bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of polycystic ovary syndrome: A matched case–control study
Authors: Kaur Ishwarpreet , Kishore Kamal , Suri Vanita , Sahni Nancy , Rana Satya Vati , Singh Amarjeet 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder of women of reproductive age with a multifactorial aetiology. Despite much research, there is still inconclusive data on the impact of dietary, lifestyle and socio‐economic factors on PCOS aetiology. Thus, the present study explored the association of PCOS with diet, eating behaviour, other lifestyle and socio‐economic factors.MethodsA matched‐pair case–control study was conducted on 150 women with PCOS and 150 healthy controls. Information on diet, eating behaviour and physical activity, and also anthropometric and socio‐economic data were collected through standard questionnaires. The adjusted odds ratios (AmOR) were calculated and reported using conditional multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe results showed low education level (AmOR = 8.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.63–43.68), high sugar consumption (AmOR = 11.61; 95% CI = 2.05–65.72) along with higher body mass index (BMI) and inactivity to be significantly associated with PCOS. Also, a significant protective effect was found for cognitive dietary restraint (AmOR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.66–0.93), crude fibre (AmOR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.45–0.82) and protein intake.ConclusionsLow education status may contribute to higher receptiveness to choosing unhealthy diets and lifestyles, resulting in adiposity and an increased risk of PCOS.
Insights into alternative cryoprotectants to freeze sperm of domestic cats
Authors: Martins Maria Isabel Mello , Silva Vinícius Wagner , Hidalgo Myrian Megumy Tsunokawa , Fontbonne Alain 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGlobalization and habitat destruction pose a significant threat to wildlife felids. Even though conservation banks for genetic materials have been created, the sperm cryopreservation with minimal cell damage is still a great challenge. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effects of two commercial extenders with different concentrations of alternative cryoprotectants on thawed sperm quality of domestic cats. Five adult cats were anaesthetized (using a combination of 40 μg/kg medetomidine associated to 5 mg/kg ketamine), and the semen was collected by electroejaculation (electrical stimulation of 2–3 V). Semen samples were evaluated for sperm characteristics (kinetics, morphology, membrane integrity and morphometry). Subsequently, they were sorted into two aliquots and centrifuged. The aliquots were added to a commercial extender containing 3% glycerol and 2% methylformamide (extender I) or 2% glycerol and 3% methylformamide (extender II), frozen, thawed (37°C/30 s) and reevaluated. Comparatively, the sperm kinetics and membrane integrity of fresh semen were higher (p < .002) than frozen samples in extender I and II. Total and progressive motility were lowest in the thawed samples. However, the subjective analysis indicated high sperm motility, since the kinetics evaluation was impaired by the low cell number in the thawed samples. There were no differences in sperm morphology between the groups. In the sperm morphometric analysis, a significant difference (p = .04) was identified in the length of the intermediate piece in extender II samples compared with fresh and extender I. Thus, it can be concluded that although the concentrations tested did not maintain the kinetic parameters and membrane integrity of spermatozoa after thawing, the extender with a lower concentration of glycerol was less toxic for maintaining the midpiece length.
Comparison of Concurrent and Asynchronous Running Kinematics and Kinetics From Marker-Based and Markerless Motion Capture Under Varying Clothing Conditions
Authors: Kanko Robert M. , Outerleys Jereme B. , Laende Elise K. , Selbie W. Scott , Deluzio Kevin J. 
Published: January 2024

As markerless motion capture is increasingly used to measure 3-dimensional human pose, it is important to understand how markerless results can be interpreted alongside historical marker-based data and how they are impacted by clothing. We compared concurrent running kinematics and kinetics between marker-based and markerless motion capture, and between 2 markerless clothing conditions. Thirty adults ran on an instrumented treadmill wearing motion capture clothing while concurrent marker-based and markerless data were recorded, and ran a second time wearing athletic clothing (shorts and t-shirt) while markerless data were recorded. Differences calculated between the concurrent signals from both systems, and also between each participant’s mean signals from both asynchronous clothing conditions were summarized across all participants using root mean square differences. Most kinematic and kinetic signals were visually consistent between systems and markerless clothing conditions. Between systems, joint center positions differed by 3 cm or less, sagittal plane joint angles differed by 5° or less, and frontal and transverse plane angles differed by 5° to 10°. Joint moments differed by 0.3 N·m/kg or less between systems. Differences were sensitive to segment coordinate system definitions, highlighting the effects of these definitions when comparing against historical data or other motion capture modalities.
Temporal σ
B
stress-response profiles impact
Bacillus subtilis
fitness
Authors: Bush Sidney R. , Sanders Shelby , Frey Nicholas , Hamm Christopher W. , Toews Madeline , Winburn Sarah , Fayard Emily J. , Rodriguez AnaLisa , Boyne Nicholas S. , Osborne Jacob S. , Cabeen Matthew T. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

