bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the Hidden Links: A Mendelian Randomization Study on the Causal Relationship between Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and the Development of Myopia and Astigmatism
Authors: Wei Diyao , Wang Huanyan , Huang Ling , Hou Minghui , Liang Hong-Gang , Shi Xiang , Wei Xianghui , Li Jingrong , Gan Liuzhu , Lv Bi , Deng Jiabi , Qing Lulu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background：
The influence of environmental factors like smoking and alcohol on myopia and astigmatism is controversial. However, due to ethical concerns, alternative study designs are urgently needed to assess causal inference, as mandatory exposure to cigarettes and alcohol is unethical.
Methods：
Following comprehensive screenings, 326 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to myopia and astigmatism were included in the dataset. To validate the causal association between exposures such as cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and coffee intake, and outcomes namely astigmatism and myopia, five regression models were employed. These models encompassed MR-Egger regression, random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median estimator (WME), weighted model, and simple model. The instrumental variables utilized in these analyses were the aforementioned SNPs. Apply Cochran's Q test to determine heterogeneity of SNPs; if heterogeneity exists, focus on IVW model results.
Results：
The IVW model showed a 1.379-fold increase in the risk of astigmatism (OR= 1.379, 95%CI: 0.822~2.313, P=0.224) and a 0.963-fold increase in the risk of myopia (OR= 0.963, 95%CI:0.666~1.393, P=0.841) for each unit increase in smoking. For each unit increase in coffee intake, the risk of astigmatism increased 1.610-fold (OR= 1.610, 95%CI:0.444~5.835, P=0.469) and the risk of myopia increased 0.788-fold (OR= 0.788, 95%CI:0.340~1.824, P=0.578). For each additional unit of alcohol consumption, the risk of astigmatism increased by 0.763-fold (OR= 0.763, 95%CI:0.380~1.530, P=0.446), and none of the differences were statistically significant. However, for each unit of alcohol consumption, the risk of myopia increased by 1.597 times, and the difference was statistically significant (OR= 1.597, 95%CI:1.023~2.493, P=0.039).
Conclusions:
The findings indicate that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for myopia, but smoking and coffee intake do not affect its development. Additionally,there is no association between smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee intake, and the risk of astigmatism.
Structural racism and violence: Routine healthcare access in a cohort of marginalized Indigenous women and Two-Spirit Peoples during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Perry Chelsey , Goldenberg Shira , Deering Kathleen , Patrick Lyana , Braschel Melissa , Shannon Kate , Bingham Brittany 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Historical and ongoing colonial violence, racism, discrimination, criminalization, and intergenerational trauma continues to impact the health of Indigenous women (cisgender and transgender) and Two-Spirit Peoples. Previous and ongoing work clearly articulate the deeply harmful roles of colonialism and racism in continuing to systemically exclude Indigenous Peoples from accessing equitable and culturally safe healthcare. While the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified structural inequities, little attention has been paid to how the pandemic impacts healthcare access for Indigenous women and Two-Spirit Peoples living in urban settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with experiencing difficulty accessing routine healthcare in a cohort of marginalized urban Indigenous women and Two-Spirit Peoples on the ancestral, occupied territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in what is now referred to as Metro Vancouver, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Data were drawn from AMPLIFY, a study of Indigenous cis and trans women and Two-Spirit Peoples in Metro Vancouver. Analyses drew on baseline and semi-annual questionnaire data collected with sex workers and women living with HIV from October 2020–August 2021. We used bivariate and multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE) to model correlates of experiencing difficulty accessing a family doctor, nurse, or clinic for routine healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic in the last 6-months.
Results
Amongst 142 marginalized Indigenous women and Two-Spirit Peoples (199 observations), 27.5% reported difficulty accessing routine healthcare. In multivariable GEE logistic regression, participants who had ever been pregnant (AOR:4.71, 95% CI:1.33–16.66) experienced negative changes in psychological and emotional well-being (AOR: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.33–11.98), lacked access to culturally safe health services (AOR:4.67, 95% CI:1.43–15.25), and had concerns regarding safety or violence in their community (AOR:2.72, 95% CI:1.06–6.94) had higher odds of experiencing recent difficulty accessing routine healthcare.
