tree species, suggested that the dominant species was not consistent, alternating between the two years.
Genetic variation of Marchalina hellenica (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) sampled from different hosts and localities in Greece
Authors: Margaritopoulos J.T. , Bacandritsos N. , Pekas A.N. , Stamatis C. , Mamuris Z. , Tsitsipis J.A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractRandom amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was applied to 120 individuals of Marchalina hellenica (Gennadius) representing six populations collected in northern, central and southern mainland Greece. One population was sampled on one species of fir tree and the others on two species of pine trees. Four random decamer primers were used to evaluate genetic variation among the populations examined. The results revealed intra- and interpopulation polymorphism both related to host type and region of origin. Phylogenetic analysis based on genetic distances estimated by the RAPD frequencies revealed an important genetic differentiation in samples collected on fir trees in southern Greece and to a lesser extent in samples from pine trees in central and northern Greece. Furthermore, considerable subdivision and restricted gene flow among the populations examined were observed. The results are discussed in relation to the biology and geographical distribution of M. hellenica in Greece.
‘Zero tolerance’ and drug education in Australian schools
Authors: MUNRO GEOFFREY , MIDFORD RICHARD 
Published: November 2003

AbstractFor a decade in Australia, drug education in schools has been shaped by the approach of harm minimization adopted by state and national governments alike. Harm minimization has been accepted broadly by drug educators, and has encouraged schools to deepen their commitment to drug education, allowed them to communicate honestly with students, and to respond to instances of drug use in a less confrontational and more caring manner. Despite those advances, the notion of ‘zero tolerance’ within schools has been promoted recently by protagonists in the formulation of drug policy and it is mentioned in the recently published national school drug education policy. This article suggests that the adoption of a zero tolerance policy will end the consensus among drug educators, reduce the efficacy of drug education, lead to more punitive treatment of youthful drug experimenters, while doing nothing to reduce drug use. It concludes the existing policy of harm minimization offers schools more scope to address drug issues in a constructive manner than does zero tolerance, which in practice may inflate the harmful effects on young people of drug use.
Implementation of the ‘Fresh Start’ smoking cessation programme to 23 antenatal clinics: a randomized controlled trial investigating two methods of dissemination
Authors: COOKE MARGARET , MATTICK RICHARD P. , WALSH RAOUL A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe aim of the research was to investigate the effect of two methods of dissemination on the implementation of a smoking cessation programme and use of smoking cessation interventions in antenatal clinics. A repeated‐measures randomized design was used. Hospital antenatal clinics (n = 23) were randomized to simple or intensive dissemination groups. All clinics in NSW with > 500 births were asked to participate. A survey of all clinical staff (n = 323) in 23 antenatal clinics was carried out prior to programme dissemination and 18 months after dissemination (n = 283). The response rate was 63% at baseline and 64% at follow‐up. Smoking cessation intervention significantly increased after dissemination. (F (18,1) = 49.26, p < 0.001). The average number of smoking cessation interventions provided by clinics after programme dissemination increased from 4.5 to 7. 48 (mean difference 2.98, t(19) 7.08, n < 0.001, 95% CI (2.1–3.86). Type of dissemination did not influence the number of programme components used or the number of smoking cessation interventions offered. Also, the estimated proportion of clients offered intervention by clinicians did not vary due to type of dissemination. A simple mail‐out of a smoking cessation programme to antenatal clinics for use during pregnancy can increase clinician intervention for smoking. When more intensive methods of dissemination are used, the quality of the interventions implemented by clinicians improves. More research on dissemination methods are required as both methods of dissemination did not produce systematic or sustained use of the programme.
The validity of an Australian modification of the AUDIT questionnaire
Authors: DEGENHARDT LOUISA J. , CONIGRAVE KATHERINE M. , WUTZKE SONIA E. , SAUNDERS JOHN B. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) has been used widely and is reported to be superior to conventional questionnaires in detection of current hazardous and harmful alcohol use. We assessed the validity of an Australian modification of the AUDIT (the AusAUDIT), which has been employed widely in Australian and New Zealand early intervention programmes. We used a cross‐sectional study of 370 subjects from the follow‐up phase of a randomized controlled trial of early intervention to reduce hazardous alcohol consumption. Scores on the AusAUDIT were compared against 12‐month ICD‐10 diagnoses of harmful alcohol use and dependence, as determined by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and against self‐report of alcohol consumption exceeding Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) recommended limits. AusAUDIT had good internal consistency and discriminated significantly between persons meeting criteria for ICD‐10 alcohol use disorders, and drinkers who did not. At currently recommended cut‐off scores, AusAUDIT detected more than 85% of people meeting criteria for ICD‐10 alcohol use disorders, or drinking over NH&MRC recommended limits, but its specificity was limited (29% in men, and 58% in women for drinking over NH&MRC limits). No subset of questions performed as well as the full AusAUDIT in detection of drinking problems, but the alcohol consumption items provided a reasonable screen for drinking over NH&MRC limits. We conclude that AusAUDIT is effective in detecting problematic drinking, but positive cases should be confirmed by clinical assessment. The findings illustrate the need for validation of questionnaire modifications, and the difficulty in increasing test sensitivity without reducing specificity.