The Gram-positive model organism
Bacillus subtilis
responds to environmental stressors by activating the alternative sigma factor σ
B
. The sensing apparatus upstream of σ
B
activation is thought to consist of cytoplasmic stressosomes—megadalton-sized protein complexes that include five paralogous proteins known as RsbRs. The RsbRs are presumed to be involved in stress sensing and the subsequent response. Perturbations to the RsbR complement in stressosomes by engineering cells that produce only one of the RsbR paralogs (“single-RsbR strains”) lead to altered σ
B
response dynamics with respect to timing and magnitude. Here, we asked whether such changes to σ
B
response dynamics impact the relative fitness of a strain. We competed strain pairs with different RsbR complements under ethanol and sodium chloride stress and found not only differences in relative fitness among wild-type and single-RsbR strains but also different relative fitness values in the two different stressors. We found that the presence of RsbRA, which dominates the wild-type σ
B
response, enhances fitness in ethanol but is detrimental to fitness in NaCl. Meanwhile, RsbRD-only cells were among the most fit in NaCl. Strains producing hybrid RsbR fusion proteins displayed different fitness values that depended on the RsbR proteins from which they were derived. Our results here suggest that σ
B
response dynamics can impact fitness, highlighting the physiological importance of the unusual stressosome-based general stress response system of
B. subtilis
.

IMPORTANCE

The model bacterium
Bacillus subtilis
uses cytoplasmic multiprotein complexes, termed stressosomes, to activate the alternative sigma factor σ
B
when facing environmental stresses. We have previously shown that genetically manipulating the complement of putative sensor proteins in stressosomes can alter the dynamics of the σ
B
response in terms of its magnitude and timing. However, it is unknown whether these response dynamics impact the fitness of cells challenged by environmental stressors. Here, we examine the fitness of strains with different σ
B
responses by competing strain pairs in exponential-phase co-cultures under environmental stress. We find that strains with different response dynamics show different competitive indices that differ by stressor. These results suggest that the dynamics of the σ
B
response can affect the fitness of cells facing environmental stress, highlighting the relevance of different σ
B
dynamics.
Early impairment of magnocellular visual pathways mediated by isolated-check visual evoked potentials in primary open-angle glaucoma: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ye Qiaona , Xu Kezheng , Chen Zidong , Liu Zitian , Fan Yanmei , Liu Pingping , Yu Minbin , Yang Yangfan 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo explore different performances in the magnocellular (MC) and parvocellular (PC) visual pathways in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and to objectively assess impairment in early stage of POAG.Methods and analysisThis is a cross-sectional study. MC and PC visual pathways were assessed using isolated-check visual evoked potential (ic-VEP). Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus examination, optical coherence tomography and visual field were measured. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), mediated by ic-VEP were recorded. The Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to estimate the relationships between visual functions and structures. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves were used to estimate the accuracy in detection of early POAG.Results60 participants (30 early POAG eyes and 30 age-matched control subjects) were recruited. MC visual pathway showed a non-linear response function, while PC visual pathway was a linear response function as contrast increased. Early POAG eyes exhibited significantly weaker initial contrast gains and lower maximum responses in the MC visual pathway (p=0.001, p=0.004, respectively). The SNRs at 8% and 32% depths of modulation (DOM) were significantly correlated with temporal-side retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in early POAG in MC-biased stimulation (p=0.017, p=0.020, respectively). The areas under ROC of 16% DOM were 0.780 (sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 63.3%) with the cut-off SNR of 2.07.ConclusionsThe MC visual pathway was damaged in the early stage of POAG. The SNRs at 8% and 32% DOM of MC-biased stimulation were significantly correlated with temporal-side RNFL thickness in early POAG, which helped in understanding the mechanisms of visual impairment in the early stage of POAG.
Evaluating the impact of local alcohol licensing decisions on outcomes for the community: a systematic review
Authors: Blank Lindsay , Hock Emma , Clowes Mark , Rogerson Marie , Goyder Elizabeth 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundInternational evidence reviews suggest that reducing the availability of alcohol positively impacts both levels of alcohol consumption and associated harms. To understand the impact of recent changes to alcohol licensing and public health in the UK, this review aimed to identify and synthesise quantitative research evidence on the impact of local alcohol licensing decisions on the health and well-being of the community.MethodsWe searched peer-reviewed articles and grey literature for UK studies. We extracted and tabulated key data from the included papers and appraised study quality. We included topic expert and public consultation to confirm the scope of the evidence synthesis and suggest evidence for inclusion. We synthesised narratively and made recommendations based on our findings.ResultsWe identified a small volume (seven papers) of evidence regarding the health (and related) impacts of local alcohol licensing decision undertaken in the UK local authorities. The evidence we identified did not demonstrate a consistent or sustained association between local interventions and health or crime outcomes downstream. This was despite relatively sophisticated study designs using a range of available data sources and some longer-term analysis.ConclusionGiven that the impacts of local licensing decisions are currently limited, greater regulatory powers are needed if local licensing interventions are to be an effective public health interventions to reduce alcohol-related harms.
On the four-quark operator matrix elements for the lifetime of $$\Lambda _{b}$$
Authors: Zhao Zhen-Xing , Sun Xiao-Yu , Zhang Fu-Wei , Xing Zhi-Peng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHeavy quark expansion can nicely explain the lifetime of $$\Lambda _{b}$$