Discussion
Findings are in line with the BC Commissioned In Plain Sight report which recommends the need for accessible, culturally safe, anti-racist, and trauma-informed routine healthcare for marginalized Indigenous cisgender and transgender women and Two-Spirit Peoples during the current and future pandemics. More community-based research is needed to understand access needs for culturally safe routine healthcare amongst marginalized Indigenous cisgender and transgender women and Two-Spirit Peoples.
Causal Relationships between Common Autoimmune Disease and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Study of Univariable and Multivariable Mendelian Randomization.
Authors: Tan Xin , Chen Shirong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Whether Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is questionable and has been reported in observational studies, but the quality of the evidence is low and inconclusive. Our study intends to assess the causal association between common AIDs and CTS through univariable and multivariable mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods
we mainly utilized univariable MR analysis through IVW. Weighted median, MR-Egger analysis to assess the association of AIDs and CTS. Then, we extended the limits of univariable MR analysis through multivariable mendelian randomization in IVW, Egger method, Lasso and median method. The mediating effect was calculated by mediating MR. Finally, the MR-PRESSO, Cochran's Q test and F-values are calculated to assess the levels of pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and intensity of selected IVs and exposures through mediated MR.
Results
Univariable MR results showed a positive correlation from RA, GD, T1D to ILD with an increased relative risk. While, adjusting by other two AIDs through multivariable mendelian randomization, only T1D is robustly correlated with CTS. T1D can also produce effects on CTS through RA, GD as mediators. Furthermore, the outcome of MR-Egger intercept did not provide evidence of horizontal pleiotropy. The F-value results were all greater than 10, indicating that the selected IV and exposure intensities were appropriate.
Conclusion
Based on the results of univariable mendelian randomization analysis, the study found genetic evidence supporting a positive causal relationship from RA, T1D, GD to CTS, but only T1D maintained consistent results after multivariable MR analysis. In addition, 24.3% and 25.1% of the effects of T1D on CTS were mediated by RA and GD, respectively. Therefore, appropriate intervention of T1D can reduce the incidence of CTS. Treatment of T1D should be considered a primary preventive measure for CTS.
Low-density neutrophils and myeloid-derived suppressor cell subsets as immune indicators of early diagnosis and prognosis in patients with sepsis
Authors: Cui Juanjuan , Cai Wen , Lin Jing , Zhang Li , Miao Youhan , Xu Ying , Zhao Weifeng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Immunosuppression is a leading cause of septic death. Therefore, it is necessary to search for biomarkers that can evaluate the immune status of patients with sepsis. We assessed the diagnostic and prognostic value of low-density neutrophils (LDNs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) subsets in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with sepsis.
Methods: LDNs and MDSCs subsets were compared among 52 inpatients with sepsis, 33 inpatients with infection, and 32 healthy controls to investigate their potential as immune indicators of sepsis. The percentages of LDNs, monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs), and polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs) in PBMCs were analyzed. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were measured concurrently.
Results: The percentages of LDNs and MDSCs subsets were significantly increased in the healthy controls, infection, and sepsis groups. MDSCs performed similarly to CRP and PCT in the diagnosis of infection or sepsis. LDNs and MDSCs subsets significantly correlated with PCT and CRP levels and showed an upward trend with the number of dysfunctional organs and SOFA score. Non-survivors had elevated M-MDSCs compared with that of patients who survived sepsis within 28 days after enrollment.
Conclusions: LDNs and MDSCs subsets were promising diagnostic biomarkers in infection and sepsis, even in distinguishing sepsis from infection. M-MDSCs are potential prognostic biomarkers of sepsis and can be used to predict 28-day hospital mortality in patients with sepsis.