Λ
b

. However, there still exist sizable uncertainties from the four-quark operator matrix elements of $$\Lambda _{b}$$

Λ
b

in $$1/m_{b}^{3}$$

1
/

m

b

3

corrections, which describe the spectator effects. In this work, these four-quark operator matrix elements are investigated using full QCD sum rules for the first time. At the QCD level, contributions from up to dimension-6 four-quark operators are considered. Our method for calculating high-dimensional operator matrix elements holds promise for use in resolving the $$\Omega _{c}$$

Ω
c

lifetime puzzle.
Quantum-enhanced screened dark energy detection
Authors: Hartley Daniel , Käding Christian , Howl Richard , Fuentes Ivette 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe propose an experiment based on a Bose–Einstein condensate interferometer for strongly constraining fifth-force models. Additional scalar fields from modified gravity or higher dimensional theories may account for dark energy and the accelerating expansion of the Universe. These theories have led to proposed screening mechanisms to fit within the tight experimental bounds on fifth-force searches. We show that our proposed experiment would greatly improve the existing constraints on these screening models by many orders of magnitude.
$$\varvec{J/\psi }$$ decays into $$\omega (\phi ) f_1(1285)$$ and $$\omega (\phi ) ``f_1(1420)$$”
Authors: Lin Jia-Xin , Li Jia-Ting , Liang Wei-Hong , Chen Hua-Xing , Oset Eulogio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe perform a theoretical study of the$$J/\psi \rightarrow \omega (\phi ) K^* \bar{K} + c.c. \rightarrow \omega (\phi ) K^0 \pi ^+ K^-$$J/ψ→ω(ϕ)K∗K¯+c.c.→ω(ϕ)K0π+K-reactions with the assumption that the$$f_1(1285)$$f1(1285)is dynamically generated from a single channel$$K^* \bar{K} + c.c$$K∗K¯+c.cinteraction in the chiral unitary approach. Two peaks in the$$K^0 \pi ^+ K^-$$K0π+K-invariant mass distribution are observed, one clear peak locates at the$$f_1(1285)$$f1(1285)nominal mass, the other peak locates at around$$1420 \text {MeV}$$1420MeVwith about$$70 \text {MeV}$$70MeVwidth. We conclude that the former peak is associated with the$$f_1(1285)$$f1(1285)and the latter peak is not a genuine resonance but a manifestation of the kinematic effect in the higher energy region caused by the$$K^* \bar{K} + c.c.$$K∗K¯+c.c.decay mode of the$$f_1(1285)$$f1(1285).
Cretaceous large igneous provinces: from volcanic formation to environmental catastrophes and biological crises
Authors: Percival L. M. E. , Matsumoto H. , Callegaro S. , Erba E. , Kerr A. C. , Mutterlose J. , Suzuki K. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The Cretaceous Period was marked by the formation of numerous large igneous provinces (LIPs), several of which were associated with geologically rapid climate, environmental and biosphere perturbations, including the early Aptian and latest Cenomanian oceanic anoxic events (OAEs 1a and 2, respectively). In most cases, magmatic CO
2
emissions are thought to have been the major driver of climate and biosphere degradation. This work summarizes the relationships between Cretaceous LIPs and environmental perturbations, focusing on how volcanism caused climate warming during OAE 1a using osmium-isotope and mercury concentration data. The new results support magmatic CO
2
output from submarine LIP activity as the primary trigger of climate warming and biosphere stress before/during OAE 1a. This submarine volcanic trigger of OAE 1a (and OAE 2), two of the most climatically/biotically severe Cretaceous events, highlights the capacity of oceanic LIPs to impact Earth's environment as profoundly as many continental provinces. Cretaceous magmatism (and likely output of CO
2
and trace-metal micronutrients) was apparently most intense during those OAEs; further studies are needed to better constrain the eruption histories of those oceanic plateaus. Another open question is why the Cretaceous Period overall featured a higher rate of magmatic activity and LIP formation compared with before and afterwards.