SrCaAl mixed oxides derived from LDH as a novel and efficient base catalyst for Knoevenagel condensation: multivariate optimization study
Authors: Nazari Zahra , Mahdavi Vahid 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The Knoevenagel condensation reaction is one of the most important reactions in industry for the synthesis of organic materials, medicinal, and biological compounds. In this work, we have proposed an original and efficient solid-based catalytic system for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction. For the first time, a mixed oxide catalyst derived from HT-like Sr0.5Ca2.5Al was synthesized and calcined at 850 ºC, and characterized by various techniques. This catalyst was also compared with the usual Ca3Al sample in terms of structural characteristics and catalytic activity. The nanocatalyst acted as a solid base in the Knoevenagel reaction, facilitating the reaction between three active methylene compounds and benzaldehyde. The findings revealed that the Sr0.5Ca2.5Al sample is highly active in this reaction compared to the Ca3Al sample due to its strongly basic sites. The effects of reaction time, amount of catalyst, and reaction temperature on benzaldehyde conversion (%) and product selectivity (%) were assessed in this study using the Box-Benken design.The appropriateness of the quadratic regression model was evaluated through ANOVA method. The experimental results demonstrate the validity and appropriateness of the model. In addition, under optimal conditions, the conversion percentage of benzaldehyde and product selectivity reached 97% and 84% respectively.
Complete Resolution of Quadriparesis Following Fixation Surgery of Cervical Spine Pott's Disease: A Case Report.
Authors: Zahid Shafi Ullah , Khan Ahmad , Aminpoor Hasibullah , Jaweed Mohammad 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Tuberculous spondylitis, also known as Pott’s disease, is due to infection of spine by mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) leading to vertebral body and inter-vertebral disc destruction. It is the most common form of musculoskeletal tuberculosis less frequently affecting the cervical spine however, the thoracolumbar spine is the commonest among the younger population. The onset of this condition is insidious, and its clinical presentation is non-specific. However, Pott’s disease may be complicated by neurologic deficits including paraplegia or even quadriplegia, with huge health, economic and psychological burden. We are reporting a case of Pott’s disease involving the cervical spine (C5/C6) in a 50-year-old man who presented with unusually quadriparesis and severe neck tenderness on touch. Early decompression surgery and fixation, thus limiting its complications which achieved complete resolution of symptoms following a 12-month course of anti-tuberculosis medication.
Comparative selective conversion of biomass-derived mono- and poly- saccharides into lactic acid with lanthanide Lewis acid catalysts
Authors: Bermejo-López Alejandro , Illera Alba E. , Melgosa Rodrigo , Beltrán Sagrario , Sanz M. Teresa 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Lanthanides were tested (Ce3+, Er3+, Yb3+) as catalysts to produce lactic acid (LA) from the monosaccharides present in corn stover (glucose, xylose and arabinose) resulting in ytterbium being the most active. A MW-heated system led to similar LA yield as a conventionally-heated pressurized system. The maximum value of LA yield was 40% at 240°C after 20 min of isothermal treatment regardless the starting monosaccharides, which allowed to propose a similar LA production route based on the products profile determined along time for the three monosaccharides. Temperature and time determined the product profile, observing furfural degradation at severity factors higher than 3.5, while values higher than 5.5 were needed to observe LA degradation. By increasing temperature, catalyst solubility decreased, increasing its presence in the solid residue after treatment. Xylan conversion to LA was similar as for xylose, but lower yield was obtained from microcrystalline cellulose. Corn stover presented more amorphous regions leading to higher hydrolysis yields of its cellulose fraction.
Soft and bone tissue responses in a single posterior implant site: a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing customized and regular emergence profiles
Authors: Cai Xiaoxiao , Zhou Mi , Zeng Huimin , Ge Yichen , Zhang Tianxu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The emergence profile (EP) of an implant restoration plays an essential role in stabilizing peri-implant tissues. However, to date, relatively few studies have focused on EP, particularly in the posterior regions. This prospective randomized controlled study observed and compared changes in peri-implant tissues between customized and traditional EPs. After re-open surgeries, 40 patients who accepted implant placement in molar sites with supracrestal mucosal thickness ≥ 3 mm were randomly assigned the test or regular group. Clinical data were collected 1 week after reopening surgery (T0), before and after computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing abutment placement (T1a and T1b), before and after definitive restoration placement (T2a and T2b), and 6 months after loading (T3). Radiographic data were recorded at T2b and T3. Changes in gingival width and papilla height in the test group were greater than those in the regular group from T2b to T0. The papilla height, papilla proportion, papilla index score, and black triangles were significantly ameliorated in the test group at T2b. Changes in papilla height, plaque index, patient satisfaction, and food impaction at T3 significantly improved in the test group. However, there were no significant differences in marginal bone loss between the two groups at T3. In summary, customized EP effectively increased the papilla height and decreased the risk of black triangles and peri-implantitis; thus, it is a potential alternative option for prosthodontists.
Oculocutaneous albinism type 7: Overlap and differences with other types of non-syndromic albinism
Authors: Kruijt CC , de Wit GC , Minderhout H. M. van , Schalij-Delfos NE , Genderen MM van 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose: To expand on the phenotype of oculocutaneous albinism type 7 (OCA7).
Patients and Methods: We describe three patients with OCA7: two from a consanguineous family of Kurdish origin and one patient of Dutch origin. We compare them with all patients described to date in the literature.
Results: All newly described patients had severely reduced visual acuity (VA), nystagmus, hypopigmentation of the fundus, severe foveal hypoplasia, and chiasmal misrouting. None had iris translucency. All patients had normal pigmentation of skin and hair. We found one novel mutation in the Dutch patient: c.565G>A; p.(Gly189Ser).
We compared our patients to the 15 described in the literature to date. All 18 patients had substantially pigmented skin and hair, very poor VA (0.4-1.3 logMAR), nystagmus, (mild) ocular hypopigmentation, foveal hypoplasia, and misrouting.
Discussion: Although pigmentation levels are mildly affected in OCA7, patients have a severe ocular phenotype with VA at the poorer end of the albinism spectrum, severe foveal hypoplasia, and chiasmal misrouting. OCA7 patients have a phenotype restricted to the eyes, and similar to that of X-linked ocular albinism. We therefore propose to rename the disorder in ocular albinism type 2. Unfolding the role of LRMDA in OCA7, may bring us a step closer in identifying the responsible factors for the co-occurrence of foveal hypoplasia and misrouting.
Seismic Fragility Assessment of Seismically Isolated Buildings subjected to Residual Displacements
Authors: ŞEN Furkan , ALTUNIŞIK Ahmet Can , SUNCA Fezayil 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This study addresses the effects of different initial residual displacements of isolators on the seismic vulnerability of isolated reinforced concrete (RC) buildings with Lead Rubber Bearing (LRB). Based on the ground motion intensity measure chosen as peak ground acceleration (PGA), fragility functions were derived using a lognormal cumulative distribution function. The maximum likelihood method was used to determine the statistical parameters which are the median and logarithmic standard deviation of fragility function. Four damage states including slight, moderate, extensive, and collapse associated with maximum isolator displacement were considered for fragility analysis. To investigate the effect of the initial residual displacements of isolators and their direction on seismic responses, six different permanent displacement values were taken into account as initial conditions of the nonlinear analyses. Analyses were performed by using a ground motion set applied to the orthogonal and vertical directions of the selected RC building. The results show that structures with initial residual displacements are more vulnerable compared to those without. However, the effect of the direction of residual displacement on structural behavior is negligible. The variability of the probability of exceedance in the slight damage state is considerably higher across different magnitudes of residual displacement. This variability decreases as the damage state becomes more severe.