Facts and Hopes in Using Omics to Advance Combined Immunotherapy Strategies
Authors: Augustin Ryan C. , Cai Wesley L. , Luke Jason J. , Bao Riyue 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The field of oncology has been transformed by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and other immune-based agents; however, many patients do not receive a durable benefit. While biomarker assessments from pivotal ICI trials have uncovered certain mechanisms of resistance, results thus far have only scraped the surface. Mechanisms of resistance are as complex as the tumor microenvironment (TME) itself, and the development of effective therapeutic strategies will only be possible by building accurate models of the tumor-immune interface. With advancement of multi-omic technologies, high-resolution characterization of the TME is now possible. In addition to sequencing of bulk tumor, single-cell transcriptomic, proteomic, and epigenomic data as well as T-cell receptor profiling can now be simultaneously measured and compared between responders and nonresponders to ICI. Spatial sequencing and imaging platforms have further expanded the dimensionality of existing technologies. Rapid advancements in computation and data sharing strategies enable development of biologically interpretable machine learning models to integrate data from high-resolution, multi-omic platforms. These models catalyze the identification of resistance mechanisms and predictors of benefit in ICI-treated patients, providing scientific foundation for novel clinical trials. Moving forward, we propose a framework by which in silico screening, functional validation, and clinical trial biomarker assessment can be used for the advancement of combined immunotherapy strategies.
Interpretable convolutional neural network for analyzing precipitation in the pre-rainy season of South China
Authors: Liu Shengjun , Yan Wenjie , Liu Xinru , Hu Yamin , Yang Dangfu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The research and application of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on statistical downscaling have been hampered by the fact that deep learning is highly dependent on sample size and is considered to be a black-box model. Therefore, a CNN model with transfer learning (CNN-TL) is proposed to study the pre-rainy season precipitation of South China. First, an augmented monthly dataset is created by sliding a fixed-length window over the daily circulation field and precipitation data for the entire year. Next, a base CNN network is pretrained on the augmented dataset, and then the network parameters are tuned on the actual monthly dataset from South China. Finally, guided backpropagation is conducted to obtain the distribution regions of the key features and explain the net. The coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) show that the CNN-TL model has higher explanatory power and better fitting performance than the feature extraction-based random forest (RF). Compared with the base CNN, the transfer learning approach can improve the explanatory power of the model by 10.29% and reduce the average RMSE by 6.82%. In addition, the interpretation results of the model show that the critical regions are primarily South China and its surrounding areas, including the Indochinese Peninsula, the Bay of Bengal, and the South China Sea. Furthermore, the ablation experiments and composite analysis illustrate that these regions are very important.
Outcome of Flexor Tendon Repair Using Eight-Strand Core Stitch Without Postoperative Finger Splinting
Authors: El-Gammal Tarek Abdalla , Kotb Mohamed Mostafa , Ragheb Yasser Farouk , El-Gammal Yousif Tarek , Anwar Mina Micheal 
Published: January 2024

Background: There are no reports that detail clinical outcomes using the 8-strand suture techniques and early active mobilization. We aim to report the outcome of using an 8-strand double-cruciate core suture followed by early active motion without finger splinting. Materials and methods: Thirty-five patients with 41 affected digits were operated and followed up for at least 6 months. A double cruciate repair with 4 single cross-grasping stitches on either side was employed. Active full-range finger flexion/extension exercises were allowed from the third postoperative day with the wrist held in the neutral position. Results: The total active motion (TAM) calculated for the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints averaged 151° ± 22°, and the TAM% averaged 86% ± 13%. Based on the original Strickland-Glocovac criteria, excellent and good outcomes were achieved in 25 of 29 fingers (86.2%). An average extension lag of 21° ± 11° (range 10°-40°) was observed in 11 (38%) fingers. The Buck-Gramcko scale showed excellent and good results in 10 (83.4%) thumbs. Active interphalangeal range of motion averaged 68° ± 23°. An average extension lag of 12° ± 4° (range 10°-20°) was observed in 7 (58%) thumbs. Complications occurred in 4 thumbs, including bowstringing (2), rupture (1), and flexion contracture of 60° (1). Conclusions: Using the 8-strand repair technique and active mobilization performed by the patient is both practical and cost-saving. Intensive supervision of a hand therapist is generally not required. Notably improved outcomes have been achieved while preventing adhesions at the repair site. Further clinical outcome studies devoted specifically to the flexor pollicis longus are recommended to validate early-phase active mobilization following the 8-strand repair.
Safety and efficacy of the Woven Endo-Bridge-17 device for intracranial aneurysm treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ghozy Sherief , Motawei Ahmed Sallam , Moussalem Charbel , Elrefaei Amro , Kobeissi Hassan , Abbas Alzhraa S , Dmytriw Adam A , Kallmes David F , Kadirvel Ramanathan 
Published: January 2024

Background The Woven Endo-Bridge (WEB) device revolutionized the treatment of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms by intrasaccular flow diversion. The latest advancement is the WEB-17 system, offering greater flexibility with fewer wires, enabling treatment of smaller distal aneurysms using smaller microcatheters than the WEB-21 system. Methods We conducted a systematic review following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, analyzing data from seven retrospective cohort studies involving 483 aneurysms treated with the WEB-17 device. Statistical analysis computed pooled prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals using appropriate models for each outcome and R software version 4.3.1 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Results Technical success was achieved in 475 out of 483 aneurysms treated with the WEB-17 device, with a success rate of 98.34% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 96.72–99.17). Among the successful cases, 4.97% (95% CI = 1.60–14.39) required adjunctive devices. Adequate occlusion, defined as complete occlusion or neck remnants, was observed in 94.41% (95% CI = 88.17–97.46) of cases. Periprocedural complications were infrequent, with thromboembolic complications occurring in 4.93% (95% CI = 3.29–7.30) of cases, hemorrhagic complications in 1.28% (95% CI = 0.58–2.83), and postprocedural neurologic complications in 0.99% (95% CI = 0.31–3.14). Procedure-related morbidity was observed in 1.71% (95% CI = 0.86–3.39) of cases, and there was one procedure-related mortality reported at 0.21% (95% CI = .03–1.50). Mortality unrelated to the procedure occurred in 1% (95% CI = 0.23–4.15). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the WEB-17 device is associated with a high rate of technical success, favorable angiographic outcomes, and a low rate of periprocedural complications. Further research, including prospective trials, is needed to confirm these findings and establish its safety and efficacy definitively.