Multichannel mapping of in vivo rat uterine myometrium exhibits both high and low frequency electrical activity in non-pregnancy
Authors: Garrett Amy Susan , Roesler Mathias William , Athavale Omkar Nitin , Du Peng , Means Shawn Adrian , Clark Alys Rachel , Cheng Leo Koon-Wah 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The uterus exhibits intermittent electrophysiological activity in vivo. Although most active during labor, the non-pregnant uterus can exhibit activity of comparable magnitude to the early stages of labor. In this study, two types of flexible electrodes were utilized to measure the electrical activity of uterine smooth muscle in vivo in anesthetized, non-pregnant rats. Flexible printed circuit electrodes were placed on the serosal surface of the uterine horn of six anesthetized rats. Electrical activity was recorded for a duration of 20–30 minutes. Activity contained two components: high frequency activity (bursts) and an underlying low frequency ‘slow wave’ which occurred concurrently. These components had dominant frequencies of 6.82 ± 0.63 Hz for the burst frequency and 0.037 ± 0.014 Hz for the slow wave frequency. There was a mean burst occurrence rate of 0.76 ± 0.23 bursts per minute and mean burst duration of 20.1 ± 6.5 s. The use of multiple high-resolution electrodes enabled 2D mapping of the initiation and propagation of activity along the uterine horn. This in vivo approach has the potential to provide the organ level detail to help interpret non-invasive body surface recordings.
A Semi-Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment of Büyükçekmece Using Ground Motion Simulations
Authors: Süleyman Hakan , Çaktı Eser 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive seismic hazard assessment for Büyükçekmece, a district in Istanbul, Turkey, situated near the seismically active North Anatolian Fault (NAF). Utilizing stochastic ground motion simulations with the validated EXSIM algorithm, the study focuses on understanding the potential impact of medium to large magnitude earthquakes (ranging from 6.3 to 7.42) on this vulnerable community. The research employs a site-specific approach, considering unique amplification factors for each location, enhancing the accuracy of ground motion modeling. By conducting 50 scenario-based simulations, the study assesses the seismic hazard, highlighting the importance of comprehending variations in ground motion, even when they are small, for a more precise hazard assessment. Furthermore, this study addresses the critical issue of uncertainty, particularly concerning stress parameters and hypocenter locations. The researchers demonstrate that variability in these factors can introduce substantial uncertainty in ground motion predictions. Through probabilistic assessments involving multiple scenarios and stress drop values, the study provides insights into the range of potential ground motion outcomes. Notably, the results indicate that ground motion levels vary with earthquake magnitudes and underscore the significance of accounting for this variability. This research emphasizes the seismic vulnerability of Büyükçekmece and the importance of accurate ground motion simulations, offering valuable insights for earthquake preparedness and mitigation efforts in the region.
Grain size-dependent pollution levels in clastic sedimentary rocks, the example of the Eocene aged sequence (NE Türkiye)
Authors: Eker Çiğdem Saydam 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This study describes the role of grain size in controlling the pollution levels in clastic sedimentary rocks, by presenting results from the Eocene sequence in NE Türkiye. The mean concentrations of the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) declined in order of Ni(179) > Zn(89.6) > Cu (62.5 ) > Cr(24.6) > As(15.9 ) > Pb(13.8) > Cd(0.21) > Hg(0.11) in the shale/marl and Ni(113) > Zn(48.2) > Cu(22.3) > Cr(21.7) > As(10.8) > Pb (7.4) > Hg(0.09) > Cd (< 0.1) the in sandstone. Among the PTEs, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Hg in the shale/marls, and Ni, As, and Hg in the sandstones were enriched to the upper continental crust. Based on the values of the enrichment factor shales/marls were “minor enrichment” – “very severe enrichment” with As and “moderate enrichment” – “moderately severe enrichment” with Ni, and the sandstones were “moderate enrichment” – “very severe enrichment” with As and “moderate enrichment – “moderately severe enrichment” with Ni, respectively. The potential ecological risk index indicated that the PTEs in the shale/marl samples have a moderate to considerable potential ecological risk and the sandstone samples pose a low to moderate potential ecological risk. In a shale sample, the hazard quotienting, and hazard index values of the As were found to be greater than 1 for children. The carcinogenic risk indexing values of the As in the samples are higher than the acceptable level of risk for children. The multivariate statistical analysis summarized that PTEs accumulation in the Eocene sedimentary sequence was related to anthropogenic, hydrothermal fluid, and lithological influence.